I will now be posting on The Dirty Tackle. My two latest ramblings can be found:
http://thedirtytackle.blogspot.com/2010/10/respite-for-argentinas-busy-barras.html
http://thedirtytackle.blogspot.com/2010/10/silence-of-hands.html
Also on Bleacher Report:
http://bleacherreport.com/users/385677-chris-bates
Thanks to all those who have read and commented over the last 2 years. Be sure to Follow On......Follow On!
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, 2 November 2010
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
New Boys
Roberto Bugallo has recently celebrated 10 years as President of All Boys. Given the frenzied and unstable nature that surrounds the Argentine domestic game this is no mean feat. Longevity, in isolation is no barometer of success; Bugallo's reign has contributed to a meteoric rise for the club from Floresta in the west of Buenos Aires, culminating in this years's promotion to the Primera division after defeating Rosario Central in a 2 leg play-off. http://thedirtytackle.blogspot.com/2010/06/rosario-central.html
On taking over from the previous regime in June 2000 All Boys were languishing in the 2nd tier of Argentine football, players and staff had been without pay for 10 months and the threat of bankruptcy surrounded the club. There was to be no quick fix for los albos as they fell into the regionalised 3rd division the Primera B Metropolitana where they remained until 2008. If triumphs on the field were few and far between during this time the fans remained loyal to the regime of passionate fan turned president, Bugallo, who's also forged a close relationship with AFA President Julio Grondona. The club will no doubt have benefited from the cordial relations beween the two. The dilapidated Estadio Islas Malvinas, complete with wooden stands had changed little since it's 1963 inauguration. In 2004 fans raised enough money to build the ground's first concrete stand and with the help of an AFA loan the stadium was completely renovated and re-opened in 2008.
The club was founded in 1913 and chose their Anglicised name for no other reason than it was common practice to do so at the time. Three years earlier and in the same barrio of Floresta Vélez Sarsfield were formed and subsequently relocated to Liniers the barrio with which they are commonly associated. Prior to this year All Boys' only other foray into the top division came in 1972 where they stayed for 8 seasons. Their current coach José Romero was a member of the 1972 side, giving him the unique accolade of gaining two promotions to Primera A.
With the Apertura kick-off fast approaching All Boys debut away at Racing with their first home game being against former neighbours Vélez. Previous financial problems remain a recent memory and the club could be forgiven for cashing in on their Primera status. Their ground has a capacity of 19,000 and by switching home games against Boca or River to Vélez they could accommodate many more away fans, something All Boys refuse to do.
New recruits continue to arrive with the headline grabbing Cristian 'El Ogro' Fabbiani the most notable and highest paid. His level of physical fitness was deemed unacceptable by Mexican side Veracruz, not the first time this has been questioned during his career. The Mexican physios may have called this one correctly as a little over 6 minutes into his debut in a friendly against Tristan Suarez he suffered a thigh strain and is now in doubt for the start of the Apertura. Eight months without a game will have been a major contributing factor. All Boys will be wanting a similar impact to that which occurred initially at River Plate (http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/02/cometh-hour.html) and hoping his form will be more consistent over the season. The omens so far do not look good.
'I want to see los albos in the Copa Libertadores' said Bugallo after promotion, if the upward curve continues he could see his dream realised. Following in the footsteps of Banfield, Argentinos and Lanús, less fashionable clubs are demonstrating that there is an alternative to the irresponsible and self-destructive strategies pursued by the Big Five.
On taking over from the previous regime in June 2000 All Boys were languishing in the 2nd tier of Argentine football, players and staff had been without pay for 10 months and the threat of bankruptcy surrounded the club. There was to be no quick fix for los albos as they fell into the regionalised 3rd division the Primera B Metropolitana where they remained until 2008. If triumphs on the field were few and far between during this time the fans remained loyal to the regime of passionate fan turned president, Bugallo, who's also forged a close relationship with AFA President Julio Grondona. The club will no doubt have benefited from the cordial relations beween the two. The dilapidated Estadio Islas Malvinas, complete with wooden stands had changed little since it's 1963 inauguration. In 2004 fans raised enough money to build the ground's first concrete stand and with the help of an AFA loan the stadium was completely renovated and re-opened in 2008.
The club was founded in 1913 and chose their Anglicised name for no other reason than it was common practice to do so at the time. Three years earlier and in the same barrio of Floresta Vélez Sarsfield were formed and subsequently relocated to Liniers the barrio with which they are commonly associated. Prior to this year All Boys' only other foray into the top division came in 1972 where they stayed for 8 seasons. Their current coach José Romero was a member of the 1972 side, giving him the unique accolade of gaining two promotions to Primera A.
With the Apertura kick-off fast approaching All Boys debut away at Racing with their first home game being against former neighbours Vélez. Previous financial problems remain a recent memory and the club could be forgiven for cashing in on their Primera status. Their ground has a capacity of 19,000 and by switching home games against Boca or River to Vélez they could accommodate many more away fans, something All Boys refuse to do.
New recruits continue to arrive with the headline grabbing Cristian 'El Ogro' Fabbiani the most notable and highest paid. His level of physical fitness was deemed unacceptable by Mexican side Veracruz, not the first time this has been questioned during his career. The Mexican physios may have called this one correctly as a little over 6 minutes into his debut in a friendly against Tristan Suarez he suffered a thigh strain and is now in doubt for the start of the Apertura. Eight months without a game will have been a major contributing factor. All Boys will be wanting a similar impact to that which occurred initially at River Plate (http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/02/cometh-hour.html) and hoping his form will be more consistent over the season. The omens so far do not look good.
'I want to see los albos in the Copa Libertadores' said Bugallo after promotion, if the upward curve continues he could see his dream realised. Following in the footsteps of Banfield, Argentinos and Lanús, less fashionable clubs are demonstrating that there is an alternative to the irresponsible and self-destructive strategies pursued by the Big Five.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
A Long, Hot Summer
Slow news week. A minor inconvenience for Argentina's premier sports daily Olé who still have column inches to fill. We've discovered that Napoli and Argentine midfielder Jesús Dátolo has posed for Italian gay magazine Romeo Mag, his club we're informed aren't happy as one of the pictures features the hallowed Napoli shirt. Other fillers include a section encouraging fans to send in summer holiday snaps featuring their sporting idols, San Lorenzo's Diego Simeone leaves very little to the imagination in a minute pair of Speedos, enough to put many a reader off their medialunas.
Back to the football - new signings are thin on the ground at the time of writing. One absentee, Santiago Silva (once) of Banfield has failed to join the champions for pre-season training. The Apertura's leading goalscorer seems to be heading back to Velez who own half his contract. Banfield's president Carlos Portell is unwilling to pay $2.5m for complete ownership of the striker's contract - Estudiantes or River beckon. Teams are limited to four new recruits each during the summer break and most are a long way from nearing this limit. Financial constraints once again have helped to stifle the market, we're all aware this is a global economic slump and as such buyers from Europe are few and far between. Without revenue from the old continent the perilous state of Argentina's top clubs becomes all the more acute. Figures recently released show that only five of Primera A's 20 clubs are in the black, it'll be interesting to see if the Government's handout in exchange for TV Rights makes any difference in the months to come. No surprises that both Boca and River occupy first and third places respectively in the debtors list. Arrivals may be borne of necissity, Diego Buonanotte will be absent from River for months following his car crash - his physical injuries will heal but the mental scars will last for a long time and he may never be the same player again. Of a less serious nature is the the knee injury suffered by Boca Juniors' midfielder Sebastain Battaglia which will rule him out for the duration of the Clasura. One player who looks to be heading to Europe is 19 year old Eduardo Salvio of Lanús after being touted around he seems to favour Spain and if reports are to be believed Atletico Madrid will sign him. Ironically Lanús are one of those rare exceptions - a well run, solvent club whose existence doesn't depend on this transfer going through. Salvio's arrival at the Vicente Calderon could see Sergio Aguero move on.
