Forget about EL CLASICO (Real Madrid- Barcelona), THE SUPER CLASICO (Boca-River), DE KLASSIEKER ( Ajax -Feyenoord) etc, the biggest game in World Football is MANCHESTER UNITED V LIVERPOOL and luckily for all of us, football lovers, it is going down this weekend at the City of Manchester (Sunday afternoon).
Matches of this magnitude are always feisty and hotly contested because of the history and pride involved. When Sir Alex Ferguson took over at Manchester United, his long time ambition was to knock Liverpool off their f-king perch as he termed it that time and domestically, he has done that, leading MUFC to 12 EPL successes. Now the red part of Manchester have one more domestic title than Liverpool....something that was seemingly unassailable 20 years ago. However, the Merseysiders still lead the way in Europe with 5 European Cups to their arch rivals 3. Something Ferguson has remained distraught about.
But the most puzzling of all, is Liverpool's failure to collect at least one of the 20 EPL titles since 1992 when the old English Division cup was renamed. A record that has astonished everyone connected with the reigning CAPITAL ONE CUP Champions. This season won't be any different as they find themselves a massive 21 points adrift of 1st place which is currently occupied by bitter foes, Manchester United....except Hiroshima repeats itself. The top 4 is some distance away.`
Manchester United go into the game on Sunday in fearsome form and will be determined more than ever to pile more misery on Brendan Rodgers' men. Despite the absence of the talismanic Wayne Rooney, Sir Alex has the lethal Robin Van Persie to call on for the much needed firepower. A situation that would have been seen as problematic last season. Jonny Evans is in the form of his life and Nemanja Vidic is slowly getting back to his best. Michael Carrick has been monumental this term and will hope to bring his best into this encounter. Rafa Da Silva has been a revelation and Patrice Evra's four goals have come in handy. David De Gea is fast becoming that exceptional goal tender we all expected him to be and all in all, the team has what it takes to trouble Liverpool.
Liverpool and Steven Gerard know all about Manchester United and it will be no surprise that they are all pumped for this particular duel. Apart from the burning rage that emanates from Manchester United's recent successes in contrary to their failures and near misses, the bad blood that exists between Patrice Evra and Luis Suarez might be rekindled on Sunday. Despite all of us praying that it will not rear its ugly head.
Football wise, the team from the North West of England haven't done so well, so far. A club of Liverpool's stature should be sitting among the elite of the EPL..but that has not been the case for a few years now. It has been more or less, a rotten last 2 or 3 seasons for them. They find themselves in 8th place which is absolutely disappointing. But their consolation is the fat that Luis Suarez the Gunslinger is firing. The Uruguayan has 19 goals this season overall and his 15 strikes in the Premier League is 2nd only to the aforementioned Man United predator, RVP (16). Vidic and co will have to keep a close eye on him if they are to claim victory on Sunday.
The game will be officiated by the controversial Howard Webb who is among the very best referees in the game. He officiated the '10 Champions League final and later the World Cup final in the same year. Liverpool fans were infuriated on hearing the announcement as they have never fared well against their fierce rivals when Webb is the centre.
Martin Skrtel and his defensive partners will have to be at their best to tame the viciousness in attack of RVP, Chicharito, Kagawa etc to have even the slightest chance of claiming at least a draw at Old Trafford on Sunday. Jonjo Shelvey if fielded, must behave much better than his previous outing v the red devils a few months ago and learn to keep his mouth shut. New signing, Daniel Sturridge will have one or two things to prove if fielded from the start. Jamaican-English teenage sensation, Raheem Sterling will also hope to impress a few more people with his trickery and outstanding brilliance.
The game will be keenly watched by observers all over the World and it has the makings of an extraordinary occasion and we sincerely hope that some unscrupulous tramps don't spoil the fun.
