Andrea Pirlo's rise from the dead!

Andrea Pirlo’s rise from the dead!

As the Italian Serie A progressed to the final stages, A.C. Milan was yet again trophy less.  The club’s woes began to become much more of a problem and players’ attitudes such as Robinho’s were beginning to become more self-centered than a Hollywood diva’s.  A.C. Milan’s fall was as inevitable and as significant as the Roman Empire’s for soccer.  A club that dictated European soccer from the 1970’s to the late 1990’s was now struggling just to qualify into the Champions League. A.C. Milan fans were becoming as impatient as a child waiting to open his presents on Christmas day.  A.C. Milan was lacking a general to command its infantry and lead it back to the glory days A.C. Milan’s ruthless supporters had once witnessed.

One of the biggest reasons for A.C. Milan’s issues was Andrea Pirlo’s failure to regain his god like form in the late 90’s.  The Italian native’s ability to control the midfield was a nightmare for other club’s offenses, and it seemed impossible for some clubs to even touch the ball when playing against the Italian giants.  As the transfer market opened up, no one expected to see Andrea Pirlo leave the team that had kept the midfielder since he was a boy, but ultimately soccer is a business and A.C. Milan had to decide between an aging midfielder or a young Brazilian with infinite potential, Thiago Silva.  It went with the obvious choice and elected to get rid of a player who was as deeply rooted into the club,s history as the San Siro.

As Andrea waited in his manor located on the coast of Italy in Livorno, the midfielder contemplated retirement and maybe a move to the M.L.S. if no one wished to obtain his talents for the upcoming Serie A season. 

Juventus was as desperate to find a midfielder to improve their youthful squad as a divorcee looking for a date.  Alessandro Del Piero’s play on the field was as dirty as Charlie Sheen’s sex life and putting the club on his shoulders was as dangerous as investing in the stock.  Juventus decided to take a risk in the 32 year olds aging legs.  The juventus manager, Antonio Conte’s decision turned out to be revolutionary for the club and one of the biggest factors in their 1^st place finish in Serie A.

At the beginning of the campaign Antonio placed Andrea on the right flank with the purpose of feeding the ball to Italian forward Marco Motta and to re-ignite the strikers hunger for goals and stardom.  Unfortunately, the two Italians did not compliment each other and mananger Antonio Conte’s strategy was not exactly helping the rest of the team.  Antonio had faith in Pirlo and decided he deserved another chance and switched him to a position that no one would expect such a skilled player to play, center defensive midfielder.  After two games Juve fans patience was already scarce and the future seemed dim with a record of two losses in two games, but Andrea Pirlo changed all of this.

The third game Andrea seemed to dictate the midfield and was the main reason for Juventus’s pounding of neighboring club Cagliari.  Juventus exploded on the scoresheet with a 5-0 win over Cagliari.  Juventus’s exploits continued as they stomped on Pirlo’s previous club AC Milan, beating them 3-1 with Pirlo adding to the score sheet with a jaw dropping free kick.  Pirlo seemed like the ingredient in the recipe for success that Juve had lacked for the past two seasons.  Juventus continued to roll by winning eight consecutive matches.  There was no doubt in Antonio Comte’s mind that his decision to erase Andrea Pirlo from the free agency list was a brilliant one.  Juventus earned its 1^st place finish and itsr rise to the top was as quick as Usain Bolt’s 100 metre dash. 

As long as Andrea Pirlo can keep his youthful form, the club’s success is as unavoidable as global warming.  Next year will be a very important year for Juventus as they will hope to continue their success in the Serie A and hopefully have the same success in the Champions League.  I am certain that A.C. Milan,s manager Massimiliano Allegri’s decision has been haunting him and is the biggest reason he has faced such harsh criticism from  fans.

                                         Andrea Pirlo scoring against Catania!

Robin Van Persie's best goals!

Here are Robin Van Persie's ten best goals!

Robin Van Persie

How important Robin Van Persie is to Arsenal!

As the Premier League season approaches its final stages to what has been an eccentrically odd campaign, the second most important part of the soccer season begins.  The transfer market is one of the most difficult and nerve racking times for players and managers.  Football giants become involved in financial warfare to secure their current players or to acquire new weapons for their infantry.  This is the business side of soccer.  It can become very cruel and usually ignites certain feuds between players and managers who disagree on contracts or decisions. 

