Moltocalcio

Sven does funny without the puppetry

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:32:00 +0000

Sven Goran shows some personality.By the by the shorts have to go.Or maybe its 1977 again and i didnt get the memo.

With the imminent firing of Siena's Marco Giampaolo we must ask did he forget how to coach over the summer?

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:50:00 +0000

An adage in coaching i used to hear often about any manger who's team began to falter after a good season was "He became dumb over night" Referring to a coach or manager who led a side to great results one year but followed it up with disastrous results the following year. Many may be thinking this about Marco Giampaolo who only a few weeks ago received a ringing endorsement from Don Fabio Cappello.Cappelo said of Giampaolo that he is one of Italy's new generation of talents.

Since those kind words Giampaolo's Sienna have lost their seventh match of the young Serie A season. Now according to reports out of Italy Giampaolo sits ready to be fired today.So what happened? How does a young manager with such promise become dumb over night?

First off no manager is dumb at the elite level it can just seem that way sometimes.His ability to manage people can always be questioned but we can assume that to climb the professional ladder each man with a "A" Licence is not unqualified or an impostor. Personally i will always feel that a managers is only as good as his Jon's and Joe's and to an important extent also his X's and O's. But without the talent success is almost impossible.

For Marco Giampaolo the losses over the summer of Juan Zuniga and Houssine Kharja should be seen as a primary reason for Sienna's dire troubles. Give him some talent and we discover Giampaolo is not dumb anymore. Whats left for a manager who looses talent but cant adequately replace his losses?

Sienna are not a disorganized side.Giampaolo's strength is his ability to defend building stout well organized sides with high levels of concentration. Was it an issue of motivation? Its hard to sell your players on the idea of victory as the losses pile up. Did Sienna loose its conviction? Put that in the same category as motivation. Did Sienna loose its team Harmony? When you loose your better players and the winning stops the finger pointing starts.Winning solves all problems, so was it as simple as tactical naivete? Again all systems of play work better when a manager has the men to execute the orders. Not all soldiers are created equal. Even Fabio Capello has failed.Odd to say with all his success.

The curse of Italian football is the penchance to panic and replace managers too quickly. The blessing of Italian football is most of those same fired men will be given other chances to get better at their craft and make right. I expect the same for Marco Giampaolo.I know he didn't get dumb overnight.

Why substitutions are made so late in games

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 01:16:00 +0000

My son asked me why managers wait so late to make all three substitutions in games. Great question.

Its quite simple really.A manager will make the appropriate change to strengthen his or her side.Replacing a weakening player for a stronger player. A Good manager will try to exploit a tactical weakness he or she may may see in an opponent.Conversely a substitution will be made to strengthen a side who may be exploited.

But one of the biggest reasons a manager will save his changes for so late is because if all three allowed substitutions are made too early in the game, say at the 50 minute mark or 60 minute mark and one of his players gets hurt then that team will be forced to play a man down for the remainder of the contest. No manager wants to get caught in such a scenario. So its a matter of rationing your players out while balancing out any tactical ambition you hoped to gain from changing a player. Too Early you run a risk of being caught short handed.Too late and any ambition of changing the face of a game could be wasted.

Dedicating time

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:33:00 +0000

I am constantly torn as to what subject matter or theme belongs on moltocalcio and what doesnt. Between Roma and Gli Azzuri i constantly debate what theme or identity my blog should develop. Like me my blog has a meandering quality that would make a clown on a zig zag bike proud. I can go tactics to sometimes gossip to irresponsible speculation. See anything i have written about Rosella Sensi and the imminent sale of AS Roma that never seems to come about. Making the sale of Roma the most perpetually imminent football deal that will never happen.

What i would like to be doing that gives me less pause and more control is talking tactics. I can spend hours talking about a formation and the millions of ways to bring out its best based on talent and circumstance. This past week after winning our league title ( I was only an assistant on that side) i had the priviledge to talk to a few college coaches about our tactical philosophies. We spent two hours just looking at the 4-4-2 and ways it is the best and worst of formations.Factors are innumerable. That conversation above all reminded me that what i love best about football is the infinite ways it can be played.