The provinces this weekend will be graced by the big clubs as the various tradional Summer Tournaments get underway; a few clásicos of varying descriptions and a couple of superclásicos will take place this month before the proper games start at the end of January. Olé will then have someting to write about - and so will I! Finally Verón has put his heart and his family ahead of a lucrative move to Manchester City and will stay at Estudiantes. One spell in Manchester regardless of the team would seem to be enough for Seba .
Hot!!? Jesus Datolo's photoshoot:
Tuesday, 27 October 2009
Welcome Home
The wanderers return at long last - tomorrow evening Independiente will host Colón Santa Fe in their newly revamped stadium, the Libertadores de América. As is customary for large construction projects the world over it's over budget and behind schedule. Initial estimates put the work at around $10m, 2 years later and that figure has risen to approx $35m - the economic crisis has been blamed for much of this, although critics of club President Comparada's regime point to shared business interests between himself and the architects. Sales of players such as Kun Aguero have helped to fund the construction.
Independiente were the first Argentine side to win the Copa Libertadores in 1964. Under the stewardship of Manuel Giúdice they adopted a more European style of play - catenaccio - crowds averaged 47,000 during this period. Their revamped stadium has also looked to the old continent for inspiration and is based on a European model, with four distinct stands and the crowd close to the pitch, similarities with grounds such as Ibrox or Sampdoria/Genoa's stadium are easy to see. Anticipation ahead of the return is building and last week fans queued for tickets, perhaps a disclaimer should be included - the stadium is a far from complete and barely resembles the website's promo material: http://www.caindependiente.com/estadio/. Capacity will be limited to around 30,000 for the game, it will eventually increase to 45,000. Financial constraints ensure that the stadium roof will for the time being be an unnecessary luxury.
Independiente are in a desperate financial state and have been losing money on two fronts, the closure of their own stadium and 'renting' other grounds for their home games (including Racing's). Half built or not they need to return home. Many new stadiums in the UK remove the club from it's community and it's roots, supporters are forced to change matchday rituals. A pre-match pint in a pub is now an overpriced lager in a plastic glass from the stadium's snack bar. The newly revamped Libertadores de América ensures that the club is back where it belongs and the fans can once again be surrounded by past glories and legends. It should be fantastic once it's finished.
Independiente were the first Argentine side to win the Copa Libertadores in 1964. Under the stewardship of Manuel Giúdice they adopted a more European style of play - catenaccio - crowds averaged 47,000 during this period. Their revamped stadium has also looked to the old continent for inspiration and is based on a European model, with four distinct stands and the crowd close to the pitch, similarities with grounds such as Ibrox or Sampdoria/Genoa's stadium are easy to see. Anticipation ahead of the return is building and last week fans queued for tickets, perhaps a disclaimer should be included - the stadium is a far from complete and barely resembles the website's promo material: http://www.caindependiente.com/estadio/. Capacity will be limited to around 30,000 for the game, it will eventually increase to 45,000. Financial constraints ensure that the stadium roof will for the time being be an unnecessary luxury.
Independiente are in a desperate financial state and have been losing money on two fronts, the closure of their own stadium and 'renting' other grounds for their home games (including Racing's). Half built or not they need to return home. Many new stadiums in the UK remove the club from it's community and it's roots, supporters are forced to change matchday rituals. A pre-match pint in a pub is now an overpriced lager in a plastic glass from the stadium's snack bar. The newly revamped Libertadores de América ensures that the club is back where it belongs and the fans can once again be surrounded by past glories and legends. It should be fantastic once it's finished.
Saturday, 12 September 2009
For The Love of Football
The city of Ushuaia:
Pride of Ushuaia: Los Cuervos del Fin del Mundo
Ushuaia is a city on the edge, located at the very tip of South America on Tierra del Fuego seventy-thousand people now reside here, surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks. The most southerly city in the world (I'll argue with anyone who considers the Chilean settlement of Peurto Williams a city) is rapidly expanding thanks primarily to tourism and also the massive cruise ships that take wealthy holidaymakers south to Antarctica - a relatively short hop over the Drake Passage.
As has been seen throughout football's short history the game prospers and flourishes in tandem with the community that surrounds it. Football at the End of the World is no exception and Ushuaia has recently been accepted into the AFA fold. Ushuaian league champions Los Cuervos del Fin del Mundo and runners-up Mutual Banco made history this year by being the first teams from the city to take part in an AFA administered competition. These pioneers took part in the Torneo del Interior or Argentino C, a mammoth tournament that encompassed 264 teams from all over the country which are divided on a regional basis. The prize is a place in Argentino B, the fourth tier of Argentine football including teams other than those from Greater Buenos Aires.
Being a mere 1200km from the Antarctic peninsula inevitably causes some logistical and weather related problems for the teams. I spoke with Esteban Parovel a sports journalist for the Ushuaian newspaper 'El Fin del Mundo' to gain an insight into how this years tournament has been embraced by the locals and about football in general in the region: 'the season starts in March although there is a winter break at the end of June/beginning of July, it reconvenes in September'. As it's impossible to play outdoors in the depths of winter Esteban explained that the football fan gets his fix from Futsal or Fútbol de Salon (versions of indoor 5-a-side): 'In
order to be affiliated with the AFA a condition was that we developed a Futsal league'. Each game consists of two twenty minute halves.
Certain aspects of Torneo C resemble English non-league football particularly the lives of the players: 'All of the players are amateur and they fit in playing and training around their jobs. We have taxi drivers, civil servants, PE teachers, factory workers and dockers - there's even a local councillor Damián de Marco who plays for El Duende'. The teams all play at Ushuaia's municipal stadium - Hugo Lumbreras. In this year's competition the support was first and foremost Ushuaiaense in nature as opposed to split along individual team lines. In the case of the champions Los Cuervos: 'when they played in Argentino C the stands were pretty much full and they also took some fans to away fixtures'.
The emergence of Los Cuervos has also attracted attention from Buenos Aires, 2400km away. At the end of June they signed an agreement with Primera A giants San Lorenzo. El Ciclón will provide expertise in the field of sports medicine/injury management, they will supply kit and training materials, there's also the opportunity for Los Cuervos to train in the capital with the pros. Squad players from San Lorenzo will travel south to join Los Cuervos and gain valuable experience.
Football is pursued as enthusiastically and passionately as elsewhere in Argentina - have local players moved away to play at a higher level? 'Seventeen year old midfielder Franco Mendoza is a bright prospect, he played for Argentina Under-15's at the 2007 South American Championship in Brazil and this year he's joined River Plate'. There are other young players located at leading clubs throughout the country including Independiente, Gimnasia y Esgrima de la Plata and San Lorenzo. 'The Temporetti brothers, Francisco and Fernando played for Rosario Puerto Belgrano (Punta Alta) during the club's golden era all the way to Argentino A - they've since returned to Ushuaia with Los Cuervos'. The city's most famous son is to be found in Futsal - Alamiro Vaporaki has represented Argentina at senior level, his skill and achievements have also been acknowledged by the Argentine Sport Journalists Association.
