[SPA] La Liga 2007/2008 (13 Viewers)
- Thread starter JCK
- Start date
It seems that Thierry Henry is coming back to form though he seems to be hampered by a severe bad back and it is purported that he may not be able to play consecutive matches but we shall see.
I would never understand why a manager would play Puyol, one of the best central defenders in the world and an ideal partner for Milito, at right back with 1 of the best full backs sitting oon the bench in Zambrotta just to accommodate the accident prone Rafael Marquez.
But Frank Rikjaard does work in mysterious ways like for instance Deco needs games but he was benched throughout against Majorca instead of bringing him on so he can regain some match fitness.
And if you cannot get the best out of a gem like Ronaldinho and allow him to just go wayward then you do not deserve to be paid as a manager.
Valencia, now that is another matter. I am still to be convincerd about exactly what Ronald Koeman brings as a manager.
Some ppl cos they were great players like Rikjard, Van Basten and Koeman seem to have been given excellent jobs in their relatively short careers, possibly jobs they do not deserve and now Klinsmann from Germany manager to manager of Bayern Munich without proof of his skills as a manager as managing Germany in the world cup in Germany is not very difficult cos 1) Germany and wc go hand in hand and 2) they were hosts
Its very different to managing a club side week in week out with different cultures and languages
I would never understand why a manager would play Puyol, one of the best central defenders in the world and an ideal partner for Milito, at right back with 1 of the best full backs sitting oon the bench in Zambrotta just to accommodate the accident prone Rafael Marquez.
But Frank Rikjaard does work in mysterious ways like for instance Deco needs games but he was benched throughout against Majorca instead of bringing him on so he can regain some match fitness.
And if you cannot get the best out of a gem like Ronaldinho and allow him to just go wayward then you do not deserve to be paid as a manager.
Valencia, now that is another matter. I am still to be convincerd about exactly what Ronald Koeman brings as a manager.
Some ppl cos they were great players like Rikjard, Van Basten and Koeman seem to have been given excellent jobs in their relatively short careers, possibly jobs they do not deserve and now Klinsmann from Germany manager to manager of Bayern Munich without proof of his skills as a manager as managing Germany in the world cup in Germany is not very difficult cos 1) Germany and wc go hand in hand and 2) they were hosts
Its very different to managing a club side week in week out with different cultures and languages
great second half performace by barca , especially henry who reminded me of his best days with arsenal , he created 3 goals
good result too for barca against seville in cupa del rey
happy for the loss of real against mallorca too
Puyol is playing right back cause zambrotta is not doing well in this positon while marqauz is doing great in defence and midfield this season.
good result too for barca against seville in cupa del rey
happy for the loss of real against mallorca too
Puyol is playing right back cause zambrotta is not doing well in this positon while marqauz is doing great in defence and midfield this season.
anyone saw real match yesterday , talk about luck . lavente played a great match and then at the end the penalty changed the match , i think this match tells it all as shown in this equation:
Barca = skilled players + injuries + bad GK + no luck = nothing
Real = ordinary players + no injuries + good GK + luck = WIN the liga
Barca = skilled players + injuries + bad GK + no luck = nothing
Real = ordinary players + no injuries + good GK + luck = WIN the liga
Great analysis. 
So now Real has ordinary players? 
why is'nt it
real madrid = better coach
barca = rubbish coach + (skilled players + injuries + bad GK + no luck )
i still find it hard to grasp what u mean by injuries not happening at real madrid what r they bullet proof or made from steel??? i think barca need to invest in there training structures to reduce injuries.
real madrid = better coach
barca = rubbish coach + (skilled players + injuries + bad GK + no luck )
i still find it hard to grasp what u mean by injuries not happening at real madrid what r they bullet proof or made from steel??? i think barca need to invest in there training structures to reduce injuries.
