Visualizzazione post con etichetta Europa League. Mostra tutti i post
Visualizzazione post con etichetta Europa League. Mostra tutti i post
sabato 12 maggio 2012
Courtois le indovina tutte
19 anni, e già una finale europea giocata da titolare messa a curriculum. Una finale oltretutto vinta. Il portiere belga dell’Atletico Madrid Thibaut Courtois non è certo un giocatore che dorme sugli allori. Ma, cosa ancora più importante, sa prendere le decisioni giuste.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
sabato 10 marzo 2012
Az Alkmaar: potere al centro
Ad Alkmaar non ne bastano tre per fare un Di Natale. Jozy Altidore, Charles Benschop, Ruud Boymans: sommando le reti stagionali delle tre punte dell’Az, non si arriva a quelle di Totò. Eppure l’Az è secondo in Eredivisie, in piena lotta per il titolo. Pensate dove saremmo ora – mormorano i tifosi – con un attaccante da venti gol a campionato. Una situazione quasi paradossale per un club che non ha mai difettato in grandi bomber, da Kees Kist (il primo olandese a vincere la Scarpa d’Oro) a John Bosman, da Shota Arveladze a Mounir El Hamdaoui (capocannoniere della Eredivisie 2009). La non brillantissima vena realizzativa delle punte non deve però trarre in inganno l’Udinese: i gol per l’Az arrivano copiosi dal centrocampo, con il trio Maher-Elm-Martens arrivato a quota 32.
Il reparto chiave dell’Az è proprio la mediana, schierata a tre come vuole la classica tradizione olandese: un incontrista, un interno, un trequartista. Però il proprio mediano l’Az lo ha perso a gennaio quando ha ceduto lo svedese Wenbloom al CSKA Mosca. Il tecnico Verbeek non ha battuto ciglio, sostituendolo con…un trequartista, ovvero il 18enne Adam Maher, uno dei giovani-rivelazioni di questa Eredivisie. Messosi in luce nella prima parte della stagione come numero 10 in sostituzione dell’infortunato Martens, Maher sembrava destinato alla panchina una volta rientrato nei ranghi il belga. Ma per Verbeek chi ha i piedi buoni deve giocare sempre, ed ecco quindi un nuovo ruolo qualche metro più indietro.
Scartato tre volte da ragazzino ai provini dell’Ajax, la passata stagione Maher si era tolto lo sfizio di cancellare l’ex ajacide Van der Vaart dal libro dei record quale olandese più giovane di sempre a segnare in Europa, timbrando contro il BATE Borisov all’età di 17 anni e 147 giorni. Oggi è in odore di nazionale maggiore. Anche per Martens la stagione attuale è stata caratterizzata da una piccola rivincita. Suo infatti il gol che ha permesso all’Az di superare i 16esimi di Europa League battendo a domicilio l’Anderlecht. Ovvero il club nelle cui giovanili era rimasto 12 anni, raccogliendo solo 10 minuti in prima squadra. Poi la fuga in Olanda, prima nel Rkc, quindi nell’Az di Van Gaal, che ha fatto di lui un perno della squadra campione 2009. Peccato la cronica propensione agli infortuni.
Il trio è completato dallo svedese Rasmus Elm, sorta di uomo bionico capace di correre con la stessa intensità per novanta minuti senza perdere in lucidità, e con un più un telecomando nel piede destro. Una statistica di Infostrada Sports ha rilevato come le ultime 19 reti realizzate da Elm siano tutte arrivate da palla inattiva: punizioni, rigori e direttamente da calcio d’angolo. Lancia come Pirlo, pubblica libri di cucina con la madre e detesta i tatuaggi. Sarà il prossimo affare (in uscita) dell’Az.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
Il reparto chiave dell’Az è proprio la mediana, schierata a tre come vuole la classica tradizione olandese: un incontrista, un interno, un trequartista. Però il proprio mediano l’Az lo ha perso a gennaio quando ha ceduto lo svedese Wenbloom al CSKA Mosca. Il tecnico Verbeek non ha battuto ciglio, sostituendolo con…un trequartista, ovvero il 18enne Adam Maher, uno dei giovani-rivelazioni di questa Eredivisie. Messosi in luce nella prima parte della stagione come numero 10 in sostituzione dell’infortunato Martens, Maher sembrava destinato alla panchina una volta rientrato nei ranghi il belga. Ma per Verbeek chi ha i piedi buoni deve giocare sempre, ed ecco quindi un nuovo ruolo qualche metro più indietro.
Scartato tre volte da ragazzino ai provini dell’Ajax, la passata stagione Maher si era tolto lo sfizio di cancellare l’ex ajacide Van der Vaart dal libro dei record quale olandese più giovane di sempre a segnare in Europa, timbrando contro il BATE Borisov all’età di 17 anni e 147 giorni. Oggi è in odore di nazionale maggiore. Anche per Martens la stagione attuale è stata caratterizzata da una piccola rivincita. Suo infatti il gol che ha permesso all’Az di superare i 16esimi di Europa League battendo a domicilio l’Anderlecht. Ovvero il club nelle cui giovanili era rimasto 12 anni, raccogliendo solo 10 minuti in prima squadra. Poi la fuga in Olanda, prima nel Rkc, quindi nell’Az di Van Gaal, che ha fatto di lui un perno della squadra campione 2009. Peccato la cronica propensione agli infortuni.
Il trio è completato dallo svedese Rasmus Elm, sorta di uomo bionico capace di correre con la stessa intensità per novanta minuti senza perdere in lucidità, e con un più un telecomando nel piede destro. Una statistica di Infostrada Sports ha rilevato come le ultime 19 reti realizzate da Elm siano tutte arrivate da palla inattiva: punizioni, rigori e direttamente da calcio d’angolo. Lancia come Pirlo, pubblica libri di cucina con la madre e detesta i tatuaggi. Sarà il prossimo affare (in uscita) dell’Az.
Fonte: La Gazzetta dello Sport - Extra Time
mercoledì 12 ottobre 2011
L'incubo svizzero di Platini
È un architetto di Martigny l’uomo che sta facendo tremare Uefa e Fifa. Lo svizzero Christian Constantin, 54 anni, patrimonio stimato in 2.5 miliardi di euro, è prossimo a cambiare la storia del calcio con il suo Sion. Non in campo, ma attraverso i tribunali. La scorsa settimana si è infatti pronunciato quello cantonale vodese, intimando alla Uefa il reintegro in Europa League del club svizzero, escluso a settembre per aver irregolarmente schierato sei giocatori nel preliminare (vinto) contro il Celtic Glasgow. Gli scozzesi avevano fatto ricorso alla commissione d’appello della Uefa, ottenendo la vittoria a tavolino, con conseguente passaggio alla fase a gironi, dove sono stati inseriti nel gruppo con Udinese, Atletico Madrid e Rennes.
La vicenda inizia nel febbraio 2008, quando il Sion ingaggia un portiere egiziano che però risulta essere ancora sotto contratto col vecchio club. La Fifa condanna gli svizzeri a due periodi di divieto di trasferimenti per il tesseramento irregolare. Ma Constantin replica che il Sion ha già scontato la propria pena e passa al contrattacco.
Il boss del Sion si è rivolto alla magistratura ordinaria, violando la clausola compromissoria tanto cara alla Uefa, ma ottenendo vittorie in serie. Attraverso il tribunale civile di Martigny ha piegato la Federcalcio svizzera, obbligandola a cancellare la squalifica nel campionato elvetico dei sei giocatori incriminati. Poi ha ottenuto dal tribunale civile del canton Vaud l’invalidazione dei risultati e della classifica del gruppo I di Europa League. Infine è arrivata la sentenza di riammissione del Sion in Europa. Senza considerare la lettera inviata al ministro delle Finanze svizzero affinch´ venissero aboliti i privilegi fiscali goduti da Uefa e Fifa.
Inchiodata dalla sentenza di un tribunale civile, ieri la Uefa ha chiesto agli svizzeri di fare un passo indietro rivolgendosi al TAS, il Tribunale Arbitrale dello Sport. Una mossa disperata, perché non più di una decina di giorni fa il Sion aveva ritirato l’appello al massimo tribunale sportivo, puntando tutto sulle sentenze dei tribunali ordinari. Proprio di fronte a quello vodese dovrà comparire Platini il 19 ottobre per spiegare l’estromissione del club dall’Europa League. Constantin nel frattempo gongola: «Giocheremo a Rennes il 20 ottobre», ha commentato. «Non voglio un risarcimento, preferisco l’odore degli spogliatoi del Vicente Calderon (casa dell’Atletico Madrid, ndr) a quello degli euro».
Constantin è un osso duro. In Svizzera se ne sono accorti già nel 2003 quando fece subito ricorso contro l’esclusione del Sion dalla Challenge League (la B elvetica) per inadempienze finanziarie. Ottenne il reintegro quattro mesi dopo l’inizio del campionato, con stravolgimento dei calendari. Ma l’architetto di Martigny è un vulcano anche fuori dai tribunali, come testimoniano i 23 allenatori licenziati in nove anni. In un paio di occasioni sulla panchina del club si è seduto direttamente lui, in barba alla mancanza di qualsivoglia patentino di allenatore.