PROBABLE STARTING 11 FOR BOTH TEAMS:
MUFC--- DDG, Rafa, Evans, Vidic, Evra, Carrick, Cleverley, Valencia/Kagawa, Young, RVP, Chicharito
LIVERPOOL--- Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Downing, Lucas, Henderson, Stevie G, Sterling, Suarez, Sturridge.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Friday, 11 January 2013
Sunday, 6 January 2013
RVP....the best decision Sir Alex ever made?
Manchester United sit atop the EPL table comfortably looking down on the other 19 teams in the division thanks largely to the influential and sometimes breathtaking displays of a certain Dutch import, Robin Van Persie. It was like tales by moonlight when it was announced five months ago that RVP had agreed to join Manchester United from arch-rivals, Arsenal. Difficult as it was to believe, it was the reality of things. Another masterstroke by Sir Alex Ferguson, the evergreen warlord of the red army.
Arsenal fans ranted and raved....but that did not stop their beloved captain from following his heart. At his formal presentation as an MUFC player, he declared that the little boy in him told him to join the 19 time English Champions, even though noisy neighbours, Manchester City offered more money. It has been the best decision of his career yet and he has since not regretted it.
There have been masterclass signings....from Eric Cantona, the undisputed king of the Theatre of Dreams....to Cristiano Ronaldo who Fergie transformed to become the Best player on the planet, but the RVP deal might just top them all. Sir Alex was enraged not only by the way Man Utd threw away the title last time out, but that it was won by goal difference. He made his move to buy an established World Class footballer to help out with the attacking frailties (even though Wayne Rooney came up with 27 league goals last season). English superstar, Wayne Rooney has been about the only one carrying the burden of the United attack on his broad shoulders, until a certain little pea was unearthed in Mexico.. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez took some of the weight off Wazza (Rooney), but Fergie wasn't satisfied. The Record buy in MUFC history, Dimitar Berbatov became a bit part player and had to be shipped off, just as 01 Balon d'Or winner, Michael Owen was released. Danny Welbeck flattered to deceive, although we can excuse his immaturity because he is still learning the ropes. A tested and top quality forward had to be brought in to make the difference and that's exactly what ROBIN VAN PERSIE has done this season.
From his first goal v Fulham to his hat-trick at St Mary's to the last minute winner against Manchester City, the Dutchman has shown the World what he is capable of, if placed among fellow world class, goal driven, champions. His 20 goals this season includes 16 EPL strikes which puts him on top of the goalscorers' chart. The notion that he depends too much on his left foot is fast becoming an old fable as his last 3 goals for the red devils has been struck with his seemingly weaker right foot. The goal on Saturday (yesterday) against West Ham was blasted home with his right foot and that yet again, was a vital one as it ensured that Manchester United still remained in the F.A cup- a trophy SAF so desperately wants to hoist this season. It has been 9 seasons since the 3 time European Champions were crowned Champions of the World's oldest and most prestigious cup competition.
The decision to bring in RVP to the MUFC fold will go down as one of the best in Sporting history. the way the marriage has gone thus far, it will continue to blossom and yield the right results.
It will be the most fantastic p;layer purchase ever if he (Van Persie) leads the team past Real Madrid in the eagerly awaited UCL ROUND OF 16 Match up.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Arsenal fans ranted and raved....but that did not stop their beloved captain from following his heart. At his formal presentation as an MUFC player, he declared that the little boy in him told him to join the 19 time English Champions, even though noisy neighbours, Manchester City offered more money. It has been the best decision of his career yet and he has since not regretted it.
There have been masterclass signings....from Eric Cantona, the undisputed king of the Theatre of Dreams....to Cristiano Ronaldo who Fergie transformed to become the Best player on the planet, but the RVP deal might just top them all. Sir Alex was enraged not only by the way Man Utd threw away the title last time out, but that it was won by goal difference. He made his move to buy an established World Class footballer to help out with the attacking frailties (even though Wayne Rooney came up with 27 league goals last season). English superstar, Wayne Rooney has been about the only one carrying the burden of the United attack on his broad shoulders, until a certain little pea was unearthed in Mexico.. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez took some of the weight off Wazza (Rooney), but Fergie wasn't satisfied. The Record buy in MUFC history, Dimitar Berbatov became a bit part player and had to be shipped off, just as 01 Balon d'Or winner, Michael Owen was released. Danny Welbeck flattered to deceive, although we can excuse his immaturity because he is still learning the ropes. A tested and top quality forward had to be brought in to make the difference and that's exactly what ROBIN VAN PERSIE has done this season.