Rijkaard Gets Something Right, Finally
Goal.com Editor Abhishek Thakur examines how Frank Rijkaard finally got some decisions right after a very forgettable couple of months on the Barcelona bench
For the first time in a long long time, you could use the word refreshing about the Barcelona display as the game against Real Murcia wound to a close. Samuel Eto'o had just scored twice, Bojan Krkic once, and Thierry Henry had enjoyed his best 90 minutes of the season, leaving the fans chanting his name over and over.
What is more, after a long long time, Barcelona had genuine width on the pitch thanks to Gianluca Zambrotta and Sylvinho, just like they did two years ago when they won anything and everything.
They looked solid in midfield thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen working tirelessly for his team, and at the same time demonstrating that he can make a few one-touch passes.
Rafa Marquez had his best game of the season, as a defensive midfielder who could play an open ended role just in front of the back four, and Lilian Thuram showed that there is simply no substitute to experience. Even Carles Puyol - embarrassed recently at right-back - looked calm and composed back in the middle.
But the most refreshing bit was the pace up front. Barcelona's attack in 2007 was characterised by slow feet, lethargic attacking that included more passes backwards that runs at defenders, and a tendency to pass the ball meaninglessly until they decided it was time to give it away.
Against Murcia, there was purpose. Every time Samuel Eto'o or Thierry Henry had the ball, there was only one direction in which the play was headed. Nobody was hogging possession and slowing the game down, and it was refreshing for La Liga in general to finally see a glimmer or a fight in Frank Rijkaard's side.
It has all came about as a result of Frank Rijkaard going back to the drawing board and finally getting the basics right again. Let us look at the three key factors one by one.
Zambrotta and Sylvinho
Gianluca Zambrotta remains one of the best full-backs in the world, and that Frank Rijkaard banished him to the bench for little reason was one of the first big mistakes made by the Dutchman this season.
His idea was simple: Carles Puyol, a better defender, would lend more solidity. But it didn't work. The Barcelona skipper showed that he had shed a yard or two of pace since he last played on the flank, and was easily beaten by the opposing wingers. With one stone, Rijkaard had killed two of his own birds: Barca were without their most consistent centre-half, and without a genuine full-back who could stretch the game.
Rijkaard corrected his mistake on Saturday, and the result was there to see. Zambrotta looked lively on the right, provided a superb pass from the corner flag for Gudjohnsen to turn in, and struck the post from 15 yards out to round off a dominant display.
The same goes for the left. Abidal is most definitely a more solid defender that Sylvinho, but does not have nearly the attacking instinct that Sylvinho does. The Brazilian was at it throughout, overlapping with Thierry Henry, dragging the full-back wide, and creating room for the Frenchman to run into.
No, this is nothing new. This is just what Rijkaard himself employed during his two trophy-laden years. It was simply a case of going back to the basics.
Playing To Henry's Strength
The pace up front was almost blinding at times, with the Murcia defenders looking like rabbits caught in the headlights for much of the second half.
Why? Because Barcelona did not have their slowest player on the pitch, and decided to play to their forwards' strengths. Henry was used in that open left sided position that he excelled running in from at Arsenal, Bojan ran up the right and into the box at every opportunity, and you can only begin to describe Samuel Etoo's movements.
Once again, it was nothing new, just a return to the basics.
Remember Ronaldinho at the Bernabeu in November 2005, leaving the likes of Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos for dead, and Iker Casillas motionless? The only ones on their feet were the Real Madrid fans, handing a standing ovation to The Gaucho.
That typified his display that season, and won him major club and individual awards. On Saturday, it was seen again, only this time from Henry.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Iceland international has been impressive since late November, to be fair to him. He had earned himself a regular midfield spot with his work ethic, until he was shockingly 'dumped' for El Clasico for a Deco who was not even fit, let alone in form.
Two years ago, the Portuguese was absolutely dominant in the middle, not just creatively, but also defensively. He was hungry and motivated, and I remember seeing him fight for his life playing right-back after Barcelona went a man down. Now that is the kind of attitude that helps a player win two Champions League titles.
