The Soccer Translator

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "He'll always be a solution and never a problem."

2012-01-27T09:09:00.005-05:00

Getty Images

The two great captains: Alessandro Del Piero
and Francesco Totti.

We have quotes this week from Marcello Lippi, Antonio Conte, Alessandro Del Piero, Cesare Prandelli and Francesco Totti.

Marcello Lippi dropped a hint about his management future:

«La Juventus può già pensare allo scudetto». In questo campionato tutto può succedere, e l'Inter è rientrata in corsa con Juve e Milan». «Conte sta lavorando bene, ha restituito all'ambiente juventino le sensazioni che tutti volevano provare di nuovo - ha osservato l'ex ct dell'Italia -, ma anche una buona organizzazione di gioco. Può diventare campione d'inverno, quindi non è presto per parlare di scudetto». «ma Alex non smetterà di giocare, si sente totalmente un calciatore». De Rossi. «Come tifoso italiano ed estimatore di Daniele spero che rinnovi. Non voglio essere pessimista, però - ha commentato - mi pare che la trattativa sia andando un pò troppo per le lunghe e in questi casi tutto può succedere». Comunque Lippi ha promosso sia la Roma come società sia Luis Enrique. «Lo spagnolo mi piace, e anche la società che - ha notato - non lo ha lasciato solo. Era impossibile pensare che tutto filasse liscio dall'inizio, ma la Roma ha protetto il suo allenatore».

«ASPETTO LA CHIAMATA DI UNA NAZIONALE» - La carriera in panchina di Marcello Lippi «è quasi, ma non ancora finita», e l'ex ct azzurro aspetta «la chiamata di una nazionale ambiziosa». «Ho ricevuto tante offerte, ma ho deciso di non tornare in una squadra di club - ha spiegato Lippi, oggi ospite del master in Sport Management dell'Università Bicocca di Milano -. Aspetto che arrivi una chiamata da una nazionale che mi piace per fare l'ultima esperienza. L'Italia ovviamente no, l'ho allenata due volte. In Europa o in Asia non conta, l'importante è che sia una nazionale ambiziosa, e l'ideale sarebbe avere due anni per preparare un Mondiale». {Corriere dello Sport, 20 Jan. 2012}

On Juventus and its Challengers:

"Juventus can think about the Scudetto. In this season, everything can happen and Inter has re-entered into the mix with Juventus and Milan. Conte is working well. He has reinstituted sensations to the Juventus environment that everyone wanted to feel again. But also a good organization of play. Juve can become winter champion; therefore, it's not too soon to talk of the Scudetto."

"Alex Del Piero will not quit playing. He feels totally like a footballer."

On De Rossi:

"As an Italian fan and someone I hold in esteem, I hope that Daniele signs his renewal. I don't want to be pessimistic but it seems to me that the deal has gone a little too long and in these cases, everything can happen... I like the Spaniard (Luis Enrique) and also that the club has not left him alone. It was impossible to think that everything would have panned out cleanly from the start, but Roma has protected its manager."

On His Future:

The management career of Lippi, "is almost, but not yet finished." The former Azzurri manager waits for, "the call from an ambitious national team. I've received many offers, but I have decided not to return to a club team," Lippi explained, today a guest of the Master in Sport Management at the Bicocca University of Milan.

"I await that a call comes from a national team that I'd like to be my final experience. Italy is obviously out. I've managed there twice. Europe or Asia doesn't matter. It's important that it's an ambitious national team and the ideal would be for two years to prepare for the World Cup."

Antonio Conte hailed his Juventus side who were crowned Winter Champions (winners of the first 19 Serie A fixtures):

"Abbiamo fatto un girone d'andata straordinario, ci siamo espressi su livelli altissimi. Oggi è stato il coronamento di questo percorso. Meritiamo il titolo di campione d'inverno. Bisognerà essere bravi a dare il massimo, oltre il 100%. Abbiamo messo alle spalle squadre che all'inizio erano partite favorite. Sarà difficile ripetersi nel girone di ritorno. Le occasioni non concretizzate? E' sempre meglio sbagliare i gol che non creare. Ma oggi i ragazzi sono stati bravi sul piano dell'ntensità, dell'organizzazione, sotto tutti gli aspetti. Marchisio ha accusato un problemino ad un ginocchio, e Pepe una distorsione alla caviglia da trauma. Per tornare la Juventus di Capello ci vorrà del tempo. Ma ho ragazzi che stanno cercando di superare i loro limiti. Rinforzi? Con la società parliamo continuamente. Sappiamo quello che dovremmo fare, ma non ci sono tanti soldi in giro. Deve arrivare qualcuno che ci alzi la qualità del gruppo, altrimenti non arriverà nessuno". (Gazzetta dello Sport, 21 Jan. 2012}

«Finalmente, ha fatto un gol stupendo, ci provava da tempo», commenta Antonio Conte ai microfoni di Rai 1«Sarà sempre una soluzione, mai un problema...". {Corriere dello Sport and RAI, 24 Jan. 2012}

"We had an extraordinary first round. We expressed ourselves at the highest levels. Today was the coronation of this. We deserve the title of winter champions. You'll need to be great to give your best or 100%. We put teams on their backs who at the start of the season were favored. It will be difficult to repeat in the next round. It's always better to miss goals instead of not creating them. But today the boys were great on an intensity level, in organization, in all aspects.

Marchisio had a small problem with his knee and Pepe has a calf distortion due to trauma. To return to the Juventus of Capello will take time. But I have lads that are looking to outdo their limits. Reinforcements? With the club, we constantly talk. We know what we'll have to do but there isn't a lot money making its rounds. Someone has to arrive who raises the quality of the group otherwise nobody will come."

On Del Piero's brilliant goal in the Coppa Italia vs. AS Roma:

"He (Del Piero) finally scored a stupendous goal that he had been trying to get for a while. He'll always be a solution and never a problem."

Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus chronicled his special night at Juventus Stadium vs. AS Roma:

Getty Images

Del Piero's fans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia during the
Christmas break.

"Una sfida che conta, un avversario da stimare e rispettare oltre che da battere, l'abbraccio con un grande capitano prima del fischio d'inizio, lo stadio pieno, il tiro a giro, la palla sotto il sette, il boato del pubblico, la mia famiglia e i miei amici in tribuna, la corsa verso i tifosi a fine partita, e una dedica speciale in un giorno che per tutti noi juventini e per chi ha conosciuto e amato l'Avvocato non può essere come gli altri - scrive Del Piero sul suo sito -. È incredibile come tutto quello che mi accada quando indosso questa maglia riesca sempre a sorprendermi e ad essere così speciale". {Gazzetta dello Sport and his personal site, 26 Jan. 2012}

"A game that counts, an opponent to respect and stimulate more than to beat, an embrace with a great captain before the kick-off, a sold-out stadium, the shot on a turn, the ball under the crossbar, the roar of the crowd, my family and friends in the stands, the run towards the fans after the end of the game, and the special dedication in a day for us Juventus fans and for those of us who knew and loved Gianni Agnelli can't be like the others. It's incredible how everything that happens to me whenever I put on this shirt always succeeds to surprise me and be so special."

Cesare Prandelli on Mario Balotelli and Daniele De Rossi:

"Non è questione di difficoltà, il ragazzo purtroppo è sotto i riflettori 24 ore su 24. Deve essere sereno e tranquillo, e deve essere giudicato per quello che fa in campo...Quando si perdono giocatori della nazionale - dice Prandelli - il calcio può perder qualcosa dal punto di vista tecnico, ma può migliorare da quello della crescita del giocatore. Daniele se andasse via porterebbe in nazionale un bagaglio di esperienza in più". {Corriere dello Sport, 22 Jan. 2012}

"It's not a question of difficulty. The young man (Balotelli) unfortunately is under the microscope 24 out of 24 hours. He needs to be serene and calm. He needs to be judged for what he does on the pitch.

When you lose national team players, Italian football can lose something from the technical perspective. But can get improve by the growth of the player. If De Rossi left Roma, he could bring a whole lot more of experience to the national team."

Francesco Totti of AS Roma set a Serie A same-club scoring record and put his career in perspective:

La Nazionale? Mai dire mai. Vediamo come sto a maggio». «Per me aver giocato tutta la vita con la stessa maglia vale più di un Pallone d'Oro». «Sulla mia posizione in campo decisa da Luis Enrique all'inizio ero scettico, ma aveva ragione lui». «Mi fa veramente piacere che mi prenda in considerazione, poi con Prandelli ho un grandissimo rapporto. Mi hanno parlato bene di lui come allenatore, grande voglia, grandi stimoli, ha ottenuti grandi risultati con la Nazionale..», ha risposto Totti alla domanda su un eventuale posto in azzurro.

"A call-up to the National team? Never say never. Let's see how I am in May. For me to have played my entire life with the same club is worth more than the Ballon d'Or. At the beginning, I was skeptical of where Luis Enrique wanted to play me on the field, but he was right.

It really makes me happy that Prandelli takes me into consideration. With him, I have a great rapport. They've spoken well of him to me as a manager, a great desire, great stimulation. He's obtained great results with the Azzurri."

«A 35 anni di solito dicono che si va in discesa, io invece... sono in salita. La cosa importate è una vita sana, essere un professionista») e di essere «contento di quello che ho fatto e soprattutto di quello che farò».

In prospettiva, Totti spera di «arrivare a giocare fino a 40 anni» giovane, divertente e che vuole vincere», ora una «novità del campionato perchè ci sono vittorie su vittorie». {Corriere dello Sport, 23 Jan. 2012}

"At 35 years of age, they say you go into decline. I instead... I'm rising up. The important thing is a healthy life. To be a professional and to be content in what I've done and above all, what I'll do."

Totti hopes to, "to play until I am 40 years old," young, enjoyable and who wants to win... "Now it's a novelty in the Serie A championship because there are wins after wins."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Post-Match Quotes

2012-01-25T19:57:00.005-05:00

Reuters Pictures

Josep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho before the game.

We have quotes by Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola, Jose Manuel Pinto, Pedro, Gerard Pique, Iker Casillas, Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

Match Highlights

Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid

"Le felicitó por el partido del Bernabéu pero no por la clasificasión".

"Yo solo puedo decir que en el vestuario del Real Madrid se dice que es imposible ganar aquí".

"I congratulate Barcelona for the game at the Bernabeu but not for the classification. I can only say that in the dressing room of Real Madrid, one says that is impossible to win here."

Pep Guardiola of FC Barcelona

“Sólo puedo estar orgulloso de mis jugadores porque han mostrado una gran fortaleza. No es fácil mantener la cabeza cuando te empatan después de tener un 2-0, pero hay que felicitarlos porque una eliminatoria son 180 minutos, y les hemos ganado”.

“Ellos sabían que no tenían nada que perder y es lógico que salieran al ataque. Lo más difícil es defender algo que crees que ya tienes ganado”. “La Copa es una competición especial. Mirad al Mirandés ha eliminado a tres primeras a doble partido”.

“Mi colega tiene todo el derecho a no felicitarnos pero creo que lo ha hecho por la victoria en el Bernabéu, cosa que le agradezco”.

"I can only be proud of my players because they showed a great strength. It's not easy to keep your head when they equalize after a 2-0, but you have to congratulate them because a two-legged elimination tie lasts 180 minutes and we won it.

They know that they didn't have anything to lose and it's logical that they came out on the attack. The most difficult thing is to defend something that you've already thought you have won. The Copa del Rey is special competition. Look at Mirandes who knocked out three teams in two legs."

"My colleague (Mourinho) has every right not to congratulate us but I believe he did it for the victory at the Bernabeu. Something that I appreciate."

Jose Manuel Pinto of FC Barcelona

"Hemos hecho un partido muy serio en la segunda parte pero nos ha faltado tener un poco más la pelota. Aún así, somos justos merecedores de pasar la eliminatoria", apuntó.

"We played a very serious game in the second half but we needed a little more possession of the ball. Even so, we were deserved winners to pass through."

Pedro of FC Barcelona

"Se han venido arriba y han ido a buscar el partido. Al final lo han conseguido y nos han complicado el encuentro pero hemos conseguido pasar a semifinales".

"They came out up top and looked to take the game to us. In the end, they were able to do that and made problems in the game but we were able to pass through to the semi-finals."

Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona

"El árbitro se ha equivocado para todos; Lass, por ejemplo, mereció la roja..."no hemos sabido dormir el partido, y el gol de Cristiano nos mató". A su juicio, el bajón del Barça se debió "más un tema mental que otra cosa. Futbolisticamente hemos hecho un buen partido, ha sido un tema psicológico".

"The referee made mistakes on everyone. Lass, for example, deserved a red card. We couldn't sleep-walk through the game and the goal by Cristiano Ronaldo killed us...

It was more of a mental theme than anything else. In footballing terms, we played a good game. It had a psychological theme."

Reuters Pictures

Lionel Messi and Lass Diarria.

Iker Casillas of Real Madrid

"Teixeira, ahora te irás de fiesta con el Barça".

El autor de esta frase fue Casillas, como así lo reconoció cuando atendió a los medios: "Fue un momento de calentura. Te sientes impotente por alguna jugada en la que se mira a otro lado. Incluso me saca tarjeta amarilla cuando trataba de separar a los jugadores."

Futbolísticamente el Madrid estuvo a una gran altura: "El madridista puede estar orgulloso de su equipo. Nos quedamos con el partido que hemos realizado. Ahora nos quedan dos competiciones por delante".

"Teixeira, now you can go and party with Barcelona."

The author of this phrase was Casillas: (in the tunnel after the game)

"It was a heated exchange. You feel helpless for some play that he looked the other way. He then showed me a yellow card when I tried to separate the players.

Madrid fans can be proud of our team. We played the game that we had anticipated. Now we have two competitions (La Liga and Champions League) ahead of us."

Xabi Alonso of Real Madrid

"Hemos estado muy cerca. Nos ha faltado ese plus, pero creo que se pueden sacar conclusiones positivas".

"Este equipo tiene cualidades y potencial. Hoy ha salido un buen partido. Hemos tenido ocasiones y Pinto ha tenido mucho mérito. Iker apenas ha tenido que trabajar. No nos vamos contentos, pero sí orgullosos". En cuanto al desarrollo del partido, lamentó cómo acabó la primera parte. "El resultado al descanso no ha sido justo. En circunstancias normales, nos vamos ganando al descanso".

Sobre el arbitraje, Xabi Alonso no quiso entrar a valorar el trabajo de Teixeira Vitienes. "No vamos a excusarnos en los árbitros".

"We were very close. We lacked that little extra but I believe that you can take away positive things. This team has quality and potential. Today was a good game. We had chances and Pinto deserves a lot of credit. Iker Casillas does as well for his work.

We going to be fine but proud of ourselves. The result at the break wasn't right. In normal circumstances, we would have been ahead at the break. We are not going to make excuses due to the referees."

Reuters Pictures

Sergio Ramos heading in front of Carles Puyol.

Alvaro Arbeloa of Real Madrid

"quitado el bloqueo mental" contra el Barcelona. El defensa no pasó por alto la actuación del colegiado Teixeira Vitienes: "Fue injusto en los pequeños detalles, te quedas con mucha impotencia".

"Lo del descuento fue exagerado, con una expulsión, pérdidas de tiempo... Es injusto, creamos muchas ocasiones, fuimos mejores".

"The mental block was undone against Barcelona."

On the referee, Teixeira Vitienes:

"He was wrong on the minor details. It leaves you feeling helpless... It was an exaggerated situation with a red card, losses of time. It wasn't right. We created a lot of chances. We were better."

Spanish source of quotes: Marca and Diario Sport, 26 January 2012.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

Related Articles at World Football Commentaries

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Copa del Rey Clasico Quotes Ahead of Camp Nou Return Leg

2012-01-24T14:39:00.007-05:00

Getty Images

The X Men: Xabi Alonso and Xavi in action last week at the Bernabeu.

Match Highlights from Last Week

We have quotes by Josep Guardiola, Jose' Mourinho, Andres Iniesta, Gerard Pique, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas.

Josep Guardiola of FC Barcelona

Reuters Pictures

"Si hacemos algo parecido a lo que pasó con Figo es que no hemos aprendido la lección. El culé está muy arrepentido de cómo nos comportamos con él. El fútbol es un juego, no podemos olvidarnos. Que la gente venga a animarnos y a estar a nuestro lado. Viene el Real Madrid no un jugador o un entrenador determinado. Me dolería que el estadio no estuviese como en los mejores días. Nos vamos a tomar el partido muy en serio. Tenemos que estar todos juntos."

On the Reception at Camp Nou for Real Madrid

"If we do something as happened to Luis Figo, then we haven't learned a lesson. Barcelona fans are very repentant for how we behaved with him. Football is a game. We can't forget that.

Fans should come and cheer us on and be at our side. Real Madrid is coming. Not a player or certain coach. It would pain me if our stadium wasn't like in the best times. We're going to take the game very seriously. We all have to be united."

"Hemos de ir a jugar. Hay que hacer las cosas bien. Hay en cosas que son mejores que nosotros, a la contra son mejores que nosotros. Intuyo que el Madrid nos va a meter un gol, tendremos que marcar nosotros también. Son muy peligrosos jueguen como jueguen, aprieten arriba o nos esperen muy atrás".

"Algún día seguro que lo haré, seguramente cuando ya no seamos entrenadores. Sería un placer cenar con Mourinho." {Marca, 24 Jan. 2012}

"We have to come out playing. We have to do things well. They do some things better than us and on counters, they are better than we are. I perceive that Real Madrid is going to score a goal. We'll also have to score. They are very dangerous playing as they play. They make things hard for us up top or wait for us further back."

On Breaking Bread with Mourinho:

"Surely one day it will happen. Surely when we are no longer managers. It would be a pleasure to dine with Mourinho."

"No respondo a las ruedas de prensa de otros entrenadores. No tengo nada que decir. Si ha dicho que es involuntario él sabrá. Eso lo sabe él. Si ha dicho que es involuntario, pues involuntario".

"No hace falta que Messi gane Mundiales ni marque más de mil goles para demostrar lo que es".

Su gran fuerza es la regularidad, ha vuelto a encontrarse con el gol, le irá bien. Es su alma, ya no le afectan los comentarios, su vida es el campo de fútbol, todo lo exterior le afecta relativamente". {Marca, 21-22 Jan. 2012}

On Pepe:

"I don't respond to press conferences of other managers. I have nothing to say. If he (Pepe) said that it was involuntary (the stamp on Messi), he'll know it. He knows it. If he said it was involuntary, then it was involuntary.

On Pele's Comments about Lionel Messi last week:

Messi doesn't need to win three World Cups or score over 1000 goals to demonstrate who he is. His great strength is his continuity. He returned to find goals and he'll do it well. It's his domain. What's written doesn't affect him. His life is the football pitch. Everything away from it doesn't really concern him."

Jose' Mourinho of Real Madrid

Reuters Pictures

On Rumors that he will leave Madrid in June:

"¿Lo he dicho yo? Pregunta a tu compañero."

"Did I say that? Go ask your colleague."

On a Mental Block and Clans within the Team:

Sobre un posible bloqueo mental dijo: "Pregunta a los futbolistas".

"Yo no provoco clanes".

About a possible mental block, he said, "Ask the players."

"I don't provoke clans."

"Si Pepe estuviera bien físicamente jugaba. Es duda. Tanto él como Granero y Lass. Están con problemas. Mañana decidiremos... Mi equipo tiene posibilidades de jugar las semifinales. Pero sabemos contra quien jugamos y el resultado que llevamos".