From his first goal v Fulham to his hat-trick at St Mary's to the last minute winner against Manchester City, the Dutchman has shown the World what he is capable of, if placed among fellow world class, goal driven, champions. His 20 goals this season includes 16 EPL strikes which puts him on top of the goalscorers' chart. The notion that he depends too much on his left foot is fast becoming an old fable as his last 3 goals for the red devils has been struck with his seemingly weaker right foot. The goal on Saturday (yesterday) against West Ham was blasted home with his right foot and that yet again, was a vital one as it ensured that Manchester United still remained in the F.A cup- a trophy SAF so desperately wants to hoist this season. It has been 9 seasons since the 3 time European Champions were crowned Champions of the World's oldest and most prestigious cup competition.
The decision to bring in RVP to the MUFC fold will go down as one of the best in Sporting history. the way the marriage has gone thus far, it will continue to blossom and yield the right results.
It will be the most fantastic p;layer purchase ever if he (Van Persie) leads the team past Real Madrid in the eagerly awaited UCL ROUND OF 16 Match up.
Ohireime P Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Friday, 14 September 2012
WHO THE CAPS FIT……..MURRAY AND SERENA EMERGE KING AND QUEEN OF NEW YORK IN FLUSHING MEADOWS…
It was written in the stars. History was made at the recently concluded US Britain
The 2012 US OPEN commenced without the 2010 champion, Rafael Nadal who was(and is still) nursing a knee injury that has kept him out of 4 major competitions since lost to a certain Lukas Rosol at SW19 (Wimbledon). But that didn’t take away the spectacle and excitement that the United States
The Anticipated semi-final contest between Murray and King Roger was not to be because Mr Berdych stopped the Swiss Living Legend in the Quarter-Final…ousting him in 4 sets. Murray Paris Murray Murray Murray Murray
The Scot took the 1st 2 sets…even though he let a 4-0 lead slip in the 2nd… But Vintage Nole came storming back from the snare of collapse to even the match at 2 sets apiece in breathtaking fashion. It was a final worth mentioning in the books of great tennis writers such as Steve Fink and Bud Collins. The Djoker of the last year or two will make you fight for every point you intend to win against him. He is the definition of RESILIENCE. H e is no longer the annoying guy who would retire when he senses he is way behind in a match. But Murray
At last, Murray Melbourne Paris Australia
Serena Williams has won a staggering 14 grand slams.. Any other mortal would have since stopped especially when dogged by injury and fitness problems, but not Serena and her older sister, Venus who between them have won just about everything Tennis has to offer. Standing between her and a possible 15th was World Number one, Viktoria Azarenka. The Belarusian has been the woman of 2012…Since winning her maiden slam in Australia, she’s gone on to play some awesome tennis all through the year, winning tournaments for fun and taking friends and colleagues to the cleaners along the way. But even with such terrific run, she was aware that she had her hands full v the 3-time US OPEN Champion who she had only beaten once in 10 outings on tour-the 09 Key Biscayne Final in Miami…and in that match, Serena was barely fit. The American superstar also just whipped her silly at Wimbledon and the Olympic games. The odds were against Vika as Aazarenka is fondly called, but she was willing to fight her way out.