So i will be dedicating more time to my other blog Moltomanager. At Moltomanager i will try to create a didactal heaven for those like me who love the game but desire more how our favorite sides won or lost. For me its about sharpening my skills and continuing to learn. I hope as many people will add their insights and views to make all of us who love football better fans and better coaches. In the end someone always has a better wheel.

I will post to moltocalcio often borrowing from Moltomanager.Bear with me.I am not trying to cut corners. Just can do so much.

Thanks Pep

Why Cassano wont make the team

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:10:00 +0000

Antonio Cassano will not make the national side as long Marcello Lippi is in charge of Italy.I hope i am worng, at 27 this is Cassano's last hurrah.For Lippi past is prologue and Cassano's history precedes him and he is now forever defined as the crazy one who pulls underwear over his own head.My words not necessarily the medias.But who are we kidding.

Antonio Cassano is brilliant,currently he has Sampdoria in first place in the Serie A. But Marcello Lippi has made up his mind that Cassano is too mercurial to allow into a locker room for such a high profile and very short tournament. What Cassano can offer as a play maker and goal scorer is out weighed by the idea that at any moment he can upset the apple cart and send the locker room into a tizzy.

Sampdoria's great play and Antonio's new found peace of mind will not dissuade Lippi. Ironically the better Cassano behaves the more the media will tout him to Lippi.Thus continuing to agitate the Italian manager and provide the same distraction to Lippi despite not even being on the roster. Cassano in his own absence will be the story in Italy and thus the distraction.The effects have even forced one time Roma teammate Danielle De Rossi to chime in this week saying;

"He [Cassano] is amongst all the Italian attackers who has the most talent, and the most fun," the Lupi midfielder was reported as saying on Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"But if we look at goals, those that already represent Italy internationally score more than him,"

Suzy Campanale of football italia is exactly correct when she writes that "The Coach is playing a rather dangerous game with Cassano and the media. The more the newspapers ask about the Bari Vecchia starlet, the less likely he is to call him."

What De Rossi should be talking about is what Italy will have to deal with this weekend.But instead De Rossi finds himself chiming in defence of his manager talking about a player that will have no impact on the pitch this weekend.

I am a fan of Antonio Cassano he is definitely troubled and because of that he gets my empathy and great sympathy, i hope as a human being he can find his center and just be happier or at least balanced emotionally. Cassano has payed a heavy price for his inability to control himself. Antonio Cassano would also make Italy more dangerous.His ability to distribute the ball and keen vision would create space for everyone thus making Italy more dangerous in the attack.

But the bottom line is despite his best effort's in a world cup year to be a good citizen Antonio Cassano's absence will continue to be the distraction Lippi will not want to deal with. And the better he play's and behaves the greater a distraction he will be to the Azzurri.

Something has to give and Lippi will have to make an important decision soon.Whether he is on the team or off the team Cassano is very distracting. Now the question becomes where will he be less destructive. I am hoping in a blue jersey.

Roma less sexy but more functional

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 13:31:00 +0000

Today was my first sight of Roma under Claudio Ranieri.The first thing that struck me about the new Roma was a desire to defend. Out went the champagne football in came the six pack.Collectively Roma look solid in the 4-4-2.They now defend in numbers and at times today looked strong doing so.The sight was almost startling.Roma are not as dangerous in attack now but they are far more reliable defensivley. Simplicity of attitude along with form and function are now the Roma and Ranieri way.

Yet despite Ranieri's desire to simplify Roma's movements and add numbers to defence Napoli did manage to strike first. Ezekial Lavezzi was fantastic in his effort to pivot and fight off pressure,the Argentinian turned and scored a low screamer right under the outstretched Labont who came in to replace the injured Bertagnoli.

The only familiar pattern from the past that continues in the present is Francesco Totti who scored twice today.The first off of a Vucinic pass to Perrotta that deflected to Totti.And the Second Totti hammered home from the edge of the penalty area.