"If Pepe were physically well, he would play. He's in doubt. The same as Esteban Granero and Lass Diarra. They have problems. Tomorrow (Wednesday) we'll decide. My team has a chance to play in the semifinals. But we know who we are playing against and the result that we need."

"Podíamos tener algún punto más de ventaja en la Liga. Tenemos cinco más que el equipo que todos dicen que es el mejor. Eso es que no estamos haciendo las cosas tan mal. Será que no tenemos tantos problemas como la gente dice. Cuando llegamos aquí el club tenia tradición de ser eliminados por equipos inferiores. Ganamos la Copa y cuando llegamos no era ni cabeza de serie en la Champions. Ahora tenemos el récord en la fase de grupos, podemos ser cabeza de serie y somos líderes en el campeonato. No me parece que estemos haciendo las cosas tan mal".

Sobre el equipo de Guardiola comentó: "El Barcelona tiene su juego y sus principios, a pesar de que cambien jugadores. Es un partido difícil". {Marca, 24 Jan. 2012}

"We can have another advantage point in the league. We have five points more than the team that everyone says is the best. That means we aren't doing too badly. It will be that we aren't having as many problems as people say. When we (he used first person plural) arrived here, the club had a tradition to be eliminated by lesser teams. We won the Copa del Rey and we weren't even topping the league or Champions League tables. Now we have the record in the group round phase (UCL), we can be the head of the group round and we're winning the league. It doesn't seem to me that we're doing too badly."

"Barcelona has its play and principles despite having to change players. It's a difficult game."

"Si Pepe dice públicamente que es intencionado y me lo dice a mí, me molesta de verdad. Pero ha dicho que no es intencional y yo lo creo... No he visto que la temporada pasada vosotros dudarais de un jugador que tuvo comentarios racistas y él dijo que no. Toda la gente se ha creído que era verdad, incluso la UEFA. Ahora Pepe dice que no es intencionado.

"La estadística está ahí, en 2012 hemos encajado dos goles a balón parado contra el Málaga, uno en Mallorca y otro contra el Barcelona, son demasiados". {Marca, 21 Jan. 2012}

On Pepe:

"If Pepe publicly said it was intentional and tells me as well, the truth would bother me. But he said that it wasn't intentional and I believe him... Last year, I didn't see you (journalists) doubt that a player made racist comments (Sergio Busquets) and denied it. Everyone believed that it was the truth including UEFA. Now, Pepe says that isn't intentional."

"The numbers say that in 2012, we have conceded two goals off set pieces against Malaga, one in Mallorca and the other against Barcelona. Those are too many."

"No pasa nada, no es un problema, nunca me ha pasado. Zidane ha sido pitado aquí, Ronaldo, Cristiano que es Bota de Oro también... ¿Por qué no puedo ser pitado aquí?". {Marca, 22 Jan. 2012}

"Cada club tiene su cultura y su historia. No he nacido madridista. Soy un profesional del fútbol. No he pedido yo entrenar al Madrid, ha sido el Madrid quien me ha pedido que le entrene. {Diario Sport, 22 Jan. 2012}

On Being Whistled by Madrid fans at Bernabeu last week:

"Nothing happened. It's not a problem. It never happened to me before. Zidane was whistled here, Ronaldo (O Fenomeno), Cristiano Ronaldo who is the Golden Boot winner as well. Why can't I be whistled at by the fans here?"

"Each team has its own culture and history. I wasn't born a Madrid fan. I'm a football professional. I didn't ask to manage Madrid. It was Real Madrid who asked me to manage them."

Andres Iniesta of FC Barcelona

"También hemos vivido situaciones aquí que no han sido buenas. Pero es que es líder de la Liga, el miércoles nos jugamos las semifinales de la Copa, están en Champions... No veo más allá. Desde fuera, la situación para ellos es buena, es idílica, no veo otra cosa. Desconozco si hay algo más".

"El año pasado en los clásicos todo fue muy tenso, más de lo que debía. Ahora todos hemos bajado el tono y hemos vuelto a la normalidad. Esto es un deporte, puedes ganar, puedes perder, pero lo que no se puede perder es el respeto a los compañeros".

"We've also experienced situations here that weren't good. But Madrid is leading the league, is playing in the Copa del Rey against us and is in the Champions League. I don't see anything higher. From the outside, the situation for them is good. It's idyllic. I don't see it another way. I don't recognize if there is something more."

"Last year, the clasicos were very tense. More than it ought to be. Now, we've all toned down things and have returned to normalcy. This is a sport. You can win, you can lose, but what you can't lose is the respect of your friends."

"On Pepe:

"La decisión del club es la que es. Las imágenes hablan por sí solas. Para bien y para mal, son las que son. {Marca, 23 Jan. 2012}

"The decision of the club is what it is. The pictures speak for themselves. For the good and the bad. They are what they are."

Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona

"Queremos volver a sentir ese placer y esa sensación de cuando eres el mejor. El hambre cada vez es mayor". "Él te dice las razones. Y como jugador cada día aprendes más y empiezas a tomar tus propias decisiones dentro del campo". "Ya nos conocían y se encerraban atrás. La idea del 3-4-3 es que seamos más ofensivos y que tengamos más posesión de la pelota. Tienes que correr mucho más y al final de los partidos notas que estas más cansado". {Marca, 23 Jan. 2012 via a FIFA.com interview.}

"We want to return to that pleasure and sensation to be the best. Each time, there is more hunger."

On Guardiola:

"He tells you the reasons. And as a player, each day you learn more and begin to make your own decisions on the pitch."

"Our opponents know us and set up (to close them down) behind the ball. The idea of the 3-4-3 is that we are more offensive and have more possession of the ball. You have to run a lot more (as a defender) and at the end of the games, you notice that you're more tired."

Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid

"Quien diga que el vestuario está dividido o existe alguna fractura, miente. Existe un gran grupo y hay una gran unión. Trabajando juntos llegarán los éxitos".

"Victoria súper importante la de ayer, gran partido del equipo y 3 puntos más. Ahora toca de nuevo pensar en la Copa del Rey. Vamos Madrid!!".

"A lo largo de mi carrera, jamás he faltado el respeto a ningún entrenador. Con esto, desmiento algunas cosas que dicen de mí y yo nunca dije". {Marca, 23 Jan. 2012 via his Twitter feed}

"Whoever says that the dressing room is divided or that there are any splits is lying. A great group exists and there's much togetherness. Working together and the results will arrive. It was a very important victory yesterday. A great game by the team and three more points. Now we have to think again of the Copa del Rey. Let's go Madrid!"

"For my whole career, I've never lacked respect for any manager. With that, I deny a few things said about me and what I never said."

Iker Casillas of Real Madrid

"Un día especial con demasiadas emociones y recuerdos. Casualidades de la vida que el primero y el 600 sea ante el Athletic. Es un motivo de alegría para mí porque jamás pensaba llegar a esta cifra. Poder codearme e igualar a gente tan importante como Hierro y Gento es un orgullo." {Marca, 23 Jan. 2012}

On His 600th Madrid Appearance:

"A special day with so many emotions and memories. One of the ironies of life that the first and 600th game was against Athletic. It's a reason for happiness for me because I never thought I'd arrive at this figure. To be able rub shoulders with and equal such important players such as Fernando Hierro and Paco Gento is an honor."

“Vamos a dejarnos la vida para pasar y hacer que los aficionados se sientan orgullosos de su Real Madrid”. {Marca, 24 Jan. 2012}

"We going to leave it all out on the pitch and make the Madrid fans feel pride of their Real Madrid."

Spanish source of quotes: Marca and Diario Sport, 21-24 January 2012.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

Related Articles at World Football Commentaries

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "Claudio Ranieri is a Wise Man."

2012-01-20T10:34:00.001-05:00

Reuters Pictures

The hero of the Milan derby, Diego Milito of Internazionale.

We have quotes this week from Diego Milito, Massimo Moratti, Claudio Ranieri, Erik Lamela, Antonio Conte, Gigi Buffon, Paolo Maldini and Silvio Berlusconi.

Diego Milito of Internazionale underlines the importance of the derby win over Milan:

"Era una prova importante sia per quanto riguarda la classifica sia per il morale. Questo derby ci darà più forza per affrontare le partite successive. Vincere il derby è sempre bellissimo e poi ho anche avuto la fortuna di segnare il gol vittoria. Questa rete è per la gente che mi è stata vicino in ogni momento".

"It was an important test for morale's sake and the position in the table. This derby will give us more strength to face the next games. It's always great to win the derby and then I also had the good fortune to score the winning goal. This goal is for those who were close to me in each moment."

Massimo Moratti of Internazionale reveled in the derby win and praised his manager:

"Ranieri è un uomo saggio. È un risultato che premia gli sforzi fatti ed il lavoro di Ranieri che è stato bravissimo. Era un impegno importante, pieno di significati e la squadra ha reagito molto bene. Cosa mi è piaciuto di più? Il carattere e come sono stati in campo. Grande merito a tutti". {Gazzetta dello Sport, 15 Jan. 2012}

"(Claudio) Ranieri is a wise man. It's a result that rewards the effort put forth and the work of Ranieri was great. It was an important challenge, full of significant things and the team reacted very well. What pleased me the most? The character and how they were on the pitch. Greatly deserved by all."

Claudio Ranieri of Internazionale hails the great improvement in his team:

"Stiamo facendo passi da giganti, battere il Milan era importantissimo. Le altre sfide contro le grandi sono servite di lezione. Ero convinto che nelle partite con Napoli, Udinese e Juve avevamo fatto delle ottime partenze ma al primo errore ci avevano giustiziato. Ho battuto molto su questo argomento, di non sprecare energie nel pressarli alti ma di restare compatti a centrocampo e a ripartire. Nel primo tempo abbiamo sbagliato troppi appoggi, forse sentivamo troppo la partita. Non siamo stati così fluidi come nel secondo tempo. La vecchia preparazione non c'è più. Adesso bisogna tenere i giocatori sempre vivi e reattivi, il fondo lo fai settimanalmente, è cambiato tantissimo il modo di giocare". . {Gazzetta dello Sport, 15 Jan. 2012}

"We're taking giant steps. Beating Milan was very important. The other games against the big sides taught us lessons. I was convinced that in the games with Napoli, Udinese and Juventus we had great performances, but we paid for the first error. I rolled this argument around a lot in my mind. To not waste energy in pressing high, but to remain compact in the midfield and on counters.

In the first half, we made too many mistakes. Perhaps we felt the game too much. We weren't as fluid as in the second half. The old way of preparation is gone. Now you need to hold on to players who are always fresh and reactive. In the end, you do it weekly. The style of play has changed a great deal."

Erik Lamela of AS Roma on the role of Francesco Totti in his Roma adjustment period:

«Si impara tantissimo da lui. È un giocatore storico per il club, idolo di tutti i tifosi, e ha una condizione incredibile. Senza contare gli argentini, Totti è il giocatore che mi dà più consigli. È uno di quelli con cui parlo di più. Nessun problema di lingua, ci capiamo. Sono contento di questi primi sette mesi. All'inizio ho potuto giocare poco per via dell'infortunio. Ma una volta tornato ho preso il ritmo. E per fortuna ho ottenuto un posto in squadra, che era il mio desiderio». I tifosi della Roma già lo amano: «Sono stato accolto bene fin dall'inizio. Ora mi sento come un re. Con la squadra che abbiamo, credo che possiamo arrivare in alto». {Corriere dello Sport, 17 Jan. 2012}

"You learn so much from him. He's a legendary player for the club, the idol of all the fans, and is in incredible shape. Without counting the Argentineans here, Totti is the player who has advised me the most. He's one of those with whom I speak the most. There is no language problem. We understand each other.

I've happy for these first seven months. At the beginning, I could only play a little due to my injury. But when I returned, I found my rhythm. And fortunately, I gained a spot in the team which was my desire. I've been well-received from the very beginning by the fans. Now I feel like a king. With the team we have, I believe we can go far."

Antonio Conte of Juventus has a dream:

"Abbiamo l'obbligo di sognare. La bellezza del calcio è proprio porsi un traguardo che è un sogno, se ci tolgono anche il sogno diventa dura. Per questo non firmo per il terzo posto, per gli obiettivi minimi. Non avrei firmato a giugno e non firmo nemmeno ora. Lo scudetto? Dobbiamo provare a ottenere il massimo, con grandi motivazioni, sacrificio ed entusiasmo, per dimostrare che questa Juve ha voglia di tornare lassù." {Gazzetta dello Sport, 20 Jan. 2012}

"We are obliged to dream. The beauty of football is to put a hurdle in front of you that is a dream. It takes off even if the dream becomes difficult. For this reason, I don't want third place as the minimum objective. I would not have accepted it back in June and don't accept it at all now.

The Scudetto? We have to try to obtain the maximum, with great motivations, sacrifice and enthusiasm to demonstrate that this Juventus has the desire to return to great heights."

Gigi Buffon of Juventus reminds us of what is now novel used to be commonplace:

«Ora è una novità, ma fino a qualche anno fa eravamo abituati a situazioni del genere e fa piacere ritrovarle. Ci stiamo riuscendo grazie alla voglia di stupire, di sudare e di prenderci una rivincita. La difesa viaggia bene, è vero, ma questo è grazie al lavoro di tutta la squadra che con il pressing e il filtro fa sì che dalle mie parti arrivino palloni “sporchi” e facilmente controllabili».

«La mia parata più bella quest’anno? Direi quella su Boateng contro il Milan. La Juve è impegnata sabato contro l'Atalanta: «Sarà una partita delicata e dai contenuti agonistici elevati. E’ sempre così contro l’Atalanta e a maggior ragione sarà così ora, con loro vivono un momento particolare, mentre noi vorremo mantenere questa posizione di classifica». {Corriere dello Sport, 19 Jan. 2012}

"Now it's a novelty. But up until a year ago, we were used to such situations and it would be pleasing to find them again. We're doing well thanks to the desire to amaze, to sweat and for revenge. The defense is doing well, it's true, but this is thanks to the work of the whole team with the pressing and double-teaming that produces easy shots that are easily controlled."

"My best stop this year? I'd say the one on Kevin-Prince Boateng of Milan...

Atalanta will be a delicate game and will give higher agonistic qualities. It's always like this against them. The main reason that it will be now with them experiencing a special run of form, while we want to maintain this position in the table."

Paolo Maldini, former Milan legend, gave a concise statement about his Rossoneri future:

"Mai avuto proposte, neanche da Parigi. Leonardo prima e poi Allegri volevano che tornassi, ma ho trovato delle porte chiuse... {Gazzetta dello Sport, 19 Jan. 2012}

"I never had offers, even from Paris. Leonardo beforehand and then Massimiliano Allegri wanted me to return, but I found the doors closed to me."

Silvio Berlusconi, President of AC Milan, explained his decision about Alexandre Pato (who also happens to be his daughter Barbara's romantic interest):

«Ho deciso di tenere Pato perchè lo ritengo un giocatore di grande talento. L'intera operazione non mi convinceva né dal punto di vi ta tecnico né da quelle economico. È una scelta che ho preso in totale autonomia. Sono convinto sia la cosa migliore per il Milan». {Corriere dello Sport, 14 January 2012}

"I decided to keep Pato because I rate him as a player of great talent. I wasn't convinced by the whole operation from the technical and also from the economic point of view. It was a decision that I made completely on my own. I'm convinced that it was the best thing for Milan."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Real Madrid 1 - FC Barcelona 2: Post-Game Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Quotes

2012-01-18T20:12:00.003-05:00

Match Highlights

We have translated quotes by Josep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas, Xavi and Eric Abidal.

Josep Guardiola of FC Barcelona:

Reuters Pictures

Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona heads home the first goal.

"Lo importante es que veníamos con la idea de hacer gol y marcar fuera es importante. Nos hemos repuesto bien del gol de Cristiano. Volver a ganar siempre es bueno, pero sólo se ha jugado la mitad de la eliminatoria y el Madrid siempre es capaz de todo. Ahora hay que descansar, ir a Málaga y luego jugar la vuelta".

"Cuando son jugadores del Madrid es que tienen que estar a la altura. Altintop ha hecho un buen partido. Creo que hemos hecho un buen partido, teniendo posesiones largas, evitar las pérdidas y cerrando espacios. Cada uno tiene sus virtudes y al final se decide por detalles. Casi nunca hacemos un gol de córner directo y hoy, ante un equipo poderoso en este aspecto, lo hemos hecho. También quiero felicitar a Alexis por el coraje con el que ha jugado. Ha estado fantástico". {Marca}

"The important thing was that we won with the idea to score goals and to score away is important. We replied well to the goal by Cristiano Ronaldo. It's always good to return winning, but only half of the tie has been played and Real Madrid is always capable of everything. Now, we need to rest, go to Malaga and then play the return leg (next Wednesday at Camp Nou)."

"When there are Madrid players, you have to be at the highest level. Altintop had a good game. I believe that we played a good game, holding the ball for long periods, avoiding losing possession and closing down space. Each one has his own virtues and at the end of the day, details decide. We almost never score from a corner kick and today, against a strong team in this aspect, we did it. I also want to congratulate Alexis Sanchez for the courage in which he played. He has been fantastic."

On Pepe's Stamp on Messi:

"Se ha visto por televisión. Yo no lo he visto, sinceramente".

"You saw it on television. I truly didn't see it."

Jose Mourinho of Real Madrid:

“Entiendo al madridismo, pero no escucho, ni antes ni después. La responsablidad es mía, por mi equipo y principalmente cuando pierde. La victoria tiene muchos padres, la derrota solo uno. Después de tanto tiempo en el fútbol, lo entiendo perfectamente. En la final de Copa lo celebramos todos y ahora lo acepto también como cosas del fútbol. Dejen a los jugadores tranquilos, porque el culpable soy yo”.

“Los dos jugaron muy bien. Y gente que normalmente lo hace muy bien, hoy no lo han hecho. No hemos perdido el partido por culpa de ellos. Estoy defendiendo a los jugadores porque han estado bien en un partido muy difìcil de jugar y sin ningún miedo. Carvalho es Carvalho y sabía que podía contar con él”. Respecto a la violenta actuación de Pepe durante el encuentro, aseguró que “no he visto nada, tengo que verlo, Ha trabajado muy bien para el equipo, no sé si ha pasado alguna cosa con él sobre el campo. Si ha habido alguna acción intencionada, sí es censurable”.{Diario Sport}

"Lo que no buscaba era recibir un gol a balón parado en el inicio de la segunda parte. Esperábamos un Barça más dominador y nos ha marcado a balón parado. Así no se puede ganarle". {Marca}

"I understand the Real Madrid style (what it is to be a Madrid fan) but I don't hear it, either before or after. The responsibility is mine, for my team and most of all, when we lose. A victory has many fathers but defeat, only one. After a great deal of time in football, I understand perfectly. At the Copa del Rey final, we all celebrated and now I accept also how things are in football. Leave the players in peace because the guilty party is I.

"Altintop and Carvalho played very well. And players who normally play well, didn't do so today. We didn't lose the game due to them. I'm defending the players because they were good in a game that is very difficult to play and without any fear. Carvalho is Carvalho and I knew that I could count on him."

With respect to the violent action of Pepe during the game, he assured, "I didn't see anything. I'll have to watch it. He worked very well for the team. I don't know if something happened to him on the pitch. If he did something intentional, yes, it's punishable."

"What I wasn't looking for was to concede a goal off a set play at the beginning of the second half. We had expected a more dominating Barcelona and they scored on us off of a set piece. You can't beat them this way."