Fonte: Il Giornale
La vicenda inizia nel febbraio 2008, quando il Sion ingaggia un portiere egiziano che però risulta essere ancora sotto contratto col vecchio club. La Fifa condanna gli svizzeri a due periodi di divieto di trasferimenti per il tesseramento irregolare. Ma Constantin replica che il Sion ha già scontato la propria pena e passa al contrattacco.
Il boss del Sion si è rivolto alla magistratura ordinaria, violando la clausola compromissoria tanto cara alla Uefa, ma ottenendo vittorie in serie. Attraverso il tribunale civile di Martigny ha piegato la Federcalcio svizzera, obbligandola a cancellare la squalifica nel campionato elvetico dei sei giocatori incriminati. Poi ha ottenuto dal tribunale civile del canton Vaud l’invalidazione dei risultati e della classifica del gruppo I di Europa League. Infine è arrivata la sentenza di riammissione del Sion in Europa. Senza considerare la lettera inviata al ministro delle Finanze svizzero affinch´ venissero aboliti i privilegi fiscali goduti da Uefa e Fifa.
Inchiodata dalla sentenza di un tribunale civile, ieri la Uefa ha chiesto agli svizzeri di fare un passo indietro rivolgendosi al TAS, il Tribunale Arbitrale dello Sport. Una mossa disperata, perché non più di una decina di giorni fa il Sion aveva ritirato l’appello al massimo tribunale sportivo, puntando tutto sulle sentenze dei tribunali ordinari. Proprio di fronte a quello vodese dovrà comparire Platini il 19 ottobre per spiegare l’estromissione del club dall’Europa League. Constantin nel frattempo gongola: «Giocheremo a Rennes il 20 ottobre», ha commentato. «Non voglio un risarcimento, preferisco l’odore degli spogliatoi del Vicente Calderon (casa dell’Atletico Madrid, ndr) a quello degli euro».
Constantin è un osso duro. In Svizzera se ne sono accorti già nel 2003 quando fece subito ricorso contro l’esclusione del Sion dalla Challenge League (la B elvetica) per inadempienze finanziarie. Ottenne il reintegro quattro mesi dopo l’inizio del campionato, con stravolgimento dei calendari. Ma l’architetto di Martigny è un vulcano anche fuori dai tribunali, come testimoniano i 23 allenatori licenziati in nove anni. In un paio di occasioni sulla panchina del club si è seduto direttamente lui, in barba alla mancanza di qualsivoglia patentino di allenatore.
Fonte: Il Giornale
mercoledì 31 agosto 2011
Vorm e sostanza
Due debutti, altrettante sconfitte. Gli esordi all’estero di Maarten Stekelenburg e Michel Vorm, rispettivamente numero uno e numero dodici (seguendo la vecchia numerazione) di una nazionale olandese fresca del primato nel ranking FIFA, non sono state memorabili. Eppure le performance dei due portieri sono state agli antipodi.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
martedì 23 agosto 2011
Time-travelling FC Thun ready for Stoke challenge
Little FC Thun will be turning back time when they face English Premier League side Stoke City in the Europa League playoff round. Six years ago the Swiss minnows made history when knocking out first Dynamo Kyiv and then Malmo, going on to qualify for the group stages of the Champions League. With an annual budget of under €3M, Thun were the smallest side to ever enter the tournament. The club were handed a group containing Arsenal, Ajax and Sparta Prague and, despite being tipped to finish bottom, ended third.
Striker Mauro Lustrinelli was Thun’s hero back in those heady days; the club’s supporters still remember the wonderful goal the hitman struck against Swedish champions Malmo.”Given the club’s small reputation and budget”, said Lustrinelli, “we can say that the Champions League experience was more than just a fine achievement. It was a real miracle.”
After Lustrinelli left Thun in January 2006, the forward turned out for Sparta Prague, Luzern, Young Boys and Bellinzona (the club at which he began his professional career in 1994). Last season however, the 35-year-old’s goals were not enough to save the Granata from relegation, and Lustrinelli opted not to follow the club down to the Swiss second tier, signing for Thun instead.
“When I came back, it was like I had never gone away”, explained Lustrinelli. “The club’s philosophy hasn’t changed: hard work, team spirit and a great footballing culture and absolutely no pressure. Moreover, Thun were ready to begin a new adventure in Europe after finishing fifth last season, just after being promoted from a division lower. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Thun had a difficult start to life back in Europe, negotiating their first test in the Europa League against Albanians Vllaznia only in the dying seconds of the return leg. However, the Super League side impressed in the next round against Serie A outfit Palermo who, despite starting as overwhelming favourites, could not do better than two draws against Thun (2-2 in Italy and 1-1 at the new Thun Arena – the stadium was only opened in July).
“I know that there are a lot of differences between the Champions League and the Europa League”, said Lustrinelli. “However, for a small club like ours, every step further in Europe is a little wonder. Now we have to face a tough contender because Stoke City is a Premier League club. But we have nothing to lose and we’ll surely play our football.”
The veteran striker has not forgotten his first European experience against an English team. “We played Arsenal twice in the 2005/06 Champions League, and we lost both games in the dying minutes. In London Dennis Bergkamp scored the winning goal, while in Switzerland they won thanks to a late Robin van Persie penalty.” Lustrinelli however accepts that against teams with such talent, there is often little that can be done to avoid suffering at their hands. Stoke though present a different kind of challenge. “When you play against stars like these, you know you could lose the game at any moment. Luckily Stoke City have no stars like them in the team. However, we still remain underdogs.”
Under coach Murat Yakin, Thun progressed over the last two seasons, moving from Switzerland’s second tier all the way to the Europa League. Since the start of the 2011/12 Swiss season, under a new boss in Bernard Challandes – appointed after Yakin moved to Luzern – Thun have continued onwards and upwards, with the fresh face in the dugout showing he is able to coax out special performances from a group of unheralded players, leading the side to the top of the Super League.
Alongside the prodigal son Lustrinelli, who at 35 has scored more than 240 goals in his career, Thun’s star is 21-year-old Paraguayan Dario Lezcano. The technically gifted attacking all-rounder was key to the club’s success against Palermo, scoring in the second leg of the tie. Lezcano moved to Thun last January after two seasons spent with Challenge League outfit Wil; now the Paraguayan is on the radar of many of Europe’s bigger clubs and a strong display against Stoke would place him in the shop window even more.
Right midfielder Christian Schneuwly and goalkeeper David da Costa are two other potential stars in coach Challandes’ 4-4-2 machine. Da Costa especially has once again demonstrated how breathing in the Thun air can turn an unimpressive player into a consistent performer. Just two seasons ago the 25-year-old was reserve keeper at Chiasso in the Prima Lega, Swiss football’s third tier. Schneuwly can continue to improve too after failing to hold down a regular spot with Young Boys over the past two seasons.
Thun are now aiming to follow up their defeat of Palermo by shocking Stoke. The Swiss Super League side will not underestimate the Potters, but believe that with no end of effort combined with the extra sharpness of starting their season in July, there is all to play for.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Striker Mauro Lustrinelli was Thun’s hero back in those heady days; the club’s supporters still remember the wonderful goal the hitman struck against Swedish champions Malmo.”Given the club’s small reputation and budget”, said Lustrinelli, “we can say that the Champions League experience was more than just a fine achievement. It was a real miracle.”
After Lustrinelli left Thun in January 2006, the forward turned out for Sparta Prague, Luzern, Young Boys and Bellinzona (the club at which he began his professional career in 1994). Last season however, the 35-year-old’s goals were not enough to save the Granata from relegation, and Lustrinelli opted not to follow the club down to the Swiss second tier, signing for Thun instead.
“When I came back, it was like I had never gone away”, explained Lustrinelli. “The club’s philosophy hasn’t changed: hard work, team spirit and a great footballing culture and absolutely no pressure. Moreover, Thun were ready to begin a new adventure in Europe after finishing fifth last season, just after being promoted from a division lower. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Thun had a difficult start to life back in Europe, negotiating their first test in the Europa League against Albanians Vllaznia only in the dying seconds of the return leg. However, the Super League side impressed in the next round against Serie A outfit Palermo who, despite starting as overwhelming favourites, could not do better than two draws against Thun (2-2 in Italy and 1-1 at the new Thun Arena – the stadium was only opened in July).
“I know that there are a lot of differences between the Champions League and the Europa League”, said Lustrinelli. “However, for a small club like ours, every step further in Europe is a little wonder. Now we have to face a tough contender because Stoke City is a Premier League club. But we have nothing to lose and we’ll surely play our football.”
The veteran striker has not forgotten his first European experience against an English team. “We played Arsenal twice in the 2005/06 Champions League, and we lost both games in the dying minutes. In London Dennis Bergkamp scored the winning goal, while in Switzerland they won thanks to a late Robin van Persie penalty.” Lustrinelli however accepts that against teams with such talent, there is often little that can be done to avoid suffering at their hands. Stoke though present a different kind of challenge. “When you play against stars like these, you know you could lose the game at any moment. Luckily Stoke City have no stars like them in the team. However, we still remain underdogs.”
