Miracles Do Happen!

I have not written anything specific for past 6 years and I decided to break that when I saw the Champions League Round of 16 match yesterday – that is right – MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

This is the comeback to end all comebacks!

It was a saddening February night for Barcelona fans when their team succumbed to a 4-0 defeat in Paris. I do not remember such a wretched Barcelona performance in my recent memory. After that dull night in Paris, Barcelona unconvincingly beat Leganes in Camp Nou, and struggled to go past Atletico Madrid in Vicente Calderon to regain some confidence in La Liga. Then came March. 6 goals against Sporting Gijon and 5 goals against Celta Vigo in Camp Nou to rehearsal the act which might be needed against the Parisian club to make a miracle, which has never happened in the history of Champions League football – to turn around a 4-0 deficit from first leg.

Luis Enrique, the outgoing Barcelona boss claimed that, “If PSG can score four goals against us, we can score six”, nobody believed. He also claimed, “In 95 minutes, an infinite amount of things can happen. I am convinced that at some point we will be close to qualifying. That is not to say we will do it, but that we will be close. And, when you are close, our confidence will soar and theirs could start to diminish.”

Another Luis from Barcelona, this time the Uruguayan, Suarez claimed, “We are aware that it is a difficult situation to turn the tie around, but in football nothing is impossible, we have to be convinced that we can do it. If there is a team that can score four goals, I think it is Barcelona but with our philosophy of how to play and controlling the game”.

The stage was set. However, not sure of Barcelona progressing knowing that an away goal by PSG can still knock the complete confidence out of Barcelona.

Luis Suarez and Barcelona got off a dream start with a goal in 3^rd minute, Andres Iniesta’s class and persistence made it 2-0 before the break, and a Lionel Messi penalty in 50^th minute made it 3-0. Then on the 62^nd minute, nothing but all Barcelona dreams were shattered by that brilliant Edinson Cavani goal. Now Barcelona need 3 goals to make the miracle happen. Barcelona died in Paris, revived in Barcelona until 62^nd minute, and then died again! Neymar Junior and Suraez went to referee’s book after losing the plot, and Barcelona wilted facing the improbable task. Then came the miraculous act in 7 minutes and 17 seconds – a sumptuous free kick by Neymar Junior in 88^th minute, a Neymar Junior penalty in 91^st minute and a Sergi Roberto goal in 95^th minute. Barcelona revived again!

Barcelona died on a Valentine’s Day night in Paris, revived on International Women’s day night in Camp Nou. YES, MIRACLES DO HAPPEN.

I have seen brilliant comebacks in football. Manchester United hit 2 stoppage time goals in Camp Nou to claim Champions League against Bayern Munich, Liverpool trailing 3-0 at half time went on to win Champions League against AC Milan in Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul. Nevertheless, Barcelona’s victory against PSG is above all those comebacks for a simple reason – at 3-1 up in the 88th minute, that Barcelona needed THREE goals and they did it.

Go back and read Luis Enrique’s words again; “If PSG can score four goals against us, we can score six.  In 95 minutes, an infinite amount of things can happen. I am convinced that at some point we will be close to qualifying. That is not to say we will do it, but that we will be close. And, when you are close, our confidence will soar and theirs could start to diminish.”

So true and now, everyone believes.

This is the reason why I love football; this is the reason why I love Barcelona!

As Sir Alex Ferguson rightly quoted, “Football, bloody hell”!

It is to be noted that Neymar Junior is slowly coming out of the shadows of Lionel Messi to become the heir of Messi, and if Neymar can produce consistent performances like this, you could soon hear the Camp Nou faithful roaring for their new Brazilian maestro.

Salutes to Barcelona, their team spirit, Luis Enrique and MSN.

9th March, 2017

After watching Barcelona beat PSG in CL Round of 16

The Road To Wembley

Old Wembley’s Twin Towers hold a unique place in the history of Manchester United and FC Barcelona. They both won their first European accolade in Old Wembley stadium. They are due to face each other on 28^th May, 2011 in the Champions League final at New Wembley stadium, London. The winner will join the elite group of Ajax Amsterdam and Bayern München with 4 Champions League titles, and will be behind only Liverpool FC (5 titles), A.C. Milan (7 titles) and Real Madrid (9 titles).

Matt Busby was the first Manchester United manager to conquer Europe in 1968. After 31 years, another Scot, Sir Alex Ferguson repeated the feat for Manchester United. Alex Ferguson once again steered United to European glory in 2008. This year, the most successful English Premier League manager is in the search of his 3^rd and United’s 4^th European achievement.

Johan Cruyff was the first FC Barcelona manager to conquer Europe in 1992. After 14 years, another Dutch, Frank Rijkaard, repeated the feat for Barcelona. Josep Guardiola, who was a player in the title winning squad under Cruyff, triumphed over Europe again in 2009; this time as a Manager. This year, the only manager in the planet to win the Sextuple is in the search of his 2^nd and Barcelona’s 4^th European achievement.

Group Stage:

Barcelona and United topped the respective groups with 14 points from the available 18 points. Both teams never lost a match in group stage. United scored 7 goals and conceded 1 goal while Barcelona scored double than United and conceded 3 goals.

