In For The Hat Trick

Delving into the heart of the World’s most politicized club, Barca is a book which epitomizes the essence of Barcelona. The outward, external beauty of the writing, representative of the aesthetically pleasing play of its subject, complements a harder, deeper political core, expertly analyzed by possibly the English language’s leading Barcelona expert – Jimmy Burns.

Burns explains in the beginning of the book why he supports Barcelona. Born in Madrid in 1953, it was not the footballing significance of Barca which drew him, rather the political outlook of the club – an oasis of democracy in a desert of Francoist repression. This initial theme, hinted at throughout the introduction (only present in the updated, 2009 version) comes to define the beauty of Burns’ book – not only does he expertly explain the football, he successfully conveys the political underpinnings which, in many ways, came to overshadow Barcelona as a football club.

Unlike books such as Calcio or Forza Italia, Jimmy Burns’ work is neither an encyclopedia nor a memoir, merely a carefully put together history of a club, from its beginnings in the early 1900s, to its globalized late twentieth century self.

The political aspect of Barca is an ever present, dogging the narrative much in the way that it dogged Barcelona throughout their existence, especially during the Franco years.

Started by a Swiss immigrant, Joan Gamper, as well as a family of Englishman living in the city, Barcelona’s humble beginnings soon were to be eclipsed as the club fast became a symbol of Catalan identity, a provider of accommodation for misfit foreigners, and hope to rebellious, anti Franco Catalans.

Important in Barca’s story, is the club’s relationship with Real Madrid – the paranoia which haunted fans and officals’ relationship with Real throughout the Franco years is an important theme of their history. Matches with Real Madrid are always far from ordinary, a truth no better embodied than by a quote used in the book’s opening chapter, taken from a cule (Barcelona’s band of ultra like fans) ahead of a match against the Merengues. “These aren’t two clubs. They’re two nations, two people, two religions.”

The precise, poignancy of the line is typical of the book as a whole, all of Burns’ most complex and interesting theses are eloquently summed up, either in the words of the writer or, as demonstrated by the above sentence, the speech of someone else.

The politics of Catalonia are forever intertwined with the politics of FC Barcelona, a relationship which Burns manages to explain in an efficient and effective style. He tells of Jordi Pujol, the leader of an extreme group of Catalan nationalists, and the way that his movement revitalized the notion of separatism inside the club, as well as the symbolic, political gestures of Johan Cruyff, headlined by his decision to name his son after the extremist politician. To any interested political observer, all this is fascinating content, delivered in an exciting, page turning style rather than the torrid, unreadable one so prevalent in modern political coverage.

Oh, and the football isn’t bad either. Derived mostly from first person accounts of games, often by the writer himself, the breadth of Burns’ footballing knowledge is equal to that of his politics. Vivid descriptions of games, goals and celebrations help to bring legends of the past alive – for all the mention of Franco, Pujol and Nunez (a controversial Barca president, touched upon throughout) it is characters like Kubala, Maradona and Ronaldo that make the book so wonderful.

Quite possibly, Barca is the best book of its kind, the finest ever history of a solitary football club. The depth of the research is incredible, the poignancy of the interviews terrific, two aspects bound together by writing of the highest quality. It is unmissable; a breathtaking read.

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James Dall previews the weekend’s action.Eduardo Alvarez previews La Liga.

Extremely interesting article about Japanese whiz kid Ryo Miyaichi.

ESPN’s ever fascinating feature on African football.

Phil Ball’s first ESPN piece of the new La Liga season, and it is typically superb.

Joel Richards talks River Plate.

Interesting piece about Russian commentary by James Appell.

Fantastic article by Andy Brassell, focusing on changing times at Lyon.

Jacob Steinberg on the Premier League’s other debutant.

Fantastic flashback to one of the most farcical chairmen in English football history.

Good tactical insight. Analysis of the Spanish Super Cup on Zonal Marking.

Excellent stuff by Jim White, who talks Jose Mourinho and El Classico fiasco.

Lawro’s predictions. Almost as inept as ours.

Note: Tomorrow content will be limited due to various logistical problems.