Football in many forms is surviving and thriving at the End of the World - perhaps the AFA should have played the recent Brazil World Cup Qualifier in Ushuaia.....
Many thanks to Esteban Parovel from El Fin del Mundo (http://www.ushuaia-deportes.com.ar/) for answering my questions. Thanks also to Fernando from Argentinesoccer.com (http://www.argentinesoccer.com/indexen.cfm?CFID=15719458&CFTOKEN=43656519) who explained the complexities of the Argentine league system to me.
Hasta luego!
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Ortega Watch - Part V
Ariel Ortega has been the subject of more than one post on RFA over the last 12 months, indeed my very first foray into the 'blog-os-whatever' concerned El Burrito, his very public problems and subsequent shipping out to Independiente Rivadavia in Mendoza. Twelve months later and things appear to have come full circle - this afternoon's performance against newly promoted Chacarita Juniors confirms that that the old cliche about form being temporary and class permanent may have an element of truth.
Bubble-permed River coach Néstor Gorosito had been given assurances by President Aguilar earlier in the week that his position was safe until December although rumours persisted that this stance wasn't favoured by others on the board. A defeat in today's game against the Undertakers (Chacarita is home to the largest cemetary in Buenos Aires) may well have laid to rest Gorosito's mediocre time at River. A little over 20 minutes remained, River trailed 2-3 at home when Ortega slipped a superbly weighted ball through Daniel Villalba to round the 'keeper to equalise. On 87 minutes El Burrito received the ball from his own half and nonchalantly lobbed a stranded Nicolás Tauber in the Chacarita goal to secure River's first victory of the Apertura. An ecstatic bare-chested Ortega held his shirt aloft and received the adulation reigning down from the stands.
Watch the goals: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NO7OHW0z9IE
Hasta luego!
Friday, 21 August 2009
Transfer Chat - 2
'Does my bum look big in this?'
Cristina gets a free shirt for bailing out football.
Photo: Clarin
With the delayed Apertura finally due to commence within hours I’ll revisit the post about transfers from a few weeks ago (http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/06/transfer-chat.html). Remember, this is Argentina – things are rarely as simple as the selling club receiving all of the revenue, previous clubs, business consortiums and various other parties may all get a share. Far from an exhaustive list, what follows are some deals and potential deals that have caught my eye.
I’ll start with the world’s most prolific striker – Lucas Barrios who’s moved from Colo Colo (Chile) to Borussia Dortmund for €4.5m. A significant intra-European transfer is Lisandro López – moving from Porto to Olympique Lyonnais for €24m in a four year deal. Back in Argentina – if you’re tempted to put some cash on Huracán to go one better this season think again, midfielder Javier Pastore has moved to Palermo for 5 years, with el Globo seeing little if any of the fee. Matias Defederico is on the verge of moving to Corinthians (of Brazil not England) although Huracán’s official website insists that he’ll be staying on for another 6 months. Reports in the English press also allude to an unnamed English club (Liverpool?) making an eleventh hour bid. Defender Carlos Araujo is on his way to AEK Athens subject to a medical. One positive for coach Cappa is that Mario Bolatti will continue to play for the team, albeit for 6 months. Without Pastore and Defederico to light up the play things will be a lot different.
Onto River where35 year old Matias Almeyda is the latest recruit to join Dads Army. Ariel Ortega is back from his Mendocino exile and raring to go after scoring in his return match against Everton (England). For now Diego Buonanotte remains but Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has departed for Porto at a cost of €4m. Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Paniagua has joined the Millionaires (surely time to change that nickname) from Guarani on a 1 year loan with an option to buy.
At Boca Juniors forward Rodrigo Palacio has finally moved to Europe with Genoa (the irony!) where Luciano Figueroa has also returned to. On the subject of Genoa Diego Milito has moved to Internazionale which should increase Palacio’s chances of getting some games. It is to be hoped the stylish Italians have a word with Rodrigo about ‘that haircut’. Hugo Ibarra was on the verge of quitting the club a few weeks ago but got all sentimental and decided to stay on much to the relief of fans. Chilean midfielder Gary Medel has joined on loan from Universidad Católica.
If further evidence were needed of the global appeal of Argentine talent Independiente are a great example – Daniel Montenegro has gone to Mexican side América for $3.5m, Hernán Fredes moves to Metalist in the Ukraine and Leandro Gioda goes to Jerez, Spain on loan. Forward Andres Silvera joins from San Lorenzo where he hopes to get paid on time – good luck. Neighbours Racing have lost a significant amount of talent (see earlier post) but have recruited from the dark side – Damián Ledesma arrives from Independiente. Defender Franco Sosa is the latest departure moving to Lorient of France for 3 years €800k.
San Lorenzo could have a page dedicated to themselves, interesting times for Simeone learning all those new names – I’ll keep it brief, Bergessio still remains the club will need his fighting spirit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoA76V09LCg). Midfielder Leandro Romagnoli puts heart over head and returns from Sporting Lisbon despite interest from Fluminense and goalkeeper Pablo Migliore joins from Boca. Cristian Ledesma returns to Olympiakos. Veteran Kily Gonzalez arrives from Rosario Central.
Some others: Clasura champions Vélez have been relatively quiet although striker Joaquin Larrivey has returned back to Cagliari after his loan spell. Lanús have lost prolific striker José Sand to the footballing mecca that is Al Ain in the UAE in exchange for $10m, another striker 19 year old Eduardo Salvio is also interesting Fiorentina who are ready to bid around €10m. Champions of America Estudiantes will continue to be inspirationally led by Verón who has taken a 40% paycut in order to fund youth football – what a legend! Gastón Fernández – scorer of the equaliser against Cruzeiro in the Copa Libertadores final has returned to Tigres of Mexico after his loan spell.
Transfer revenue may be less, but a similar pattern remains – young hopefuls go one way and the veterans come the other. Pastore could well have stayed at least another season with Huracán and earned himself a move to an A-list European club under the instruction of Cappa. Unfortunately the player was no doubt the last person to be aware of his next move.
Enjoy the season.
Hasta luego!
Cristina gets a free shirt for bailing out football.
Photo: Clarin
With the delayed Apertura finally due to commence within hours I’ll revisit the post about transfers from a few weeks ago (http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/06/transfer-chat.html). Remember, this is Argentina – things are rarely as simple as the selling club receiving all of the revenue, previous clubs, business consortiums and various other parties may all get a share. Far from an exhaustive list, what follows are some deals and potential deals that have caught my eye.
