With the Camp Nou outfit progressing in the Copa del Rey and likely to do so in the Champions League as well, striker Samuel Eto'o believes that the conditions are right for a potential clean sweep of victories.
"Barça continue to play like we have been and I hope that we can do well in every competition," he told the official club website.
Nonetheless the fiery Cameroonian was quick to warn his colleagues off looking too far ahead.
"We cannot compare ourselves to anyone and our main thing should be to continue winning games. The Recre game is our next final. I think that we have to beat every team, not just Real Madrid," he said.
"We have to be calm, show respect and to win by playing well."
Leadership
Eto'o was very nearly sold on by the club hierarchy this summer after some high-profile spats with management last season, but he has reverted back to being a model striker since the pre-season matches began.
Still, he said that there will be further improvement yet, and that this comes naturally to him in a side full of individual leaders.
"In football every player has some responsibility and for that reason we are all leaders," he said.
"I think my best spell is still to come. The compliments I am given do not allow me to lose focus because that is when it is easiest to fall. When things are going very well, that is when a cool head is needed most."
In closing, he backed up president Joan Laporta's recent exclamations that Barcelona's youth products are among the finest in the world.
"In the best clubs in the game you do not find such good players as there are coming through here," he boasted.
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Saturday, November 15, 2008
Goal.com Worldview: What Is The World's Biggest Local Derby?
The Rome derby is one of the top games in the Serie A calendar, and probably the most explosive, passionate and gripping local derby in Italy. Some would even argue that it is the best derby in world football.
There are many other city rivalries around the globe that would contend this honour though. What about Boca Juniors versus River Plate, Rangers-Celtic, Orlando Pirates-Kaizer Chiefs, and Galatasaray-Fenerbahce, to name just a handful. Remember we are talking about teams who share the same city, so Barcelona versus Real Madrid, for example, does not count.
In order to find out exactly what the world’s biggest clash is, we asked a global panel of Goal.com editors to sell the greatest local derbies from their country or region. Every derby will begin with the words: 'Team X versus Team Y is the biggest derby in the world because'...
In a two-part series, we will first examine the top derbies from Europe.
Italy
Roma versus Laziois the biggest derby in the world because it's the most passionate game for players and citizens of the Italian capital. For many years the two clubs had different stories. If the Giallorossi were doing well, the Biancoazzurri were usually struggling or in Serie B. Roma supporters boast that their team is more popular, while Lazio fans point out that their club is "the first to be born in Rome". Roma have Francesco Totti as a flag, idol, and talisman. Lazio did have Alessandro Nesta. The game is a tense affair, and there are usually riots outside the Olimpico Stadium. There is a saying that ‘the team who are lower in the table usually wins the derby’. Therefore Roma are favourites on Sunday!
Milan versus Interis the biggest derby in the world because they are two of the best teams on the planet. The Rossoneri are the reigning World Champions and possess three Golden Ball players on their roster. Inter are the most important team in Serie A, and have won the last three Scudetti. Inter and Milan also have a South American rivalry. The Rossoneri prefer Brazilians, the Nerazzurri – Argentines. The Superclasico is always a fascinating game…
Genoa versus Sampdoriais the biggest derby in the worldbecause it is the best Italian match for choreography, colour, and fair play. Genoa and Sampdoria fans both invented a funny name to label their opponents. Blucerchiati fans call the Rossoblù 'Bibini', while Genoa tifosi label Blucerchiati fans 'Ciclisti' (cyclists) because their shirts have black-white-red bands like a cycle world champion!
Daniele Perticari, Goal.com Italy
Spain
Real Madrid versus Atlético de Madridis the biggest derby in the worldbecause of a strange phenomenon: every team in Spain has had their 'glory moment' or ‘day of inspiration' against Real Madrid at some point, but Atlético never has. It has been a long, long time since the 'colchoneros' enjoyed their last win against their capital rivals in Spain, and every derby becomes more of the same drama for them: Atlético might play better, might go ahead, and might also play with one or two more players... but they can't beat the 'merengues'. Besides this - or maybe because of this - any big clash between these two brothers is a must to see!
Sevilla versus Betisis the biggest derby in the worldbecause of the 'little town' atmosphere involving these two big rivals. Madrid, Roma or Milan might be large cities, but Sevilla is really split into two pieces when we talk about football: the white-red and the green-white halves of the same coin. The entire week before any derby in Sevilla, you can breath it in the bars, the shops, the markets, and there's not entire neighbours belonging to just one team. You see the derby ‘split’ everywhere... even in your own house!
Juan Lirman, Goal.com Spain
United Kingdom
Arsenal versus Tottenham Hotspuris the biggest derby in the world because the bitterness is real, enduring and nasty. Although both clubs were formed in the 1880s, the enmity began when Arsenal moved from Woolwich, south of the River Thames, to Highbury, four miles from White Hart Lane and perceived by outraged Tottenham to be in their manor. The hatred intensified dramatically when the Gunners, thanks to some shrewd if not entirely scrupulous politicking, were elected to the expanded First Division in 1919 at Tottenham's expense.
And it has grown steadily in succeeding decades as one club or the other has enjoyed ascendancy on the pitch. There is a razor-sharp divide within North London, and at every Arsenal game you will hear Gooners ritually abusing Spurs with great gusto, and vice-versa - even though the enemy are playing somewhere else entirely. When derby day itself comes around, the atmosphere in the streets is as ugly as it gets. And events such as Sol Campbell's 'defection' to Highbury in 2001 ensure that the fires of mutual loathing never die down...
Graham Lister, Goal.com International (England)
Liverpool versus Evertonis the biggest derby in the world because it is the only derby in the world where supporters can intermingle in the stands. The ‘brothers’ progressed to the 1984 Milk Cup final and instead of differing chants bellowed from each set of fans, the only thing that was audible for a while were unanimous chants of: 'Merseyside... Merseyside... Merseyside.'
