France manager Laurent Blanc has dismissed talk of a row with Croatian counterpart Slaven Bilic ahead of this week’s friendly international.Les Bleus host Bilic’s side at the Stade de France on Tuesday with much of the build-up focused on the supposed bad blood between the managers.
The two clashed as players in the 1998 World Cup semi-final, with Blanc receiving a red card following a tussle with Bilic, which resulted in the Frenchman missing the final.
Bilic was widely criticised for play –acting during the incident, but Blanc insists that he bears no grudge against the Croatian manager.
“I’ve always told you and I repeat, there is no problem between him and me,” Blanc said.
“I saw that he said that it was me who was responsible for what happened in 1998, that it was my fault, and he is right.”
“This will not be a special moment for me and I’ll shake his hand without any ulterior motive.”
Speaking ahead of the friendly in Paris, Blanc also promised to mix his side up after their 2-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win in Luxembourg on Friday.
“I’ve always said it and I repeat it, the starting eleven against Croatia will be different from the one that played in Luxembourg,” Blanc said.
“Knowing that this is a friendly match, we will have the opportunity to make six changes. It is something to be included in discussions.”
“I think if it goes as planned, we will ensure that virtually all players have participated in one of the two games.”
Manchester United have taken a giant step forward in their pursuit of a record 19th league title. Victory sees the Red Devils go ten points clear with the added bonus of a foot in the door into the Champions League semi final, the treble is very much on for Sir Alex Ferguson’s charges.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Manchester United blogs that includes the formation to drive United to success; time to give Carrick a break, while it is time to get off the anti-Wayne Rooney bandwagon.
We also look at the best Manchester United articles around the web this week.
*
The Premier League’s most hated XI of all time
Time to reassess the role of United’s ‘Mr Marmite’?
The tactical formula to drive Manchester United to success?
The Top SIX Manchester United Adverts
Has ‘35’ become the new ‘30’ within the Premier League?
United, Liverpool and Villa’s transfer interest highlights his burgeoning reputation
Time to turn his back on Old Trafford?
Why it’s time to get off the anti-Wayne Rooney bandwagon
The £25m question Liverpool and United must ask themselves
Fergie’s Famous FIVE, but who’s the Man for United?
Why Wayne Rooney shouldn’t change a thing
Wesley Sneijder at Old Trafford? No thanks!
*Best of Web*
Hernández – a defensive forward – United Rant
Is a departure best for both parties? – The Busby Way
If Manchester United Strikers Were U.S Masters Golfers – Red Flag Flying High
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The Odd Men Out Were Justified Against Chelsea – The United Religion
City Can’t Even Sell 2,900 Tickets! RoM
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What was frustrating about the defeat against Bolton, was the unerring predictability of the defeat. Even Arsene had to admit that if we finish third then it will be an unsatisfactory season. He conceded that this was one of the easiest run ins that his team has had to face for many seasons. Yet because of a lack of maturity and experience we took only 2 points out of a possible 9 to see our hopes of winning the Premiership destroyed. There was no real pressure in evidence. These players are paid an obscene amount of money to deliver, and barely a handful do, and this is why Arsenal fail and will continue to do so until things change. The attitude of our Manager in his almost papal infallibility is evidenced by his response to a question about whether he would consider moving away from his beliefs and principles to change the situation for Arsenal? He replied thus…
“If you can convince me that the principles are wrong then I am ready”
But the truth is there is no one around him that is willing to challenge him or convince him. He went on further to say
“ Something is wrong in our team, It’s not the principles that are wrong… There is something wrong defensively…”
HELLO???
Arsene, I am heartily sick of repeating this mantra.
“Success begins at the back!”
I can no longer defend Arsene Wenger. But be clear, I am not calling for him to go, but to be frank, I am so frustrated and angry that next season will be my last at the Emirates, if nothing changes, then I will join the legion of divided and disillusioned Arsenal fans and support this club from afar. For enough is enough. I have patience but I am losing respect for a culture that refuses to allow an alternative credo to surface. My reasoning is simple, if the Manager ergo “The Club ” is not willing to invest in experienced match winning players, then why should I invest in two gold memberships at almost four thousand pounds? He is trying yet again to protect the average squad players who have failed to deliver time after time after time. He has asked us to blame him not the players. He cannot fault the player’s attitudes, and he is at pains to point out that he, Arsene Wenger was responsible for choosing the players.