Roma have thrown away the sexy curves and paint job and decided to become a plain but very functional automobile.They don't seem capable of their old football under the pragmatic and demanding Ranieri. But that's ok. Results matter in our world.Despite the lack of sexiness.

Jose Mourinho is now the petulant one

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 13:43:00 +0000

Petulance cant be defined as moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.

Synonyms:irritable, peevish, fretful, pettish, touchy.

I used to think and feel that Jose Mourinho played the role of an arrogant if not petulant child in order to befuddle his opponents to the point of distraction. While at the same time focusing the attention on him to spare his players the pressure of an upcoming important match.What i am now seeing out of the Special one is a real petulance that must come from a wearing to the bone of constantly having to maintain the image he has created for himself as master psychologist.

Fatigue is wearing the special one down and his real humanity is beginning to crack the surface.So much so that i don't feel Jose Mourinho can tell when he is being calculating and irreverent and when he is truly showing the wear of his profession.

Yesterday after Inter lost to Sampdoria Mourinho was questioned about his inability to handle Gigi Del Neri Sides.Last season Del Neri's Atalanta side also defeated Inter3-1. Mourinho's response was petulant if not grossly inaccurate.Mourinho said of Gigi Del Neri

“Is he my bete noir?” the Special One was asked by journalists after finally ending his media silence.
“He can’t be, I became European Champion with Porto, I left, he replaced me and was sacked after 15 days.”
By the by a bete noire is a detested person; "he is an anathema to me"

Mourinho obviously feels that despite loosing twice to lesser sides managed by Del Neri,Gigi cant be held in his class.

Jose Mourinho seems incapable of being happy in his own skin.His World view is anchored in the notion that for a man like him to be excellent at something it must be a journey of one. Mourinho reminds me of many people i know. For these people to function in this world their success must come at the expense of someone else. Its seems impossible for some people to feel successful in this world unless they stand alone atop a mountain.

For Mourinho swallowing his pride and allowing himself the opportunity to loose and not feel he has been beaten by a lesser man would be a much healthier experience.And one that may add years to his career. In the elite ranks their are probably ten managers world wide that are breathing the thinnest of air.(FergusonCapello,Hiddink,Lippi) and there is another generation on its way up (Guardiola,Gasperini,Moyes) Your not alone Jose.Your still great but your not alone.Quit wearing yourself out defending a title that no one man can hold.At least not forever.

Fabio Capello

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:42:00 +0000

England qualified for South Africa 2010 today with a resounding 5-1 win over Croatia. A side cursed by always missing a key player in its drive for a world cup spot.Last year Croatia missed Eduardo and today they missed Tottenham's Luca Modric. Glaring omissions for the Croatians.But this England side are much different then the 2007 side that lost so painfully to those same Croatians. That group was led by the unafairly maligned stumble Steve McLaren.

In eight world Cup qualifying games England played eight games and won every one. They scored 31 goals and only allowed five. As a Roma fan i have always been keenly aware of Capello's brilliance. He simply is amazing.And Roma haven't been the same since he's left.

In 1994 Capello took A Milan to the Champions league final and destroyed favoured Barcelona.It was then that i woke up to the power of Capello.Since then he has won countless trophies most notably for my beloved AS Roma in 2001-01. Put simply he is a winner.

Italy are within one point of Qualifying for South Africa and i feel Italy are in supreme hands with Marcello Lippi in charge. But i do wonder aloud if Italy would have sought out Capello after 2006 instead of Roberto Donadoni how much of England's history and even Italy's could be drastically different. Its silly to theorize what has never happened.So instead i will quote some English dailies who are thrilled with Capello.

From the Times online So much for the impossible job. So much for the Lampard-Gerrard conundrum. So much for English football’s crisis of confidence. This was one of those rare nights when hope and glory made an appearance at Wembley — a testament to a team's spectacular transformation under the management of Fabio Capello.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic on his time as a player at Juventus.As Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic said of Capello when they worked together at Juventus: "He gets the team to play the way he wants it to play and you don't need to ask any questions. You know he is doing the right thing for the team and the team responds to that."

