Barcelona v Milan: Champions League final

The Dream Team will prove a nightmare for Milan

 

According to Johan Cruyff, “Barcelona are favourites.” and it’s hard to disagree. They meet AC Milan at the Olympic Stadium this Wednesday in the inaugural final of the Champions League, although this would be their second victory in Europe’s premier cup competition in three years. Milan won the European Cup back-to-back in 1989-90, but this is a much changed side from Arrigo Sacchi’s indomitable team.

 

Gone is the defensive shielding of Rijkaard and Ancelotti along with versatile midfielder Gullit, and with the legendary van Basten being joined on injury table by the world’s most expensive player, £13 million Gianluigi Lentini, the options for Milan manager Fabio Capello are thin. The situation is equally dire in the much-fabled Milan defence with both Franco Baresi and Alessandro Costacurta missing out through suspension.

Since giving up smoking, Cruyff is unsure what to do with his hands

Baresi’s absence will be felt the hardest as not only is his defensive prowess irreplaceable at the back, but his forward bursts to instigate attacks will also be missed. Milan’s defensive system is centred around a high defensive line, and Baresi is peerless in this role, pushing up his backline as he anticipates through-balls and forward runs from his opponents.

 

Paolo Maldini is a fine left-back, but without the guidance of Baresi and Costacurta beside him the Italy international will struggle in a central defensive role to which he is unfamiliar and ill-suited. Ahead of Maldini, Albertini longs for a partner of the quality of Rijkaard or Ancelotti as Marcel Desailly continues to underwhelm after his summer move from Marseille. Up front this is no longer the well-rounded attack of Sacchi’s Milan, with Jean-Pierre Papin and Dejan Savicevic failing to impress, although the talented Florin Raducioiu should start and may prove to be a problem for Barcelona.

 

Despite this, Capello has just clinched his third consecutive Scudetto whilst conceding only 15 goals in 34 games, however Milan only managed to score 36 goals all season and did not win any of their final six matches. Conversely, Barcelona recently sealed an unprecedented fourth successive league title playing some of the most attractive football the continent has ever seen.

A Milan legend and Paolo Maldini

The Spanish champions boast two of the world’s greatest players in Hristo Stoichkov and Romario, the latter netting 30 goals in 33 games domestically and who cost the same amount as Desailly last summer. Cruyff noted, “We’re more complete, competitive and experienced than [in the 1992 final] at Wembley. Milan are nothing out of this world. They base their game on defence, we base ours on attack.”

 

With this confidence flowing through his team, the Dutchman will have to choose to omit one of Romário, Stoichkov, Ronald Koeman, or Michael Laudrup for the game in Athens due to UEFA regulations. The smart money is on Koeman missing out as, although Stoichkov and Romario form a devastating partnership up front, Laudrup is the creative heart of this side and has a point to prove to the Italians after his unhappy time in Serie A. The Dane’s wandering role in midfield should prevent Albertini pushing forward, and his penetrating passes behind defences for Stoichkov and Romario to run onto are a familiar sight for viewers of La Liga.

 

Both Milan and Barcelona have waltzed through to the final. Cruyff’s side topped Group A ahead of AS Monaco, Spartak Moscow and Galatasaray, going on to dispatch FC Porto in the last-four at Camp Nou. Capello had it much tougher than expected in Group B alongside FC Porto, Werder Bremen and Anderlecht, only securing top spot after a 0-0 draw in Portugal in the final match, before eliminating Monaco 3-0 at San Siro in the semi-final.

Triumvirate of Barca: Stoichkov, Laudrup, and Romario will share the goals and the spoils in Athens

The Barcelona side Cruyff has constructed are a revolution, with world class players at various positions, they still manage to be greater than the sum of their parts. Milan’s defence would have struggled to deal with the movement of Stoichkov and Romario even if they were at full strength, missing their two best players only makes the task that much more difficult. In attack, the likes of Savicevic will be hard-pressed to find space in behind either Ferrer or Sergi, who combine attacking fluidity with defensive awareness in a manner rarely seen since, ironically, Giacinto Facchetti.