Iker Casillas of Real Madrid:

Reuters Pictures

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for Real Madrid.

"Hemos empezado bien, con la portería a cero. Pero en la segunda parte, a balón parado, parece que últimamente nos cuesta defender esas acciones y hemos encajado el gol. No nos tienen comida la moral. Nosotros tenemos nuestras armas, ellos juegan a su manera, hay que felicitarles. Nuestro objetivo es competir contra ellos y contra todos". {Marca}

"We started out well by shutting them out. But in the second half, on set pieces, it seems that ultimately it costs us to defend against these plays and we conceded a goal. They didn't take away our morale. We have our own strengths, they play in their own way and you have to congratulate them. Our objective is to compete against them and against everyone else".

Xavi of FC Barcelona:

"Son entradas bruscas y lamentables". {Marca}

"They were abrupt and disappointing challenges."

Eric Abidal of FC Barcelona:

Getty Images

Eric Abidal of FC Barcelona scores the winner with a rare goal.
(Only his fourth career goal according to @MisterChip today.)

"Esta música nos gusta mucho. Yo soy un jugador de Copa, en Francia solo marqué en esta competición y aquí también. Los clásicos siempre son partidos diferentes y complicados. Ellos intentan siempre ganar y nosotros también y tenemos que seguir así porque la Copa es importante. El Madrid salió con la presión alta como siempre, pero nosotros hemos jugado nuestro juego, con dificultad en la primera parte, pero en la segunda hemos jugado muy bien".{Marca}

"This music pleases us. I'm a player of the Cups. In France, I have only scored in this competition and here as well. The Clasicos are always different and tough games. They always try to win and so do we. We have to follow up like this because the Cup is important.

Real Madrid came out pressing high like always. But we played our game, with difficulty in the first half. But in the second half, we played very well."

Spanish source of quotes: Marca and Diario Sport, 18 January 2012.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

Related Articles at World Football Commentaries

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Pre-Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Quotes from Guardiola, Mourinho, CR7, Xavi, Alves and Mascherano

2012-01-17T15:00:00.009-05:00

Getty Images

Carles Puyol of FC Barcelona stopping Kaka' of Real Madrid
on 10 December 2011 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Marca of Madrid detailed graphic of the complete Clasico history

Fifth Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Meeting

According to Diario Sport of Barcelona on 16 January 2012, this is the fifth time that the two great rivals have met in the quarterfinal round of the Copa del Rey:

1925/1926 Real Madrid 1 - Barcelona 5 | Barcelona 3 - Real Madrid 0

1956/1957 Real Madrid 2 - Barcelona 2 | Barcelona 6 - Real Madrid 1

1961/1962 Real Madrid 0 - Barcelona 1 | Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 3

1969/1970 Real Madrid 2 - Barcelona 0 | Barcelona 1 - Real Madrid 1

In each case, the team that passed through the quarterfinal round ultimately won the Copa del Rey according to Diaro Sport. Will history repeat itself this season?

Historic Record

According to Mister Chip (Alexis) on 16 January 2012, here is the historic record between the two teams:

216 partidos oficiales, con este balance: RMA 86-85 FCB (y 45 empates).
216 official games with this record: Real Madrid 86 wins, FC Barcelona 85 wins and 45 draws.

The Last Clasico (La Liga, 10 Dec. 2011: Real Madrid 1 - Barcelona 3)

Notable Quotes

We have quotes by Josep Guardiola, Jose' Mourinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, Dani Alves and Javier Mascherano.

Josep Guardiola of FC Barcelona:

"Los árbitros tienen trabajos difíciles. Mañana les verán millones de persona y no querrán equivocarse. Yo tampoco y los jugadores tampoco. El fútbol es cada vez más rápido. Yo trato de que mis jugadores entiendan eso. No soy nadie para decirles lo que pueden decir. Saben que en 4 años nunca he hecho en mis charlas referencias a los árbitros. Muchas veces no sé ni quién nos pita. Yo mismo no sé quién nos pita. Siempre he pensado que ir al Bernabéu para ir a ver que pasa hace que los partidos sean eternos, no acaban nunca. Así el Madrid siempre te mete gol, tiene buen disparo desde fuera del área, es fuerte a balón parado. La única forma de sacar un buen resultado es ir a ganar el partido, coger el balón y jugar con criterio para evitar sus contragolpes. Intentaremos, sabiendo que hay 180 minutos. Si jugamos pensando en la vuelta salimos escaldados". {Marca, 17 January 2012}

"The referees have difficult jobs. Tomorrow, millions of people will see them and they won't want to make any mistakes. As well as me and the players. Football is becoming faster all the time. I want my players to understand that. I'm not anybody to tell them what they can say. They know that in four years, I have never remarked about referees in my comments. Many times, I don't know or want to know who is calling us (officiating our games). I myself don't even know who will call it.

I've always thought that going to the Bernabeu to see what happens from the time the games were eternal, nothing ever happens. Here, Real Madrid always scores on you, they have good shots from outside the box and are strong on set pieces. The only way to come away with a good result is to go out to win the game, control the ball and play with a criterion to avoid their counter-attacks. We'll set out knowing that there are 180 minutes (to play). If we play thinking about the return leg (next Wednesday), we're in for a scandal."

Reuters Pictures

Andres Iniesta in action against Fabio Coentrao
during the last Clasico at the Bernabeu.

Jose' Mourinho of Real Madrid:

"No voy a decir mi equipo, porque además todavía no lo sé. Puede que haya tres o cuatro cambios. Si juega Ramos de lateral, me van a criticar porque es mejor de central. Si juega Fabio de lateral derecho, me van a criticar porque es zurdo. Si juega Lass de lateral, me van a criticar porque está Khedira lesionado y dejo solo a Xabi. Si juega Pepe de central, me van a criticar porque tiene que jugar en el medio. Pero si le pongo en el medio, me dirán que es mejor de central. Si juego con trivote me van a criticar porque hay que ir a atacar. Si juego al ataque, me dirán que había que poblar el medio y me criticarán igual. Si juega Higuaín, me criticarán porque no juega Benzema. Y si juega Benzema, me van a criticar porque no juega Higuaín que marcó un gol en Mallorca. Mejor nos vamos al cine mañana y luego vemos el resultado y opinamos".

"I'm not going to name my team because as of yet, I don't know it. There could be three or four changes. If Sergio Ramos plays on the outside, they are going to criticize me because he's better in the middle. If Fabio Coentrao plays on the right side, they are going to criticize me because he is a left-footed player. If Lass plays as a fullback, they are going to criticize me because Khedira is hurt and I'm leaving Xabi alone. If Pepe plays as a centerback, they are going to criticize me because he has to play in the midfield. But if I put him there, they'll say he's better as a centerback.

If I play with three holding midfielders, they are going to criticize me because you have to attack. If I play to attack, they'll say that I should have put more players in the midfield and they'll criticize me all the same. If Higuain plays, they will criticize me because Benzema isn't playing. And if Benzema plays, they are going to criticize me because Higuain doesn't play who scored a goal against Mallorca.

It's better that we go to the cinema tomorrow and then we'll see the result and discuss it."

"El eliminado en Copa tiene dos partidos menos que jugar en febrero. El equipo que quede eliminado tendrá una ventaja en el calendario, eso es verdad, pero no seamos hipócritas: el equipo quiere pasar y el Barça también. Son partidos especiales. El campeonato es prioritario, sí, pero mañana es un gran partido. No es un torneo amistoso o de verano...". {Marca, 17 January 2012}

"Getting knocked out in the Copa del Rey means two fewer games to play in February. The team that goes out will have an advantage on the fixtures list. That's the truth, but let's not be hypocrites. The team wants to go through and so does Barcelona. They are special games. The league is the priority, true, but tomorrow is a great match. It's not a friendly tournament or summer game."

Note: A special thanks to Juan Arango of GolTV for his expertise on Spanish football terminology in this section of quotes by Mourinho.

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid:

Reuters Pictures

Cristiano Ronaldo during the last Clasico at the Bernabeu.

"Antes de los partidos me relajo, la presión no puede conmigo. Yo trato de mantenerme positivo y permanecer seguro de mí mismo en todo momento. Mi fuerza mental es muy importante para mí".

"Eso es lo que trato de hacer: ganar y jugar bien. Mi motivación viene de aquí, independientemente de quién sea el rival. Tienes que trabajar en tu propio juego, concentrarte en mejorar tu técnica de manera que puedas derrotar a quien tienes enfrente. Hacer tus pases, cruces de balón, lo que sea mejor para el equipo. Somos profesionales, así que no debería de importar el adversario al que nos enfrentamos”.

“La Liga española y la Premier son las dos mejores ligas, pero voy a ser muy honesto. La liga inglesa es más competitiva. La española es competitiva, pero no tanto como la Premier”. {Marca, 16 January 2012}

"I'm relaxed before games. Pressure doesn't get to me. I try to stay positive and remain sure of myself at all times. My mental strength is very important to me. That's what I try to do: to win and play well. My motivation comes from here; independent of whom is the opponent.

You have to work on your own play. Concentrate to make your technique better so that you can beat whomever is in your path. You make your passes and crosses for what is best for the team. We are professionals. For that, it shouldn't matter which opponent that we face."

"The Spanish Primera and the Premiership are the two best leagues. But I'm going to be very honest. The Premier League is more competitive. The Spanish league is competitive but not as much as the Premiership."

Xavi of FC Barcelona:

"Me gusta jugar en el Bernabéu, sinceramente. El Real Madrid es el rival histórico para los culés y es un campo especial. Gusta jugarlos, uno está motivado evidentemente. Hace que el partido sea más tenso, más intenso. Me gusta jugar allí", reconoció. Me quedo con el 5-0 del Camp Nou del año pasado por la superioridad del equipo, fue la excelencia". {Marca, 16 January 2012}

"I truly like to play at the Bernabeu. Real Madrid is a historic rival for Barcelona fans and is a special place. To enjoy playing them, one is motivated, obviously. It will be a very tense game. More intense. I like to play there.

The 5-0 from last year at the Camp Nou stays with me for the superiority of the team. It was excellence."

Dani Alves of FC Barcelona:

"En los clásicos siempre hay un equilibrio, independientemente de cómo estén los dos equipos. Intentaremos que se vea un gran partido de fútbol y que nosotros estemos a nuestro nivel. Hay competir bien para poder sacar cosas positivas en el Bernabéu", afirmó. "Son partidos que nos gusta jugar porque disfrutamos muchísimo. Nos toca una vez más. Es normal. Los equipos grandes cuando están bien tienen que enfrentarse más de una vez durante la temporada. Nos prepararemos bien y a ver qué pasa. He jugado bastantes partidos de estas características y el balance es muy positivo". {Marca, 15 January 2012}

"There's always a balance in the Clasicos regardless how the two teams are doing. We'll try that fans see a great game of football and that we'll be at our level. You have to compete well to be able to come away with positive things at the Bernabeu.

They are games that we like to play because we enjoy them a great deal. It means more to us. It's normal. Great sides, when they are doing well, have to face each other more than once during the season. We'll prepare well and we will see what happens.

I've played enough games like these and the overall record is very positive."

Javier Mascherano of FC Barcelona:

Getty Images

FC Barcelona celebrates their last Clasico win at the Bernabeu
in December 2011.

"Creo que se ha demostrado en los últimos Clásicos que no importa cómo llegue uno o cómo llegue otro. El que lo haga mejor va a obtener el mejor resultado... Son partidos que todo el mundo quiere ver. Cuando juega el Barça-Madrid hay siempre récord de audiencia. Lo más importante es tratar de hacerlo lo mejor posible. Después, si aburre o no, cada uno tiene su pensamiento. El mío es que los que podemos jugar estos partidos somos unos elegidos, no pasa todos los días... Somos dos equipos que se conocen muchísimo... Tiene grandísimos jugadores y de muchísima experiencia que no se van a dejar vencer fácil. Algún día vamos a perder con el Madrid". {Marca, 13 January 2012}

"I believe that the last set of Clasicos showed that it's not important how one or the other gets there. The one who does better is going to get the best result...

They are games that everyone wants to see. When Barcelona plays Real Madrid, there's always a record audience. The most important thing is to treat it in the best way possible. Later, if it bores you or not, each one has his own thought. Mine is that those of us who can play these games are the chosen ones. It doesn't happen everyday...

We are two teams who know each other very well. They have great players with a lot of experience that won't make winning easy.

Some day, we are going to lose to Real Madrid."

Spanish source of quotes: Marca, 13-17 January 2012.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

Related Articles at World Football Commentaries

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "Please Excuse the Delay."

2012-01-13T13:55:00.003-05:00

Getty Images

Francesco Totti of AS Roma v. Chievo Verona:
"Please excuse the delay."

We have quotes this week from Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi, Vincenzo Montella, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gigi Buffon, Wesley Sneijder, Claudio Ranieri and Carlo Ancelotti.

Francesco Totti of AS Roma on his tee-shirt celebration and thoughts about his teammate, Daniele De Rossi:

"è stata una liberazione, ero consapevole che prima o poi sarei tornato a segnare. Ci tenevo a partire bene con l'anno nuovo, era una giornata che aspettavo da tanto, vincere con i miei gol non succedeva da un po'. Un progetto senza De Rossi "è una ipotesi che non mi piace. Ha una trattava e io non sono preoccupato. Penso che rimarrà ma dobbiamo aspettare". {Corriere dello Sport}

"It was a liberation. I knew that sooner or later I'd return to score. I wanted to start out the new year well. It was a game that I waited a long time for, and to win with my goals hadn't happened in a while."

A project without De Rossi, "Is a thought that I don't like. He has a deal and I'm not worried. I think that he'll remain but we have to wait (to see)."

Daniele De Rossi of AS Roma was coy about his AS Roma future but hails the playing style of his boss, Luis Enrique:

"La standing ovation non è legata al futuro ma perchè sono uscito per la prima volta in due anni. Continuo a non parlarne ed avere le idee sempre più chiare e continuo a lavorare con grandissima soddisfazione". Dopo la sosta non si è spenta la fiamma: "È stato bello - ammette il centrocampista della Roma - partire così. A volte ci siamo ammosciati dopo un paio di vittorie e invece continuare con questo piglio e questo gioco fantastico era importantissimo". L'abbraccio con Luis Enrique? "È per prima cosa un discorso tecnico tattico perchè giochiamo in modo fantastico. Poi il discorso del saluto, è come saluta tutti i giocatori. Con lui ho un rapporto ottimo". {Corriere dello Sport}

"The standing ovation is not tied to the future, but because I was subbed out for the first time in two years. I continue not to talk (about his contract or leaving) and always have clearer ideas and I keep working with great satisfaction. It's was great to start out like this after the holiday break. At times, we fell back after a pair of victories and instead to continue with this style and fantastic play was very important."

On his embrace with Luis Enrique?

"It was first of all for a technical, tactical discussion because we played in a fantastic way. Then on the matter of the greeting. It's how he greets all the players (when they are subbed out). I have a great rapport with him."

Vincenzo Montella of Catania didn't take the usual "it's just another game" about his first game as manager against his former team, AS Roma:

"Avrò voglia di vincere come sempre, forse più di sempre. Non sarà - ammette - una partita come le altre. Perchè lì mi hanno fatto iniziare come allenatore. Nessuna voglia di rivalsa. Io ho sempre voluto vincere, in campo come in famiglia con i miei fratelli". {Corriere dello Sport}

"I'll have the same will to win like always. Perhaps more than always. It won't be a game like the rest. Because Roma gave me my start as a manager...

There's no desire of revenge. I've always wanted to win. On the pitch and in my own family with my brothers."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan doesn't care who scores and makes a promise to Carlos Tevez:

"Io voglio vincere. Se segno io, Pato, Robinho, Cassano o Inzaghi per me è uguale, alla fine l'importante è vincere". Se arrivasse Tevez, farai segnare anche lui? "Sicuro". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"I want to win. If I, Pato, Robinho, Cassano or Inzaghi score it's all the same to me. At the end of the day, the important thing is to win."

If Carlos Tevez arrives, will you set him up as well?

"Of course."

Gigi Buffon of Juventus wants a rule change when a penalty kick is awarded and the last defender and/or keeper is then red carded:

"Stop a rigore più espulsione... Una schifezza che va eliminata". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"Put an end to the penalty kick and then the straight red card. It's disgusting and needs to be eliminated."

Wesley Sneijder of Internazionale has derby fever:

"Ho avuto una grande giornata oggi: allenamento, pranzo, cure, palestra, ora attendo la cena e poi di nuovo cure. Non vedo l'ora che arrivi il derby di domenica!" {Gazzetta dello Sport via his Twitter}

"I had a great day today. Training, lunch, treatments, gym work, and now I'm going to dinner and then more treatments. I can't wait for the derby to come on Sunday!"

Claudio Ranieri of Internazionale puts the pressure on Milan:

"Stiamo meglio rispetto a due mesi fa, però noi abbiamo ancora moltissimo da lavorare. Per questo, quando dico che hanno loro più da perdere, dico il vero, perché loro stanno lottando per lo scudetto, noi ancora no. Noi stiamo attraversando un anno un po' particolare, abbiamo degli alti e bassi, ma è comunque un periodo che stiamo facendo bene". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"We're better with respect to two months ago but we still have to work a great deal. For this, when I say that they (AC Milan) have more to lose, I'm telling the truth. Because they are fighting for the Scudetto and we aren't. We're going through a year that's a little special. We have highs and lows but it's also a time that we're doing well."

Carlo Ancelotti of PSG gave a concise statement about the Pato deal:

"Eravamo d'accordo con il Milan, è stata una decisione di Pato di voler restare là". {Corriere dello Sport}

"We had a deal with Milan. It was a decision by Pato to want to stay there."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Ballon D'Or Ceremony Celebrates FC Barcelona Excellence in 2011

2012-01-09T17:25:00.015-05:00

Getty Images

Pele, Shakira, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Gerard Pique in Zurich,
Switzerland.

The FIFA World Player/Manager of the Year/Ballon d'Or ceremonies tonight in Zurich, Switzerland, were a celebration of FC Barcelona excellence over the past year.

Josep "Pep" Guardiola was named the 2011 Manager of the Year, and his player, Lionel "Leo" Messi, won the 2011 FIFA Player of the Year/Ballon d'Or honor for the third year on the trot. In the balloting for the player Ballon d'Or, Xavi came in third place and Andres Iniesta, fourth, to further represent the Blaugrana. Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid was runner-up to Messi.

Homare Sawa of Japan won the 2011 FIFA Player of the Year/Ballon d'Or for women.

Getty Images

Lionel Messi, Homare Sawa, and Abby Wambach in
Zurich, Switzerland.

Josep Guardiola

Getty Images

Josep Guardiola in Zurich, Switzerland.

"Quisiera compartir este premio con Mourinho y Ferguson y con todos los entrenadores del mundo que aman este deporte. Se lo quiero dedicar también a los miles de personas que han trabajado en el Barcelona durante muchos años. Es un privilegio y un honor formar parte de este grupo que es el Barcelona".

"Para acabar, quiero dedicar este premio a Tito Vilanova, mi compañero, mi asistente, Va por tí Tito".

"I would like to share this award with Jose Mourinho and Alex Ferguson and with all of the managers of the world who love this sport. If I can, I want to dedicate it also to the thousands of persons who work for Barcelona for many years. It's a privilege and an honor to be part of this group that is Barcelona."

"Finally, I want to dedicate this award to Tito Vilanova. My good friend and my assistant. It's going to you, Tito."