Following the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989 a sea of red and blue Liverpool and Everton scarves were stretched from the gates of Goodison Park to the gates of Anfield to honour those who had died. The two clubs also united over the death of Evertonian Rhys Jones; an 11-year old shooting victim who died as he was shot in the neck while crossing Croxteth Park.
There have been a few ugly isolated incidents (Phil Neville being spat on, chants about Gerrard's girlfriend), but on the whole because of the closeness of the stadia, families often have both Reds and Blues in the same household... meaning it is, for the most part, a friendly derby.
Alan Dawson Goal.com International (England)
Celtic versus Rangersis the biggest derby in the world because any game played within a city populated by 620,000 people, yet which can generate a worldwide audience of 150 million, is a sheer force of nature. Dating back to 1888, the 'Old Firm' derby is huge. The 1969 Scottish Cup final was seen by 132,870 spectators at the national stadium, Hampden, and the fixture remains a red-hot ticket.
The all-Glasgow rivalry is in the spotlight now more than ever, with authorities clamping down on sectarian hatred. Celtic are considered a Catholic club and Rangers Protestant, while political aspects also come into play. Unfortunately, violence and abuse have always been part of the landscape.The games themselves are powder-keg affairs played at break-neck speed, with players from around Europe losing themselves in the experience.
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com International (Scotland)
Southern Europe
Panathinaikos versus Olympiakosis the biggest derby in the world because the two sides used to represent the two big parts of the Athens metropolitan area - Panathinaikos the city centre, while Olympiakos the nearby port of Piraeus. Of course Panathinaikos fans were considered more upper-class, while Olympiakos fans drew their support from the working-class people who used to make their living as craftsmen, although no such thing applies today.
However, the animosity between the two rivals has never been greater, with regular violent incidents before each derby. Indeed, in the last couple of years the derbies are played in front of only the home-side's fans as the police attempt to avoid trouble. In the last three years at least two people have lost their lives in pre-arranged fights between the clubs' fans. As for the atmosphere during the games, it can hardly been described. And it's not just during the derby, but also before and after. However, the pressure on the players is so high that rarely the game itself has any value, with most of the derbies ending in bore-draws.
Michael Paterakis, Goal.com Greece
Galatasaray versus Fenerbahçe is the biggest derby in the world because these two teams have won the title 17 times, which is the most in Turkey. There is also a belief about class difference between team fans. Fenerbahçe’s are mostly from the wealthy class, while Galatasaray’s are from the aristocracy because of the school first president Ali Sami Yen attended. That school was established by the Ottoman Empire for princes and high level government members.
Derbies between these two teams have some interesting stories, like the 'Souness Flag' incident in 1995/1996. Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup on their rivals' ground and, after the award ceremony, coach Graeme Souness placed the Galatasaray flag into the centre circle of the pitch. This ‘insult’ by the Scotsman caused some problems between the two teams, and no one has ever forgotten about it.
Ceyhun Bayel, Goal.com Turkey
And Finally…
Even little Austria has a very important city derby.
Austria Vienna versus Rapid Vienna is the biggest derby in the world because the rivalry and differences between both clubs couldn’t be bigger. In the past the derby was a duel between the working and middle class of Vienna, but now it’s much more than this. Rapid and all green fans emphasize the tradition of the club, whereas Austria is out-of-favor due to the commerce policy. Very interesting fact: The derby of Vienna is the second most played derby of Europe - only the Old Firm has had more games played.
Thomas Bauer, Goal.com Germany
Some Other Notable Local European Derbies
Grasshoppers – FC Zurich (Switzerland)
Wisla Krakow – Cracovia Krakow (Poland)
Apoel Nicosia – Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus)
Dinamo Bucharest – Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
CSKA Sofia – Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)
Benfica – Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
Ferencvaros – Ujpest (Hungary)
Red Star Belgrade – Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
What are your views on this topic? Which derby do you believe to be the biggest in the world? Tomorrow we will publish part two where you will be able to read all about the big non-European derbies such as Boca-River, Kaizer Chiefs-Orlando Pirates and Flamengo-Fluminense.
Chivas return home looking for spark
Win and move on for Crew vs. Wizards
Leo Franco: We Must Not Lose League Focus
Del Bosque: European Nights Are Unforgiving
There are many other city rivalries around the globe that would contend this honour though. What about Boca Juniors versus River Plate, Rangers-Celtic, Orlando Pirates-Kaizer Chiefs, and Galatasaray-Fenerbahce, to name just a handful. Remember we are talking about teams who share the same city, so Barcelona versus Real Madrid, for example, does not count.
In order to find out exactly what the world’s biggest clash is, we asked a global panel of Goal.com editors to sell the greatest local derbies from their country or region. Every derby will begin with the words: 'Team X versus Team Y is the biggest derby in the world because'...
In a two-part series, we will first examine the top derbies from Europe.
Italy
Roma versus Laziois the biggest derby in the world because it's the most passionate game for players and citizens of the Italian capital. For many years the two clubs had different stories. If the Giallorossi were doing well, the Biancoazzurri were usually struggling or in Serie B. Roma supporters boast that their team is more popular, while Lazio fans point out that their club is "the first to be born in Rome". Roma have Francesco Totti as a flag, idol, and talisman. Lazio did have Alessandro Nesta. The game is a tense affair, and there are usually riots outside the Olimpico Stadium. There is a saying that ‘the team who are lower in the table usually wins the derby’. Therefore Roma are favourites on Sunday!
Milan versus Interis the biggest derby in the world because they are two of the best teams on the planet. The Rossoneri are the reigning World Champions and possess three Golden Ball players on their roster. Inter are the most important team in Serie A, and have won the last three Scudetti. Inter and Milan also have a South American rivalry. The Rossoneri prefer Brazilians, the Nerazzurri – Argentines. The Superclasico is always a fascinating game…
Genoa versus Sampdoriais the biggest derby in the worldbecause it is the best Italian match for choreography, colour, and fair play. Genoa and Sampdoria fans both invented a funny name to label their opponents. Blucerchiati fans call the Rossoblù 'Bibini', while Genoa tifosi label Blucerchiati fans 'Ciclisti' (cyclists) because their shirts have black-white-red bands like a cycle world champion!