Serena began as predicted…smashing and blasting in serves and aces like they were going extinct. She deservedly took the 1st set 6-2, but in a rather bizarre manner, she mentally collapsed and allowed Viktoria into the match. The Belarusian took her chance and even the scores at 1set all with a 6-2 2nd set win of hers. She carried on the momentum into the 3rd set and served for her 2nd slam at 5-4. It was then the multiple Slam Winner remembered that she was about to lose her 2nd straight Grand Slam final at Arthur Ashe…(lost to Stosur in straight sets last year). In the first 3 set women’s final in 17 odd years, Serena capitalised on Aza’s hesitancy and delivered a crushing blow just when it mattered. She swept through the next three games to win the set 7-5 and take the match in dramatic fashion. How she won, she would never be able to explain as she admitted to have already prepared for her 2nd consecutive runner-up speech…. He was a worthy winner…This time, clearly without controversies like the one v Clijsters in 09 and Stosur last year when she couldn’t control her emotions and acted stupidly in the heat of the moment. All that was history now as she once again wore the Queen’s crown in New York
HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO BOTH CHAMPIONS….LEGENDARY STATUS CONFIRMED!
Ohireime P. Eboreime
Ff me @ohiskaka1990
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Murray finally buries his demons?
Andy Murray is one of the elites of men's tennis...22 titles and 4 GRAND SLAM finals put him up there among the greatest players in the History of the game... But take it or leave it, he'll forever be remembered as an also-ran if he doesn't win the big titles...if he doesn't win something very ENORMOUS. He must score a BIG WIN. This he finally managed to achieve 2 days ago in his home nation, on his ground..the very same ground where he lost his 1st Wimbledon final to Roger Federer a month prior.
The Olympic tennis tournament lost its defending champion, Rafael Nadal to injury days before its commencement, but that did little to take the shine off the showpiece event which by all standards, lived up to its billing. British hope, Andy Murray cleared all obstacles before him, including recently dethroned World Number one, Novak Djokovc and the current numero uno, Roger Federer to win Gold not only for himself, but also his nation-Great Britain. Any other man would have wallowed in self pity after losing a Slam final in front of his home fans, but not the Scot. After bruising Nole in straight sets, he went on to convincingly destroy the GREAT Roger Federer in 3 sets-6-2, 6-1, 6-4..it was the 1st time in a long long while that the Swiss master had crumbled in a major final (the last I remember is the 08 French Open final he lost to Rafa 6-1, 6-3,6-0).
The Dumblane native gave his fans something to shout and dance about with a brilliant display that left legends and experts alike in utter dismay. All the pre-match talk of a tight match and possibly yet another \nearly there\ was put to eternal slumber by Muzza. He etched his name in British Tennis History in stunning style. He played out of his mind to dismiss Djokovic in the SF, and did even better in the FINAL...
With this win, the Scot has firmly put himself in the reckoning for another shot at GRAND SLAM glory...Who knows??It might happen at Flushing Meadows-New York. NEVER SAY NEVER!
Ohireime Eboreime
ff me @ohiskaka1990
The Olympic tennis tournament lost its defending champion, Rafael Nadal to injury days before its commencement, but that did little to take the shine off the showpiece event which by all standards, lived up to its billing. British hope, Andy Murray cleared all obstacles before him, including recently dethroned World Number one, Novak Djokovc and the current numero uno, Roger Federer to win Gold not only for himself, but also his nation-Great Britain. Any other man would have wallowed in self pity after losing a Slam final in front of his home fans, but not the Scot. After bruising Nole in straight sets, he went on to convincingly destroy the GREAT Roger Federer in 3 sets-6-2, 6-1, 6-4..it was the 1st time in a long long while that the Swiss master had crumbled in a major final (the last I remember is the 08 French Open final he lost to Rafa 6-1, 6-3,6-0).
The Dumblane native gave his fans something to shout and dance about with a brilliant display that left legends and experts alike in utter dismay. All the pre-match talk of a tight match and possibly yet another \nearly there\ was put to eternal slumber by Muzza. He etched his name in British Tennis History in stunning style. He played out of his mind to dismiss Djokovic in the SF, and did even better in the FINAL...
With this win, the Scot has firmly put himself in the reckoning for another shot at GRAND SLAM glory...Who knows??It might happen at Flushing Meadows-New York. NEVER SAY NEVER!