Loyalty becomes irrelevant as Real Madrid knows with David Beckam.  Before the end of La Ligua, David assured his beloved club he would return to the Bernabeu, but instead a small American team with no history or significant trophies came into a large amount of cash and stole David as if they were experienced Con men.  In the soccer world today, money can buy you anything. 

The less powerful clubs attempt to protect their players from bigger clubs with larger wallets.  For instance, Sunderland tried to keep Englishman Phil Jones, but Manchester United managed to lure Phil into the Old Trafford, despite Phil’s past and development with his childhood club, Sunderland!

Arsene Wenger will have the task of trying to keep the most prolific striker in the English Premier League, Robin Van Persie.  The Dutchman makes scoring seem as easy as 1, 2, 3.  His magnificent chips make goalkeepers seem as useless as a deaf musician, his volleys defy the laws of physics and his ability to run with the ball is second to none.

At the beginning of the season, Arsenal seemed as though they would find themselves in the basement of the Premier League as they stayed in a disappointing 17^th position.  The team had as much chemistry as two complete strangers and mutiny on Arsene Wenger’s tipsy boat seemed as inevitable as Amy Winehouse’s early death.  A team with so much potential seemed to be conforming to critic’s sky high expectations!

One player, Robin Van Persie, managed to glue the squad together into a stellar team with a venomous attack.  The newly appointed Captain, finally injury free, began to score goals as often as alcoholics drink.   Robin ignited the desire for the players to live up to expectations and brought the club back up to third place.  Robin’s 28 goals have been as important as an oasis in the desert.  His achievements have not gone unnoticed by other clubs. 

Manchester City began trying to lure Robin from the early stages of the campaign with contracts that could buy an entire African country.  The bids started at 40 million and quickly went to 55 million.  Fortunately, Robin expressed his willingness to negotiate with Arsenal and his desire to stay with his current club.  The striker has one year left on his contract and now would be the time to seal the deal with the Premier League’s best forward.

Robin has been with Arsenal for almost 8 years and his departure would bring tears to the Gunners’ fans.  Arsene Wenger said on Wednesday “I brought him here a long, long time ago and he has developed fantastically well as a man and as a player.”  “Today he is a world-class player and he deserves great credit.  Hopefully, we can keep him here.”

Arsenal currently sits third in the Premier League, only one point in front of the Spurs who hold the final spot in the Champions League.  One thing is for certain, if Arsenal wishes to aspire to anything greater than a third place finish and would like to finally gain some trophies to put in their West London display, they must sign the Dutchman.  If they manage to keep Van Persie, they will be a force to be reckoned with next season as they will have Lucas Podolski to play with the Dutchman!

Robin Van Persie scoring his 25^th goal against Liverpool!

What will happen with Pep Guardiola after his departure from Catalunya!

It was a dim day for soccer fans and critics all over, as Pep Guardiola announced his official resignation from the Barcelona franchise that he has made so successful and world renowned.  Pep started in 2009, when the franchise was in a shambles after Ronaldhino's departure to Italian nemesis AC Milan and it seemed as though the club would drown in a lake of doubt and uncertainty as many clubs do after a player of Ronaldhino's stature leaves.  It is a trend that occurs as often as the rain in England.  For instance, after Zinedine Zidane left Real Madrid, the franchise almost took five years to climb its way back to the top of the Spanish Primera's league table. 


Pep injected a different type of strategy into a club with a very bland past such as his abolition of the central midfielder in the formation and his unorthodox formations such as the 4-2-4-1. 


Pep managed to pick the club up from the basements of the football world into the elite of FIFA.  His accomplishments are truly remarkable.  Pep lifted 13 trophies including three Champions League wins and three Spainish Primera league titles.  Pep made a timid 21 year old Messi into an ineluctable attacker who became as confident as a college jock.  Pep helped Messi on and off the field and managed to conserve Messi's humble attitude, even with the never-ending spotlight being shined on the Argentinian.


His adieu to the game brought tears to the Catalonians eyes and surprised many people.  The move illustrates Pep's need for perfection and impulsiveness.  It is rare that you see such a successful Coach leave a club because of a second place finish and a Champions League elimination, many managers just dream to get into the Champions League.