Lionel Messi

"Es un placer muy grande ganar este premio por tercera vez. Quiero agradecer y compartir el premio con la gente que me votó, con mis compañeros del Barcelona y de la selección argentina y éste lo quiero compartir con mi amigo Xavi. Es la cuarta vez que estamos juntos en esta gala".

El argentino acabó dejando este mensaje a su amigo Xavi: "Tú también te lo mereces y para mí es un placer estar contigo en la cancha y en esta gala"."Xavi, tú también te lo mereces"

"It's a great pleasure to win this award for the third time. I want to thank and share the award with the people who voted for me, with my teammates at Barcelona and the Argentinean national team. And I want to share this with my friend, Xavi. It's the fourth time that we've been together at this gala."

"Xavi, you also deserve this award."

Xavi Hernandez

"No juego para ganar el Balón de Oro, pienso en el equipo, en el colectivo, en ganar cosas con el Barcelona y con la selección española, con la que este verano tenemos la Eurocopa. He venido a disfrutar de la gala, a disfrutar de todo esto, de la buena salud del Barcelona, de la selección española. A disfrutar con Leo, de su tercer Balón de Oro, que se lo merece".

"La mención de Messi es más importante que cualquier premio".

"I don't play to win the Ballon d'Or. I think of the team as a whole to win things with Barcelona and the Spanish national side with whom this summer we have the Euro 2012.

I came to enjoy the gala, to enjoy everything about it, the good health of Barcelona and the Spanish national team. To enjoy it with Leo (Messi), his third Golden Ball, that he deserves."

"What Messi said is more important than any award."

Spanish source of quotes: Marca, 9 January 2012.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "He needs a special translator only for him."

2012-01-07T00:02:00.004-05:00

Getty Images

This week we have quotes by Antonio Conte, Alessandro Matri, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rino Gattuso, Alexandre Pato, Aurelio De Laurentiis and Roberto Mancini.

Antonio Conte of Juventus thinks discussion of a Juve-Milan showdown is too premature:

«Se dovesse durare il testa a testa Juve-Milan vorrebbe dire che avremmo fatto qualcosa di straordinario. Sinceramente trovo prematuro fare determinati discorsi. È inevitabile che se dovesse accadere significherebbe che noi avremmo fatto qualcosa di straordinario, perchè non dimentichiamo mai da dove arriviamo. Dobbiamo essere orgogliosi di quello che abbiamo realizzato in poco tempo. Però aggiungo che a dicembre non si è fatto niente, bisogna vedere dove e come si arriva a maggio». {Corriere dello Sport}

"If I had to endure a head-to-head with Juve-Milan, I'd want to say that we did something extraordinary. Sincerely, I find it premature to have this type of talk. It's inevitable that if it happened, it would mean that we did something extraordinary. Because let's never forget where we came. We have to be proud of what we've accomplished in a brief time. But I add that you haven't done anything in December. You have to see where and how you arrive in May."

Alessandro Matri of Juventus welcomes the arrival of another striker, Marco Borriello:

«Non mi preoccupa il suo arrivo. È un attaccante in più, è un rinforzo in più per noi, che ci permette di arrivare alla fine di questo campionato ben attrezzati. Si aggregherà ad un gruppo di attaccanti ben composto. Siamo tanti davanti? Siamo come tutte le altre squadre, siamo in cinque., sei, sette…» {Corriere dello Sport}

"I'm not worried about his arrival. He's an extra striker, an added reinforcement for us, that allows us to arrive at the end of the championship well equipped. He'll add to a well-formed group of attackers. They are five, six, seven of us..."

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan gave a hint about his future from winter training in Dubai:

"Sì, spero di essere in attività ancora per due o tre anni. Poi vediamo che cosa succederà in futuro. Tutto è possibile. Dobbiamo solo aspettare e vedere. Penso che fare l'allenatore sia una grossa responsabilità e quindi è più semplice essere un giocatore". "E' molto probabile -ha dichiarato Ibrahimovic a 'Sportbladet'- Anche se in precedenza avevo detto di no". {Corriere dello Sport and Sportbladet}

"Yes, I hope to play for two or three more years. Then we'll see what will happen in the future. Anything is possible. We have to wait and see. I think being a manager is a big responsibility. Therefore, it's easier to be a player. It's very probable (to be a coach). Even if before I said no."

Rino Gattuso of AC Milan described his difficult recovery from an eye-nerve problem that kept him sidelined until the Dubai friendly v. PSG:

La cosa più difficile in questi mesi è stata affrontare il quotidiano. Non è facile svegliarsi la mattina e vederci triplo o quadruplo. La mia famiglia e i miei amici mi hanno dato la serenità giusta e mi sono sempre stati vicini. Il Milan è come la mia famiglia. Nella mia carriera ho fatto cose buone e meno buone, ma la società mi ha sempre aiutato tanto". {Corriere dello Sport}

"The most difficult thing in these months was to face each day. It wasn't easy to wake up every morning to see three or four images. My family and friends gave me the right serenity and were always close to me. Milan is like my family. In my career, I've done good and bad things, but the Milan organization has always helped me a great deal."

Alexandre Pato of AC Milan saw an old friend in Dubai but remained elusive about his rossoneri future:

"Ho salutato Ancelotti, come era giusto e normale che fosse ma non abbiamo parlato di mercato, Voi sapete meglio di me la situazione, visto che lo avete scritto sui giornali...". {Corriere dello Sport}

"I said hello to Ancelotti as was proper and normal but we didn't speak of the transfer market. You (journalists) know the situation better than I seeing what you've written in the papers."

Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner of Napoli, dares to dream and praises his manager, Walter Mazzarri:

"Non dimentichiamo da dove siamo partiti, è lecito sognare, ma restiamo sempre con i piedi per terra...Mazzarri è una forza della natura, è estremamente coinvolto nel lavoro che fa. Pensa soltanto a quello e fa benissimo. Lo apprezzo tanto, condivido questa sua incisiva concentrazione". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"Let's not forget where we came from. It was fine to dream but let's always keep our feet on the ground. Walter Mazzarri is a force of nature. He's extremely involved in his work. He only thinks about that and does very well. I appreciate him a great deal. I share his incisive concentration."

Roberto Mancini of Manchester City thinks that Mario Balotelli needs a special translator:

"Balotelli è davvero una persona strana: è un bravo ragazzo, è gentile, ma non lo capisco e a volte mi sembra di aver bisogno di un traduttore speciale solo per lui”. {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"Balotelli is really a strange person. He's a great lad, he's kind, but I don't understand him. And at times, it seems to me that he needs a special translator only for him."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "With all of the kilometers I'm doing, I'll end up in Bari."

2012-01-02T00:02:00.001-05:00

Getty Images
Antonio Cassano, with his wife, Carolina,
and son in Milan on Christmas Eve, 2011.

We have quotes this week from Giovanni Trapattoni, Alessandro Del Piero, Antonio Cassano, Claudio Ranieri, Roberto Mancini, Mirko Vucinic and Alexandre Pato.

Giovanni Trapattoni, manager of the Republic of Ireland, on the damage of the recent betting admission by one of his former Azzurri players, Cristiano Doni:

"Una mazzata per il calcio italiano. All'estero noi allenatori italiani siamo additati come truffaldini: la parola che spesso usano è mafia. "Doni lo reputavo un ragazzo intelligente - ha aggiunto Trapattoni, che fece esordire in Nazionale il giocatore dell'Atalanta -. Mi devo ricredere. Già in passato era incappato in storie strane". In tutto il mondo, la sua conclusione, "esiste una rete di scommesse, ma altrove i calciatori non scommettono, e non si truccano le partite". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"It's a massacre for Italian football. Abroad, we Italian managers are earmarked as predators. The word that they usually use is Mafia. I considered Doni and intelligent lad (who gave the Atalanta player his first Azzurri cap). I had to change my mind. In the past, he was already getting into strange incidents." In the whole world, in his conclusion, "a betting network exists, but elsewhere players don't bet and they don't fix games."

Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus wants a fountain of youth:

"Smettere? Da qui a 10 anni giocherò ancora". Sorride ovviamente, poi spiega meglio: "Per fortuna le gambe vanno ancora e conto di giocare ancora per un po. Il mio futuro è la Juve e penso solo a giocare". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"Quit? From this point, I'll play another 10 years." He smiles obviously, but then gives a better explanation:

"Luckily, my legs are still going strong and I count on still playing for awhile. My future is Juventus and I only think of playing."

Antonio Cassano of AC Milan discusses his walking therapy and friendship with Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

"C'è stato l'imprevisto -a detto il giocatore del Milan -, ma l'importante era tornare a vivere. Devo aspettare sei mesi per giocare. Intanto cammino, cammino, cammino. Con tutti i chilometri che sto facendo arrivo a Bari". ibra grande amico — Cassano ha parlato anche del suo rapporto con Zlatan Ibrahimovic: "È uno dei miei migliori amici, anche se mi mette pressione per rientrare. Ho un ottimo rapporto con lui e con tutto il Milan. È strano che io abbia un bel rapporto con tutti, ma è vero. Però sono sempre io...". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"It was unforeseen, but it was important to return to live. I have to wait six months to play. So, I'm walking, walking and walking. With all the kilometers that I'm doing, I'll end up back in Bari (his hometown).

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of my best friends even if he puts pressure on me to come back. I have a great rapport with him and with everyone at Milan. It's strange that I get along with everyone, but it is true. But I'm always me..."

Claudio Ranieri, manager of Internazionale, said that the light at the end of the tunnel is named Wesley Sneijder:

"Sneijder non deve essere uno della rosa, ma il nostro condottiero, quello che ci prende per mano e ci porta lontano. Se lo sarà anche nel derby per dare la vittoria all'Inter? Non credo che possano esistere favoriti nel derby, il derby azzera tutto. Bisogna solo prepararlo bene e viverlo meglio in campo". {Corriere dello Sport}

"Sneijder can't be just another player but our conductor. One who takes us by the hand and brings us a long way. Will the Milan derby be a victory to Inter? I don't believe that there exists favorites in the derby. The derby is the same for everyone. You only need to prepare for it well and experience it better on the pitch."

Roberto Mancini of Manchester City wants Mario Balotelli to put out the fire off the pitch:

"Non esagera: penso 5-6 sigarette al giorno, ma per me non va bene. Gli ho detto di smettere, ma io non sono suo padre o sua madre"... {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"I'm not kidding. I think he smokes five or six cigarettes every day, but for me, that's not good. I told him to quit but I'm not his father or mother."

Mirko Vucinic has a New Year's Wish and welcomes his former Roma teammate, Marco Borriello, to the Old Lady:

"Spero che il 2012 sia l’anno della mia consacrazione. Con qualche mio gol e le vittorie della Juve potrebbe davvero essere una stagione speciale... Non l’ho sentito in questi giorni, ma di lui posso solo parlare bene. Tutti lo conoscono, è un bravissimo attaccante e poi è anche un bel ragazzo... Io preoccupato per la concorrenza nel reparto d'attacco? No, assolutamente: più siamo e meglio è". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"I hope that 2012 will be the year of my consecration. With some of my goals and the wins by Juventus, it could be a special season...

I haven't spoken with Borriello recently but of him, I can only speak well. Everyone knows him. He's an excellent striker and also a great guy. Am I worried about sharing time in attack? No, absolutely not. The more of us, the better it is."

Alexandre Pato of AC Milan squashes rumors of problems with his boss, Massimiliano Allegri:

«Non ci sono problemi, vogliamo continuare a vincere per il Milan. Con lui ho un rapporto professionale, si può lavorare bene senza essere amici: una cosa è il lavoro e un’altra la sfera privata che tengo da parte, sono d’accordo con Aquilani quando dice che il tecnico deve essere un capo e non un amico. In rossonero ho avuto tre allenatori: Ancelotti, Leonardo e Allegri. Tutti molto bravi e con la stessa voglia di vincere». {Corriere dello Sport}

"There aren't any problems. We want to continue winning for Milan. With him (Allegri), I have a professional relationship. You can work well without being friends. One thing is work and I keep my private life separately. I agree with (Alberto) Aquilani when he says that the manager must be a boss and not a friend. At AC Milan, I've had three managers: Ancelotti, Leonardo and Allegri. All were great and with the same desire to win."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Carlo Ancelotti Named As the New Manager of Paris Saint Germain

2012-01-01T00:02:00.000-05:00

AP Photo

Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo at his presentation in Paris.

Carlo Ancelotti was formally presented on Friday in Paris as the new manager of PSG. He has been a SKY Italia pundit since his sacking at Chelsea last year.

Leonardo on his New Manager:

"Ancelotti non ha bisogno di presentazioni; la sua storia fantastica basta".

"Ancelotti doesn't need any introduction. His fantastic history speaks for itself."

Carlo Ancelotti:

"Spero di fare un grande lavoro; farò il massimo per imparare il francese nel miglior modo possibile, anche se preferirei continuare la conferenza in italiano". "Il mio ruolo? Stare sul campo con i giocatori. Con la società c'è unità d'intenti".

"I hope to do a great job. I'll do everything to learn French in the best way possible even if I prefer to continue the press conference in Italian. My role? To be on the pitch with the players. With the club, there is a unity of intentions."

On David Beckham and the Transfer Market:

"Sul mercato ci penserà la società... Non so cosa vuole fare David; deve riflettere perché ci sono questioni personali che riguardano la sua famiglia... Parlare oggi di nomi non penso sia buono, perché si tratta di giocatori che sono stabili in altre squadre, e inoltre parlarne fa aumentare i prezzi richiesti dai loro club".

"The club management will handle the transfer market. I don't know what David (Beckham) wants to do. He'll need to think over things because there are personal questions that concern his family. I don't believe it's good to speak today of names because you find players who are established in other clubs. Besides, speaking about them will only drive up their prices from their clubs."

On His Backroom Staff:

Ci sarà Ray Wilkins, suo secondo al Chelsea, e ci saranno il preparatore atletico Giovanni Mauri, "che ha lavorato con me al Milano per 8 anni e poi al Chelsea, e Claude Makelele come assistente. Sarà inoltre confermato l'allenatore dei portieri, Gilles Bourges, insieme ai preparatori atletici che hanno lavorato con Antione Kombouarè. Abbiamo ancora da definire alcune posizioni - ha poi precisato - lo faremo nei prossimi giorni, e vi saranno comunicate".

There will be Ray Wilkins, his assistant at Chelsea and also the athletic trainer, Giovanni Mauri, "who worked with me in Milan for eight years and then at Chelsea, and Claude Makelele, as an assistant coach.

Moreover, the goalkeeper's coach, Gilles Bourges, will stay on, together with the athletic trainers who worked with Antione Kombouare. We still need to define a few positions. We'll do that in the coming days and they will be communicated to you."

Italian source of text: Psg, Ancelotti ha firmato. "Voglio fare un grande lavoro". Gazzetta dello Sport, 30 December 2011.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Fabio Capello at Globe Soccer 2011 in Dubai

2011-12-29T14:08:00.010-05:00

Getty Images

England manager, Fabio Capello with Tiarnan Smith during a visit to the Great Ormond Street Hospital on December 12, 2011 in London, England.

England manager, Fabio Capello, spoke today at the annual meeting of "Globe Soccer." in Dubai. Mr. Capello made some interesting comments about globalization, youth development in Italy, the model at Udinese, Michel Platini, Carlo Ancelotti, and the demand for Italian managers abroad.

On Globalization

«In Europa si rischia l'identità storica e culturale di un calcio che rappresenta molto, per questo è giusto lodare la Spagna e il suo conservato amore per la formazione», ha detto il ct dell'Inghilterra, rilevando che «la globalizzazione porta anche problemi». «In Italia gli stranieri presenti nei settori giovanili sono il 40% - ha precisato - in Inghilterra andiamo oltre, al punto che nella Premier la selezione possibile per la Nazionale è tra poco più del 30% dei calciatori presenti».

"In Europe, you risk the historic and cultural identity of a football that represents a lot. For this reason, it's proper to praise Spain and keeping its love for the formation...

Globalization has also brought problems. In Italy, foreigners present in the youth ranks comprise 40 percent (of the total players). In England, we're going beyond to the point in the Premier League that the possible selection for the national team will shortly be 30 percent of the present players."

Pur sottolineando che «nessuno vuole frenare la storia» e portando l'esempio dell'Udinese («bravissima» nel cercare «su tutti i mercati possibili con competenza»), il tecnico friulano difende «il lavoro di chi costruisce con pazienza e fatica un calciatore». «Ho lavorato per sei anni nel settore giovanile del Milan e non accetto che dopo un simile impegno arrivi qualcuno a portarsi via il prodotto vincente», ammonisce. «Ne ho parlato personalmente con Platini e lui la pensa come me. Vedrete che presto si farà qualcosa»

On Udinese, Youth Development and Michel Platini

He stressed that "nobody wants to stop history." And bringing up the example of Udinese, "excellent" in looking for "all the possible markets with competence." The Friulian manager defends, "the work of whom builds a footballer with patience and difficulty."

"I worked for six years in the AC Milan youth sector and I don't accept that after a similar engagement, someone arrives to take away the winning product... I spoke personally with Michel Platini (UEFA President) and he thinks as I do. You will soon see that something will be done."

On Carlo Ancelotti and other Italian Managers Abroad

«Ancelotti è pronto a guidare qualsiasi macchina visto l'esperienza internazionale che ha accumulato». «Abbiamo allenatori importanti e di successo che si stanno facendo valere come Spalletti, Zaccheroni, Mancini. Si vede che la scuola italiana è molto buona ma c'è anche un risvolto negativo: molti bravi tecnici vanno via dall'Italia. Chiediamoci il perchè».

"Carlo Ancelotti is ready to drive any car (he used that term) given his past international experience. We have important and successful managers who are showing their worth such as Luciano Spalletti (Zenit St. Petersburg), Alberto Zaccheroni (Japanese national team), and Roberto Mancini (Manchester City.) You see that the Italian school is very good but there is also a rude awakening: Many good managers leave Italy. We have to ask why."

Italian source of text: Capello: «Difendere i vivai. Platini concorda con me», Corriere dello Sport, 29 December 2011.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Translated Discussion with Marcello Lippi and Cesare Prandelli

2011-12-29T00:02:00.003-05:00

Getty Images

Oscar Washington Tabarez of Uruguay and Cesare Prandelli
last November in Rome.

The past and the present of the Azzurri took part in a rare joint interview with the Rome-based sports daily, il Corriere dello Sport. Marcello Lippi, winner of the 2006 World Cup, and also the manager of the Italian disaster in South Africa, joined the current Azzurri boss, Cesare Prandelli. Alberto Polverosi and Andrea Santon conducted the interview. But as you will see, it was more of a behind-the-scenes discussion between the two coaches.

Lippi e Prandelli, questi ultimi venti anni di calcio, per entrambi partono da Bergamo, Atalanta 1992/93, rispettivamente tecnico della Prima squadra e della Primavera. Sotto con i ricordi incrociati.

Lippi and Prandelli, for these last 20 years of football, both of them set out from Bergamo with Atalanta in 1992/92. They were managers of the senior side and the youth team, respectively. Below with the memories when their paths crossed.

Lippi: «Cesare me lo ricordo entusiasta. E io, che guidavo la prima squadra, cominciai a portare con me alcuni dei suoi ragazzi. Uno era Tacchinardi, che feci esordire a 17 anni. Poi il povero Pisani, e Morfeo».

Lippi: "I remember Cesare as enthusiastic. And I, who managed the first team, began to bring with me some of his players. One was Alessio Tacchinardi who I gave his first-team start at the age of 17. Then, Pisani and Morfeo."