First Knock-Out Round:

I would say Arsenal was little unlucky to pit against Barcelona yet another time in what turned out to be the repetition of last year’s quarter final. In spite of the victory at Emirates, Arsenal crashed out again to that little genius, Lionel Messi in a match marred by the dubious dismissal of Robin van Persie. Barcelona is a team difficult to play against when you have 11 players on the pitch. You could imagine what would have happened after Arsenal were reduced to 10 men in Camp Nou !

For Manchester United, a cagey encounter at Stade Vélodrome against Olympique Marseille was followed with a comfortable win during the return leg at Old Trafford. Thanks to Javier Hernández’s brace.

Quarter Finals:

Barcelona thrashed Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine with an aggregate score of 6-1. At Camp Nou, five goals were scored with Lionel Messi not amongst the scorers. But, the solitary goal scored at the Donbass Arena belonged to the Argentine.

For United, QF was a tough encounter and was the repetition of 2008 Champions league final. Again, the result was same. But, this time the tie wasn’t decided on penalties. Following a defeat at Stamford Bridge, for a lone Rooney goal, Chelsea traveled to Old Trafford knowing that they must score to progress. Instead, United scored through Javier Hernández and Chelsea never looked to stifle United until the second half introduction of Didier Drogba in place of disappointing Fernando Torres. 77^th minute of the match decided the tie ! Drogba scored a powerful goal and equalized for Chelsea. The response from United took no time as Ji-Sung Park restored the lead following a breath taking counter attack. Champions league curse continues for Chelsea !

There was an outstanding player who controlled the game for Manchester united in both the legs. All the 3 goals scored by Manchester United had the signature of that indefatigable, ageless, and zealous player called Giggsy; Ryan Joseph Giggs.

Semi Finals:

Until the first leg of this Champions league semi final, José Mourinho cunningly and successfully administered his team formations against Barcelona. But in Santiago Bernabéu, with entire planet watching, he failed to defend his much celebrated tactical acumen and managerial repertoire. He neither cared for Real Madrid’s aristocratic brand of attacking football nor considered the offensive talents like Kaká, Benzema and Higuaín. The harsh dismissal of the chief destroyer, Pepe, proved to be the key moment in the match. Having reduced to 10 men and the influential coach sent to stands, Madrid fluttered after an hour mark to concede the defeat to two goals from Little Messiah. El Clásico at Bernabéu was a match to be remembered for the annihilation strategy by Madrid and resultant histrionics by Barcelona.

The second leg at Camp Nou was a formality. Score line was not humiliating compared to the 5-0 thrashing in La Liga; thanks to the attacking brand of football displayed by Real Madrid. It was an admirable score line, 1-1, in the Champions league ! Real Madrid had 36% of ball possession at Camp Nou compared to 28% at Bernabéu. Madrid managed that 28% having played for half an hour with 10 men. What would have been the outcome if Real Madrid played with more attacking intent at Bernabéu during first leg  ?

Toppling the defending champions can always lift the spirit of any team and ensures further progression in the competition. But, in case of Schalke 04 it proved to be wrong. In the semi final against United, Schalke failed to replicate the eye catching performances exhibited against Inter Milan in the quarter final. The semi final was decided in favor of Manchester United with a comfortable 0-2 win at Gelsenkirchen. At Old Trafford, a second string United side proved too strong for Schalke as implied by the aggregate score of 6-1.

 Statistics:

In Champions League, Manchester United is having a dream run and is yet to lose a match in the ongoing season. The only loss suffered by Barcelona was against Arsenal at the Emirates. Barcelona scored more than any other team in this year’s competition; 27 times compared to United’s 18. Manchester United got the best defensive record in the competition as they conceded only 4 goals compared to Barcelona’s 8. Barcelona had 62% average ball possession in all matches compared to United’s 58%.

Lionel Messi is the top scorer in the Champions League this season with 11 goals. Other main scorers for Barcelona are Pedro Rodríguez; 4 goals, and David Villa; 3 goals.  For United, Javier Hernández has scored 4 goals while Wayne Rooney and Anderson, 3 each. In case of assists, Andrés Iniesta for Barcelona, and Ryan Giggs for United, turned provider for 4 goals; Mesut Özil leading the list with 6 assists. 

Both Barcelona and United goes to Wembley as newly crowned champions of football leagues in Spain and England respectively. That means the winner at New Wembley will achieve the European Double, which include European and domestic titles. In La Liga, Barcelona overcame Real Madrid to claim 21^st title and tallied 96 points.  In Premier League, Manchester United managed only 5 away wins this season, and still won the League for a record 19^th time collecting 80 points.

Again, Lionel Messi is the leading goal scorer for Barcelona in La Liga with 31 goals and falling behind only to the record breaker, Cristiano Ronaldo. The mesmeric dribbler from Portugal with an unprecedented 40-goal haul in La Liga, two more than the previous record jointly held by Hugo Sanchez (1989/90) and Telmo Zarra (1959/60). In the Premier League, Dimitar Berbatov of Manchester United and former Red Devil, Carlos Tévez shared the top scorer spot with 21 goals each.

Again ! Lionel Messi turned provider for Barcelona’s 18 goals in La Liga and topped the assists list ! If you believe the statistics, the right wing back of Barcelona had more than double assists to Barcelona’s midfield maestro, Xavi ! The rampant Dani Alves with 15 assists.  Luís Nani led the chart in Premier League with 18 assists, while Wayne Rooney helped his teammates finding the net 11 times.