Yes in that respect Arsene is right. His fingerprints are all over the scene of the crime. The Wenger philosophy is basically
“There is no I in team”
This is an often well worn quote that originated from one of the world’s best coaches of college basketball, John R Wooden was coach of UCLA who between 1963 and 1975 won 10 of the 12 available NCAA Championships. His short quotes inspired players and his principles laid the foundation of good team play. Yet this quote can be seen as the root cause of many of Arsene’s convictions. The team ethic has been taken too far. It is this ethos that now paralyses our players, it creates uncertainty in their minds. The very absence of leaders on the pitch, the failure to be selfish in front of goal and take an obvious chance, and finally the failure to instil a “Die for the cause” mentality in his players is because of the collective team ethos. Arsene knows that confidence in young players is fragile, and to blame players could result in those players failing to achieve their potential.
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The problem at Arsenal, is that we no longer have world class role models for the youth to learn from. They have to learn from each other. From what ex-players have said about Arsene’s technique of communication, basically means that these players will not receive a Ferguson style hairdryer ticking off when they underperform, instead they will be comforted and reassured. It seems that only the bottles of water in the dug out get to receive Arsene’s real wrath. Goal Keepers apart, Arsene very rarely drops players who repeatedly make mistakes or who fail to deliver. It is this ethos of team responsibility for success or failure that is almost political in it’s application. Arsene’s reliance upon his conviction is what is paralysing our club at the moment. Unless there are changes of personnel around him then this conviction will prove difficult to change.
Where is the the evidence for my assertion?
In 2008, Theo Walcott scored a hatrick for England against Croatia, he became an overnight sensation. There was a clamour for the young man to become the next Thierry Henry, but Arsene’s response was
“For me, it’s important he continues to develop as a team player,”
Next the question of the lack of passionate leaders on the field…
Denilson was quoted as stating that Fabregas was not a natural leader, Arsene Wenger responded
“We have a shared leadership in our team but I believe Fabregas is an outstanding leader, especially when you consider he’s 23 years old, with personality and character, and Van Persie as well.
“I believe what is important in the way we want to play football is that everyone takes responsibility.”
This team ethos is laudable but has it gone too far? There is the sharing of wealth too, just look at our wage bill for a start. But how many £30 million players do we possess. To warrant the third highest wage bill in the premier league? Again Arsene’s obsession with making sure that there is no “I” in team. We all get paid handsomely, so where is the desire or aspiration to get a high wage by good performances, if you can receive a king’s ransom for just sitting on the bench? I argue that too many ordinary players are overpaid, and this will present a barrier to bringing in established players. Something that Stan Kroenke and Ivan Gazidis should have the balls to address. We have 18 players out on loan, but I bet that we are paying the majority of their wages as the sums will be probably too high for Championship Clubs to afford.
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At the start of the season Arsene Wenger failed to buy a new Keeper, leading to uncertainty in his back four. Squillaci was never ever going to be a top draw centre back, and the loss of Vermaelen exposed Wenger’s gamble. We have continued to let in set pieces and this has been the case for at least three seasons, but do we see a change in our defensive tactics and application of these fundamental BASIC training ground skills by the players? When in front of goal with a chance to score, players will instinctively look to pass to the player next to them, again searching for team goals. Even Arsene Wenger’s attacking philosophy is under strain. The absence of a 30 goals a season striker to replace Thierry Henry, and the chance in formation to 4-3-3 means that we employ a team approach to scoring goals. Robin van Persie apart, there appears to be no other potent striker anywhere in our club.
