Inter Milan vs. Man. United
This matchup fittingly can be summed up by the phrase “the Special One”. Mourinho vs. Ferguson, “The Special One” vs. “Fergie”, Defense vs. Offense and the list goes on and on. This two legged battle will rightly have all of Europe’s attention and intrigue. For starters, it would be wise to look beyond past results between Mourinho and Ferguson. These teams are not the same Porto, Chelsea or United of previous years.
Inter Milan are not the scrappy defensive juggernaut that Chelsea were under Mourinho, but they have the benefit of sitting comfortable atop Serie A. A 7 point lead is quite a cushion and that could help Inter have players’ fresh for United. Let’s be honest, Mourinho was not brought in to retain the Serie A, he came for the Champions League and he got his wish. Inter are not in great form if you consider their inconsistent form the last 6 games. However they will have all the motivation in the world to gear up for the defending champions, underestimating the drive of Mourinho and his squad would be a mistake. This is their great opportunity to make a statement.
Manchester United is on a 13 game winning streak, and oh by the way has not conceded a goal in that span. They also sit atop of their league; however the Premier League is a different animal and will go down until the very end. United and Barcelona are the favorites to reach the Final in May and rightfully so with their firepower. United will have the tougher task of balancing its squad for the two legs against Inter and their domestic opposition. Wayne Rooney will be back in the fold just in time for the two legs, but with the successful Tevez – Berbatov partnership it will be interesting to see which tandem features.
Players to Watch:
Inter Milan – Zlatan Ibrahimovic is going to have to carry his team if they are to advance. He can cause trouble to any defense and certainly he will be a big part of Mourinho’s strategy. He is their barometer and it will be a great battle with Vidic and Ferdinand.
Manchester United – Fairly straight forward, Cristiano Ronaldo is the attention getter. This does not mean he is going to be the key; however he is the straw that stirs the drink for United offensively. The Midfield will be the key area, Carrick, Fletcher and Scholes will play a role in alleviating the pressure on the defense.
Sporting CP vs. Bayern Munich
This is one of the biggest mismatches from the Round of 16 draw. On one hand you have a team in Sporting that is more than happy to advance past the group stages, and on the other you have Bayern Munich who is eager to continue advancing following a year away from this tournament.
Sporting is tied for 3rd place in the Portuguese league and is realistically going to focus on qualifying for the Champions League. The draw with Bayern will be a good opportunity for some of their players i.e. Veloso and Moutinho to raise their price tags and exposure. This is more of an icing on the cake for a Sporting side that is trying to consistently feature in the Champions League.
Bayern are only one point behind 1st place in the Bundesliga, and will look to make a deep run in the Champions League to mark their return to European prominence. The last time we saw Bayern in this late stage of the Champions League was being knocked out by A.C. Milan two years ago. A lot has changed since then in terms of players and Manager so this is not the experienced Bayern team of Old under Hitzfeld.
Players to Watch:
Sporting CP – Joao Moutinho plays the Role of Ribery for his side, he is the maestro and facilitator in the midfield. His ability to involve the other players as well as move the ball forward will be key if Sporting are to put up a fight.
Bayern Munich – Frank Ribery is the midfield playmaker that drives Bayern forward. His creativity and presence are a positive influence on his team. Luca Toni will be important upfront in the penalty area to occupy a defense.
Villarreal vs. Panathinaikos
We have a staring contrast of styles in this matchup with Villarreal known for its attacking agility, and Panathinaikos for the defensive wall in their midfield. Villarreal likes to put the pedal to the medal and score goals; Panathinaikos likes to play on the counter attack.
Villarreal have to build pressure from their midfield if they are to get beyond the stacked Panathinaikos midfield. Marco Senna in particular will have to hold down the fort to eliminate the threat of counter attacks. The game is going to be won and lost in the midfield, and if Villarreal can dominate ball control using their flanks Panathinaikos will be put in a tough position. Scoring early and pressuring Panathinaikos will lead Villarreal into the next stage of the Champions League.
Panathinaikos is going to sit back and wait patiently for the right time to attack Villarreal. Corners and free kicks are going to be great opportunities to move players up into the Villarreal penalty area. The Bryce Moon Gilberto Silva partnership is strength of this team and they will be called on to protect the defense. Patience is the key for Panathinaikos; in the event that an early goal is scored it will be imperative not to deviate from the game plan. The longer the game goes on without a goal the greater the confidence will grow for the Panathinaikos psyche.
Players to Watch:
Villarreal – Giuseppe Rossiis going to put major pressure on the suspect backline of Panathinaikos, his ability to create opportunities will dictate the level of counter attacks Panathinaikos have at their disposal.
Panathinaikos – Giorgos Karagounis is the one guy for Panathinaikos who has a free role to roam around the midfield. His free kicks and corners are dangerous for a Villarreal side that is not known for its defensive prowess. Duplicating his performances against Werder Bremen will be crucial on the counter attack.
Chelsea vs. Juventus
This has to be without a doubt a Battle of attrition and the team left standing will have earned tremendous confidence. If you like goals, fancy tricks, fast paced attack or even flair this is not the matchup for you. This is for the “big boys” as some would like to say, tough grinding and marking in the midfield will dictate the level of opportunities in attack.
Chelsea having changed Managers recently has little time to build confidence going into this matchup. The good news is that this change is a wakeup call to the team that players will be next out the door. Guus Hiddink is as experienced a Manager as they come and he will have a few games to find the proper to build on. This is more of a mental challenge for Chelsea because overall player for player they are the better side. If Hiddink can “rally the troops” and forget about the league performances Chelsea will be difficult to beat.
Juventus like Bayern are back in the big show and have an opportunity to rekindle their European outfit that we have come to know. No matter what anybody says this is a personal issue for Manager Claudio Ranieri, he was fired by Roman Abramovich and then Chelsea flourished under Mourinho. This can serve as a great opportunity to prove the Chelsea Owner that he chose wrong that fateful summer. The payers will unite around their Manager who has come under a bit of fire for inconsistent performances in the Serie A. Juventus sit in 2nd place 8 points behind Inter and realistically this will be a great opportunity to return to prominence.
Players to Watch:
Chelsea – Normally you would see John Terry or Frank Lampard in this section; however the most important “player” has to be the Manager. As I mentioned previously he has to be the difference maker if Chelsea are to advance because it is going to take a collective team effort for Chelsea to advance. Essien’s absence in the midfield will be greatly felt.
Juventus – Alessandro Del Piero is the unquestioned captain, leader and soul of Juventus. He may not have the legs he once had but his presence and performance will lead Juventus in this matchup. It is no coincidence that Juventus handily defeated Real Madrid in back to back games, Del Piero was on his game and he will have to duplicate that kind of feat for his team to progress.
Real Madrid vs. Liverpool
This headline reads like something out of Greek mythology, 14 time European Champions spar in this epic battle of Titans. You will be hard pressed to find a more prestigious pair of teams (insert A.C. Milan) and they will both look to add to their rich trophy case. The Spanish influence is undeniable in this managerial matchup between familiar foes.
Real Madrid have slowly but surely returned to their winning ways in La Liga, but with Barcelona way ahead in 1st place the Champions League is their only chance at silverware this season. In order to achieve that Real will have to seriously improve their midfield play. Madrid has playmakers galore but no European success in recent years to show for it. Ramos will have to get his players mentally and physically ready to battle the tournament specialist Reds of Liverpool. Look for Real to attack on set pieces with Sneijder and Robben on the wings as well. Real will have the benefit of starting fresh in this tournament which can prove to be significant.