That was then. Now, on the wrong side of 30 and rapidly losing pace and stamina, he appears like a ghost on the pitch when Barcelona do not have the ball. He can still make those passes, but a ghost he was against Real Madrid.
Barcelona would have had an extra man on the pitch if they had played Gudjohnsen then (perhaps more significantly he would have been marking Julio Baptista), and that was just what happened against Murcia. To see him stamping his authority in midfield, defending set-pieces like a centre-half, and then showing up in the opposite box to score the opener for his team, suggested that Rijkaard had learnt a lesson or two from Baptista's El Clasico strike.
For once in a very long time, the Dutchman got his selection and strategy right. Now we have to wait and see if he actually knows he did. We will find out soon enough.
Abhishek Thakur
Goal.com Editor Abhishek Thakur examines how Frank Rijkaard finally got some decisions right after a very forgettable couple of months on the Barcelona bench
For the first time in a long long time, you could use the word refreshing about the Barcelona display as the game against Real Murcia wound to a close. Samuel Eto'o had just scored twice, Bojan Krkic once, and Thierry Henry had enjoyed his best 90 minutes of the season, leaving the fans chanting his name over and over.
What is more, after a long long time, Barcelona had genuine width on the pitch thanks to Gianluca Zambrotta and Sylvinho, just like they did two years ago when they won anything and everything.
They looked solid in midfield thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen working tirelessly for his team, and at the same time demonstrating that he can make a few one-touch passes.
Rafa Marquez had his best game of the season, as a defensive midfielder who could play an open ended role just in front of the back four, and Lilian Thuram showed that there is simply no substitute to experience. Even Carles Puyol - embarrassed recently at right-back - looked calm and composed back in the middle.
But the most refreshing bit was the pace up front. Barcelona's attack in 2007 was characterised by slow feet, lethargic attacking that included more passes backwards that runs at defenders, and a tendency to pass the ball meaninglessly until they decided it was time to give it away.
Against Murcia, there was purpose. Every time Samuel Eto'o or Thierry Henry had the ball, there was only one direction in which the play was headed. Nobody was hogging possession and slowing the game down, and it was refreshing for La Liga in general to finally see a glimmer or a fight in Frank Rijkaard's side.
It has all came about as a result of Frank Rijkaard going back to the drawing board and finally getting the basics right again. Let us look at the three key factors one by one.
Zambrotta and Sylvinho
Gianluca Zambrotta remains one of the best full-backs in the world, and that Frank Rijkaard banished him to the bench for little reason was one of the first big mistakes made by the Dutchman this season.
His idea was simple: Carles Puyol, a better defender, would lend more solidity. But it didn't work. The Barcelona skipper showed that he had shed a yard or two of pace since he last played on the flank, and was easily beaten by the opposing wingers. With one stone, Rijkaard had killed two of his own birds: Barca were without their most consistent centre-half, and without a genuine full-back who could stretch the game.
Rijkaard corrected his mistake on Saturday, and the result was there to see. Zambrotta looked lively on the right, provided a superb pass from the corner flag for Gudjohnsen to turn in, and struck the post from 15 yards out to round off a dominant display.
The same goes for the left. Abidal is most definitely a more solid defender that Sylvinho, but does not have nearly the attacking instinct that Sylvinho does. The Brazilian was at it throughout, overlapping with Thierry Henry, dragging the full-back wide, and creating room for the Frenchman to run into.
No, this is nothing new. This is just what Rijkaard himself employed during his two trophy-laden years. It was simply a case of going back to the basics.
Playing To Henry's Strength
The pace up front was almost blinding at times, with the Murcia defenders looking like rabbits caught in the headlights for much of the second half.
Why? Because Barcelona did not have their slowest player on the pitch, and decided to play to their forwards' strengths. Henry was used in that open left sided position that he excelled running in from at Arsenal, Bojan ran up the right and into the box at every opportunity, and you can only begin to describe Samuel Etoo's movements.
Once again, it was nothing new, just a return to the basics.