We need a number two keeper, an experienced centre back, a Song replacement, and a proven goal scorer. But already before the season has ended Arsene has ruled out any major changes to his personnel. I would love to see Arsenal buy the likes of Cahill and Scott Parker, who would instil the fighting qualities that we so badly need. We are not very far from reaching the top, but what again is very frustrating, is the refusal to make those buys. I don’t want to hear about the transfer targets that we failed in getting, it obvious for all to see that this squad needs a clear out and fresh new hungry blood brought in, but if we don’t point fingers and allocate blame, then that is tantamount to saying that really nothing much will change. If we fail to make those changes then let us be clear, Arsene Wenger will never win the Premiership again let alone the Champions League for our rivals will continue to strengthen their squads.
So where am I on the page? As I said at the beginning, I can no longer defend Arsene Wenger, but neither will I join the ranks of those calling for his head. Arsene Wenger has earned the right to decide his own fate after what he has done for our club. But clearly someone close to Arsene needs to challenge his current approach. We need new defensive coaching staff, we need new experienced players to strengthen our squad, and if Arsene Wenger does decide to go in two seasons time we need ?Pep Guardiola! But let us hope that I am wrong, yet I fear that his refusal to change will lead to a tarnishing of his legacy, which would be a great pity after all that he has done for Arsenal Football Club.
Article courtesy of FTK from the excellent Arsenal Insider
The Telegraph is reporting that Manchester City will demand at least £50m for top scorer Carlos Tevez, who has scored 19 Premier League goals, and will risk keeping him against his will should no suitable offer arrive. Manchester City signed the Argentine for £32m from rivals Manchester United and Manchester City officials feel that his recent improved performances have nearly doubled that valuation.
Manchester City are preparing for the fact that the player may wish to move on even if Manchester City are successful in their quest for a Champions League place – but may find few suitors at that price. There are few clubs that have the financial muscle to both match City’s valuation and pay the wages Tevez will demand of around £160,000 per week.
Inter Milan is the most likely destination, but while the Italian club could afford Tevez they will not spend £50m on one player, because they know there are several areas of the team that needs strengthening. It is not believed that the other Italian clubs will pay the asking price either.
Therefore, that only really leaves Barcalona, Real Madrid or Chelsea, but if neither of these clubs show an interest, Manchester City are prepared to risk the wrath of the advisors of Tevez to keep the player for another year.
Follow me on Twitter @jimlk2007
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Tottenham are currently seven points behind Manchester City in the race for Champions’ League qualification with just four games remaining, and a look at each club’s fixtures indicates a forgone conclusion. The significance of the May 10th meeting between the two at the City of Manchester Stadium is reducing week by week as Spurs continually fall victim to unfortunate decisions, both from officials and their goalkeeper, as City continue to grind out points effectively.
The loss of Champions’ League revenue is likely to damage Tottenham’s chances of maintaining the pace of their progression, from relegation candidates to Milan destroyers in just two short years. City would not have endured a pause of the same extent in their development had Roberto Mancini’s men failed to sustain a top 4 position, but the Citizens now look set to enhance their precocious and expensive squad this summer to ensure a smooth transition in to the highest echelon of European football.
But what does this all mean for Spurs? It was only last January when we witnessed a bid of around £35 million for Sergio Aguero, and less than two months have passed since the Lilywhites triumphed over AC Milan, without conceding a goal in 180 minutes of football, to set up a European Cup quarter-final with Real Madrid. Such experiences will recur a minimum of two years from now and Harry Redknapp must quickly discover a way to direct Spurs back to the top table as soon as possible.
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For now, his best option appears to be investing in youth and experience, rather than replicate the signing of Rafael van der Vaart last summer, because established quality could be out of reach. This week, Redknapp has been rumoured to be tracking Dutch youngsters Tristan Berghuis and Issa Kallon, who are both currently training at the Vitesse Arnhem/AGOVV academy, but together have previously spent time on trial at Chelsea. After a short spell in West London, they spent seven days at Spurs Lodge last week, and Harry Redknapp is now deciding whether to confirm his interest in the 15-year-olds by making an offer, something Berghuis’ father is convinced will happen. “They [Tottenham] are very serious,” said Frank Berghuis, a former Holland international, “for Tristan, it was an unforgettable experience. You could not deny something like that to a young player — Tottenham is more than just a club.”