As ever, comment with your links, punts and pimps…

Earlier this week, I wrote about United’s unfortunate disposal of John O’Shea. Now, it’s time to run the rule over the replacements…

Sunderland vs Newcastle- It’s strange to have such a massive game take place so early on, neither side has really had time to develop an identity this season after a host of transfers over the summer.

Last week, Newcastle’s match was overshadowed by unfortunate events involving Joey Barton, but that controversy shouldn’t effect them on Saturday. From a footballing perspective, they were quite impressive against Arsenal, the defense was solid, and new signing Yohan Cabaye looked good in midfield.

Sunderland were delighted with the point they took home from Anfield last week, but this time, Steve Bruce will be demanding a win. Sebastian Larrson was the goalscorer against Liverpool, so don’t be surprised if a few other new signings open their accounts tomorrow.

Prediction: 3-1

Arsenal vs Liverpool- It has been an extremely difficult week for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal; drawing with Newcastle, losing Fabregas and then only barely scraping past Udinese in a Champions League qualifier.

If there is ever a good time to play away at The Emirates, it is now, and Kenny Dalglish will demand that his players sieze the opportunity. Luis Suarez looked good in flashes against Sunderland, and it is his form which is likely to decide whether or not Liverpool qualify for top level European competition next season.

I’m going to sit on the fence here and go with a score draw, as I don’t see either side as ready to take the initiative and grind out a big win.

Prediction: 2-2


Aston Villa vs Blackburn- There is a lot of pressure on Blackburn at the moment, and in particular Steve Kean. The furor over his introduction last season has only heightened after an opening day defeat to Wolves, and if Rovers walk away empty handed once again, then calls for the sack will start to be made.

Villa look to have done some solid business in the off season, signing a really top class goalkeeper in Shay Given, as well as purchasing the mercurial Charles N’Zogbia. Up front too, Darren Bent’s  presence will guarantee goals, as he looks to benefit from the play of striker come winger Gabriel Agbonlahor.

I really can’t see past a Villa victory here, at home they will be fired up and ready to go, while Blackburn are in an absolute shambles.

Prediction: 2-0

Everton vs QPR- After a harrowing opening day loss to Bolton, a trip to Goodison Park wasn’t the antidote Neil Warnock had in mind. Everton are keen to start the new season with a bang, hoping to diverge from a pattern which has seen them too often flounder over the first month of campaigns past.

Despite no notable transfer business, the Toffees have some really good players in their squad, men like Leighton Baines, Mikel Arteta and Tim Cahill. Striker Jermain Beckford too, will be eying a starting role, he was the subject of a bid by Leicester City midweek but will want to prove that the Premier League is where he belongs.

Prediction: 2-1


Swansea vs Wigan- Despite losing 4-0, Swansea were actually quite impressive on Monday night. They passed the ball well, dominating possession for the opening periods before Manchester City started to get a grip on the game.

Wigan too are a team keen to keep the ball on the floor, headed by the same manager who brought attractive play to Swansea several seasons back. Since then, the Welsh side have added some top quality personnel, players like former Chelsea winger Scott Sinclair and seasoned lower league striker Danny Graham. Those two will be expected to carry much of the attacking burden, and both should fancy their chances against a highly porous Wigan rearguard.

Prediction: 2-2

Chelsea vs WBA- As I pointed out in the first edition of our fantasy guide, Chelsea’s line-up will be very difficult to predict. Up front they have a plethora of options, though Andre Villas Boas’ preferred formation only allows for one of Chelsea’s six strikers to play centrally.

West Brom were unlucky not to take a point away from their meeting with Manchester United last Sunday, and should come into this game confident that they can mix it with the big boys.

Nevertheless, Chelsea are huge favorites to win.

Prediction: 2-0

Norwich vs Stoke City- It is always difficult to play a newly promoted team on the occasion of their home opener (of course, unless they’re QPR) and the job will be made that much more difficult for Stoke as they played away in Europe mid week.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert was happy to take a draw back from the DW on opening day, but will be disappointed if his side fails to claim the maximum haul here. It is vital for newly promoted sides to win their home games – in the end, it was a lack of quality at Bloomfield Road which consigned Blackpool to the drop last year.