Under coach Murat Yakin, Thun progressed over the last two seasons, moving from Switzerland’s second tier all the way to the Europa League. Since the start of the 2011/12 Swiss season, under a new boss in Bernard Challandes – appointed after Yakin moved to Luzern – Thun have continued onwards and upwards, with the fresh face in the dugout showing he is able to coax out special performances from a group of unheralded players, leading the side to the top of the Super League.
Alongside the prodigal son Lustrinelli, who at 35 has scored more than 240 goals in his career, Thun’s star is 21-year-old Paraguayan Dario Lezcano. The technically gifted attacking all-rounder was key to the club’s success against Palermo, scoring in the second leg of the tie. Lezcano moved to Thun last January after two seasons spent with Challenge League outfit Wil; now the Paraguayan is on the radar of many of Europe’s bigger clubs and a strong display against Stoke would place him in the shop window even more.
Right midfielder Christian Schneuwly and goalkeeper David da Costa are two other potential stars in coach Challandes’ 4-4-2 machine. Da Costa especially has once again demonstrated how breathing in the Thun air can turn an unimpressive player into a consistent performer. Just two seasons ago the 25-year-old was reserve keeper at Chiasso in the Prima Lega, Swiss football’s third tier. Schneuwly can continue to improve too after failing to hold down a regular spot with Young Boys over the past two seasons.
Thun are now aiming to follow up their defeat of Palermo by shocking Stoke. The Swiss Super League side will not underestimate the Potters, but believe that with no end of effort combined with the extra sharpness of starting their season in July, there is all to play for.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
venerdì 10 giugno 2011
Perchè il Porto è meglio del Barcellona
Giù i fucili. Il titolo, volutamente provocatorio e in odore di eresia, intende rendere i dovuti onori a una squadra che ha trasformato il processo di acquisto e cessione di giocatori in un’arte. Perché nel calcio odierno non contano solo i risultati in campo, ma anche quelli in sede di bilancio.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
martedì 17 maggio 2011
Preview Porto-Sporting Braga: Andrè Villas Boas
Per raccontare Andrè Villas Boas è sufficiente un piccolo episodio. Lo scorso agosto, nella conferenza stampa che precedeva Genk-Porto, primo turno di Europa League, il tecnico lusitano si soffermò sulla rosa della squadra belga, disquisendo di titolari e riserve come fosse un esperto locale, per poi terminare con un accenno al problema dei premi-partita sollevato dai giocatori del club fiammingo. Notizia, quest’ultima, alla quale i quotidiani belgi avevano dedicato un semplice trafiletto.
La cura maniacale per i dettagli è sempre stata una costante nella carriera di Villas Boas, origini nobili e un’insana passione per tattica, metodi di allenamento e statistiche sin dalla tenera età. Il suo primo maestro è stato l’inglese Bobby Robson, poi è arrivato Josè Mourinho, che lo ha definito “i miei occhi e le mie orecchie”. Per sette anni Villas Boas ha girato il mondo producendo dettagliati report sugli avversari di Porto, Chelsea a Inter, quindi ha deciso di mettersi in proprio.
In Portogallo ai giovani credono davvero, per necessità ma soprattutto per virtù. Così nell’estate 2010 il Porto, reduce da una stagione deludente, ha deciso di affidare la ricostruzione all’allora 32enne Villas Boas, le cui uniche esperienze da allenatore si limitavano a 23 partite con l’Academica la stagione precedente (sufficienti però a portare la squadra di Coimbra dall’ultimo posto ad una salvezza tranquilla), più due come ct Isole Vergini britanniche a 23 anni (“ma la Federazione venne a conoscenza della mia età solamente quando me ne andai, e rimasero tutti allibiti”). Risultato: campionato portoghese vinto in carrozza (zero sconfitte, 21 punti di distacco sul Benfica), finale di Europa League (domani a Dublino contro i connazionali dello Sporting Braga) e finale della coppa di Portogallo (domenica 22 maggio contro il Vitoria Guimarães).
In Europa Villas Boas ha compiuto il suo capolavoro, tenendo fede alla parole di Mourinho sul “Porto squadra da Champions League confinata nella coppa minore”. I Dragões hanno schiacciato la concorrenza, vincendo 13 delle 16 partite disputate, segnando 43 gol e incassando le uniche due sconfitte stagionali (contro Siviglia e Villarreal) a qualificazione già acquisita. Il 433 del Porto odierno ricorda molto, nell’impostazione tattica di base, quello dell’era mourinhana, quando in due anni arrivarono Coppa Uefa e Champions League. Villas Boas utilizza metodologie di allenamento simili a quello del maestro di Setubal, e non si sottrae al fascino della polemica (vedi alcune recenti dichiarazioni di fuoco contro gli arbitri portoghesi). Tuttavia sarebbe un grosso errore considerarlo un mero clone di Mourinho, perché questo allenatore che a 17 anni lasciava una lettera al suo condomino Bobby Robson per consigliarli un migliore utilizzo dell’attaccante Domingos Paciencia, ha dimostrato sul campo di possedere intuizioni e idee originali.
Un volto nuovo, giovane e fresco che ha stregato molti club, tra i quali la Juventus. Per averlo però bisogna investire: economicamente, ma anche in termini progettuali, lasciando al portoghese piena autonomia. Perché Villas Boas, curriculum alla mano, non ha certo bisogno di direttori generali che gli insegnino come spendere proficuamente 50 milioni di euro.
Fonte: Il Giornale
La cura maniacale per i dettagli è sempre stata una costante nella carriera di Villas Boas, origini nobili e un’insana passione per tattica, metodi di allenamento e statistiche sin dalla tenera età. Il suo primo maestro è stato l’inglese Bobby Robson, poi è arrivato Josè Mourinho, che lo ha definito “i miei occhi e le mie orecchie”. Per sette anni Villas Boas ha girato il mondo producendo dettagliati report sugli avversari di Porto, Chelsea a Inter, quindi ha deciso di mettersi in proprio.
In Portogallo ai giovani credono davvero, per necessità ma soprattutto per virtù. Così nell’estate 2010 il Porto, reduce da una stagione deludente, ha deciso di affidare la ricostruzione all’allora 32enne Villas Boas, le cui uniche esperienze da allenatore si limitavano a 23 partite con l’Academica la stagione precedente (sufficienti però a portare la squadra di Coimbra dall’ultimo posto ad una salvezza tranquilla), più due come ct Isole Vergini britanniche a 23 anni (“ma la Federazione venne a conoscenza della mia età solamente quando me ne andai, e rimasero tutti allibiti”). Risultato: campionato portoghese vinto in carrozza (zero sconfitte, 21 punti di distacco sul Benfica), finale di Europa League (domani a Dublino contro i connazionali dello Sporting Braga) e finale della coppa di Portogallo (domenica 22 maggio contro il Vitoria Guimarães).
In Europa Villas Boas ha compiuto il suo capolavoro, tenendo fede alla parole di Mourinho sul “Porto squadra da Champions League confinata nella coppa minore”. I Dragões hanno schiacciato la concorrenza, vincendo 13 delle 16 partite disputate, segnando 43 gol e incassando le uniche due sconfitte stagionali (contro Siviglia e Villarreal) a qualificazione già acquisita. Il 433 del Porto odierno ricorda molto, nell’impostazione tattica di base, quello dell’era mourinhana, quando in due anni arrivarono Coppa Uefa e Champions League. Villas Boas utilizza metodologie di allenamento simili a quello del maestro di Setubal, e non si sottrae al fascino della polemica (vedi alcune recenti dichiarazioni di fuoco contro gli arbitri portoghesi). Tuttavia sarebbe un grosso errore considerarlo un mero clone di Mourinho, perché questo allenatore che a 17 anni lasciava una lettera al suo condomino Bobby Robson per consigliarli un migliore utilizzo dell’attaccante Domingos Paciencia, ha dimostrato sul campo di possedere intuizioni e idee originali.
Un volto nuovo, giovane e fresco che ha stregato molti club, tra i quali la Juventus. Per averlo però bisogna investire: economicamente, ma anche in termini progettuali, lasciando al portoghese piena autonomia. Perché Villas Boas, curriculum alla mano, non ha certo bisogno di direttori generali che gli insegnino come spendere proficuamente 50 milioni di euro.
Fonte: Il Giornale
giovedì 10 marzo 2011
Europa League: FC Twente v Zenit match preview
What: Europa League (Round of 16)
Who: FC Twente vs Zenit St. Petersburg
When: Thursday 10th February, 2011, at 18:00 UK Time
Where: Arke Stadium, Enschede, Netherlands
Another Russian Roulette
In 2011, FC Twente have dipped slightly compared to their performance in the first half of the season. "We’ve stopped playing football", complained midfielder Theo Janssen. "In the last games we’ve needed a corner or a free-kick to create goal chances. It won’t be enough." Despite their mini-slump however, the Tukkers are still contenders for the Eredivisie (sitting three points off the top), the domestic cup (into the final against Ajax) and the Europa League.
