Have Hope's Football Hut

Beckam turning down PSG move is a WISE decision

2012-01-03T08:29:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'll say it right here. Beckham is EASILY, without a shadow of a doubt, THE most overrated player of all time. Yes, he takes a great free-kick, and corner with decent passing....BUT DOES THAT MAKE AN AMAZING PLAYER? REALLY? Does that make him the poster boy of the game of FOOTBALL? Ronaldo, Romario, Ronaldinho, Pele, Maradona, Okocha.....Becks CANNOT be mentioned in the same breath as these heroes. But somehow...he is.

Now, to this story. Becks's time has passed. The European game is FAR MORE of a higher level than the MLS game. Which is what Thierry will have trouble readjusting to...but I'll get to that, trust me. Now, Becks AIN'T no Thierry. To be thrust back in matches against Auxerre, Lille, Lyon, as opposed to Red Bulls and so forth is a MIGHTY leap. For Beckham, I think he needs to just remain where he is and just end his playing days in HOLLYWOOD.

There was also the comment by a French politician who believed this move being made by the money-boys of PSG was just to sell shirts. Erm....OF COURSE it is. Becks knows deep down that PSG are not signing him SOLELY for his skill, but for marketability. In this sick and materialistic world, Becks is still VERY marketable.

Beckham's days playing at a high level are over. Sorry. I never even rated the guy to start with but he had his uses. But with his age showing, and playing against young defenders who are far better than the ones he faces in America, he WON'T be as effective. And it is as simple as that. Becks....stay in LA, brother.

HH

Finally....a Serie A Title Race as Milan and Juventus do battle

2012-01-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

For so long, the Serie A has been a one-horse race. It was Milan, then Juventus, and then Inter took over and last season with the acquisition of Ibra, it looked as if Milan would be the dominant force. Out of nowhere, quietly, like a the cunning tortoise, Conte's Juventus have been extremely consistent. Now, they find themselves level on points with Milan and this looks set to be quite an exciting second half of the Serie A season.

I have been tipping Juventus for the title ever since seeing them play. I picked Napoli before the season started but with the first half gone, Juventus are still the team to beat. They are just far more resolute and structured in comparison to Milan.There is a reason why they are unbeaten, and that goes to a GREAT defence, a TEAM that defend and work hard together and also a strong belief in how they attack. Against Roma, a goal down away, they never felt pressured and in the end, Chiellini came to equalise for them. When that unbeaten record was threatened with a penalty, BUFFON came to the rescue. That match showed why Juventus are the REAL deal this season.

But, the ONE thing that Juventus do not have is a one-man wrecking machine maniac. Milan have him and they know without him, there is NO scudetto. Ibra, Ibra, Ibra. His contribution to Milan has been PHENOMENAL. It has to go down as one of the best deals in recent years. It's simple. Without Ibra, Milan would be languishing in fifth or sixth. They owe last season's title to him and the reason why they are still in the hunt is because of him.

Well, we are in store for quite a finale. Juventus may lose in the end, but I still see them picking up a lot of three points. As long as Ibra is fit and healthy, Milan will always find a way to edge that win. Udinese, Lazio and Napoli will always be there but there is a substantial difference between them and the top two. Ranieri's Inter are still finding themselves and I just see a lot of confusion there with that team.

My money is still on Juventus. This may be a dominant era for them. If they can keep Conte as coach and with a better striker in place of Matri, perhaps a Drogba, and some extra squad players, they will be a VERY powerful team. But, do not count out Milan. They won't want to give up their title so easily and Ibra is a fighter by heart and he WILL fight, kick, judo-chop his way to defend Milan's scudetto.

HH

The Curious Case of Frank Lampard

2012-01-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

Yet again, Lampard scored an important goal for Chelsea. Something he has been doing for a long time. On face value, why the heck does he not start? Why isn't he a first team regular? You see, you need to look deeper than just these goals that he has managed to score and Boas's thinking.

Lampard, just like a certain Cristiano, is an EXPERT at disappearing during big games. Almost every big game he has played in for England, you CANNOT find him. There are times when it gets to 70 minutes and I am like "Is that Lampard on the pitch?"

The last World Cup WAS his time to prove himself. It was where he could finally show that he is more than just a club player. Well, he disappeared again and was amongst some pretty horrid performances for England. But, this is international.

Yes, Lampard has always been important for Chelsea but just like his good old racist friend Terry, he has dipped in quality. With United, City and Spurs raising their games considerably, Villas Boas does not need a man who cannot keep up with the pace in midfield. THAT is why he had no business complaining about being in the team against Spurs. Yes, he can score against Wolves but with Tottenham, they are fit and sharp team and Scott Parker would have eaten him up all day long.

Despite his lack of stamina and sharpness he once had, he is VERY useful for Chelsea. He should never really be considered for England as international football is a level at which he can't compete at anymore. For Chelsea though, against fitter teams, he should be brought on as a sub and just hold that space between attack and midfield where he runs from deep and PERFECTLY times finished from the 18 yard. But sorry Frank, that is pretty much the contribution I can see for you. You HAD your chance to prove yourself as a player of the world, but you did not take it.

