I really don't understand this helping our defenders nonsense. In that case, he should have been hired as a coach, not as a player. How in the world is he supposed to help them grow and develop, when he will be starting most games, and the players (whom he is presumably supposed to be helping) won't even have the chance to implement the knowledge they have acquired?! Having said that, the guy is here, there is nothing we can do about it. Let's just hope his fuck-ups are minimal, and that he can actually contribute something to this team.
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There are a hell of a lot of
intangibles that go into being a successful team, and Cannavaro has a lot of quality in areas that contribute to a winning football environment (even if his performance is continuing to diminish).
And yes, we need another CB ASAP, once the money is available; no doubt. I've always been in agreement with that.
Still, he will help the defenders. Does he not train with them constantly? Travel with them, attend all team functions/meetings, etc., etc.? He'll be with these guys for part of damn near every day. Leadership is a valuable commodity, and I think this player will set a very good example for a lot of his teammates, when it comes to being a professional.
It's always a good thing to have a veteran presence with a winning background amongst any team's defense. There are plenty of subjects that are more easily breached with a teammate then a coach, different comfort zones, and he'll be another positive, less formal, accessible figure for the youngsters to bounce ideas/information off of.
Like I said before, it's too bad that he's likely going to be depended on as heavily as he is, and I AM worried about his actual performance on the pitch. Hugely concerned.
As for taking the playing time of the youngsters, Canna doesn't play LB, he won't play ahead of Chiellini (he'll play beside him), and Ariaudo is only 19 freaking years old. I'm certainly not counting on Ariaudo for very much of anything, this year. He needs to practice hard, play sparingly, and acclimate himself further to being with the big club full time. Right now, the only person that Canna will really be taking consistent minutes from is Legro, and I don't have a huge problem with that.
If Legro is playing better, he should start, same for Cannavaro, or hell, even Ariaudo (in the small chance that becomes the case THIS year).
Alright, i get your point i am sorry i am sorry. Let's get Figo to teach our midfielders how to win, and let's get Raul to teach our forwards how to win, OMG even better let's ask Ferrara to play again so he can teach along with Cannavaro. When you refuse to offer a guy like Nedved the contract he wants and then pay a dime not to mention a multi million euros contract for Cannavaro it will not go well with the team. All that apart we are not some random shithole we are a great club with values and traditions, we are not gonna give them up for anyone specially and an old cock sucker like Cannavaro, respect that or GTFO.
I like the passion mate, but the comments about Figo and Raul miss the mark. I appreciate the sentiment about Pavel, he could have been a good squad player for us, he will be sorely missed in the locker room.
Last I checked though, we have a great deal of experience amongst our strikers. Last I checked, we have guys like Zanetti and Camo in our midfield. Last I checked, a unified, experienced defense is crucial for the cause, and it's definitely a good idea to have another accomplished veteran back there, to help guide the way. Other than Cannavaro and Chiello, who is quite young, there are no real leaders, and certainly no accomplished leaders, on this defense.
Hopefully it's very short term, hopefully we get another quality CB to partner Chiello, and Cannavaro spends the majority of the time on the bench. In the meantime, Fabio can provide a little more direction and advice, especially during training.