Clowns Representing My National Team!

 

The picture is from a friendly game between Iran and Uruguay, on September 23, 2022.  These are Iranian players celebrating the goal by Mehdi Taremi. 

Just to put it into context: on the same date city of Oshnavieh was the scene of heavy protest and clashes between people and police. Heavy fights were reported in Isfahan at dusk. Universities shifted to virtual teaching mode to avoid further students protests.

On the same date, state-organized rallies in support of the hejab and the government were held (The government claimed that the rallies were spontaneous, while many reformist parties within the system were frequently denied the right to gather and demonstrate). Furthermore, The United States Department of State issued a general license facilitating US corporations' access to the Iranian Internet market. This was followed by ecstatic news of Elon Musk expanding Starliknk services to cover Iran as well.   

But back in the Iranian footballists' delusional bulb, the outlook looked vastly different. They see rosier landscapes. Impending world cup, impending demonstration of their talents, and abundant luxury contracts would be awaiting.  Many Iranian football players are professionals on fat contracts engineered by astute agents who are handling their affairs. Many of them are playing in European leagues. They are not the best examples of education and social/political maturity. 

In fact, the behavior of many of the Iranian national team squad was deemed as tone-deaf toward the social milieu they come from.  Their social media can be a good measure to evaluate their stance. They are a generation of players who express opinions over various issues on social media. From the quality of the kits they used to wear at the national team to the birthday greetings, etc all were expressed through these popular platforms. However, they switched to a mute mode and opted a neutral stance regarding what was happening in the streets of their homeland, probably their hometwons, probably members of their families. Understandably, Iranian fans were infuriated and they feel divorced from this so-called "National Team" or "Team Melli". Words are raped once again in the current politically-stained rhetoric and Iranian uprising intends to reclaim their vocabulary. "Team Melli" is from "Mellat (People), and plays for Mellat. 

These players (and again reiterate there are exceptions within the current squad who were vocal and proactive) are symbols of complacent conformity. They are a bunch of careerists running in circles to satisfy career goals. This career trajectory will not ultimately move them a jot toward becoming mature humans. 

Sometimes a win represents a million losses.

Pedram, November 22, 2022

On Football, Fandom, and Culture

 This has been my lifetime passion.

Something that clicked only when I knew Manchester United. This started back in the day when watching live games was a dream and it was well before the internet conquered all domains of information and broadcasting.

United was led by a particular legendary figure and I have memories of a club struggling to establish itself as the new powerhouse among elites of the game in England (i.e. Liverpool, Leeds United). I have vivid memories of Eric Cantona's lengthy spell on the sidelines after that Kung fu kick at Selhurst Park. Losing title to Blackburn Rovers in 94, heated face-offs with Wegner's Arsenal. Not necessarily glory-laden times but full of identity and inspiration.

In recent years, occasionally I shared my thought about football and sports in general and it represents elements of our social life and behaviors. I understand football is an industry, a part of the entertainment industry. But frankly, I found this context so tasteless. It caused me to dig deeper and try to decipher the elements binding me to a club and to understand the nature of fandom. Is there any sophisticated element involved or it is just a type of tribal or societal identification with an individual/club/institution? This attitude is flanked by bigotry and hooliganism. The latter would be hugely embarrassing for me personally since I really see zero meaning in that.

History

A club is a sports institution with a history. Historical events define a club's ID. This is not only limited to the cup cabinet but the downfalls, transgression, tragedies, etc. All contribute to what we simply call history. United has a rich history. The club was established in 1878 and has its roots in the industrial era. Formed at the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath, the club experienced the first football activities as inter-departmental games in green-gold attire. The colors now again coming into prominence to embolden the history of the club. The club experienced ebbs and flows with a stellar era under legendary managers and some disastrous tenures. Some tragedies also have forged a huge impact on the club's modern-day image. The Munich disaster is a heart-wrenching event yet defining event that showcased the resilience and willpower of the club squad, management, and leadership back 1950s. Indeed coming back from such a catastrophic and tragic loss with a decimated squad and huge post-traumatic damage induced, is something surreal per modern-day criteria.

Culture

The United that I was acquainted with and fell in love with was built on simple hard-working values. A gritty and fearless approach to the game was an element that still identified the club's modern-day characteristic. The term Fergie time is a cheeky allusion to the pattern of goals United made at extra time, and some opponents raise the issue as a sort of psychological manipulation by the gaffer. But I see something else, woven into the club psyche as the reason behind all those dramatic turnarounds. Those are not isolated events, rather it was a characteristic of the club built upon a never-say-die attitude. A gritty and hard-fighting spirit that was best represented by the legendary captain of the club, Roy Keane (who is my all-time favorite United player btw).

Nurturing talent

Academy graduates used to be an integral part of the club's success back in the day. Class of 92 is an unrivaled example of the academy producing top players. It is still mentioned as a priority by all hired managers but maybe down-toned to some extent with a visible preference for marquee signings instead which has been mostly hit and miss. By growing your talents, you are forming a bond within the squad with adherence to the club's fundamental values. This is definitely not the complete team but can be a reliable bedrock of sustainable quality within your squad and a stable dressing room. Some features that we have missed in the past decade. 

Cutting-edge Science

United was known as a club employing (and benefiting from) cutting-edge science including sports science which provided optimal care for players suffering from serious injuries. It is a moving target and sports institutions needs experts in leadership roles in these sectors. That was the case back in the last decade of the 20th century and early 2000s. 