HH

Who is right? Pato or Allegri?

2011-12-29T10:52:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of serieaweekly.com

I really don't understand what happened to Pato. This was Milan's BIG signing from Brazil. A guy who they hoped would grow to be a superstar. He had a promising start but since his injury and ESPECIALLY, since Allegri coming in...he has not been the same player.

Well, we are now hearing that there is some beef between these two players. Pato has hardly been playing and with Cassano coming in, the Brazilian kid is behind Ibra and Robinho. So, this leaves no place for him. He KNOWS he is only getting match time now because of the illness to Cassano. But, what do I think myself?

It's a tricky one. I have never been a great fan of Pato but I feel that there is something there and it takes the RIGHT manager to tap into it. Robinho is a shadow of the player he once was who misses for fun, Cassano is a player who is decent but not as good as the praises they sing of him. Pato on the other hand is someone who can definitely be something. He is younger than Cassano and Robinho who have already been around the block. So, he does have time to try and show what he can do.

You know, this is the kind of player that would flourish in a team rather than a club that is SOLELY built around Ibra. I say Pato should move as he is just not being effective under Allegri

HH

Arsenal NEED a Mario Goetze more than a Striker

2011-12-29T05:57:00.000-08:00

So it seems Mr Wenger is far more interested in strikers. The great Thierry may make a short return and then there's Podolski, a man who I have continually recommended Arsenal to get. Arsenal would definitely benefit from having someone other than Van Persie who can actually put the ball in the net. But, the more I watch Arsenal, the more I believe they are missing a creative magician in the midfield.

Arteta is a man who can keep the ball very well with great passing, Alex Song is the glue and rock of the midfield whilst Aaron Ramsey is trying to be the creator. Fact is, Arsenal do not have a nimble midfielder who can BOTH create AND score goals. A Ronaldinho, a Goetze, a Muller. These are the kinds of players that would have found a way through the Wolves defence that fought for a draw at the Emirates.

As the season now gets into its second half and the very important January window opens, Wenger must look at his midfield and really question their creativity. From where I am sitting, Van Persie has had to do most of the work to get his goals. The two GREAT balls Rosicky gave Van Persie against Wolves was rare, maybe that was why Van Persie was shocked to receive such good delivery. I believe Van Persie would have had three or four more goals if he had a more magical midfielder with a fourth dimension to his play.

I look at Chu-Young Park and Chamakh who have not really delivered for Arsenal. Then I think how they would be transformed if they actually were given good balls more consistently. Very few strikers, like the real Ronaldo had no problem rampaging through three or four men. But those are the VERY few. I would say to Wenger, GET CREATORS. Stop having Gervinho try and cross and deliver, he should be IN the box waiting for others to give the ball to him.

HH

Should Milan have Sold Pirlo? NO!!!!

2011-12-26T14:20:00.000-08:00

I NEVER ever thought I would see Pirlo in a shirt that was either red and black OR blue and black. Never. I don't care how old he is, what is form is, but Pirlo was the HEART, NUCLEUS AND CENTRE of Milan. It just made no sense that Milan were even THINKING about selling Pirlo and to actually see them go through with it was shocking.

The reality is that Pirlo is in the shirt that I have posted up. It looks weird and strange but like all things, you grow used to it. Pirlo is now in a new look Juventus and as I have said many times, I feel they are a better TEAM than Milan. Yes, Milan have the stars like Ibra, Robinho, Pato and Boateng but only Boateng and Ibra are CONSISTENT performers. Aquilani? Cassano? NO. But I ask myself, are Milan really better off with Pirlo not in that midfield?

They aren't. I look at how Pirlo strokes the ball effortlessly for Juventus and how he and Vidal RULE that midfield and it is great to watch. With Milan, I can't see the structure or definition. Bommell is a STOPPER, Boateng is an ATTACKING midfielder which leaves no real man in midfield to really DICTATE things.

Milan have suffered for this and when Ibra is injured or not on the pitch, Milan WILL struggle. Pirlo is a very special player. Like Zidane, his football is not about speed or youth but more about intelligence. Pirlo knows how to hit a pass in a split second. He knows how to find space on a pitch. Also, he can still hit a free kick. For a man that has so much RAW ability that has not waned, it baffles the mind that Milan did this. It would really come and bite them in the rear end if Juventus do what I expect and claim the scudetto.

HH

Suarez 8 Match Ban is CORRECT and Right

2011-12-21T18:02:00.001-08:00

Yes. Finally, somehow, the FA have actually made a statement about racism in football. Honestly, I was expecting like a three match ban at most and a few thousand on top of that. This though, came out of nowhere. The FA have SET a precedent that they can't go back on. Players now know that if they do what Suarez did, NO FOOTBALL FOR EIGHT GAMES.

Liverpool must accept it. Remove the t-shirts of support and stop all that talk of not allowing Suarez to walk alone. If this world is any sane, he OUGHT to be alone in his racial insult towards Evra. Things like this HAVE to be stopped. A useless fine on players who earn stupid amounts won't do it. THIS will. THIS is a MAJOR dent for Liverpool and for Suarez who has started SO well for them.