Signing the pair could prove to be a coup considering Chelsea offer more immediate opportunities for Champions’ League involvement, but Redknapp is renowned for his ability to identify and develop raw talent, as evidenced by the blossoming of Joe Cole, Michael Carrick and Rio Ferdinand under his tutelage at West Ham. All three have become fully-fledged England internationals and Premier League winners since, and even though Redknapp hasn’t produced the same impact at Spurs’ academy yet, he can legitimately take a considerable amount of credit for encouraging Gareth Bale’s recent maturity and inspiring 22 year-old Sandro to produce top-class performances on any stage in only his first season outside of Brazil.
It’s not that Redknapp is opting for a simple alternative but just that he will be restricted more so when the transfer window reopens. A number of previously unfamiliar stars have made immediate impacts this campaign, amongst them Javier Hernandez, Seamus Coleman and Jack Wilshere. Although Hernandez was signed for roughly £6million, his contribution this year in scoring 19 goals has seen his value soar. Wilshere was developed through Arsenal’s academy and promoted to the senior squad at the age of 17 and Coleman was signed by David Moyes for only £60,000 at the age of 20. All three have performed to a standard that belies their humble beginnings, and all in the space of nine short months, which should give Spurs’ fans confidence that Redknapp, although aggressively reluctant to admit it, can still wheel and deal without the attraction of Champions’ League football.
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There is no doubt that Manchester United face a massive challenge against Barcelona in the Champions League Final. However, they may have one or two tricks up their sleeve and one of them is South Korean midfielder Park Ji Sung – always the man for the big occasion.
This is certainly the view of Terry Venables who has pointed to the role players like Park and Darren Fletcher can play in stopping Barcelona playing their natural game. One thing you don’t want to do is give the Spanish giants time and space on the ball – but closing down and restricting space on the pitch may just serve to unsettle them. One suggestion from Venables is to put Park on Messi for two reasons, one to restrict time and space but also because Park can score goals and Messi won’t bother to track him.
This is a tactic that worked for Real Madrid in any success they had and was particularly evident in the Copa del Rey Final and using three central midfield players they were able to restrict Barcelona; Pepe being the key man. Something that was very much part of Real’s tactic against Barcelona in the Champions League but collapse when Pepe received his marching orders. But the key for United seems to be keeping it tight and then look to grab a goal when the opportunity arrives. Simple in theory but keeping Messi quiet for the whole game will not be easy and the tactic is useless if Barcelona already have a comfortable lead.
We know that Park has the ability to come up with crucial goals and the midfielder has scored 8 in all competitions this season. A pretty decent return for a player who hasn’t been overused this season ensuring he will be fresh and ready for this game. Even after the amount of games Manchester United has played this season. And Blackpool fans will know that if he is given a sniff of goal he will finish in style. The combination of Fletcher and Park could prove to be vital – if that is how Ferguson wants to play it.
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There has been evidence of Park stepping up when really needed this season. In the Premier League on the 6th November he scored both goals as Manchester United beat Wolves – with the second being a 93rd minute winner. He was then at his best in the game against Arsenal on 13th December when he hit the only goal of the game – that was his fourth goal in seven starts against them. Finally most recently he scored the winning goal in the Champions League quarter final against Chelsea in the second leg. So don’t be surprised if Park holds the key on Saturday night – but his role in keeping Messi quiet may be just as important as anything he does going forward.
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Imogen Thomas Joins Paddy Power For a Champion Offer! They will refund losing Champions League Final bets if Man United lose the match Make your bets now!
One man doesn’t make a team..or does he? Arsenal fans have been saying that their ‘collapse’ of dramatic proportions wouldn’t have happened if they had Belguim centre back Thomas Vermaelen for the whole season.
The heart of the defence has been a real issue (as always) for the Gunners, with Sebastien Squillaci being contender for worst signing of the season, Johan Djourou prone to at least six ‘air kicks’ a game and Laurent Koscielny despite an improved second half on the season, is still prone to errors. Vermaelen can’t cover two centre back slots, so one of the error prone three would have to ‘support’ the Belgium international in the middle, however it is Vermaelen’s influence upon his partner that would have been key. Arsenal’s defenders’ often run round like headless chickens but a calm, assured and strong Vermaelen would have no doubt improved his fellow centre backs’ games.