David Beckham to the NY times."What Fabio Capello has brought back into the squad and also back into the nation, is the belief," Beckham told reporters at England's team hotel.

Tony Cascarino Times online.Genius at work: Fabio Capello turns wallies into world-beaters

These comments are stark and contrast so sharply from 2007. Will England win the World cup? If Spain and Brazil stumble England can be as good a bet as anyone. Why not. They have a man in charge that's simply knows how to win.

The tinkerman is really the repairman

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:51:00 +0000

Claudio Ranieri's recent arrival to Roma brings home a native son and player. In many ways the universe seemed to have planned this out perfectly for the Tinkerman. Ranieri's unceremonious if not rude firing by Juventus last season with only two games to go seemed so incongruous it that it now appears had to be done for Ranieri to be allowed to return home. They say the lord works in mysterious ways and for Roma and Ranieri this may have been a perfect confluence of events that was designed from the point of his firing to restore Roma to its former glory.

The fact that Juventus fired the Roman born manager and then directly contributed to his return to Rome by embarrassing the Giallorossi this past Sunday has me feeling everything is perfectly symmetrical in its order and design.Remember the universe is shaped like a football. Click here for that one. So as a Roma fan here are the three reason i feel Roma are well served by Ranieri's return.

Ranieri will provide a fresh voice and perspective.He is experienced and a native son.He played for Roma though very sparingly he wore the colors as a fan and a player.So no one can question his passion for the city or the side.That helps with the supporters and i feel makes an immediate impact on his players.

Ranieri will immediately solidify the back.Roma will no longer exhibit the top heavy characteristics of an attacking side that Spalletti had built with flare and aggression.The reverse should happen under Ranieri who will return a working balance to Roma's play.Pragmatism will return to the Olimpico.

Ranieri has succeeded almost every where he has gone in levelling a clubs decline and redirecting it upward.In 23 years as a manager Ranieri's faults seem to be he cant seem to jump the final hurdle. But no one an question the tinkerman should really be known as the repairman.If anyone has mastered working with shrinking sides or side unable to spend at the time of his arr rival it's Claudio Ranieri. Ranieri will take these current Roman lemons and make lemonade.

A fresh perspective,pragmatism and 23 years of leading sides out of danger and bringing them to the heights of recognition are what Claudio Ranieri does best. Besides that he is imminently likable. I am no longer in panic mode. In many ways i will miss Spalletti.No one can dare say Roma were a boring side.Spalletti's passion for attractive attacking football will always be recognized and admired by me. But something happened to his scheme when Amontino Mancini left for Inter.Roma lost its width and became a side easier to defend off two axis's instead of three with Mancini. Then the infighting and Spalletti's inability to regain the club house planted the seeds of his demise.The past ten months seemed to have been a maintenance of a side instead of its growth and prosperity. I will miss Luciano Spalletti but i am pleased with Ranieri's arrival.

Forza Roma repairman

Rosella Sensi to Fire Spalletti,Roma to hire the tinkerman

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 01:29:00 +0000

Rai due is reporting that Luciano Spalletti will not survive the day as Roma manager and be replaced by ex-Juventus-Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri.

I am not suprised.Roma look uninspired.Roma are woeful defensively and a change though unfair in many ways to Spalletti who has had to deal with no transfer budget and a woeful set of injury circumstances may see his own firing as a blessing with time.

Spalletti was apparently offered the Zenit St.Petersburg post this summer but turned it down for another heave hoe with Roma.Why i am not sure with all his problems with the locker room last season.See Panucci fiasco.

Word is expected to be announced by the end of business on Tuesday.

We'll see

World football Daily to air today

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 13:12:00 +0000

For those that love football and the need to vent, well good news.Steven Cohen and Kenny Hassan are back with World Football daily.It is subscription based. But with all the news and events that have happened,Eduardo's dive and Wengers response, Inter's drubbing of old and tired Milan.Roma's inability along with Juve's rebirth. Will Chelsea ever loose? World cup qualifying,Champions league.Well we now have our daily voice back.