Prediction: 2-1

Wolves vs Fulham- Wolves have confidence coursing through their veins at the moment, and I have a feeling that this season McCarthy’s side might push on into the top half. Their win away at Blackburn provided a huge fillip for all involved at the club, and fans will expect more of the same on Sunday.

Fulham come into this match on the back of a comfortable Europe League win, an evening not taxing enough to make a noticeable impact on their performance here. As ever, they will be solid at the back, but it is the form of Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson up front which will decide their fate this season.

Prediction: 2-1


Bolton vs Manchester City- Manchester City and in particular Sergio Aguero were the best footballing story to come out of last weekend’s games. In the second half, City looked really impressive; fluid and penetrative up front and miserly at the back.

Bolton however, were equally effective, triumphing comfortably away at Queens Park Rangers. Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic came out of that game with a goal and an assist – whether or not he successfully fills in for Johan Elmander could decide Bolton’s final placing.

Prediction: 1-3

Manchester United vs Tottenham- Tottenham may have looked like the English version of Barcelona on Thursday night, but they will find an away trip to Manchester United somewhat tougher than their joust with the SPL’s third best team.

With no disrespect to the Scottish side, they are Championship quality if that, and really, Spurs fans gained no useful insight from yesterday’s game.

When on form, Tottenham can be a really dangerous outfit, but too often last season they lacked a cutting edge up front. Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart are all terrific creators, but without a striker on form their good work is wasted. Harry Redknapp has already gone out of his way to play up Jermain Defoe’s chances this season, and if the striker can stay fit then Spurs will be right in the middle of a fourth place tussle.

Despite their defensive crisis, I see United as comfortable winners on Monday night.

Prediction: 3-1

Feel free to comment with your predictions…

A new series launches today, the INFTH fantasy guide, a tool intended to help managers throughout the season…

A quick recovery proved my bane last weekend. Counting on Fernando Torres’ concussion to result in a sustained absence, I was full of confidence when selecting Didier Drogba as my captain. In his pre match press conference though, Andre Villas Boas announced that the Spaniard was likely to play. All I had to do was make a quick switch, removing the captaincy from a Drogba – now only fifty-fifty starter. Cue, major site crash and a disastrous week for my team. On reflection though, I never should have signed Drogba in the first place…

The Chelsea trap is one that many managers are likely to fall into this season, a dark hole of almost irresistible suction, strong enough to fool the best (ie me). The names are attractive – Saloman Kalou, Fernando Torres, Nicolas Anelka, Daniel Sturridge, Didier Drogba and Romelu Lukaku all have quite a lot about them, proven goal scorers or promising young guns who should be playing ninety minutes of Premier League football every weekend. However, the formation which Andre Villas Boas seems set to use – one that has been the hallmark of Chelsea since the Mourinho years – does not cater to such an embarrassment of riches.

While a few of the six named (Anelka, Kalou, Sturridge) are accustomed to playing in one of the outside positions made available in a 4-3-3, the central striking area remains one with no permanent occupant. Last season, it was definitively proven that Drogba and Torres cannot play in the same team together – either Torres was played out of position or, when switched to 4-4-2, no cohesive relationship materialized – meaning that one or the other will end up benched. Now with Lukaku added into the mix, competition for places may border on the frantic, with mass rotation (the enemy of all fantasy managers) a likely result.

Front men about to play West Brom at home tend to emit a Siren like song in the weeks preceding match day – it will be interesting to see what Drogba’s singing voice is like. I’m no Odysseus, but putting wax in your ears might be a good idea.

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The prospect of post-Jack Walker success, promised by a couple chicken farmers from Pune, seems to be fast receding.

 It was with a degree of amusement that football fans the world over viewed yesterday’s headline gossip. Like when the scrawny kid with premature pimples valiantly attempts to share the bully’s swing set, Blackburn’s move for Raul seems both audacious and daft. 

The Ewood Park faithful are accustomed to good strikers, Alan Shearer and the pre Manchester City version of Roque Santa Cruz are both cast from a high quality footballing mold; it takes more than a penchant for pottery though, to lure players like Raul. 