Liverpool in Europe is a different team and plays with a winning mentality that grinds out results. This year is no different in that regard; however with a light front line Liverpool will have to hope Fernando Torres stays healthy if they are to advance. The midfield will of course be the muscle that will be flexed, and the leadership of Steven Gerrard will be pivotal. Staying injury free is going to be vital for a side that is going to have a stockpile of games and young players on standby. Liverpool currently lye in 2nd place 2 points behind Manchester United. Expect that title race to go down to the very end and there will be a few dilemmas to deal with for Rafa’s men.
Players to Watch:
Real Madrid – Wesley Sneijder is the man for Real, he is going to have to show his lethal touch on set pieces. He sets the tone in the midfield and his creativity will be targeted by Liverpool. If he can get his teammates, namely Guti, Robben and Raul involved Real will be formidable.
Liverpool – Torres upfront will be crucial for Liverpool but everyone knows Gerrard is the heart and soul of Liverpool. He will be called upon to guide the team through this tough draw with his fiery shots and leadership. He may not score but his presence can be felt all over the pitch.
Arsenal vs. AS Roma
This is the draw of the underachievers of 2009 as neither side has been convincing this year. Both sides are struggling to meet their preseason expectations of challenging for a title and spot in the Champions League. Both sides are not who they were last year and that is showing in their domestic leagues. This is the third installment of the Anglo-Italian battles and the team that gets an early lead will be favored to advance. There will be immense pressure on both teams because of the financial implications for not qualifying next year.
Arsenal will be anxiously awaiting the return of skipper Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott for this clash. Arsenal are on the outside looking in for the final Champions League spot in the Premier League, and this may very well be their last taste of this competition for the next 2 years. There is a tremendous sense of urgency to qualify for this prestigious competition, as well as making a deep run to show face for their disappointed fans.
Roma is in a difficult position coming in because they do not have the best of experiences visiting England at this late stage of the Champions League. Had the first game been played in Rome the dynamic would be so so different. Both teams play significantly better at home and if Roma can escape their London trip with little to no damage they will be confident down the stretch.
Players to Watch:
Arsenal – Cesc Fabregas is expected to make a much needed return to an aiding Arsenal side against Roma. He is the skipper but more importantly he is the best player Arsenal have and how he goes so does Arsenal. It will be interesting to see how quickly he gets back into fold, because after all we are talking about playing at another level with regards to the Knockout Round.
AS Roma – Say it with me, Totti – Totti – Totti. No surprise here really, Totti is unequivocally the badge, leader and best chance Roma has if they are to advance. There is no other team in the Champions League that is soo dependant on a single player and with good reason. If Totti makes his presence felt and we can see his imprints on the pitch Roma have a chance to get passed a finesse Arsenal side.
Lyon vs. Barcelona
Barcelona come into this matchup as prohibitive favorites to advance and the pressure will be on them to do so in style. Over the last 7 years we have come to know Lyon as a very formidable European side, however this year they feature one of their weakest teams. There will be little if any expectations on Lyon to progress and that outlook can only encourage a team with seemingly nothing to lose.
Barcelona on the other hand is flying on auto pilot and is merely going through the motions at this point in the competition. They must to continue to attack and press Lyon at every opportunity, the result will take care of itself in the end. Barcelona has an astounding 12 point gap at the top of La Liga, and has every reason to be more than ready to advance to the next round. The most important thing for Guardiola’s men is to avoid taking Lyon for granted because complacency has a way of humbling even the best of teams. With that said, there is little chance of any team overlooking an opponent at this stage of the competition.
Quick quiz for everyone, can you name the current Lyon Manager? As you can tell this is not a no brainer considering Lyon consistently change Managers, and that certainly has not helped in their European campaigns the last few years. The midfield for Lyon is going to have to step up and make it difficult for Barcelona to penetrate their defense. Lyon is going up against probably the hottest and most lethal team in all of Europe. There are very few people who think they can advance, for that to happen they will have to be creative from set plays and push forward with the likes of Karim Benzema. .
Players to Watch:
Lyon – Do you pick Toulalan or Juninho in the midfield for this role? They are both crucial in Lyon’s plans for progressing. The player to keep an eye on is Karim Benzema, he is likely in the last year of his Lyon career and there is no better venue to showcase his talent than in front of the elite of Europe.
Barcelona – In this particular matchup no player in particular is needed to take Barcelona over the top, however Lionel Messi is the man that guides Barcelona. He is the ultimate threat for Lyon, and if he performs at his usual level the games could get out of hand quickly.
Atlético Madrid vs. Porto
These two teams are not too far apart in their overall ability and expectations. Both would have settled for advancing to the round of 16 happily, and so this matchup provides both teams an unforeseen trip to the quarterfinals. This will be a difficult matchup because both Managers and players alike will want to capitalize on their luck of the draw.
Aguero paired with Forlan will be responsible for creating opportunities in the Porto defense. The rest of the Atletico squad feeds off of that energy upfront and it will be the up to them to get on the score sheet. If Atletico does not score in this game at home they will have to ensure they do not concede either, that will almost certainly doom them in the end.
Porto are a team that has proven it can win games on the road in hostile environments, just ask Fenerbahce and Dynamo Kyiv. The mentality going into Atletico’s lair will be to avoid conceding a goal at all costs, but more importantly to score a priceless away goal. The counter attacks will be vital in this evenly matched game.
Players to Watch:
Atletico Madrid – Sergio Aguero is the wonderkid who will have to attack the Porto backline. He has the ability to thread the defense and be a thorn in their tactics. He will have to pick and choose his spots to unsettle the defense. If he is active Atletico’s chances increase dramatically.
Porto – Their midfield “general” Lucho Gonzalez will have to lead his team in the pits of the field. He is the driving force behind a confident Porto squad and he will have to limit Atletico Madrid’s attacking repertoire. If you want to know where to find Mucho on the field just look for the ball, and you can count on that.
Name
Friday, March 6, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
War of Words Having Increasing Impact
“War of Words” sounds a lot like a classic spy movie starring Matt Damon. The title gives you the impression that there is a “cold war” tension between two heads of state, or even perhaps a major international issue hanging in the balance. The reality is far more severe and nerve-racking than the above. We are talking about something of the utmost importance, a subject that affects an entire continent of people of all faiths and economic backgrounds. This is the Cuban missile crisis multiplied by ten. We are talking about football managers and their interaction known as the “War of Words.”
Mind games, trash talking, smack talk, war of words, talking through the press, you name it we love it and can’t get enough of it. Football managers are grown men who are in charge of a team of professionals playing a child’s game, and despite being adults they really are kids at heart. Certainly if you watch a manager’s reaction following a win, loss or goal you can certainly see the child within them. Their body language and actions during those tense moments reveal that managers never really grow up, they just get older.
Recently Rafael Benitez went on what can only be described as the “rant of 2009”. The day before his Liverpool side took on Stoke City, Rafa let everyone and anyone who would listen know, that Sir Alex Ferguson was “killing the referees”. Benitez presented what he called “facts” to assert that Manchester United “are nervous because we are at the top of the table”, and that he in no way wanted to play mind games. The funny thing is that words in fact do matter, more so than players or managers will ever admit.
If you are still keeping score in the Rafa vs. Fergie battle, put the check mark next to Fergie. Ever since Benitez made his remarks his team has drawn two consecutive league games which they were favoured in, and are now level with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. United were seven points behind Liverpool not too long ago, and now they are firmly in the driver’s seat with one game in hand. If United win the League this year the Benitez rant will definitely be remembered for the change of momentum it created in the title race. You be the judge of if those comments were a good idea, and if they had any effect on the players’ psyche.
There is no statistic or evidence out there that can prove a championship has been won or lost based on the media’s involvement. Managers often use that medium as a weapon and tool to motivate their team, and even intimidate opponents. They have taken shots at one another through the press, and this has become an integral part of the game thanks to advances in technology. Many believe that the media is an enormous equalizer for teams because it keeps people in check, and is easily accessible for everyone. It adds another dimension to sporting events that cannot be measured by numbers or facts. Teams have been disrespected and labelled underdogs many a time, and this provides more than enough ammunition for a team to come together to overturn the odds.