I’ll start with the world’s most prolific striker – Lucas Barrios who’s moved from Colo Colo (Chile) to Borussia Dortmund for €4.5m. A significant intra-European transfer is Lisandro López – moving from Porto to Olympique Lyonnais for €24m in a four year deal. Back in Argentina – if you’re tempted to put some cash on Huracán to go one better this season think again, midfielder Javier Pastore has moved to Palermo for 5 years, with el Globo seeing little if any of the fee. Matias Defederico is on the verge of moving to Corinthians (of Brazil not England) although Huracán’s official website insists that he’ll be staying on for another 6 months. Reports in the English press also allude to an unnamed English club (Liverpool?) making an eleventh hour bid. Defender Carlos Araujo is on his way to AEK Athens subject to a medical. One positive for coach Cappa is that Mario Bolatti will continue to play for the team, albeit for 6 months. Without Pastore and Defederico to light up the play things will be a lot different.
Onto River where35 year old Matias Almeyda is the latest recruit to join Dads Army. Ariel Ortega is back from his Mendocino exile and raring to go after scoring in his return match against Everton (England). For now Diego Buonanotte remains but Colombian striker Radamel Falcao has departed for Porto at a cost of €4m. Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Paniagua has joined the Millionaires (surely time to change that nickname) from Guarani on a 1 year loan with an option to buy.
At Boca Juniors forward Rodrigo Palacio has finally moved to Europe with Genoa (the irony!) where Luciano Figueroa has also returned to. On the subject of Genoa Diego Milito has moved to Internazionale which should increase Palacio’s chances of getting some games. It is to be hoped the stylish Italians have a word with Rodrigo about ‘that haircut’. Hugo Ibarra was on the verge of quitting the club a few weeks ago but got all sentimental and decided to stay on much to the relief of fans. Chilean midfielder Gary Medel has joined on loan from Universidad Católica.
If further evidence were needed of the global appeal of Argentine talent Independiente are a great example – Daniel Montenegro has gone to Mexican side América for $3.5m, Hernán Fredes moves to Metalist in the Ukraine and Leandro Gioda goes to Jerez, Spain on loan. Forward Andres Silvera joins from San Lorenzo where he hopes to get paid on time – good luck. Neighbours Racing have lost a significant amount of talent (see earlier post) but have recruited from the dark side – Damián Ledesma arrives from Independiente. Defender Franco Sosa is the latest departure moving to Lorient of France for 3 years €800k.
San Lorenzo could have a page dedicated to themselves, interesting times for Simeone learning all those new names – I’ll keep it brief, Bergessio still remains the club will need his fighting spirit (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoA76V09LCg). Midfielder Leandro Romagnoli puts heart over head and returns from Sporting Lisbon despite interest from Fluminense and goalkeeper Pablo Migliore joins from Boca. Cristian Ledesma returns to Olympiakos. Veteran Kily Gonzalez arrives from Rosario Central.
Some others: Clasura champions Vélez have been relatively quiet although striker Joaquin Larrivey has returned back to Cagliari after his loan spell. Lanús have lost prolific striker José Sand to the footballing mecca that is Al Ain in the UAE in exchange for $10m, another striker 19 year old Eduardo Salvio is also interesting Fiorentina who are ready to bid around €10m. Champions of America Estudiantes will continue to be inspirationally led by Verón who has taken a 40% paycut in order to fund youth football – what a legend! Gastón Fernández – scorer of the equaliser against Cruzeiro in the Copa Libertadores final has returned to Tigres of Mexico after his loan spell.
Transfer revenue may be less, but a similar pattern remains – young hopefuls go one way and the veterans come the other. Pastore could well have stayed at least another season with Huracán and earned himself a move to an A-list European club under the instruction of Cappa. Unfortunately the player was no doubt the last person to be aware of his next move.
Enjoy the season.
Hasta luego!
Thursday, 13 August 2009
Game On
AFA President Julio Grondona may not have been top of the popularity ratings with most football fans although developments this week have seen him recast as a rotund Argentine version of Bob Geldof. Nothing excites your average working man more than football and nothing exorcises him more than having to pay cash to watch his team on the TV. All that may change as the AFA, backed by the clubs and with Government support have broken their current broadcasting contract with Clarin/TyC in a row over increased TV revenues. The clubs need more money to settle debts with palyers and tax bills. It's now open season as to how games will be shown in the coming years but the most likely scenario is rumoured to be a $1.6bn deal from the state over 10 years to broadcast football with games being shown on free to air channels and the remainder sold to other networks. Expect this one to run and run with Contract Law professionals all over Buenos Aires and beyond salivating at the prospect of the forthcoming legal wranglings. Marcelo Bombau - head of TyC has been on the offensive and will be pursuing a multi-million dollar compensation claim against the AFA. Whatever the opinion of TyC's coverage, the way fixtures were spread over 3 nights at weekends or the amount of money they were putting into football there are two parties involved in a contract. It was after all Grondona and the AFA who negotiated the deal. TyC will have invested heavily in resources to broadcast games for the duration of the agreement, they have every right to seek compensation. How long before a club president who backed this action publicly criticises a player for breaking a contract?
It's a widely accepted fact that the current financial mess has been caused as much by club mis-management as by a depressed transfer market, the club presidents will again escape any serious repercussions and Grondona wont have to suffer the embarrassment of taking any action against his friends. Opposition politicians are also critical of the State involving itself in a private contractual dispute although their opinions may differ if in power. The season is now due to start on 21st August - who's going to ensure the extra cash is kept within the game? Stadiums need updating, security needs improving, barras don't need paying and neither do shadowy owners of players contracts. For now the game is on but the same problems remain.
Hasta luego!
It's a widely accepted fact that the current financial mess has been caused as much by club mis-management as by a depressed transfer market, the club presidents will again escape any serious repercussions and Grondona wont have to suffer the embarrassment of taking any action against his friends. Opposition politicians are also critical of the State involving itself in a private contractual dispute although their opinions may differ if in power. The season is now due to start on 21st August - who's going to ensure the extra cash is kept within the game? Stadiums need updating, security needs improving, barras don't need paying and neither do shadowy owners of players contracts. For now the game is on but the same problems remain.
Hasta luego!
Saturday, 8 August 2009
Take it as Red
When is red not red? When it's LG red of course. The Korean electronics company has what is to most people a red and white logo.....although to Boca Juniors President it's 'burgundy'. Jorge Ameal has qualified the exact shade of red in light of mounting criticism and vitriol from a proportion of Boca's fans, disgusted that the colours of Superclásico rivals River Plate should somehow find their way onto the sacred shirt.
Given the debt-ridden quagmire that most clubs find themselves in, not least Boca - the protesting fans could do worse than take heed of the ancient proverb 'Money talks and bullshit walks'. Firstly LG are paying the club in US Dollars to have their name on the shirt, not in the yo-yoing Argentine Peso, secondly it's not a bad deal - 3 years at $2m pa increasing by $250k per year too. Shirt sponsors are temporary whilst club colours are eternal.
Perhaps the fans would have other matters on their minds if the season was expected to kick off as scheduled next Friday. At time of writing that doesn't appear likely as unpaid salaries and taxes still remain. AFA President Julio Grondona should however be given credit for sucessfully shifting the focus and the blame for the current impasse from his organisation and club mis-management to the TV companies. Well dodged Julio.
Hasta luego!
Given the debt-ridden quagmire that most clubs find themselves in, not least Boca - the protesting fans could do worse than take heed of the ancient proverb 'Money talks and bullshit walks'. Firstly LG are paying the club in US Dollars to have their name on the shirt, not in the yo-yoing Argentine Peso, secondly it's not a bad deal - 3 years at $2m pa increasing by $250k per year too. Shirt sponsors are temporary whilst club colours are eternal.