Nobody in Enschede was too happy when drawn against another Russian club after the nightmare experience against Rubin Kazan in the Round of 32. The first match was staged in Moscow, but when the Tukkers landed the temperature was -16 °C. "We thought we were in Siberia", said coach Michel Preud’Homme. In accordance with UEFA’s rules, the game would be suspended if -15 °C was recorded, but ten minutes before kick off the temperature in the Luzhniki Stadium read -14.2 °C. "It was quite bizarre", said club manager Jan van Halst, "because at the same time the Moscow Meteo Consult had the temperature of -18 °C. However, I got a call from UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon. Play, they said. At the end of the game three of our players were almost frozen. But who cares? The show must go on, especially if the broadcasters have paid for that."
The versatility of their key players is one of Twente’s most dangerous weapons. Bryan Ruiz is an attacking all-rounder, who can be deployed as a winger or as a number 10 behind the striker. The story is the same for rising star Nacer Chadli, who has had a superb impact both in the Eredivisie and in Europe despite playing in the Dutch second division last season. Even youngster Luuk de Jong can operate up front, or as an attacking midfielder. Preud’Homme has many options as he plots the downfall of Zenit.
The Spalletti boys keep marching on
Since Luciano Spalletti was appointed Zenit coach in December 2009, the Gazprom backed club’s performances have been close to perfection. The Saint Petersburg side won the league title, the domestic cup and – last weekend – the Russian Super Cup. Zenit even reached the Europa League Round of 16 with seven wins out of eight games. In 2010, Zenit managed to set an impressive number of club and Russia-wide records with, amongst others, the most games unbeaten in the Russian Premier League (21) and in all competitive matches (26).
All that glitters is not gold however. Last August, Zenit’s Champions League exit at the hands of Auxerre was a bitter blow to the big-spending Russians, especially reflecting on the poor fight the Ligue 1 side put up in the group stage. Spalletti will try to right this wrong in the next Champions League season, while leading Zenit as far as possible in the Europa League.
As is usual for Russian sides, at this stage of their season their worst enemy is a lack of match action. In the previous round against Swiss side Young Boys, Zenit showed they were still searching for their best form, especially in the away leg in Berne when they succumbed in the dying minutes of the game. Since then Zenit have played another three competitive games though – and have won them all.
Players to watch
Twente – Theo Janssen: A talented left-footed midfielder who is one of Holland’s best kept secrets. A smoker, heavily-tattooed free-kick master, who could have become one of the best players of his generation, if he had been hungry enough to. Janssen’s passing ability and vision are vital for Twente, and his goals should not be overlooked either. With 12 strikes to his name, the midfielder is the club’s fourth-highest scoring this season. Janssen will probably leave Twente at the end of the season. "I cannot increase my performances any more here", said the Dutchman.
Zenit – Danko Lazovic: The Serbian forward knows the club’s opponents here like nobody else, having played in the Eredivisie from 2003 until 2010 with Feyenoord, Vitesse and PSV Eindhoven. In St. Petersburg, Lazovic has been deployed as a winger by Spalletti, becoming more of an assist master than a goalscorer – the player was rated the second best passer in the Russian Premier League last season. Lazovic’s ability in front of goal should not be dismissed either, and the Serbian was vital for Zenit in the return game against Young Boys in the last round, scoring the first goal in a 3-1 win.
Match Prediction
Financially speaking, there should be no contest between Twente and Zenit, with the Russian side’s budget twice as big as the Eredivisie outfit’s. However, while Zenit have strong tactical organisation, Twente are fighters and will not lie down easily, as Inter, Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen found out in this season’s Champions League. After four draws in a row, the Tukkers are still searching for their first home victory in this season’s European campaign. Perhaps their time has come and they will edge this. FC Twente 2-1 Zenit.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Who: FC Twente vs Zenit St. Petersburg
When: Thursday 10th February, 2011, at 18:00 UK Time
Where: Arke Stadium, Enschede, Netherlands
Another Russian Roulette
In 2011, FC Twente have dipped slightly compared to their performance in the first half of the season. "We’ve stopped playing football", complained midfielder Theo Janssen. "In the last games we’ve needed a corner or a free-kick to create goal chances. It won’t be enough." Despite their mini-slump however, the Tukkers are still contenders for the Eredivisie (sitting three points off the top), the domestic cup (into the final against Ajax) and the Europa League.
Nobody in Enschede was too happy when drawn against another Russian club after the nightmare experience against Rubin Kazan in the Round of 32. The first match was staged in Moscow, but when the Tukkers landed the temperature was -16 °C. "We thought we were in Siberia", said coach Michel Preud’Homme. In accordance with UEFA’s rules, the game would be suspended if -15 °C was recorded, but ten minutes before kick off the temperature in the Luzhniki Stadium read -14.2 °C. "It was quite bizarre", said club manager Jan van Halst, "because at the same time the Moscow Meteo Consult had the temperature of -18 °C. However, I got a call from UEFA’s headquarters in Nyon. Play, they said. At the end of the game three of our players were almost frozen. But who cares? The show must go on, especially if the broadcasters have paid for that."
The versatility of their key players is one of Twente’s most dangerous weapons. Bryan Ruiz is an attacking all-rounder, who can be deployed as a winger or as a number 10 behind the striker. The story is the same for rising star Nacer Chadli, who has had a superb impact both in the Eredivisie and in Europe despite playing in the Dutch second division last season. Even youngster Luuk de Jong can operate up front, or as an attacking midfielder. Preud’Homme has many options as he plots the downfall of Zenit.
The Spalletti boys keep marching on
Since Luciano Spalletti was appointed Zenit coach in December 2009, the Gazprom backed club’s performances have been close to perfection. The Saint Petersburg side won the league title, the domestic cup and – last weekend – the Russian Super Cup. Zenit even reached the Europa League Round of 16 with seven wins out of eight games. In 2010, Zenit managed to set an impressive number of club and Russia-wide records with, amongst others, the most games unbeaten in the Russian Premier League (21) and in all competitive matches (26).
All that glitters is not gold however. Last August, Zenit’s Champions League exit at the hands of Auxerre was a bitter blow to the big-spending Russians, especially reflecting on the poor fight the Ligue 1 side put up in the group stage. Spalletti will try to right this wrong in the next Champions League season, while leading Zenit as far as possible in the Europa League.
As is usual for Russian sides, at this stage of their season their worst enemy is a lack of match action. In the previous round against Swiss side Young Boys, Zenit showed they were still searching for their best form, especially in the away leg in Berne when they succumbed in the dying minutes of the game. Since then Zenit have played another three competitive games though – and have won them all.
Players to watch
Twente – Theo Janssen: A talented left-footed midfielder who is one of Holland’s best kept secrets. A smoker, heavily-tattooed free-kick master, who could have become one of the best players of his generation, if he had been hungry enough to. Janssen’s passing ability and vision are vital for Twente, and his goals should not be overlooked either. With 12 strikes to his name, the midfielder is the club’s fourth-highest scoring this season. Janssen will probably leave Twente at the end of the season. "I cannot increase my performances any more here", said the Dutchman.
Zenit – Danko Lazovic: The Serbian forward knows the club’s opponents here like nobody else, having played in the Eredivisie from 2003 until 2010 with Feyenoord, Vitesse and PSV Eindhoven. In St. Petersburg, Lazovic has been deployed as a winger by Spalletti, becoming more of an assist master than a goalscorer – the player was rated the second best passer in the Russian Premier League last season. Lazovic’s ability in front of goal should not be dismissed either, and the Serbian was vital for Zenit in the return game against Young Boys in the last round, scoring the first goal in a 3-1 win.
Match Prediction
Financially speaking, there should be no contest between Twente and Zenit, with the Russian side’s budget twice as big as the Eredivisie outfit’s. However, while Zenit have strong tactical organisation, Twente are fighters and will not lie down easily, as Inter, Tottenham Hotspur and Werder Bremen found out in this season’s Champions League. After four draws in a row, the Tukkers are still searching for their first home victory in this season’s European campaign. Perhaps their time has come and they will edge this. FC Twente 2-1 Zenit.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
giovedì 24 febbraio 2011
PSV Eindhoven v Lille Match Preview
What: Europa League (Round of 32)
Who: PSV Eindhoven vs Lille
When: Thursday 24th February, 2011, at 18:00 UK Time
Where: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Too Tough to Die
At the start of 2011, PSV lost two key players: creative midfielder Ibrahim Afellay – sold to Barcelona – and striker Jonathan Reis – sidelined through a knee injury. The Philips-backed club’s poor financial situation however meant that coach Fred Rutten could not enter the transfer market for replacements. The Dutch giants are well on their way to achieving their objectives though and sit top of the Eredivisie, while they have also shone in the Europa League. Indeed, PSV have performed quite brilliantly thus far, both domestically and in Europe.
Last week, PSV’s first leg against Lille was a game filled with ups and downs. After a disappointing first half, "we didn’t win a single duel", said Rutten, the Eindhoven side came back from 2-0 down to record a useful 2-2 draw in the dying minutes. "We could have also scored the third", bemoaned the PSV coach, "but honestly it would have been too much. Anyway, I am satisfied with the mentality the team showed in the second half, in which we controlled the game." In France, PSV showed strong character and a never-say-die attitude, two of their greatest qualities.
