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Showing posts with label Pep Guardiola. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pep Guardiola. Show all posts
Wednesday, 27 June 2018
In the Summer of 1974
In late summer 1974 Panathinaikos played Real Madrid in a testimonial for Ignacio Zoco - a club stalwart – and holder of 7 La Liga Titles, one European Cup, two Copa’s del Rey and a UEFA Cup medal winner to boot. A regular in those great sides of the 1960’s with his final La Liga trophy won just two years previously in 1972. So an emotional night for this great player and ultimate club man whose skills were also rewarded with 25 caps for Spain - and a place on the EURO winning side of 1964. Another trophy secured like many for his club, at his beloved Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the venue for his last outing in the all-white strip.
That warm summer night in the Spanish capital also saw the debut of some of the newer generation, including world cup medal winner, Paul Breitner. Who only weeks after scoring a penalty at the Olympia Stadion in Munich - against the clockwork Orange – made the move to play in La Liga. All memories still vivid today of the changing of the guard at Real, but also how valued a player like Zoco was to the club and honoured when his playing days were ending. Reflective perhaps of another era in football where a man so polite and friendly could also be a fierce competitor on the field of play. Earning such adulation that the stadium was full to its 100,000 capacity for his goodbye. A far cry from today when players are inaccessible and lengthy stays at any one club rarely exceed beyond three seasons.
Zoco was perhaps that first encounter with a footballing god from a previous era and so his passing last month due to illness - thirty years after seeing him retire - resonated. As did the memory of meeting Breitner after the match, alongside compatriot Gunter Netzer, who was already established at the club following his move from Monchengladbach. Both living legends at the time and hard to believe that I was in the presence of greatness that just weeks previously were mere coloured images on the TV screen. Those memories have this week been resurrected for a number of other reasons. And not all them good ones.
As Germany 74 was the first world cup for which there are clear and distinct recollections. Or the first one also that I fully comprehended given that Mexico 1970 was just still too early on my timeline. Albeit I remember watching it in black and white during a typically hot Madrid summer and the first sight of the brilliance of Edson Arantes do Nascimento in all his splendour. A man I came to learn my Father saw in the street one day when we lived in Sao Paulo, but unfortunately never asked for his autograph. An error for which forgiveness has now been granted having met the man in person outside the Rose Bowl at the 1994 world cup final.
The year Roberto Baggio gifted Dunga’s dreadful team their first FIFA World Cup trophy and fourth win in total.
But it was the news that Johan Cruyff faces the toughest battle of his life that served as a timely reminder of those halcyon days. As well as unstoppable march of time as Cruyff is now 68 years and requires more tests following his lung cancer diagnosis. A news story that shouldn’t be surprising since I first saw him smoking on the Barcelona team bus after match with Real Madrid in 1973. A story that no one would believe for years given it was unimaginable and tarnished his role on that mesmeric 74 Dutch side - that marked the start of my love for the beautiful game. As well the first contact with total football as his work at Barcelona was less fully appreciated given it was coloured by a Real Madrid bias that is still virulent to this very day.
However his contribution at Camp Nou was ably supported by other Johan – the tireless Neeskens – who for a number of years was the willing counterfoil to the majestic stride of his club and national captain. Both of whom it was also great to meet before one of those famous Derby’s when Jose Antonio Camacho would almost hunt Cruyff down for a full ninety minutes and on to the team bus. In tough games that never needed Sky Sports to brand as Clasicos as in most cases were far from it as so much more was at stake now. Yet in those days up until the death of General Franco in late 1975 the visit of Barcelona to Madrid was a major event. Only sufferable if the Whites vanquished the Azulgrana on home soil thus making it always a matter of national importance.
In all clashes Cruyff played a major role as leader, captain and talisman, doing all the things for which he had become renowned globally in that summer of 19774. The foundation too of legacies to follow at Barcelona, Ajax and Holland as the younger players he coached became disciples of his footballing methods. None more so than Pep Guardiola who now ply’s his trade at Bayern Munich a club that accumulated the same pedigree as Cruyff’s first club Ajax. Both dominating the European Cup with three consecutive wins a piece in the early seventies. Mr Paul Breitner winning those medals, as he did his world cup one, alongside Franz Beckenbauer. Sadly another legendary figure who has not enjoyed the best of weeks either.