This may be a turning point. For so long, there have been slaps on wrists. Bans that have been pointless. The REACTION to the length of the ban proves that this is a turning point. If a player does what Suarez does and get ANYTHING less, then Liverpool as well as myself will scream from the mountains. It works just like the red card. You play dirty and bring nonsense barbaric thinking to football...you get SENT OFF and miss a game. So we have seen a stop in the dirty play we saw in the earlier days of football, but still not enough of a reduction. I want an IMMEDIATE red for ANY dangerous tackle whatsoever. Learn how to tackle PROPERLY.

But, let's focus on the subject. Suarez is done, Terry is next. If they are both punished properly, racism in football within England may finally change. It may then cause a ripple effect to Europe. You still have Eastern European countries as well as places in Spain that live in the 1700's. England can be a shining beacon by making a BOLD statement here. Miscommunication is a crap excuse. Suarez KNOWS deep down that using that term EVEN in his own country is wrong. All those guys that do those monkey chants in Eastern Europe and Spain know it's wrong. So really, there is nothing to discuss. I just hope that we get more lengthy bans like Suarez out there for those that do this. Let's have careers destroyed. Only then, by instilling that fear, can you begin to TRULY eradicate racism.

HH

Cameroon give Eto'o 15-Match Ban, And it IS Deserved

2011-12-17T04:01:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of afrikansoccer.com

There is a VERY deep problem with African football and footballers. A problem that just seems to be getting worse and worse. It is the issue of player power and money. It's the idea of African players being established in Europe and when coming back to their national teams, they act as if people should bow down to them....BECAUSE THEY ARE KNOWN IN EUROPE.

From what we know, the issue arose because the federation refused payment for Cameroon players taking part in a tournament in Morocco. So, when a friendly in November came about, Eto'o encouraged his teammates not to attend. Thus, Eto'o getting charged and banned.

I may be wrong or short-sighted, but I do not believe you should get a CENT for representing your country. IT IS YOUR COUNTRY. It should be a privilege and an honour. My goodness, wasn't Eto'o the highest paid African player when in Africa. Lord only knows what he is getting paid in Anzhi. So I am sorry, Eto'o has NO argument if he is using the lack of payment as a reason to use his influence to stop players from REPRESENTING THEIR COUNTRY.

This is the issue with African footballers. There is a very sickening lust for money and stardom. Just before the World Cup, Eto'o bought all his teammates EXPENSIVE watches. We all know how their World Cup turned out. But seriously, why do that? Before a tournament? Why?

It all comes down to players like Eto'o who feel they should somehow be rewarded for playing for their country. It goes back to thinking that because they are known by Europe and respected by the WHITE man, these other BLACK men who are not known or respected as they are should be subservient to them. THAT is the crux of the matter.

Not all African players are like this, but far too many and more importantly, TOO MANY STARS. So, that is why I think the federation have done the right thing and should start developing their young players BUT more crucially, should start teaching their youth to NOT follow in the footsteps of Eto'o. This ain't saying Eto'o is a bad guy, he is a very good guy who I am sure has been part of many charities. But youngsters cannot follow in his footsteps in THIS particual issue. They need to respect and love Cameroon. Get paid by Europeans, they have the money (for how long with this Economic crisis is another matter) but you should not ask for a CENT when asked to represent your country.

HH

Villas-Boas and Chelsea SHOULD fear Napoli in Champions League Draw

2011-12-16T07:51:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of onlinefootballshirt.com

Of the three Italian teams in the knockout stage, Napoli are the hardest opponents. Milan's defence is VERY suspect, Inter are still trying to find their direction, but Napoli are a team who know EXACTLY what they are doing. From back to front, they are a solid team but it's the triangle of Cavani, Hamsik and Lavezzi that Boas needs to worry about.

André must know that Chelsea CANNOT defend like maniacs against Napoli. If Cavani managed to find a way past the City defence TWICE, then you can bet he will be VERY dangerous against City. If however, Chelsea defend in the way they have been defending and have Drogba right at the top of their attack then they will be favourites in this match.

This is definitely a match to look forward to, probably the match of the knockouts. Both teams like to attack but attack in very different ways. The match should have a lot of goals in it but right now, at this early stage, if ALL players are fit, then I think Napoli may edge it. I love Drogba, he is my African brother, but I am seeing a VERY dangerous man in Cavani. If this man is fit for BOTH legs, I think he will be the decisive factor in what will be quite a close match between these two teams.

HH

Is Podolski wasting his talent in Koln? Klopp thinks so

2011-12-16T04:45:00.000-08:00

2006, 2010. These two dates are significant for many reasons. One reason I'd like to pick out is one of the deadliest left foots I've seen in a while. Yes, Van Persie is promoting the art of the left foot very well now but what Podolski did at those two world cups for Germany was show just how dangerous a striker he is. A player with a left foot THAT good SHOULD be in a PROPER team that puts him in high stakes matches.