Click the link for the broadcast:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/wfd or http://www.worldsoccerdaily.com/

Its $9.95 a month. Vote with your dollar.

I will..

Pep

and for all that is good in the Universe Forza Roma please!

Great news! World Soccer daily may live again

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:57:00 +0000

World Soccer reader is reporting that Steven Cohen's recently ended World Soccer daily may soon return with a new name and new method of delivering its excellent daily broadcast.

“World Soccer Daily will be back. It will be back as World Football Daily with Kenny and me as a subscriber driven 2-3 hour daily video/podcast,” Cohen’s Facebook post confirmed.

Cohen cited October 1st as the probable starting date though said the show could be ready for distribution as early as September 15th."

Because the new incarnation of World Soccer Daily will solely be an online broadcast/podcast offered as a subscription show loyalty will be tested. The amount of loyalty will also depend on how expensive the monthly fee is. Personally i will invest within reason. After seven years and the new and intriguing story lines to develop in League play,Champions league play,World Cup play having a daily account of the sport we love will be impossible for me to ignore.

Good on Steven and Kenny for keeping the show alive.The cost will be worth it.And with time as sponsors return who knows what expansion will come.Hopefully the subscription aspect will be removed for a free podcast that has provided so much entertainment and information all these years.

In America you can boycott with your dollar and effect change.You can also step up and support with your dollars for something you care about. A few dollars a month is a simple way of saying thank you. If World football daily's monthly cost is within reason i will gladly say thank you with a monthly investment.

Forza World Football Daily and Forza Roma!

The cultural significance of loosing World Soccer daily

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:35:00 +0000

I have been working three jobs at a stretch of seven days a week for months now. My Itunes membership to World soccer daily had not downloaded a show for a few days and i didn't become suspicious partly because i was tired and partly due to my ignorantly thinking Steven Cohen had probably extended his vacation another week.So when i downloaded and listened to the BBC World football phone in i discovered to my shock that World Soccer daily had broadcast for the last time on August 21 2009

At first my reaction was shock with little or no feelings able to sink in for processing.Eight hours later the Shock is wearing off and the fear and anger are setting in. As an immigrant to the US World Soccer daily was my umbilical chord to a life i know and love. It isn't easy to love something and be scorned for it. Two years ago i had written about the importance of World Soccer daily i wrote back in 2007

"World Soccer daily is a radio show that is dedicated to us Soccer fanatics. We are a much maligned community in North America. Constantly we are ridiculed by the sporting community, political community and in general most people in America. I have heard Rush Limbaugh call Soccer moms a blight on America.Roger Hedgecock his sometime fill in calls soccer fans Communists. On Fox news i have heard us called un-American. Jim Rome has even called us chicks."

The effect of being an outsider on the inside and feeling unequal too others can have a withering effect on a person and how he sees himself in the world. So having a place to go daily that reinforces your passions and ideals is not only cathartic its downright comforting. Human's are social creatures and Steven Cohen's radio show was an island for those of us that saw the world of Sport differently from those who love the big 4 in America.One soccer show broadcast daily united an ever growing community.

I added

"I wrote this post because we football fanatics live in a country that has not accepted football as part of its culture. I know this is changing slowly and i am hopeful. For many of us World Soccer daily carries the football flag and they are very good at it."

And now World Soccer Daily is no more.Ironically snuffed out by its own community.In this case Liverpool supporters who organized a successful campaign against the soccer show and its advertisers.96 people died that day and the rawness and horror is still so raw to Liverpool fans that it seems their protest of Steven and his comments in part seems to be a part of a healing process or act of protection done in light of what can never change or be undone.

So a show that gave football fans a place in the day and a voice to be recognized without mockery is no more.I don't see any victors in this process.An American ideal of free speech and the right to agree to disagree seems lost in all the anger.As for me i am still processing this. My shock is now being accompanied by anger.