Although it took me a few more decades to meet Der Kaiser, after a close call at the old Real Madrid training in Ciudad Deportivo before a 1976 EURO qualifying match saw me watch the German team bus leaving – with himself waving courteously out the window. However the wait was worthwhile and a nicer, or more patient person I have yet to meet. Indeed a man who found a way to deal with global stardom like no other and never really straying from his Bavarian roots. Except when it came to his finances and settling in neigbouring Salzburg once his work commitments at FC Bayern came to an end. A club he ensured fond roles for many of his world cup winning team mates after they retired, such as Uli Hoeness, Sepp Maier, and Gerd Mueller. Sadly Der Bomber is suffering from Alzheimer’s and Hoeness is in prison for tax evasion.
In an outstanding career that sees him remain one of only two winners of world cup medals as a player and manager – with Mario Zagallo of Brazil the other. Albeit Beckenbauer was the captain in July 1974 and lifted the trophy with manager Helmut Schoen on their home ground in Munch. With Beckenbauer then steering his nation to a one nil victory over Argentina at Italia 1990, in a rather torrid affair that was finally settled by Andy Brehme’s penalty in the 85 minute.
This week though the Kaiser has become embroiled in torrid affair with a difference as some difficult allegations about the 2006 World Cup in Germany enter the public domain. A matter that has unravelled the FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, and also swept in its wake the current UEFA President, Michel Platini. Another graceful and skillful footballer who faces major difficulties which will tarnish those great days on the field for Juventus and France. Just as we had perhaps started to forgive him for replacing Liam Brady in 1986 at old Stadio delle Alpi. Now though Platini may see his dream of running FIFA slipping away.
The memories of meeting him – again in the bowels of the Bernabeu in 1985 - as part of the press pack when he was in his full pomp on one of those famous European nights in Madrid can’t be tarnished. Platini playing with Michael Laudrup as the two permissible foreigners in Sere A with a cast of Italian including Antonio Cabrini, Stefano Tacconi and Sergio Brio. Which now all seem names now from the distant past. Although not as far back as those great names I never witnessed, like Stanley Matthews. A man that John Toshack so fondly recalls whenever great players are mentioned. Or indeed the full span of George Best’s talents as he retired so early and Sir Bobby Charlton who was in his latter playing days at United when Shoot magazine was my literature of choice.
In those days the top names were Peter Marinello and all the “H’s” at Chelsea - Hudson, Harris, Houseman, Hollins, Houston and company. Almost all of whom I recall played a role in the 1971 Cup Winners Cup final in Piraeus against Real Madrid. With Zoco scoring in what ended up a one all draw before Chelsea won the replay two days later 2-1. For younger football fans today, those names mean little.
As no doubt that of Howard Kendall – another footballing great both as a player and manager – who also left the field of play in recent days. Nicely remembered by Gary Lineker on BBC’s Match of the Day reminding us all that we are all just time passengers.
The names of Puskas, Di Stefano and Gento would have meant nothing had I not been around the Real Madrid club so often that you either met them, or saw them about at some point. In that way the legend live on in some ways. With Di Stefano I attended a post-match press conference in 1985 at Logrones when he was in his third managerial stint at Valencia. A funny man, but very prickly with certain questions and very fond of one word answers. Still well able to intimidate all those around him even without his boots.
For Zoco it was no coincidence that Panathinaikos were the opponents for the testimonial that August 29th in 1974 as Ferenc Puskas was the Greek club’s manager at the time. The game providing one more gathering for those members of the superb sixties winning European Cup winning generation. In those days everyone at Real Madrid seemed to be a European Cup winner.
So thanks for the memories!
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Thursday, 20 October 2016
Mourinho Dilutes Power of Pogba
It was another one of those Mourinho epics this summer, which again seemed to be endless as he compulsively chased the signature of French International, Paul Pogba for his new club Manchester United. The MUST have player finally arrived and United paid in the process a record breaking fee with an additional tumultuous commission to the relevant agent. The latter at one point the most contentious part of securing Pogba’s services. So it was a world record by any measure and saw the return of a player that had come through United's academy and then sought a move to the Italian club Juventus. Now after re-joining The Reds for £89m the same player now seems the same misfit at Old Trafford - as he was under Sir Alex Ferguson – when only delivering three goals over a season and a half.