Professional cutting edge

No club can compete with top-notch players (personnel). This was present throughout glorious patches. Eric Cantona, Paul Scholes, Bryan Robson, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, C. Ronaldo, etc. were all among elite players and frequently selected as part of the World's best team of the year. The swagger of the club used to attract the elite players but that was not the main advantage. The key was the club's success in assimilating top players (and egos) with the core of the home-grown squad. The dominant values were formed within the club foundations and academy and dictated by the club's leadership. Club's and specifically Sir Alex Ferguson's ruthless approach toward players who deemed themselves bigger than the club, was the key underlying factor in the protracted spell on the top fight and constant title contention. It was a club bigger than any individual" mentality that won us a multitude of trophies with a modicum of distraction. 

Winning

Finally, the end result, where all the elements come to fruition is the winning, the club's cabinet. Something which of course attracts the fans and makes your brand sexier. But for me personally, that was the last feature of the loveable club. That was the result of a thoughtful and healthy process. 

Football bears resemblance to many other social/cultural phenomena humans created in the post-enlightenment era. The foundations of a football club as an institution is a dimension that intrigues me the most. Given time the distinct values that each club is built upon will be apparent in the outlook of the club. These underlying elements may not necessarily be reflected in short-term achievements (i.e. results on the pitch) but definitely, they are an essential part of an evolving club identity. Like any other social organism, sustainable evolution comes at a tectonic pace rather than seismic waves.

Pedram, 7/24/22

Learning Valuable Lessons

After nearly two decades' experience of European football, Gary Neville recognises the lessons being learned by United’s youngsters this season – and he tips them to benefit in the long-term…
I think the younger players in our squad will take a lot out of this season.The likes of Smalling, Jones, Rafael, Fabio, Cleverley and De Gea will learn some invaluable lessons. When I and the other young lads of the time started touring around Europe in our early days, we had it the same. In my first game, we were knocked out of Europe by Torpedo Moscow!

There’s a subtlety and an attention to detail you need in Europe. You’re talking about football where inches matter and being yards out of position matter, whereas the Premier League can be a little more forgiving. In Europe opponents are more ruthless, more clinical in front of goal and you can find that you have nobody to mark for large periods of the game because they try and play in-between you, so it’s great experience.

I remember it when we were young lads too; it’s just something you have to go through. We were taken to school for three years in Europe from 1996 through to 1999, particularly by Juventus at times, and these are the lessons that you can see being taught to some of our younger lads this year.

We’ve got a lot of youth in the squad – just look at the team that started against Ajax at Old Trafford – and this is a great learning curve for these ladsl. The manager has said this a number of times in the changing room down the years: whenever you think you’re doing ok in a European game, that’s the point to switch on, because you can find you’re doing well and suddenly you’ve gone from 1-0 up to 1-2 down in five minutes.

Even in my later years I was finding this out. I was playing in Munich in my mid-30s and we were coasting, and then I gave away a stupid handball on the edge of the area and they scored from the free-kick. Five minutes later they scored again and we lost a game we’d been comfortable in. Even in your mid-30s they still catch you out. You think of that Bayern Munich team we beat to win the Treble in 1999, it was one of the most experienced teams that has played in European competition, yet their world collapsed in three minutes.

It’s an underachievement when you get to three finals in four years, then don’t get past the group stage, but these are great experiences for the young lads. I wouldn’t be surprised if the manager picks a lot of them again against Bilbao, because they need the experience and also because the Premier League has to be the priority. The manager may think that we may as well go to school in Europe all year and let the lads learn on the job.

The only way you learn European football is by playing games and getting to the point where you start to absorb lessons. The manager knows he’s got talented young players who are going to be with the club for a number of years, and I think that this year has almost been a step back to go forwards in Europe. You get the fruits of your labour eventually and these lads have huge talent, but for now it’s all learning and getting experience.

@manutd.com

Manchester United 2 Benfica 2
Conceded goals were really freaky !
The defensive progress after 4 consecutive clean sheets, overshadowed by these errors.

Post-Galactico Madrid Era

If there's anyone in the world who could have done with a decent summer holiday and a month-long lie-down it was José Mourinho. In May, the plot-losing Madrid manager was at war with Barcelona, UEFA, his own bosses, the Spanish FA, the Spanish League, referees and probably his own reflection if he gave himself a funny look, as the pressure of having to deliver immediate success at the Santiago Bernabeu took its toll on the Special One's suffering psyche.

That grey-haired, slouching, bleary-eyed rant-bag has been banished and replaced by an infinitely more relaxed figure, who sat in the team hotel in Los Angeles and spoke to the media for the first time since his self-imposed press exile two months ago. There was good reason for the Special One to be looking so sprightly, as Mourinho is now enjoying full control of the sales and signings at the club without having suits standing over him, tutting about marketing values or shirt sales in Singapore.
On Monday, the Real Madrid squad gathered together and headed to the UCLA campus for a second summer in a row for pre-season training and three friendly games. And as in the year before, there were no new shiny Galacticos on board the plane. Instead the new recruits for Real Madrid would barely get 80 people to their presentations, rather than the 80,000 who turned up to see Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.