Ohireime Eboreime
ff me @ohiskaka1990
King Roger at 31...he's the GOAT....Many Happy Returns
August 8, 1981, a certain Tennis Master was born in Binningen. near Basel-Switzerland to Robert and Lynnette Federer. Since turning pro in 1998, Roger the great has broken almost all the records he met and created many that will take centuries to match. Not only is he a champion's champion, he is also one of the most humble and lovable human beings Sport has produced. Modesty is one enviable attribute that the Swiss master has in abundance. Despite his 75 titles, Federer is still as down to earth as ever.
Just fresh from winning a silver medal at the Olympics (l. to MURRAY), the GREATEST TENNIS PLAYER OF ALL TIME celebrates his 31st birthday today amid cheers, adulations, eulogies, praises and deserved felicitations from everyone associated with Sports. He was written off not long ago as an old man who wasn't capable of competing with Rafa and Nole.Some renamed him OLDERER, others called him a Finished Champion. But like Greats before him, he has responded in such unbelievable fashion, winning 8 titles and compiling a 76-10 w/l record since he turned 30....including his 17th Grand slam title and record 7th SW19 (Wimbledon)CROWN. His achievements are beyond astonishing. He has answered his critics finally by reclaiming the World number one spot, when he stretched his own Slam wins to 17 in July, beating home favourite, Andy Murray in 4 sets at the All England Club. The climb to WORLD NUMBER ONE was even more glamorous because of the manner he demolished then World number one, Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semis.
I GREET the GREATEST MAN TO HOLD THE TENNIS RACKET EVER...HAPPY BIRTHDAY KING ROGER.......HOPP SUISSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ff me on twitter @ohiskaka1990
Just fresh from winning a silver medal at the Olympics (l. to MURRAY), the GREATEST TENNIS PLAYER OF ALL TIME celebrates his 31st birthday today amid cheers, adulations, eulogies, praises and deserved felicitations from everyone associated with Sports. He was written off not long ago as an old man who wasn't capable of competing with Rafa and Nole.Some renamed him OLDERER, others called him a Finished Champion. But like Greats before him, he has responded in such unbelievable fashion, winning 8 titles and compiling a 76-10 w/l record since he turned 30....including his 17th Grand slam title and record 7th SW19 (Wimbledon)CROWN. His achievements are beyond astonishing. He has answered his critics finally by reclaiming the World number one spot, when he stretched his own Slam wins to 17 in July, beating home favourite, Andy Murray in 4 sets at the All England Club. The climb to WORLD NUMBER ONE was even more glamorous because of the manner he demolished then World number one, Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semis.
I GREET the GREATEST MAN TO HOLD THE TENNIS RACKET EVER...HAPPY BIRTHDAY KING ROGER.......HOPP SUISSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ff me on twitter @ohiskaka1990
Friday, 25 May 2012
Battle of Tactical SUPREMACY......who prevails in the COPA DEL REY FINAL?
Today is the day when two of the most illustrious football clubs in Spain do battle for the right to be bestowed upon the title of Domestic cup Champions. Outgoing Barcelona manager-Pep Guardiola would want nothing more than victory before handing over the reins of leadership to protege, Tito Vilanova.
Fresh from respective European disappointments, both clubs are aiming to end the season on a high. Athletic BILBAO can dream once again. Coach Marcelo BIELSA aka El Loco has brought back smiles to the supporters of the Basque county. Despite the Europa League set back, it has still been a memorable campaign for Athletic Club. Playing some scintillating and eye catching football along the way, they swept past the likes of Manchester United, Sporting and Schalke to set up an all-Spanish final v Atletico Madrid who later crushed them by 3 goals to nothing to claim their 2nd Europa League crown in 3 seasons.
Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the 2 most successful clubs in King's (Copa Del Rey)cup History. Between them, 48 trophies have been won with both appearing in exactly the same number of finals (35)...The Catalans have won the most trophies 25, compared to Atheltic's 23. They last faced off 3 years ago, on Barca's way to a historic season, where they became the 1st club to win 6 trophies in one calendar year (2009). That day, Puyol and company won comfortably--4-1.
This year's final will be held at Atletico's Vincente Calderon, after Real Madrid refused the showpiece event to be held at their stadium (Santiago Bernabeu) for reasons best known to them. Barcelona will most likely be without David Villa, Captain and defensive rock-Carles Puyol and certainly Eric Abidal who recently announced that he will never play football again after undergoing liver transplant procedure..
The talking points in this marquee game will be Barca's vulnerability in defence and Bilbao's attacking potential. Although the talismanic LLORENTE has scored loads of goals this season, he misfired in the Europa League final and Barca will not give away too many chances. In players like Iker Muniain touted as the next Iniesta or even more talented, Athletic Club possess the necessary weapon(s) to stretch Barca beyond limits. Of course the world is well aware of the threat the Blaugrana (Barcelona) pose. The blessed trio of Xavi, Messi and Andres Iniesta are joined by Cesc Fabregas who has had a dream campaign, and Alexis Sanchez. The prodigiously gifted Ibra Afellay can be the unsung hero when called upon.
Apart from the small matter of the Copa Del Rey final later today, Barcelona will bid farewell to their most successful manager come the end of proceedings. Pep GUARDIOLA who is in line to claim a 14th major honour as Barca coach, is officially drawing the curtain on a stellar 4 year stint as leader and supreme commander of perhaps the greatest football army ever assembled. In his almost half a decade as manager, he has won all the trophies on offer--- 2 UCLs, 3 successive ligas and 2 CWCs among others. His unique footballing mindset and passing philosophy has paid dividends of magnificent proportions. The former Blaugrana midfielder has written his name in the top echelon of great managers in history and his records will take some beating, if indeed they will ever be surpassed. Today he faces his mentor and great friend, Marcelo Bielsa...the same man he sought his expert opinion when the call came for him to become a coach some six years ago. Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is one of the greatest managers in World football. The man nicknamed El loco, has won an Olympic gold and managed the likes of Chile and Argentina. His innovativeness and comprehensive knowledge of the beautiful game is second to none. In the 2 matches against Barcelona this season, Pep lauded the impressive approach of Bielsa's players to the games and the likes of Thiago and Mascherano spoke highly of the energy levels/retrieval pattern of the Basque players. This game is theoretically a battle of tactical adeptness.
So whatever respect and affection Pep and El Loco have for each other, sentiments will be discarded for at least 90 minutes when the game kicks off in Madrid.
AU REVOIR JOSEP GUARDIOLA.....THE FOOTBALL WORLD will forever be indebted to you and above all GRATEFUL!!!!! Wish you the best in your future endeavour.
Ohireime P. Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Fresh from respective European disappointments, both clubs are aiming to end the season on a high. Athletic BILBAO can dream once again. Coach Marcelo BIELSA aka El Loco has brought back smiles to the supporters of the Basque county. Despite the Europa League set back, it has still been a memorable campaign for Athletic Club. Playing some scintillating and eye catching football along the way, they swept past the likes of Manchester United, Sporting and Schalke to set up an all-Spanish final v Atletico Madrid who later crushed them by 3 goals to nothing to claim their 2nd Europa League crown in 3 seasons.
Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao are the 2 most successful clubs in King's (Copa Del Rey)cup History. Between them, 48 trophies have been won with both appearing in exactly the same number of finals (35)...The Catalans have won the most trophies 25, compared to Atheltic's 23. They last faced off 3 years ago, on Barca's way to a historic season, where they became the 1st club to win 6 trophies in one calendar year (2009). That day, Puyol and company won comfortably--4-1.