With Mourinho at the helm this talented player from Lagny-sur-Marne still seems far from the force he was at Juventus for the past four seasons. Or the man who started much of what happened in the Italian team over recent seasons. Ably supported obviously by a cast of international stars playing around him. Not unlike his galloping runs that exemplified most of what was good about France during EURO 2016 only a few months ago that saw the host nation reach the final. But better players around you obviously make you play better and Pogba is finding his work at Old Trafford somewhat less straight forward than perhaps it might have been at a Real Madrid. For a player who with Juventus was a key force in reaching the Champions League final two seasons ago in Berlin where he lost to Barcelona. The summer defeat to Portugal in Paris adding to that misery as France had looked racing certainties to win the trophy on home soil.
These days at United that same rampaging Paul Pogba has faded and started to resemble what Eric Cantona once attributed to fellow countryman, Didier Deschamps, being a “water carrier”. His manager adding to the background noise complaining of his lack of attacking flair. Albeit some of that unfair as in the match against Liverpool in particular that saw the United team play with such a strait jacket even Zidane would have struggled to show any flair. Although Deschamps was more brawn and industry than silken skills, Pogba has a higher measure of both. And to see his role reduced to plugging holes in the middle of the park in Mourinho’s stifling tactics, raises the question of why buy him in the first place. But is not unusual for The Special One who has a history of struggling with talented players and found an ageing Inter Milan his ideal type of team. Taking them to the Champions League title in 2010 playing a very physical and oppressive style against Bayern Munich in Madrid. The same systems paying dividend against Guardiola’s Barcelona en route to that 2010 victory.
Then at Real Madrid the same man who had played so well for him in Italy was surplus to requirements and so Wesley Sneijder moved on to Turkey. At Chelsea it was Juan Mata that made way for other selections. Yet there is some merit to the analysis that the graceful athleticism of Pogba has been much diluted at United. And whether it is by managerial design, team formation or issues on the player’s side is now becoming a topic of media conjecture. No doubt though the rigid systems so beloved by Mourinho also plays a role, as was seen at Anfield in that meeting with Liverpool. A match that oozed promise but became a violent status quo from the start with neither side able to play anything resembling attacking football. With United parking the bus on three halfway line as is the Special One’s want. Again the player who had romped the stadia of France over the summer was left chasing shadows under a manager whose more rent record saw failure at Chelsea last season, and left Real Madrid without fulfilling the touted promise of a Champions League title. But then again Mourinho has form in this regard in more recent times.
However, as attack is the best from of defence Mourinho felt Liverpool deserved more criticism than United for a 'cautious' approach and suggested the inclusion of Emre Can alongside Jordan Henderson stifled Pogba.
"You know, I think like everybody else the defensive side of the game I think that the team was perfect," Mourinho said at his post-match press conference. "Even the goalkeeper was on holiday for 90 minutes but he had two big saves to do and he did.
"When we recovered the ball I was expecting the team to be more dangerous, in spite of having a couple of very important chances, but Liverpool did well too, they are a very good team. You like to say they are the last wonder of the world in attacking football, but they are also a team that defends and thinks defensively.
"And I think the fact they played Can and Henderson together controlled the position where Paul should be more in control because we thought they were going to play with only one player there but they played with two."
In statistical terms Manchester United had a 35% possession and with Pogba playing higher up the pitch, the world’s most expensive player attempted just 38 passes. Pogba also passed the ball fewer times than the Liverpool goalkeeper at Anfield. His woeful pass completion rate of 71.1% was worse than every single player on the pitch barring Daley Blind and Roberto Firmino. Also he had just 63 touches of the ball with James Milner having 74. Pogba’s average for the season is 89. Then he had one shot on target in his last two Premier League games. He then created one chance against Liverpool – though it was the header that should have been scored by Zlatan Ibrahimovic
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Wednesday, 4 May 2016
Bayern Feel Cheated - Kalle Rummenigge
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| Rummenigge |
Bayern Munich feel "cheated" after some tight decisions allowed Atletico Madrid to advance from their Champions League semifinal, chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
Playing at home on Tuesday, Bayern won the second leg on Tuesday 2-1 but Atletico advanced thanks to Antoine Griezmann's away goal.