There have been many teams late during a season that have collapsed due to outside pressure. To win the league, or a major European trophy in today’s game, it is not sufficient enough to merely field a strong squad. You need a mentally strong team, that will not buckle under the pressure and coverage it will receive. Managers know this all too well, and they do their best to transfer that to their opponents.
Nowadays within seconds of a manager or player making a controversial comment it will be featured on ESPN, Sky Sports, or some other sports network. Analysts and former managers will dissect the comments, and assess the potential influence they may carry with them. Even Football Manager, one of the most successful computer games in recent years, has added more media interaction opportunities for gameplay. That implementation is a direct result of the feedback the game designers received from fans.
The very best in the business would have to be Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson. He has built a reputation over the years for being the ultimate master of manipulating the press. He has been accused of intimidating referees, influencing title races, and of course playing “mind games”. His domestic accomplishments are highlighted by 10 Premier League titles, two League Cups and five FA Cups over his tenure. That’s without even mentioning his two Champions League trophies or other accomplishments. The facts without a doubt prove that Mr. Ferguson is guilty as charged. You could argue Ferguson would not be so successful if he solely focused on managing his team and keeping to himself. Being guilty in this case is more of a compliment than anything else, because it’s one thing to beat a team, and it is quite another to beat them before you even set foot in the stadium. It is no coincidence that the object of this most recent attack has been Ferguson; he is a clear threat to Liverpool’s title aspirations. There would otherwise be no need to even speak out against him.
Coaches like Bernd Schuster and Srečko Katanec have been fired in recent years, and for what you might ask? They weren’t fired because of a specific result or string of results. They both made comments regarding a rival that unsettled the team’s board. Schuster intimated Real Madrid could not defeat hated challenger Barcelona in their upcoming game, and Katanec (former Olympiacos coach) stated that a win vs. league rival AEK Athens was “not the end of the world”. You be the judge of if that kind of interaction is the sort of message you want your team’s leader to convey. Never the less they were fired and those comments had a lot to do with it.
Rewind to 1996, and more specifically to the close title race between Newcastle United and Manchester United. Both teams for the majority of the season were battling at the top of the league table, and the both teams fought for the title right down to the wire. Kevin Keegan the Newcastle manager famously had a rant of epic proportions that to this day remains embedded in peoples’ memories. His famous “I will love it if we beat them” rant demonstrated that his counterpart successfully got into his head and had the edge in their war of words. Manchester United ended up winning the league by four points over Newcastle. Yet another check mark for Fergie.
Managerial and media interactions are forms of art, and their moments captivate us during the weeks and days leading up to a game. Who can forget the presentation of Jose Mourinho as Chelsea coach, where he famously anointed himself as “the special one”? Mourinho during his Chelsea tenure was one of the very best at creating a united front for his team. He created an “us against the world” foxhole mentality, and that became the distinctive characteristic with which his teams have been known for. Mourinho has an interesting quote where he talks about interaction with the press, and how it is part of “the game”. So the last word on the subject can go to the Portuguese, who summed up the increasing part that the media is now playing in football.
"When I go to the press conference before the game, in my mind the game has already started.”
Mind games, trash talking, smack talk, war of words, talking through the press, you name it we love it and can’t get enough of it. Football managers are grown men who are in charge of a team of professionals playing a child’s game, and despite being adults they really are kids at heart. Certainly if you watch a manager’s reaction following a win, loss or goal you can certainly see the child within them. Their body language and actions during those tense moments reveal that managers never really grow up, they just get older.
Recently Rafael Benitez went on what can only be described as the “rant of 2009”. The day before his Liverpool side took on Stoke City, Rafa let everyone and anyone who would listen know, that Sir Alex Ferguson was “killing the referees”. Benitez presented what he called “facts” to assert that Manchester United “are nervous because we are at the top of the table”, and that he in no way wanted to play mind games. The funny thing is that words in fact do matter, more so than players or managers will ever admit.
If you are still keeping score in the Rafa vs. Fergie battle, put the check mark next to Fergie. Ever since Benitez made his remarks his team has drawn two consecutive league games which they were favoured in, and are now level with Manchester United at the top of the Premier League. United were seven points behind Liverpool not too long ago, and now they are firmly in the driver’s seat with one game in hand. If United win the League this year the Benitez rant will definitely be remembered for the change of momentum it created in the title race. You be the judge of if those comments were a good idea, and if they had any effect on the players’ psyche.
There is no statistic or evidence out there that can prove a championship has been won or lost based on the media’s involvement. Managers often use that medium as a weapon and tool to motivate their team, and even intimidate opponents. They have taken shots at one another through the press, and this has become an integral part of the game thanks to advances in technology. Many believe that the media is an enormous equalizer for teams because it keeps people in check, and is easily accessible for everyone. It adds another dimension to sporting events that cannot be measured by numbers or facts. Teams have been disrespected and labelled underdogs many a time, and this provides more than enough ammunition for a team to come together to overturn the odds.
There have been many teams late during a season that have collapsed due to outside pressure. To win the league, or a major European trophy in today’s game, it is not sufficient enough to merely field a strong squad. You need a mentally strong team, that will not buckle under the pressure and coverage it will receive. Managers know this all too well, and they do their best to transfer that to their opponents.
Nowadays within seconds of a manager or player making a controversial comment it will be featured on ESPN, Sky Sports, or some other sports network. Analysts and former managers will dissect the comments, and assess the potential influence they may carry with them. Even Football Manager, one of the most successful computer games in recent years, has added more media interaction opportunities for gameplay. That implementation is a direct result of the feedback the game designers received from fans.
The very best in the business would have to be Manchester United’s Sir Alex Ferguson. He has built a reputation over the years for being the ultimate master of manipulating the press. He has been accused of intimidating referees, influencing title races, and of course playing “mind games”. His domestic accomplishments are highlighted by 10 Premier League titles, two League Cups and five FA Cups over his tenure. That’s without even mentioning his two Champions League trophies or other accomplishments. The facts without a doubt prove that Mr. Ferguson is guilty as charged. You could argue Ferguson would not be so successful if he solely focused on managing his team and keeping to himself. Being guilty in this case is more of a compliment than anything else, because it’s one thing to beat a team, and it is quite another to beat them before you even set foot in the stadium. It is no coincidence that the object of this most recent attack has been Ferguson; he is a clear threat to Liverpool’s title aspirations. There would otherwise be no need to even speak out against him.
Coaches like Bernd Schuster and Srečko Katanec have been fired in recent years, and for what you might ask? They weren’t fired because of a specific result or string of results. They both made comments regarding a rival that unsettled the team’s board. Schuster intimated Real Madrid could not defeat hated challenger Barcelona in their upcoming game, and Katanec (former Olympiacos coach) stated that a win vs. league rival AEK Athens was “not the end of the world”. You be the judge of if that kind of interaction is the sort of message you want your team’s leader to convey. Never the less they were fired and those comments had a lot to do with it.
Rewind to 1996, and more specifically to the close title race between Newcastle United and Manchester United. Both teams for the majority of the season were battling at the top of the league table, and the both teams fought for the title right down to the wire. Kevin Keegan the Newcastle manager famously had a rant of epic proportions that to this day remains embedded in peoples’ memories. His famous “I will love it if we beat them” rant demonstrated that his counterpart successfully got into his head and had the edge in their war of words. Manchester United ended up winning the league by four points over Newcastle. Yet another check mark for Fergie.