A ‘spine’ is key in any team, the Invincibles had Jens Lehmann, Sol Campbell, Patrick Vieira and Theirry Henry. Thomas Vermaelen no doubt since his arrival has been the Campbell equivalent with regards to to the ‘spine’ of the team, and maintaining the ‘spine’ is key in achieving success. The former Ajax player’s absence for more or less the whole season, weakened the ‘structure’ and the core of Arsenal’s team. Having Vermaelen for the whole season, would have given Arsenal a stronger and more assured edge to their play.
The Gunners aren’t overloaded with strong and dominant players so when you lose one of your few leaders, it is always going to effect your team. Defensive mix ups have been frequent throughout this season and I can’t help but think that a commanding Vermaelen would have eradicated, not all, but several of the costly errors by implementing a bit of authority across the back line.
Thomas Vermaelen’s availability this season would have been crucial, not necessarily a one man crusade to winning the Quadruple, as Arsenal have many more deep rooted problems, but the Belgium international would have definitely gained Arsenal points they stupidly threw away. You can’t see the Gunners throwing away five points against arch rivals Spurs when having a two goal advantage (twice) or drawing 4-4 with Newcastle when 4-0 up with Vermaelen in the starting line up.
Having Vermaelen’s ability at their disposal would have been a huge positive for Arsenal this season, but there is no way that having the former Ajax man would have filled up the Arsenal trophy cabinet after six barren season, at best his inclusion would have meant Arsenal would have remained in the title race for longer.
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After a season in which Tottenham Hotspur qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history, there was a strong sense of optimism and a growing confidence evident among everybody involved with the club. As both fans and players, as well as manager Harry Redknapp insisted that this side were looking to progress and improve on the achievements of the 2009/10 campaign, the prospect of finishing outside of the top four seemed to have hardly been taken in to consideration. Redknapp himself had even suggested at the start of the season that his side ought to be considered as genuine title contenders, however by the end of the campaign Tottenham were only able to secure fifth place in the league, finishing six points off Arsenal in fourth, and nine points off Manchester City who had effectively taken their place in the top four.
It has been suggested that as debutants of the competition, Spurs were simply not prepared for or able to cope with the demands of playing in the Champions League. Many of Tottenham’s players would not have been used to playing more than once a week and so, as fatigue and injuries began to take their toll on the side, squad rotation became almost inevitable, leading to an array of inconsistent performances in the league. However, we must remember that Spurs did reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League and never really seemed to struggle up until their clash with Real Madrid. It seems rather odd then, that whilst the players were able to step up to the mark against the likes of Inter Milan, Werder Bremen and AC Milan, domestically, Spurs were struggling against teams at the foot of the table.
During the 2010/11 season, Spurs failed to win any of their away games against the bottom five clubs in the league, picking up just 3 points altogether from these matches. At home, they managed to scrape just 7 points against the same five clubs, taking just 10 points out of a possible 30 overall, home and away. Spurs failed to win against Wigan, Blackpool, or West Ham over the course of the season, and both Redknapp and the Tottenham fans would have been going in to these games with confidence and a strong belief that the three points were almost certainly there for the taking. Tottenham’s success in the Champions League seemed to have left the players with a confidence that was verging on arrogance, and their performances against the lower clubs in the league appeared to lack the energy, desire, or determination that had been so evident throughout their European campaign.
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It seems then that Tottenham’s naivety may have been the main contributor to the failure of their season. This ‘failure’ is of course only relative to the success of last season, and it is important to recognise that to finish the season fifth in the league is by no means a disaster. However, a season which offered so much promise for the white side of North London ultimately amounted to very little, primarily due to an inability to get the results required against the clubs beneath them, and in particular those at the foot of the league table. At the start of the campaign Redknapp claimed “if you don’t aim for things, you have no chance” and that Spurs would be aiming to win the championship. However, as Harry quickly discovered, aiming too high can also have its repercussions, especially for a club that were entering a campaign of such intensity, and a fixture list that they were not accustomed to.