History:

Past 10 meetings between Barcelona and United witnessed 3 wins each and 4 draws. They have met each other in 2 finals. Manchester United prevailed in the Cup Winners Cup (CWC was abolished in 1999 and made way to expansion of Champions League and introduction of Europa League) final at Feijenoord Stadion, Rotterdam in 1991. Barcelona took the center stage in the most recent meeting; Champions League final at Stadio Olimpico, Rome in 2009.

Team News:

By now, Sir Alex Ferguson would have watched the DVD of 2009 Champions League final defeat multiple times. In 2009, United’s technical team notified Ferguson that Barcelona’s frailties lie primarily in Valdés, their dodgy goalkeeper and aerial weakness, as Barcelona looked vulnerable in the air. Subsequently, United played with a strategy of frequently sending long balls to their forward line and paid the price to the aerial prowess of the shortest man on the pitch; Messi out jumping the United defense to head the ball past Edwin van der Sar to seal the title in favor of Barcelona.

Looking at both the sides, Barcelona seems well equipped compared to two seasons ago. Barcelona used a rigid 4-3-3 formation in 2009, with Messi on the right wing, Henry on the left, and Eto’o in the center. Current Barcelona side play free flowing football, with Messi operating in the center, Pedro on the right and the ‘supreme finisher’, David Villa on the left. Messi is no longer an inverted winger, and has given the freedom to drop deep, roam in to the areas where space is vacant, and also to form that short triangle of passes with Xavi and Iniesta.

The defense of Barcelona looks more rugged compared to 2009. In Rome, both Abidal and Alves missed the final due to suspension. That prompted Guardiola to go for a make shift arrangement; Puyol as right back, Sylvinho at left back position and had the central defensive pairing of Gerard Piqué and Yaya Touré. This time, Barcelona will have the first choice central defensive pairing and right wing back. If fully recovered and back to full fitness from the recent surgery to remove a tumor from his liver, Abidal will be the first choice left back.

Most notably for Manchester United, there won’t be Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tévez in the lineup from the team played in Rome. Antonio Valencia and Javier Hernández eagerly waits to play their part in a Champions League final. Another man to make the impact will be the best disruptive player in the United side; Darren Fletcher, who missed the final in Rome due to suspension. Although, the latest news is that Fletcher, who has been out for two months with a mystery virus, will not be fit to play in the final. In all possibility, United may field the same back four played in the final at Rome. The only suspicious position belong to John O'Shea, the right wing back.

Tactics:

If not presented with an element of surprise, Pep Guardiola will field his standard 4-3-3 formation, with Messi having the freedom to roam around. Sergio Busquets will anchor the midfield along with Xavi and Iniesta. You may also expect the surging runs from Dani Alves whenever Messi drops in to midfield areas and draws away his markers along with him to create spaces in the right flank. If Guardiola decides to add more steel to the midfield, then he got Seydou Keita and Javier Mascherano at his disposal. If Pedro is not able to haunt Patrice Evra regularly, Guardiola may turn to the pace and trickery of Ibrahim Afellay, the winger who crossed for Messi’s opening goal against Real Madrid in the semi final at Bernabéu.

Sir Alex Ferguson will be in a dilemma to decide his best formation. I assume, he may not go for a direct 4-4-2; instead he will use 4-4-1-1 formation that worked so well against Chelsea in the quarter finals. Rooney looked deadly dangerous in that formation, playing in a deep-lying role, with Chicharito in the more orthodox striker position. If Alex Ferguson decides to opt for a five man midfield to upset Barcelona’s dominance in the midfield, it’s going to have multiple effects on his own team. First of all, he has to sacrifice a player, most probably Chicharito. That will compel Rooney to play the role of an orthodox striker, not a comfortable position for Rooney nowadays, thus nullifying his contributions in the midfield. Most importantly, being a wonderful and booming counter attacking side, United will miss the pace and dashes of Chicharito, if he is dropped for Ferguson’s conservative nature in big games.

I would bet for Valencia on the right, Giggs and Carrick in the middle of the park, and Park Ji-Sung on the left, if Ferguson opts for 4-4-1-1. Presence of the ever reliant South Korean will be helpful in canceling out forward runs from Dani Alves too. Carrick needs to close down Barcelona midfield quickly to deny space and time for Xavi and Iniesta to operate on. Giggs need to become the linchpin, carefully distributing the ball, as you are expecting to have negligible share of possession. In case Alex Ferguson opts for a similar strategy deployed by José Mourinho in the Champions League semi final against Barcelona, United may use Anderson to do the job of an aggressive search-and-destroy ball winner. Expect Nani and Scholes to have impact off the bench.

Here is the details about grande finale.

FC Barcelona Vs. Manchester United
Date: 28/05/2011
Time: 20:45
Stadium: Wembley Stadium
Venue: London (ENG)

If short of motivation for the daunting task of defeating Barcelona, Sir Alex Ferguson only has to look at well known managers like José Mourinho and Arsène Wenger, as well as little known managers like Martin Lasarte and Esteban Vigo ! They all outmaneuvered Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona once this season. Only once each ! José Mourinho managed that in the final of Copa del Rey, Arsène Wenger in the first leg of Champions League quarter final, Martin Lasarte of Real Sociedad and Esteban Vigo (sacked later) of Hércules in La Liga.