Managerial and media interactions are forms of art, and their moments captivate us during the weeks and days leading up to a game. Who can forget the presentation of Jose Mourinho as Chelsea coach, where he famously anointed himself as “the special one”? Mourinho during his Chelsea tenure was one of the very best at creating a united front for his team. He created an “us against the world” foxhole mentality, and that became the distinctive characteristic with which his teams have been known for. Mourinho has an interesting quote where he talks about interaction with the press, and how it is part of “the game”. So the last word on the subject can go to the Portuguese, who summed up the increasing part that the media is now playing in football.
"When I go to the press conference before the game, in my mind the game has already started.”
Friday, January 23, 2009
The reality of the Marbury - Olympaikos rumors
A lot has been made the last day or so about Stephon Marbury being willing to listen to Greek club Olympiakos. Since when is it breaking news that a player who “wants out” of a team is open to any option out there? Does it surprise anyone that Marbury would play outside the US provided he gets paid well?
I have been saying this for years, and finally it appears people are really starting to catch on, the notion the European teams are going to affect free agents as well as restricted ones. The top European teams now more so than ever are in a position of strength, they can offer players and teams financial solutions to their salary caped woes. Let’s be clear, no team in the NBA is stupid enough to actually trade for Marbury. If he gets his release then that is another story altogether.
Olympiakos have Josh Childress out for about 6-8 weeks, which means there is an open foreign player spot available for the top 16 phase in the Euroleague. Not many may be aware, but there is a limit to the number of foreigners that can be registered for European play. The fact that seems to be overlooked is, when Childress comes back who is going to be dropped from the Euroleague team? The way the squad is setup both players would not, and quite frankly, should not be on that list. Marbury would be a “temporary” solution for Olympiakos in Europe, and would ultimately be used for the Greek league.
Olympiakos currently are in 1st place in the Greek league, and have very good team chemistry. The Coach Panagiotis Giannakis is a European Legend; he is a disciplinarian and does not tolerate negative characters. This as well as the team’s progress leads me to believe that the Marbury signing is not going to happen. Sure, Olympiakos should take a look and good for them for getting their name out there. Ever since the Childress signing, Olympiakos have easily become the most referenced team from Europe here in the US. You now hear the name “Olympiacos” on Sports Center and other TV shows, when did that ever happen before at this rate?
Marbury would be smart to listen to any potential offer, but he will have to more than likely have to sit out the rest of the season. As an Olympiakos fan, I would like to see him come to play for us. I know fully well what kind of personality would be coming over, but the publicity with this signing would be a major step towards putting the team’s name in the conversation across the pond. Mind you he would be a short term solution and the team could use his talents to say the least.
I am reading over what his NBA players’ Union representative Hal Biagas said in his interview with a Greek sports website. This came up about 40 minutes ago, so perhaps in 2 days it will become breaking news. With that said, Marbury realistically is not going to Olympiakos, the timing and cons are too high for this to come to fruition. Looking forward to the next player rumor related to Olympiakos. If I come across anything I will be sure to share that information.♦
I have been saying this for years, and finally it appears people are really starting to catch on, the notion the European teams are going to affect free agents as well as restricted ones. The top European teams now more so than ever are in a position of strength, they can offer players and teams financial solutions to their salary caped woes. Let’s be clear, no team in the NBA is stupid enough to actually trade for Marbury. If he gets his release then that is another story altogether.
Olympiakos have Josh Childress out for about 6-8 weeks, which means there is an open foreign player spot available for the top 16 phase in the Euroleague. Not many may be aware, but there is a limit to the number of foreigners that can be registered for European play. The fact that seems to be overlooked is, when Childress comes back who is going to be dropped from the Euroleague team? The way the squad is setup both players would not, and quite frankly, should not be on that list. Marbury would be a “temporary” solution for Olympiakos in Europe, and would ultimately be used for the Greek league.
Olympiakos currently are in 1st place in the Greek league, and have very good team chemistry. The Coach Panagiotis Giannakis is a European Legend; he is a disciplinarian and does not tolerate negative characters. This as well as the team’s progress leads me to believe that the Marbury signing is not going to happen. Sure, Olympiakos should take a look and good for them for getting their name out there. Ever since the Childress signing, Olympiakos have easily become the most referenced team from Europe here in the US. You now hear the name “Olympiacos” on Sports Center and other TV shows, when did that ever happen before at this rate?
Marbury would be smart to listen to any potential offer, but he will have to more than likely have to sit out the rest of the season. As an Olympiakos fan, I would like to see him come to play for us. I know fully well what kind of personality would be coming over, but the publicity with this signing would be a major step towards putting the team’s name in the conversation across the pond. Mind you he would be a short term solution and the team could use his talents to say the least.
I am reading over what his NBA players’ Union representative Hal Biagas said in his interview with a Greek sports website. This came up about 40 minutes ago, so perhaps in 2 days it will become breaking news. With that said, Marbury realistically is not going to Olympiakos, the timing and cons are too high for this to come to fruition. Looking forward to the next player rumor related to Olympiakos. If I come across anything I will be sure to share that information.♦
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Olympiacos’s Karaiskaki - Visitors Beware
Dread, fear, fortress, deafening, imposing, daunting and unshakeable are some of the trembling words opposing managers have echoed over the years during their turbulent passage through Karaiskaki Stadium.
The stadium gets its name from Greek hero Georgios Karaiskakis, who was fatally wounded in the area during the Greek War of Independence. The initial stadium was used as a velodrome during the 1896 Athens Olympics. Renovation took place in 1964, and it was rebuilt from scratch in 2004 just in time for the 2004 Athens Olympics. The 4-star rated football stadium’s capacity is a humble 33,334 all-seater. Whatever you do, do not, repeat, do not let that number fool you. At Karaiskaki it feels like you are surrounded by 300,000. The seating and angles inside create a feeling of intimacy, where you feel as if you are next to the players.
Karaiskaki is strictly a football only stadium and that setup differentiates it from the overbearing Olympic Stadium. Many of the Olympiacos players themselves have repeated what a true advantage it is to play in such a football only stadium.
This season so far Olympiacos have played 13 games at Karaiskaki in all competitions, and their record is a perfect 13 wins from 13 games. That 100% record at home is anything but hospitable to visiting teams. If you look at the 16 teams that have progressed in the Champions League, none of them have a home record that comes close to that of Karaiskaki. Out of those teams, Manchester United and Liverpool are the only ones yet to lose at home in all competitions. Even these two teams have dropped points at their own ground, which include three and five draws respectively. It would not be farfetched to say that Karaiskaki is one of the very best home field advantages in Europe. This year it is difficult to argue against it or even to find a better home fortress.
Many things have been said about Karaiskaki such as, that it is the closest thing to a guaranteed victory for a team, that teams and referees alike are scared to death in there, and finally that any team in the world can be beaten in that stadium they call a fortress. Here are some recent words from opposing sides who have visited Karaiskaki, and one from a future visitor.
Quique Flores (Benfica, manager) “I have prepared my players for what they will face on the pitch. It’s a tough home field with fiery fans”. The final score was 5-1 for Olympiacos.
Jaroslav Drobný (Hertha Berlin, Goalkeeper) “The fans stand behind their team like a wall and create tremendous commotion. The atmosphere in the game with Galatasaray is nothing compared to what is expected in Piraeus”. The final score was another lopsided win, 4-0 for Olympiacos.
Alain Perrin (Saint Etienne, manager) “I know their stadium very well and that the atmosphere there is particularly hot. We have the advantage of playing for qualification in the second game which will be held at our home ground”. Olympiacos and Saint Etienne will face each other in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.
What can an imposing home stadium and dominant record do for a team? More than anything else it equals guaranteed points. Teams know going into Karaiskaki that points will be hard to come by, much less the precious three that everyone covets. Karaiskaki has proven to be a very reliable refuge for Olympiacos when their backs are against the wall. They can always count on their fans to give them that extra needed boost.