Klopp has come and said the kid is wasting his talent at Koln, and that is why they have not been scouting him. Podolski points to Dortmund being kicked out of the Champions League as a reason why they could not even AFFORD to get him. For me, I think Klopp is right in this. Champions League or no Champions League, Dortmund are a FAR better team than Koln and are far more exciting. Koln won't be challenging for the Bundesliga anytime soon, nor will we see them in a semi-final at the San Siro for a Champions League game. On the other hand, if Dortmund keep playing how they are playing, they SHOULD get to the Champions League again.

Okay, it may not have worked out for Podolski at Bayern but I think the Dortmund team is SCREAMING for a player like Podolski to be in it. So, I think Klopp chose his words unwisely. He ought to be doing all he can to get Mr. P because it can't all be put on Lewandowski's shoulders and Barrios just is not the same player since his injury. A Podolski, Lewandowski partnership MAY be the way ahead for Dortmund.

As for Mr. P, that left foot should be gracing a better team than what Koln are.

news courtesy of Jose Rodriguez, hhfootballhut subscriber

HH

Wenger should not be worried with Arsenal drawing AC Milan in Champions League

2011-12-16T04:33:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of dailyfootballnews.org

Why is this such a BAD draw? That is the headline I am reading around the waves. Have people SEEN AC Milan this season? The same Milan that struggled against BOLOGNA recently. Yeah, THAT Milan. I'm sorry, but IF Arsenal have Van Persie fit, sharp and hungry...the should WIN this game.

For AC Milan, they should really think long and hard if they think this is an easy draw for them. As was proven in Barcelona ripping them to bits at the San Siro, that defence CANNOT handle a team that passes the ball well on the floor. Yes, Arsenal do not do it as well as the obsessive passers, Barcelona, BUT they do it well enough to trouble Milan.

I think it's a great draw for Arsenal. Not only because they can beat them if they play their game, but because of how people have been reacting to the draw. Arsenal can go in as the underdog and put ALL the pressure on Milan. If they are foolish, Milan will be happy with that pressure of being favourites and pointing to the fact they finished second only to the current holders of the trophy. But, you and I know that this Milan team ain't go NADA on the 90's Milan led by Weah and his friends. Yes, Ibra is still a threat but I just look at that defence and I see MUCH lower teams than Arsenal cause them problems. It all comes down to if Arsenal have their star man fit and ready for when this match comes.

HH

Totti Leaving Roma?

2011-12-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

photo courtesy of calciosport24.it

Well, some serious news has come from Rome. Totti, the man mutually bonded to that red shirt may be finally parting ways from Roma. From Goal.com, Totti said at a Christmas Dinner that if the fans don't want him around, he will go. To be honest, if Roma want to move forward...they need to do away with him.

Totti is PAST IT. His penalty miss pretty much was the culmination in what has been a sharp decline of a once talented player. I look at him in midfield and the guy struggles and finds it hard to keep up with the pace of the game. Those magical touches and great through-balls are all gone. All that is left is a guy who KICKS players that frustrate him. Balotelli? Coppa Italia final?

Remember when Totti was the main Italian man? I believe it was 2002 when that should have been his cup. We all know what happened with South Korea but THAT was the point where Totti could have really put his name in Italian folklore. Of course, there was also Euro 2000 but NOBODY was outshining Zidane.

So here we are now, Totti who may leave Roma DESERVEDLY so, and where shall the man go? I don't think any big team would want him. The name Totti just does not give that spark that it once did at the start of the last decade. But you know, Totti has to blame himself for not FULLY realising the great potential he had. He will be remembered as an ALMOST man. The man that was almost the new Baggio.

HH

Analysis of Cristiano Ronaldo's Performance against Barcelona....

2011-12-11T03:17:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of alhourriah.org

Ineffective

Pointless

Wasteful

Predictable

Missed an easy pass to Ozil

Missed an OPEN HEADER

Had TWO great FREE KICK chances

My boy Mourinho can ONLY do so much...

That is all.

HH

A decisive clasico for Mourinho and his boys against Barcelona

2011-12-10T07:09:00.001-08:00

This could be a VERY decisive match, if there is a winner. Against expectation, Mourinho's boys are three points ahead with a game in hand. They are at home, they have been playing EXTREMELY well and they have the upper hand. But that is what makes this game that much harder. For most of these games, Barcelona have always been in control of the league. So they came into these games with confidence. Now though, it's Madrid who are calling the shots. They are sitting on top of the league and their star man Cristiano is scoring goals like a maniac.

It's going to be another case of which star man arises. On EVERY occassion, Messi has trounced Cristiano. He has been influential, caused problems whereas Cristiano has been marked out of the game and unable to influence it. Mourinho HAS to find a way for Cristiano to hurt the Barcelona defence. I have believed that Cristiano can do some serious damage as a striker. Why he is still stuck out on the wing is beyond me.

There is always the issue of the referee. For such an important game, a STRONG referee is needed. Mourinho has been sickened by the way the refs have destroyed him. The refereeing in that controversial semi-final in the Champions League was in fact, SICKENING. I just fear that we will see a very important decision that will change the game. A sending off CHANGES GAMES. I just beg the ref, whoever you are, to be STRONG. That is all that is needed.