I am beginning to feel that horrible feeling that comes from feeling culturally amputated from what i know and love.And i hope when the anger subsides it doesn't start to hurt all over again.

Michael Ballack goes Jedi on Patrice Evra and totally throws him for a loop

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:08:00 +0000

I enjoyed today's Chelsea Manchester United Community Sheild immensely.Apart from the athleticism and rivalry between two franchises with fantastic pedigree.Many threads have been born from todays match. We now know Michael Ballack on the right side of Chelsea's midfield can wreak havoc on Manchester United's Left back Patrice Evra.A clumsy or cynical challenge by Michael Ballack Floored Evra in the second half that led to directly to Chelsea's second goal.The whistle had not blown but Mnachester United had for all intent's just stopped playing.(Play to the whistle) Manchester United's lack of action lead to Frank Lampard giving Chelsea a 2-1 lead. I agree it didnt seem kosher to keep playing. It felt cringeworthy to continue on.

What followed was Patrice Evra looking for retribution instead of playing his game.So much so that he seemed to carry his frustrations to the penalty spot.Where he took a very feeble penalty. That story line will be one i follow intently in Chelsea's next two Premiership matches.Store that one away.

I am also intrigued to see how Sir Alex handles that situation and what he say's about Chelsea's choice to continue play instead of kicking the ball out of play.Carlo Ancellotti's response too will say allot about the gamesmanship leading up to the games ensuing encounters. Two Chess masters playing the media to their clubs benefit will also be insightful if not entertaining to say the least.

Chelsea look strong.Florent Malouda looks fantastic right now.If Michael Essien can remain healthy along with Ricardo Carvalho at Centerback Chelsea may be the best in England.How Aquilani does to replace Xabi Alsono at Liverpool will determine allot in the table.I will download 606 sports and listen to the insults an innuendo fly.

By the by.Was Wayne Ronney offside on the second goal? The modern method by broadcasters not to instill controversy to protect officials or not detract from the spectacle refuse to show replays of offside calls to their full effect. It worries me how willing broadcaster are to look the other way.

Lazio win Supercup,so what does this mean for Inter's upcoming campaign?

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 14:28:00 +0000

Unable to see today's Inter-Lazio game i was forced to stay near my laptop this morning. My crackling speakers would pop and crack with the sounds from Beijing. My only means to the game was courtesy of Radio Rai. Apparently sold out and lustrous in atmosphere and pageantry a weaker Lazio side missing Goran Pandev,Christian Ledesma and Lorenzo De Silvestri overcame Inter 2-1.

Davide Ballardini' Lazio's new manager must have squeezed everything from the Biancocelesti, because to be honest i am shocked by this result.So what does this mean for Inter and the rest of the Serie A?

Inter's new signing Samuel Eto contributed immediately in his first start for Inter scoring the Nerazzurri's only goal. Samuel Eto was also responsible for missing a sitter on a 55th minute errant back pass.Eto's shot missed the wide open goal. In all fairness to Eto his first touch let him down and put him on a tough angle to shoot from.

So does today's result mean a more open table? Juventus who last week defeated Real Madrid 2-1 follow with a loss a week later to Villareal 4-1 mean Clubs like Roma, Fiorentina, Milan really stay with Juventus and Inter? Is a two horse race really a four,five or six club race to the final weeks of April or May?

Today's Inter loss and Juve's thumping last night to Villareal is giving me the courage to hope. Probably falsely, but maybe just maybe newly organized Inter and Juve may take time to form cohesive effective units.These possible early problems for both Inter and Juve may create scenarios where both squads stumble and loose points early.Wobbles that may give Roma,Fiorentina and Milan buoyancy. I can hope right?

Landon Donovan on the Dan Lebatard radio show exhibits a fantastic sense of humor

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:25:00 +0000

I love to listen to podcast soccer shows from around the world daily and weekly.Some of my fav are World Soccer daily,the UK times online podcast and the Guardian's podcast.But living in America i also listen to 4 sport radio.Football,baseball,basketball and sometimes Hockey, Nascar radio. I am a big fan of Dan Lebatard the Miami Herald writer and sports radio host on AM 790 out Miami.Dan can also be seen on ESPN offering insights and opinion on Pardon the Interruption and Around the horn.Two popular TV shows on ESPN.