Prandelli: «Ma tu facesti esordire Tacchinardi: Chicco Pisani e Morfeo solo in amichevole».

Prandelli: "But you gave Tacchinardi his first start. Chicco Pisani and Domenico Morfeo only played in friendlies."

Lippi: «Già, insomma, penso di poter dire che tra noi c'era un bel rapporto. Avevo 44 anni, ho anche le foto di quel Lippi e di quel Prandelli lì...».

Lippi: "Well, I think between us we had a good rapport. I was 44 years old. I still have pictures of that Lippi and Prandelli there..."

E Prandelli come ricorda, appunto, quel Lippi?

And Prandelli, how do you really remember, Lippi in those days?

Prandelli : «La nostra era una dimensione “fatta” in casa. L'arrivo di Lippi è stato quello di una figura di riferimento. Non so come dire: è arrivato il professionista».

Prandelli: "Ours was a style 'made' at home. The arrival of Lippi was one of a reference point. I don't know how to say it: the professional arrived."

In quegli stessi anni, Sacchi arrivava alla guida della Nazionale. Segno di una rivoluzione?

In those same years, Arrigo Sacchi arrived to guide the Azzurri. Was it a sign of a revolution?

Lippi : «Io non penso che Sacchi abbia cambiato il calcio. Io credo che abbia cambiato la filosofia del lavoro sul campo. Per giocare il suo calcio bisognava allenarsi in modo intenso, per raggiungere i suoi automatismi. Dicendo questo non sminuisco il suo valore. In fondo ha cambiato anche la mia visione delle cose. Perché gli allenatori sanno cambiare».

Lippi: "I don't think that Sacchi changed football. I believe that he began the philosophy of work on the pitch. To play his brand of football, you had to train in an intense way to arrive at his types of automated movements. Saying this, I don't diminish his value. At the end of the day, he even changed my way of seeing things. Because managers know how to change."

Un esempio?

For example?

Lippi : «Quando nel 1994 sono andato alla Juve ero stato preceduto da Trapattoni, un altro grandissimo allenatore. Quella Juve non vinceva da tanti anni. Io ho portato qualcosa di nuovo, che prevedeva di andare a conquistare la palla qualche metro più avanti, anche in virtù delle caratteristiche dei miei attaccanti, Vialli e Ravanelli, forti fisicamente ma non velocissimi. Inutile dunque avere spazi larghi. Meglio il pressing alto, e poi accorciare coi centrocampisti e con la difesa per mantenere certi equilibri. Da qui viene l’idea che devi fare ogni tanto il fuorigioco, non sistematico. Vai a convincere quei giocatori...».

Lippi: "When I went to Juventus in 1994, Giovanni Trapattoni, another great coach, preceded me. That Juventus team hadn't won anything in many years. I brought something new. That was based on going to win the ball a few meters higher. Also taking in account the qualities of my strikers, Gianluca Vialli and Fabrizio Ravanelli, who were physically strong but not very fast. It was futile to play them into large spaces. It was better to press higher up, and then cut back with midfielders and the defense to maintain a certain balance. From here came the idea that you will play the offside trap once in awhile, but not systematically. You have to convince those players..."

Prandelli: «Sono d’accordo nel dire che Arrigo è stato un innovatore nella programmazione del lavoro settimanale. Certe metodologie erano nuove. Il problema è che, a livello di settori giovanili, ci sono stati tecnici che hanno scopiazzato Arrigo facendo dei disastri, diciamolo pure in modo chiaro. Un innovatore è stato anche Marcello, proprio alla Juve. Mi è piaciuta la sua spiegazione sul fuorigioco, non come tattica sistematica ma come conseguenza logica di una pressione».

Prandelli: "I agree saying that Arrigo Sacchi was an innovator in programming weekly training sessions. Certain methodologies were new. The problem was that, at the youth sector, there were managers who copied Sacchi poorly which created disasters. Let's clearly call it what it was. Marcello Lippi was also an innovator at Juventus. I liked his explanation of offside. Not as a tactical system but as a logical consequence of pressing."

Lippi: «Il mio manifesto è il mio primo Juve-Milan, il Milan di Gullit-Van Basten, di questa gente qua. Vincemmo con un gol di Baggio, di testa, cross di Di Livio in mezzo ai tre lunghi. E il Milan finì undici volte in fuorigioco, come gridavano i miei nello spogliatoio!».

Lippi: "My manifesto was the first Juventus v. AC Milan match. The Milan side of Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, of those people. We won with a goal by Roberto Baggio on a header, with a cross in the middle by Angelo Di Livio after three long passes. And Milan had 11 offsides calls as they yelled out in my dressing room!"

In quegli stessi anni è arrivato in alto il Foggia di Zeman. Quale segno ha lasciato il calcio di Zdenek?

During these same years, the Foggia of Zdenek Zeman arrived on the scene. What mark did Zdenek leave on Italian football?

Translator's Note: Zeman was a harsh critic of Juventus and leveled many doping accusations.

Lippi: «Le squadre di Zeman hanno fatto vedere un bel calcio offensivo, che tutti gli hanno riconosciuto. Certi movimenti, i tagli, le situazioni d’attacco che lui riesce a ricreare dove allena, e in poco tempo, sono altamente spettacolari, a discapito dell’equilibrio complessivo però. Ma vincere campionati, battere il Real 5-0, alzare le coppe, sono queste Prandelli: E il mio dipende dai risultatile cose che lasciano il segno».

Lippi: "Zeman's teams played a very beautiful offensive football that everyone recognized. Certain movements, cuts, situations of attack that he was able to create where he managed. And in little time, they were supremely spectacular, at the misunderstanding of a complete balance in a team. But to win titles, to beat Real Madrid 5-0, to raise Cups, these are of Prandelli. Mine depended on useful results that left a mark."

Quali squadre hanno giocato un bel calcio in questi anni?

Which teams played great football in these years?

Lippi: «Quante ce ne sono state... L'Udinese, per esempio. Sono anni che gioca un bel calcio. Lo ha fatto con Spalletti, con Zaccheroni, con Guidolin, è la filosofia di gioco della società che ben si sposa con le ambizioni degli allenatori. E la Fiorentina di Cesare ha giocato un bel calcio, che lasciava prevedere delle evoluzioni future positive, intuire una dimensione di crescita»

Lippi: "There were so many... Udinese, for example. They've played great football for years. They did it with Luciano Spalletti, with Alberto Zaccheroni and Francesco Guidolin. It's a philosophy of play from the club that is well-suited with the ambitions of the managers. And the Fiorentina of Cesare Prandelli played a beautiful football. He left behind a forecast of positive future evolutions and to imagine a dimension of growth."

Prandelli: «Qualcosina la mia Fiorentina ha fatto vedere... Ma, a parte questo, per me il miglior calcio degli ultimi dieci anni è stato quello della Roma di Spalletti. Palla a terra, pochi riferimenti davanti, Totti tra le linee, gli esterni che andavano: è un modo di giocare che apprezzo»

Prandelli: "You saw a little bit (of this) with my Fiorentina... But, apart from this, for me, the best football of the last ten years was that of AS Roma with Luciano Spalletti. The ball on the ground with few references up top. Francesco Totti between the lines and the wingers who ran. It's a style of play that I appreciate."

Italian source of text: "Parlanno Ieri, Oggi e Domani; "Corriere dello Sport, 28 December 2011; Alberto Polverosi and Andrea Santon.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: The Courage and Example of Simone Farina

2011-12-28T00:02:00.002-05:00

Reuters Pictures
Cesare Prandelli with Giovanni Trapattoni,
his former manager at Juventus, at the recent
Euro 2012 draw in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Cesare Prandelli rewarded the courage and integrity of Simone Farina from Gubbio (Serie B) with a February 2012 call-up for the potential friendly with the USA in Genoa. Farina turned down and reported an offer of 200,000 euro by a former Roma youth team teammate, Alessandro Zamperini, to fix (influence the goalkeeper and defenders) during Cesena v. Gubbio on 30 November 2011 in the Italian Cup:

"Mi è piaciuto quello che ha fatto, ha dimostrato un grande coraggio e una forza interiore straordinaria - ha detto Prandelli -. Ora tocca a noi non abbandonarlo perché un gesto come il suo non è semplice". {Gazzetta dello Sport}

"I liked what he did. He demonstrated great courage and an extraordinary internal fortitude. Now it's up to us not to abandon him because a gesture such as his is not easy."

Team captain of the Azzurri, Gigi Buffon, on the courage and example of Simone Farina:

"È un gesto di grandissimo valore, pari al gesto di Farina. Mi fa piacere - ha aggiunto Buffon dalle vacanze - che certi esempi positivi non finiscano immediatamente nel dimenticatoio". "Detto questo - la conclusione del capitano azzurro - ho apprezzato tantissimo anche le parole del presidente del Gubbio, che ha elogiato il giocatore ma da persona corretta e per bene è convinta che quello del suo giocatore sia un normale comportamento di qualsiasi persona con valori giusti". Gazzetta dello Sport

"It's a gesture of great value that of Farina. It really pleases me that certain positive examples don't end up right away in a remembrance book. Saying this, I appreciated a great deal the words of the President of Gubbio who praised the player as a proper person and thankfully is convinced that what his player did was normal behavior of any person with similar values."

Azzurri boss, Cesare Prandelli, also will reward the great form of Antonio Di Natale of Udinese:

L'intervista al c.t. della Nazionale, che svela: "Per l’amichevole con gli Usa lo chiamo. Ho deciso. Voglio vederlo con Balotelli, sono entrambi punte di movimento.... {Gazzetta dello Sport"}

"For the friendly against the USA, I'll call him up (Di Natale). I've decided. I want to see him with Balotelli. There are both strikers who move (into space)."

Franco Baldini of AS Roma said that his new Spanish manager, Luis Enrique, has not become "Italianized":

"Luis Enrique 'italianizzato'? Gli italiani hanno tanti modi di giocare, ma se si fa riferimento al vecchio concetto di catenaccio, non riesco proprio a vedere come si possa definire Luis Enrique italianizzato - ha sottolineato Baldini -. Il possesso palla è rimasto sempre lo stesso, è calato contro Juventus e Napoli solo perchè si affrontavano due squadre molto forti". {Corriere dello Sport}

"Is Luis Enrique Italianized yet? Italians have so many ways of playing but if you are making a reference to the old concept of 'catenaccio,' I don't really see how you can say that he is Italianized. Our ball possession has always remained the same. It dropped against Juventus and Napoli only because we were facing two very strong sides."

Francesco Totti of AS Roma on his outburst after the game with Juventus at Stadio Olimpico a few weeks ago:

Vorrei specificare lo sfogo post partita nei confronti dei tifosi della Roma, che so quanto mi amino e mi vogliano bene, e la cosa è reciproca. Però, mi è dispiaciuto il modo in cui si sono esposti in certi momenti, soprattutto davanti ai miei figli. Finché la critica è costruttiva, accetto tutto a testa alta, ma se mi offendono davanti ai miei figli non ci sto. Non volevo offendere i tifosi, ma mi sono sentito tradito quando ho dato il mille per mille per questa maglia". {Corriere dello Sport}

"I'd like to address my outburst after the Juventus game with regards to the Roma fans. I know how much they love and want the best for me. It's mutual. But I didn't like the way they acted in a few instances. Above all, in front of my children. As long as the criticism is constructive, I accept it all with my head held high but not if they insult me in front of my children. I don't want to offend the supporters, but I felt betrayed when I've given everything possible for these colors."

Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus FC had an early Christmas gift and sees blue skies ahead for his side in 2012:

«22 dicembre... Il Natale si avvicina e dopo il pareggio contro l'Udinese dal nostro calendario dell'Avvento spunta la casellina con... il primo posto in classifica, seppure in coabitazione con il Milan", ha scritto Del Piero sul proprio sito ufficiale. «Un bel modo di chiudere il 2011 e di lanciarsi verso un grande 2012». {Corriere dello Sport}

"22 December. Christmas is coming and after the draw against Udinese on our calendar of Advent, the signals show us top of the table even if it's with Milan. It's a great way to close 2011 and launch ourselves towards a great year in 2012."

Gigi Buffon of Juventus tells us that he was even crazier than Mario Balotelli at the same age:

"Probabilmente io ero anche più matto per certi aspetti. Però penso di aver avuto sempre un pregio: che i miei compagni in linea di massima mi hanno voluto sempre tanto bene, e questo credo che sia una qualità che Mario dovrebbe cercare di fare sua. Perché alla fine essere apprezzati dai propri compagni – che non vuol dire essere per forza (scusate il termine) dei leccaculo, perché io non lo sono mai stato -, il rispetto e la simpatia uno se la guadagna con i comportamenti soprattutto in campo". {Corriere dello Sport}

"I was probably crazier (at his age) in certain respects. But I always thought of having an advantage: My peers always wanted the best for me. This, I believe, it also a quality that Mario needs to look for himself. But at the end of the day, to be appreciated by your own teammates, without being an ass kisser, excuse the term, because I never was. Respect and kindness one earns with above all your behavior on the pitch."

Former Azzurri boss, Marcello Lippi, sang high praises for Max Allegri and Antonio Conte:

"Allegri è riuscito a trovare subito un feeling molto giusto con i giocatori del Milan, mi hanno parlato molto bene di lui. Ha creato subito un buon feeling, non credo sia un problema per lui la gestione dei grandi personaggi che possono stare nello spogliatoio del Milan. Lui e Conte sono due personaggi determinanti e vanno a sfatare la convinzione che l'allenatore conta il 20%. Secondo me conta molto di più". {Corriere dello Sport}

"Allegri has been able find an immediate very good feeling with the Milan players. They've spoken very highly of him to me. He has created an immediate good atmosphere. I don't think it's a problem for him to manage big personalities that can be found in the Milan dressing room. He and Conte are two determined personalities and are going to disprove the conviction that the manager only counts for 20 percent (of a team's success). In my opinion, it counts for much more."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Ricardo Kaka' and Caroline Celico Sing "Presente de Deus"

2011-12-27T00:05:00.000-05:00

Former AC Milan star, Ricardo Kaka', has just released a song with his wife, Caroline Celico, called "Presente de Deus." (Present from God.) Kaka's religious faith is well-known and this ballad reinforces the couple's relationship with God.

"Caroline Celico muove i primi passi come cantante, e suo marito Kakà l’accompagna tenendola per mano. La giovane moglie dell’astro brasiliano ha appena realizzato un cd con 12 canzoni ed è stata premiata a San Paolo come miglior cantante giovane in un concorso brasiliano conosciuto e apprezzato: “Mi è sempre piaciuto cantare, ma sinora l’ho fatto solo sotto la doccia – ha detto Caroline alla Folha de Sao Paulo –. L’uscita del cd non significa che la moglie di Kakà (cioè lei, ndr) farà la cantante, ho creato questo progetto per trasmettere un messaggio positivo alla gente. Non ho fatto il cd con scopi commerciali, è disponibile gratuitamente sul mio sito, chi vuole può scaricarlo. Si tratta di 12 canzoni che hanno segnato la mia vita e che raccontano un po’ la mia traiettoria con Dio".

Aspiring Singer

Caroline Celico is taking her first steps as a singer and her husband, Kaka', is lending a hand. The young wife of the Brazilian star has just released a CD with 12 songs. She won the Best Young Singer award by a well-known and respected organization in Sao Paulo.

"I have always liked to sing but up until now, only in the shower," she told Folha de Sao Paulo. "The release of the CD doesn't mean that Kaka's wife will be a singer. I created this project to transmit a positive message to people. I didn't make the CD for commercial purposes. It is freely available on my website. Whomever wants the CD can download it. There are 12 songs that have distinguished my life and recount a little my path with God."

"Non ci sono dubbi su quale dovrebbe essere la hit: “Presente de Deus," Regalo di Dio, composta da Kakà che duetta amorevolmente con sua moglie. Il video della canzone parte con candele e cuori e prosegue tra foto di baci, del matrimonio, di baci al matrimonio e dei coniugi Kakà con il loro bambino. Una ballata romantica piena di amore e odi al Signore che si apre con l’ex milanista che canta “Io ti ho cercata sull’altare di Dio, io ti ho ricevuta dalle mani di Dio” e si chiude tra i sussurri amorosi del giocatore del Real Madrid, attualmente infortunato al ginocchio.

Present from God

There are not any doubts if "Presente de Deus" will be a hit. Present from God, composed by Kaka' who sings affectionately with his wife. The video of the song begins with candles and hearts and proceeds to pictures of kisses from their wedding and with their first-born child. A romantic ballad full of love and odes to God that opens with the former Milan player who sings 'I looked for you on the altar of God. I received you from the hands of God.' It closes with loving whispers by the Real Madrid player who presently has a knee injury.

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 22 September 2010.

I am not a music critic but this is a very moving ballad. Please enjoy it.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Translated Comments of Support by Uruguayan Teammates of Luis Suarez

2011-12-21T09:28:00.019-05:00

Getty Images.
Luis Suarez of Liverpool FC and Patrice Evra
of Manchester United FC.

Uruguayan international, Luis Suarez, was charged yesterday by the English FA for use of an offensive slur, "negrito," with Patrice Evra of Manchester United. He has been fined £40,000 and banned for 8 games pending an appeal.

Teammates of Suarez at "La Celeste" of Uruguay fiercely defended him. They cited cultural differences, use of language and that Evra broke an unwritten law of football.

Team captain, Diego Lugano:

"No lo puedo creer. Es un gran error que se está cometiendo. Es obvio que Inglaterra hay un problema de racismo que ellos intentan erradicar, y está bien, pero este fallo no tiene argumentos sólidos. Luis es una víctima. No entiendo como un jugador como Evra puede hacer esto. Está rompiendo todos los códigos del fútbol. Todos sabemos la clase de persona que es Luis y los valores que tiene. Estamos todos muy dolidos. Cuando un compañero nuestro está sufriendo, todos estamos sufriendo. Ahora solo queda apoyarlo y estar con él".

"I can't believe it. It's a great error that is being committed. It's obvious that in England, there is a problem with racism that they intend to eradicate, and that's good. But this decision doesn't have firm arguments.

Luis is a victim. I don't understand how a player such as Evra can do this. He is breaking the codes (unwritten rules) of football. All of us know the classy person that Luis is and the values that he holds. All of us are very hurt. When one of our teammates is suffering, all of us are suffering. Now you can only support and be with him."

Alvaro "Tata" Gonzalez:

"Como todos quienes conocemos a Luis sabemos que si realizó este comentario no fue despectivo, sino que nosotros los uruguayos y más aún en el fútbol usamos términos que pueden ser mal interpretados por personas de otros lugares", comentó el jugador quien además aseguro que "no por esto se lo puede catalogar al uruguayo como racista".

El Tata comentó en su web que en Uruguay hay un importante porcentaje de gente afrodescendiente y explicó que "en muchos casos nos referimos a algún amigo de color como "el negro" de manera afectiva".

"Quizás terminamos pagando por ingresar en otras culturas, tal vez más cerradas y que seguramente sí hayan discriminado en algún momento a Evra para que se sienta tan atacado en esta situación".

"All of us who are acquainted with Luis know that this commentary wasn't made to be scornful. Such that we Uruguayans and others in football use terms that can be badly interpreted by persons from other cultures. You can't classify Uruguayan football as racist because of this."