It is no coincidence that Olympiacos stands solely and firmly atop the Greek Super League this year. Their away record is nothing to be proud of with a mere two wins, three draws and one loss. What has set them apart from the rest of the pack is their record at home; all the other teams on several occasions have dropped crucial points at home. There are certain games that you are supposed to win, and the majority of those games are in your own stadium.
This season in Europe, Olympiacos have only managed two goals away from home, and both those goals came against a weak Danish representative, Nordsjælland. Their away record is hideous with one win and three losses, and yet despite that they have qualified for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. Home form is what gives optimism to the team in Europe, knowing that they can beat any team in their stadium. We hear many times that a team is flying and soaring on the pitch, well, in Karaiskaki this has become the norm.
This season the goals Olympiacos have scored at home stands at a whooping 37 for, and only five against. That’s an average of nearly three goals per game, and only conceding a goal every two to three games. A plus 32 goal difference certainly validates the notion that no score is safe going into Karaiskaki. In six home games this season three or more goals have been scored, that’s practically half the games. Opponents have not yet scored more than a single goal at Karaiskaki this season, not to mention that two of the five overall goals conceded were from the penalty spot.
There are plenty of stadiums across the globe with catchy self-proclaimed names such as “Hell”, “Theatre of Dreams” and “Stadium of the Dragon”. Karaiskaki Stadium has never had a nickname or related designation. What Karaiskaki poses to visiting teams cannot be justly articulated, and in fact, that bafflement may just serve as the ultimate compliment.
The stadium gets its name from Greek hero Georgios Karaiskakis, who was fatally wounded in the area during the Greek War of Independence. The initial stadium was used as a velodrome during the 1896 Athens Olympics. Renovation took place in 1964, and it was rebuilt from scratch in 2004 just in time for the 2004 Athens Olympics. The 4-star rated football stadium’s capacity is a humble 33,334 all-seater. Whatever you do, do not, repeat, do not let that number fool you. At Karaiskaki it feels like you are surrounded by 300,000. The seating and angles inside create a feeling of intimacy, where you feel as if you are next to the players.
Karaiskaki is strictly a football only stadium and that setup differentiates it from the overbearing Olympic Stadium. Many of the Olympiacos players themselves have repeated what a true advantage it is to play in such a football only stadium.
This season so far Olympiacos have played 13 games at Karaiskaki in all competitions, and their record is a perfect 13 wins from 13 games. That 100% record at home is anything but hospitable to visiting teams. If you look at the 16 teams that have progressed in the Champions League, none of them have a home record that comes close to that of Karaiskaki. Out of those teams, Manchester United and Liverpool are the only ones yet to lose at home in all competitions. Even these two teams have dropped points at their own ground, which include three and five draws respectively. It would not be farfetched to say that Karaiskaki is one of the very best home field advantages in Europe. This year it is difficult to argue against it or even to find a better home fortress.
Many things have been said about Karaiskaki such as, that it is the closest thing to a guaranteed victory for a team, that teams and referees alike are scared to death in there, and finally that any team in the world can be beaten in that stadium they call a fortress. Here are some recent words from opposing sides who have visited Karaiskaki, and one from a future visitor.
Quique Flores (Benfica, manager) “I have prepared my players for what they will face on the pitch. It’s a tough home field with fiery fans”. The final score was 5-1 for Olympiacos.
Jaroslav Drobný (Hertha Berlin, Goalkeeper) “The fans stand behind their team like a wall and create tremendous commotion. The atmosphere in the game with Galatasaray is nothing compared to what is expected in Piraeus”. The final score was another lopsided win, 4-0 for Olympiacos.
Alain Perrin (Saint Etienne, manager) “I know their stadium very well and that the atmosphere there is particularly hot. We have the advantage of playing for qualification in the second game which will be held at our home ground”. Olympiacos and Saint Etienne will face each other in the UEFA Cup Round of 32.
What can an imposing home stadium and dominant record do for a team? More than anything else it equals guaranteed points. Teams know going into Karaiskaki that points will be hard to come by, much less the precious three that everyone covets. Karaiskaki has proven to be a very reliable refuge for Olympiacos when their backs are against the wall. They can always count on their fans to give them that extra needed boost.
It is no coincidence that Olympiacos stands solely and firmly atop the Greek Super League this year. Their away record is nothing to be proud of with a mere two wins, three draws and one loss. What has set them apart from the rest of the pack is their record at home; all the other teams on several occasions have dropped crucial points at home. There are certain games that you are supposed to win, and the majority of those games are in your own stadium.
This season in Europe, Olympiacos have only managed two goals away from home, and both those goals came against a weak Danish representative, Nordsjælland. Their away record is hideous with one win and three losses, and yet despite that they have qualified for the last 32 of the UEFA Cup. Home form is what gives optimism to the team in Europe, knowing that they can beat any team in their stadium. We hear many times that a team is flying and soaring on the pitch, well, in Karaiskaki this has become the norm.
This season the goals Olympiacos have scored at home stands at a whooping 37 for, and only five against. That’s an average of nearly three goals per game, and only conceding a goal every two to three games. A plus 32 goal difference certainly validates the notion that no score is safe going into Karaiskaki. In six home games this season three or more goals have been scored, that’s practically half the games. Opponents have not yet scored more than a single goal at Karaiskaki this season, not to mention that two of the five overall goals conceded were from the penalty spot.
There are plenty of stadiums across the globe with catchy self-proclaimed names such as “Hell”, “Theatre of Dreams” and “Stadium of the Dragon”. Karaiskaki Stadium has never had a nickname or related designation. What Karaiskaki poses to visiting teams cannot be justly articulated, and in fact, that bafflement may just serve as the ultimate compliment.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Ballon d'Or - The King of Sports Awards
The “Ballon d’Or” (European Footballer of the Year) is the ultimate award given to the player who performs at the highest level over a given year. The Ballon d’Or extends over more competitions than any other sporting award in the world. Winning the Ballon d’Or is the equivalent of winning a marathon, it takes everything you have to win, requires you’re very best and above all undisputed recognition. The player who wins this award becomes the face of the entire world, because after all football is the world’s game.
Unlike other sports awards, the Ballon d’Or is not limited to performances in one particular competition but rather a series of challenges. Most of the top players around the world compete in three to four competitions every year. Some of those include their league, cup competition and a continental club team tournament (UEFA Cup, Champions League, and Copa Libertadores). Then add to that qualifying and then participating in a major continental tournament every other year i.e. Copa America, the Euros and the World Cup.
Sounds like a Rock band going on a world tour really, which is not too far from the truth if you think about it.
These wide range of competitions are what make this award so difficult to achieve. A player has to perform at his very best for practically 12 consecutive months of play. Every year players at competitive clubs cover the equivalent amount of games that an 82 game regular season would. Injuries, transfers, managerial changes and form are but some of the major obstacles in a player’s year long odyssey. Many things have to come together for a player to even be considered a top five Ballon d’Or candidate.
No other sporting award on the planet is as global or revered as the Ballon d’Or, and unlike most awards it is not awarded at the end of a specific competition or season. It actually runs into the following season, so there is plenty of time for writers to solidify their selections.
The likes of Cruyff, Ronaldo and Beckenbauer are but a few of the legendary players to win this prestigious award. This year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo won the English Premier League and Champions League in dramatic style with Manchester United. Despite not having a particularly impressive showing at Euro 2008, his entire body of work for Manchester United in 2008 set him apart from the pack.
Now set your calendars, mark your competitions carefully, and make your travel arrangements as we are about to commence on yet another 12 month voyage. Not since Marco Van Basten in 1989 has a player retained this award. History suggests there will be a new name next year lifting the award, perhaps wonderkid Lionel Messi or former winner Kaka. Regardless of who wins the award next year they will have the stiffest of competition to achieve that feat.