Whatever happens, people must really praise the work of Jose. How he has transformed previous clubs and already what he is doing for Madrid is INCREDIBLE. Barcelona could very easily win here, but the league will STILL be on and the way Mourinho has his boys playing....who knows.

HH

Tevez to AC Milan...can it work?

2011-12-09T10:38:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of merinews.com

This could go either way. Tevez has been through a bad patch. The decisive miss against Uruguay at the Copa, another miss for City and that night in Munich. These signs MAY point to Tevez unable to get back to his best. We know the issues he has had with being away from his family. There is a lot going in in his head meaning he is UNABLE to fully focus on the job at hand. But, do NOT underestimate what being in a whole new environment can do for you...

Which could see this transfer go the other way, the more positive way. Tevez may just help allow Milan to regain the scudetto and can form a DEADLY partnership with Ibra. There are many pieces missing in the Milano puzzle and you may say with Robinho and Pato to choose from...another striker is not needed. But then, how many goals can Robinho and Pato give them THIS SEASON? Answer: Not a lot. This is where Tevez comes in. Come rain, come sunshine, come snow, come sleet, Tevez SCORES. He is definitely more of a lone-man striker but him and Ibra are different enough to complement one another. You have Ibra who takes his time and likes to think about what is around him. Tevez is more of a bulldog who rampages through and is very direct and aggressive in his play. Having Ibra to hold that ball up and feed an oncoming Tevez, or Tevez weaving through and chipping a ball in for Ibra is how this can operate. Cassano just does not have the same fire and steel that Tevez has. I keep saying, Tevez has SCORED and PERFORMED VERY WELL at FOUR different clubs. You CANNOT ignore that stat.

That is why Milan must do ALL THEY CAN to make this deal go through. Juventus are already playing like champions and Milan are a team in need of a kick and there is always that issue of if Ibra is injured or suspended. Their attack is pretty much non-existent without Ibra. So having another star striker like Tevez to call upon is very ideal. As I said before, IF this partnership can work...it could be the most deadly, aggressive and dangerous partnership in Europe.

HH

Rooney escapes FULL ban and misses two games at Euro 2012

2011-12-08T05:40:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of gmgrd.co.uk

Well...someone is definitely lucky. Somehow, Rooney escaped what was a fair ban. I mean, you kick out at a player the way he did, you OUGHT to get banned for three games. But, fair enough, the Montenegran player coming out and saying it was not malicious and Rooney NOT INTENDING to be malicious, I think a reduced sentence is agreeable. So, what does it mean for England?

It still means they won't have their best player for their two hardest games. It is very unlikely, but England may go into the Ukraine game with one point or no points if the disastrous happens. Yes, this is the same England that failed to beat USA, or Algeria last year. So without their goalscoring man, England will struggle. Also, don't think that the Ukraine game will just be an easy walk. Rooney will obviously be needed for that game, to either help England to go through or if all goes rosy to get into the vibe of the tournament before the knock-outs.

It still isn't that great news but it's MUCH better. Now, Rooney obviously can be taken. Having him only available in the knockouts would have been a bit tricky. Still, he will only have one game in the groups before a match in the quarters against teams who are all capable of beating England. That is if England do not screw up, as they are accustomed to do.

Rooney was somewhat victorious in Nyon and let's see if he actually SHOWS up during next year's tournament.

HH

Napoli qualify for last 16 and THEY DESERVED IT.

2011-12-08T01:45:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of thepresidentpost.com

You always get games like these. Things don't work out for you. Your passing game does not work. Your star man can't get in the game. The team who you SHOULD be beating are getting chances as well. The flow is not flowing. But Napoli had to keep patient. Mazzari had to keep them settled. The goal was going to come...

When the goal DID come, it wasn't Cavani or Lavezzi or Hamsik. Inler, I believe his first goal for Napoli, scored an uncharacteristic goal for the club. I say uncharacteristic because it did not involve the front three. It did not involve neat passing play. When you can't find your way through into that 18-yard, you need to TAKE CHANCES. Someone had to shoot, and that is what Inler did. Sometimes, you need to break out of your mould to break that deadlock. And they did, with Hamsik making it completely safe.

Mazzari can be both happy and thoughtful about the performance against Villareal. His happiness should come from the fact that Napoli, knowing City were leading against Bayern, came out and did what they had to do. The so-called whipping boys were resolute and SHUT OUT the three star boys. They just could not get into the game. But teams that have heart and grit GET THE JOB DONE. Just PUT THE BALL IN THAT DAMN NET. It is what United were somehow unable to do against Basel.

Now, Mazzari will need to work more on how Napoli attack. He will need to add more dimension to their attack. As was proven, Napoli could not get their game going. Mazzari needs to really think of how he can reshuffle Hamsik and Lavezzi to get in more deeper creative positions to get Cavani the ball. Their game plan works great against most teams but it is especially effective when their opponents play an open game which we saw in Manchester. With deep defences like Villareal, Mazzari has to get the midfield more creative and working harder to take shots and get the ball to their man Cavani.

All in all, Mazzari and Napoli did it. They deserved it. Beating City in Naples and DRAWING with them in Manchester was a great achievement. An achievement that would have turned into dust had they not found a goal. They found that goal and with those front three, who knows how far they can go?