Perhaps the fans would have other matters on their minds if the season was expected to kick off as scheduled next Friday. At time of writing that doesn't appear likely as unpaid salaries and taxes still remain. AFA President Julio Grondona should however be given credit for sucessfully shifting the focus and the blame for the current impasse from his organisation and club mis-management to the TV companies. Well dodged Julio.
Hasta luego!
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
The Circus Comes to Town
Expect the collection plate to handed around in Moscow on the 12th August, with the game in Argentina firmly in the red some much needed dollars from filthy rich oligarchs would be most welcome. La selección travel East to face Russia ahead of their summer 2010 defining double header against Brazil and Paraguay in early September. The 23 man squad is near as damn it full strength, the major surprise for yours truly being the inclusion Jesús Dátolo from Napoli who's played a mere 9 games for the Italian side. Mario Bolatti of footballing team Huracán also gets a well deserved call-up with Clasura champions Vélez bringing up the rear courtesy of Emiliano Papa and Nicolás Otamendi the latter building on his first cap in the friendly against Panama (a game slated in an earlier post!!!). Juan Verón is included and once again proves that age aint nothing but a number particularly after his legendary performances in the Copa Libertadores for Estudiantes. The squad is as follows:
Juan Pablo Carrizo (Zaragoza –Spain) Mariano Andujar (Catania – Italy) Javier Zanetti (Internazionale – Italy) Emiliano Papa (Vélez Sársfield – Argentina) Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid – Spain) Daniel Díaz (Getafe – Spain) Nicolás Burdisso (Internazionale – Spain) Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez Sársfield) Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich – Germany) Javier Mascherano (Liverpool – England) Fernando Gago (Real Madrid – Spain) Sebastian Battaglia (Boca) Mario Bolatti (Huracán – Argentina) Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atlético de Madrid – Spain) Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle United – England) Jesús Dátolo (Nápoli – Italia) Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes de La Plata) Lionel Messi (Barcelona – Spain) Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid – Spain) Carlos Tevez (Manchester City – England) Lisandro López (Olympique Lyonnais – France) Diego Milito (Internazionale – Italy) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli – Italy)
Hasta luego!
Juan Pablo Carrizo (Zaragoza –Spain) Mariano Andujar (Catania – Italy) Javier Zanetti (Internazionale – Italy) Emiliano Papa (Vélez Sársfield – Argentina) Gabriel Heinze (Real Madrid – Spain) Daniel Díaz (Getafe – Spain) Nicolás Burdisso (Internazionale – Spain) Nicolás Otamendi (Vélez Sársfield) Martín Demichelis (Bayern Munich – Germany) Javier Mascherano (Liverpool – England) Fernando Gago (Real Madrid – Spain) Sebastian Battaglia (Boca) Mario Bolatti (Huracán – Argentina) Maximiliano Rodríguez (Atlético de Madrid – Spain) Jonás Gutiérrez (Newcastle United – England) Jesús Dátolo (Nápoli – Italia) Juan Sebastián Verón (Estudiantes de La Plata) Lionel Messi (Barcelona – Spain) Sergio Agüero (Atlético de Madrid – Spain) Carlos Tevez (Manchester City – England) Lisandro López (Olympique Lyonnais – France) Diego Milito (Internazionale – Italy) Ezequiel Lavezzi (Nápoli – Italy)
Hasta luego!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Can't Pay, Wont Play
In days gone by one of the few events to break the tedium of a long close season was the publishing of the fixture lists. Argentine Apertura fixtures were released this week with eyes predictably drawn towards the numerous clásicos and Superclásico. The fun is set to commence on the 14th August although Secretary of the Players Union Sergio Marchi has called for the start to delayed.
The problem is debt, specifically the debts owing to players by their clubs from unpaid wages and bonuses. Almost half of all clubs in Primera A are in debt to their players including Racing, River, Independiente, Huracán and the two Rosario teams. With problems such as these it's understandable that Argentine players move abroad to inferior leagues and teams. These transfers are as much about the security of a contract that will be honoured as they are trophies and career progression.
San Lorenzo have one of the most acute debt problems in the league at present. One of the famed Big Five (the only one not to have won the Copa Libertadores) have exacerbated their own woes by spending too much money on players, paying too much in wages (when they pay them) and performing too poorly where it matters. Last season's dismal Copa Libertadores exit did little to help balance the books. Goalkeeper Agustin Orión is one such employee who's owed money together with others such as defender Cristian Tula and forward Hernán Peirone. With Orión he's the property of the club and not owned by a third party if his debts aren't settled in the next day or so he'll become a free agent. Currently with this debt San Lorenzo are unable to sell the player despite interest from Racing. Coach Simeone needs to take a roll-call before every training session at the moment, it's anyone's guess who's not turning up as a result of non-payment.
AFA chief Julio Grondona has called on the State to intervene and has also proposed that the FA loan money to San Lorenzo to clear the player's debts and enable him to be sold, thus generating income. Another form of assistance could be increased revenues from the football pools, the much maligned TV deal needs modifying for a more even distribution of the cash, however the current contract runs until 2014. Surely the State has bigger concerns than propping-up poorly managed football teams? Direct State intervention in various guises aka handouts is nothing new, Racing's three successive championships between 1949 -51 were helped immensely by their ability to retain their best players - then Finance Minister Ramón Careijo was a Racing fanatic. Perhaps Nestor could have a quiet word with his wife?
Those owed wages must be paid. Short-term loans maybe the answer but club presidents, boards and administrators need to be brought to justice when contracts are breached.
Hasta luego!
The problem is debt, specifically the debts owing to players by their clubs from unpaid wages and bonuses. Almost half of all clubs in Primera A are in debt to their players including Racing, River, Independiente, Huracán and the two Rosario teams. With problems such as these it's understandable that Argentine players move abroad to inferior leagues and teams. These transfers are as much about the security of a contract that will be honoured as they are trophies and career progression.
San Lorenzo have one of the most acute debt problems in the league at present. One of the famed Big Five (the only one not to have won the Copa Libertadores) have exacerbated their own woes by spending too much money on players, paying too much in wages (when they pay them) and performing too poorly where it matters. Last season's dismal Copa Libertadores exit did little to help balance the books. Goalkeeper Agustin Orión is one such employee who's owed money together with others such as defender Cristian Tula and forward Hernán Peirone. With Orión he's the property of the club and not owned by a third party if his debts aren't settled in the next day or so he'll become a free agent. Currently with this debt San Lorenzo are unable to sell the player despite interest from Racing. Coach Simeone needs to take a roll-call before every training session at the moment, it's anyone's guess who's not turning up as a result of non-payment.
AFA chief Julio Grondona has called on the State to intervene and has also proposed that the FA loan money to San Lorenzo to clear the player's debts and enable him to be sold, thus generating income. Another form of assistance could be increased revenues from the football pools, the much maligned TV deal needs modifying for a more even distribution of the cash, however the current contract runs until 2014. Surely the State has bigger concerns than propping-up poorly managed football teams? Direct State intervention in various guises aka handouts is nothing new, Racing's three successive championships between 1949 -51 were helped immensely by their ability to retain their best players - then Finance Minister Ramón Careijo was a Racing fanatic. Perhaps Nestor could have a quiet word with his wife?