This is especially the case with 19-year-old French defender, Raphael Varane, who was signed from Lens for €10m with 'Marca' claiming that the young centre-back was the new Hierro, for lack of any other information on him. Even Michel Platini admitted that he had never heard of him in an interview with the paper.
Midfielder, Nuri Sahin, may have been the Bundesliga player of the year last season, but is hardly a household name in Spain. Free transfer, Hamit Altintop, didn't exactly set the pulses racing and nor did the purchase of former youth team player, José Callejón and his trademark wedge haircut, who joined from Espanyol.
Most money has been spent on speedy left back Fabio Coentrao, but few Madrid fans would admit to knowing that much about the former Benfica defender aside from the fact that he has bleached hair, has cost quite a lot of cash and shares the same agent as Mourinho.
The fairly low profile of the footballers reflects the control that Mourinho now has at the club with former Director General, Jorge Valdano, moved out by Florentino Pérez. Rather than Galacticos coming to the Spanish capital like Kaká, the Portuguese boss has brought in footballers he sees as being pliable team-members rather than superstars, a long way from mohican-sporting, show-boating, five sponsor-possessing Neymar for example. "We have signed players that we felt were important for completing a squad that was already very good."
Mourinho says that there is one more recruit to come over the summer in the form of a striker and the signs are that it won't be Neymar or Sergio Kun Agüero joining for €45m, despite the latter being the obsession of Florentino Pérez, but the less glamourous Emmanuel Adebayor returning for a permanent spell after a decent loan period last season. "Adebayor is better as it is closer," admitted the Madrid boss.
A second sign of the power that Mourinho now has in being able to mould the club to his own desires is the footballers that have been shunted onto the sidelines. These include Pedro León and Sergio Canales - two players brought in by Valdano that Mourinho appears to neither rate as players nor like as people - and Lassana Diarra who refused to travel to Los Angeles and instead chose to sulk in Madrid and wait for a move to the Premier League.

'Cantera' players such as Pablo Sarabia and Juan Carlos have been sold to Getafe and Zaragoza respectively, rather than being moved into the first team as Barcelona might have done. Mourinho still has little sentimentality when it comes to hiring and firing his players and feels no obligation to promote youth teamers no matter how much supporters and the press grumble when comparing Madrid's youth policy to La Masia.
Another former youth-teamer, Dani Parejo - a footballer that Alfredo Stefano thought was one of the best he had ever seen - was allowed to move from Getafe to Valencia after Mourinho decided not to activate the buy-back clause on the U-21 international.
The former Chelsea man appears to have succeeded where so many have failed, in turning Florentino Pérez away from the Galactico policy of 'Zidanes and Pavones' to a much more balanced way of doing business. While Zinedine Zidane has become Madrid's Sporting Director - although the role is not yet clearly defined - it is obvious who is wearing the trousers in this relationship.
Indeed, Real Madrid may even make money this summer if Kun and Neymar are passed over with the resale value of the transferable Diarra, Fernando Gago, Léon, Canales and Royston Drenthe potentially being greater than the current outlay of €55m.
However, this more modest strategy of Mourinho could all change if Barcelona manage the double whammy deal of bringing in Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sánchez to strengthen for the season ahead. At this point Florentino Pérez may begin to panic and revert to default mode by bringing in a big name, against Mourinho's wishes. But until this moment comes, Real Madrid is becoming a Galactico-free zone as Mourinho begins to take complete control of the club.
By Tim Stannard
@Football365

This Crazy Summer

Is he coming?

Off To US

Ready For Chelsea

United's defeat at Arsenal last weekend has opened the door for the defending champions who appeared to be out of the title race just a few weeks ago. The Reds still hold their destiny in their own hands and know victory on Sunday will all but guarantee a record 19th championship crown.

"Everyone's aware of the magnitude of Sunday's game and it's one we're looking forward to," Sir Alex told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

"Last Sunday's result has certainly brought an awareness to us of how important this game is and I think it's one of the reasons I had to pick the team I did on Wednesday. It's given us a fresh team for Sunday. It should be a fantastic match and if we win, we should win the league."

The Reds possess one of the best home records in Europe having dropped just two points all season in the league. And the boss is hoping his team can produce can another match-winning display against Ancelotti's men.

"Our home form is a big advantage. That's the reason we're there [on top]," said Sir Alex. "It's probably the best in Europe. Some of our performances at home have been absolutely terrific. Hopefully we get the result we want."

@Manutd.com

Sir Alex : We Were Vindicated

After his side demolished Schalke 6-1 on aggregate in the Champions League semi-final, the jubilant boss said: "It's fantastic for the club (to be in a third final in four years). I've said it many times, we should have done better in Europe over the years.

"I think we're getting closer to that. I think this team can win the cup. I think it's a team full of great desire and determination. These qualities, allied to their ability, will help them at Wembley."

Sir Alex acknowledges that Barcelona - conquerors of United in the respective clubs' last final, in 2009 - are a different prospect to Schalke, indeed to any other team in the world currently.

"I think they (Barcelona) are definitely, without doubt, the team of the moment. There's no question about that. They play fantastic football. It's a pleasure to watch them play. Their semi-final (against Real Madrid) was unfortunate in that we expected a lot better from both sides."

Turning back to his own team, the manager admitted he'd lost some sleep on the eve of Wednesday's win over Schalke, as he pondered his line-up. He made eight changes from the side that started at Arsenal and given the stage of the competition, this was seen in some quarters as a gamble.

"I woke up about four times last night and picked different teams. But they did me proud. When I analysed each individual who was playing, I said to myself, 'This is a Manchester United player. Why can't I play him?' The fact it's a semi-final and such an important game does create a certain bit of doubt in your mind as to whether you're doing the right thing but I'm glad we were vindicated.