It was a classic counter-attack as Fernando Torres sent Griezmann racing through and the France international, played onside by David Alaba, kept his cool to whip the ball past Manuel Neuer.
Rummenigge said he believed Griezmann was offside when Torres released him through on goal, and also took issue with a penalty given to Atletico that Torres ended up missing.
"We feel a little bit cheated," the CEO said after the game. "The Atletico goal was offside, the foul for the penalty [which Atletico missed] was outside of the box.
"The referee had two matches in the last seven days. I don't know whether those UEFA guys can have too many matches, too. The UEFA delegate told me: 'It's a shame what he did.'"
Bayern midfielder Arturo Vidal insisted his side were still the better team, but the Chilean was left to rue missed opportunities to overturn the scoreline in the second half.
"I don't know why the ball did not want to go in ... with so many chances created in both legs," Vidal said. "I think we were superior in both games. We controlled possession, but didn't seize it.
"They take their opportunities well, and that's why they move into the final. From here to the final they will dream with us. They faced the best team in the world.
Bayern now turn their attention to securing the Bundesliga, where they enjoy a five-point lead over Dortmund with two rounds remaining. They will also face Dortmund in the DFB Pokal final on May 21.
"We are left sad, but we still have two titles that we hope to win. We are still the best team in the world, but sometimes the best doesn't always win," Vidal said.
"Football is sometimes like this. Today the best didn't advance, they were eliminated."
Tuesday, 3 May 2016
Bayern Muenchen v Atletico Madrid - Preview
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| Pep Guardiola - Getty Images |
Diego Simeone says Atletico Madrid will not sit back against Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.
Atletico arrived in Germany with a 1-0 advantage after Saul Niguez's first-leg goal at the Vicente Calderon.
Simeone said his side will look to kill off Bayern by scoring an away goal instead of trying to play for a 0-0 draw, which would take them through.
"I'm only interested in winning," he said. "That is what I prepare for."
While Bayern are five-time European champions, Atletico are trying to win the competition for the first time.
"We are going to be true to our style," said Simeone. "We will be ourselves. Whatever happens will depend on the mental strength of both teams.
"In the first leg we played in a way that feels good for us. On Tuesday we will see how strong both Bayern and we are."
Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will take over as Manchester City manager in the summer. However since losing the 2014 semi-final to Real Madrid, Bayern have won 11 successive home matches in the Champions League.
Victory on Tuesday would match Manchester United's record from 2006-09.
"We're very, very strong at home," said Bayern's World Cup-winning defender Jerome Boateng. "That's what we're counting on.'
While Bayern are on the brink of winning their fourth successive Bundesliga title, Atletico remain firmly in the hunt in La Liga.
Simeone's side are level on points with leaders Barcelona with two matches of the domestic league season remaining.
Former Liverpool forward Fernando Torres said the team are reaping the rewards of their work ethic and unity.
"We die for each other," said the 32-year-old, a Champions League winner with Chelsea in 2012. "It's a battlefield out there.
"We are going out to win. We live the excitement of playing match by match and the situation we are in."
Josep Guardiola
We mustn't think about how many goals we must score. We need think first about defending well and controlling the game. We want possession and we want goals. Atleti defend very well, but they are also going good up front. It is complicated to play a team like them. They know each other so very well. We will create chances, if perhaps not too many.
It will be my last game in the Champions League here in Munich and I have always been treated absolutely wonderfully. In Germany you play a little differently, and I tried to adapt some things. I have learned a lot here. We have achieved a lot during my time here, but it is always really difficult to make the final of this competition.
Diego Simeone
Football is a fantastic sport and there's a variety of ways to play it, depending on the players at your disposal. Our work over the last few years is paying dividends now. We have experienced guys mixed with some new players and they are all really great to work with them. That is reflected by our results.
We were sharp in the first leg and we will see how sharp we are tomorrow; and how sharp Bayern are. Every game is different. We want to win, that's our plan. We want to play well and enjoy our success. But above all, what matters most is that we make the final.