Those owed wages must be paid. Short-term loans maybe the answer but club presidents, boards and administrators need to be brought to justice when contracts are breached.
Hasta luego!
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Copa Libertadores: Argentina v Brazil
Photo: Clarin
There are some matches when you simply have to be there, whatever the hurdles to be overcome. Last night's Copa Libertadores semi-final 2nd leg between Nacional (0) and Estudiantes de la Plata (1) in Montevideo was one such example. This was made all the more difficult for supporters of Estudiantes as away fans were banned from both legs after the two clubs were unable to agree on ticket allocations. It would be a game that separated the fanatics from the fans. For the Estudiantes fanatics who were present their tales will be told and re-told in the years to come and form part of Pincha folklore.
It's estimated that around 300 plain clothed away fans covertly found their way into the Centanario stadium sprinkled amongst 50,000 Nacional supporters. Tickets were most likely acquired by Uruguayan contacts or Penarol fans (my enemy's enemy is my friend). With both teams sharing 6 Cups between them including 2 previous final encounters in 1969 and 1971 this was an opportunity for today's players to forge their own places in history. Once the largest stadium outside of the British Isles the Centanario was lit up with fireworks and flares prior to kick-off, only a win would see the Uruguayans through to the final. Estudiantes controlled the game for long periods and took the lead just after half time when Mauro Boselli calmly lifted the ball over the advancing 'keeper. Nacional were finally stung into action and equalised - Mariano Andújar conceding his first goal in 801 minutes of Copa Libertadores football. Boselli killed the tie in stoppage time and in doing so became joint top scorer in this years competition (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEAvFyP0wgA). Far from being the classic smash and grab raid this was a composed and professional performance by Estudiantes who were without South American Player of the Year Juan Verón.
For the 300 daredevils who ran the gauntlet in Montevideo one can imagine outward signs of celebration being sensibly curtailed at the final whistle in view of surroundings.
Estudiantes won this competition 3 times between 1968 and 1970, that infamous team (together with Racing) ensured that any reference to Argentine football in the UK media thereafter would usually be prefixed with the word 'cynical' as a result of two bad tempered and dirty Intercontinental Cup clashes against Manchester United and Celtic respectively. Later on today the present side will discover whether they face Brazil's Cruzeiro (3) or Gremio (1), having already faced Cruzeiro in the group stages.
In a cruel twist of fate it's possible that Estudiantes fans could even be prevented from seeing the home-leg of the final due to the HN1 flu virus sweeping Argentina, a decision will be made by the authorities.
Hasta luego!
Monday, 22 June 2009
Violence Overshadows Huracán's Title Charge
Bad pitches, Maradona’s psychological state, ex-Presidents showering gifts on players……after a crazy 10 days the football finally threatened to grab the headlines this weekend with crucial games at both ends of Primera A. Sadly violence has once again appeared at football with two fans paying the ultimate price.
With Huracán closing in on their first title since 1973 and by general consensus playing the best football in the league their 3-0 home victory over Arsenal should be cause for celebration. However this being Argentina the presence of the Barra Brava is never too far away. At the end of the game fierce fighting took place involving differing factions of Huracán’s barras, the end result being two shot dead and four injured. To fans in Europe this in-fighting is a relatively alien concept where problems generally occur between different clubs. To control and lead a club’s gang in Argentina doesn’t just provide free entrance to matches, a great deal of money can be made engaging in other shady activities – to be a ‘capo’ is a fulltime job of what is in effect a criminal organisation. The battle of McDonald’s which took place earlier this year was for control of Boca Juniors infamous ‘La Doce’ also involved firearms and saw an innocent pensioner caught in the crossfire.
The final game and title decider sees Huracán travel to Vélez where a draw would be enough to secure the Clasura. It's sad that for all the sparkling football played by El Globo under the stewardship of Angel Cappa off the field activity grabs the headlines in what could be an historic season.
Hasta luego!
With Huracán closing in on their first title since 1973 and by general consensus playing the best football in the league their 3-0 home victory over Arsenal should be cause for celebration. However this being Argentina the presence of the Barra Brava is never too far away. At the end of the game fierce fighting took place involving differing factions of Huracán’s barras, the end result being two shot dead and four injured. To fans in Europe this in-fighting is a relatively alien concept where problems generally occur between different clubs. To control and lead a club’s gang in Argentina doesn’t just provide free entrance to matches, a great deal of money can be made engaging in other shady activities – to be a ‘capo’ is a fulltime job of what is in effect a criminal organisation. The battle of McDonald’s which took place earlier this year was for control of Boca Juniors infamous ‘La Doce’ also involved firearms and saw an innocent pensioner caught in the crossfire.
The final game and title decider sees Huracán travel to Vélez where a draw would be enough to secure the Clasura. It's sad that for all the sparkling football played by El Globo under the stewardship of Angel Cappa off the field activity grabs the headlines in what could be an historic season.
Hasta luego!
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Lies, Damned Lies and Relegation Statistics
Coach Caruso Lombardi of Racing has an awful lot on his mind at present. With his team still not mathematically safe from a second relegation playoff in two years against a Primera B side many of his players have been struck down by the flu, reports speak of around twelve players in the sick-bay including Marcos Cáceres, Lucas Castromán and José Shaffer all of whom failed to train yesterday. Hope is high that many of these will recover sufficiently to make the trip upto the North West for Saturday's clash against already relegated Gimnasia Jujuy. It really wasn't supposed to be this way, Argentina's Promedio relegation system where average points per game are worked out using results from the preceding three seasons (both Apertura and Clasura) is supposed to protect the 'Big Five'. Surely none of these grand institutions could have 6 bad campaigns in a row? Perhaps the AFA didn't factor in the farce that has beset Racing Club over the last few years [see earlier posts]. A win against Gimnasia will be enough to steer them clear of the playoff this time round. As for the other teams in the mix San Martín de Tucumán are relegated bar divine intervention whilst any 2 from 4 could sink into the playoffs (Gimnasia de LA PLATA, Godoy Cruz, Rosario Central, Racing). I think this is correct but I don't have a degree in Statistics and the permutations are endless, so if this is blatantly wrong please feel free to put me right.
Lombardi is also not very happy with the schedule of this Saturday's games, with la Academia's kicking off 6.20pm whilst relegation playoff rivals Rosario Central's game at Tigre kicks off at 9.10pm. His thinking behind this is logical enough, Central will know what they have to do against Tigre. As we all know logic and formula go out of the window and TV executives are responsible for dictating the times of many games.
The final monkey on his back is ex-President and husband of current incumbent, Néstor Kirchner who being a Racing fan has been turning up at training in recent weeks for photo shoots with the players. He visited in the week preceding their victory against Boca Juniors (3-0), perhaps it was the promise of LCD TV's which inspired the team's win? Not wanting to miss a photo op Sr. Kirchner turned up earlier this week to deliver the aforementioned televisions.......but only four of them???? Surely he could have stretched to one each???
At the other end of the table things are getting almost as exciting as last December only with different teams. Huracán who are looking for their first title since 1973 take on Arsenal who were unlikely 4-1 winners last weekend against other title contenders Lanús. This Sunday top of the table Veléz are away at Lanús where a defeat for the home side will see the end to their championship hopes.
Hasta luego!