The club’s top scorers this season are left winger Balazs Dzsudzsak (19 goals) and Swedish striker Ola Toivonen (18), a forward deployed by Rutten as a creative midfielder in a system that comes very close to being a 4-2-4. And even though the Swede is still searching for real consistency, he is quickly becoming a key player for the Dutch side. Veterans like Wilfred Bouma and Orlando Engelaar are vital for PSV, shoring up the midfield and defence, while up front Marcus Berg is still desperately seeking the cold-blooded composure in front of goal that was his trademark at Groningen two years ago.
Still Looking for European Maturity
Over the last two seasons it can be argued that Lille have played some of the most pectacular football in Ligue 1. Their numbers are impressive: 72 goals scored in the 009/10 campaign and 42 so far this time, a season in which they top the French league – espite a weekend defeat away to Montpellier. "It’s hard to tell what the secrets of this Lille’s op performances are", pondered Belgian talent Eden Hazard. "In my opinion, it is something that has to do with the Spanish football philosophy our coach Rudi Garcia brought here.Relatively speaking, Lille’s style of play can be compared with Barcelona’s. An attacking mentality, ball possession and exuberant approach."
Lille’s Europa League campaign however has been far from their impressive domestic fare. Les Dogues (The Mastiffs) are still looking to hone their European approach, with key performers like Moussa Sow – the current Ligue 1 top scorer -, Ivory Coast star Gervinho and in-demand Hazard unable to impress as they do domestically. For Garcia, the reason for this is simple: too many games played. "It’s virtually impossible for a club like Lille to be a contender for the championship, the domestic cup and the Europa League at the same time. We don’t have a large squad. Every game gets harder. In the French Cup, we beat Ligue 2 outfit Nantes only on penalties. While last week PSV scored two goals against us in the last minutes. You can’t always do your best when you play twice in a week."
Despite a dip in Europe, Lille remain a team that cannot be underestimated. A strong midfield group of Florent Balmont-Rio Mavuba-Yohan Cabaye, a sold central defender in Adil Rami – who will head to Valencia in the summer – and one of the best keepers in Ligue 1 in Mickael Landreau, have made the northern France side a well-balanced team. Considering their undoubted talent up front, with Brazilian hitman Tulio de Melo one to watch too, Lille have everything they need to progress in the Europa League.
Players to watch
PSV Eindhoven – Balazs Dzsudzsak: Currently the club’s top scorer, the Hungarian winger also has 12 assists to his name. Dzsudzsak has a quick turn of pace and exceptional ability to beat his man, making him a nightmare for any defence – throw in a powerful shot too and he is a handful of trouble. Though left-footed, a brace scored against AZ two weeks ago demonstrated perfectly that his right is not just for standing on. The Hungarian recently signed a new deal with PSV until 2015, ending rumours about a possible departure for free next year. "His contract extension fits our ambitions", said PSV technical director Marcel Brands.
Lille – Eden Hazard: For Lille’s coach Rudi Garcia, "Eden is not a nugget, he is a mine". For Zinedine Zidane, "he’s a player I would take to Real Madrid with my eyes closed". Arsene Wenger would also like to see Hazard pulling on an Arsenal jersey. In 2010, the Belgian international, who made his debut with Lille aged 16 years, 10 months and eight days old, was handed the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award for the second time in a row. In the 2009/10 Europa League campaign, Hazard found the back of the net four times, including a wonderful solo goal against Genoa. This year however, he is still looking for his first – Lille may need him to find it if they are to survive in Eindhoven.
Match Prediction
Both PSV and Lille play attacking football, moving the ball around quickly and developing the game along the flanks. They both have strong tactical organisation too, making this an intriguing battle. The Dutch surely take to the pitch in better heart, due to their first leg comeback. PSV will try to control the game and hit the French with quick counter attacks. This match looks a 60-40 clash in favour of PSV, who will win 2-1.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Who: PSV Eindhoven vs Lille
When: Thursday 24th February, 2011, at 18:00 UK Time
Where: Philips Stadion, Eindhoven, Netherlands
Too Tough to Die
At the start of 2011, PSV lost two key players: creative midfielder Ibrahim Afellay – sold to Barcelona – and striker Jonathan Reis – sidelined through a knee injury. The Philips-backed club’s poor financial situation however meant that coach Fred Rutten could not enter the transfer market for replacements. The Dutch giants are well on their way to achieving their objectives though and sit top of the Eredivisie, while they have also shone in the Europa League. Indeed, PSV have performed quite brilliantly thus far, both domestically and in Europe.
Last week, PSV’s first leg against Lille was a game filled with ups and downs. After a disappointing first half, "we didn’t win a single duel", said Rutten, the Eindhoven side came back from 2-0 down to record a useful 2-2 draw in the dying minutes. "We could have also scored the third", bemoaned the PSV coach, "but honestly it would have been too much. Anyway, I am satisfied with the mentality the team showed in the second half, in which we controlled the game." In France, PSV showed strong character and a never-say-die attitude, two of their greatest qualities.
The club’s top scorers this season are left winger Balazs Dzsudzsak (19 goals) and Swedish striker Ola Toivonen (18), a forward deployed by Rutten as a creative midfielder in a system that comes very close to being a 4-2-4. And even though the Swede is still searching for real consistency, he is quickly becoming a key player for the Dutch side. Veterans like Wilfred Bouma and Orlando Engelaar are vital for PSV, shoring up the midfield and defence, while up front Marcus Berg is still desperately seeking the cold-blooded composure in front of goal that was his trademark at Groningen two years ago.
Still Looking for European Maturity
Over the last two seasons it can be argued that Lille have played some of the most pectacular football in Ligue 1. Their numbers are impressive: 72 goals scored in the 009/10 campaign and 42 so far this time, a season in which they top the French league – espite a weekend defeat away to Montpellier. "It’s hard to tell what the secrets of this Lille’s op performances are", pondered Belgian talent Eden Hazard. "In my opinion, it is something that has to do with the Spanish football philosophy our coach Rudi Garcia brought here.Relatively speaking, Lille’s style of play can be compared with Barcelona’s. An attacking mentality, ball possession and exuberant approach."
Lille’s Europa League campaign however has been far from their impressive domestic fare. Les Dogues (The Mastiffs) are still looking to hone their European approach, with key performers like Moussa Sow – the current Ligue 1 top scorer -, Ivory Coast star Gervinho and in-demand Hazard unable to impress as they do domestically. For Garcia, the reason for this is simple: too many games played. "It’s virtually impossible for a club like Lille to be a contender for the championship, the domestic cup and the Europa League at the same time. We don’t have a large squad. Every game gets harder. In the French Cup, we beat Ligue 2 outfit Nantes only on penalties. While last week PSV scored two goals against us in the last minutes. You can’t always do your best when you play twice in a week."
Despite a dip in Europe, Lille remain a team that cannot be underestimated. A strong midfield group of Florent Balmont-Rio Mavuba-Yohan Cabaye, a sold central defender in Adil Rami – who will head to Valencia in the summer – and one of the best keepers in Ligue 1 in Mickael Landreau, have made the northern France side a well-balanced team. Considering their undoubted talent up front, with Brazilian hitman Tulio de Melo one to watch too, Lille have everything they need to progress in the Europa League.
Players to watch
PSV Eindhoven – Balazs Dzsudzsak: Currently the club’s top scorer, the Hungarian winger also has 12 assists to his name. Dzsudzsak has a quick turn of pace and exceptional ability to beat his man, making him a nightmare for any defence – throw in a powerful shot too and he is a handful of trouble. Though left-footed, a brace scored against AZ two weeks ago demonstrated perfectly that his right is not just for standing on. The Hungarian recently signed a new deal with PSV until 2015, ending rumours about a possible departure for free next year. "His contract extension fits our ambitions", said PSV technical director Marcel Brands.
Lille – Eden Hazard: For Lille’s coach Rudi Garcia, "Eden is not a nugget, he is a mine". For Zinedine Zidane, "he’s a player I would take to Real Madrid with my eyes closed". Arsene Wenger would also like to see Hazard pulling on an Arsenal jersey. In 2010, the Belgian international, who made his debut with Lille aged 16 years, 10 months and eight days old, was handed the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year award for the second time in a row. In the 2009/10 Europa League campaign, Hazard found the back of the net four times, including a wonderful solo goal against Genoa. This year however, he is still looking for his first – Lille may need him to find it if they are to survive in Eindhoven.
Match Prediction
Both PSV and Lille play attacking football, moving the ball around quickly and developing the game along the flanks. They both have strong tactical organisation too, making this an intriguing battle. The Dutch surely take to the pitch in better heart, due to their first leg comeback. PSV will try to control the game and hit the French with quick counter attacks. This match looks a 60-40 clash in favour of PSV, who will win 2-1.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
sabato 19 febbraio 2011
Le età di Lulic
Quest’anno in Europa solamente il Fenerbahce è uscito imbattuto dal Wankdorf di Berna. Per il resto lo Young Boys di Vlado Petkovic ha avuto ragione di tutte le squadre ospitate, dal Tottenham Hotssur al Getafe, dall’Odense allo Stoccarda fino ai campioni di Russia dello Zenit San Pietroburgo, sconfitti in rimonta 2-1 nell’andata dei sedicesimi di Europa League.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
giovedì 17 febbraio 2011
Europa League: Anderlecht v Ajax Match Preview
What: Europa League (Round of 32)
Who: Anderlecht vs Ajax
When: Thursday 17th February, 2011, at 20:05 UK Time
Where: Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Brussels, Belgium
Clean Sheet Mentality to Fight European Malaise
With four matches left in the Jupiler Pro League regular season, Anderlecht are firmly topping the table, three points ahead of Genk. Domestically, the Brussels-based side appear to be unstoppable. Goalkeeper Silvio Proto especially has the magic touch and is unbeaten for 750 minutes, having not conceded a goal since the 5th December clash against Zulte Waregem. Proto is just 22 minutes away from the breaking the club’s record, currently held by Jean Trappeniers.