 

The football Cruyff brought to Catalonia, first as a player and now as manager, has been counter-cultural, and is changing the parameters of the sport. As they prepare to meet the poorest Milan of the Berlusconi era, the Spanish champions arrive at the peak of their powers, ready to claim the highest prize of European football. Barcelona start as favourites, and rightfully so, on 18th May 1994 the Dream Team become immortal.

Rafa Benitez appointed new Inter Milan manager

The Spaniard’s record of success will ensure a continuation of the prosperous Mourinho era

 

For many it was an impossibility, but scarcely a week since Rafa Benitez left English Premier League side Liverpool, one could argue he has landed at his spiritual home in Internazionale. The Spaniard’s pragmatic and tactically nuanced approach to the game may have drawn scorn in Spain and England, but in the habitually tentative and reactionary Serie A, Benitez will undoubtedly thrive and earn the admiration of the calcio classes.

 

Although Massimo Moratti is no longer the hair-trigger owner he once was, providing strong and stable leadership, he remains fearless when opening his chequebook. Significant transfer activity may be unnecessary however, as Jose Mourinho leaves Benitez an all-conquering Inter side who have just won an unprecedented treble, including a fifth consecutive Serie A title. Not that this will intimidate Benitez whose trophy-laden managerial career includes two La Liga titles and the UEFA Cup with Valencia, as well as the Champions League with Liverpool in his first season at Anfield.

Signalling their favourite number, Rafa’s bond with Liverpool fans is such that he could never manage another English side

Thanks to his record, commanding instant respect and loyalty from the Nerazzurri dressing room should not be a problem for Benitez, who will likely bring Patrice Evra and Dirk Kuyt with him from England. Javier Mascherano has also been linked, but the Liverpool midfielder lacks the tactical awareness and football intelligence to operate at the highest level, with his shortcomings likely be exposed soon now he no longer operates under a flattering Benitez system.

 

With the surprising departure of future Ballon d’Or winner Mario Balotelli to Manchester City, rejoining former Inter boss Roberto Mancini, and Ricardo Quaresma also leaving for Besiktas, a flurry of transfer market activity remains probable. Alan Dzagoev of CSKA Moscow is a possibility but Steven Gerrard, Benitez’s former captain at Anfield, is the Spaniard’s number one target. It would be quite a coup luring the England international to the San Siro, but club officials are optimistic given Gerrard has previously expressed his desire to play for a team in blue.

Shampoo & conditioner sales have been in sharp decline in Spain

Although some have been surprised at the appointment of Benitez to replace Mourinho, who bid a tearful farewell as he embarked on his next mission to end the domination of La Liga by Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, their judgements are ill-conceived. Any animosity between two of the most successful coaches of the modern game halted once they were no longer domestic rivals. Mourinho is mature enough to realise this and will almost certainly offer nothing but encouragement when asked to comment on his replacement.

 

Inaccurate comparisons have been made to the appointment of Brian Clough at Leeds when the dressing room remained loyal to the departed Don Revie, but the current Inter squad are not as egocentric as Bremner, Hunter, et al. Modern players understand managers rarely stay in a job longer than 2-3 seasons, and as such are much more adaptable and sympathetic to incoming managers, so any talk of the spectre of Mourinho haunting Benitez is wide of the mark.

 

The bonds Mourinho fostered with his players were obvious for all to see, engendering an “us against the world” mentality of defiance and unity, expressed by Wesley Sneijder who declared, “I was prepared to kill and die for him.” Benitez however, commanded respect on a similar level. One only has to watch the effort his Liverpool sides put in each week, and their phenomenal defensive team efforts on European nights at Anfield, to see how much his Inter players will fight for him and buy into his philosophy.

Rivals on the pitch but a healthy respect remains between Benitez and Mourinho

Emerging rumours that Fabio Capello was Inter’s preferred choice to replace Mourinho have been strenuously denied by the club, the Italian coach is revered in England and fans are looking forward to a successful campaign in the upcoming World Cup. Support for Benitez has come from far and wide with Celtic legend John Barnes commenting, “He’s a very good manager so it doesn’t surprise me at all. His last year wasn’t a success but he can look back on his time at Liverpool with pride.”

