© EuroFootball.com
At the portal "EuroFootball.com" - the section "Supporters' Thoughts"! Before the most important, interesting, and highly-publicized matches, we speak to fans who support the clubs entering the battle.
A forum member Tango, who is indifferent to the club, shares his thoughts on the first round of the Spanish league, the symbolic "Primera" team, the upcoming match against Santander's "Racing," and Jose Mourinho.
I will say right away - the first round of the Spanish league presented very few surprises in the tournament table. The Spanish Championship is becoming more predictable. At the top, there are two titans - "Barcelona" and "Real," while other clubs are lagging behind at a respectful distance. It took 19 matches for a 9-point difference to appear between the second and third place, and an impressive 13-point difference between the first and third place.
I would award the best player of the first half of the season to Real Madrid's leader Cristiano Ronaldo. As is known, I am not a fan of the Portuguese, but that doesn't mean he's a bad player. It is hard to imagine what the points difference between the two strongest "Primera" teams would be without him.
I would name Josep Guardiola as the best coach. The football displayed by Barcelona is the result of the teamwork of the entire team, and motivating players who have won everything also requires a lot of effort and skill.
Sevilla surprised me as they have a strong squad but are struggling in 10th place. I would predict that the Fabiano - Kanoute duo is playing their last season together.
I always watch Atletico Madrid's matches with a smile. The team's fans never give up, but the team without real grit - they switch many powerful footballers each year, have Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero, now also goalkeeper de Gea, yet they won't rise higher. Traditionally, I would predict 7th to 10th place.
The season's surprise starters "Hercules" are returning to their place, contrasting with "Almeria" at the bottom of the table.
I have no doubt that the second part of the championship will be a race between the two giants.
I will put together a symbolic team from the first round of the "Primera" league. (Rules: no more than 5 players from one team in the starting lineup. Tactical scheme: 4-4-2.)
Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes ("Barcelona"). Defenders: Sergio Ramos ("Real"), Mikel San Jose (Athletic Bilbao), Diego Godin (Atletico), Joan Capdevila ("Villarreal"). Midfielders: Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel Di Maria (both "Real"), Xavi, Andres Iniesta (both "Barcelona"). Forwards: Lionel Messi and David Villa (both "Barcelona").
Coach: Josep Guardiola ("Barcelona").
I admit that I am not very objective, but when assembling the team, I tried to pay attention to the best players in their positions and not deviate from the selected rule.
Many would argue about the goalkeeper position, but the "El Clasico" match at the "Camp Nou" stadium left no one indifferent - at least in the first half of the season. At the end of the championship, the balance may shift.
It is a pity that the King's Cup match with Sevilla's "Betis" showed that Gabriel Milito no longer meets the highest demands expected of "Barca" defenders. The Argentine received several offers from other teams but decided to stay in Catalonia until the end of the season. One match was enough to realize that it was a bad decision, and it would be better to part ways with him during the winter transfer window.
Negotiations are underway with Dani Alves regarding contract extension, and an ordinary offer has been presented to the defender by "Barcelona." For some reason, this issue receives a lot of attention. It is understandable - the Brazilian is one of the best players in his position globally, but many forget that he has a contract until the summer of 2012, not 2011, as claimed several times. Therefore, there is still at least a year of negotiations with Alves.
Rumors about Guardiola's contract generate more excitement. Italy? England? Forget it! I cannot imagine a scenario where the coach does not sign a new contract with "Barcelona." Even if the club wins nothing this season, Guardiola will be offered a new contract, presumably a long-term one. I think the Barcelona club president is well aware that he risks his position.
I have always been in favor of giving young players a chance on the field, so I highly appreciate the news that Thiago Alcantara will be promoted to the first team next season.
The match with "Betis" was also encouraging for the team's newcomer Ibrahim Afellay. As known, Dutch players easily adapt to Catalonia.
The addition of a new forward to the two "Primera" giants would bring extra excitement. Especially if it is Ruud van Nistelrooy.
The new owners of "Malaga" are assembling a very interesting team. Although the Andalusian team is already mockingly called the Spanish "Manchester City" due to numerous purchases and having 30 players, next year we will see how the Sheikh of Qatar's investment pays off. For now, he seems to be making very sensible decisions, and the star-studded league is not suffering.
Overall, the so-called winter transfer window in Spain should close without any "bombs": there will be no major farewells or big purchases.
The upcoming match of "Barcelona" against Santander's "Racing" will show whether Guardiola's students have recovered from the knockout in Seville. The "Betis" cold shower should affect their alertness, especially since the match will be played at the "Camp Nou" stadium.
It is good that in the match where almost nothing was decided, the players were reminded of what defeat means. During midweek, David Villa, Carles Puyol, Andres Iniesta rested, and the injured Dani Alves will be replaced by Adriano.
Unfortunately, "Racing" suffered many losses and Pedro Munitis is disqualified to play against "Barca." This experienced player represents at least a fifth of "Racing's" ability.
(You can read more about the upcoming Saturday match on the Lithuanian "Barcelona" club portal www.fcbarcelona.lt or simply by clicking here.)
I throw a stone into Jose Mourinho's garden. Nobody disputes that the Portuguese is an excellent specialist, but this season, he simply talks too much about the referees' work. It seems that the "Real" manager went too far, as his statements were discussed at the "Primera" referees' committee meeting last Tuesday.
Some say that by speaking out, the coach "relieves pressure and redirects media attention," but it should not be forgotten that the Spanish media is specific. The country has four giant sports newspapers, with at least 80% of their content being about football. Given the limited newspaper space, Mourinho is simply overwhelmed, and the relaxed Spanish journalists will find a way to reach any footballer.
The statement that Mourinho's words "redirect media attention" is suitable, for example, in England, where there are no large and very popular specific newspapers dedicated solely to football. I emphasize - specifically newspapers.
However, it must be recognized that Mourinho is no stranger to controversy. He does his job excellently, and it would truly be a shame if he only lasted one season in Madrid.
If you want to contribute to this section, write an email to [email protected] and be sure to mention your supported team. We will definitely get in touch with you!