Friday, 12 June 2009
Altitude Sickness: Ecuador 2 - 0 Argentina
Bad news for Argentina, and contrary to what some commentators have been spouting over the past 12 months – Lionel Messi is human. His first half miss against Ecuador proved that even superstars can have off days. The penalty miss from Carlos Tevez in the same half demonstrated that he’d been taking lessons from Manchester United teammate Dimitar Berbatov. At this level you have to take your chances – never was a cliché more apt as La Selección were beaten 2-0 in the monsoon like conditions of Quito. The classic game of two halves saw Argentina make a composed and solid start playing with a back four as opposed to the back three which started against Colombia. Ecuador threatened much more in the second half as Argentina were pushed further and further back with the thin air taking it’s toll, possession was ceded far too often. Two goals in 10 minutes reawakened memories of La Paz and a 3rd goal was only prevented by the post. This was by no means Bolivia Pt II, however the manner in which the team folded in the 2nd half is cause for concern.
‘Yesterday we lost the game and we should have won it, we lacked a goal. We played well’ Carlos Tevez in bullish mood, although this positivity was tempered by a more sobering ‘we have to be worried [about qualification] although it’s all in our own hands’. September sees them take on Brazil at home and Paraguay away.
To make a bad night worse the team’s aircraft suffered technical problems and as a consequence the players were condemned to spend another night Quito to contemplate how it all went wrong.
Hasta luego!
‘Yesterday we lost the game and we should have won it, we lacked a goal. We played well’ Carlos Tevez in bullish mood, although this positivity was tempered by a more sobering ‘we have to be worried [about qualification] although it’s all in our own hands’. September sees them take on Brazil at home and Paraguay away.
To make a bad night worse the team’s aircraft suffered technical problems and as a consequence the players were condemned to spend another night Quito to contemplate how it all went wrong.
Hasta luego!
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Argentina 1 - 0 Colombia
A win is a win. Argentina's victory over Colombia last night put qualification for South Africa back in their own hands but the doubts still remain. Diego's jig of delight at the end of the match must surely have been one of relief as opposed to unbridled joy as his team huffed and puffed towards 22 points. The winning goal when it finally did arrive came as a result of Colombia's inability to defend a corner although the volleyed finish from defender Cata Diaz was extremely well taken.
By all accounts Diego gave his charges a damn good telling off at half time and with the addition of Zanetti they started the second half much stronger. Alarm must surely be raised at the lack of chances created from open play during the game given the talent on the park. Colombia were definitely up for it and certainly put themselves about - Aguero was clattered by Vargas of Boca Juniors, and limped off replaced by Milito. Given the time difference I was a little bleary eyed but I don't remember Milito having a shot on goal. Messi also seemed to be uncharacteristically rattled by the approach of Colombia although any protection from the Bolivian referee was non-existent. River's Falcao was a studs touch away from scoring on his club ground on one of their rare attacks.
Hopefully in the interests of AFA harmony Maradona was on the phone to Batista after the game giving him a detailed report. For now the ghosts of La Paz have been exorcised next stop is Ecuador at altitude.
Hasta luego!
By all accounts Diego gave his charges a damn good telling off at half time and with the addition of Zanetti they started the second half much stronger. Alarm must surely be raised at the lack of chances created from open play during the game given the talent on the park. Colombia were definitely up for it and certainly put themselves about - Aguero was clattered by Vargas of Boca Juniors, and limped off replaced by Milito. Given the time difference I was a little bleary eyed but I don't remember Milito having a shot on goal. Messi also seemed to be uncharacteristically rattled by the approach of Colombia although any protection from the Bolivian referee was non-existent. River's Falcao was a studs touch away from scoring on his club ground on one of their rare attacks.
Hopefully in the interests of AFA harmony Maradona was on the phone to Batista after the game giving him a detailed report. For now the ghosts of La Paz have been exorcised next stop is Ecuador at altitude.
Hasta luego!
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Goodbye Matador
Photo: APOn retirement many of us will be lucky to receive a pension. Things on Planet Football are somewhat different, sixty thousand Chilean fans packed into Santiago's National Stadium on Tuesday night to show their appreciation and pay thanks to a special talent: Marcelo Salas. Chile's record goalscorer bowed out in a testimonial between members of Chile's 1998 World Cup squad and the 'Friends of Marcelo' comprising some of the player's ex-club teammates including Enzo Francescoli, David Trezeguet and Ariel Ortega. As is customary on such occasions the game ended in a diplomatic 3-3 with El Matador scoring a hat-trick. 'This is a very special moment. I only want to thank everyone who came to this match. I will never forget this night. I quit happy. I am done' - Marcelo Salas.
One of Chile's greatest exports (along with Iván Zamorano and the bottle of Carmenére I enjoyed over the weekend) Salas moved from Universidad de Chile to River Plate in 1996 and effortlessly continued his goalscoring form making him an idol of the fans. River dominated the domestic game in 1996/97 and won 3 championships during this time with Salas contributing almost a goal every other game. Salas couldn't be described as a pin-up, looks wise he's the antithesis of today's waxed and moisturised pros. His talents as a striker however are deadly and no better demonstrated than in the first of his two goals against England at Wembley, fantastic close control and a bullet of a left foot: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k14Ym55UXKY&feature=related.
After a successful spell in Italy winning the league with Lazio a serious knee injury meant that his most prolific period would forever be consigned to memory. He played a lowly 18 games for Juventus. His second phase at River was greeted ecstatically by the fans and in spite of injury he still managed to win the Clasura in 2004. His playing days ended back at his old stomping ground of Universidad de Chile.
What would River and their legions give now for an even half fit Salas to lead the attack?
Argentina is renowned as an exporter of fine football talent, occasionally an import makes a splash - El Matador we salute you.
Hasta luego!
A selection of goals from his first spell at River:
Friday, 29 May 2009
Luis' Lanús
The compliments and praise justifiably rained down on Pep Guardiola of Barcelona on Wednesday night after winning the Champions League to secure an unprecedented treble. At 38 and in his first year as first team coach the achievements are even more remarkable. In Argentina a coach ten years younger than Barca's has quietly and effectively led his side to the top of the Primera Division.
Luis Zubeldía, 28 is the man in charge of CA Lanús who are based at the southern end of Greater Buenos Aires. One of the less well known teams in Argentina the Maroons have only one domestic title to their name, an Apertura won in 2007. The former Lanús midfielder played 57 times for the club before being forced to retire early at the age of 23 after enduring years of treatment on an injured left knee. During his convalescence he also studied for a qualification in sports journalism. Lanús steadfastly stuck by their man throughout and offered him a coaching role in the lower reaches of the club. He became assistant to Head Coach Ramon Cabrero and the two bagged 2007's Apertura. When Cabrero stepped down in 2008 Zubeldía took his place and has demonstrated that age is merely a number. Lanús narrowly missed out on the play off for Clasura '08 on the final day and at time of writing are top of the league. There is however still much work to be done as the good form of his young team hasn't yet transferred to the continental stage, they finished bottom of their Copa Libertadores group although 4 of the 6 games they played ended all square.
The success of Zubeldía has gone some way to exploding the myth that good Assistants rarely make effective Head Coaches, particularly at the same club. He highlights his relationship with the players and his ability to empathise on a personal level as one of his most effective management tools 'I understand if a player is having a bad day or is annoyed because they don't play, they're not machines' he told El Grafico magazine. Very much the modern coach he attaches equal importance to training and exercises that stimulate both the body and mind together with the tactical and technical aspects of the game.