Daniele Perticari, Goal.com Italy
Spain
Real Madrid versus Atlético de Madridis the biggest derby in the worldbecause of a strange phenomenon: every team in Spain has had their 'glory moment' or ‘day of inspiration' against Real Madrid at some point, but Atlético never has. It has been a long, long time since the 'colchoneros' enjoyed their last win against their capital rivals in Spain, and every derby becomes more of the same drama for them: Atlético might play better, might go ahead, and might also play with one or two more players... but they can't beat the 'merengues'. Besides this - or maybe because of this - any big clash between these two brothers is a must to see!
Sevilla versus Betisis the biggest derby in the worldbecause of the 'little town' atmosphere involving these two big rivals. Madrid, Roma or Milan might be large cities, but Sevilla is really split into two pieces when we talk about football: the white-red and the green-white halves of the same coin. The entire week before any derby in Sevilla, you can breath it in the bars, the shops, the markets, and there's not entire neighbours belonging to just one team. You see the derby ‘split’ everywhere... even in your own house!
Juan Lirman, Goal.com Spain
United Kingdom
Arsenal versus Tottenham Hotspuris the biggest derby in the world because the bitterness is real, enduring and nasty. Although both clubs were formed in the 1880s, the enmity began when Arsenal moved from Woolwich, south of the River Thames, to Highbury, four miles from White Hart Lane and perceived by outraged Tottenham to be in their manor. The hatred intensified dramatically when the Gunners, thanks to some shrewd if not entirely scrupulous politicking, were elected to the expanded First Division in 1919 at Tottenham's expense.
And it has grown steadily in succeeding decades as one club or the other has enjoyed ascendancy on the pitch. There is a razor-sharp divide within North London, and at every Arsenal game you will hear Gooners ritually abusing Spurs with great gusto, and vice-versa - even though the enemy are playing somewhere else entirely. When derby day itself comes around, the atmosphere in the streets is as ugly as it gets. And events such as Sol Campbell's 'defection' to Highbury in 2001 ensure that the fires of mutual loathing never die down...
Graham Lister, Goal.com International (England)
Liverpool versus Evertonis the biggest derby in the world because it is the only derby in the world where supporters can intermingle in the stands. The ‘brothers’ progressed to the 1984 Milk Cup final and instead of differing chants bellowed from each set of fans, the only thing that was audible for a while were unanimous chants of: 'Merseyside... Merseyside... Merseyside.'
Following the Hillsborough Stadium disaster in 1989 a sea of red and blue Liverpool and Everton scarves were stretched from the gates of Goodison Park to the gates of Anfield to honour those who had died. The two clubs also united over the death of Evertonian Rhys Jones; an 11-year old shooting victim who died as he was shot in the neck while crossing Croxteth Park.
There have been a few ugly isolated incidents (Phil Neville being spat on, chants about Gerrard's girlfriend), but on the whole because of the closeness of the stadia, families often have both Reds and Blues in the same household... meaning it is, for the most part, a friendly derby.
Alan Dawson Goal.com International (England)
Celtic versus Rangersis the biggest derby in the world because any game played within a city populated by 620,000 people, yet which can generate a worldwide audience of 150 million, is a sheer force of nature. Dating back to 1888, the 'Old Firm' derby is huge. The 1969 Scottish Cup final was seen by 132,870 spectators at the national stadium, Hampden, and the fixture remains a red-hot ticket.
The all-Glasgow rivalry is in the spotlight now more than ever, with authorities clamping down on sectarian hatred. Celtic are considered a Catholic club and Rangers Protestant, while political aspects also come into play. Unfortunately, violence and abuse have always been part of the landscape.The games themselves are powder-keg affairs played at break-neck speed, with players from around Europe losing themselves in the experience.
Greg Ptolomey, Goal.com International (Scotland)
Southern Europe
Panathinaikos versus Olympiakosis the biggest derby in the world because the two sides used to represent the two big parts of the Athens metropolitan area - Panathinaikos the city centre, while Olympiakos the nearby port of Piraeus. Of course Panathinaikos fans were considered more upper-class, while Olympiakos fans drew their support from the working-class people who used to make their living as craftsmen, although no such thing applies today.
However, the animosity between the two rivals has never been greater, with regular violent incidents before each derby. Indeed, in the last couple of years the derbies are played in front of only the home-side's fans as the police attempt to avoid trouble. In the last three years at least two people have lost their lives in pre-arranged fights between the clubs' fans. As for the atmosphere during the games, it can hardly been described. And it's not just during the derby, but also before and after. However, the pressure on the players is so high that rarely the game itself has any value, with most of the derbies ending in bore-draws.
Michael Paterakis, Goal.com Greece
Galatasaray versus Fenerbahçe is the biggest derby in the world because these two teams have won the title 17 times, which is the most in Turkey. There is also a belief about class difference between team fans. Fenerbahçe’s are mostly from the wealthy class, while Galatasaray’s are from the aristocracy because of the school first president Ali Sami Yen attended. That school was established by the Ottoman Empire for princes and high level government members.
Derbies between these two teams have some interesting stories, like the 'Souness Flag' incident in 1995/1996. Galatasaray won the Turkish Cup on their rivals' ground and, after the award ceremony, coach Graeme Souness placed the Galatasaray flag into the centre circle of the pitch. This ‘insult’ by the Scotsman caused some problems between the two teams, and no one has ever forgotten about it.
Ceyhun Bayel, Goal.com Turkey
And Finally…
Even little Austria has a very important city derby.
Austria Vienna versus Rapid Vienna is the biggest derby in the world because the rivalry and differences between both clubs couldn’t be bigger. In the past the derby was a duel between the working and middle class of Vienna, but now it’s much more than this. Rapid and all green fans emphasize the tradition of the club, whereas Austria is out-of-favor due to the commerce policy. Very interesting fact: The derby of Vienna is the second most played derby of Europe - only the Old Firm has had more games played.
