The Worst Best Team Ever

I just watched the champions league match this morning between Inter and Bayern Munich. And I have to say Inter are the worst 'best' team ever.

For those of you who don't know what I mean, Jose Mourinho tried to take the spotlight of his team by claiming that Inter have the best team in the world. We all know he is an admirer of once-his-player Hernan Crespo which probably lays the foundation of his respect for the Italian club. But watching Inter player, you just feel sorry for all the great players they have.

Starting from the back. I don't know what Van Buyten is doing in Inter. He was a flop at Man City and from this morning's game, isn't getting any better. Partnering him was Cordoba because I hardly saw Materazzi. He's error lead to the deciding goal, and almost gave away a penalty. It was also he's poor marking that let to the first goal. Grosso, a star at the world cup - or so the critics say, though I beg to differ - didn't get forward effectively at all, and his unprofessionalism showed - just like the dive against Australia in the world cup - when he's elbow earned him a straight red. It was so obviously delibrate when he looked Sagnol straight in the eye before sending his elbow across. Right back was Maicon, the Brazillian, who didn't impress me much as the attacking full-back he suppose to be, though he was more steady on the ball.

In midfield, Inter lacked creativity. Too bad I didn't get to see Vieira, but his deputy Dacourt didn't fill his boots at all. Figo reminds me of players I hate playing with. They hog the ball so much, trying to beat every person in the team, then lose the ball though there are team-mates in better positions. Not to mention, annoying when he drops to ground so easily. The sub Marciano Gonzalez was rubbish, as was . In attack Zlatan Ibrahamovic, who I was never a fan of, didn't do any constructive. He was another one to hog the ball, then do nothing with it, while giving away needless free-kicks when Inter were in attack. The red card was nothing less than he deserved. Crespo, for all his class that we know him for, hardly touched the ball. And where was Dejan Stankovic to back-up his forwards? I hardly saw him in the game save for a few shots either off target or easily saved.

The midfield was over-run by a lesser known Andreas Ottl, who was making his champions league debut. He reminds me of Xabi Alonso with his passes and willingness to shoot. He is definately a star for the future, not quite Ballack-like, but nevertheless a great central midfielder. When Schweinsteiger, Lahm, Salihamidzic and Makaay were doing nothing productive, Ottl and Van Bommel took centre stage in conquering the midfield. Though Pizarro's goal was nothing short of lucky, he made space and rusn more than his opposite number Crespo. The sub Lukas Podolski - a real star in the world cup - came on to score his first champs league goal, and it was no less than his cameo warranted, he was full of pace and life, and taking the game to then 9-men Inter.

And as if I'm not done insulting Inter yet, their subs did nothing, with Adriano out of form and out of sorts, never looked to be able to recover his goalscoring form lumbering alone up front, while Solari only touched the ball twice.

Inter better do something quick - like sack their manager or something - before they go down as the worst best team in history.

Poor Old Ashley

Food for thought (this abstract taken from football365.com):

"My worst fears were confirmed when, as Thierry and I sat in the centre circle after the final whistle, his name was sung from the rooftops while my contribution was recognised by a deafening silence" - Cashley Cole, whose 'contribution' last season was appearances in ten Premiership games.

and now that's the excuse why Ashley Cole left the gunners? I think he is just some spoilt brat. He wanted the money and Arsenal couldn't offer it to him. He also blamed everyone for treating Henry so nicely and didn't ask him out for dinner to talk about staying.

F365 - or at least their mediawatch page - got it right when they jipped him for playing only 10 games last season and complaining about a lack of support for his contribution. While Henry, who has scored 30+ goals every season for the last 4 seasons (or more) and maybe of them spectacular and winners, deserves his applause.

It's alright Ashley, Arsenal have got a better deal by signing Gallas - though I think Wenger would make the same mistake as Mourinho, by playing Gallas as the utility man. He doesn't like the left-back position, but is willing to pay there if he is kept there all season, but I think he would move back to the centre of defence once Clichy comes back fit. Then back out on the left again once Senderos gets fit.

Poor old Gallas.

Gallas, I Support You

Amid more contraversy after the long long defender saga between Arsenal and Chelsea, it turns out that Chelsea have now accused Gallas of threatening to score an own goal or make deliberate mistakes if ever selected for the Chelsea team again.

A claim furiously denied by Gallas himself. He is backed up by his french coach Domenech.

And amidst all that, I support Gallas. I believe Chelsea were capable of releasing such a statement to give an excuse to the fans for letting a class defender go. And then blamed Gallas of wanting too much money. Too much money? He went to Arsenal man, he's wages were probably halved when he went there.

Don't worry, Mr Gallas, I support you. I believe it when you said you wanted a fresh challange - and maybe get first team football in your favoured position at centre back. I believe that is your real reason for joining Arsenal.

The claims by Chelsea are just trying to turn the fans against him - to make it look like he was the traitor of that supposed tight-knitted 'family'. The club, not knowing who is the mastermind behind it, claimed this so as to put Gallas at fault and not the club. Who are the fans going to believe though?

I'm a neutral - but, as I have mentioned more than once, I support Gallas on this one!

What? West Ham?

I know I should wait for the transfer window to shut before coming out with my transfers of the summer conclusions. But I just have to announce my shock at West Ham's signings of Argentinian stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano!

There have been many conpiracy theories. One is Roman Abramovich is a shareholder of the company who owns the players' rights, so they couldn't be sold to Chelsea's nearest rivals. Another is they would just be in West Ham for a year to be 'in the shop window' so as to jack up their prices.

West Ham are a team on the up. With players like Reo-Coker, Yossi Benayoun and Marlon Harewood, it is easy to see a team that is moving forward. But to attract super stars like Tevez and Mascherano? The duo has been speculated to go to Arsenal or Manchester United or even once Real Madrid and AC Milan; and they ended up in West Ham? I would believe the story more if they ended up in Portsmouth!

But soccernet has confirmed it, I just have to say I'm very very shocked. West Ham are going to be a formidable side now. More of my money going on them to win matches! Whatever the reason they ended up in West Ham and not the elite clubs will remain a mystery (until maybe next season), but I have to say West Ham got themselves two great players.

I'm just glad Liverpool has already played them once this season!