Dan is very unconventional for modern Sports broadcasters.He doesn't hate soccer.And though he wont spend hours or even a few segments talking about the beautiful game, he will often defend the game to in his words"His myopic and willfully ignorant audience" Dan will go to bat for soccer and understands the force Soccer is around the globe.

So yesterday without real cause or nothing to promote on the part of his guest Dan Lebotard had Landon Donovan on his drive time show last Friday evening July 31st.What i learned is that i like Landon Donovan.No more Landy Cakes references or smirks when i see the guy who chose the MLS over getting better in Europe.Landon was forthright and self effacing and by the end of the interview i was struck by how wrong i was about him as a person.

Things admitted to Dan Lebatard by Donovan in the interview

He has cried during America idol...

He has peed on a football pitch in Guadalajara Mexico when the US team was locked out of the bathrooms during a World Cup qualifying match.

He is married to an actress who is beautiful.

He admitted he handled the Beckham fiasco all wrong.

He can laugh at himself.

Took his wife to the ESPY's on their first date.But only because he knew he would win an award.Smooth.

His play in Confederations cup play proved me wrong that he is a great player and belongs on a European side.And he is a stand up guy.Despite peeing on a football pitch. I am a Landon Donovan fan.

You can hear the interview by clicking the link.The interview happens around the 1 hour and five minute mark.

http://www.790theticket.com/_SHARED/Podcasts/public/RSS.aspx?PID=1206
Dan_LeBatard_Show_7-31-09_Part_1.mp3

Gems on the net for football fanatics

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 15:13:00 +0000

With just a few weeks to go before all the passion restarts in Europe and the MLS nearing its conclusion i wanted to share a fantastic site with you.Its mysoccerplace.net.Mysoccerplace.net collects footballs highlights from the days current and past to keep fans informed and in tune with the day's occurrence from around the footballing globe.Not just Europe's major leagues. With my lifestyle being so inconsistent because of my work hours i usually miss most television relating to soccer news.Specifically Fox soccer Chanels daily recap out of its Canadian studios. So for me its mysoccerplace.net.

I also downloaded their tool bar witch has a video section of up to 50 videos to peruse.A live score feature and a TV Chanel's section. They also post full match replays in case you missed the game or the game highlights are not enough. I am not affiliated in anyway with this site but its been a wonderful surprise living the long work hours that i do.If your a blogger they also have a widget you can attach to your blog or site to provide extra options for your readers in case they too missed the days actions.

I am a fan.

Roma's killer schedule

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:09:00 +0000

Week 1 Roma vs Genoa

AS Roma's start to the upcoming Serie A campaign has pain written all over it.The scent of disaster for the Giallorossi.All is predicated on a good start or Roma will find itself chasing for the rest of the 09-10 campaign.Game 1 on the fixture list sees Roma on the road to Genoa who finished 5th five points ahead of Roma last year.Though Genoa have lost Diego Milito and Thiago Motta both signing in the off season for Inter Genoa signed Hernan Crespo and are led by one of the Serie A's most promising managers in Gian Piero Gasperini.Though i hope Roma should win over a weakned Genoa side its an early game on the road so i expect Genoa to play with great inspiration.

Week 2 Roma vs Juventus

In week two Roma host what many feel will be Inter's rival for the Scudetto in Juventus.Juve were an active side in the off season solidifying their midfield with Brazilians Diego who they signed from Werder Bremen and Fiorentina transfer Felipe Melo.That's the litmus test game.The result of this encounter will tell us allot about Roma and its chances for the rest of the campaign.I dont expect good things in this one.A much weaker Juve hammered us last year at the Olimpico.In all fairness to Roma they were also a wounded side by then.Missing up to 8 players for that Saturday encounter.