"We're in the final now and we'll prepare properly. We've got a big game on Sunday, so let's look forward to that."

Sir Alex recognises, of course, that a European Cup final at Wembley has special meaning for United, given that the Reds first won the biggest prize in club football there back in 1968. Could that be an omen?

"Let's hope so. This club has created destiny many times and its fate follows things like that."

@Manutd.com

Champion Roaring Back

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes his side gave a title-winning performance against West Ham, after they overcame a two-goal deficit in the first half to defeat the Hammers 4-2 at Upton Park.
The Scot is confident that his team's second half performance shows they have the mentality to be champions this season, despite struggling with injuries and less than inspiring performances.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ferguson said: “We played like champions today, and we played to our ability.
"It’s not an easy place to come with the fight for relegation and that result might put them [West Ham] in trouble.
“That was a championship winning performance.”
Ferguson served the second of his five-game touchline ban in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, yet his second half intervention which saw Patrice Evra replaced by Javier Hernandez helped United extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.
“It was eventful,” he continued. “Being two goals down at half time was a travesty considering the possession and chances created in the first half.

“We kept making chances in the first half, they couldn’t get the ball off Valencia in the first half and he delivered two or three fantastic balls, he had the opposition on toast really.
“We had to go for it, bring in Hernandez and put Gigs to left back. Goal difference didn’t matter, we needed to get something.
“Second half when Chicharito came on, he gave you pace and the running behind line we needed.
“There was a strong bench today with Nani, [Dimitar] Berbatov and [Michael] Owen. I thought if it was still 2-2 in last 10 minutes, then I would bring Michael on and go for it - going for it is vital to our club.”
The 69-year-old is currently serving a ban following comments made about Martin Atkinson in Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, yet took a more sympathetic outlook to Lee Mason’s decision to award West Ham a penalty and not to send off Nemanja Vidic following a foul on Demba Ba.
“The second penalty kick was outside the box, so that was an unfortunate decision for us, but then Vidic could’ve been sent off for the challenge on Ba, so we got a lucky break.
“Although I did think Vidic was fouled at the start of that challenge - overall it was six and two threes - perhaps a red would have been harsh.”
@Goal.com
by : Andrew Kennedy

This Is Rooney !

Interview:Heartbeat of Barcelona and Spain

Many have described Barcelona's 5-0 win over Real Madrid last November as the greatest performance ever. Even Wayne Rooney admits that he stood up in his living room and started applauding.