 

Recently I caught a screening of the new Karate Kid reboot starring Jackie Chan, and I have been recommending it to all my family and friends as it surpasses the original in every aspect. The reboot of Internazionale is now underway, and the new manager is aware of what is expected of of him. “There’s the coaches; first Mancini, then Mourinho and now me,” Benítez commented at his unveiling, “and I hope to win more than them. We could win six trophies this season.” Beginning with the Italian Super Cup against Roma up first on August 21st, few would bet against him.

David Moyes appointed new Manchester United manager

Fergie’s best piece of business for Man Utd could prove to be the appointment of his successor

 

Whilst their origins begin less than two miles apart, separated by the River Clyde and twenty-two years, the final stop for their respective careers will likely be at Old Trafford. Partick-born David Moyes was granted a six-year contract on the recommendation of Govan native Sir Alex Ferguson, a sign of intent from both Moyes and Manchester United, and a warning to their rivals for the foreseeable future.

 

Rather tellingly, Ferguson didn’t deem it necessary to interview Moyes, preferring his fellow Scot over Pep Guardiola whose tactical acumen can be boiled down to giving the ball to Messi. True, the Spaniard won many trophies, but Moyes’ achievements with the resources at his disposal at Everton are arguably more impressive. There were also rumours that Jose Mourinho was under consideration, but the bland, pragmatic approach to the game employed by the former Chelsea boss would never be accepted by the Old Trafford faithful.

 

Moyes will be hoping for a record-breaking first season

 

On top of a succession of top-10 finishes, Moyes brought European football back to Goodison Park, with his greatest achievement at Everton – reaching the qualifying stages of the Champions League – ended by eventual semi-finalists Villarreal. Add that to an unlucky FA Cup final defeat against Chelsea in 2009, the semi-final loss to a Kenny Dalglish-rejuvenated Liverpool last season, and this campaigns quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Wigan Athletic, and with context you get a talented manager who with a bit of luck would have one-less FA Cup than Arsene Wenger.

 

Naysayers also point to Moyes’ solitary League Two trophy as evidence that he is unfit to follow Sir Alex, but after three decades of success, winning trophies is part of Man Utd’s DNA and it will take a much less talented manager than David Moyes to end that tradition. The coaching set-up at Carrington should make for a seamless transition, with Utd’s title-winning backroom staff, including Mike Phelan and Rene Meulensteen, on hand to ensure smooth sailing for Moyes. The Scot has been punching above his weight for eleven years at Goodison Park, and now he gets to show the world what British coaches are capable of at the helm of an elite club.

Best Scottish partnership since Renton and Sick Boy

Getting his new house in order straight away, one of Moyes’ first acts as manager was to veto the signing of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona. A delicate attacking midfielder, Thiago lacks the intelligence to operate at the highest level, with the former Everton manager wily enough to recognise the Spain international is as unworthy of Old Trafford as he is the Nou Camp. Moyes does however hope to bring Everton’s top scorer Marouane Fellaini with him to the Theatre of Dreams, the Belgian international being the type of combative midfielder sorely missing from the Man Utd line up.

 

Open endorsements from the likes of Avie and Joel Glazer might not mean much to the Man Utd fanbase, nor even perhaps the kind words from United executive David Gill, but past players have universally approved of the appointment. Club legend Michael Owen revealed he would choose Scotsman, saying: “I guess only Mourinho would have the confidence to strut through the door. If it were me, I’d go for Moyes.”

 

The former Celtic player has surpassed their level as a manager

 

Nationwide, the appointment of Moyes has created a sense of anticipation akin to the recent release of Iron Man 3, and fans of the Red Devils hoping for a memorable time throughout his reign. Easily the best film of the Iron Man franchise, the new Man Utd manager can only hope he breaks as many records in his first season as the latest Tony Stark adventure has at the box office.

 

Emotion is palpable surrounding Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure from Old Trafford, engendering a sense of mourning not felt on such a scale since Lady Thatcher’s funeral. As Britain continues the European tradition put in place by the Iron Lady, David Moyes will undoubtedly continue the European success of Man Utd, laid down by Sir Matt Busby and cemented by Ferguson.