This year's final will be held at Atletico's Vincente Calderon, after Real Madrid refused the showpiece event to be held at their stadium (Santiago Bernabeu) for reasons best known to them. Barcelona will most likely be without David Villa, Captain and defensive rock-Carles Puyol and certainly Eric Abidal who recently announced that he will never play football again after undergoing liver transplant procedure..
The talking points in this marquee game will be Barca's vulnerability in defence and Bilbao's attacking potential. Although the talismanic LLORENTE has scored loads of goals this season, he misfired in the Europa League final and Barca will not give away too many chances. In players like Iker Muniain touted as the next Iniesta or even more talented, Athletic Club possess the necessary weapon(s) to stretch Barca beyond limits. Of course the world is well aware of the threat the Blaugrana (Barcelona) pose. The blessed trio of Xavi, Messi and Andres Iniesta are joined by Cesc Fabregas who has had a dream campaign, and Alexis Sanchez. The prodigiously gifted Ibra Afellay can be the unsung hero when called upon.
Apart from the small matter of the Copa Del Rey final later today, Barcelona will bid farewell to their most successful manager come the end of proceedings. Pep GUARDIOLA who is in line to claim a 14th major honour as Barca coach, is officially drawing the curtain on a stellar 4 year stint as leader and supreme commander of perhaps the greatest football army ever assembled. In his almost half a decade as manager, he has won all the trophies on offer--- 2 UCLs, 3 successive ligas and 2 CWCs among others. His unique footballing mindset and passing philosophy has paid dividends of magnificent proportions. The former Blaugrana midfielder has written his name in the top echelon of great managers in history and his records will take some beating, if indeed they will ever be surpassed. Today he faces his mentor and great friend, Marcelo Bielsa...the same man he sought his expert opinion when the call came for him to become a coach some six years ago. Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera is one of the greatest managers in World football. The man nicknamed El loco, has won an Olympic gold and managed the likes of Chile and Argentina. His innovativeness and comprehensive knowledge of the beautiful game is second to none. In the 2 matches against Barcelona this season, Pep lauded the impressive approach of Bielsa's players to the games and the likes of Thiago and Mascherano spoke highly of the energy levels/retrieval pattern of the Basque players. This game is theoretically a battle of tactical adeptness.
So whatever respect and affection Pep and El Loco have for each other, sentiments will be discarded for at least 90 minutes when the game kicks off in Madrid.
AU REVOIR JOSEP GUARDIOLA.....THE FOOTBALL WORLD will forever be indebted to you and above all GRATEFUL!!!!! Wish you the best in your future endeavour.
Ohireime P. Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Friday, 18 May 2012
SATURDAY CLASSIC....who laughs best in Munich???
Tomorrow's Champion's League final is to be contested by Bundesliga Runners-up and 4 time European Champions, Bayern Munich and Chelsea, fresh from winning their 4th F.A cup in 6 attempts. Italian manager, Roberto Di Matteo---otherwise known as RDM, has turned around the fortunes of the West London club which was in tatters when Andre Villas-Boas was shown the door. Bayern on the other hand, are still hurting from the disgraceful show they put up six days ago in Berlin v DORTMUND. The Bavarians will remember what happened to Bayer Leverkusen 10 years ago when they lost all three trophies they were poised to win. Typical nearly men.
Both teams will rue the fact that they are going to be without the services of very important players. For Chelsea, Captain Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul MEIRELES are suspended. While the Reds of Germany have Luis Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber suffering the same fate. Coach Jupp Heynckes will be hoping that Belgian trojan, Daniel Van BUYTEN can be the man to stop the Chelsea onslaught which is going to be led (barring any unforessen circumstances) by Didier Drogba.
Both teams are chasing a bit of history at the Allianz ArenA tomorrow. Chelsea can lift their first Champions League crown and also secure Champions League football tomorrow. Bayern can add to their 4 European Cups and also become the first team to win the Champions League in their own stadium. If DIE ROTEN lift the cup, they would match fellow EUROPEAN GIANTS, Liverpool in title won in Europe's most glamorous and prestigious cup competition (5 titles).