[Xavi's face lights up]. Yeah? Really? Rooney? That makes me proud. Rooney, wow! Rooney is extraordinary, he could play for Barcelona. And before people imagine headlines like "Xavi says Rooney to join Barcelona" – although, I'd love him to! – what I mean is that he's our kind of player. That game was wonderful, the best I've played. The feeling of superiority was incredible – and against Real Madrid! They didn't touch the ball. Madre mía, what a match! In the dressing room, we gave ourselves a standing ovation.
You mention Barcelona's dominance of possession. It's tempting to conclude that we've never seen a team with an identity – for better or worse – as clear as the current Barcelona and Spain teams. It's all about possession. And that's your identity – one that seems to have become dominant.
It's good that the reference point for world football right now is Barcelona, that it's Spain. Not because it's ours but because of what it is. Because it's an attacking football, it's not speculative, we don't wait. You pressure, you want possession, you want to attack. Some teams can't or don't pass the ball. What are you playing for? What's the point? That's not football. Combine, pass, play. That's football – for me, at least. For coaches, like, I don't know, [Javier] Clemente or [Fabio] Capello, there's another type of football. But it's good that Barcelona's style is now a model, not that.
But some claimed Spain were boring at the World Cup. You kept winning 1-0.
That's upside down. It's not that we were boring, it is the other team that was. What did Holland look for? Penalties. Or [Arjen] Robben on the break. Bam, bam, bam. Of course we were boring – the opposition made it that way. Paraguay? What did they do? Built a spectacularly good defensive system and waited for chances – from dead balls. Up it goes, rebound, loose ball. It's harder than people realise when you've got a guy behind you who's two metres tall and right on top of you.
So, what's the solution?
Think quickly, look for spaces. That's what I do: look for spaces. All day. I'm always looking. All day, all day. [Xavi starts gesturing as if he is looking around, swinging his head]. Here? No. There? No. People who haven't played don't always realise how hard that is. Space, space, space. It's like being on the PlayStation. I think shit, the defender's here, play it there. I see the space and pass. That's what I do.
That's at the heart of the Barcelona model and runs all the way through the club, doesn't it? When you beat Madrid, eight of the starting XI were youth-team products and all three finalists in this year's Ballon d'Or were too – Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and you.
Some youth academies worry about winning, we worry about education. You see a kid who lifts his head up, who plays the pass first time, pum, and you think, 'Yep, he'll do.' Bring him in, coach him. Our model was imposed by [Johan] Cruyff; it's an Ajax model. It's all about rondos [piggy in the middle]. Rondo, rondo, rondo. Every. Single. Day. It's the best exercise there is. You learn responsibility and not to lose the ball. If you lose the ball, you go in the middle. Pum-pum-pum-pum, always one touch. If you go in the middle, it's humiliating, the rest applaud and laugh at you.
Your Barcelona team-mate Dani Alves said that you don't play to the run, you make the run by obliging team-mates to move into certain areas. "Xavi," he said, "plays in the future."
They make it easy. My football is passing but, wow, if I have Dani, Iniesta, Pedro, [David] Villa … there are so many options. Sometimes, I even think to myself: man, so-and-so is going to get annoyed because I've played three passes and haven't given him the ball yet. I'd better give the next one to Dani because he's gone up the wing three times. When Leo [Messi] doesn't get involved, it's like he gets annoyed … and the next pass is for him.
You're talking about style over success but not only can they go together, they have to go together, don't they? Arsenal play great football, Arsène Wenger is a hugely respected coach, but they've not won anything for years. Could that happen at Barcelona?
Almost impossible. If you go two years without winning, everything has to change. But you change names, not identity. The philosophy can't be lost. Our fans wouldn't understand a team that sat back and played on the break. Sadly, people only look at teams through success. Now, success has validated our approach. I'm happy because, from a selfish point of view, six years ago I was extinct; footballers like me were in danger of dying out. It was all: two metres tall, powerful, in the middle, knockdowns, second balls, rebounds … but now I see Arsenal and Villarreal and they play like us.
Do you see yourself as a defender of the faith? An ideologue?
It was that or die. I'm a romantic. I like the fact that talent, technical ability, is valued above physical condition now. I'm glad that's the priority; if it wasn't, there wouldn't be the same spectacle. Football is played to win but our satisfaction is double. Other teams win and they're happy, but it's not the same. The identity is lacking. The result is an impostor in football. You can do things really, really well – last year we were better than Inter Milan – but did not win. There's something greater than the result, more lasting. A legacy. Inter won the Champions League but no one talks about them. People discovered me since Euro 2008, but I've been playing the same way for years. It is true, though, that I have grown in confidence and tranquillity. And that comes with success.
Has English football suffered because it embraces a different footballing culture?
It has changed; the style's a bit more technical. But before it was direct, it was about the second ball, the typical No9 was a Crouch or a Heskey and there was no football. Carragher, boom, up top; Terry, boom, up top. I think it's changing: Barry, Lampard, Gerrard, Carrick … they are players who treat the ball well. You see them now and think, Christ, they are trying to play.
Is Paul Scholes the English Xavi?
[Xavi interrupts, almost bursting with enthusiasm] Paul Scholes! A role model. For me – and I really mean this – he's the best central midfielder I've seen in the last 15, 20 years. I've spoken to Xabi Alonso about him. He's spectacular, he has it all: the last pass, goals, he's strong, he doesn't lose the ball, vision. If he'd been Spanish he might have been rated more highly. Players love him.
England seems to mistrust technical players.
It's a pity. Talent has to be the priority. Technical ability. Always, always. Sure, you can win without it but it's talent that makes the difference. Look at the teams: Juventus, who makes the difference? Krasic. Del Piero. Liverpool? Gerrard, or Torres before. Talento. Talento. When you look at players and ask yourself who's the best: talento. Cesc, Nasri, Ryan Giggs – that guy is a joy, incredible. Looking back, I loved John Barnes and Chris Waddle was buenísimo. [Open-mouthed, eyes gleaming] Le Tissier! Although their style was different I liked Roy Keane and Paul Ince together, too. That United team was great – my English team. If I'd gone anywhere, it would have been there.
In England do we overrate physical players? You mention Carragher, Terry …
Whoa! Wait! Be careful. They're fundamental. We've got Puyol. Technically he might not be the best but it's incredible the way he defends. Carragher and Terry are necessary, brilliant, but they have to adapt to technical football [not the other way round]. For me, that comes naturally – or for Messi, Iniesta or Rooney. Others have to work at it. For them it's harder to lift their head up and play a pass – but they have to.
But when a player is offered to a club, the first question is: "how tall is he?"
Have you seen [the Villarreal winger] Santi Cazorla? You think I'm small, he's up to here on me [Xavi signals his chest]. And yet he's brilliant. Messi is the same and he's the best player in the world. Maybe it's the culture, I don't know, but in England you're warriors. You watch Liverpool and Carragher wins the ball and boots it into the stands and the fans applaud. There's a roar! They'd never applaud that here.
Next week you play Arsenal again in the Champions League last 16. Are they different? A kind of Barcelona-lite?
Arsenal are a great team. When I watch Arsenal, I see Barça. I see Cesc carry the game, Nasri, Arshavin. The difference between them and us is we have more players who think before they play, quicker. Education is the key. Players have had 10 or 12 years here. When you arrive at Barça the first thing they teach you is: think. Think, think, think. Quickly. [Xavi starts doing the actions, looking around himself.] Lift your head up, move, see, think. Look before you get the ball. If you're getting this pass, look to see if that guy is free. Pum. First time. Look at [Sergio] Busquets – the best midfielder there is playing one-touch. He doesn't need more. He controls, looks and passes in one touch. Some need two or three and, given how fast the game is, that's too slow. Alves, one touch. Iniesta, one touch. Messi, one touch. Piqué, one touch. Busi [Busquets], me … seven or eight players with one touch. Fast. In fact, [the youth coach] Charly [Rexach] always used to say: a mig toc. Half a touch.
Arsenal-Barcelona always provokes questions about Cesc Fábregas's future.
If I'd ever gone to another club, I'd have been thinking about Barcelona – the link is strong. The same is happening to him. But now there's a problem: now he's expensive. But I think that a footballer ends up playing where he wants. He has to end up here.
That's not what Arsenal fans want to hear and some have accused Barcelona players, you included, of stirring trouble. Last summer there were so many remarks supposedly coming out of Barcelona …
Really? I hardly spoke then. I imagine they wouldn't have liked that. [Xavi pauses, adding quietly, almost shamefacedly] You know, often footballers don't think. We're selfish, we don't realise. I also say it because I'm thinking of Cesc. He wants to come here. Barcelona has always been his dream. But of course he's Arsenal's captain, the standard bearer, a leader. This situation is a putada [bummer] for him. He's at a club that plays his style with Wenger who has treated him well, taught him, raised him. Cesc respects him. If he'd been at, say, Blackburn it might have been easier to leave. Look, the truth is: I want him to come here. Of course. Barcelona have a very clear style and not many footballers fit. It's not easy. But Cesc fits it perfectly.
Would he replace you, though?
I don't see new players as a threat; I don't say "this is my patch". I'm more: "bring them here, let them play". The more talent in the middle, the better. Four or five years ago [people said] me and Iniesta couldn't play together. We can't play together? Look how that one turned out.
Last year, you beat Arsenal comfortably …
Yes, but this year they're much better. I think it's a disadvantage for us that we played last year. They had [too] much respect for us. It was as if they let us have the ball; we always had it, home and away. The game in London could have been a 4-0 we dominated so much – but it finished 2-2. This year will be different.
What was your reaction to the draw?
I was happy. I like the fact that we'll see a great game. Arsenal aren't the kind of team that come to try to putear you [piss you off, break up the game, destroy the match]. If it was Chelsea, you might think Madre mía, they're going to leave the initiative to you, wait deep, close up, play on the break with Drogba and Malouda. But, no, I think Arsenal will want the ball. There will be more of a game. As a fan I'd definitely pay for a ticket to see this game. Manchester United or Chelsea would play in a more speculative way. They would leave us the ball. Arsenal won't.
Does English football attract you? Spanish players always return from there raving about it.
It's incredible. Una pasada. Now that is football. England really is the birthplace, the heart and soul of football. If Barcelona had Liverpool's fans, or Arsenal's, or United's, we'd have won 20 Champions Leagues, hahaha! OK, so that's an exaggeration but I've never seen anything like it. We won 3-1 at Liverpool once and we were both applauded off the pitch. In England, footballers are respected more, the game is more noble, there's less cheating. Every Spaniard who goes loves it – and comes back a better player. If I had ever left it would have been to England.
The final is at Wembley, which makes it even more special for Barcelona, doesn't it? Last year it was special because it was at the Bernabéu but Wembley is the scene of the Dream Team's one European Cup. And this feels like a year in which you are being constantly compared to them …
In 1992, I was 12 and my brothers went but my parents wouldn't let me. I was in tears but it made no difference. I'd love to play at Wembley. It's special for Barça – and for everyone in football. Last year was more morbosa [about the rivalry with Real Madrid, almost a little dirty, titillating]. This year is more nostalgic, more classic. And I'm more of a nostalgic. Me? I'm a romantic.
@Guardian
Photo : Solarpix.com