Alex Ferguson would know the importance of interrupting the ‘carousel’ to prevent the recurrence of an awful Roman night happened two years ago. This time he wishes the ‘London dream’ to come true by collecting that glittering trophy. Mission Impossible or Mission Possible ?

26th May, 2011
2 days before Champions League final at Wembley

Mission Accomplished ! 19 League Titles...

Blackburn Rovers 1 Manchester United 1. The result ensured this year’s League title to Manchester United. But, the final score at Ewood Park did not matter to Sir Alex Ferguson. What mattered to him was Manchester United 19 Liverpool 18 ! Finally, Alex Ferguson has accomplished in his long term target of throwing Liverpool off their perch. Now Manchester United has set the target for other teams to pursue.

When United signed the dynamic Scot from Aberdeen to replace their below par Manager Ron Atkinson in 1986, nobody in Manchester assumed he was going to rewrite the football history in favor of Greater Manchester by challenging the colossal in the League and Europe, Liverpool FC. In fact, when Alex Ferguson arrived at Old Trafford, the ‘mattered’ score line was 16-7 in favor of Anfield. Liverpool went on to win two more titles under Ferguson’s compatriot Kenny Dalglish, who is now at Anfield hot seat for a second spell. If you quote Alan Hansen, the Liverpool legend and now a Football pundit, “When Liverpool beat Queens Park Rangers to lift our 18th League Championship in 1990, nobody mentioned Manchester United.” That was the reality two decades ago; Liverpool had 18 League titles against Manchester United’s 7.

The hardest League title, they say the first title can be the hardest one, under Alex Ferguson came in 1992. Surprisingly, the renaming of the domestic league to Premier League occurred the same year. The launching of Premier League signaling the dominance of Red Devils ! The squad contained an 18 year old left winger who scored in all Premier League seasons till today and still forms the vital part of Manchester United which won the 19^th title. Ryan Giggs, the Welsh Wizard.

United triumphed next season also followed by a remarkable achievement in 1995-96 season. That was the Golden Generation of United coming through the ranks of youth system. The 3^rd League title under Alex Ferguson witnessed the performances of new generation and contained the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Neville brothers. Ferguson believed the youngsters and they returned the favor to their Master by bestowing the greatest ever season in United’s history, in 1999. The Treble not only offered the 5^th League title to Alex Ferguson; but, his first European success at Manchester. The ‘mattered’ score line after the Treble was 18- 12 in favor of Liverpool. Also, Liverpool had 4 European Cups to United’s 2 triumphs.

By the time Alex Ferguson masterminded the Double by conquering League title and European elite in 2007-08, he had amended the scores to 18-17, still in favor of Liverpool. In the European front, Liverpool also amended their part through ‘miracle of Istanbul’ and score was 5-3 in favor of Liverpool. In both League and Europe, United overpowered Chelsea and nobody will forget the way John Terry slipped to present the Champions League to Red Devils in a rainy pitch at Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow.

The following time of the year witnessed Alex Ferguson equaling 18 titles of Liverpool. None other than Liverpool came as runners up in the League, one of the atypical occasion where Liverpool played like real champions under Rafa Benitez. But, even the commanding displays against other three teams in the so called ‘Top Four’, which doesn’t exist as on today with Liverpool no longer a part of it, was not enough to stop United from clinching their 18^th, and Alex Ferguson’s 11^th League title.

2010-11 season. History rewritten. Much coveted dream accomplished. Liverpool is no longer the most successful team domestically. Manchester United seized that honor with 19 League titles. Sir Alex Ferguson, the longest serving Manchester United Manager becomes the most successful Manager of all time. 12 Premier League titles in 19 seasons. Precisely, 12 League titles in 25 seasons at Manchester. There is an opportunity to make an amendment to European score too. A victory at Wembley against Barcelona FC on 28^th May will make the score 5-4, still in favor of Merseysiders.

Kenny Dalglish with Blackburn, Arsène Wenger with Arsenal, José Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti with Chelsea are the only Managers to win Premier League other than Alex Ferguson. Only Arsène Wenger is persisted to provide a long term rivalry to Ferguson with Dalglish deciding to take over as Director of football at Blackburn Rovers immediately after winning the Premier League, José Mourinho winning the Premier League twice in three attempts but sacked by Chelsea, and Ancelotti still unsure about his future after ending the current season trophy less with Chelsea. For Ferguson’s point of view, he would cherish to renew the rivalry with Kenny Dalglish who signed a permanent three-year contract at Anfield last week. That would take us back to the days when the two Scots battled for dominance in English club football and most interestingly the ‘mattered’ score is between them with nobody else in the visible sight.

Past : Liverpool.
Present : Manchester United.
Future : Up for grab.

The above says the whole story in a nutshell. With most of the Premier league teams going to summer transfer market, the future looks exciting. Chelsea will enter the market for revamping their ageing squad with or without Ancelotti in charge. Arsenal looks to bolster their squad despite the fear of losing Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri. Rejuvenated Liverpool under Dalglish will get around 50 million transfer kitty to lavish upon young prospects. ‘Noisy neighbors’ having qualified for Champions League will now attract celebrated players with money never a matter to them.