Numancia 1-0 Barcelona

David’s poverty-striken younger brother defeats Goliath

 

The first game of the post-Rijkaard/Ronaldinho/Deco era got off to an inauspicious start. Josep Guardiola’s plan was to quickly justify him replacing Rijkaard and the disposal of Deco and Ronaldinho, all of whom were instrumental in ending a barren six trophyless seasons, culminating in bringing the European Cup to Catalonia. Instead, Spain’s richest club delivered a disjointed and aimless performance, going down to Rubio’s goal after a Daniel Alves mistake, the costly ex-Sevilla defender who Guardiola deems an upgrade on Oleguer.

Despite claiming 70% possession and attempting 26 shots on goal, Barcelona were reduced to long range efforts from early in the second half against a well-drilled Numancia side who rarely looked troubled. Samuel Eto’o was wasteful and looks a player shorn of confidence, doubtless due to Guardiola’s disgraceful treatment of the Cameroon international over the summer. Rijkaard’s Eto’o grabs a hattrick in this game.

Xavi, fresh from claiming Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008, was neat and tidy but offered little guile alongside a tired Iniesta and Toure, who despite his attempts to fashion himself as a box-to-box midfielder should stick to the holding role to which he is best suited. Messi endeavoured to create but ultimately came up short, lacking the conviction of a peak Samuel Eto’o. He is clearly a fine player and all Barcelona fans pray he stays injury free, though a growing number of voices from La Masia agree Bojan will prove the better player in the long run.

As for Eric Abidal, he must have listened to Red Hot Chilli Peppers pre-game and kept recalling the lyrics each time he got on the ball he kept giving it away so much, whilst also being caught out of position time and again, this experiment of the Frenchman as a Barcelona player is surely over. Watching his performances, I haven’t been as dejected as when I heard my celebrity crush Jade Goody had cancer. Good luck, Jade. I know you’ll pull through!

Bojan Krkic has a bright future ahead of him

Try as the players might however, the majority of the blame for this performance must be laid at the feet of the manager. Guardiola’s stamp on this Barcelona was non-existent, and if his tactical plan was difficult to decipher from the stands, then one can only imagine the confusion in the dressing room. The team lacked cohesion, with the players in the end hoping for a piece of individual magic from someone else to break down the newly promoted Numancia. I suspect it wasn’t only the players wishing for this as Guardiola paced helplessly in front of his bench, doubtless realising the step-up from Barcelona B is more difficult than he ever imagined.

Why didn’t I go with you, Cesc?

His substitutions were as uninspiring as his choice of outfit: Bojan and Hleb are quality players, and Keita may turn out not be a complete waste of money, but why did Guardiola ignore Gudjohnsen? Not since Jar Jar Binks in Attack of the Clones has a vital piece of the puzzle been woefully underused, although at least the latest Star Wars film was compelling and enjoyable, unlike Josep’s Barcelona.

The board have gambled hugely in appointing Guardiola, letting Scolari slip through their fingers to revolutionise Chelsea, and with Juande Ramos continuing to impress at Tottenham despite losing Robbie Keane to title-challengers Liverpool & Berbatov itching for a move to Man City, the choice seems ever more bizarre.

“The players did not fulfill their obligations. There’s no excuse, we never attacked properly. If we lose again, everyone will give us hell”, mused Guardiola post-game. Shifting the blame to the players is usually the last desperate act of a man bereft of choices, not the direction a new manager takes after his first league game. It’s hard to fathom how a man like Josep will ever be able to strike a bond with his players unless he changes his methods drastically.

Pique wondering why his new manager dresses like a substitute teacher

Many are pointing to Real Madrid losing at the Riazor as a cause for optimism, but los Blancos always lose in A Coruna, and in Schuster they have an experienced coach who delivered a league and cup double last season. Atletico currently sit on top after Spurs-bound Diego Forlan grabbed 2 goals in 4-0 over newly promoted Malaga (It can be done, Josep!)
To take my mind off this game, I went to see Robert Downey Jr put in a career performance in Tropic Thunder, but even that only served to remind me of the dark clouds on the horizon. “We’ve seen it all before,” said Barcelona newspaper Sport, but I doubt we’ll be seeing it for very much longer if Guardiola doesn’t claim three points from Racing Santander at the Camp Nou next time out.