Florentino Perez: What the heck?

After an estimated £136 million, what has Real Madrid got? Two attacking players (Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo) who can, potentially help them score more. But for what? After scoring 83 goals last season, I simply can't see the response is buying more attackers. Especially after conceding 52 goals, and may I add it was a shaky 52. 

I am a big supporter of Real Madrid, but Mr. Perez you are upsetting the apple cart, again! Gonzalo Higuan, the back up striker, who only got a chance to play because of a long term injury to Ruud Van Nistlerooy had 23 goals. The resurgent Raul 'Madrid' as he is affectionately known, scored 24. So with Ruud coming back next seaon, prospects were great from the attacking front. But what does he do, upset the chemistry.

With Canavaro heading back to Italy, the defense needs a leader. Ramos, arguably the best defender on the team, is a 'closet' striker. Marcelo, is an attacking winger playing wing back. Pepe, well temperamental doesn't begin to tell the story. Finally, Salgado and Hienze are past their prime. 

The money spent already could have outfitted the entire defense, and with the requisite sales, they would have been able to get maybe an extra midfield or attacking player. It remains to be seen, if throwing money at a team will make it better. If Manchester City is anything to go by, the prospects of instant results are iffy at best.

Needless to say, I will still support my (Spanish) team and see how it goes next term. Until next time, football is not just a sport, ITS A WAY OF LIFE.

Cheers,

Deon

With football season over, withdrawal begins.

No football on Saturdays and Sundays, what's a man to do? Ok, I like other sports too, couple of major tennis competitions that I will be looking at, but what can fill the obvious void. With world cup qualifications to be in full swing this summer, and Confederations cup there is some football around, but the usual routine is definitely in hibernation for the next couple of months. Congratulations to all the winners, tough luck to all the relegated, I must say that it's sad the Newcastle go down, but they have been playing horrific football. As I have always have said in my circle, Michael Owen, peaked at 22 years of age and is way past his prime. Building your team around him is an act that will ensure disaster, so said, so done. Time for them to rebuild and I hope to see them back soon, because they have been an integral part of English football.
Also, during the off season I will be commenting on blockbuster sales and transfers. I may also comment on the Champion's League final on Wedsnesday, if i don't fall asleep. LOL!

Enjoy the summer guys, this is definitely more than a sport, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE!

Cheers,
Deon

Who is the best team in Europe?

With Manchester United clinching the title this morning, and Barcelona on the brink, it is very safe to assume that these two have risen head and shoulders above the others. Some in Italy, may want to a vote for Inter Milan, having won two titles in a row and closing in on a third. But, with no reall success in Europe, they are a hard sell. Both Man U and Barca have played consistent and at times very high levels of football and both have dominated their leagues, for large spells during the season.
Most importantly, they will face each other at the end of the month, in the Champion's League decider. With Barca also winning their domestic cup title this week, I would say that with a CL win, they may just edge Man U for best team in Europe. But you can't deny the winner of this greatly anticipated final. Great seasons by both and as a neutral, I hope that the final is keely contested and very entertaining.

Cheers,
Deon

Congratulations Manchester United!

Well, as the saying goes, give honor where honor is due. Manchester have played consistent football all season and are now champions of the EPL. This time, Ronaldo didn't have a "spectacular" year like last time, but they played total team football, with defense being their most impressive trait. To all my friends and those of you out there who support Man U, I say you really saw something there that I didn't, but you were right. Chelsea just didn't have that "killer" instinct this year, but like true competitors, we will be back next year.
One thing though, just when you thought Alex Ferguson was done, he wins back to back EPL titles and has the chance to repeat at the CL. He is definitely something special!

I love this sport.

Cheers,
Deon

Whew...Let me catch my breath!

If the last CL match day did not have you excited, then you don't have a pulse. As a Chelsea fan, I was happy, then petrified, then numb and then finally happy again. As a nuetral, I am sure the match between Chelsea and Liverpool ranked with the best of them in  terms of entertainment value.

The irony of it all was that everybody including myself was anticipating a "War of Attrition" between the two teams. A game where the teams are so evenly matched, defense will dominate and a moment of brilliance/error will determine the outcome. This game had both, multiple times and in the end Chelsea advanced to the semi-final of the Uefa Champions League.

In the other "main event", a game that I definitely expected to be more open, one moment of absolute brilliance by Cristiano Ronaldo decided the result and Manchester United marched on.

However, there is no rest for the weary. Both players and fans alike will embark on another "rollercoaster" of emotions as the three English, Champions League semi-finalists, gear up again this weekend for the FA-CUP semi-finals. If this week was anything to go by, I need to invest in an oxygen tank. Clearly, this is more than just a game, IT'S A WAY OF LIFE.

Cheers,
Deon