Make way for the youngster Pep!
Hasta luego!
Saturday, 23 May 2009
Montevideo 2 - 0 Buenos Aires
Photo: AFPThe game in Uruguay is widely acknowledged to be in irreversible decline with falling gates and violence in the stands. Great clubs such as Penarol, 5 Libertadores Cup wins and Nacional, 3 Libertadores Cup wins have been unable to capture past glories on the continental stage and the days when the national team ruled the world will never return. Results in this seasons Copa Libertadores demonstrate that this tiny nation can still give it's more illustrious neighbours a bloody nose.
Both River Plate and now Boca Juniors have fallen victim to teams from the other side of the Rio de la Plata. In River's case Nacional contributed to their failure to reach the knockout stages (Los Millionarios beat the Uruguayan's at home but lost 3-0 in Montevideo) although they sealed their own fate by losing in spectacular fashion to already eliminated Nacional of Paraguay. Boca's exit from the competition can be attributed soley to champions Defensor Sporting and their own inability to hold on to a lead. After conceding twice in Uruguay but still having the cushion of 2 away goals the Xeneizes were one decent performance away from meeting Estudiantes in the Quarter Finals. That decent performance was sadly lacking on Thursday, after going 1-0 down to an neat and excellently crafted Diego de Souza goal in the 27th minute (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqzi12MY34Q) the home side didn't exactly lay siege to Defensor's goal. When they did get through they were up against 'keeper Marin Silva in fine form. To put Defensor's victory into perspective it was Boca's first home defeat in this competition since 2003. Uruguayan daily El Pais hailed the 'History Makers' and eulogised about the performance of Martin Silva. Not bad for a club who didn't even exist in their current guise until 1989.
Questions now inevitably turn towards the future of coach Carlos Ischia who is contracted until December and has Carlos Bianchi's excellent Copa Libertadores achievements as a constant reminder - he returned to the club as Technical Director in December. Unfortunately he doesn't even have the clubs league form to fall back on as four wins out of fourteen see them flailing in seventeenth place. Maradona has commented that 'ever since Bianchi returned Ischia has been at the doors of the cemetary'.
Away from the navel gazing at La Bombonera alarm bells should be sounding in the country as a whole, of the five representatives for Argentina in the Libertadores this season only one now remains - Estudiantes. Three of the teams failed to make even the knockout stages, including league leaders Lanús. Contrast this with Brazil's five teams in the last 16. It's now down to Estudiantes and Verón to fly the flag against Defensor.
Hasta Luego!
Friday, 15 May 2009
Rage at River
As sure as night follows day, England's 'Big Four' are occupying the Champions League qualifying places complete with metaphorical pipe and slippers. Things are a little different in Argentina where the Big Five (River Plate, Boca Juniors, Racing, San Lorenzo, Independiente) have historically hoovered-up the majority of honours. After 13 games of the Clasura the five have accumulated a lowly 84 points between them - the lowest since the introduction of 3 points for a win was introduced in 1995.
Twelve months ago River Plate were closing in on the Clasura. Since then the only table Los Millonarios have topped is CONMEBOL's all-time Copa Libertadores performance rankings. All the more baffling when you consider they've only won the title twice as opposed to the 7 of Independiente and the 6 of Boca. The table awards an equal weighting of 3 points for each win............lies and statistics. Fast forward to last Sunday's home game against Lanús, and factor in the ignomey of a last place finish in December and a feeble group stage exit in the Copa Libertadores and the flames of rage were fanned amongst the faithful. Cristian Fabbiani's pre-season arrival had an immediate but short-lived impact.(http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/02/cometh-hour.html).
Pictures of less than complimentary banners were plastered across the press, which left no one in any doubt as to the feelings on the terraces: 'The worst team in history 1901 - 2009' 'Pelligrini, Merlo, Astrada, Passarella, Gordillo,, Simeone, Rodriguez - and now Pipo [Gorosito] when is he going?' - referring to all the coaches hired by Aguilar. In England fan protests are fairly mild by comparison, although the the annual gathering of Newcastle United fans chanting 'Sack the Board' is often described as angry and ugly. During the Lanús game a delightful ditty rolled down from the stands 'If we see you out partying, we'll put you in hospital'. Joey Barton et al should be thankful. As with many aspects of Argentine football there could be a lot more going on behind the scenes particularly as president Aguilar's term is due to finish in December.
Problems on and off the park have re-ignited rumours about River's hottest properties: Diego Buonanotte and Radamel Falcao. Buonanotte has gone off the boil somewhat since bursting onto the scene but is attracting attention from clubs in France and Russia. The owners though may have wished they'd have cashed in whilst he was riding high - a reported $15m dollar offer from Benfica is unlikely to be matched in the current climate. Colombian striker Falcao has performed consistently through adversity and may also be on his way in exchange for much needed currency.
This weekend sees River face the footballers of Huracan, to compound coach Gorosito's woe veteran midfielder Marcelo Gallardo will not play again this season due to injury. If Aguilar does survive in December it's unlikely that Pipo Gorosito will still be by his side.
Hasta luego!
Twelve months ago River Plate were closing in on the Clasura. Since then the only table Los Millonarios have topped is CONMEBOL's all-time Copa Libertadores performance rankings. All the more baffling when you consider they've only won the title twice as opposed to the 7 of Independiente and the 6 of Boca. The table awards an equal weighting of 3 points for each win............lies and statistics. Fast forward to last Sunday's home game against Lanús, and factor in the ignomey of a last place finish in December and a feeble group stage exit in the Copa Libertadores and the flames of rage were fanned amongst the faithful. Cristian Fabbiani's pre-season arrival had an immediate but short-lived impact.(http://realfootballargentina.blogspot.com/2009/02/cometh-hour.html).
Pictures of less than complimentary banners were plastered across the press, which left no one in any doubt as to the feelings on the terraces: 'The worst team in history 1901 - 2009' 'Pelligrini, Merlo, Astrada, Passarella, Gordillo,, Simeone, Rodriguez - and now Pipo [Gorosito] when is he going?' - referring to all the coaches hired by Aguilar. In England fan protests are fairly mild by comparison, although the the annual gathering of Newcastle United fans chanting 'Sack the Board' is often described as angry and ugly. During the Lanús game a delightful ditty rolled down from the stands 'If we see you out partying, we'll put you in hospital'. Joey Barton et al should be thankful. As with many aspects of Argentine football there could be a lot more going on behind the scenes particularly as president Aguilar's term is due to finish in December.
Problems on and off the park have re-ignited rumours about River's hottest properties: Diego Buonanotte and Radamel Falcao. Buonanotte has gone off the boil somewhat since bursting onto the scene but is attracting attention from clubs in France and Russia. The owners though may have wished they'd have cashed in whilst he was riding high - a reported $15m dollar offer from Benfica is unlikely to be matched in the current climate. Colombian striker Falcao has performed consistently through adversity and may also be on his way in exchange for much needed currency.
This weekend sees River face the footballers of Huracan, to compound coach Gorosito's woe veteran midfielder Marcelo Gallardo will not play again this season due to injury. If Aguilar does survive in December it's unlikely that Pipo Gorosito will still be by his side.
Hasta luego!
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