As for Manchester United, they need to replace four or five players in the near future. Edwin van der Sar needs immediate replacement as he had announced his retirement from football. Giggs and Scholes not far away from calling time to their illustrious careers at Old Trafford. Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić are not too far away from deteriorating their majestic time. Replacements for the established ones like Giggs, Scholes and Ferdinand will present an intimidating task to Alex Ferguson. But again, who else could do the job better than Sir Alex Ferguson who successfully dealt with the departures of Éric Cantona, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

One day, when Alex Ferguson announces his retirement from Manchester United’s manager post, United fans will nervously look forward to their future. May be from that day onwards, other Premier league clubs will swoop for grabbing up the future. Till that time, either pursue the records set by Manchester United or face them with sheer determination and vision exemplified by that legend; Sir Alex Ferguson.

15^th May, 2011
The day after Manchester United clinched 19^th League title

Dalglish Signs New Three-Year Deal At Anfield

There was no second choice. Still they made him wait before making the final judgment. Might be, American way of management. Finally the pronouncement came. Kenny Dalglish has been appointed as permanent manager of Liverpool on a three-year deal.

Do you think if Fenway Sports Group has selected another candidate in place of Dalglish and presented them to Liverpool supporters, will Kop cuddle him without any disgruntlement ? For instance, young, dynamic André Villas-Boas of Porto FC, known as ‘next Mourinho’, or José Mourinho himself in place of Dalglish ? Being a Liverpool fan I can tell you I would have been entirely let down with those selections. Kenny Dalglish embodies Liverpool FC and has a unique relationship with supporters which cannot be swapped for any qualities possessed by Villas-Boas and Mourinho. It would be brainless to believe that José Mourinho developing such a relation and status among Liverpool supporters.

Even though the permanent deal was delayed by owners Fenway Sports Group, Dalglish never appeared apprehensive and always insisted, “There is no rush. The club is more important than anyone else. Take your time, make your decisions.” For Dalglish, he knows the ultimate choice but wanted the owners to be very affirmative about their decision to bring back a legend who knows the feel and pulse of Liverpool. Damien Comolli, Liverpool's director of football described, “The decision was a no-brainer. We didn't look around. Very early on we knew Kenny was the right person and, along with Steve (Clarke), we had the right coaching staff behind him. I have been impressed by the way they turned it around: the quality of the football, the enthusiasm, the confidence of the players, the way Kenny managed to integrate very young players into the first team.”

Liverpool’s transformation under ‘King Kenny’ episode-II was astounding. The best evidence is, imagining League started in January instead of August; Liverpool will be second in the table below Chelsea. The new elect-champions Manchester United will be in 3^rd position after Liverpool ! The attacking brand of football played by Liverpool under Dalglish is proving to be entertaining as well as result oriented as one can notice the number of goals scored and points earned; 35 goals and 33 points in 16 games. No other team in the Premier League scored more number of goals and only Chelsea managed more points than Liverpool since January. If Fenway Sports Group has considered Dalglish instead of Roy Hodgson last summer, who knows how the League table will look like now ?

With Dalglish, it’s smiles all around Liverpool. The enthusiasm and spirit has come back to Liverpool players and is evident from the training sessions at Melwood. Dalglish himself is expressive and responsive in press conferences, fans singing aloud for King Kenny and his players.  Thumping victories, including giant killings against Chelsea and Manchester United, unassailable victories against Birmingham and Fulham, had restored the belief.  Like a magician Dalglish has wielded his magic wand to lift the gloom formed around Anfield during Hodgson era.

When Liverpool host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield coming Sunday, the players and the fans know they have a permanent manager in the dug-out accompanied by first team coach Steve Clarke who also signed a three year deal along with Dalglish. Even though refused to speculate on Europe previous occasion, Dalglish would love to get qualified for Europa league next season as he do not want to miss the profits from the competition. Dalglish will surely rotate the squad for Europa league matches, if qualified and young players will get a chance to stage their credentials. However, the prime target for next season will be top four finish which will ensure further profits from Champions league and restore Liverpool where they belonged. Anything beyond that will be a bonus.

And, what if Dalglish restores Liverpool where they belonged during Dalglish episode-I ? Kop will surely have a new God. This time a Scot.

13^th May, 2011
The day after Dalglish signed new deal at Liverpool

The Return Of The King

Anfield is always excited about European nights.  Precisely, Champions league nights. Those are the kind of nights both players and supporters crave for season after season when European footballing giants are expected at your arena to challenge your team. Most of the time Liverpool responded to such circumstances with heart and soul and made the Kop scream and chant in elation. However, Anfield will not get electrified similar to Champions league nights when Liverpool strides out for Europa league matches. Yet, the qualification for Europe’s second tier competition, Europa League, can be considered as tremendous achievement if you judge the way Liverpool played under Roy Hodgson during first half of the season. 

Yesterday at Craven Cottage, proceedings were special. Final score line showcased the way Liverpool flourished under King Kenny, Fulham 2 Liverpool 5. To strike 5 goals at Craven Cottage, where Fulham kept six clean sheets in seven league fixtures since New Year, provided Liverpool supporters around the world something to cheer for as bitter rivals Manchester United prepare to celebrate their 19^th League title.