Regardless of whether or not it was intentional, Tottenham did appear to prioritise the Champions League over their domestic duties, and this ultimately cost them their place in the top four. Whilst Manchester City looked to constantly improve and increase their squad, Redknapp remained content with his crop, adamant that they were capable of competing on all fronts. Unfortunately Redknapp now faces the tough task of holding on to his key players, as those who have had a taste of Europe’s biggest club competition may start to look elsewhere for their football.
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One thing is certain: Redknapp and his players must learn from their mistakes of last season if they are to progress back in to the top four. The Europa League will throw out a fixture list not too dissimilar from that of the Champions League and Tottenham cannot afford to take their eye off the ball domestically as they did so last season. If Spurs can hold on to the likes of Bale, Modric and van der Vaart, then with a couple of additions to the squad there seems no good reason as to why this side cannot challenge for their place back in the Champions League. However any plans to challenge for the title must, at least for the time being, be put on hold.
As we enter the halfway point between the end of one football season and the start of another, teams from the Premier League to the Football League are readying themselves to start pre-season training. Spare a thought for Fulham, who are already playing their first competitive match in the Europa League on Thursday, but for the rest the hardest part of the season is just about to start. This is when the real hard work has to be put in and players have to get into shape for the new season ahead of them.
So, players are preparing for the new season ahead by getting fit, managers are preparing by finalising their transfer plans and looking at tactics and formations, and fans are looking at the fixture lists to see when the real crunch matches are. Players and managers, the latter in particular, will have their own routines that they’ll go through, and any time wasted will only come back to haunt them later in the season.
One team that needs more preparation than most is Ivory FC of the First Division of the Brentwood Sunday League in Essex. For the team at the centre of Nivea for Men’s Great Football Experiment, preparation isn’t something that they’ve done a lot of in the past; over-indulgence is more of their thing. However, the coaches are trying their best to turn them from no-hopers into world beaters. The transformation isn’t quite that dramatic for most professional clubs up and down the country, but there’s hardly any resemblance between a team at the start of pre-season with them at the end of the summer.
By the beginning of August, the players will be sick and tired of sprint drills and cross-country jogs, but it’s all for their own good in the long run. After all, nothing can be achieved without the correct preparation, and Premier League stalwarts Aston Villa still have their traditional motto ‘prepared’ in their crest on their shirt, something I’m sure new manager Alex McLeish will be emphasising to them as he tries to make his mark at Villa Park. The Scot might not want to take note of how the boys at Ivory FC prepare…
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Preparation really is everything at this time of year. For some players who have struggled with injury in recent times they will be chomping at the bit to start playing again, but most footballers will be thinking that their holiday only just started before it came to an end. But there are no cutting corners in pre-season, as Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, once said “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” and that statement couldn’t be more apt in the world of football.
Manchester United and Everton recorded contrasting results as their pre-season tours of the US continued on Wednesday.United were rampant in their 7-0 defeat of MLS outfit Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink field, with substitute Wayne Rooney the hero after netting a second-half hat-trick.
Michael Owen scored the only goal of the first half with a header, but United’s superiority showed as the match wore on with Rooney’s three goals complemented by strikes from Ji-Sung Park, Mame Biram Diouf and Gabriel Obertan.
The result followed United’s 4-1 rout of another MLS outfit, New England Revolution, a week earlier.
United’s English Premier League contemporaries Everton began their US tour with a loss after going down 1-0 against the Philadelphia Union.
David Moyes’ side were on top for a majority of the 90 minutes but could not break the deadlock, and were made to pay when Union teenager Christian Hernandez stole a winner in the 87th minute.
Elsewhere, Stoke City thrashed Newcastle Town 6-0, Queens Park Rangers beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Heidar Helguson, while Sunderland was beaten 3-1 by Bundesliga outfit Hannover.
From the Championship, Fred Sears scored as West Ham beat FC Copenhagen 1-0, Leicester drew 0-0 with Turkish side Bursaspor and Cardiff City were beaten 1-0 at home by Scottish powerhouse Celtic.
Jardel scored with two minutes remaining as Portuguese outfit Benfica snatched a last minute 1-0 victory against Ligue 1 side Toulouse, while Serie A sides Inter Milan, Lazio and Udinese all recorded victories.