The partially informed football fan, and Venkys only barely scrape into that category, might point to the Spaniard’s willingness to sacrifice the glamor of Madrid for the grit of Gelsenkirchen, as reason for hopefulness. But like that pimpled boy who suddenly finds more than just his loose teeth are missing, there was never any way Blackburn would be allowed to swing.

Upon submitting a bid for Raul, only embarrassment was in store for Rovers, a club whose personal reflection seems to have been airbrushed by the gods of hubris. 

Like Raul, last January Ronaldinho’s samba drum wasn’t willing to join up with Rovers’ marching band, one led by a drunkard who is tooting his club’s horn a little too loudly.

“The owners and the fans should be excited about what we’re doing here.” said Kean last month. “Trying to deliver European football in three or four years for this club is achievable. We’re not going to say we’ll get it next year but, if we can get a foothold in the top half of the table, that’s a realistic goal.”

Just an attempt to butter up to his bosses, perhaps with a free bucket of chicken nuggets in mind, or maybe the after effects of another night of shameless drinking, whatever the cause, the result was stupefyingly ludicrous. In an occupation which has driven some to stress born illness, Kean’s cocky attitude undermines the fight that he and his team are set to partake in. 

In the battle for the drop, even the arrogant eventually meet their match, and while Rovers have won more Premier League titles than both Leeds and Newcastle, the fate which befell them remains a more likely proposition than European qualification in four years time.

The ‘project’ under construction at Ewood Park is fast becoming the laughing stock of the league, resembling more the lazy, sloppy work of a kindergartner, than the fine architectural craftsmanship of a fellow kindergartner’s unscrupulous parents.

Blackburn’s search for “a name” is almost depressingly desperate, you get the feeling that even a crocked and overweight Ronaldo would be valued more than a potentially available marksman like Robbie Keane or Peter Crouch. 

An ownership duo that knows little about football, presiding over a manager who seems increasingly to be equally ignorant, was a combination always set to roll towards disaster, though the scale of Rovers’ inevitable fall has yet to be gauged. The failed pursuit of Raul has poured more shame on a once humble and hard working club, one who knew what it was like to be the City of their day, yet remained stoic and resolute in the face of a new era of financial madness. 

The path to comfortable mid table status was nearly completely paved at the time of Venkys arrival last season, only for the Indians to quickly purge the club of their chief bricklayer. The decision to sack Sam Allardyce has resulted in consequences that even a credibility seeking clairvoyant wouldn’t boasted of seeing; what was startlingly obvious to us never reached the minds of India’s finest chicken salesman though.

A trail of broken promises is destined to replace Blackburn’s once healthy road to survival – negligent owners have forced the 1994 Premier League champions to the brink of catastrophe. Unattainable targets remain the focus of Venkys’ attention, after all, David Beckham’s face on a parcel of chicken is so much more appealing than Peter Crouch’s.

The vehicle for self promotion which Blackburn Rovers has fast become is veering towards a crash, and in the drivers seat is Steve Kean, probably with a flask of whiskey in his hand. He and his owners are distracting themselves with visions of the future, attempting to sign players that would only consider Ewood Park if that unrealistic four year plan was already achieved. 

All the while, the drop looms closer, and as key squad members prepare for departure, their potential replacements remain the subject of only a drunkard’s fantasy.

When asked by a popular forum, which player I would most like to fill all eleven places in a hypothetical dream team, the answer was simple: John O’Shea. The man is a genius, though not in the mold of Ronaldo or Messi, rather in a more homey, comforting way. His versatility is unique in its broadness, his touch underrated and his work ethic admirable. He used to play for my favorite football club.

When John O’Shea signed for Sunderland in July, I shed many tears. The Irishman holds a rightful place in the pantheon of great Manchester United moments – his last minute winner at Anfield prominent, as well as that gorgeous chip at Highbury. More emblematic though, of the John O’Shea who most fans know is a five minute cameo at White Hart Lane, when O’Shea finally completed the collection; left back, right back, center half, and then, at last, a place between the sticks.