Royal Blues Recruit Karimi

Iran international Ali Karimi (112 appearances) has signed for Schalke. The 32-year-old (born 8 November 1978) has been given a contract to the end of the current campaign. Karimi will wear the number 10 shirt for the Royal Blues.

Karimi, who most recently played for Teheran-based club Steel Azin FC, is no stranger to the Bundesliga. Felix Magath took him to Bayern Munich ahead of the 2005/2006 season. The attacking midfielder made 33 Bundesliga appearances for Bayern in the following two seasons, scoring three goals, and won the Bundesliga title and the DFB Cup in 2006.

His professional career has seen Karimi play for Fath FC (Iran/1996-1998), Persepolis FC (Iran/1998-2001), Al-Ahli Club (United Arab Emirates/2001-2005), Bayern Munich (2005-2007), Qatar SC (Qatar/2007-2008), Persepolis FC (Iran/2008-2009) and Steel Azin FC (Iran/2009-2010).

In addition to his success at Bayern Munich, Karimi won the Iranian league title in 1999 and 2000, the Iranian Cup in 1999, the United Arab Emirates Cup in 2002 and 2004, and was voted Asian Footballer of the Year in 2004. The 1.78 m midfield maestro also made two appearances for Iran at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
@Schalke04.com

کریمی باز هم همه را غافلگیر کرد

خبر انتقال غیر قابل پیش بینی علی کریمی به شالکه ناکامی تیم ملی در جام ملتهای آسیا را تقریبا از یاد فوتبال دوستان برد.کریمی که در آستانه پیوستن به پرسپولیس بود و مذاکراتش را با علی دایی انجام داده بود ناگهان از بوندس لیگا سر در آورد.

در روزهایی که تعداد بازیکنان ایرانی شاغل در اروپا به تعداد انگشتان یک دست هم نمی رسد و لژیونرهایمان به مسعود شجاعی و جواد نکونام محدود شده اند علی کریمی که حتی دربین 18 بازیکن حاضر در جام ملتهای آسیا هم نبود و به تیم ملی دعوت نشد در سن 32 سالگی برای دومین بار راهی فوتبال آلمان می شود.

ستاره فوتبال کشورمان که پیش از این بین سال های 2005 تا 2007 با پیراهن بایرن مونیخ در بوندس لیگا بازی می کرد باردیگر نظر فلیکس ماگات را جلب کرد تا این بار این مربی آلمانی او را به شالکه دعوت کند.