HH

Wow...both Manchester City and United Knocked out of Champions League

2011-12-08T01:17:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of topnews.in

Well, what a NIGHT. One exit was expected, in MY opinion, while the other was....SHOCKING. I still cannot believe how United have not made it through. FC Basel? A match they ONLY needed a draw in and they LOST? Wow, wow, wow. But what does this mean for the Manchester team that is established and the other that are slowly rising?

Yes, to begin with it is the Europa League. The question is how seriously will both teams take the competition. City will want to win it, especially in the way they exited last season. As for United, this is territory they have never been in. It will hang over them like a dark, unwanted cloud. Yes, the young players like Jones and Young will want to restore some pride and win the competition, as United are winners. But when you think of Vidic, Ferdinand, Giggs and Rooney who are more accustomed to the big time in the Champions League...will getting knocked out of the competition have knocked out their will?

Now, the other angle is the issue of the league. Right now, the priority for both teams is the league. Yes, City will want to win it all but seeing their rivals go out, piling on the pressure has to be the main aim. They will want to rub salt into that wound and be looking DOWN at United, instead of up. Then we have the FA Cup, Carling Cup and the league for City to fend off their red friends. I think this will make for an even fiercer season as both teams will have one less competiton to worry about. Remember though, this is a United team without Chicharito and their ESSENTIAL man, Vidic. Both their ability to get goals and AVOID them have been seriously hampened. But when United's backs are against the wall, that is when they surprise us all.

Alas, the Champions League is over for both teams. For City, they know they will be back. It will take some kind of catastrophe for them to finish below third...let alone fourth. For United, yes they will be back but this will hurt. It was an easy group. Benfica were the only real threat and even the United of old would have topped this group with no problem. Ferguson talked of United getting close to Barcelona. I am afraid that Barcelona, Mourinho Madrid and Bayern are SUBSTANTIALLY better. United are gonna need that creative midfielder. The void of Scholes is there for all to see.

HH

It is ALL in Napoli's hands now...

2011-12-07T08:27:00.001-08:00

Napoli have done too much, achieved too much to blow it away now. Nobody thought they would beat the big time money spenders of Man City. In a game in which they defended like LIONS, their star man came through with the goals. They were deserved winners. Now, against all odds, their destiny is in their hands. All they need is a win...but they most tread carefully.

Games like these are always hard. Villareal were already out about two matches ago. They have lost all games up to now. Their best player, Rossi, is injured. Their morale is down. Everything points to a straightforward Napoli victory. But that's where it's hard. Napoli will be desperate to score early. Pressure will be on their shoulders. In their minds, they will know that they are within touching distance of qualification. It is this kind of scenario where the unexpected can happen. Playing against a team that have NOTHING to lose. Villareal will be at home and they can just freely play, and all they are playing for is pride. No pressure on their shoulders.

Mazzari has to make sure his boys are calm. FORGET the Bayern game. They need to control the match, PLAY THEIR GAME, and that goal will come. I said it before the City game. If they stick to their gameplan, they will win. If they do what they do against Villareal, they will win. But they must not force the issue. Above all, they must treat this match VERY seriously but also, go out and enjoy their football and let it flow.

It would be a disaster if somehow Napoli did not qualify now....

HH

All hail the King....DROGBA

2011-12-06T13:49:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of footballersgoal.blogspot.com

Last time I checked, a man from Spain is supposed to be replacing the main man Didier? Also, last I checked, Drogba rejected a new contract? I really cannot believe just how BADLY they have treated my brother. A man who has been VITAL in recent Chelsea glories was cast aside for the man for 50 mill who can't get a goal if he tried to buy one. But Drogba sucked it all up, SCORED against Newcastle when it was still 0-0, scored TWICE with one ASSIST and has dragged Chelsea back from the duldrums of despair. But what would I do if I were Drogba?

If I were him, I would still move. Now, the question is where to move. Right now, the juiciest offer for Drogba is Tottenham, if Harry is serious about it. A Drogba, Adebayor partnership, two Africans, could potentially cause shockwaves in the Premiership. There is the possibility of moving elsewhere, but as Drogba has said himself, he has nothing else to prove. When the man is fit, and sharp (remember he had malaria, a disease that I have experienced as well) he is one of the most deadliest front men on our planet.

I just think that after Chelsea slapped him in the face by turning to Torres, it would be wrong for Drogba to stay. Even if they beg him, it is just wrong on SO MANY levels. That is why he should move on. Yes, there is always that pull of America and its lifestyle which Thierry chose. But Henry knew those legs were going. In contrast, Drogba proved against Valencia that he is still EXTREMELY dangerous. Rarely have I seen a single player put out such a standout performance. Forget the assist and the goals, the amount of trouble he cost Valencia. They could not shake him off. It brought glimpses of the great Ronaldo who put fear in defenders anytime he touched the ball.

Personally, I can't wait for the African Nations. Surely, SURELY, with a fit and ready Drogba as well as his other very talented compatriots, they ought to slaughter every team. But that is football, all that matters is on the pitch and you NEVER know what can happen. For now, Drogba, you have proven once again why you are the king in the position and the role that you play in.