Pep said in an interview that "Every day during four years, the demands are very high, the pressure, the necessary energy to push the players and enjoy it," said the 41-year-old Guardiola, a former Barcelona midfielder. "I need to rest and move away."  There is no doubt that Barcelona fans are without a doubt the most demanding soccer fans in the world.  They expect greatness for their beloved club and anything that does not meet their god-like requirements is a worry to them.  Pep delivered under the pressure, but it is understandable that he needs some time to get away from Camp Nou and its absurdity.


In December 2011, rumours had surfaced that Pep Guardiola would replace Portuguese manager, André Villa, after his atrocious stint with Chelsea.  Chelsea decided to hire Italian international, Roberto Di Matteo, to take the reins of this mule-like franchise and its capricious squad with the likes of Didier Drogba, Fernando Torres and always scandalous, John Terry.  Pep extinguished the rumours this week by saying he would not be behind the bench for another year at least.


Pep gave Barcelona an absolute rule of the Football world and a team capable of winning countless trophies.  He leaves Barcelona as their most charismatic, unorthodox and accomplished manager to ever set foot on the grounds of Camp Nou!


                                                 
Pep Guardiola dropping a bomb on the Football world with the news of his resignation on April 27,2012.

Didier Drogba, a skilled Football player and an even better actor!

                                    

As Chelsea’s forward, Didier Drogba’s contract runs down to its final leg, Chelsea will be forced to make the decision of whether to let go of a player who has almost been moulded into the club’s history or should they meet his demands and offer him a new two year contract which would most certainly ensure that Chelsea is the only club for which he will play.

The Barcelona vs. Chelsea match on Wednesday was perhaps one of the most unexpected upsets as Chelsea somehow managed to hold Barcelona’s tyrannical offence off the score sheet, despite the Catalonians hitting the wood work twice.

Drogba was picked over the capricious striker, Fernando Torres.  Di matteo’s decision showed that the club still has faith in the Ivory Coast international even with his aging legs. Drogba proved his worth as he scored Chelsea’s most important goal of the season. 

Barcelona’s woes started when their most valuable player, Lionel Messi, appeared to have forgotten where his legs were as he stumbled awkwardly. 

A few minutes later, Messi uncharacteristically gave the ball away to Frank Lampard.  Lampard took full advantage of Messi’s rare mistake as he made a brilliant pass to Ramires. 

In a desperate attempt to solve Barcelona’s defence, Ramires chipped the ball in Drogba’s direction. Drogba was being marked by Carlos Puyol and Javier Mascherano.  Like a black panther searching for its prey, Drogba crept away from the Spaniard and Argentinian and pounced on the ball and beat goalkeeper, Victor Valdes, who was as helpless as a lost child.

The goal gave Chelsea hope and something to aspire to as they now hold a one goal lead over Barcelona in the first leg.

Drogba’s goal was definitely the highlight of the game, but he will make headlines for other actions which occurred during the game.

In his later years, Drogba has become notorious for being a diver.  During Wednesday’s game against Barcelona, Drogba was sprawling around like never before and his Hollywood acting reached an inappropriate level for a Football match.  Drogba not only angered the Catalonians, but also embarrassed his own team by falling on every patch of Stamford Bridge’s pitch.

Drogba brought up a bigger issue in soccer and illustrated one of the terrible flaws of the professional game.  Drogba showed that he can be an effective weapon and that he belongs in Chelsea’s infantry, but he will need to make some significant changes in his style of play if he wants to leave the game as a respected player known for his achievements, not his acting.

As Chelsea prepares for its trip to Camp Nou in Barcelona, they will need to be as good as they can possibly be and Drogba needs to realise that this is an occasion to prove his worth to the blues.

Chelsea has yearned for consistency this year and if Drogba can regain his ability to be an elite striker, Chelsea has a chance of lifting the U.E.F.A. Trophy.

Drogba needs to stop trying to win an Oscar and focus on beating defenders with his skill rather than his acting!

Drgba celebrating after scoring the winning goal against Barcelona on Wednesday!