He cited on his web page that Uruguay has an important percentage of African-descendents:

"In many cases, we refer to a friend of color as 'the black one' in an affectionate way. Who knows if we end up paying for going to other cultures. Perhaps those (places) that are more closed and surely Evra has been discriminated against before to feel so attacked in this situation."

Sebastian Eguren:

"Porque solo parece que se ha creído en el que se ha presentado como víctima". El jugador celeste aseguró además Luis es "una persona muy respetuosa" y que no logra entender "la decisión que se ha tomado y sobre todo la postura que ha adoptado el propio jugador". "El apoyo total a Luis en este momento, sabemos la clase de persona que es y también que ha sido rehén de una diferencia cultural".

"Because it only appears that someone who presented himself as a victim was believed. Luis is a very respectful person." And he can't understand, "The decision that was taken and above all, the posture that was adopted by the same player (Evra)."

"Luis has full support now. We know the class of person he is and also that he was held hostage to a cultural difference."

Walter Gargano:

"La banda está contigo".

"Es una lástima, le puede pasar a cualquier jugador. A mí me ha pasado de jugar contra otros jugadores, decirnos cosas, pero quedan ahí", señaló el volante del Nápoli.

"No creo que Luis lo haya hecho por un tema de racismo, sino por un tema de fútbol", agregó el volante.

"Para mí es un fiasco bárbaro. Ahora hay que respaldar a Luis más que nunca", finalizó al respecto.

"The whole gang is with you."

"It's a pity. It can happen to any player. To me, it's happened playing against other players, you say things, but it stays there. I don't believe that Luis did this with a racist theme but for a footballing one. For me, it's a terrible fiasco. Now you have to back Luis more than ever."

His lawyer, Alejandro Balbi, added comments in the behalf of Suarez later today in a press conference:

"Quiero transmitir en su nombre (el de Suárez), para que los uruguayos sepan que él niega la acusación de racismo de las cuales ha sido objeto. Luego va a hablar para que se sepa su opinión. Eso lo va a llevar a redoblar esfuerzos no solo por el fútbol inglés sino también por la selección uruguaya. Lo que más lo deja tranquilo es el apoyo que ha recibido del club, de la afición, del capitán del equipo y de todos sus compañeros".

"Por último queríamos agradecer el apoyo que ha recibido de la sociedad uruguayo y de los medios de prensa... "Nos parece desmedida".

A su vez, señaló que es muy difícil para los abogados con una formación latina que se pueda condenar a alguien sólo por la acusación sin demás pruebas. "Nos parece desde el punto de vista jurídico un despropósito".

"Suárez "siente mucho dolor" por sanción y apelará."

"I want to transmit in his name (Suarez) that the Uruguayans know that he denies the accusation of racism for which he's been subjected. Later he is going to speak so that you know his opinion. That is going to lead to double the efforts not only for English football but also for the Uruguayan national team. What makes him the calmest is the support that he has received from the club, the supporters, the team captain and all of his teammates."

"Lastly, we would like to thank the support that he has received from Uruguayan society and from members of the press... The sentence seems excessive to us."

He indicated that for South American lawyers, it is very difficult to understand how you can condemn someone based on an accusation without any proof.

"It seems to us (the punishment) from a jurisprudence perspective to be disproportionate."

"He is very hurt by this and will appeal."

Source of Spanish text: "Ovacion Digital," Montevideo, Uruguay, 21 December 2011.

A special thanks to Daniel Chavez for proofreading my translation.

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries and The Soccer Translator. He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Quotes of the Week in Spanish Football (La Liga)

2011-12-21T00:02:00.003-05:00

Reuters Pictures

Cesc Fabregas and Lionel Messi at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu
on 10 Deecember 2011.

Josep "Pep" Guardiola of FC Barcelona praised his players after winning another trophy at the Club World Cup in Japan:

"Es un honor y un privilegio entrenar este grupo de personas. Hemos jugado un gran partido al fútbol y lo ha visto todo el mundo... Ganar 13 de 16 títulos habla por sí solo... Vimos cinco o seis partidos del Santos y sabíamos que había que prepararse cuando Neymar coge el balón". {Marca}

"It's an honor and privilege to manage this group of persons. We played a great game of football and the whole world saw it. To win 13 out of 16 titles speaks for itself... We saw five or six games of Santos and we knew how to prepare when Neymar had the ball."

Lionel Messi, one of the stars in Yokohoma, provided the secret to Barcelona:

"We were more superior to them because we have great players. Everything is easier with these players." {Ole.com.ar}

Neymar of Santos FC showed uncommon maturity in his post-match comments:

"No sé si son imbatibles, pero hoy en día es el mejor equipo del mundo. Hoy hemos aprendido a jugar al fútbol. Tienen jugadores fantásticos y hoy hemos aprendido una lección que llevarnos a Brasil". {Marca}

"I don't know if they are unbeatable but right now Barca is the best team in the world. Today, we learned how to play football. They have fantastic players and today we had a lesson that we'll take to Brazil."

Sandro Rosell, President of FC Barcelona, defers to Guardiola on the Neymar question:

¿Fichar a Neymar? Ésa es una pregunta para el entrenador. Yo sólo soy el presidente. No he hablado con él. Estamos pensando en esta temporada". {Marca}

"The signing of Neymar? It's a question for the manager. I'm only the President. I haven't spoken with him. We're thinking about this season."

Rai, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 (and the brother of Socrates) succinctly summed up the Japanese experience of Santos FC:

"El 0-4 va a hacer muy bien para el fútbol brasileño. Será una derrota que servirá. Lo que ha hecho el Barça es una provocación para el fútbol brasileño de cómo se tiene que jugar técnicamente". {Marca}

"The 0-4 is going to be very good for Brazilian football. It will be a defeat that will serve (a purpose). What Barcelona did is a provocation for Brazilian football how you have to play technically."

Carlos Bianchi, a famous Argentinean manager, had no doubts about Barcelona's and Lionel Messi's place in history:

"Su demostración de fútbol colectivo para aplastar al Santos en la final del Mundial de Clubes me da confianza como para emitir una sentencia: estamos ante el mejor equipo de la historia... Messi es superior a Maradona y a Pelé". {Marca}

"Barca's demonstration of collective football that crushed Santos in the Club World Cup final gives me confidence to make a declaration: The best team in history is before us... Messi is better than Maradona and Pele."

Xavi of FC Barcelona discussed the playing philosophy of FC Barcelona:

"Hemos hecho un partidazo, hemos dominado del primer al último minuto. Ha sido excelente. Estoy feliz, no sólo por el resultado y por el título, sino por cómo hemos jugado al fútbol. Hemos dado nuestra mejor cara, hemos dominado al Santos con nuestra filosofía, con nuestra manera de jugar y que en el equipo titular 9 de los 11 jugadores fueran de la cantera. Es un espectáculo estar en este equipo". {Marca}

"We had a great game. We dominated from from the first to the last minute. It was excellent. I'm happy. Not only for the result and the title, but also for how we played football. We put on our best face. We dominated Santos with our philosophy, with our way of playing and that nine of the eleven starters were from our 'cantera' (youth academy). It's spectacular to be in this team."

Jose Mourinho congratulated and perhaps offended Barcelona and reminded everyone of the quality of his own side:

"Es mucho más importante ganar la Champions que esos dos partidillos. De todos modos, felicito al Barça".

"Un fracaso no es ser líderes, llegar a semifinales de Champions, ganar la Copa, haber sido el mejor equipo ahora en la fase de grupos...Si este Real Madrid jugara en otra Liga la ganaba fácil". {Marca}

"It's much more important to win the Champions League than those two little games. By all means, I salute Barcelona...

It's a disaster not to be top of the table, to arrive at the semifinals of the Champions League, to win the Cup, to have been the best team in the group phase...

If this Real Madrid team played in any other league, it would win easily."

Dani Alves shot back at Mourinho and praised his own manager, Pep Guardiola:

"Nunca escucharemos del Real Madrid palabras como las de Neymar, no son suficientemente humildes para hacerlo. Para jugar estos partidillos hay que ganar la Champions, lo hemos hecho y hemos ganado los dos partidillos. La envidia es mala... Guardiola es el corazón de este equipo y de este club". {Marca}

"We'll never hear words like Neymar's from Real Madrid. They aren't humble enough to do it. To win these 'little games' you have to win the Champions League. We did it and we won both 'little games.' The envy is bad...

(Pep) Guardiola is the heart of this team and this club."

Spanish football journalist, Sid Lowe, commented about tennis star, Rafael Nadal's, departure from the ownership of Mallorca:

"La familia Nadal vende sus acciones en el Mallorca .... dice mucho". {Twitter}

"The Nadal family sold their shares in Mallorca.... That says a lot."

Did you see other of quotes of interest? Please contact me @worldfootballcm on Twitter.

Fixture List for Liga BBVA 2011/2012 (PDF)

The Soccer Translator Home

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football

2011-12-20T00:02:00.003-05:00

Getty Images

Kevin Prince Boateng and Zeljko Brkic at
the San Siro on 17 December 2011.

Massimiliano Allegri of AC Milan on Boateng's controversial play at SKY after the game:

"It seemed to me to be a penalty kick. He (keeper, Brkic) hit him with his knee. There was contact."

Giuseppe Sannino, Siena manager, on the same incident after the game on SKY:

"I don't know. Did he Brkic (his keeper) touch him (Boateng) with his hands? I don't know..."

Massimiliano Allegri on his close working relationship with Silvio Berlusconi at AC Milan:

"Lui è il proprietario dell’azienda, io un datore di lavoro. Con il presidente parlo molto. Lui vuole sapere e io gli spiego e sono contento di poterlo fare. Abbiamo sempre un confronto. E' un esteta del calcio e lo capisco." Gazzetta dello Sport

"He's the owner of the firm. I'm just an employer. I speak often with the President. He wants to know and I explain things to him and I'm glad to be able to do so. We always have a comparison. He is an aesthetic of football and understands it."

Fabio Quagliarella of Juventus on overcoming his goal-scoring drought:

"Da settembre a oggi, quelle di Conte sono state tutte scelte tecniche che io ho accettato con serenità e professionalità, in una grande squadra capita di giocare poco. Non mi sono mai sentito un rincalzo, ma un giocatore a disposizione, pronto da un momento all'altro a dare il suo contributo." Gazzetta dello Sport

"From September to now, all of Antonio Conte's selections have been technical ones and I accepted them with calmness and professionalism. In a great team, it happens that you may play little. I've never felt like a reinforcement but as a player who is available and ready from one moment to the next to give his contribution."

Massimo Moratti of Internazionale on Claudio Ranieri's Christmas wishlist:

"Giocatori veloci? Vedremo, ma penso che nella squadra ci sia comunque un po' di tutto. Credo che il tecnico abbia in mente qualcosa di specifico, quindi cercheremo di capirlo. Kucka? Non so nulla". Gazzetta dello Sport

"Fast players? We'll see but I think that the team already has a little of everything. I think that the manager has something specific in mind; therefore, we'll try to understand it. Kucka? I don't know anything."

Julio Cesar of Internazionale on his great save against Ghezzal of Cesena:

"Il mio intervento su Ghezzal vale un gol: è stato puro riflesso". Gazzetta dello Sport

"My stop on Ghezzal was worth a goal. It was strictly reflexive."

Luis Enrique of AS Roma is a happy man after the great win at the San Paolo of Napoli:

"Sì è un momento felice, è stata una partita pazza. Abbiamo avuto fortuna perchè oggi il risultato poteva essere diverso"."La squadra - aggiunge il tecnico della Roma - non deve cambiare il modo di giocare se vince 1-0 o 2-0. Con un po' di fortuna che oggi abbiamo avuto siamo tutti contenti. Sono contento di essere qui, mi piace tanto il paese e Roma. Sto imparando più veloce che posso la lingua". Corriere dello Sport

"Yes, it's a happy time. It was a crazy game. We were lucky but today the result could've been different. The team doesn't have to change its style of play if you win 1-0 or 2-0. With a little bit of luck that we had today, we're all over the top. I'm happy to be here. I like the country and Rome so much. I'm learning as fast as possible the language."

Francesco Totti of AS Roma had a special dedication:

"A chi dedico la vittoria? Al mister Luis Enrique, perchè tiene a fare bella figura e noi ci teniamo a fargli fare bella figura. Siamo un bel gruppo e remiamo tutti dalla stessa parte". Giovani e vecchia guardia? Deve essere un mix e possiamo coesistere tutti insieme." Corriere dello Sport

"To whom do I dedicate the victory? To the manager, Luis Enrique, because he's trying to create a good style and we're trying to do the same. We're a great group and we all remain on the same page. The young players and the old guard? It has to be a blend and we can all coexist together."

Adriano Galliani of AC Milan hopes to give Rossoneri fans a special New Year's gift:

«Noi non ci sentiamo di prenderlo a titolo definitivo: la nostra proposta è il prestito gratuito con diritto di riscatto a giugno: il giocatore vuole venire da noi e non al Psg, speriamo che il City accetti l'offerta». Ma è vicino al Milan anche Maxi Lopez. «È lui l'alternativa - ammette Galliani - abbiamo parlato con il Catania, potrebbe essere l'alternativa a Carlitos Tevez. Vediamo cosa succede da qui al 31 gennaio». Corriere dello Sport

"We're not trying to buy him now (CarlosTevez). Our proposal is a free transfer with a right to buy him in June. The player wants to come here with us and not go to PSG. Let's hope that Manchester City accepts the offer. Maxi Lopez is the alternative. We've spoken with Catania. He could be an alternative to Carlitos Tevez. Let's see what happens between now and 31 January 2012.

Delio Rossi of Fiorentina makes a confession:

"Confesso che non ho acceso la televisione in questi giorni. Mi sto concentrando molto sulla Fiorentina. Io non sono un allenatore mordi e fuggi. Per accettare un incarico mi deve convincere il progetto." Corriere dello Sport

"I admit that I haven't watch any television lately. I'm very focused on Fiorentina. I'm not a coach who gets up and goes (takes any job). To accept a position, I have to be convinced of the project."

Giuseppe Marotta of Juventus hails his new manager, Antonio Conte:

"È sulla strada per diventare un grande allenatore", ha sottolineato il direttore generale bianconero, convinto che "dietro il momento felice della squadra ci sia soprattutto il grande lavoro di Conte, che ha portato mentalità vincente e organizzazione di gioco". Tuttosport

"He's on the path to become a great manager. Behind the happy time of the team there is above all the great work of Conte who has brought a winning mentality and organized style of play."

Former Juventus director, Luciano Moggi, waxed about what might have been:

Se nel 2006 non ci avessero fermato con Calciopoli la mia Juventus sarebbe stata una formazione che non avrebbe avuto nulla da invidiare a Messi & C. Anche perché insieme a Capello stavamo programmando una Juve ancora più forte…” Tuttosport

"If we weren't stopped in 2006 by Calciopoli (scandal), my Juventus would have been a side that would have nothing to envy from Lionel Messi and company. Also because together with Fabio Capello, we were programming an even stronger Juventus."

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Part 1: "At the Origins of the Phenomenon Mourinho: 'How I Became Special 1' "

2011-12-19T10:16:00.004-05:00

Image courtesy of Apasciuto.

In a detailed interview with Sky Sports in February 2011, former Italian international, Christian Panucci, had a great discussion with José Mourinho on a variety of topics. Panucci also played for AC Milan, AS Roma, Chelsea, Internazionale Milano, Monaco, Parma and Real Madrid.

Part one of this translated discussion covers Mourinho's youth in Portugal, his early years as a school teacher with special-needs children, his decision to become a football manager, the influence of Sir Bobby Robson and Louis Van Gaal, along with his first years in professional management at Benfica, Leiria and Porto.

You may notice that a new journalist, Christian Panucci, developed quick rapport with Mourinho. The result was lengthy quotes without the usual edge or arrogance that are common with many of Mourinho's past public statements. Please enjoy this discussion and learn more about another side of the Special One.

Tu sei laureato in scienze motorie, però hai lavorato molto con i disabili. Ti è servita nella tua carriera da allenatore questa esperienza?

"Per me è stata un’esperienza incredibile perché tutto è psicologico là, tutto è affetto, tutto è emozione. Ti puoi preparare all’università per lavorare con loro, però poi quando arrivi lì, tutto è passione, cuore, è rapporto diretto, empatia. Io ho lavorato con bambini con problemi motori e poi ho lavorato anche con bambini con problemi mentali, psicologici, e tutto è amore. Tu riesci a fare delle piccole cose che per loro sono delle grandi cose. Io ero molto giovane e nello stesso tempo in cui allenavo ragazzi di 14-15 anni, lavoravo nella scuola con questi bambini e bambine e per me questa è un’esperienza fantastica che dopo tu prendi per la vita e tante volte dico ai giocatori, quando loro non sono felici, che devono essere sempre felici e che ci sono tanti problemi nella vita e questi bambini ne sono un esempio. Un giocatore deve sfruttare la sua vita come giocatore che sono 10-15 anni e quindi deve essere felice tutti i giorni".

CP: You graduated with a degree in motor science but you worked a great deal with the disabled. Did this experience serve you in your career as a manager?

JM: For me, it was an incredible experience because everything is psychological there, it's all affection and emotion. You can prepare in University to work with them. but when you arrive there, everything is about passion, heart, direct rapport and empathy. I worked with children who had motor problems and then I worked also with kids who had mental and psychological problems. It's all love. You succeed in doing the little things which for them are big things. I was very young and at the same time in which I was training 14 to 15 year-old boys, I was working at the school with these children and for me this was a fantastic experience that you take with you for the rest of your life. And many times, I tell my players, when they are not happy, that they need to be always happy and that there are many with so many problems in life and these children are an example. A player has to exploit his life as a player that only lasts 10 to 15 years and therefore needs to be happy every day.

Nasci da un padre calciatore e da una madre benestante. In un Portogallo degli anni ’70 e di grandissimi cambiamenti. Come hai vissuto quegli anni?

"Con un po’ di paura, perché dopo la rivoluzione tutta la gente aveva la speranza di un cambiamento positivo ma anche la paura di un cambiamento negativo. La mia famiglia ha pensato a volte di uscire dal Portogallo, altre volte invece pensi che il cambio deve essere positivo e tu devi rimanere. Però allo stesso tempo era un momento di libertà, di libertà di espressione, di vivere e questo è stato un momento bello. Io ho avuto sempre una famiglia senza problemi economici, una famiglia che viveva nella tranquillità, però allo stesso tempo anche nella realtà. Ho avuto da bambino amici al top della classe sociale e amici che vivevano con grandissime difficoltà e questo mi ha fatto essere preparato a tutto nella vita. Saper convivere, vivere e avere rapporto con tutti. E' stato un momento di cambiamento in Portogallo e per me un’esperienza di vita molto positiva che mi ha preparato per la vita".

CP: Your father was a footballer and your mother was from a well-to-do family. In a Portugal during the 1970s of great changes. How did you live in these years?

JM: With a little bit of fear, because after the revolution, everyone had hope for a positive change but also feared a negative one. My family thought at times to get out of Portugal. Other times, instead, you thought that the change would be positive and that you had to stay. But at the same time, it was a moment of freedom, of freedom of expression. To experience this was a beautiful time. I always had a family without money problems. A family that lived in peace, but at the same time also was aware of reality. From my childhood, I had friends at the top of the social classes and friends who lived with great difficulties. This made me be prepared for everything in life. To know how to coexist, to live and get along with everyone. It was a time of change in Portugal and for me, a very positive life experience that prepared me for a lifetime.

Quando hai deciso di fare l’allenatore?