Thomas Bauer, Goal.com Germany
Some Other Notable Local European Derbies
Grasshoppers – FC Zurich (Switzerland)
Wisla Krakow – Cracovia Krakow (Poland)
Apoel Nicosia – Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus)
Dinamo Bucharest – Steaua Bucharest (Romania)
CSKA Sofia – Levski Sofia (Bulgaria)
Benfica – Sporting Lisbon (Portugal)
Ferencvaros – Ujpest (Hungary)
Red Star Belgrade – Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)
What are your views on this topic? Which derby do you believe to be the biggest in the world? Tomorrow we will publish part two where you will be able to read all about the big non-European derbies such as Boca-River, Kaizer Chiefs-Orlando Pirates and Flamengo-Fluminense.
Chivas return home looking for spark
Win and move on for Crew vs. Wizards
Leo Franco: We Must Not Lose League Focus
Del Bosque: European Nights Are Unforgiving
Thursday, November 13, 2008
La Liga Preview: Atlético Madrid – Deportivo La Coruña
It might still be early in the season, but the game this Sunday is already being touted as ‘must-win’ for Atlético Madrid and, with Deportivo above them in the league, it simply adds to the drama. Los Blanquiazules have hardly been in great form themselves this year, but it says a lot about the inconsistency of Atlético that they are closer to the top four than their hosts this weekend…
Testing Times
Atlético Madrid might have made it through to the last 16 of the Copa Del Rey this Wednesday, but the result against Orihuela failed to win over the fans, or the press. A goalless draw against a Segunda Divisón B – Group 3 side is rarely a good result for a Primera team and even more so when things are not exactly going swimmingly at the club anyway. In fact possibly the only bright spot in an otherwise dark week for Atlético fans was the shock exit of arch-rivals Real Madrid in the same competition.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t actually celebrate that result until the final whistle blew on Wednesday evening due to the failure of their side to score, despite dominating the game. Diego Forlán was guilty of missing a hatful of chances that he would usually take with his eyes shut and a failure to score goals really is the last thing that Javier Aguirre needs right now. The Mexican is already under plenty of pressure for his tactics and the results and if his side stop scoring then he may well have too much on his plate to cope with.
Strong Defence
Against Deportivo this weekend, there is no doubt that Atleti will have to be clinical if they want to pick up all three points. Whilst the visitors to Madrid are not goal-gluttons, they aren’t bad defensively. Miguel Ángel Lotina’s side have conceded just nine times this year and, bearing in mind that four of those came against Valencia and three against Sporting Gijón, it is not hard to see how they got so high in the table. Unlike in years gone by they have relied on getting a lead and defending it, as illustrated by 1-0 victories over Numancia and Espanyol.
At times they have managed to open the floodgates, such as against Real Betis two weeks ago when they scored three second-half goals to pick up a much needed win. However, even then the foundation of their plan was built on defence and for much of the first-half they were under pressure; holding firm - waiting for a chance to present itself. Fortunately for them, they managed to take their chances on that day. Still, it's fair to say that, at times, they have come up short because of the lack of a clinical finisher amongst the team.
Between Riki, Mista, Omar Bravo and Bodipo, there is no doubting that they do have quality and certainly depth, but they have been accused of missing that sharpness up front. Against Atlético, though, they will be given chances, as is the way with the Rojiblanco’s defence at the moment. The question remains: can they take advantage of their chances? If they can, then they will be hard to break down and, as has been seen in the past against Osasuna, Sevilla, Orihuela and others, Atlético have struggled to score against a stubborn defence.
Surprisingly, it was a different story in the matches last year as Atleti actually beat Depor at the Riazor and the Calderón, doing so both times without conceding. Away from home they ran out 3-0 victors early on in the season and then, in Madrid, a single strike from Forlán was enough to give them the win. Expect a very tight game on this occasion and it would take a brave man to bet on many goals to be scored in this one.
FORM GUIDE
Atlético Madrid
Nov 12 Atlético Madrid 0-0 Orihuela (Copa Del Rey)
Nov 9 Osasuna 0-0 Atlético Madrid (La Liga)
Nov 4 Liverpool 1-1 Atlético Madrid (Champions League)
Nov 1 Atlético Madrid 2-0 Mallorca (La Liga)
Oct 29 Orihuela 0-1 Atlético Madrid (Copa Del Rey)
Deportivo La Coruña
Nov 12 Deportivo 2-0 Elche (Copa Del Rey)
Nov 9 Deportivo 1-0 Espanyol (La Liga)
Nov 2 Real Betis 0-3 Deportivo (La Liga)
Oct 29 Elche 0-2 Deportivo (La Liga)
Oct 26 Deportivo 0-3 Sporting Gijón (La Liga)
TEAM NEWS
Atlético Madrid
Javier Aguirre rested many of his big players in the Copa Del Rey in midweek, so he should be able to pick a full-strength side for the match this weekend. The only definite injury is Antonio López, who is suffering from vertigo; left-back Mariano Pernía should continue to fill in.
Against Osasuna, Forlán started on the bench, but the coach is unlikely to make the same play here and will probably just go with his strongest XI in a bid to take any subsequent blame away from himself.
Copa Del Rey Preview: Atlético Madrid - Orihuela
Dynamo turn attention to defending title
Testing Times
Atlético Madrid might have made it through to the last 16 of the Copa Del Rey this Wednesday, but the result against Orihuela failed to win over the fans, or the press. A goalless draw against a Segunda Divisón B – Group 3 side is rarely a good result for a Primera team and even more so when things are not exactly going swimmingly at the club anyway. In fact possibly the only bright spot in an otherwise dark week for Atlético fans was the shock exit of arch-rivals Real Madrid in the same competition.