کریمی بعد از اینکه در سال 2004 به عنوان مرد سال فوتبال آسیا انتخاب شد به عنوان بازیکن آزاد از باشگاه الاهلی امارات جدا شد و به بایرن مونیخ پیوست. در آن زمان ماگات هدایت باواریایی ها را به عهده داشت، بعد از جدایی ماگات از بایرن و آمدن هیتسفیلد کریمی هم کمتر فرصت بازی پیدا کرد و بیشتر به یک بازیکن نیمکت نشین تبدیل شده بود تا اینکه در پایان فصل 2007-2006 از اف سی هالیوود جدا شد و با وجود اینکه از تیم های ولفسبورگ، موناکو و سالزبورگ اتریش پیشنهاد داشت قید فوتبال در اروپا را زد و با رقم جالب 3.2 میلیون پوند به باشگاه قطر اسپورت پیوست.

بعد از حضور در فوتبال قطر کریمی بعد از 7 سال بار دیگر به پرسپولیس بازگشت و اولین گلش بعد از بازگشت به جمع سرخپوشان را در دربی پایتخت مقابل استقلال زد تا تیمش را از شکست نجات دهد.در پایان فصل اختلاف با عباس انصاریفرد مدیر عامل وقت پرسپولیس باعث شد جادوگر این تیم را ترک کند و به باشگاه استیل آذین بپیوندد.حضور 1.5 ساله کریمی در استیل آذین نیز با حاشیه های زیادی همراه بود که آخرین آن اخراج موقت به دلیل حضور در دیدار دوستانه الاهلی با میلان بدون اجازه مسئولین استیل آذین بود. کریمی بعد از این اتفاق با توافق حسین هدایتی رئیس استیل آذین از این باشگاه جدا شد. همه تصور می کردند جادوگر در سال های واپسین فوتبال خود بار دیگر به پرسپولیس باز می گردد اما بمب خبری امروز وقتی منفجر شد که سایت معروف کیکر خبر انتقال کریمی به شالکه را تایید کرد.

کریمی که هم در مستطیل سبز و هم خارج از زمین های ورزشی همه را غافلگیر می کند این بار پرسپولیس را دریبل می زند و به بوندس لیگا می رود تا پیراهن تیم شالکه یکی از پرمهره ترین تیم های این فصل بوندس لیگا را بر تن کندمنبع : سایت گل

شروین گیلانیl

“Now we have to stand up and be counted”

“It’s still a bitter defeat, because we played well, taking the lead and controlling the game. We’ve paid for an error and after their equalizer we couldn’t rectify the situation.” Alessandro Del Piero analyses the game against Udinese, looking to focus the attention on the upcoming fixtures: “We have to accept the critics and think about the next match. As I’ve said against Udinese we didn’t play badly and for several minutes we could run, play together and gave little away against the most in form team of the championship. This should be a starting point from this evening forward.” He commented on the supporters disappointment: “We are disappointed as well, because we have great ambitions and we would like to honour the name of Juventus. The difficulties that we’re facing increase our bitterness. Now we must stay together, stand up and be counted.”
@Juventus.com

Juve Scored: Juve 1 Udinese 0

Impressed by Marchisio magic :)

A Rampant Comeback

This was a classic comeback by Manchester United...Hard game to watch.
Berba ,Giggs,Chicharito,Scholes...well done !

Berba : Artful Merit

As a keen artist in his spare time, Dimitar Berbatov recognises the power of imagery. So the Bulgarian will fully appreciate how two contrasting scenes illustrate his evolution into one of the stars of United’s 2010/11 campaign.

Two snapshots of Berbatov, taken five months apart, lay bare a United career dramatically rerouted from enigmatic to integral. Following a missed opportunity at Ewood Park last April, he cut a frustrated figure – prostrate, blinded by his own palms, his disappointment all too evident. Then, during September’s victory over Liverpool, having just scored his stunning overhead kick, he was a beaming hub of jubilance swamped by ecstatic colleagues.
Top scorer both for club and division, the striker's form has made him a mainstay of Sir Alex Ferguson’s side. A five-star show against Blackburn was only the third quintuple in United's history, he took his place in club folklore with the Reds' first hat-trick against Liverpool in 64 years and Saturday’s repeat against Birmingham made the striker only the seventh United player to reach three hat-tricks in the same season.
Those three goal-laden displays account for over half the striker’s total, but he has also popped up with vital solitary strikes to keep United’s points total clicking along apace. He’s looking entirely at home with the Reds’ quick-fire style of play, and his performances have had the effect of galvanising the rest of the team.
“Every club has a blueprint, an identity, and United’s is very strong,” says first-team coach Rene Meulensteen. “United stands for attacking, attractive football played at high speed, with one-touch passing combinations, individual skill and unpredictability. That’s all conducted at pace, with intent.”