We mustn't think about how many goals we must score. We need think first about defending well and controlling the game. We want possession and we want goals. Atleti defend very well, but they are also going good up front. It is complicated to play a team like them. They know each other so very well. We will create chances, if perhaps not too many.
It will be my last game in the Champions League here in Munich and I have always been treated absolutely wonderfully. In Germany you play a little differently, and I tried to adapt some things. I have learned a lot here. We have achieved a lot during my time here, but it is always really difficult to make the final of this competition.
Diego Simeone
Football is a fantastic sport and there's a variety of ways to play it, depending on the players at your disposal. Our work over the last few years is paying dividends now. We have experienced guys mixed with some new players and they are all really great to work with them. That is reflected by our results.
We were sharp in the first leg and we will see how sharp we are tomorrow; and how sharp Bayern are. Every game is different. We want to win, that's our plan. We want to play well and enjoy our success. But above all, what matters most is that we make the final.
Wednesday, 27 April 2016
Atletico Madrid v Bayern Munich
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| Diego Simeone - Getty Images |
Diego Simeone admitted his Atlético side face a challenge on Wednesday night but has warned Bayern Munich to expect a battle at the Vicente Calderón.
Madrid face Bayern after dispatching Barcelona in the quarter-finals and the Argentinian is eager to test the character of Pep Guardiola’s squad. “Bayern have many options, but in battles, the side with most soldiers does not win, but those who use their soldiers better,” said the Atlético manager.
His midfielder Saúl admitted he could not find any weaknesses in the Bayern team. “They [Bayern] are the most complete side, they have a lot of variety to their game and can attack through the middle or via the wings, and they are strong in the air,” Saúl said. “We will do what we always do; work as a team, fight to the death for every ball, treat the game as though it was a final, that’s only way we will be able to compete against a top side like Bayern. The main objective is to win the game.”
The defender Stefan Savic believes the match promises to be a clash of styles. While the Spanish side are happy to grind out results when necessary and are more ready to embrace the physical side of the game, Bayern operate a possession-based game built around Guardiola’s tactical nous.
Savic, who is in contention to replace the injured Diego Godín in central defence, said: “They have another style totally different from ours, but that’s the beauty of football – it can be played in different ways and all are worthy. We will see after the game which is best. Everyone wants to win the Champions League, but we must be calm and try to give our best. It will be a tough tie, but we are confident in ourselves.”
Savic is vying with José Giménez and Lucas Hernández for Godín’s shirt, while Yannick Carrasco is expected to start despite taking limited part in training on Monday. The Belgian is being treated carefully due to a sore ankle, with Augusto Fernández standing by.
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Guardiola believes he must win the Champions League for his spell in Germany to be deemed a success. In his first two years, Bayern have suffered semi-final exits to La Liga opposition – losing to Real Madrid in 2013-14 and Barcelona 12 months ago, after first-leg defeats away from home each time.
“Three semis in three years is not something that every team does,” Guardiola said. “I have read in Munich that without winning the Champions League, the work would not be complete. I must accept that. But I am very fortunate to have lived and worked three years in Germany. I am a better coach, a better guy, more relaxed, I have enjoyed it a lot. We will try and reach the final, as we did against Madrid and Barcelona, and now this year against Atletico.
“We are very happy to be here, we know that all semi-finalists are difficult,” he said. “The best trophy Atlético have achieved, with Diego Simeone and his team, is that they are now equals to Barcelona and Real Madrid, just as feared when they play in Europe. I have been outside Spain for five years, but have watched on the TV, and their consistency has been really impressive. Normally only the biggest teams can play every three days, and keep winning, season after season.”
Monday, 25 April 2016
Pellegrini Doesn't Look Back in Anger
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| Pellegrini - Getty Images |
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure is unlikely to face Real Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg because of a thigh injury.
Toure was hurt late on in Saturday's 4-0 win over Stoke but stayed on as they had used their three substitutes.
Captain Vincent Kompany, who has only played 20 times this season for the club, says he is "100% fit" after repeated calf injuries.
Real are bringing all their players to Manchester despite injury concerns. They are hopeful Cristiano Ronaldo will be fit despite missing Saturday's 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano with a thigh injury.