Unfortunately, they couldn’t actually celebrate that result until the final whistle blew on Wednesday evening due to the failure of their side to score, despite dominating the game. Diego Forlán was guilty of missing a hatful of chances that he would usually take with his eyes shut and a failure to score goals really is the last thing that Javier Aguirre needs right now. The Mexican is already under plenty of pressure for his tactics and the results and if his side stop scoring then he may well have too much on his plate to cope with.
Strong Defence
Against Deportivo this weekend, there is no doubt that Atleti will have to be clinical if they want to pick up all three points. Whilst the visitors to Madrid are not goal-gluttons, they aren’t bad defensively. Miguel Ángel Lotina’s side have conceded just nine times this year and, bearing in mind that four of those came against Valencia and three against Sporting Gijón, it is not hard to see how they got so high in the table. Unlike in years gone by they have relied on getting a lead and defending it, as illustrated by 1-0 victories over Numancia and Espanyol.
At times they have managed to open the floodgates, such as against Real Betis two weeks ago when they scored three second-half goals to pick up a much needed win. However, even then the foundation of their plan was built on defence and for much of the first-half they were under pressure; holding firm - waiting for a chance to present itself. Fortunately for them, they managed to take their chances on that day. Still, it's fair to say that, at times, they have come up short because of the lack of a clinical finisher amongst the team.
Between Riki, Mista, Omar Bravo and Bodipo, there is no doubting that they do have quality and certainly depth, but they have been accused of missing that sharpness up front. Against Atlético, though, they will be given chances, as is the way with the Rojiblanco’s defence at the moment. The question remains: can they take advantage of their chances? If they can, then they will be hard to break down and, as has been seen in the past against Osasuna, Sevilla, Orihuela and others, Atlético have struggled to score against a stubborn defence.
Surprisingly, it was a different story in the matches last year as Atleti actually beat Depor at the Riazor and the Calderón, doing so both times without conceding. Away from home they ran out 3-0 victors early on in the season and then, in Madrid, a single strike from Forlán was enough to give them the win. Expect a very tight game on this occasion and it would take a brave man to bet on many goals to be scored in this one.
FORM GUIDE
Atlético Madrid
Nov 12 Atlético Madrid 0-0 Orihuela (Copa Del Rey)
Nov 9 Osasuna 0-0 Atlético Madrid (La Liga)
Nov 4 Liverpool 1-1 Atlético Madrid (Champions League)
Nov 1 Atlético Madrid 2-0 Mallorca (La Liga)
Oct 29 Orihuela 0-1 Atlético Madrid (Copa Del Rey)
Deportivo La Coruña
Nov 12 Deportivo 2-0 Elche (Copa Del Rey)
Nov 9 Deportivo 1-0 Espanyol (La Liga)
Nov 2 Real Betis 0-3 Deportivo (La Liga)
Oct 29 Elche 0-2 Deportivo (La Liga)
Oct 26 Deportivo 0-3 Sporting Gijón (La Liga)
TEAM NEWS
Atlético Madrid
Javier Aguirre rested many of his big players in the Copa Del Rey in midweek, so he should be able to pick a full-strength side for the match this weekend. The only definite injury is Antonio López, who is suffering from vertigo; left-back Mariano Pernía should continue to fill in.
Against Osasuna, Forlán started on the bench, but the coach is unlikely to make the same play here and will probably just go with his strongest XI in a bid to take any subsequent blame away from himself.
Copa Del Rey Preview: Atlético Madrid - Orihuela
Dynamo turn attention to defending title
Spanish Debate: Aguirre's Time Up?
As always, in the sizzling Spanish summer, expectations and hopes for Atlético Madrid were high this season, especially bearing in the mind the year that they has just enjoyed.
A fourth place finish in the league was just reward for some enterprising and attractive football and with the defensive line bolstered in the off-season pundits were purring about what they could do this time around.
In typical Atlético fashion it started so well, with thrashings handed out to Málaga, Recreativo and Schalke but by mid-November it all seems to have gone, for want of a better phrase, tits-up.
The mattress-makers were defeated by three of their so called 'rivals' for the title and have just recently failed to beat lowly Osasuna, prompting the question; is it time for Javier Aguirre for go?
Tactical Disaster
It is hard to blame the form of a side on the coach and those who do it often conveniently forget to heap the praise on when the situation is reversed. The coach's job is simply to pick the side, decide the tactics, give the team-talks, make the substitutions and then let the players whom he, or he the club, have signed do the rest.
The only time the coach should come under fire is when he gets any of the above blatantly wrong, and unfortunately for Aguirre he has put himself in the spotlight this season.
In past seasons, and indeed even this one for most of the time, Atlético have been renowned for their goal-scoring prowess, their total disregard/inability when it comes to defending and their extravagant football. That is what the squad is built on, ultimately, and whilst they might have signed a few good defenders and a defensive midfielder in the summer, it is still what this squad is about. Aguirre has tried to change this, he has tried to effectively alter the DNA of the side built to attack, and make it solid.
Take Osasuna the weekend just gone for example. A side win-less for the whole season, who have not been leaking goals and who have struggled immensely to score them too, a side who should not have presented Atlético Madrid with any problem; until the tactics were revealed.
Instead of playing with a 4-4-2, as was predicted and as would be expected with one of the most prolific striker partnerships in Europe, Aguirre decided to change it up, in a game which the captain himself had declared they need to win. Sergio Agüero started upfront on his own, whilst Diego Forlán was demoted to the bench, the result; a first-half where the visitors didn't test Roberto once and which the Argentine wonder-kid upfront barely got a touch of the ball.
In the second-half either Aguirre regained his wisdom, or someone had a stern word with him, because up came Forlán, off went Paulo Assuncao, and suddenly Atlético looked like they might score. In the end they didn't but the contrasting displays only served to show how much Aguirre got it wrong on the day.
It is not the first occasion it has happened, either. Against Real Madrid, in unarguably the biggest match of the season for Atleti, he opted to play the highly unimpressive Éver Banega as an attacking midfielder with the creative talents of Maniche and Raúl García stuck in the centre of the pitch.