Even when the Belgians have not been performing at the top of their game, as was the case at the weekend against Cercle Brugge – the visitors were only finally beaten in the dying moments of the match – Anderlecht always seem to be able to find a way to come out as winners. In truth, it should not be surprising, the Belgian giants can call upon some of the league’s most talented players, like Mbark Boussoufa, Romelu Lukaku (who has yet to score in 2011), Matias Suarez, Lucas Biglia and Jonathan Legear.
In the winter window Anderlecht managed to keep hold of Boussoufa and Lukaku, despite serious interest from abroad. "For Lukaku, we refused an offer that was as big as our whole budget", said club chairman Roger Vanden Stock. The duo are expected to play a key role in the European campaign, an arena in which the Belgians have yet to impress, winning just two of their six group games to advance this far.
Still Looking for Consistency
First appointed as caretaker coach upon Martin Jol’s resignation, Frank de Boer has had a positive impact at the Amsterdam ArenA and gained a permanent deal. However, Ajax still look too inconsistent to become serious title contenders in the Eredivisie; maybe the Europa League will offer silverware. It is on the road that Ajax seem to have most of their problems, losing 3-0 at Utrecht earlier this year and dropping more points when a 2-0 lead was cut to 2-2 by Roda JC last Sunday.
Roda’s Belgian coach Harm van Veldhoven has had his say on this match. "Ajax have a lot of skilled players, like Christian Eriksen and Gregory van der Wiel. However, in my opinion, Anderlecht have more quality, especially up front." Van Veldhoven’s comments are not a surprise given that Ajax lost two of their four strikers last month: Luis Suarez was sold to Liverpool, while Mido terminated his contract by mutual consent. With only Dutch-Moroccan Mounir El Hamdaoui – the club’s top scorer this season with 16 goals – and the permanently injured Argentine Dario Cvitanich left, De Boer must sometimes push midfielder Siem de Jong into the attack.
For the Belgian pair of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderwierled in the heart of Ajax’s defence, this clash is a personal derby of sorts. "We are not in our best moment", admitted Vertonghen, "but I watched Anderlecht play last Saturday and I don’t think they are either. Both teams however are good. In my opinion, the chances are 50-50."
Players to watch
Anderlecht – Mbark Boussoufa: Last summer the Dutch-Moroccan playmaker seemed very close to moving to a bigger league, yet six months later Boussoufa is still in Brussels, leading Anderlecht to their second league title in a row. This season the former Chelsea youngster has clocked up 11 goals and 18 assists, and has picked up his third – and second in a row – Belgian Footballer of the Year award. Anderlecht’s chances of making a splash in the Europa League depend very much on Boussoufa. Right winger Matias Suarez could be a key performer too, popping up with assists for the strikers, or scoring himself – he has nine goals so far.
Ajax – Miralem Sulejmani: The Serbian forward has a long way to go to repay Ajax the €16.25M they sent to Heerenveen in the summer of 2008 for his services. Under De Boer however, Sulejmani has received another chance to impress, being deployed as the right winger in the new coach’s 4-3-3 system. It seems to have paid off, with the Serbian being amongst Ajax’s best performers this year, with three goals and two assists in his last five Eredivisie games. His speed can do real damage to Anderlecht. Established performers like keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and midfielder Demy de Zeeuw will also be vital for Ajax.
Match Prediction
Which club comes into this at a disadvantage? Anderlecht with their poor run of European performances? Or Ajax with their inconsistency and troubles on the road? The Belgians must take to the pitch in better heart, due to their strong domestic displays. However, Ajax’s European campaign has been more impressive than Anderlecht’s, with victories over teams like Dynamo Kyiv, Auxerre and AC Milan. Defender Jan Vertonghen is surely right when he calls the game as a 50-50 clash. This does look tight and should finish 1-1 or 2-2.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Who: Anderlecht vs Ajax
When: Thursday 17th February, 2011, at 20:05 UK Time
Where: Constant Vanden Stock Stadium, Brussels, Belgium
Clean Sheet Mentality to Fight European Malaise
With four matches left in the Jupiler Pro League regular season, Anderlecht are firmly topping the table, three points ahead of Genk. Domestically, the Brussels-based side appear to be unstoppable. Goalkeeper Silvio Proto especially has the magic touch and is unbeaten for 750 minutes, having not conceded a goal since the 5th December clash against Zulte Waregem. Proto is just 22 minutes away from the breaking the club’s record, currently held by Jean Trappeniers.
Even when the Belgians have not been performing at the top of their game, as was the case at the weekend against Cercle Brugge – the visitors were only finally beaten in the dying moments of the match – Anderlecht always seem to be able to find a way to come out as winners. In truth, it should not be surprising, the Belgian giants can call upon some of the league’s most talented players, like Mbark Boussoufa, Romelu Lukaku (who has yet to score in 2011), Matias Suarez, Lucas Biglia and Jonathan Legear.
In the winter window Anderlecht managed to keep hold of Boussoufa and Lukaku, despite serious interest from abroad. "For Lukaku, we refused an offer that was as big as our whole budget", said club chairman Roger Vanden Stock. The duo are expected to play a key role in the European campaign, an arena in which the Belgians have yet to impress, winning just two of their six group games to advance this far.
Still Looking for Consistency
First appointed as caretaker coach upon Martin Jol’s resignation, Frank de Boer has had a positive impact at the Amsterdam ArenA and gained a permanent deal. However, Ajax still look too inconsistent to become serious title contenders in the Eredivisie; maybe the Europa League will offer silverware. It is on the road that Ajax seem to have most of their problems, losing 3-0 at Utrecht earlier this year and dropping more points when a 2-0 lead was cut to 2-2 by Roda JC last Sunday.
Roda’s Belgian coach Harm van Veldhoven has had his say on this match. "Ajax have a lot of skilled players, like Christian Eriksen and Gregory van der Wiel. However, in my opinion, Anderlecht have more quality, especially up front." Van Veldhoven’s comments are not a surprise given that Ajax lost two of their four strikers last month: Luis Suarez was sold to Liverpool, while Mido terminated his contract by mutual consent. With only Dutch-Moroccan Mounir El Hamdaoui – the club’s top scorer this season with 16 goals – and the permanently injured Argentine Dario Cvitanich left, De Boer must sometimes push midfielder Siem de Jong into the attack.
For the Belgian pair of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderwierled in the heart of Ajax’s defence, this clash is a personal derby of sorts. "We are not in our best moment", admitted Vertonghen, "but I watched Anderlecht play last Saturday and I don’t think they are either. Both teams however are good. In my opinion, the chances are 50-50."
Players to watch
Anderlecht – Mbark Boussoufa: Last summer the Dutch-Moroccan playmaker seemed very close to moving to a bigger league, yet six months later Boussoufa is still in Brussels, leading Anderlecht to their second league title in a row. This season the former Chelsea youngster has clocked up 11 goals and 18 assists, and has picked up his third – and second in a row – Belgian Footballer of the Year award. Anderlecht’s chances of making a splash in the Europa League depend very much on Boussoufa. Right winger Matias Suarez could be a key performer too, popping up with assists for the strikers, or scoring himself – he has nine goals so far.
Ajax – Miralem Sulejmani: The Serbian forward has a long way to go to repay Ajax the €16.25M they sent to Heerenveen in the summer of 2008 for his services. Under De Boer however, Sulejmani has received another chance to impress, being deployed as the right winger in the new coach’s 4-3-3 system. It seems to have paid off, with the Serbian being amongst Ajax’s best performers this year, with three goals and two assists in his last five Eredivisie games. His speed can do real damage to Anderlecht. Established performers like keeper Maarten Stekelenburg and midfielder Demy de Zeeuw will also be vital for Ajax.
Match Prediction
Which club comes into this at a disadvantage? Anderlecht with their poor run of European performances? Or Ajax with their inconsistency and troubles on the road? The Belgians must take to the pitch in better heart, due to their strong domestic displays. However, Ajax’s European campaign has been more impressive than Anderlecht’s, with victories over teams like Dynamo Kyiv, Auxerre and AC Milan. Defender Jan Vertonghen is surely right when he calls the game as a 50-50 clash. This does look tight and should finish 1-1 or 2-2.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
martedì 21 dicembre 2010
Tutti per Bruno
Ambizioni di classifica medio-alte, spettro della retrocessione incombente. Lo Stoccarda 2010/2011 comincia ad assomigliare pericolosamente all’Herta Berlino della passata stagione. Come è finita per la squadra della capitale è cosa nota. Gli svevi tremano.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
venerdì 17 dicembre 2010
Il colore Lille
In un recente post dedicato alla Ligue 1 pubblicato su questo blog è stato rilevato come il campionato francese sia uno dei tornei meno spettacolari d’Europa a causa della bassa media-gol fatta registrare dagli incontri di campionato. Ad ogni regola esiste però un’eccezione, che nel caso della Ligue 1 proviene dall’estremo nord dell’Esagono, ovvero da Lille.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
giovedì 16 dicembre 2010
Preview Juventus-Manchester City: intervista a Vincent Kompany
100 milioni di sterline investite solamente nel 2010. Come gestite la pressione del dover vincere ad ogni costo?