Remember Ronaldinho at the Bernabeu in November 2005, leaving the likes of Michel Salgado and Sergio Ramos for dead, and Iker Casillas motionless? The only ones on their feet were the Real Madrid fans, handing a standing ovation to The Gaucho.
That typified his display that season, and won him major club and individual awards. On Saturday, it was seen again, only this time from Henry.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
The Iceland international has been impressive since late November, to be fair to him. He had earned himself a regular midfield spot with his work ethic, until he was shockingly 'dumped' for El Clasico for a Deco who was not even fit, let alone in form.
Two years ago, the Portuguese was absolutely dominant in the middle, not just creatively, but also defensively. He was hungry and motivated, and I remember seeing him fight for his life playing right-back after Barcelona went a man down. Now that is the kind of attitude that helps a player win two Champions League titles.
That was then. Now, on the wrong side of 30 and rapidly losing pace and stamina, he appears like a ghost on the pitch when Barcelona do not have the ball. He can still make those passes, but a ghost he was against Real Madrid.
Barcelona would have had an extra man on the pitch if they had played Gudjohnsen then (perhaps more significantly he would have been marking Julio Baptista), and that was just what happened against Murcia. To see him stamping his authority in midfield, defending set-pieces like a centre-half, and then showing up in the opposite box to score the opener for his team, suggested that Rijkaard had learnt a lesson or two from Baptista's El Clasico strike.
For once in a very long time, the Dutchman got his selection and strategy right. Now we have to wait and see if he actually knows he did. We will find out soon enough.
Abhishek Thakur
Surely you jest. Zambrotta is not playing poorly it is Rikjaard acting like he is tactically aware when he obvioulsy is not.
You do not take out your best defender, the hearbeat of your team to play as a full back to accommodate a player who is no where as good or as committed.
How many times do they look vulnerable away from home?
Zambrotta is a fantastic player and still the best left back they have at the club, not as good on the right but definitely better than Puyol or Oleguer as a right full back.
Those silly goals Barcelona give away would not happen as often if Puyol was there instead of Marquez, i mean look at how slow he was against baptista.
I dont know why you are crying about injuries as Barcelona have a good and big enough squad to cope.
Its not like Real Madrid have not had probs with Pepe, Heinze, Metzelder and Robben
Bernd Schuster is doing better than Rijkaard is doing with his squad thats all, the only gripe i have with him is his insistence on playing the hopeless Marcello, guys on here moan about Molinaro, I wonder what they would have done with marcello as our left back
You do not take out your best defender, the hearbeat of your team to play as a full back to accommodate a player who is no where as good or as committed.
How many times do they look vulnerable away from home?
Zambrotta is a fantastic player and still the best left back they have at the club, not as good on the right but definitely better than Puyol or Oleguer as a right full back.
Those silly goals Barcelona give away would not happen as often if Puyol was there instead of Marquez, i mean look at how slow he was against baptista.
I dont know why you are crying about injuries as Barcelona have a good and big enough squad to cope.
Its not like Real Madrid have not had probs with Pepe, Heinze, Metzelder and Robben
Bernd Schuster is doing better than Rijkaard is doing with his squad thats all, the only gripe i have with him is his insistence on playing the hopeless Marcello, guys on here moan about Molinaro, I wonder what they would have done with marcello as our left back
Casillas: Only Buffon is a better goalie.
RVN: The best finisher in the world alongside Trezeguet.
Cannavaro: The best deffender in the world of the past four years, a world cup and FIFA best player of the year speaks for itself.
Not to mention the likes of Robinho, Raul, Ramos, Robben, Diarra...
And before I forget, being a dancing clown doesn't mean you are skillful.
RVN: The best finisher in the world alongside Trezeguet.
Cannavaro: The best deffender in the world of the past four years, a world cup and FIFA best player of the year speaks for itself.
Not to mention the likes of Robinho, Raul, Ramos, Robben, Diarra...
And before I forget, being a dancing clown doesn't mean you are skillful.