Not many remember what happened after that, but I do. I remember him, denying Robbie Keane with his legs, and then, in the post match interview, claiming the clean sheet for his own. Even the fact that we were 4-0 up at the time doesn’t detract from my memory, though in all honesty, nothing could. That night at the Lane epitomized John O’Shea, the John O’Shea that Manchester United are in need of after Sunday’s injury fiasco.

Mind you, we’ve been through this before. Michael Carrick and Patrice Evra playing center half in 2009, Rio Ferdinand an ever present at left Twitter in the stands, and Tomasz Kuszczack, doing his level best to kill off those of us with weak, calorie bloated hearts.

Even during those most unfortunate times though, we always had good old John O’Shea. O’Shea, who played in central midfield against Arsenal last season, O’Shea who looks set to languish in the Stadium of Light’s perpetual squalor for the remainder of his career.

While the retirements of Neville, Scholes and Van Der Sar dominated the summer’s footballing obituaries, it was O’Shea’s decision to leave which will cost us the most; the departure of a man who has at one point or another filled in for all three of those legendary ex players.

Now, at our time of need, with three of the starting back four out injured, there is no great big, almost huggable Irishman to bail us out. No bastion of versatility so able and willing as John Francis O’Shea. Unlike other defenders, his positional listing on Wikipedia bares no specific information. After “position” reads “defender.” Really though, it should simply say “player.”

Life without O’Shea is a strange and vexing proposition. It is one that has lurked, slyly in the darkest depths of my sleep, attempting to penetrate my sheep ridden mathematics with dastardly nightmares. Here though, in the rough and tumble world of Premiership football, there is no alarm clock to end the terror. The legend that is John O’Shea has departed Old Trafford for good, and only now are United starting to suffer from the terrible consequences.

While watching David De Gea’s sloth like dive and Shane Long’s trickling shot, that memory of White Hart Lane returned to me. It would be hyperbole to imply that John O’Shea might make a more fitting replacement for Van Der Sar than Atletico Madrid’s Europa League winning number one, but it would be a lie to claim that no such switch crossed my mind.

The clouds prowling above The Hawthornes on Sunday evening seemed darker than normal. A win had been well and truly tainted, what should have been joyous post match celebrations tempered. Despite the presence of fairly adequate replacement on the bench, O’Shea’s shadow darkened my mood.

There was one ray of light though, for another Irishman happened to be on form for United against the Baggies. O’Shea remains a legend, but he may well eventually be usurped by international forward and goalscoring legend, O’Gee.

The continuations of a 1990s flashback series on The Equaliser.

Henry Winter discusses Arsenal’s future.

James Horncastle previews Arsenal-Udinese.

ESPN’s weekly review of all things lower leagues.

Ives Galarcep on Freddy Adu’s return to MLS.

Chris Mann talks QPR for The Football Ramble.
 
A typically excellent tactical piece by Michael Cox of Zonal Marking.

Sid Lowe describes the meaning of Fabregas’ return home.

Interesting historical article on Saha From The Maddening Crowd.

Chelsea 0-0 Stoke City- Defenses on top, as a collection of low price players showed their worth. Asmir Begovic in the Stoke goal was particularly impressive, while Alex and Bosingwa proved that they are value for money.

Unfortunately, the success of both back fours meant little to shout about further up, 12 million pound midfielder Frank Lampard failed to make a telling attacking contribution, while Torres and Drogba were scoreless.

MOTM: Asmir Begovic- Good saves, a clean sheet and an obvious pick for MOTM.
FOTM: Frank Lampard- Booked, and at that price you’ve got to be making more happen.

West Brom 1-2 Manchester United- A repeat of last year’s scoreline, Rooney and Young were the stars on opening day. As one of the most expensive players in the game, Rooney simply must score on a regular basis, and hopes are high that he will continue to find the net in games to come.

Shane Long could be good value for money, a cheap striker who should score on a regular basis, though he was helped up on this occasion by the hapless David De Gea.

Three defensive injuries are a major concern for United, star center back duo Vidic and Ferdinand are out for two and six weeks respectively, while Rafael won’t be back until October.