Attack Or Defend?
It is not just the tactics he has got wrong either, it has been his team choice. His insistence in playing Banega and Assuncao ahead of Raúl García is a crime in itself and starting Mariano Pernia ahead of Antonio López at left-back is still staggering even though it happens each week.
Whilst it might be harsh to acuse Pernia of been guilty of conceding two penalties in two games it is no secret that he is not the greatest defender and is instead chosen for his general attacking ability. That may well be considered brilliant at Barcelona, where they can outscore opponents each game and have world-class defenders, but at Atlético it is the the last thing they need.
With Luis Perea, Tomas Ujfalusi, Johnny Heitina and López in the backline there might not be that many goals coming, but at the same time Leo Franco or Gregory Coupet might not have to pick the ball out of the net quite so much. Subsequently, the coach could stop deploying a defensive midfielder, like Assuncao, against teams such as Osasuna, who have scored just three goals all season! Teams who win titles might rarely do so with an outstanding attack alone but what Aguirre needs to do is to pick the games for his tactical experiments better, if he wants to survive.
Osasuna away was a perfect example of not an experimental game, it was a get a goal, don't concede and come away with the three points kind of game. Aguirre though turned it into a battle and unfortunately for him and Atlético fans, they lost the battle despite drawing the game. The war is not lost yet though and one feels that what has cost Aguirre and Atlético so far has been their participation in the Champions League.
Europe -A Whole New World
To say the Mexican has failed to distinguish between La Liga and Europe would probably be harsh and obviously unfair but it would not be totally off track to say he has let the two overlap. Against Liverpool, the game that proceeded Osasuna, Atlético were hailed for their solid play and great tactical display that earned them a draw but it seems Aguirre just forget who were they playing next match. In Europe, as is well known and published, tactics are different and so are the game-plans, and maybe the coach is being a little naive in his first season of management in the competition.
The real test for him now doesn't come against Marseille next week in the Champions League, nor in the return fixtures against the the 'top four', but instead it is against Deportivo, Numancia, Racing Santander et al. These are the games where Aguirre and Atlético have failed for too long and now these are the games, not the ones against Real Madrid and Barça, that will shape their season. Lose, or even fail to beat, these mid and lower table sides then there is no way Aguirre can keep his job for much longer. It is often said that a coach takes a club as far as it can go but in this case maybe the club has taken the coach as far as he can go...
Chivas expect aggressive RSL side
La Liga Preview: Atlético Madrid – Deportivo La Coruña
A fourth place finish in the league was just reward for some enterprising and attractive football and with the defensive line bolstered in the off-season pundits were purring about what they could do this time around.
In typical Atlético fashion it started so well, with thrashings handed out to Málaga, Recreativo and Schalke but by mid-November it all seems to have gone, for want of a better phrase, tits-up.
The mattress-makers were defeated by three of their so called 'rivals' for the title and have just recently failed to beat lowly Osasuna, prompting the question; is it time for Javier Aguirre for go?
Tactical Disaster
It is hard to blame the form of a side on the coach and those who do it often conveniently forget to heap the praise on when the situation is reversed. The coach's job is simply to pick the side, decide the tactics, give the team-talks, make the substitutions and then let the players whom he, or he the club, have signed do the rest.
The only time the coach should come under fire is when he gets any of the above blatantly wrong, and unfortunately for Aguirre he has put himself in the spotlight this season.
In past seasons, and indeed even this one for most of the time, Atlético have been renowned for their goal-scoring prowess, their total disregard/inability when it comes to defending and their extravagant football. That is what the squad is built on, ultimately, and whilst they might have signed a few good defenders and a defensive midfielder in the summer, it is still what this squad is about. Aguirre has tried to change this, he has tried to effectively alter the DNA of the side built to attack, and make it solid.
Take Osasuna the weekend just gone for example. A side win-less for the whole season, who have not been leaking goals and who have struggled immensely to score them too, a side who should not have presented Atlético Madrid with any problem; until the tactics were revealed.
Instead of playing with a 4-4-2, as was predicted and as would be expected with one of the most prolific striker partnerships in Europe, Aguirre decided to change it up, in a game which the captain himself had declared they need to win. Sergio Agüero started upfront on his own, whilst Diego Forlán was demoted to the bench, the result; a first-half where the visitors didn't test Roberto once and which the Argentine wonder-kid upfront barely got a touch of the ball.
In the second-half either Aguirre regained his wisdom, or someone had a stern word with him, because up came Forlán, off went Paulo Assuncao, and suddenly Atlético looked like they might score. In the end they didn't but the contrasting displays only served to show how much Aguirre got it wrong on the day.
It is not the first occasion it has happened, either. Against Real Madrid, in unarguably the biggest match of the season for Atleti, he opted to play the highly unimpressive Éver Banega as an attacking midfielder with the creative talents of Maniche and Raúl García stuck in the centre of the pitch.
Attack Or Defend?
It is not just the tactics he has got wrong either, it has been his team choice. His insistence in playing Banega and Assuncao ahead of Raúl García is a crime in itself and starting Mariano Pernia ahead of Antonio López at left-back is still staggering even though it happens each week.
Whilst it might be harsh to acuse Pernia of been guilty of conceding two penalties in two games it is no secret that he is not the greatest defender and is instead chosen for his general attacking ability. That may well be considered brilliant at Barcelona, where they can outscore opponents each game and have world-class defenders, but at Atlético it is the the last thing they need.
With Luis Perea, Tomas Ujfalusi, Johnny Heitina and López in the backline there might not be that many goals coming, but at the same time Leo Franco or Gregory Coupet might not have to pick the ball out of the net quite so much. Subsequently, the coach could stop deploying a defensive midfielder, like Assuncao, against teams such as Osasuna, who have scored just three goals all season! Teams who win titles might rarely do so with an outstanding attack alone but what Aguirre needs to do is to pick the games for his tactical experiments better, if he wants to survive.