Unlike other sports awards, the Ballon d’Or is not limited to performances in one particular competition but rather a series of challenges. Most of the top players around the world compete in three to four competitions every year. Some of those include their league, cup competition and a continental club team tournament (UEFA Cup, Champions League, and Copa Libertadores). Then add to that qualifying and then participating in a major continental tournament every other year i.e. Copa America, the Euros and the World Cup.
Sounds like a Rock band going on a world tour really, which is not too far from the truth if you think about it.
These wide range of competitions are what make this award so difficult to achieve. A player has to perform at his very best for practically 12 consecutive months of play. Every year players at competitive clubs cover the equivalent amount of games that an 82 game regular season would. Injuries, transfers, managerial changes and form are but some of the major obstacles in a player’s year long odyssey. Many things have to come together for a player to even be considered a top five Ballon d’Or candidate.
No other sporting award on the planet is as global or revered as the Ballon d’Or, and unlike most awards it is not awarded at the end of a specific competition or season. It actually runs into the following season, so there is plenty of time for writers to solidify their selections.
The likes of Cruyff, Ronaldo and Beckenbauer are but a few of the legendary players to win this prestigious award. This year’s winner Cristiano Ronaldo won the English Premier League and Champions League in dramatic style with Manchester United. Despite not having a particularly impressive showing at Euro 2008, his entire body of work for Manchester United in 2008 set him apart from the pack.
Now set your calendars, mark your competitions carefully, and make your travel arrangements as we are about to commence on yet another 12 month voyage. Not since Marco Van Basten in 1989 has a player retained this award. History suggests there will be a new name next year lifting the award, perhaps wonderkid Lionel Messi or former winner Kaka. Regardless of who wins the award next year they will have the stiffest of competition to achieve that feat.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Dusan Bajevic: Legend of Greek Football Returns
We have heard the phrase “the prodigal son returns” many a time. In the case of Dusan Bajevic we are talking about the most infamous manager perhaps in the history of Greek football. Bajevic is a manager with no equal in the Greek game considering his titles, prestige, and unwavering personality. He is at the top of every team’s managerial list whenever there is a vacancy, and his appointment alone has caused several ruckuses in the past. Having managed four of the top five clubs in Greece, Bajevic is no stranger to controversy or pressure. He is universally referred to by his well earned nickname “The Prince”.
How did Bajevic earn his title and the esteem in which he is held by so many in Greek football?
The year was 1977, and AEK, one of Greece’s powerhouses, had signed one of Europe’s best players in Dusan Bajevic. He wore the number “9” for the Kitrinomavri (yellow blacks), and in his five years brought the team two League Championships and one Greek Cup. He became a fan favourite almost immediately and his style of play remained well entrenched in the memories of the AEK faithful.
Fast forward to 1988, AEK have gone 10 years since their last title and the team was playing second fiddle to the likes of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. AEK’s management looked to an old friend for help in its darkest hour, and that’s exactly what they got from Bajevic. AEK’s gamble paid off immediately as Bajevic unexpectedly won the 1989 League Championship in his very first season in charge. That magical first season would be the springboard for AEK’s fortunes in the years to come. The AEK teams of 1992, 1993 and 1994 were some of the very best teams Greek football has ever seen. Bajevic established the Athenian club as the number one team in Greece by winning three consecutive championships, and as a result received the nickname “The Prince”.
The year 1996 will go down as one of the most pivotal and controversial in Greek football history. AEK fails to win the league for the second straight season, losing out to Panathinaikos, but manage to win the cup in an impressive manner. Leading up to the cup final, there were rumblings that Bajevic was being heavily courted by Olympiacos owner Socratis Kokkalis. Bajevic stated to the AEK faithful that if the team won the cup that he would stay on. What would follow still to this day has not been completely clarified.
AEK won the cup and Bajevic left AEK in the summer for one of their bitterest rivals Olympiacos. Death threats, acts of vandalism and a livid fan base was the end result of the heavily disputed move. Bajevic from that point on was referred to by AEK fans as “The Traitor” and a sellout. In one of the most famous confrontations between a manager and a team’s fanatic group, Bajevic openly addressed the leader and members of “Original”. Bajevic stated that the threats to his family were over the top, and that he would find and kill the leader of Original. He also mentioned not being afraid of going to jail or dying for his family. “Original 21” is the largest and most dedicated AEK supporters.
The 1996/97 season, and Bajevic’s first in charge at Olympiacos would change the pecking order of Greek football. Olympiacos entering that season had gone through 10 rocky years without lifting even one title, and saw in Bajevic the man to restore their past dominance. Bajevic did not disappoint by delivering the league crown to Kokkalis. He immediately became the most hated and popular manager in Greece because of his audacity and success.
Bajevic set up Olympiacos with a nucleus of players that would go on to win seven titles in a row. He also famously took Olympiacos to the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 1999. This dominance made matters worse for the AEK fans because of the success that many understandably felt could have been theirs. The fact that Bajevic not only succeeded at Olympiacos, but created a dynasty for years to come only served to further irritate the AEK support. Unfortunately, for Bajevic he was not destined to enjoy the fruits of the entire dynasty, being forced out during the 1999/00 season after disagreements with team star Zlatko Zahovic.
It would not take Bajevic long to find work again, this time he joined PAOK Salonika. With PAOK he revived a team to become much more competitive in the league, and in 2000/01 brought PAOK its first Greek Cup in nearly 30 years. There was also a sting in the tale of this particular story, as Bajevic tasted revenge over his former club in the final, defeating Olympiacos. With this accomplishment, he had become the King of Northern Greece.
As the 2001/02 season came to an end Bajevic left PAOK after a successful spell. Panathinaikos and AEK were both interested in acquiring his services but it was AEK who was still in his heart, and so he made a famous return for the 2002/03 season. His return to AEK was not the smoothest of reunions due to fans being split between “pro and anti” Bajevic. Original of course was heading the anti Bajevic crowd heavily. AEK finished a close third in the league but really left its mark in Europe. Specifically, AEK managed 6 draws in its Champions League group fixtures. That is no small feat considering the group included the likes of Real Madrid (defending European Champions) and Roma (2001 Serie A Champions).
Fan pressure though began to build exponentially towards Bajevic, and during the 2003/04 season he mysteriously left at half-time during a home game against Iraklis. At that point it seemed as though all the bridges between Bajevic and AEK had been burnt for good.
The summer of 2004 brought with it a huge surprise for all fans in Greece. After missing out on the title for the first time in eight years, Olympiacos was heavily pursuing a popular French manager to take over the team reins. Newspapers flooded with quotes stating that the team was going to adopt the “French Approach” to the game and hire a Frenchman. Then shock, Olympiacos unexpectedly announced the return of Dusan Bajevic and madness ensued.
The return to Olympiacos served as further salt in the wound for AEK fans that were left in disbelief at history repeating itself. The AEK newspapers mocked the move by famously writing “The new French manager of Olympiacos is Bajevic”! Bajevic won the domestic double with Olympiacos, and lost out on qualifying for the knockout round of the Champions League on goal difference. He only managed to last until the 2004/05 season ended though, after heavy disagreements with certain team stars.
Bajevic would manage Red Star Belgrade and Aris Salonika over the next three years, and each summer there were rumours of a potential move to Panathinaikos or a return to AEK. Consequently, Panathinaikos is the only top team in Greece that Bajevic has never managed, and that is still the case despite hard pressing from the Panathinaikos management over the years.
In July 2008, Bajevic left Aris after disagreements with the club management and all of Greek football took notice that “The Prince” was available on the open market leading into the season. This event put immense pressure on the top three managers in Greece because of the threat of being replaced by such a prestigious manager.