But fellow forward Karim Benzema is a doubt after limping out of the match in the first half.
Toure, 32, has featured in all but one of City's Champions League matches during a campaign that has seen them reach the last four for the first time.
City boss Manuel Pellegrini has not ruled the player out of next week's second leg in Spain, saying the club will assess his fitness over the coming nine days.
Defender Kompany was rested for Saturday's home win over Stoke but is ready to return and insists he and his team-mates are ready for the challenge of facing the 10-time European champions.
""There's not a day in my life where I'm thinking these occasions are stressful or difficult," said the 30-year-old Belgium international.
"I want this for myself - and at this level all players want this for themselves. You have to play against those players as many times as we can and try and beat those teams.
"That's what's going to make history for this club.
"For every single player in the team, if you're not hungry tomorrow, then you'll never be hungry in football."
Asked what role City's supporters could play in helping the team gain a first-leg advantage, he said: "The biggest.
"I have never seen a Manchester City team not turn up when the fans are up for it. It's an appeal to them that they have to be as loud as they've ever been. Otherwise, what's the point in buying your ticket to come in?"
The tie brings City's outgoing manager Pellegrini up against the club that sacked him in 2010 after just one season in charge.
However, the Chilean, who is leaving City at the end of the current campaign to be replaced by Pep Guardiola, said: "I don't look back. I always prefer to think about what is happening now.
"I'm happy if we win the title, but I'm not wishing anything for my future."
Pellegrini also called on his team to control their emotions after having players shown red cards in previous big European games.
They had a man sent off in both legs of the last-16 defeat by Barcelona in 2013-14, while Gael Clichy was dismissed in the first leg of last season's loss to the same opponents at the same stage.
"We need to have a very hot heart but a cold mind, that's a lesson we've learned," Pellegrini added.
Manchester City and Real Madrid's only previous competitive encounter was in the 2012-13 Champions League group stages. The Merengues won 3-2 at the Bernabeu before a 1-1 draw at Etihad Stadium.
For the sixth time in a row, Real Madrid will play the first-leg of a Champions League knockout tie away from home.
Wednesday, 20 April 2016
Will Clement Rejoin Ancelotti at Bayern
Derby County have sacked head coach Paul Clement after a winless run of seven games in the Championship.
A statement on the club’s official website confirmed that the former Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea assistant to Carlo Ancelotti had been relieved of his duties.
“Derby County Football Club is saddened to announce that Paul Clement will leave his post with immediate effect,” read the statement.
“The Head Coach, who joined the club in June last year, has been relieved of his duties and is replaced by Academy Director and former Rams defender Darren Wassall until the end of the season.”
Clement has seen his Derby side fail to win in the league since Boxing Day, a run that has seen them slip four points behind second-placed Middlesbrough in the race for automatic promotion.
Chairman Mel Morris said: “We are grateful for the contribution Paul has made to the football club but the time is right to make a change.
“When Paul joined us last year we worked with him to develop a plan for the club which we asked him to embrace.
“It was clear in this plan, which was briefed to supporters, players, sponsors and all our stakeholders last summer that promotion this season was not the primary target. The priorities were building on the Derby way and style of football enjoyed in the past two seasons; adding depth and strength to our playing squad; and, developing and improving player and team performance.
“Sadly, on these measurements, we have not made enough progress and that is why we have decided to part company with Paul.
“I firmly believe that we have one of the very best first team squads in this league. Our players are highly talented professionals who are more than capable of winning games at this level and beyond.
“I want to record our thanks to Paul for his efforts in leading the team through the first 30 games of this season and in achieving a top six position at this point. We wish him every success in his future career.”
Chief executive Sam Rush, confirmed that Wassall, 47, will take training on Tuesday in his new role.
He said: “We are in the fortunate position to have somebody as capable as Darren at our football club and he will be leading the coaching staff with immediate effect.
“Our focus is to get the team back on track, delivering the style of football and performance we know they are capable of. I know our fans will give Darren, the coaching staff and the team their full support.”
Paul Clement worked in the past with Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint German and Real Madrid.
Perhaps he will rejoin the Italian at Bayern Munich in the summer when Ancelotti takes over from Pep Guardiola.
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