HH

Ranieri, another manager in the shadow of Mourinho's Inter

2011-12-03T13:37:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of totalfootballmadness.com

Udinese's goal would NEVER have happened under Mourinho. NEVER. I saw two defenders trying to cope with three Udinese players coming at them. It was the perfect lay-off for Isla to fire home past Mr. Caesar. I just could not believe the space AGAIN that Inter were allowing teams to have at the San Siro. I am sorry, but Ranieri is just going to fall into a long shadow of managers who have been unable to return Inter back to the dominance they had with THE MAN.

Looking at their match against Udinese, Inter had chances. They hustled and played. Pazzini and Milito both looked dangerous. But Milito is not happy in this setup. The way the team is organized when they attack does not suit Milito. He seems to be out of the mix whereas under Mourinho, who knew what his job was. He was the solitary striker and played off Sneijder, Cambiasso and Stankovic. With Pazzini in the mix, it is difficult for him to make his presence felt.

I have been saying this for a long time, but you know what...I'll say it again. The triangle will NOT fit in the square. Inter's players are built on playing a tight defensive system. They give the opposition NO space. They hold the ball, they are careful and patient in their build-up and they take their chances. Cambiasso is not an attack-minded player. He is one of THE best defensive-midfielders and was perfect for Mourinho's defensively minded system. You can't make a defensive team into an open attacking team.

Yes, Pazzini should have scored....but so should Di Natale from the spot. As good as he is, I think Di Natale needs A LOT of practice taking penalties. But I don't think Inter deserved to win. Udinese were always attacking and played TOO well for an away team. When will coaches learn to revert Inter back to their defensive roots they are far more comfortable with?

HH

Why Should Ireland be scared of their group?

2011-12-03T12:05:00.001-08:00

The headline I seem to be reading is how Ireland have been given a horrible draw. Yes, it's a hard group and yes ALL their games will be tough. But this is a damn tournament, Ireland should be happy about this. My man Trap should tell the Irish to go out there and have fun with no fear. Why should they fear any of these teams?

I'm sorry but I will not jump on the Spanish bandwagon. They are a very beatable team and with Trap's experience, I am sure he is wise enough how to DEFEND against a possession team and how to attack a team that pushes up very high. Ireland have the intensity and speed to cause Spain problem and harrass them whenever they get the ball.

Italy are a team that is rebuilding. I know Trapattoni wanted to avoid his homeland but Italy are a team that can be beaten. With Chiellini and Buffon they will be HARD to break down, as all Italian teams are. But there will ALWAYS be that chance and Ireland will just have to take it when it comes...and it will. Unless Italy can find a striker to support Super Mario, Ireland have little to fear from their attack.

Ireland will see Croatia as a team nearest to their level. Croatia are a VERY good team. With Modric, they know how to regulate the midfield. If Ireland really bring that passion, physicality and alive from the start to finish, they can gain the upperhand. Ireland are not too dissimilar from England but I would say Ireland are a far more dangerous and more cohesive unit. They should believe that if they can squeeze out Modric and not allow him to play, then they can win the game.

So, Ireland should take these points on board and look to WIN all their matches. The pressure ain't on them. So they can go out there, enjoy themselves, but really use that enjoyment to get through this group.

HH

Did Klopp cost Dortmund their chance to pull clear at the top?

2011-12-03T11:45:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of bettor.com

Deep in the second half, I felt that it was only a matter of time before Kagawa and Goetze created another goal. Then the unexpected happened. BOTH of their creative geniuses were taken off.
Lucas Barrios who came on comitted two fouls and blocked what might have been a goal for Dortmund. I did not understand. Then I learned that Dortmund's final Champions League game is coming up in a few days. Who cares?

Yes, all matches matter and they must try to do what they can to go through. But let's be realistic and mathematical, it would take a miracle for them to go through. They have to score FOUR goals without ANY reply against Marseille and hope that Arsenal can win...in GREECE. The Arsenal team that are TOTALLY dependent on Van Persie. So really, resting players for the Champions League makes little sense. Their priority right now is the Bundesliga. So Klopp taking off his star men when the game was still there to be won was a bit baffling.

Klopp must look at that match and must wonder how they did not win. It was just that lapse that allowed Hanke in to score a good goal. Despite that, Dortmund had enough chances that they should have put away. To defend their title, Dortmund will need far more discipline in their finishing. They create and create and have two of the best kids right now. Lewandowski is DEFINITELY becoming like a serious player and is deservingly putting Barrios on that bench. But defending your title is always hard, especially when you are not a Manchester United. Monchengladbach are no joke but it will really be Bayern who will be adamant in getting their title back. With their slaughter of Bremen, Dortmund need to really start getting sharper in front of that goal. And of course, Klopp needs to keep his best players on FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE till the match is DEFINITELY won.