Chelsea must do everything possible to curtail the attacking finesse of robben and ribery who will pose causes for concern all day long. The biggest enemy of the blues on the night will without any iota of doubt be 41 goal pointman, Mario GOMEZ who will be aiming to equal or surpass the League's highest goal scorer---Barca's Lionel Messi who is on 14 goals (The highest ever in 1 single campaign).
English powerhouse, Chelsea might be depleted on paper, but they still possess some of the greatest footballers on the planet in Lampard, Drogba and of course Torres. Bayern Captain, Philipp Lahm has still not forgotten the way and manner El Nino destroyed him in the Euro 08 final at the Legendary ERNST HAPPEL Stadium in Vienna. The Spanish kid might not be anything like the player he once was, but he has the ability (loads of it) to decide any match on his day. Days don't come any bigger than tomorrow, do they?
Chelsea caretaker boss, RDM will etch his name in Chelsea folklore if he wins the Champions League and that will all but seal his place as coach of the Pensioners on a permanent basis (at least until Abramovic wields the axe yet again). For players like Frank Lampard, Ddier Drogba and especially John Terry who missed what would have been the winning PK in 2008, it will be the crowning achievement of their trophy laden careers.
Probable line-ups for both teams are:
BAYERN-------> neuer, van buyten/tymoschuk, boateng, lahm, contento, schweinsteiger, kroos, robben, ribery, muller, gomez.
CHELSEA-------> cech, cahill, luiz, a.cole, bosingwa, mikel, lampard, malouda, mata, torres, drogba
Ohireime P.Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Both teams will rue the fact that they are going to be without the services of very important players. For Chelsea, Captain Terry, Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul MEIRELES are suspended. While the Reds of Germany have Luis Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber suffering the same fate. Coach Jupp Heynckes will be hoping that Belgian trojan, Daniel Van BUYTEN can be the man to stop the Chelsea onslaught which is going to be led (barring any unforessen circumstances) by Didier Drogba.
Both teams are chasing a bit of history at the Allianz ArenA tomorrow. Chelsea can lift their first Champions League crown and also secure Champions League football tomorrow. Bayern can add to their 4 European Cups and also become the first team to win the Champions League in their own stadium. If DIE ROTEN lift the cup, they would match fellow EUROPEAN GIANTS, Liverpool in title won in Europe's most glamorous and prestigious cup competition (5 titles).
Chelsea must do everything possible to curtail the attacking finesse of robben and ribery who will pose causes for concern all day long. The biggest enemy of the blues on the night will without any iota of doubt be 41 goal pointman, Mario GOMEZ who will be aiming to equal or surpass the League's highest goal scorer---Barca's Lionel Messi who is on 14 goals (The highest ever in 1 single campaign).
English powerhouse, Chelsea might be depleted on paper, but they still possess some of the greatest footballers on the planet in Lampard, Drogba and of course Torres. Bayern Captain, Philipp Lahm has still not forgotten the way and manner El Nino destroyed him in the Euro 08 final at the Legendary ERNST HAPPEL Stadium in Vienna. The Spanish kid might not be anything like the player he once was, but he has the ability (loads of it) to decide any match on his day. Days don't come any bigger than tomorrow, do they?
Chelsea caretaker boss, RDM will etch his name in Chelsea folklore if he wins the Champions League and that will all but seal his place as coach of the Pensioners on a permanent basis (at least until Abramovic wields the axe yet again). For players like Frank Lampard, Ddier Drogba and especially John Terry who missed what would have been the winning PK in 2008, it will be the crowning achievement of their trophy laden careers.
Probable line-ups for both teams are:
BAYERN-------> neuer, van buyten/tymoschuk, boateng, lahm, contento, schweinsteiger, kroos, robben, ribery, muller, gomez.
CHELSEA-------> cech, cahill, luiz, a.cole, bosingwa, mikel, lampard, malouda, mata, torres, drogba
Ohireime P.Eboreime
ff me on Twitter @ohiskaka1990
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)