November 17th, 2008. Giorgos Donis is no longer AEK’s manager after overnight talks. AEK is officially in search of a new manager. Three days later Bajevic went on Greek radio and stated that he was finalising a deal to take over at another Super League club, Asteras Tripolis. That same night news leaked that Bajevic had withdrawn his name from the running for the Asteras Tripolis position and at that point it became clear as to why. People directly working with AEK reached out to him, pleading with him not to take the other job and to return to AEK. Long discussions at his house and other locations took place to reassure Bajevic that he would be protected from the angry crowd of fanatics. Money and interest in the team were never an issue at all. It did not take long for him to accept and make headlines everywhere for his third return to the AEK hotseat. It remains to be seen how this third spell will end, but if history has taught us anything it is that Bajevic will not go quietly.
A lot can be said about Dusan Bajevic such as being temperamental, difficult and intelligent but above all successful. His impressive accomplishments across Greece have rightfully earned him the nickname “The Prince”, and it can probably also be said that he fully deserves his other nickname “The Traitor”. There has never been and probably never will be such a polarising figure in Greek football again. His journey and reputation remain his curse.
How did Bajevic earn his title and the esteem in which he is held by so many in Greek football?
The year was 1977, and AEK, one of Greece’s powerhouses, had signed one of Europe’s best players in Dusan Bajevic. He wore the number “9” for the Kitrinomavri (yellow blacks), and in his five years brought the team two League Championships and one Greek Cup. He became a fan favourite almost immediately and his style of play remained well entrenched in the memories of the AEK faithful.
Fast forward to 1988, AEK have gone 10 years since their last title and the team was playing second fiddle to the likes of Olympiacos and Panathinaikos. AEK’s management looked to an old friend for help in its darkest hour, and that’s exactly what they got from Bajevic. AEK’s gamble paid off immediately as Bajevic unexpectedly won the 1989 League Championship in his very first season in charge. That magical first season would be the springboard for AEK’s fortunes in the years to come. The AEK teams of 1992, 1993 and 1994 were some of the very best teams Greek football has ever seen. Bajevic established the Athenian club as the number one team in Greece by winning three consecutive championships, and as a result received the nickname “The Prince”.
The year 1996 will go down as one of the most pivotal and controversial in Greek football history. AEK fails to win the league for the second straight season, losing out to Panathinaikos, but manage to win the cup in an impressive manner. Leading up to the cup final, there were rumblings that Bajevic was being heavily courted by Olympiacos owner Socratis Kokkalis. Bajevic stated to the AEK faithful that if the team won the cup that he would stay on. What would follow still to this day has not been completely clarified.
AEK won the cup and Bajevic left AEK in the summer for one of their bitterest rivals Olympiacos. Death threats, acts of vandalism and a livid fan base was the end result of the heavily disputed move. Bajevic from that point on was referred to by AEK fans as “The Traitor” and a sellout. In one of the most famous confrontations between a manager and a team’s fanatic group, Bajevic openly addressed the leader and members of “Original”. Bajevic stated that the threats to his family were over the top, and that he would find and kill the leader of Original. He also mentioned not being afraid of going to jail or dying for his family. “Original 21” is the largest and most dedicated AEK supporters.
The 1996/97 season, and Bajevic’s first in charge at Olympiacos would change the pecking order of Greek football. Olympiacos entering that season had gone through 10 rocky years without lifting even one title, and saw in Bajevic the man to restore their past dominance. Bajevic did not disappoint by delivering the league crown to Kokkalis. He immediately became the most hated and popular manager in Greece because of his audacity and success.
Bajevic set up Olympiacos with a nucleus of players that would go on to win seven titles in a row. He also famously took Olympiacos to the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 1999. This dominance made matters worse for the AEK fans because of the success that many understandably felt could have been theirs. The fact that Bajevic not only succeeded at Olympiacos, but created a dynasty for years to come only served to further irritate the AEK support. Unfortunately, for Bajevic he was not destined to enjoy the fruits of the entire dynasty, being forced out during the 1999/00 season after disagreements with team star Zlatko Zahovic.
It would not take Bajevic long to find work again, this time he joined PAOK Salonika. With PAOK he revived a team to become much more competitive in the league, and in 2000/01 brought PAOK its first Greek Cup in nearly 30 years. There was also a sting in the tale of this particular story, as Bajevic tasted revenge over his former club in the final, defeating Olympiacos. With this accomplishment, he had become the King of Northern Greece.
As the 2001/02 season came to an end Bajevic left PAOK after a successful spell. Panathinaikos and AEK were both interested in acquiring his services but it was AEK who was still in his heart, and so he made a famous return for the 2002/03 season. His return to AEK was not the smoothest of reunions due to fans being split between “pro and anti” Bajevic. Original of course was heading the anti Bajevic crowd heavily. AEK finished a close third in the league but really left its mark in Europe. Specifically, AEK managed 6 draws in its Champions League group fixtures. That is no small feat considering the group included the likes of Real Madrid (defending European Champions) and Roma (2001 Serie A Champions).
Fan pressure though began to build exponentially towards Bajevic, and during the 2003/04 season he mysteriously left at half-time during a home game against Iraklis. At that point it seemed as though all the bridges between Bajevic and AEK had been burnt for good.
The summer of 2004 brought with it a huge surprise for all fans in Greece. After missing out on the title for the first time in eight years, Olympiacos was heavily pursuing a popular French manager to take over the team reins. Newspapers flooded with quotes stating that the team was going to adopt the “French Approach” to the game and hire a Frenchman. Then shock, Olympiacos unexpectedly announced the return of Dusan Bajevic and madness ensued.
The return to Olympiacos served as further salt in the wound for AEK fans that were left in disbelief at history repeating itself. The AEK newspapers mocked the move by famously writing “The new French manager of Olympiacos is Bajevic”! Bajevic won the domestic double with Olympiacos, and lost out on qualifying for the knockout round of the Champions League on goal difference. He only managed to last until the 2004/05 season ended though, after heavy disagreements with certain team stars.
Bajevic would manage Red Star Belgrade and Aris Salonika over the next three years, and each summer there were rumours of a potential move to Panathinaikos or a return to AEK. Consequently, Panathinaikos is the only top team in Greece that Bajevic has never managed, and that is still the case despite hard pressing from the Panathinaikos management over the years.
In July 2008, Bajevic left Aris after disagreements with the club management and all of Greek football took notice that “The Prince” was available on the open market leading into the season. This event put immense pressure on the top three managers in Greece because of the threat of being replaced by such a prestigious manager.
November 17th, 2008. Giorgos Donis is no longer AEK’s manager after overnight talks. AEK is officially in search of a new manager. Three days later Bajevic went on Greek radio and stated that he was finalising a deal to take over at another Super League club, Asteras Tripolis. That same night news leaked that Bajevic had withdrawn his name from the running for the Asteras Tripolis position and at that point it became clear as to why. People directly working with AEK reached out to him, pleading with him not to take the other job and to return to AEK. Long discussions at his house and other locations took place to reassure Bajevic that he would be protected from the angry crowd of fanatics. Money and interest in the team were never an issue at all. It did not take long for him to accept and make headlines everywhere for his third return to the AEK hotseat. It remains to be seen how this third spell will end, but if history has taught us anything it is that Bajevic will not go quietly.
A lot can be said about Dusan Bajevic such as being temperamental, difficult and intelligent but above all successful. His impressive accomplishments across Greece have rightfully earned him the nickname “The Prince”, and it can probably also be said that he fully deserves his other nickname “The Traitor”. There has never been and probably never will be such a polarising figure in Greek football again. His journey and reputation remain his curse.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Life on the Edge: Management in Greece
Repeat the following out loud, “Greek football manager”. Now start counting from zero up until I say stop. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven…… STOP!