Da professionisti, lavorando ogni giorno e prestando poca attenzione a quello che si dice su di noi. In pochi anni il Manchester City è passato dal Championship all’elite della Premier League. Prima non ci considerava nessuno, oggi tutto vogliono batterci. Dobbiamo abituarci alla nostra nuova dimensione.
Gli scontri Tevez-Mancini, le intemperanze di Balotelli. Il City non fa notizia solamente per i risultati sul campo.
I giornali credono che noi leggiamo tutto ciò che scrivono, ma non è così. Le critiche fanno parte del gioco, ma noi andiamo avanti per la nostra strada.
Balotelli in Italia non gode di una buona stampa.
Mario è un giocatore importante, ed ha avuto un impatto immediato nel Manchester City segnando al debutto in Europa League. So che è partito dall’Italia lasciandosi alle spalle una scia di polemiche, ma qui la mentalità è diversa. In Inghilterra tutto ruota attorno al calcio. Finisci sui giornali per qualche vicenda extra-calcistica? Ok, se ne parla, ma non ci si sofferma per settimane su quello. Alla fine vieni giudicato solo per quello che fai in campo, e sarà così anche per lui.
Cosa è cambiato a Manchester con l’arrivo di Mancini?
Organizzazione e cura della fase difensiva, che sono i due punti cardine della sua filosofia. Lui dice sempre che una buona squadra si costruisce dalle retrovie, e i risultati gli stanno dando ragione. Siamo la miglior difesa della Premier. Tatticamente poi Mancini è un autentico maestro.
E nella gestione dello spogliatoio?
Come dicevo prima, siamo professionisti. Le incomprensioni ci sono anche nelle piccole squadre. Ciò che conta sono i risultati. Un giocatore come Tevez sarà sempre ricordato per i gol, non per le dichiarazioni.
Quanto conta per voi l’Europa League?
Molto. E’ un trofeo, non ne vinciamo uno dal 1976 (la Coppa di Lega, nda). Non possiamo permetterci di snobbare alcuna competizione. Ogni partita a livello internazionale regala esperienza, fondamentale per un gruppo come il nostro che lavora per aprire un ciclo. La Juventus? A Manchester ha strappato un pareggio molto generoso.
Una parola sullo sceicco Mansour.
E’ un proprietario che non aggiunge ulteriore pressione a quella già esistente. Non entra nelle questioni tecniche, mantiene sempre un basso profilo e rispetta molto i ruoli e le persone. Il Manchester City è la sua squadra, non il suo giocattolo.
Fonte: Il Giornale
Da professionisti, lavorando ogni giorno e prestando poca attenzione a quello che si dice su di noi. In pochi anni il Manchester City è passato dal Championship all’elite della Premier League. Prima non ci considerava nessuno, oggi tutto vogliono batterci. Dobbiamo abituarci alla nostra nuova dimensione.
Gli scontri Tevez-Mancini, le intemperanze di Balotelli. Il City non fa notizia solamente per i risultati sul campo.
I giornali credono che noi leggiamo tutto ciò che scrivono, ma non è così. Le critiche fanno parte del gioco, ma noi andiamo avanti per la nostra strada.
Balotelli in Italia non gode di una buona stampa.
Mario è un giocatore importante, ed ha avuto un impatto immediato nel Manchester City segnando al debutto in Europa League. So che è partito dall’Italia lasciandosi alle spalle una scia di polemiche, ma qui la mentalità è diversa. In Inghilterra tutto ruota attorno al calcio. Finisci sui giornali per qualche vicenda extra-calcistica? Ok, se ne parla, ma non ci si sofferma per settimane su quello. Alla fine vieni giudicato solo per quello che fai in campo, e sarà così anche per lui.
Cosa è cambiato a Manchester con l’arrivo di Mancini?
Organizzazione e cura della fase difensiva, che sono i due punti cardine della sua filosofia. Lui dice sempre che una buona squadra si costruisce dalle retrovie, e i risultati gli stanno dando ragione. Siamo la miglior difesa della Premier. Tatticamente poi Mancini è un autentico maestro.
E nella gestione dello spogliatoio?
Come dicevo prima, siamo professionisti. Le incomprensioni ci sono anche nelle piccole squadre. Ciò che conta sono i risultati. Un giocatore come Tevez sarà sempre ricordato per i gol, non per le dichiarazioni.
Quanto conta per voi l’Europa League?
Molto. E’ un trofeo, non ne vinciamo uno dal 1976 (la Coppa di Lega, nda). Non possiamo permetterci di snobbare alcuna competizione. Ogni partita a livello internazionale regala esperienza, fondamentale per un gruppo come il nostro che lavora per aprire un ciclo. La Juventus? A Manchester ha strappato un pareggio molto generoso.
Una parola sullo sceicco Mansour.
E’ un proprietario che non aggiunge ulteriore pressione a quella già esistente. Non entra nelle questioni tecniche, mantiene sempre un basso profilo e rispetta molto i ruoli e le persone. Il Manchester City è la sua squadra, non il suo giocattolo.
Fonte: Il Giornale
venerdì 3 dicembre 2010
Sono affari di famiglia
E’ tempo di curiose sfide in famiglia nel calcio svizzero. Mercoledì scorso è toccato ai fratelli Degen, David e Phillip, incontrarsi per la terza volta da avversari (in precedenza ci furono un incrocio in Super League, Aarau-Basilea, e uno in Bundesliga, Borussia Mönchengladbach-Borussia Dortmund), la prima però in ambito internazionale.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
mercoledì 1 dicembre 2010
Preview Lech Poznan-Juventus
C’era una volta il Dream Team del Barcellona, griffato Johan Cruijff, fucina di trofei e di calcio. Da quel fertile terreno sono germogliati parecchi semi, oggi sparsi per l’Europa a predicare (o, almeno, a tentare di farlo) quella particolare filosofia calcistica. Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique, Sergi Barjuan, Miguel Angel Nadal, Ronald Koeman, Albert Ferrer. Al pluridecorato ex capitano blaugrana Josè Mari Bakero è toccata la Polonia. Prima alla guida del Polonia Varsavia, condotto ad un’insperata salvezza lo scorso campionato, quindi a quella del Lech Poznan, l’ex club delle ferrovie di stato. Ingaggiato il 3 novembre per sostituire l’esonerato Jacek Zielinski, Bakero debuttava ventiquattro ore dopo battendo 3-1 il Manchester City di Roberto Mancini e raggiungendolo in testa al gruppo A. Un risultato che complicava sensibilmente il cammino di una Juventus ammalata di “pareggiate” acuta, costretta adesso a vincere in Polonia per continuare a coltivare le proprie chance di qualificazione.
Il successo sugli inglesi non è stato il primo exploit della compagine polacca in questa Europa League, basta ricordare il clamoroso 3-3 in rimonta proprio sui bianconeri alla prima giornata. Di quella squadra è cambiata la guida tecnica, non la filosofia tattica. Del resto è inutile proporre calcio spettacolo con interpreti di medio livello, e proprio per questo motivo Bakero ha mantenuto, almeno in Europa, quell’arcigno 4-5-1 che ha nei tiri dalla distanza Dimitrije Injac e nei colpi di testa del difensore colombiano Manuel Arboleda (abile sulle palle inattive, a segno nelle ultime due partite “europee” al Miejski Stadion) le sue armi più pericolose. Senza ovviamente dimenticare la punta lettone Artjom Rudnevs, autore della tripletta all’Olimpico di Torino lo scorso 16 settembre. Tornò in patria da eroe, rammaricandosi solamente che a difendere i pali della Juventus non ci fosse stato Buffon, bensì Manninger. Con Storari, gli andrà male anche questa volta.
Fonte: Il Giornale
Il successo sugli inglesi non è stato il primo exploit della compagine polacca in questa Europa League, basta ricordare il clamoroso 3-3 in rimonta proprio sui bianconeri alla prima giornata. Di quella squadra è cambiata la guida tecnica, non la filosofia tattica. Del resto è inutile proporre calcio spettacolo con interpreti di medio livello, e proprio per questo motivo Bakero ha mantenuto, almeno in Europa, quell’arcigno 4-5-1 che ha nei tiri dalla distanza Dimitrije Injac e nei colpi di testa del difensore colombiano Manuel Arboleda (abile sulle palle inattive, a segno nelle ultime due partite “europee” al Miejski Stadion) le sue armi più pericolose. Senza ovviamente dimenticare la punta lettone Artjom Rudnevs, autore della tripletta all’Olimpico di Torino lo scorso 16 settembre. Tornò in patria da eroe, rammaricandosi solamente che a difendere i pali della Juventus non ci fosse stato Buffon, bensì Manninger. Con Storari, gli andrà male anche questa volta.