To be frank, I was not expecting Roy Hodgson to work miracles at Liverpool. The LMA manager of the year, who arrived at the club in the summer, never got settled to the atmosphere and traditions at Liverpool. His poor tenure at Anfiled was further complicated by the ownership issues as well as the then Kop darling, Fernando Torres’s perplexing behavior in most of the games he played under Hodgson. Somehow Torres lost the appetite and passion to play and win for Liverpool and that had a major impact on Hodgson era at Liverpool. Would you believe Roy Hodgson, who guided Fulham to 7^th place finish in League and final of Europa League in the previous years, managed only one away win during his time at Liverpool ? Apart from that, Liverpool was engaged in relegation battle after 6 games when the most prestigious club in Premier league was positioned 18^th in the league table !

In October 2010, US Company New England Sports Ventures, owner of the Boston Red Sox, has completed its takeover of Liverpool FC. Then the New Year arrived, along came Liverpool’s savior !

Kenneth Mathieson ‘King Kenny’ Dalglish.

Even though new to football, John W Henry, NESV head was thrilled by the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as caretaker manager when Roy Hodgson was sacked.  John Henry quoted, "Kenny was not just a legendary footballer, he was the third of our three most successful managers - three giants. We are extraordinarily fortunate and grateful that he has decided to step in during the middle of this season."

Kenny Dalglish first managed Liverpool from 1985 to 1991, when he resigned on health grounds. In that time Liverpool won the Double in his first season, as well as the League two more times, the FA Cup twice and the Charity Shield twice. His second stint started against Manchester United in FA cup 3^rd round match at Old Trafford. What a way to reignite the rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson. In spite of the defeat at Old Trafford, Liverpool looked different under Dalglish and displayed a spirited performance.

Sometimes things will not happen the way followers, owners and even players wanted to, when a legend takes control of dressing room. Story at Liverpool was not different. Loss at Old Trafford was accompanied by defeat at Blackpool and a home draw with Everton in the league. Well, those were the games Dalglish wanted to experiment with his players and team combinations. Dalglish did one thing that Rafa Benitez and Roy Hodgson dared to do; substitute Fernando Torres when not on song !

Much awaited first win came at Molineux in the expense of Wolves where Fernando Torres grabbed a double. That winning streak continued with home wins against Fulham and Stoke. In between, an unthinkable event happened at Anfield. Fernando Torres was sold to Chelsea for a British transfer record of 50 million pounds ! Even though Torres started finding net and performed better under Dalglish, the Scot was not in a frame of mind to keep an unhappy player in his team. In came Luis Suarez from Ajax Amsterdam and Andy Carroll from Newcastle United. The man who assembled a formidable strike partnership of Alan Shearer and Chris Sutton at Blackburn Rovers is promising something similar in Carroll and Suarez.

Then we witnessed the ‘defensive master plan’ against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Fielding three central defenders, two in standard position; Martin Škrtel & Daniel Agger, and one sweeping central defender; Jamie Carragher, Kenny Dalglish nullified Chelsea attack which included ‘Anfield legend’ Fernando Torres. The manner in which Jamie Carragher threw his body to block Torres’s goal bound shot emphasized the Reds desire to deprive Torres opening the account for Chelsea against his old club. With Carroll out injured and Suarez warming the bench for the whole match, I would say the same Liverpool team Dalglish inherited from Hodgson did that perfect job at Bridge through Meireles goal. There was robustness in the Liverpool side along with remarkable changes. Most notably Torres wore a Blue jersey instead of Red. But, the prominent one was the presence and influence of ‘King Kenny’ on the organization called Liverpool.  

In spite of slips against Wigan and West Ham, Dalglish took no time in responding with a resounding victory against Manchester United at Anfield. Dirk Kuyt, the unsung hero and a tireless performer in the Liverpool side grabbed a hat trick but the plaudits went to El Pistolero, Luis Suarez. His dazzling movements, vision, and alertness in the field along with goal scoring capabilities made him Kop darling and soon everybody forgot about the man who became a blue ! And look at the jersey number Suarez wear…..the holy number 7 once sported by none other than his manager, Kenny Dalglish. It’s too early for a judgment, but, the Kop as well as Dalglish himself is expecting Suarez to become the true inheritor to Liverpool number 7. Is it a coincidence that Luis Suarez can play as a striker and second striker as Dalglish did during his playing career ? Let’s wait for next Premier league season.

It’s always important for a striker to open the scoring for his new club in order to remove the expectation burden on him and to express himself free in the turf. The most expensive British player in the history, Andy Carroll, pounced on the opportunity against Manchester City at Anfield with a double during that commanding victory. Dismantling of Birmingham, Newcastle and Fulham followed with Maximiliano Rodríguez racking up 7 goals in 3 matches including hat tricks against Birmingham and Fulham. The way Raul Meireles, Lucas Leiva, and Jay Spearing performed in the midfield made Dalglish pleased when you consider the talismanic Steven Gerrard’s absence due to injury.