"Non lo so. Da bambino non volevo essere allenatore, da bambino volevo essere giocatore. Arrivavo a casa con il pallone sotto braccio e non con il libro per studiare come allenare. Io volevo fare il giocatore, ma allo stesso tempo studiare è stato sempre importante perché, senza studiare, non avevo la possibilità di giocare a pallone perché avevo questo controllo in casa. Dopo, con tuo padre giocatore, a casa impari a leggere una partita in un modo diverso, un po’ come io con mio figlio adesso, che dopo una partita mi chiede perché ho cambiato uno invece che l’altro, perché ho fatto questo e non quello, chi giocherà la prossima partita. Entri in una dinamica di pensare il calcio in modo diverso da un bambino che non ha il calcio in casa. Dopo ho capito che non potevo essere un grandissimo giocatore: potevo essere un fenomeno quando giocavo con i miei amici vicino a casa mia, ma quando passavo al campionato organizzato diventavo un giocatore come tanti altri. Ho capito che anche da giovane ero più allenatore in campo che giocatore. Organizzavo la squadra, dicevo chi doveva giocare qua e chi là, quanto tempo durava la partita. Quando non segnavo finiva la partita e io andavo a casa con la palla, ero un po’ più un leader che propriamente un giocatore. Poi, ho studiato tutte le cose con una sequenza quasi naturale: mio padre mi chiedeva di andare a vedere gli avversari e di fare la relazione e questo mi sembra un modo molto importante di imparare a leggere la partita e di imparare a esprimere quello che vedevo, perché una cosa è quello che tu vedi e un’altra cosa è far capire agli altri quello che tu hai visto. E questo mi ha aiutato tantissimo. Poi, quando sono andato all’università e stavo per finire, ho iniziato a lavorare con il settore giovanile. Dopo mi è arrivata la possibilità di andare come assistente in prima squadra. Tutto è stato graduale e, esperienza dopo esperienza, mi arrivava sempre un’opportunità più difficile".

CP: When did you decide to become a manager?

JM: I don't know. When I was a child, I didn't want to be a coach; I only wanted to be a player. I used to come home with a ball under my arm and not with a book to study like I trained. I wanted to be a player but at the same time, to study. It was always important because, without study, I didn't have the chance to play football because those were the house rules. Later, with a father who was a footballer (he was a goalkeeper) at home you learn to read a game in a different way. A little like me with my son now, that after a game, he asks me why I subbed out one instead of another, why did I do this and not that, who will play in the next match. You enter into a dynamic of thinking about football in a different manner than a child who doesn't have football in his house.

I was able to be a star when I played with my friends near my house. But when I went into an organized league, I became a ordinary player like the rest. Later, I understood that I didn't need to be a great player like so many others. I understood also from a young age that I was more of a coach on the pitch than a player. I organized the team, I told who should play here or there for as long as the game lasted. When I didn't score, the game ended and I went home with the ball. I was a little more of a leader than a proper player. Then, I studied everything in an almost natural sequence.

My father asked me to go watch opposing teams and take notes and this seemed to me to be a very important part to learn how to read a game and to learn how to express what I saw. Because it's one thing is what you see and it's another thing to be able to make others understand what you have seen. And this helped me a great deal. Later, when I went to college and was about to finish, I started to work in the youth sector. Later on, the possibility to become an assistant in the first team came. Everything was gradual and, experience after experience, I was always arriving at more difficult opportunities.

Translator's Note:

This is a quote by Sir Bobby Robson about Mourinho's scouting abilities:

“The Englishman quickly understood that Mourinho was more than simply a translator and asked him to watch forthcoming opponents. ‘He’d come back and hand me a dossier that was absolutely first class. I mean first class,’ Robson told the journalist Patrick Barclay, who has recently (2005) published a fine biography of Mourinho, subtitled Anatomy of a Winner (Orion). ‘As good as anything I’ve ever received. Here he was, in his early thirties, never been a player, never been a coach to speak of either, giving me reports as good as anything I ever got.’ "

Source: "The Second Division was My Level."

Che cosa hai preso da Van Gaal e Robson?

"Sono due persone completamente diverse. Robson arrivava all’allenamento dieci minuti prima, giocava a golf e aveva una vita incredibile, piena di gioia. Era sempre positivo e il calcio per lui non era una pressione, ma un motivo di soddisfazione. Io preparavo tutto l’allenamento, organizzavo e pianificavo i dettagli e lui era innamorato dello spazio dell’allenamento: 'Josè, cosa facciamo oggi?'. Gli rispondevo: 'Mister, facciamo questo, questo e questo'. Let’s go and enjoy! Van Gaal era esattamente il contrario. Van Gaal arrivava due ore prima e tutti questi dettagli di pianificazione li preparava lui. Quello che facevamo noi assistenti era allenare. Io che non allenavo tanto con Bobby, allenavo tanto con Van Gaal. E per me è stato importante perché un’esperienza è stata completamente diversa dall’altra. Nell’ultimo anno con lui al Barcellona, mi dava la squadra per partite del trofeo Gamper, partite di coppa Catalunya e anche questo è stato molto importante. Lui mi dava la squadra e andava in tribuna, era tutta responsabilità mia: questo per me è stato fantastico. Io dico sempre che Bobby mi ha dato un opportunità fantastica di andare a Barcellona, perché sono andato con lui, però poi Van Gaal mi ha dato un’autonomia e una fiducia che mi hanno preparato tanto".

CP: What did you take from Louis Van Gaal and Bobby Robson?

JM: They are two completely different persons. Robson used to come to training sessions 10 minutes before they began. He used to play golf and had an incredible life that was full of joy. He was always positive and football for him wasn't about pressure, but a way of satisfaction. I used to prepare the whole training session. I organized and sorted all the details and he was in love with the training area. 'Jose, what are we going to do today?' I used to respond: "Boss, let's do this, this and this. Let's go and enjoy!'

Van Gaal was exactly the opposite. Van Gaal would arrive two hours (before the training session) and all of these details were prepared by him. What we assistants did was to train. I, who didn't train that much with Bobby, I really trained a lot with Van Gaal. And for me, this was important because the experience was completely different than the other. He gave me the team and went into the stands. It was all my responsibility. This for me was fantastic. I always say that Bobby gave me a fantastic opportunity to go to Barcelona, because I went with him. But then Van Gaal gave me self-esteem and a confidence that have prepared me a great deal.

Quindi tu hai vinto la coppa Catalunya a Barcellona! Quando hai deciso di tornare in Portogallo, cosa hai pensato in quel viaggio?

"A me non piace tanto guidare, però mi piace tanto stare da solo in macchina. In quel viaggio pensavo che mi aspettava una vita completamente nuova, che ero preparato, andavo per vincere e potevo fare la differenza. Avevo una convinzione e un’autostima assolutamente altissima ed ero molto preparato. Pensavo di andare in Portogallo in una squadra non tra le tre al top e pensavo che la strada normale sarebbe stata quella di prendere una squadra media e poi arrivare. Però poi sono arrivato in Portogallo e il mio ex allenatore Jupp Heynckes era stato esonerato e sono andato al Benfica, che per noi in Portogallo è come il Milan, l’Inter o la Juve. E per uno che non era mai stato allenatore, non era un’esperienza facile. E sono arrivato in un gigante, in Portogallo è come in Spagna e i presidenti sono un gruppo politico. E dopo che ero lì da due mesi, c’è stato un cambio di presidenza, abbiamo vinto con lo Sporting 3-0, però sia con una vittoria che senza non potevo continuare. C’è stato un cambio enorme nel club e la gente che mi aveva scelto era andata via. La gente che era arrivata e che aveva vinto le elezioni, era gente con delle idee completamente diverse dalle mie e io sapevo che non potevo assolutamente continuare. Tu puoi immaginare di essere nel Benfica, la squadra sta bene e sta migliorando e con la sensazione di poter vincere il campionato e andare via per propria iniziativa è una sensazione molto difficile. Poi sono andato a Leiria che è come una squadra che gioca per rimanere in serie A".

CP: Therefore you won the Catalan Cup at Barcelona! When you decided to return to Portugal, what did you think about in that journey?

JM: I don't like to drive too much, but I like to be alone in the car. On that journey, I thought that a completely different new life awaited me. That I was prepared, I went back to win and could make a difference. I had a conviction and a very high absolute self-esteem and I was very prepared. I thought about going to Portugal to a team that was not among the three top sides and I thought that the normal road would be to take a mid-table side and then I could move up. But then I arrived in Portugal, and my former manager, Jupp Heynckes had been sacked and I went to Benfica. Who for us in Portugal is like AC Milan, Inter Milan or Juventus. And for one who had never been a manager, it wasn't an easy experience.

I arrived at a giant club. In Portugal, it's similar to Spain and the presidents are a political group. And after I was there for two months, there was a change in presidents. We had won against Sporting, 3-0, but it was a must-win situation for me. There was an enormous change in the club and those who selected me were gone. The people who arrived and who won the elections were those with completely different ideas from mine and I knew that I absolutely coudn't continue. You can imagine being at Benfica, the team is doing well and getting better and with the sensation to be able to win the championship. And to leave by virtue of an initiative is a very difficult sensation. Then I went to Leiria which is like a team that battles relegation in Serie A.

E fai un miracolo: arrivi quinto.

"No, arrivo terzo. A dicembre e in Portogallo è possibile cambiare squadra nella stessa stagione, non come in Italia e in Spagna che puoi allenare solo una squadra. E arriviamo là a dicembre, eravamo terzi e alla fine della stagione il Leiria finisce quinto, però senza me negli altri sei mesi. Io arrivo a dicembre e il Porto vive una crisi profonda, in quel momento era quinto, sesto, settimo e il presidente del Porto, che mi conosceva da quando ero assistente di Robson al Barcellona, mi voleva e la sua idea era che quell’anno non potevamo vincere niente perché eravamo troppo dietro e dovevamo solo cercare di finire in posizione di Coppa Uefa, finire nei primi cinque e l’anno successivo costruire una squadra per tornare a vincere. Sono rimasto a Leiria solo da giugno a dicembre e poi sono andato a Porto per fare la seconda parte del campionato. Abbiamo finito al terzo posto e abbiamo raggiunto la posizione per giocare la Coppa Uefa nella stagione successiva.

CP: And you performed a miracle: You arrived in fifth place.

JM: No, I ended up in third place. During December in Portugal, it's possible to change teams in the same season. It's not like in Italy and Spain where you can only manage one team. And we arrived there in December. We were third and at the end of the season, Leiria finished in fifth. But without me for the last six months. I arrrived in December and Porto was experiencing a profound crisis. At that time, it was fifth, sixth, seventh and the President of Porto, who knew me from when I was an assistant to Robson at Barcelona, wanted me and his idea was in that year, we couldn't win anything because we were too far behind and only could look to finish in position for the UEFA Cup. To finish in the top five, and in the next year, build a team that would return to win. I remained at Leiria only from June to December and then I went to Porto to manage the second part of the season. We finished in third place and we reached the position to play in the UEFA Cup in the next season.

Però lì costruisci per la prima volta la tua squadra.

"Si, è stato perfetto. Il Porto aveva una squadra con due portoghesi quando siamo arrivati. Era la squadra dei brasiliani e degli argentini. Non vinceva niente e non c’era empatia con i tifosi, un problema grande. Io che lero nel calcio portoghese da sei mesi, conoscevo tutti i talenti portoghesi che giocavano nelle altre squadre più piccole. Abbiamo comprato 12 giocatori tutti portoghesi, tutti giocatori che giocavano in squadre più piccole e che noi pensavamo che avessero la capacità di giocare in una grande squadra come il Porto. I giocatori erano Paulo Ferreira che adesso sta al Chelsea, Carvalho che sta al Real Madrid, Nuno Valente che ha smesso, però ha giocato in Nazionale un Mondiale e un Europeo, Maniche che ha giocato con il Chelsea e la Nazionale. Tutti giocatori che sono diventati importanti nel Porto e in Nazionale e che hanno fatto una carriera molto bella. Era una squadra a cui avevo detto in pre-stagione: 'Noi non abbiamo vinto niente, né io né voi. Tutti zero. Titoli zero'. Era solo Vitor Baia che con i suoi 32 anni aveva già vinto qualcosa, però tutti gli altri zero. E dopo, insieme, abbiamo vinto campionato, coppa Uefa, Champions League, abbiamo vinto tutto con una squadra che è partita da zero prima di arrivare".

CP: But there you built your own team for the first time.

JM: Yes, it was perfect. Porto was a team with two Portuguese when we arrived. It was a team of Brazilians and Argentineans. It hadn't won anything and there wasn't empathy with the fans. It was a huge problem. I had been in Portuguese football for six months. I knew all of the Portugese talents that played in the smallest of teams. We bought 12 players and all of them were Portuguese. All of them played in small sides and we thought that they had the capacity to play in a great side such as Porto. The players were Paulo Ferreira who is now at Chelsea, Carvalho who is at Real Madrid, Nuno Valente who has retired, but who played for the national team in a World Cup and Euro. Maniche who played with Chelsea and the national team. All of the players who became important for Porto and the national team and who had great careers. It was a team in which I said in the preseason: 'We haven't won anything. Either you or me. Zero for all of us. Zero Titles.' It was only Vitor Baia who at the age of 32 had won something, but all of the rest, nothing. And later, together, we won the league championship, the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League. We won everything that a team starting out from nothing could win.

Se non sbaglio, giocavi con il 4-4-2?

"Giocavamo col 4-3-3 in campionato e col 4-4-2 in Europa. Eravamo una squadra molto organizzata, tatticamente molto disciplinata. Avevamo Deco che in quel momento aveva 23-24 anni, era al top della sua carriera ed è stato un grandissimo giocatore, dietro due punte. Era una squadra molto disciplinata tatticamente con una grande voglia di vincere e una concentrazione enorme ed era molto difficile per noi perdere una partita. In Portogallo, se sei una buona squadra, vinci il campionato, non è difficile. Perché è alla base un campionato di due, tre squadre e c’è una grande differenza fra quelle tre e tutte le altre. Però, in Europa, penso che giocare la Coppa Uefa sia stato importante per noi perché la squadra non sarebbe stata preparata per andare direttamente dal confronto con piccoli club ai grandi club della Champions. Giocare la coppa Uefa penso sia stato importante per questa squadra perché nella seconda stagione, quando siamo arrivati in Champions, eravamo campioni d’Europa, avevamo giocato la Supercoppa Europea contro il Milan, i giocatori giocavano già in Nazionale e quando siamo arrivati in Champions eravamo una squadra con un background già abbastanza importante".

CP: If I'm not mistaken, you played with a 4-4-2 formation?

JM: We played with a 4-3-3 in the league and with a 4-4-2 in Europe. We were a very organized side. Tactically very disciplined. We had Deco who in those days was 23 or 24 years old. He was at the top of his career and was a briliant player who played behind two strikers. It was a very disciplined team tactically with a great desire to win, and an enormous concentration that was difficult for us to lose a game. In Portugal, if you are a good side, you win the league. It's not difficult. Because basically, it's a championship with two to three teams and there is a great difference between those three and all of the rest.

But in Europe, I think that playing in the UEFA Cup was important for us because the team wasn't prepared to go directly from games against small clubs to the best of the Champions League. To play in the UEFA Cup, I think it was important for this team because in the second season, when we arrived in the Champions League, we were champions of Europe. We had played the European Super Cup against AC Milan. The players had already played in the national team and when we arrived in the Champions League, we were already a team with a sufficiently important background.

Part II of this translated interview:

Mourinho discussed his time with Porto, opening his doors to the Real Madrid basketball coach, the situation before and after he arrived at Chelsea, his relationship with Roman Abramovich and differences between English and Italian media.

Italian source of quotes: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 3 February 2011, "Alle origini del fenomeno Mou: 'Come Sono Diventato Special 1' ".

Steve Amoia is a freelance writer, book reviewer and translator from Washington, D.C. He is the publisher of World Football Commentaries . He has written and translated for AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian soccer school), Beyond the Pitch, Football Media, Italian Soccer Serie A, Keeper Skool, Serie A Weekly and Soccerlens.

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

References for the Translation Skills of Steve Amoia

2011-12-01T00:15:00.004-05:00

“I've worked with Steve at Soccerlens managing his translations during the 2010 World Cup. I have to say, he's very professional and since I'm still quite new to this field, as compared to some of the other people in my position, he was very kind to me and helped me learn from my mistakes without making an issue out of it. Our interaction was direct and seeing his article in my inbox again after a two week break made me look forward to working on it till I got to it.”

Ahmed Umair, August 2010, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ahmed Umair is an editor for Soccerlens (UK).

“Steve has been an invaluable addition to Keeper Skool. His writing pieces are always well structured and his research is second to none. Steve has interviewed many high level goalkeeper coaches and celebrities from around the world in the Keeper Skool network and his interview techniques bring out a natural rapport with respondents, allowing Keeper Skool to have what I believe to be some of the most exclusive interviews in our niche today.

His fluency of Spanish and Italian has also proved beneficial in translating interviews with high profile goalkeeper coaches from both Italy and the Americas. I recommend Steve to anyone looking for a writer to help maximize their readership and boost their content, online or off.”

John Stevanja, October 2008, Sydney, Australia.
John Stevanja is the owner and publisher of Keeper Skool.

"Hi Steve,

I read your blog with interest, as you can easily imagine. I had never thought much about Machiavelli's interactions with either Leonardo or Michelangelo, and your work on them gave me something to think about. I found your translations quite serviceable and admire you for having learned enough Italian to do so.

Machiavelli's Italian is not easy, by any means, and you do a good job of getting at what he has to say."

Professor Wayne Rebhorn, September 2007, Austin, Texas. (I was granted permission to use this comment by Professor Rebhorn in February 2011.)

Professor Rebhorn teaches English and Renaissance Literature at the University of Texas at Austin, and was the translator of "Niccolo Machiavelli: The Prince and Other Writings."

Other References and Testimonials

“Cugini’s Board of Directors would like to thank you for enhancing our educational programming with your well–written, highly informative articles on Italian soccer as well as world soccer that you’ve written for Cugini since 2004. It’s always a pleasure to work with an author who consistently meets all deadlines and always produces fresh work that is highly regarded by not just our membership but our larger international audience. We have received many positive comments about your published articles on the Cugini website from calcio fans worldwide.”

Lisa Cherubini, January 2008, Great Falls, Virginia.
Ms. Cherubini is the Executive Director of AC Cugini Scuola Calcio (Italian Soccer School).

“Dear Steve:

This letter is to acknowledge your participation in Developing the World Cup History Fun Test for our site. Your work was excellent. The test on our site is getting very good traffic.”

Randy Kraemer, November 2002, Chantilly, Virginia.
Mr. Kraemer was the Test Development Manager at Brainbench.com and granted me permission to post his original letter in December 2007.

"Steve, again thank you for all you did on behalf of Prescription for Excellence. Your review was instrumental to the book's success."

Dr. Joseph Michelli, September 2011.
Dr. Michelli is a New York Times best-selling author of The Starbucks Experience and Prescription for Excellence.

"Steve:

You are a fast reader! Thanks for the insightful and fair review. My previous book (Socialnomics) has 135 reviews and I can honestly say this is one of the most helpful I have received! Take pleasure in knowing you were the first of hopefully many to review! Great insight on the introduction - great feedback.

I'm glad you like the quotes and the research.

Best, Erik."

Erik Qualman, November 2011.
Mr. Qualman is the New York Times best-selling author of Socialnomics and Digital Leader.