Welcome to the Greek Super League, a league which has already had seven managerial changes as of this young season. Did I mention that five of those changes have taken place this month alone? Let me put on my maths hat on for a second and lay out the statistics. Nearly half the Super League teams (44%) have changed managers as of today, and 31% of those happened during a two week span in November.
Are you still with me? Or did I lose you at four? I can see why it is difficult to accept that 44% of Super League teams have changed coaches already. We are after all talking about people, and more specifically football managers. You might be asking yourselves “what’s with all the firings”? You might even dare ask “why only seven”? The truth lies somewhere between masochism and madness. You can judge for yourselves which of the two is closest to sanity.
Bajevic (Aris Salonkia 01/07), Mantzourakis (Xanthi 24/08), Pedraza (Iraklis 03/11), Straka (OFI 06/11), Linen (Panionios 11/11), Carvalhal (Asteras Tripolis 11/11) and Donis (AEK Athens 17/11) round out the list of managers arranging their winter getaways as we speak. You can even call them the “Magnificent Seven” if it helps you remember their common bond. Even for the Super League’s standards this is considered remarkable.
After reading the above you are probably starting to realise that teams in the Greek Super League are not very, very patient. In truth the Super League is not known for its quality of football, but rather for its unsurpassed pressure and entertainment. Every other week conspiracy theories surface about managerial changes and players alike. Here are some things you need to know about Greece as a nation that will help ease the shock.
Number one, the press in Greece is unique because of its vast distribution of newspapers and team coverage. There are approximately 10 daily Sports Newspapers in circulation across the country, and more than half of them are team affiliated. For example the top three teams Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos each have at least three of their own “propaganda papers” circulating on a daily basis. If you lose a few games in a row the pressure will quickly build and all of a sudden the next fixture cannot come fast enough.
Number two, Athenian dominance and it’s separation from the rest of the nation cannot be understated. As you can probably find in most, if not all countries, the teams located in or around the capital are the “top dogs”. It’s been over five years since a team outside of Athens finished in the top three and 20 since the Championship left Athens (Larissa 1988).
Number three, there is no such thing as a “casual fan” in Greece because they are either hardcore fanatics, or not involved at all. The fanatics are the ones who organise the rest of the team followers, as well as lead the way in terms of club mentality. Team owners are scared of very few things in life except death, their wives and their team’s fanatics. Team fanatics are what keep owners in check, and make manager’s lives miserable because of their unrealistic expectations which never waiver.
Managers are in over their heads before they even know it, and they are at the mercy of the team fanatics. Potential bosses see a beautiful country with rowdy fans and a decent paycheck, not much of a deterrent until the fanatics and press get involved. Managerial changes in Greece are akin to someone going for a checkup, you may be hesitant at first but you know you will feel a lot better once it’s over. The Managerial “musical chairs” of the Super League are unbreakable habits that never cease to amaze. There have been successful coaches in Greece with positive win-loss records; however even that at times was not enough to salvage their jobs.
One example comes to mind that perfectly represents the superiority complex that teams crave in Greece. Srecko Katanec took over Olympiacos halfway through the 2002/03 season and did well in the league. He was considered a high profile appointment and even drew with AEK away 1-1 in his first match in charge. He however made one fatal mistake that would inevitably cost him his job during the same season. At the pre-game press conference for the derby game with Panathinaikos, Katanec stated that if Olympiacos did not win the game it would not be the end of the world, and that he could live with it. The team owner was understandably livid as well as the fanatics, and Katanec did not last long after that statement despite his overall record.
In closing, managers in Greece are always on the “hot seat”, and there is no such thing as a safe job or an untouchable manager. In 2002, AEK lost the title to Olympiacos due to their head to head record. Manager Fernando Santos made a statement claiming his team would have won the league had it not been for press coverage. That acknowledgement alone proves what kind of beast bosses in the Greek Super League are constantly up against. Therefore, there should be no real surprise at the numerous changes, and the real question now is, who’s next?
Welcome to the Greek Super League, a league which has already had seven managerial changes as of this young season. Did I mention that five of those changes have taken place this month alone? Let me put on my maths hat on for a second and lay out the statistics. Nearly half the Super League teams (44%) have changed managers as of today, and 31% of those happened during a two week span in November.
Are you still with me? Or did I lose you at four? I can see why it is difficult to accept that 44% of Super League teams have changed coaches already. We are after all talking about people, and more specifically football managers. You might be asking yourselves “what’s with all the firings”? You might even dare ask “why only seven”? The truth lies somewhere between masochism and madness. You can judge for yourselves which of the two is closest to sanity.
Bajevic (Aris Salonkia 01/07), Mantzourakis (Xanthi 24/08), Pedraza (Iraklis 03/11), Straka (OFI 06/11), Linen (Panionios 11/11), Carvalhal (Asteras Tripolis 11/11) and Donis (AEK Athens 17/11) round out the list of managers arranging their winter getaways as we speak. You can even call them the “Magnificent Seven” if it helps you remember their common bond. Even for the Super League’s standards this is considered remarkable.
After reading the above you are probably starting to realise that teams in the Greek Super League are not very, very patient. In truth the Super League is not known for its quality of football, but rather for its unsurpassed pressure and entertainment. Every other week conspiracy theories surface about managerial changes and players alike. Here are some things you need to know about Greece as a nation that will help ease the shock.
Number one, the press in Greece is unique because of its vast distribution of newspapers and team coverage. There are approximately 10 daily Sports Newspapers in circulation across the country, and more than half of them are team affiliated. For example the top three teams Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos each have at least three of their own “propaganda papers” circulating on a daily basis. If you lose a few games in a row the pressure will quickly build and all of a sudden the next fixture cannot come fast enough.
Number two, Athenian dominance and it’s separation from the rest of the nation cannot be understated. As you can probably find in most, if not all countries, the teams located in or around the capital are the “top dogs”. It’s been over five years since a team outside of Athens finished in the top three and 20 since the Championship left Athens (Larissa 1988).
Number three, there is no such thing as a “casual fan” in Greece because they are either hardcore fanatics, or not involved at all. The fanatics are the ones who organise the rest of the team followers, as well as lead the way in terms of club mentality. Team owners are scared of very few things in life except death, their wives and their team’s fanatics. Team fanatics are what keep owners in check, and make manager’s lives miserable because of their unrealistic expectations which never waiver.
Managers are in over their heads before they even know it, and they are at the mercy of the team fanatics. Potential bosses see a beautiful country with rowdy fans and a decent paycheck, not much of a deterrent until the fanatics and press get involved. Managerial changes in Greece are akin to someone going for a checkup, you may be hesitant at first but you know you will feel a lot better once it’s over. The Managerial “musical chairs” of the Super League are unbreakable habits that never cease to amaze. There have been successful coaches in Greece with positive win-loss records; however even that at times was not enough to salvage their jobs.
One example comes to mind that perfectly represents the superiority complex that teams crave in Greece. Srecko Katanec took over Olympiacos halfway through the 2002/03 season and did well in the league. He was considered a high profile appointment and even drew with AEK away 1-1 in his first match in charge. He however made one fatal mistake that would inevitably cost him his job during the same season. At the pre-game press conference for the derby game with Panathinaikos, Katanec stated that if Olympiacos did not win the game it would not be the end of the world, and that he could live with it. The team owner was understandably livid as well as the fanatics, and Katanec did not last long after that statement despite his overall record.
In closing, managers in Greece are always on the “hot seat”, and there is no such thing as a safe job or an untouchable manager. In 2002, AEK lost the title to Olympiacos due to their head to head record. Manager Fernando Santos made a statement claiming his team would have won the league had it not been for press coverage. That acknowledgement alone proves what kind of beast bosses in the Greek Super League are constantly up against. Therefore, there should be no real surprise at the numerous changes, and the real question now is, who’s next?
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