It’s an approach which takes some getting used to, but Berbatov has found a way to suffuse his own unique talents with United’s well-established approach. Meulensteen is delighted with the huge impact made by the Bulgarian this season.
“Berba sees the art and beauty of bringing a ball down from 30 yards, then flicking it through for a team-mate with a back-heel,” says the Dutchman. “It’s an artistic approach which gives colour to the game and makes him colourful. He’s a vital ingredient to what the team is trying to achieve.
“I said to him once in training to think of himself as the best musician in the world, and as a team that we’re the best orchestra in the world. Everyone is playing the same tune – and Berba is elevating the whole performance. That’s why you are seeing beautiful things.”
The Bulgarian’s first two seasons after his switch from Spurs brought steady dividends (21 goals and 27 assists in 86 appearances) but Sir Alex Ferguson’s penchant for fielding Wayne Rooney as a lone striker ahead of a midfield trio meant he was often relegated to the substitutes’ bench for United’s bigger games – especially in the Champions League, where he started just three of the Reds’ 11 knockout ties in 2008/09 and 2009/10.
Late last term, United’s inability to pick up valuable domestic points in the injury-enforced absence of Rooney fanned the flames of transfer speculation. Given the sheer volume of big name, big money strikers linked, many media outlets suggested that Berbatov would be the unfortunate one to make room in the squad. Sir Alex’s riposte was brisk and blunt. Blue and white tickertape was still blustering around Stamford Bridge when the manager succinctly confirmed: “Dimitar will be staying here. I trust him.”

What the boss saw in his no.9 was incomparable control, vision and finesse – a skill set unlike that of any other player in the Premier League. The striker’s own response to the rumour mill was similarly unambiguous. Over the summer he maintained his fitness with regular running, and upon his return, increased his work with United’s strength and conditioning coaches. Self-belief has also been key to his move up to the next level of performance.
“You need to stay strong, believe in yourself and know what you can do,” the Bulgarian told Inside United in October. “There will be periods when you don’t feel so great, but you have your team-mates and manager who are always behind you. They always pat you on the back and say: ‘Don’t worry.’ It’s the same for every player, not just strikers.”
An impressive pre-season prompted further praise from Sir Alex, who said after the first warm-up game, against Celtic, “We know we have the right player.” After Berbatov’s Community Shield lob against Chelsea, the boss was even more effusive, labelling the striker “a genius”. And similar encouragement was forthcoming from within the dressing room. “We all know how good Dimitar is,” said Nemanja Vidic, while Darren Fletcher echoed: “He’s an important part of the team.”
According to Meulensteen, United’s inherent culture of rallying round one another for the greater good has played a huge part in Berbatov’s upsurge in confidence. “The good thing about this club is that, with the manager and the staff, there’s a massive loyalty to all the players,” says the Dutchman. “We bring them to the club because we know they can perform for us. So if they do have a difficult spell, they can fall back on us. That’s where we need to work harder to get them back to where they should be. That works and players feel that.

“You can rely on the people here, the people you’re training with, the staff, the manager and you all aim for the one thing: the best possible performance and results, and ultimately silverware.”
Berbatov’s treble in a five-star romp over Birmingham, allied to Manchester City’s defeat at Aston Villa, has given United marginally more breathing room in an enthralling Premier League title race - and Meulensteen says all United’s rivals should beware the Bulgarian as the season enters its nitty-gritty stage.
“Berba has been hugely important so far this season, and he’ll be key for the run-in,” says the Reds coach. “He wants to be key for the team, and he understands what he needs to do to be key for the team. And that’s clear in his performances and the goals that he’s scored. I want to see him with a medal around his neck and the biggest grin on his face at the end of the season, so he can look back and know that he’s really contributed so much to such a massive achievement.”
Should he end the current season a champion, Berbatov’s renaissance will be utterly complete – a triumph of heart for art’s sake.
@manutd.com

Meeting Between Platini And The Serie A Executives

The meeting arranged by Figc between Serie A teams’ executives and the Uefa President Michel Platini took place yesterday afternoon at the Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome. They addressed several matters: from the financial fair play to the initiatives against violence, racism and corruption, from the future of European competitions to the Uefa strategies in view of the next four years presidency (2011 - 2015) for which Platini is the only candidate. Juventus President Andrea Agnelli and MD-sports GM Giuseppe Marotta attended the meeting.

After the conference, the latter spoke to media about Juventus condition and targets: «The title? Football is so changeable, but our main object is to qualify for the next Champions League, as already stated at the beginning of this season. Actually, it depends on our opponents’ progress, not only on our squad. The championship is still quite balanced. The difference consists in crucial scorers and, unfortunately, we suffered from many injuries, like that occurred to Fabio Quagliarella. Intervening in the transfer market? We won’t just go through the motions of doing operations, even because now there are no important names suitable for Juventus».
Asked about Del Piero’s contract renewal, Marotta responded that: «Alessandro is a real legend in Juventus, a serious professional who earned the club’s and supporters’ respect. We will deal with this topic as soon as possible».
Finally, about Calciopoli, he said that: «Juventus rely on sports justice. We hope that a deep and accurate verification of the events could be carried out, because there is still a vague situation. We also hope that the solution will be achieved quite quickly».

@Juventus.com

Valencia Back To Boost United

Antonio Valencia is making rapid progress in his recovery from a broken ankle and damaged ligaments and could be back in the first-team fold at the end of February.

Sir Alex Ferguson has described the winger's impending return as "a big boost" to United's hopes of clinching silverware come May. The Ecuadorian suffered the injury against Rangers in the Champions League match at Old Trafford back in September.
It was initially feared he would be missing for the rest of the season. That timescale was then brought forward after a successful operation, but he is still ahead of schedule.
"Antonio is doing well now, he has started his running programme and he's out with the physios every day, which is a big step forward," confirmed the boss. "He's been given the all clear from the doctors, so he's under our complete control now. That's great news."
The prospect of having Nani on one wing and Valencia on the other flank is an exciting one. "I think possibly towards the end of February he should be back in the first team squad," added the boss. "That's a big boost to us."
@manutd.com