The most under appreciated members of the team are always the goalkeepers.  Here is a compilation highlighting the best saves by the men between the posts!

A rollercoaster of a season!

As the Barclays Premier League progresses and nears to the season end with only nine games remaining, most soccer fans can agree that the 2011-2012 season has been the most aberrant season to date.

 First Chelsea, a usual top four finisher, has failed to maintain any type of consistency and is struggling just to secure a place in the top four.  After firing Carlo Ancelotti, Chelsea hired Porto boss, Andre Villa Boas.  Andre’s goal was to rebuild the franchise and make room for younger players such as Daniel Stouridge.  Chelsea’s team was similar to soccer’s senior’s home with 9 out of 10 players being over the ripe age of 30.  Even the younger players did not agree with his unorthodox methods and mutiny quickly arose in the locker room.  Lampard publicly criticized Andre and Didier Drogba had not a trace of effort in his atrocious Premier League campaign.

Another team that has flabbergasted the futbol world for all the wrong reasons is Liverpool.  They have only been able to satisfy the Anfield crowd twice at home and their play and attitude has been anything but stellar.  The team has been beaten to the ground by many scandals involving Luis Suarez, Kenny Danglish, Pepe Reina and Andy Caroll.  The team would have more success as a reality show than a soccer team. 

Luis Suarez fed the British paparazzi a three course meal with his alleged racist remarks to Manchester United’s Patrice Evra and Pepe which gave them one more reason to beat them to the ground by fighting a Tottenham fan in a local tavern.

A resurgent Arsenal has been one of the biggest stories in the Premier League.  The Gunners started the year off terribly ranking 17^th after 6 games.  The Gunners managed to climb back into the Champions League picture and currently sit third place in the league table.

Many of these stories found themselves on the news for weeks, but without a doubt the most significant change in the Barclays Premier League this season is New Castle United’s rebirth.  The club has demonstrated their potential to be a top four team in the Premier League and have crushed all the critics’ doubts from last year.

At the end of last season, English striker Andy Carroll decided to leave St. James Park’s grounds for a move to Anfield.  New Castle United manager, Alan Pardew seemed in disbelief with Andy Carroll’s rash decision.  The manager was caught flatfooted and was unable to immediately react.

Fortunately, all of New Castle’s squad seemed extremely determined and devoted to the club’s success.  The club finds themselves tied for fourth place with Tottenham at fifty nine points to show for the season.

One of the biggest reasons for New Castle’s triumph is Senegalese striker, Demba Ba.  The 26 year- old striker has 14 goals and is fifth place in the scoring race.  Ba uses his six foot two frame has proved to be a nightmare for defenders to contain and it seems he has a knack for being in the right place at the right time. 

Another factor in New Castle’s resurgence is newly acquired striker, Papa Cisse.  Papa was bought for just nine million pounds on January 14^th and seems to be a blockbuster deal. 

Carroll’s departure from the club has turned out to be a great move for the Toons financially and on the pitch.  Carroll cost the club 35 million pounds and Cisse only cost 9 million.  The club now has 26 million dollars to spend and Liverpool is paying top dollar for a striker who has only scored five goals in 36 appearances. Cisse has found the back of the net in each one of his eight appearances with a tally of nine goals to mark his formidable debut at St. James Park.

The last reason that New Castle has been able to compete with the big boys has been Ben Arfa’s change in attitude and solid relationship with fellow forwards, Demba Ba and Papa Cisse.  Arfa seems to have matured from last season.  Last season,  Arfa’s arrogance seemed to have gotten the best of him as he received more than ten bookings and his temper resembled that of a spoiled five year old.

NewCastle’s center midfielder, Tioté says “I see a bright future for the team and it would mean the world to our loyal fans if we managed to finish in the top four.”

Unlike most Premier league clubs, New Castle prioritizes scouting and avoids large transfer fees unlike Liverpool or Manchester City.  New Castle has developped players such as Yohan Cabaye, Peter Lovenkrands, Gabriel Obertan and of course Ben Arfa.

It looks like the Toons’ tactics are beginning to pay off and their future is extremely promising compared to Premier League giants such as Chelsea and Liverpool and their rise to the Champions’ League seems inevitable.

                                         Demba Ba heading  the ball against Liverpool!