Looking towards future is always important for Liverpool and I was not taken aback when I saw the next generation of Liverpool players drafted to first team plans under Dalglish who already knew the potentials of Jay Spearing, Martin Kelly, John Flanagan and Jack Robinson. Don’t forget Kenny Dalglish was looking after the youth academy at Kirkby when Rafa Benitez was Liverpool manager. Wait for Raheem Sterling to join the first team sooner or later to mark his name in the Anfield history.

Before the arrival of ‘King Kenny’ for his second spell, any opponent and manager facing Liverpool had a simple strategy. ‘Stop Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard. You stop Liverpool’. With Torres no longer a Red and Gerrard missing the second half of the season through injury, Liverpool have thrived under Dalglish knowing that team is always important than players. Dirk Kuyt, Maxi Rodríguez and Raul Meireles contributed 28 goals between them while Luis Suarez managed 4 goals along with his plentiful assists. Now that look like a team performance and the credit can be given to Dalglish and Steve Clarke, first team coach.

With two games remaining, Liverpool lie 5^th in the Premier league table above Tottenham whom they entertain at Anfield on coming Sunday. A Liverpool win will ensure Europa league spot, the reasonable achievement considering the 12^th position of Liverpool when Dalglish took over 4 months ago. Whatever happens in the future, Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish already possess something unfamiliar to Liverpool way. While Hodgson became the ‘shortest serving Liverpool manager’, Dalglish became ‘the first Liverpool manager to serve a second term’.

Will Dalglish become the first Liverpool manager to win the League in different spells ?

Will he become the first Liverpool manager to win the League after 1990 ?

Well, to get a positive answer to those questions there is a bare minimum requirement which is not in Dalglish’s control. Upgrading his status of caretaker post to permanent manager of Liverpool FC. Rest of the things certainly lie in the hands of Dalglish and his squad for next season. A few more quality additions, like a central defender, a left wing back, one or two natural wingers, and a defensive midfielder would make Liverpool challenging for 19^th League title for which Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher can sweat blood.

11^th May, 2011
The day after Liverpool beat Fulham, Manchester City beat Tottenham
Reds currently occupy 5^th position in Premier League table

'18' The Magic Number

Number 18. Does this number have any significance ? Well, as per numerologists, number 9 is thought to be one of the auspicious numbers and if you add 1 and 8 you get there. As the major football leagues across the world are preparing to crown champions for season 2010-11, I felt the significance of number 18 soon after last weekend’s football actions.

18 League titles was a record once held by Liverpool for years and last year Manchester United equaled that feat. And this year, with the 19^th title just a formality Red Devils are going to bury the Merseysiders pride once used to taunt King Cantona, ‘Come back when you’ve won 18’. None other than Sir Alex Ferguson will be happier to overtake Liverpool for the number of League tiles won and now he can proclaim Manchester United as the most successful football club in England, domestically. In the European front, Liverpool still dwarfs United with 5 titles. But Sir Alex would be well aware that May 28, 2011 will present him with another turn on the screw to craft United’s fourth European title. United supporters along with Alex Ferguson will be thrilled to triumph at Wembley; but look, who awaits you in the final…..wonder in boots, Barcelona FC.

In Italian Serie A, against AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico, A.C. Milan managed a goalless draw which wrapped up the Serie A title with two weeks to spare. Scudetto number 18 for A.C. Milan ! The significance of the number doesn’t end there; city rivals Inter Milan have won the last five scudettos and are tied with A.C. Milan with 18 titles each. Only Juventus have won more than Inter and A.C. Milan; a record of 27 times. Yet again, adding 2 and 7 gives you the magical number 9 ! Last year, Inter fans humiliated Il Diavolo fans by chanting about their 18^th title, while celebrating the Treble under successful stewardship of Jose Mourinho. By regaining the scudetto, A.C. Milan not only ended the seven year trophy draught but matched Nerazzurri’s 18 titles.

‘Del Piero e la Juventus, 18 anni d'amore’ is the statement read in the home page of the official website of Bianconeri which simply translates to "Del Piero and Juventus, 18 years of love". 1993-2011. Victory after victory, goal after goal, emotion after emotion. The bond that unites Juventus and their captain is stronger than ever…..comments continues as Del Piero signed contract extension for another year which will keep him bonded to his ‘only’ professional club, Juventus. Entering to his 19^th season he carries the records for most appearances, 674 and most goals, 283 in the revered Black and White jersey. ‘Symbol’, ‘Captain, and ‘Juventino’ are the three words used by the supporters to describe their beloved number 10.

In Spanish Primera División, Barcelona needs only one point from their remaining three games to be crowned as champions for 21^st time against Real Madrid’s 31 titles. But, have you noted the player in the driving seat for Zarra Trophy awarded to the Spanish domestic player with highest goals in La Liga ?  And, number of goals to his credit till today ? While Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are the leading scorers, but, both being non-Spanish, David Villa is the front runner. 18 goals !

As per Astro-Numerology, if you are related to number 9, in other words 1 plus 8, they are born fighters and even though faced by adversity, they emerge victorious in the end because of their mental strength, determination and courage. Red confers luck on them.

Surprisingly, both Manchester United and A.C. Milan pursued this year’s Premier League and Serie A title with determination and courage, and emerged victorious facing adverse situations. Add to that United is known as Red Devils and A.C. Milan as Rossoneri (Red and Blacks).