MOTM: Ashley Young- Two assists, and the most lively member of United’s attack.
FOTM: David De Gea- Sorry, but it has got to be him. Not a statistical nightmare, but he should have kept a clean sheet.

Manchester City 4-0 Swansea City- They started slowly, but boy did Man City turn it on by the end. Toure, Dzeko, Silva and Aguero look to have already forged a dangerous understanding – to be honest, Swansea just couldn’t deal with them.

Goals for Dzeko, Aguero and Silva make that trio the fantasy headline makers, but the performance in goal of Dutchman Vorm for Swansea was superb.

Interestingly, there were no bookings in this game, meaning no pesky little -1s!

MOTM: Sergio Aguero- Easy, this Premier League thing isn’t it? Two goals (one breathtaking) and an assist on debut day. Honorable Mention: David Silva- Performance wise the best, but Aguero scored more points.

FOTM: Steven Caulker- It could have been any of the Swansea defenders, Caulker the unlucky recipient. Four conceded, zero points.

Eight-eight minutes were on the clock, and Johan Djourou picked up the ball on the edge of his own penalty area. Charging forward, the Swiss center back navigated through two challenges, soon finding himself leading a charge of three against a defense of two. The next part was woeful. A ball designed to set Theo Walcott off and running towards goal was badly mishit, falling behind the England winger. Newcastle regrouped, the attack fizzled out, and Barton’s misdemeanors became the center of post match attention.

Inevitably, the question was asked. An update on the futures of Nasri and Fabregas searched for, but only in a feeble attempt  to generate more transfer column inches. After all, only so many papers can be sold with ‘Bolton top of the league’ as the headline.

As always with the English press, the football was ignored. “The crime-sheet carried far more of note than the stalemate between Newcastle United and Arsenal,” wrote Henry Winter this morning, a statement which more or less sums up the reaction. However, far more important things were learned yesterday evening than, that for all his philosophizing, Joey Barton is a thug to the core. How about the lackadaisical, almost invisible nature of Gervinho’s performance, on the occasion of his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt. Or the lack of imagination in attack from England’s most aesthetically pleasing side, without their two want away stars. Had the football been played out differently, then there never would have been a dive. There never would have been an angry reaction, a red card and the furor which followed.

Gervinho, though there was contact, is guilty of simulation. Not every touch warrants a fall, but the Ivorian felt he needed to go down. Arsenal were struggling to make things happen in attack, struggling to deal with the absence of their two most potent weapons. Had Wenger’s side been leading comfortably, Gervinho wouldn’t have acted in the way he did; for all the castigation that cheaters receive, diving is only ever a last resort. Milos Krasic’s infamous dive in last year’s Serie A was performed at 0-0, Ronaldo’s against Bolton at the same score line. Players don’t enjoy diving, their simulation is an unfortunate result of the culture of winning that those who criticize them create everyday. Joey Barton’s intention in faking injury was to gain an advantage for his team, not to undermine the moral brownie points accumulated by Ferdinand, Rooney and company in midweek. After seventy-five minutes, Newcastle should have been dead and buried; had they been, Barton wouldn’t have bothered. He wouldn’t have had anything to bother about.

Incidents like yesterday’s only manifest themselves in tight games. That match shouldn’t have been tight. Time and time again, Arsenal maneuvered the ball into dangerous positions, only to let themselves down with the final pass. They made what should have been an easy win a tense, hard fought draw. The real crime committed was not that of Joey Barton (or his hairdo), but of the Arsenal team as a whole, a side that now looks set to struggle in a department which initially appeared a strength.

As has happened in the past, a moment of controversy veiled a more pressing problem. Master managers like Ferguson know how to create such issues, but Wenger didn’t need to query the referee’s fitness – Joey Barton had already done all the work for him. As a manager whose every move is usually analyzed to the most minute detail, Wenger should thank Barton for his actions, not criticize them. The enduring image of this game will be a scuffle in the area, and not Johan Djourou’s misplaced pass. If Fabregas and Nasri leave though, eventually a time will come where no get-out-of-jail-free card presents itself.