Osasuna away was a perfect example of not an experimental game, it was a get a goal, don't concede and come away with the three points kind of game. Aguirre though turned it into a battle and unfortunately for him and Atlético fans, they lost the battle despite drawing the game. The war is not lost yet though and one feels that what has cost Aguirre and Atlético so far has been their participation in the Champions League.
Europe -A Whole New World
To say the Mexican has failed to distinguish between La Liga and Europe would probably be harsh and obviously unfair but it would not be totally off track to say he has let the two overlap. Against Liverpool, the game that proceeded Osasuna, Atlético were hailed for their solid play and great tactical display that earned them a draw but it seems Aguirre just forget who were they playing next match. In Europe, as is well known and published, tactics are different and so are the game-plans, and maybe the coach is being a little naive in his first season of management in the competition.
The real test for him now doesn't come against Marseille next week in the Champions League, nor in the return fixtures against the the 'top four', but instead it is against Deportivo, Numancia, Racing Santander et al. These are the games where Aguirre and Atlético have failed for too long and now these are the games, not the ones against Real Madrid and Barça, that will shape their season. Lose, or even fail to beat, these mid and lower table sides then there is no way Aguirre can keep his job for much longer. It is often said that a coach takes a club as far as it can go but in this case maybe the club has taken the coach as far as he can go...
Chivas expect aggressive RSL side
La Liga Preview: Atlético Madrid – Deportivo La Coruña
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Giuly: I'm Barça's Greatest Ever Frenchman!
Thierry Henry might not exactly be setting the world alight at Barcelona at the moment, but it is fair to say he still might take exception to comments made by his French international team-mate Ludovic Giuly today.
Speaking to the club magazine of his current team, Paris St-Germain, the winger spoke about his time at Barça and declared that he is the best Frenchman to have ever played for the Camp Nou outfit.
"I continue to be the best French player that has played at Barça," he began.
"I expect in my heart that Thierry [Henry] and Eric [Abidal] are enjoying the same emotions that I had when I was there. Barça is an enormous club that allowed me to win the largest trophies, and whilst at the beginning nothing was clear, I knew to adapt.
"Today I live with a Mallorcan and have a flat in Mallorca as well as Barcelona, I am very proud of my time there."
Whilst not everyone may agree with his assertion, there is little doubt that he did have an impressive spell at the club and he certainly played in a team rich with talent. Speaking about his former team-mates he picked out Samuel Eto'o and Xavi as two of the best in the side.
"I consider him [Eto'o] a friend with whom I have learned a lot. He is a forward who is very good for me and he is one of the players with whom I have a tight relationship," he mused.
"Xavi is a phenomenon on the pitch but also a very funny person off it. In France he is a stranger but I have never seen a player with that much technique. He gives the feeling that he runs two kilometres in an hour but with his technical quality he makes all the plays and always without losing the ball."
Giuly joined Barcelona following a successful spell with Monaco which saw the club reach the Champions League final before they lost to winners Porto. Just two years after that defeat he tasted victory though, and today he described the two occasions.
"The two finals were unique emotions, the best games that can be played and I have had the very different and exceptional luck to be on both sides. In 90 minutes you can lose it all or become king of the world," he explained.
"The first game against Porto, it went badly but later I made up for it by achieving victory in Paris."
Player Ratings: Shakhtar 1-2 Barcelona
First XI: Would be nice
Role reversal for Chivas vs. RSL
Speaking to the club magazine of his current team, Paris St-Germain, the winger spoke about his time at Barça and declared that he is the best Frenchman to have ever played for the Camp Nou outfit.
"I continue to be the best French player that has played at Barça," he began.
"I expect in my heart that Thierry [Henry] and Eric [Abidal] are enjoying the same emotions that I had when I was there. Barça is an enormous club that allowed me to win the largest trophies, and whilst at the beginning nothing was clear, I knew to adapt.
"Today I live with a Mallorcan and have a flat in Mallorca as well as Barcelona, I am very proud of my time there."
Whilst not everyone may agree with his assertion, there is little doubt that he did have an impressive spell at the club and he certainly played in a team rich with talent. Speaking about his former team-mates he picked out Samuel Eto'o and Xavi as two of the best in the side.
"I consider him [Eto'o] a friend with whom I have learned a lot. He is a forward who is very good for me and he is one of the players with whom I have a tight relationship," he mused.
"Xavi is a phenomenon on the pitch but also a very funny person off it. In France he is a stranger but I have never seen a player with that much technique. He gives the feeling that he runs two kilometres in an hour but with his technical quality he makes all the plays and always without losing the ball."
Giuly joined Barcelona following a successful spell with Monaco which saw the club reach the Champions League final before they lost to winners Porto. Just two years after that defeat he tasted victory though, and today he described the two occasions.
"The two finals were unique emotions, the best games that can be played and I have had the very different and exceptional luck to be on both sides. In 90 minutes you can lose it all or become king of the world," he explained.
"The first game against Porto, it went badly but later I made up for it by achieving victory in Paris."
Player Ratings: Shakhtar 1-2 Barcelona
First XI: Would be nice
Role reversal for Chivas vs. RSL
Emery: Copa Clash No Waste Of Time
It was predicted as the tie of the round, but unfortunately for the only Tercera División side left in the Copa Del Rey, Portugalete, there was to be no upset against last years winners Valencia as they lost 4-1 at home.
Now they must travel to the Mestalla this week where they will doubtless endure a similar scoreline, but nevertheless Valencia coach Unai Emery says that it is not a formality for his team, but a chance to improve.
"I have heard it said that this game for my players could be a chore, but the truth is that there is always someone watching and it is an opportunity to improve both collectively and individually," he mused to AS today.
"Football is a spectacle and we like to remember that. Satisfying the fans with the way their team plays is always an objectve for me and will seek to provide that."