“Steve Amoia has been writing for our e-zine, The Slayers News, 'About Dragon Kenpo Karate,' since December of 2005. The consistent quality of his articles shines through with his very clear and understandable writing style. Without question, Steve's excellent work, including his ability to meet deadlines, has greatly enhanced the content and class of our martial arts publication.”

Ron Pfeiffer, June 2007, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
Coach Pfeiffer is the Founder of the World Dragon Kenpo Schools of Self-Defense and publisher of The Slayer News monthly e-zine. He is a seventh-degree black belt. I was a contributing writer from 2005 to 2010 and the publication editor from 2007 to 2010.

“Steve is very detailed oriented and astute at his ability to analyze content for accuracy and consistency. I have employed Steve throughout my organization by enlisting him in application testing of remote software applications in relation to file editing and transfer actions. Steve continued to provide smart research in areas where having the latest news and external research tools is necessary to maintain a strong competitive and accurate edge on the competition.

I strongly recommend Steve to any organization looking for someone who is very versed in the global news gathering, editing and reporting business environment. He is one person you will find that will ask the questions you haven’t yet thought of asking.”

Phillip Ruiz, July 2009, Washington, D.C.
Mr. Ruiz was the former Team Leader/Editorial Systems Manager at the Los Angeles Times Washington Bureau.

“Steve reported to me until March of 2000 when I moved to another branch office. Steve is bright, dependable, dedicated and hard working. He takes on responsibilities without being asked. He is the type of person that is a self-starter and requires very little supervision.”

BJ Stanger, October 2000, Columbia, Maryland.
Mrs. Stanger was a former Vice President and shareholder at AZTECH Software Corporation in Bethesda, Maryland.

LinkedIn Profile

Steve Amoia, LinkedIn

The Soccer Translator Home | Follow on Twitter

Contact Page

2011-01-01T00:13:00.003-05:00

Thank you for visiting my translation portfolio site.

Email

info@sanstefano.com

Twitter

Follow @worldfootballcm

Contact Form

Or please use this form to contact me:

foxyform.com

Return to Home

Featured Translation: Roberto Baggio Wins 2010 Nobel Peace Summit Award

2010-11-09T00:01:00.006-05:00

Roberto Baggio has added another award to a long list of honors. This time the distinction has nothing to do with world football.

"I premi Nobel per la pace hanno assegnato a Roberto Baggio il Peace Summit Award 2010, il riconoscimento che annualmente viene dato alla personalità che più si è impegnata verso i più bisognosi. Il 43enne ex calciatore italiano Pallone d'Oro nel 1993, oggi presidente del settore tecnico della Figc, è stato scelto per il suo aiuto alle organizzazioni benefiche e per il suo impegno nella campagna di liberazione di Aung San Suu Kyi, leader politica birmana".

"The Nobel Peace Prize Committee has awarded the 2010 Peace Summit Award to Roberto Baggio, an annual recognition given to the most deserving person. The 43 year-old former Italian footballer who was the Balon d'Or winner in 1993, currently President of the Technical Sector at the Italian Federation, was chosen for his beneficial assistance and for his work in the campaign to free Aung San Suu Kyi, a Burmese political leader."

"Nelle motivazioni viene anche ricordato l'aiuto nel finanziamento per la costruzione di ospedali in giro per il mondo, l'impegno dopo il terremoto di Haiti e altre battaglie di solidarietà e per la difesa dei diritti umani. La cerimonia di premiazione è in programma ad Hiroshima venerdì".

"The other motivations that were also recognized were the financial assistance for the construction of hospitals around the world, his work after the Haitian earthquake, other battles for solidarity and the defense of human rights. The award ceremony will be held in Hiroshima, Japan on Friday."

"Nell'albo d'oro del premio compaiono il musicista inglese Peter Gabriel, gli attori americani George Clooney e Don Cheadle, e l'attore, comico e regista italiano Roberto Benigni."

"Other award recipients are the English musician, Peter Gabriel, the American actors George Clooney and Don Cheadle, and the Italian actor, comedian and director, Roberto Benigni."

Baggio on the Award

"Dividerò il premio che mi verrà consegnato in Giappone con tutta la brava gente della mia terra ferita a morte". "Io parto per il Giappone con il cuore in tormento".

"I will share the award that will be given in Japan with all of the great people of my world who were injured to death... I depart for Japan with a heavy heart."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 9 Nov. 2010.

"Only those with the courage to take a penalty miss them."

Roberto Baggio, il Codino Divino, the Divine Ponytail of Italian calcio.

In his Azzurri career, the spot kick at the 1994 World Cup final was his only miss. He converted over 90% during his career which is an Italian record. A few months ago, he was named the new President of the Technical Sector at the Italian FA. He is one of the most-loved Italian players of all times.

"Me, President? It is very strange to be called president." Robert Baggio

2010-08-03T21:05:00.003-04:00

The "Divine Ponytail" of Italian calcio, Roberto Baggio, has returned from a figurative and literal wilderness. He retired in 2004 and has rarely been seen or heard. He makes annual hunting trips to Argentina and has appeared in a few benefit friendlies. Mostly, Baggio has maintained a very low profile up until recently.

His moment of personal agony at the 1994 World Cup
final. It was the only spot kick that Baggio ever missed
for the Azzurri. In his Serie A career, he converted
91 percent.

Last month, he took coaching badges at the famed Italian Federation school at Coverciano outside of Florence. There were rumors that Baggio would take some type of role; however, few expected it to be so high: President of the Technical Sector for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

There are a few contractual details to iron out; however, Baggio is expected to be named officially in a few days. Renzo Ulivieri, head of the Italian Coaches Association, and Azzurri legend and all-time leading scorer, Gigi Riva, also weighed in with their thoughts.

In Baggio's Words

In comments made to the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport, Baggio discussed his new position.

"Ho dato il mio assenso, da parte mia c'è la massima disponibilità a ricoprire il ruolo di presidente del settore tecnico di Coverciano. Adesso però devo aspettare il Consiglio Federale di mercoledì".

"I gave my assent and on my part, there is the utmost availability to cover the role of Technical Sector President at Coverciano. Now I must wait for the Federal Commission on Wednesday."

L'annuncio di Roberto Baggio è arrivato dopo due ore di riunione con Abete e il presidente dell'Assoallenatori Renzo Ulivieri. Sul tavolo della discussione, la volontà di affidare a Roberto Baggio il ruolo del settore tecnico federale come successore di Azeglio Vicini.

The announcement by Roberto Baggio arrived after a two-hour meeting with Federation president, Giancarlo Abete and Head of the Coaches Association, Renzo Ulivieri. On the table was the discussion to put forth Roberto Baggio into the role of the federal technical sector as the successor to Azeglio Vicini (Baggio's former coach at the Italian World Cup of 1990).

"Sarà un'esperienza impegnativa, ma spero divertente - ha aggiunto Baggio -, sapremo mercoledì se tutto andrà in porto. Il mio ruolo? Ci sono tanti settori di cui si deve occupare il settore tecnico, però ci vuole un pò di tempo e bisogna capire tante cose".

"It will be a tough work experience but I hope enjoyable," added Baggio. "We will know on Wednesday if everything is in place.

My role? There are so many sectors in which to occupy the technical area but it will take some time and a need to understand so many things."

Baggio carried the Azzurri on his back during the
1994 World Cup in the United States.

"Io presidente? È stranissimo essere chiamato presidente".

"Me, President? It is very strange to be called president."

"Sogno che il calcio italiano possa tornare ad avere talenti importantissimi. Mo occorre credere nei giovani perché sono il futuro, bisogna dare tutto quello che abbiamo dentro per farli crescere bene".

"I dream that Italian football can return to have very important talents. But young people have to be believed in because they are the future. You need to give everything that we have inside to make them grow up properly."

Renzo Ulivieri, Head of the Italian Coaches Association

"Quello di Roberto Baggio al settore tecnico sarà un ruolo attivo e operativo: non sarà un uomo immagine... Il suo lavoro sarà impegnativo e faticoso, avrà potere su tutto quello che riguarda il settore tecnico, ma chiaramente non influirà sulla gestione delle nazionali".

"The role of Roberto Baggio for the technical sector will be active and operative. It won't be a figurehead job... His work will be difficult and exhausting. He will have control over everything in the technical sector but clearly it will not influence on whom plays on the National team."

Azzurri Legend and Team Manager, Gigi Riva

Gigi Riva with Roberto Baggio after
Bulgaria v. Italia at World Cup 1994. Riva scored 35
goals in 42 international appearances which is the
all-time Italian record. Baggio scored 27 times for
Italy.

"È un segnale, un grande riconoscimento per Roberto. Con Bearzot e Vicini il settore tecnico è stato in buone mani . Ora lui ha la possibilità di modificare qualcosa. Può portare idee nuove basandosi sulla sua esperienza sul campo: il settore tecnico è la parte più importante del mondo del calcio".

"It is a signal, a great recognition for Roberto. With Enzo Bearzo and Vicini, the technical sector has been in good hands. But now he has the responsibility to modify something. He can bring new ideas basing them on his experience on the pitch.

The technical sector is the most important part in the world of football."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, 2 August 2010.

Please Note

This translation was also featured at Italian Soccer Serie A.

The Translator Home

Marcello Lippi: "I Don't Want Roosters in the Chicken Coop."

2010-05-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

Italy boss, Marcello Lippi, discussed Amauri of Juventus, his management philosophies and the leadership example of Fabio Cannavaro during an interview with the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Amauri of Juventus is Now Italian

Amauri è diventato italiano? Questo non significa che sarà certamente convocato: sarà visionato come tutti gli altri, mi prendo questo mese che ancora ho per valutare bene e prendere delle decisioni che sono fatte solo ed esclusivamente per il bene della Nazionale".

"Amauri became an Italian citizen? This doesn't mean that he will surely be selected. He will be watched just like all of the rest. This month, I still have to evaluate properly and make decisions that are made exclusively for the good of the National team."

"È sempre stato attaccato, però lui è stato chiaro sin dall'inizio mi ha sempre detto che voleva giocare in Italia e si sentiva italiano, io gli ho sempre risposto che, quando fosse diventato italiano, sarebbe stato visionato come tutti gli altri. La sua scelta l'ha fatta subito. Inoltre se e un calciatore va male nella propria squadra, non è detto che non meriti di essere chiamato. Il singolo può andare male perché la squadra non gira. In Nazionale, in un'altra realtà, le cose possono cambiare".

"He has always been attacked, but he has been clear from the beginning. He always told me that he wanted to play in Italy and felt Italian. I always responded that when he became a citizen, he would be watched like the rest. His choice was made immediately. In other words, if a player does poorly in his own club team, it isn't written that he does not merit being called up. A single player can do poorly because the team isn't doing well. At the National team level, it is another reality, and things can change."

Same Coaching Philosophy Since 1982

"Da quando ho cominciato a fare l'allenatore, nel 1982, ho mantenuto sempre le stesse idee nella costruzione di un gruppo. Dopo il trionfo ai Mondiali 2006, ho ricevuto le telefonate di giocatori che guidavo nel 1982 e nel 1983. A loro, mi hanno ricordato, dicevo le stesse cose che ho detto alla Nazionale campione del mondo. Le cose che dicevo nel 1983 le continuo a ripetere ora".

"From the time I began coaching in 1982, I have maintained the same ideas in the formation of a group. After the 2006 World Cup triumph, I received phone calls from players that I managed in 1982 and 1983. To them, they reminded me, I said the same things that I told the World Cup champion team. The things I said in 1983, I continue to repeat today."

No Roosters in the Chicken Coop

"Nel mio gruppo non voglio galli nel pollaio. Prima di gestire il gruppo, bisogna costruirlo. È ovvio che un allenatore di club abbia più difficoltà, me lo dicono quando li incontro. Il c.t. della Nazionale può scegliere i giocatori che vuole, ma in realtà vede i calciatori ogni 30-40 giorni. Nelle società, si può stare a contatto con la squadra tante ore al giorno. In ogni gruppo, ognuno deve mettere le proprie qualità a disposizione degli altri. Il gallo del pollaio è, invece, l'atleta di talento che però si mette a disposizione della squadra per 4-5 volte ogni anno."

"In my group, I don't want roosters in the chicken coop. Before you field a team, you need to build it. It is obvious that a club manager has a tougher job. They tell me this when I meet with them. The National team manager can select players that he wants, but in reality, you see the players every 30 to 40 days.

At the club level, you can be in contact with the team for many hours everyday. In every group, everyone has to put forth his own qualities at the disposition of the others. The rooster in the chicken coop, on the other hand, is the talented athlete that only puts the team ahead of himself 4 or 5 times every year."

"A Manager Does Not Choose the Leader."

"I giocatori devono sentire che c'è il messaggio di una guida. Il fuoriclasse, a parere mio, è il talento che mette tutte le sue qualità al servizio della squadra. Non si parla delle doti del funambolo, ma delle qualità in campo e fuori. Si tratta delle caratteristiche tipiche di un leader. Per capirci: 4 anni fa, ai Mondiali, Fabio Cannavaro è stato un fuoriclasse per quello che ha fatto in campo e fuori. L'allenatore non sceglie il leader: questo ruolo si ottiene con le qualità, giorno per giorno".

"Players have to hear that there is a message from a guide. The superstar, in my opinion, is the talented player that puts all of his qualities at the disposal of the team. You don't talk of someone that can dance on a tightrope, but of qualities on and off the pitch. One encounters the typical characteristics of a leader.

For example, four years ago the World Cup, Fabio Cannavaro was a star for what he did on the field and outside of it. A manager does not choose a leader. You obtain this role with qualities, day after day."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, April 13, 2010.

Italian to English translation by Steve Amoia of World Football Commentaries.

Marcello Lippi: "I wanted to shake him up, but respect his decision."

2010-03-02T14:08:00.004-05:00

Marcello Lippi released his roster for the upcoming friendly with Cameroon in Monaco on Wednesday evening. He discussed Alessandro Nesta, Mario Balotelli, Amauri and Leonardo in comments with the Milan sports daily, La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Absences

Gigi Buffon, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta are injured. Giuseppe Rossi was not selected due to compassionate leave after the death of his father, Fernando. Alessandro Del Piero appears to be out of the Azzurri set up. As you will see, Alessandro Nesta of AC Milan refused a return to the Azzurri at this time. Francesco Totti of AS Roma, also injured, has been rumoured to make a return with South Africa on the horizon.

New Faces

Leonardo Bonucci of Bari, Andrea Cossu of Cagliari and Salvatore Sirugu of Palermo received their first call-ups. Marco Borriello of AC Milan received his first call-up in the Lippi era.

Azzurri Roster

Goalkeepers

Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo).

Defenders

Daniele Bonera (Milan), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus).

Midfielders

Christian Maggio (Napoli), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).

Strikers

Marco Borriello (Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli).

Roster courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Feb. 28, 2010.

COVERCIANO (Firenze), 1 marzo 2010 - Alessandro Nesta dice no a un ritorno in Nazionale. Lo ha riferito il c.t. Marcello Lippi, nel primo giorno di ritiro in vista di Italia-Camerun. "Mi ha detto, credo in maniera definitiva, che non se la sente. Mi dispiace, volevo dare una scossa, ma rispetto la sua decisione".

su balotelli — "Spero che Balotelli sia determinante mercoledì con l'Under 21 visto che contro l'Ungheria è un match difficile. All'Inter stanno portando avanti un percorso importante per far crescere questo giovane che in futuro sarà utile sia all'Inter che alla Nazionale".

su amauri — "Di Amauri ne parlerò tra qualche giorno, perchè diventerà italiano solo allora. Solo quando sarà italiano, verrà tenuto sotto osservazione come tutti gli altri italiani. Mi riferisco a Toni, Gilardino e Rossi". Il passaporto di Amauri arriverà proprio mercoledì, il giorno di Italia-Camerun.

su leonardo — Che aveva chiesto particolare attenzione per i convocati milanisti in maglia azzurra. "Voglio ricordare che da novembre fino al 23 maggio ho solo questa partita per poter osservare i ragazzi, non faccio considerazioni sul fatto che sabato si giochino Fiorentina-Juventus e Roma-Milan. Alcuni giocatori giocheranno un solo tempo, ma vi assicuro che altri giocheranno 90'. Spero che questa cosa la capiscano gli allenatori di queste squadra".

Italian source courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mar. 01, 2010.

Coverciano (Florence), Mar. 1, 2010

Alessandro Nesta said no to a return with the Azzurri. Marcello Lippi, the national team manager, referenced his decision in the first day of training camp before the friendly with Cameroon.

"He told me, I believe in a definitive manner, that he is not feeling up to it. I'm sorry, I wanted to shake him up, but respect his decision."

On Mario Balotelli of Inter Milan

"I hope that Balotelli will be a factor on Wednesday with the Under 21 seeing that the match with Hungary will be difficult. At Inter Milan, they are moving forward in an important way to develop this young man who in the future will be helpful both to Inter and to the national team."

On Amauri of Juventus (A Brazilian who has applied for Italian citizenship.)

"I will talk about Amauri in a few days because he will only attain Italian citizenship at that time. Only when he will become Italian, will he come under observation just like all other Italian players. I refer to Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino and Giuseppe Rossi."

Amauri's passport will arrive on Wednesday. The day of Italy versus Cameroon.

On Leonardo of AC Milan

Leonardo had asked for special consideration of Milan players (Bonera, Borriello, Gattuso and Pirlo) selected for the national team.

"I want to remember that from last November to May 23, I only have this match to observe the players. I don't take into consideration that Fiorentina plays Juventus and Roma faces Milan next Saturday. Some players will only play a half on Wednesday, but I assure you that others will play the entire 90 minutes. I hope that managers of these teams understand this."

Italian to English translation by Steve Amoia of World Football Commentaries.

The Soccer Translator

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "He'll always be a solution and never a problem."

Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Post-Match Quotes

Copa del Rey Clasico Quotes Ahead of Camp Nou Return Leg

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "Claudio Ranieri is a Wise Man."

Real Madrid 1 - FC Barcelona 2: Post-Game Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Quotes

Pre-Copa del Rey Quarterfinal Clasico Quotes from Guardiola, Mourinho, CR7, Xavi, Alves and Mascherano

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "Please Excuse the Delay."

Ballon D'Or Ceremony Celebrates FC Barcelona Excellence in 2011

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "He needs a special translator only for him."

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: "With all of the kilometers I'm doing, I'll end up in Bari."

Carlo Ancelotti Named As the New Manager of Paris Saint Germain

Fabio Capello at Globe Soccer 2011 in Dubai

Translated Discussion with Marcello Lippi and Cesare Prandelli

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football: The Courage and Example of Simone Farina

Ricardo Kaka' and Caroline Celico Sing "Presente de Deus"

Translated Comments of Support by Uruguayan Teammates of Luis Suarez

Quotes of the Week in Spanish Football (La Liga)

Quotes of the Week in Italian Football

Part 1: "At the Origins of the Phenomenon Mourinho: 'How I Became Special 1' "

References for the Translation Skills of Steve Amoia

Ahmed Umair, August 2010, Islamabad, Pakistan.Ahmed Umair is an editor for Soccerlens (UK).

Contact Page

Featured Translation: Roberto Baggio Wins 2010 Nobel Peace Summit Award

"Me, President? It is very strange to be called president." Robert Baggio

Marcello Lippi: "I Don't Want Roosters in the Chicken Coop."

Marcello Lippi: "I wanted to shake him up, but respect his decision."

Ahmed Umair, August 2010, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Ahmed Umair is an editor for Soccerlens (UK).