Fonte: Il Giornale
giovedì 4 novembre 2010
Faccetta Nuri
L’attuale ct dell’ Olanda Bert van Marwijk non ha lasciato particolari ricordi sulla panchina del Borussia Dortmund. Eppure in Westfalia rimarranno grati per parecchio tempo al tecnico oranje, il primo ad intuire ed a testare le potenzialità di Nuri Sahin, uno di pilastri del Borussia Dortmund attuale capolista solitario della Bundesliga.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
sabato 16 ottobre 2010
Porto, una panchina sempre....Special
Dopo una stagione interlocutoria, la fame è tornata più forte che mai in casa Porto. Fin dalle prime battute della nuova Liga Sagres i Dragões sono apparsi determinati a far capire chi comanda in Portogallo e, tanto per gradire, hanno deciso di proseguire il filotto anche in Europa. Il Porto non ha perso nessuna delle dodici partite ufficiali disputati finora.
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
(Articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi)
sabato 2 ottobre 2010
Nel nome di Silvio
Il Losanna prossimo avversario del Palermo in Europa League è una squadra di serie B. In senso letterale, non critico, dal momento che il club svizzero attualmente milita nel campionato di Challenge League, la serie cadetta elvetica. Del resto l’ex Coppa Uefa non ha mai mancato di ospitare qualche squadra appartenente ad una divisione inferiore [...]
(articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
(articolo completo su Il mondo siamo noi).
giovedì 30 settembre 2010
Van Wolfswinkel inspired Utrecht eye Liverpool scalp
FC Utrecht are enjoying themselves at present – and why not with European football for the first time since the 2004/05 campaign and in a Europa League group containing Napoli, Steaua Bucharest and this week’s opponents Liverpool. Returning to Europe was the main aim of Frans van Seumeren, a Dutch businessman – his company, Mammoet, specialises in the transportation of heavy objects – who became the largest shareholder in the club in 2008, having increased his shares to 63%. Van Seumeren knew that taking Utrecht back into Europe wouldn’t be an easy task and, in the summer of 2009, decided to gamble of a whole host of rising stars, including the now-highly rated Ricky van Wolfswinkel.
Van Wolfswinkel, born in 1989, has become a key player in Van Seumeren’s revolution since he joined Utrecht from Vitesse on a four-year deal. The striker was crucial in helping the club to victory in the Europa League playoffs, scoring two goals in two games against Groningen and then a brace in the final to pip Roda Kerkrade. However, for the forward that has proven to be just the beginning.
This season, Van Wolfswinkel has continued to fire for Utrecht, enjoying an excellent start, both in the Eredivisie – seven goals in seven games – and the Europa League – six goals, including a hat-trick against Celtic in the home leg of the Dutch side’s first round tie; a match that will be long remembered by the Utrecht faithful – despite a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at Parkhead, the Scottish side were trounced 4-0 at the Galgenwaard Stadium, with Van Wolfswinkel quickly labelled “Hat-tRicky” by the Dutch press. At present, with 13 goals, the 21-year-old is currently the top scorer in Holland.
While Utrecht might have produced a superb display against Celtic however, they have so far been unable to reproduce this form in the Eredivisie, where too many ups and downs have put them closer to the drop zone than the Europa League playoff places. Van Wolfswinkel though, to his credit, appears to be their lucky charm – Utrecht only win if he scores. In all the club’s games – except an early Europa League qualifier against Swiss side Luzern – Utrecht have needed the forward to hit the back of the net. When he has not, the best that can be hoped for is a draw, with defeat possible. In fact, even a good performance, as the side turned in against Napoli in the goalless draw at the San Paolo two weeks ago, does not yield victory without a Van Wolfswinkel strike.
The striker began his career at Vitesse Arnhem’s football academy, operating as either a frontman or attacking midfielder. Soon, Van Wolfswinkel was swapping to Vitesse’s A-youth team, choosing them ahead of Feyenoord and Utrecht. In the yellow and black shirt, the striker was the top scorer in the A-youth championship for two consecutive years. And finally, on 5th April 2008, at the age of 19, made his Eredivisie debut against Sparta Rotterdam.
“Van Wolfswinkel is a skilled forward who has a lot of potential”. That is the view of Cor Pot, the current boss of Holland’s Under-21 team. “He has pace, passing ability and a good shot with both feet.” A good base for sure, but Pot warns Van Wolfswinkel does still have some developing to do. “He needs to become physically stronger”, said the 59-year-old. “He is as tall as players like Fernando Torres, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Didier Drogba, but he weighs eight to 14 kilos less than them. Nothing to be worried about, he has time, he is just 21. At that age Ruud van Nistelrooy was still playing with FC Den Bosch.”
Utrecht’s bright new hope is linked with the footballing world in his private life too. The youngster’s girlfriend is Bianca Neeskens, daughter of Dutch legend Johan Neeskens, who coached Van Wolfswinkel for a short time in the now defunct Holland B team. Also the nephew of Erik Willarts (brother of the striker’s mother), a former Utrecht striker who was the second top scorer in 1986/87’s Eredivisie – after a certain Marco van Basten – Van Wolfswinkel has the game running through his blood.
Following years of dull football and equally dull results, FC Utrecht have rediscovered their ambition thanks to a clutch of stars. Belgian left winger Dries Mertens, goalkeeper Michael Vorm (the only Utrecht player in the Dutch World Cup squad), veteran midfielder Michael Silberbauer and, of course, Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Despite a difficult beginning to the club’s Eredivisie campaign, much is still expected from Ton Du Chatinier’s talented team. And success in the Europa League could be the boost they need.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
Van Wolfswinkel, born in 1989, has become a key player in Van Seumeren’s revolution since he joined Utrecht from Vitesse on a four-year deal. The striker was crucial in helping the club to victory in the Europa League playoffs, scoring two goals in two games against Groningen and then a brace in the final to pip Roda Kerkrade. However, for the forward that has proven to be just the beginning.
This season, Van Wolfswinkel has continued to fire for Utrecht, enjoying an excellent start, both in the Eredivisie – seven goals in seven games – and the Europa League – six goals, including a hat-trick against Celtic in the home leg of the Dutch side’s first round tie; a match that will be long remembered by the Utrecht faithful – despite a 2-0 deficit from the first leg at Parkhead, the Scottish side were trounced 4-0 at the Galgenwaard Stadium, with Van Wolfswinkel quickly labelled “Hat-tRicky” by the Dutch press. At present, with 13 goals, the 21-year-old is currently the top scorer in Holland.
While Utrecht might have produced a superb display against Celtic however, they have so far been unable to reproduce this form in the Eredivisie, where too many ups and downs have put them closer to the drop zone than the Europa League playoff places. Van Wolfswinkel though, to his credit, appears to be their lucky charm – Utrecht only win if he scores. In all the club’s games – except an early Europa League qualifier against Swiss side Luzern – Utrecht have needed the forward to hit the back of the net. When he has not, the best that can be hoped for is a draw, with defeat possible. In fact, even a good performance, as the side turned in against Napoli in the goalless draw at the San Paolo two weeks ago, does not yield victory without a Van Wolfswinkel strike.
The striker began his career at Vitesse Arnhem’s football academy, operating as either a frontman or attacking midfielder. Soon, Van Wolfswinkel was swapping to Vitesse’s A-youth team, choosing them ahead of Feyenoord and Utrecht. In the yellow and black shirt, the striker was the top scorer in the A-youth championship for two consecutive years. And finally, on 5th April 2008, at the age of 19, made his Eredivisie debut against Sparta Rotterdam.
“Van Wolfswinkel is a skilled forward who has a lot of potential”. That is the view of Cor Pot, the current boss of Holland’s Under-21 team. “He has pace, passing ability and a good shot with both feet.” A good base for sure, but Pot warns Van Wolfswinkel does still have some developing to do. “He needs to become physically stronger”, said the 59-year-old. “He is as tall as players like Fernando Torres, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Didier Drogba, but he weighs eight to 14 kilos less than them. Nothing to be worried about, he has time, he is just 21. At that age Ruud van Nistelrooy was still playing with FC Den Bosch.”
Utrecht’s bright new hope is linked with the footballing world in his private life too. The youngster’s girlfriend is Bianca Neeskens, daughter of Dutch legend Johan Neeskens, who coached Van Wolfswinkel for a short time in the now defunct Holland B team. Also the nephew of Erik Willarts (brother of the striker’s mother), a former Utrecht striker who was the second top scorer in 1986/87’s Eredivisie – after a certain Marco van Basten – Van Wolfswinkel has the game running through his blood.
Following years of dull football and equally dull results, FC Utrecht have rediscovered their ambition thanks to a clutch of stars. Belgian left winger Dries Mertens, goalkeeper Michael Vorm (the only Utrecht player in the Dutch World Cup squad), veteran midfielder Michael Silberbauer and, of course, Ricky van Wolfswinkel. Despite a difficult beginning to the club’s Eredivisie campaign, much is still expected from Ton Du Chatinier’s talented team. And success in the Europa League could be the boost they need.
Fonte: Inside Futbol
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