Emery confirmed, however, that he would be selecting some youth team players and said that "they should feel like they have the possibility to be in the first team."
Aside from the Copa Del Rey he spoke about the headbutting incident on Sunday against Getafe which saw Roberto Soldado sent-off for clashing heads with Carlos Marchena.
Plenty of Getafe players have come out and accused the Spaniard of going down easily and acting but today Emery defended his player and said a red was a deserved punishment.
"Our player was on the end of it and did not enter the book - one must condemn the dirty play and praise the calm head," he said.
"They (the criticisms) have been disproportionate and out of place. [Marchena] acted correctly and the only punishable action was that of Soldado.
"I don't believe that it will affect Carlos Marchena because he has a lot of experience and personality, fights for his club and all the Valencia fans can be proud of their captain."
Del Horno And Maduro In Valencia Squad
Crew, fans relish Shield ceremony
Now they must travel to the Mestalla this week where they will doubtless endure a similar scoreline, but nevertheless Valencia coach Unai Emery says that it is not a formality for his team, but a chance to improve.
"I have heard it said that this game for my players could be a chore, but the truth is that there is always someone watching and it is an opportunity to improve both collectively and individually," he mused to AS today.
"Football is a spectacle and we like to remember that. Satisfying the fans with the way their team plays is always an objectve for me and will seek to provide that."
Emery confirmed, however, that he would be selecting some youth team players and said that "they should feel like they have the possibility to be in the first team."
Aside from the Copa Del Rey he spoke about the headbutting incident on Sunday against Getafe which saw Roberto Soldado sent-off for clashing heads with Carlos Marchena.
Plenty of Getafe players have come out and accused the Spaniard of going down easily and acting but today Emery defended his player and said a red was a deserved punishment.
"Our player was on the end of it and did not enter the book - one must condemn the dirty play and praise the calm head," he said.
"They (the criticisms) have been disproportionate and out of place. [Marchena] acted correctly and the only punishable action was that of Soldado.
"I don't believe that it will affect Carlos Marchena because he has a lot of experience and personality, fights for his club and all the Valencia fans can be proud of their captain."
Del Horno And Maduro In Valencia Squad
Crew, fans relish Shield ceremony
Aguirre Comfortable Despite Criticism
It is no secret that Atlético Madrid are going through trying times and no-one is under more pressure at the club than coach Javier Aguirre at the moment. The Mexican has come under stern criticism for his recent team selection against Osasuna, which meant leaving Diego Forlán on the bench for the first-half, and has been accused of focusing too much on the Champions League.
Speaking to Spanish daily Marca today the coach says that he feels comfortable, although he is the first to accept things are not going great right now.
"I am well. The positive and negative criticism is of the results which has no reason to affect me because I am always here, when we win I speak and when we lose also," he declared.
"I am self-critical, I always have been, and I seek the best for the club without any doubt. I never think about my personal benefit and whatever goes wrong at the club goes wrong with me too.
"During these two-and-a-half years I have said that I have made mistakes a pile of times. I am not the type to not recognise errors in alignments, tactical approaches...I am the first one to know when things go well and when they go badly."
Whether or not Aguirre knows that something is wrong seems minor though, the most pressing issue is whether or not he can actually solve the problems. One such problem is the contrasting form between the league and the Champions League, and whilst the coach said it was his choice who he played in games, he did say his goal was ultimately to stay in the latter.
"One of my obligations is to try and take this team to the best possible place and this year our goal is to remain in the Champions League," he mused.
"Another obligation is to manage and one of my rights is to decide the players I have, that the club already has, and to put them where I believe they will play best; the eleven that I believe will be best on that day. I always do it thinking about the best for the team and my obligation is that the team plays well and reach the goal."
The next test for Atlético and Aguirre is Orihuela in the Copa Del Rey this week and the coach knows that the Segunda División B - Group 3 side will come to the capital with no fear after just a one goal defeat in the first leg.
"Orihuela will come with a clear conscience because they do not have anything to lose and everything to win," he said.
"They will try to play good football in a Primera División stadium against a great team like Atlético and will come without pressure. We have to handle the emotions, the stages of the game and to qualify for the next round."
Cerezo Assures Aguirre Will Stay
Twist of fate pays off for De Rosario
Rolfe leads inspired Fire effort
Speaking to Spanish daily Marca today the coach says that he feels comfortable, although he is the first to accept things are not going great right now.
"I am well. The positive and negative criticism is of the results which has no reason to affect me because I am always here, when we win I speak and when we lose also," he declared.
"I am self-critical, I always have been, and I seek the best for the club without any doubt. I never think about my personal benefit and whatever goes wrong at the club goes wrong with me too.
"During these two-and-a-half years I have said that I have made mistakes a pile of times. I am not the type to not recognise errors in alignments, tactical approaches...I am the first one to know when things go well and when they go badly."
Whether or not Aguirre knows that something is wrong seems minor though, the most pressing issue is whether or not he can actually solve the problems. One such problem is the contrasting form between the league and the Champions League, and whilst the coach said it was his choice who he played in games, he did say his goal was ultimately to stay in the latter.
"One of my obligations is to try and take this team to the best possible place and this year our goal is to remain in the Champions League," he mused.
"Another obligation is to manage and one of my rights is to decide the players I have, that the club already has, and to put them where I believe they will play best; the eleven that I believe will be best on that day. I always do it thinking about the best for the team and my obligation is that the team plays well and reach the goal."
The next test for Atlético and Aguirre is Orihuela in the Copa Del Rey this week and the coach knows that the Segunda División B - Group 3 side will come to the capital with no fear after just a one goal defeat in the first leg.
"Orihuela will come with a clear conscience because they do not have anything to lose and everything to win," he said.
"They will try to play good football in a Primera División stadium against a great team like Atlético and will come without pressure. We have to handle the emotions, the stages of the game and to qualify for the next round."
Cerezo Assures Aguirre Will Stay
Twist of fate pays off for De Rosario
Rolfe leads inspired Fire effort
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