HH

A rarity...TWO GROUPS OF DEATH

2011-12-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

People seem to be pointing to Group B as the death group. Sure, it's one HECK of a group...but Group C is not a walk in the park for Spain. Italy, Croatia and Ireland are all teams that can play and can be dangerous for all different reasons. What makes them dangerous are that they are good teams that have very little pressure on their shoulders. This means they are free to express themselves and will have little fear when facing Spain...a team who have been played off the grass by Portugal and Argentina.

Yes, Group B is a very serious group. But let's look even closer. How good are Portugal? Who made the Bosnia playoff very complicated. How good are Denmark? A very good team but with no individual stars. This leaves Holland and Germany who should really come out of the group. I said in my video that I think Germany will win this group and be favourites for it, but ANYTHING can happen. Look at that Serbia game. A red card, dubious or not, can just change EVERYTHING. But if all goes to plan and the referees don't act up, Germany should hold that trophy.

Group A is the weakest group and is one where Russia ought to come through. They should be expected to deal with Czech Republic, the hosts Poland and Greece. But no Arshavin that had the spark of four years ago is a problem. Yes, Pavlyuchenko is there but not enough to see them get past that quarters. Same for Greece. Good team, but need a star man. Unless they do 2004 again....

Group D. The Three Lions escaped YET again. They may be cheering now but if Rooney's ban is upheld, I don't see England coming through. Playing hosts are hard, ESPECIALLY ones that have a player with the ABILITY of Shevchenko. Form or not, he still has that talent. And a crowd cheering you on lifts your game and makes you do things beyond you. Sweden know England and love to be in their group. That's going to be an interesting one and I think Sweden may edge it past England. That was a great friendly for Sweden because they lost. They know where they went wrong and can regroup themselves for the match. Then we have France. No Zizou, Henry, Trezeguet. But they are still a team with talent. They have have better players than England and again, have no pressure. When they played them last, they TOTALLY outplayed them AT Wembley. I see Sweden and France coming out of this one.

I'm hoping this will be an exciting tournament. It lacks the indvidual talent we had in Euro 2000 which still stands as one of the greatest ever tournaments for excitement. But, Group B and C should be fun...

HH

Chelsea's Problems are BOTH tactics and players

2011-12-02T07:02:00.001-08:00

photo courtesy of sportinglife.com

So Chelsea are now losing for fun. Loss against Leverkusen, two losses against an average Liverpool team. Their flaws have been made apparent and it looks like they will struggle to reclaim the invincibility they had with Ancelotti two seasons ago and the main man who needs no mentioning. What are the problems?

Players

It really pisses me off when players do not get the same blame as the manager. It is what is keeping Nigeria in Lala Land, where the players NEVER get the deserved criticism. Ancelotti has come out and rightly said that the players need to be blamed. I STRONGLY doubt that Villas-Boas told Terry to slip allowing Van Persie to pounce and kill off the game. Villas-Boas can only do so much. What he has are players who are getting older. Terry is just not good enough to cope anymore. You saw that when he was clueless against Germany who ripped him and his defence to little bits. Now in the premiership it makes one wonder how he can even get into the England team...WITH THE ARMBAND.
Lampard is finished. His time was in 2006 and he didn't take it. Again, he was a ghost at the World Cup and even though he has gotten some goals, his legs can't carry him anymore to control that midfield. Then we have our blondie friend...
Sometimes, when life shoves the truth in your face, you have to just suck it up, hold your hands up and admit you were wrong. Liverpool have now beaten Chelsea three times now at the Bridge with Torres playing. Torres himself has looked like a man who has forgotten what being a striker is about. We all thought this guy would be back after his display, and miss, against United. But since then, the guy has struggled to fit into the attacking framework of Chelsea. You CAN'T keep trying to fit a triangle in a square...won't work.
A big miss is Drogba. He is a man whose mind is elsewhere and rightly so. Drogba for this Chelsea team is better than Torres all day long. Torres being bought for so much money was an insult to Drogba and all he's done for the club. Chelsea are missing him badly. They NEED him to operate and he has been a very important component in the successes of this millenium Chelsea.

Tactics

The way Chelsea are playing and their problems is similar to Inter under Benitez and Leonardo. A free-flowing attacking team needs the right kind of players to be free-flowing. Inter and Chelsea have similar kinds of players who are not built to be a positively minded team. They are built on defence and take their chances with a few players in attacking areas. Villas-Boas has forced this Chelsea team to be entertaining and this has meant they create chances they can't put away or they have strikers like Torres who can't get in the game and this leaves spaces in defence for teams to exploit.
Ancelotti broke records using the same attack minded philosophy. However, he had Drogba on his side who he put faith in. Malouda was an inspired man. The team knew how to defend and did not leave holes. They also had the unappreciated Joe Cole. It was a different set of circumstances. The players felt at ease with the system which was NOT as attack minded and open as Villas-Boas's system.
Villas-Boas, if he wants to keep his job and win games, need to take a step back and focus on just winning matches. The triangle will NOT fit in the square. He needs to focus on defence, get more protection for Terry and Luiz. Get Meireles to be deeper. Give Lampard more support. Reducing the estimation of this Chelsea team is needed. They are skilled enough to win games with the RIGHT tactics. Oh, and showing my African brother from the Ivory Coast some respect would be much appreciated.

HH