Now look at how Iván Zamorano, retired Chilean striker, was obsessed with his jersey number. Zamorano was wearing the famous number 9 shirt in his initial season at Inter Milan. Then Inter signed Roberto Baggio and Ronaldo was forced to give up his number 10 jersey and started wearing number 9. What Zamorano did after losing his number 9 to Ronaldo was hilarious. He wore number 18 with a plus symbol between the two digits thus making him still technically a number 9 !

Now, don’t you think number 18 is magical…..? J

9^th May, 2011
The day after United beat Chelsea 2-1 at Old Trafford
United 1 point away from 19^th League title

London Neighbors Are Always Nice

61 days meant 2 months for everyone. But for Chelsea, more than that ! Change of fortune and glimpse of hope !!

By the end of February 2011, West London felt like a bleak place and city was in a dull mood due to their team’s position in the Premier league table. Top of the table gazed red and uncertainty stared at Chelsea due to their loss of form added with their 50 million British record signing failing to live up to the  expectations. Players and fans looked dejected and their body language and confidence no longer belonged to champions. Even though North London claimed they are going to be title contenders this time, each one including Sir Alex Ferguson were confident about the lack of steel in the Arsenal side. In that contest, it was almost certain that EPL crown was heading towards Manchester. 15 points separated red part of Manchester and blue part of London.

Then came the month of May forecasting a beautiful spring. Wow ! There is chance of painting the top of the table with blue shade. Three games remaining for Manchester United and Chelsea with the title decider between them staged at Old Trafford on 8^th May. Following week United travel to Ewood Park while Chelsea host New Castle. Final week will see Chelsea traveling to Merseyside, luckily not Liverpool and United host Blackpool at home. Chelsea travel to Old Trafford knowing that there is no better chance of wounding United than beating them at their own perch thereby denting United’s title hopes. Worry not; there will be prayers and wishes from Liverpool too.

3 points now separate United from Chelsea with same goal difference. Thanks to North London neighbors for beating United at the Emirates ! From Chelsea’s perspective, their performance in the last 61 days was scintillating. Credit goes to the  players as well their Italian Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who somehow found out a way to accommodate Torres in his line-up, to be fair not so convincingly, managed to bring the best out of Didier Drogba, may be emotionally challenging the Ivorian by demoting him to bench for making way for Torres. In those circumstances the big Ivorian will crave for next opportunity and will show his boss who the real boss is !

Renaissance started with a 2-1 win against United at Stamford Bridge on 1^st March. Last week Chelsea beat Tottenham and the score line remain unchanged. But, the league table and the prospect of Premier league crown underwent changes. Between those two wins at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea played 9 games and amassed 25 points out of the available 27. They failed to get all points only at Britannia stadium. And during that streak Torres managed to get his first goal in blue jersey against West Ham after 734 minutes on the pitch. With the sight of United nearby and overtaking the Red devils not a distant dream, John Terry, Chelsea and English captain, has urged his teammates for a spirited display and stated “Chelsea can beat Manchester United at Old Trafford and steal the title”. If that remarkable turnaround happens at Old Trafford, Terry is to rank that achievement alongside winning the league in 2005 for the first time in five decades. Now, that seems like a Champion’s statement and no surprise the confidence factor is back again.   

Irrespective of above comments I foresee United sail over all these situations because of the man at the helm at Old Trafford. During the past years Sir Alex has undergone familiar situations and he knows exactly where to tap and whom to tap to produce thumping displays under pressure. Positives for United and their Manager are the drive for 19^th league title and they are not going to give that up when the target is almost achieved. Another drive could be repeating the feat they achieved in 2008, when they completed the Double including English Premier League and Champions League.

Of course there are few concerns for United too. They have and extra game to play against Schalke 04 on coming Wednesday in Champions league. As the tie was almost settled with an away win at Gelsenkirchen last week, United will plan to rest few players in their starting XI to keep them afresh for battle against Chelsea in the weekend. But, imagine a situation where Schalke stuns Old Trafford with an early goal or two. Sir Alex has to opt for his best players to save the match and at the same time he cannot afford any key player coming out with an injury. Also, the players will feel the fatigue due to these high adrenaline games with Arsenal and Chelsea in EPL and Schalke in Champions league. If that takes a toll, then Chelsea can corner Manchester United players with their physical game.

Another deciding factor is the presence of 37 year old veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs who is considered to be the ‘engine’ of Manchester United this season. United’s best performances, especially in Champions league away to Chelsea and Schalke demonstrated the still uncompromising footballing skills of Welshman. And the last two games United lost, to Manchester City in FA cup and Arsenal in EPL, the ‘engine’ was missing from the line up.

A United victory or draw at Old Trafford will swing the title towards Manchester. But in case Chelsea prevails, then Blue wind will start blowing. United’s away form is a concern this season and they face a stiff competition at Ewood park. Even though playing at home, United will find a stubborn opponent in Blackpool, if the seasiders are still engaged in the relegation battle. Luckily for Chelsea, both Everton and New Castle are above relegation zone. Everything depends on the verdict at Old Trafford on Sunday and even neighbors and Merseysiders wait for good news.

Will the spring bloom in Manchester or London ?

2^nd May, 2011
The day after Arsenal beat United at the Emirates