Week 3 Roma vs Siena

In week three there is some what of a respit as Roma travel to the Artemio Franchi to play Sienna.If Roma don't take all three points that Sunday following two very difficult earlier weeks then fuhgeddaboudit as they are want to say on the US east coast.Or were in the 90's. Its startling but Roma could seal its fate as early as week three.Considering Inter will be on 7 to 9 points having played Bari in weeks one and Parma in week three.AC Milan is Sandwiched in between,but i dont see an upset on Milan's part.

Week 4 Roma vs Fiorentina

In week four its Fiorentina at home.This could be the season that 19 year old Stevan Jovetic of Montenegro could become a force. Along with Mutu and Gilardino upfront Fiorentina look as potent as ever.The question for the Viola will be can their midfield cope with the loss of Felipe Melo who signed with Juve over the summer.Melo's physical toughness will be missed,putting more stress on 24 year old Ricardo Montolivo.Like GianPiero Gasperini of Genoa i am a big fan of Cesare Prandelli.Another manager with flare and a passion for attractive football.The Viola who finished third last year will be ever so difficult.

Week 5 Roma vs Palermo

In week five it gets easier.Or does it? Roma travel to Sicily to play Palermo.Who i feel are a dark horse this season for Europe.I know it sounds ridiculous.And i am apprehensive to admit such thinking but here's why i think Plaermo will be great this season.The signing of 20 year old Argentinian Javier Pastore from Huracan could be the pivotal signing for the Rosanero(Pink and black).The signing of Pastore was a coup for Plaermo a small side compared with Inter and Manchester United who also found the young Argentinian worthwhile.

Combined with Fabio Simplicio,Edison Cavani and Fabio Liverani,Palermo's midfield has all the elements to be successfull.Talent wisdom and creativity.Up front they still have Fabrizio Miccoli who is the Serie A's best kept secret or most under rated player.Miccoli is Zola like in quality and magic. The only question i have for Palermo's new manager Walter Zenga? Who i have respect for,but does he alter the psychology of a side with flair to a more pragmatic side? Full credit to Zenga for the job he did with Catania. Palermo lost their manager Davide Ballardini to Lazio after Ballardini had a falling out with Palermo's club president Maurizio Zamparini

So their you have it.Why i am sufficiently worried.Here are my predictions for the five weeks and where we will stand at the end of that period.It all starts August the 23rd.

Game 1 Roma 1 Genoa 1 Points 1
Game 2 Roma 1 Juventus 2 Points 0
Game 3 Roma 2 Sienna 1 Points 3
Game 4 Roma 1 Fiorentina 1 Points 1
Game 5 Roma 0 Plaermo 1 Points 0

On the pre campaign negativity meter at worst Roma will have earned 5 points of a possible 15.
Thinking with my heart i feel we should kill Genoa and Plaermo but that is just wishful thinking.If Roma are on 9 points out of 15 then we should be competitive. But maybe i am still in shock from last season.

Gooch moves into old age home

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 12:09:00 +0000

Milan fans must face the stark reality of their upcoming 2009-10 campaign.Despite the infusion of five youngsters in the last 30 minutes of last evening Club America game the Rossoneri look old and tired and we are not even in August. Their is an abundance of age and wisdom but no pace.Both collectively or even from Bippo Inzaghi who still beats people in open space on what i call fear speed.That burst of speed that kicks in as he thirsts for goal.Sort of like being forced to run 20 yards from a ravenous dog.Despite his age the endorphins kick in and boom the 36 year old is off to safety wondering how he survived.

Without a strike partner Inzaghi was forced to run and create all his chances as young partner Zigoni who hit the post off a header and missed a sitter on a corner looked lost.Poor bastard was simply overwhelmed.

Anyway Milan have toughness in the midfield with Flamini and Gattuso,Class with Seedorf and Ronaldinho who showed moments of his former brilliant self.But i cant get past their age.Its an old midfield an aging Defense with Nesta,Zambrotta and Favalli.

You can wrap up last evening game this way, no collective movement from Milan in the first half gave the impression you was watching a Jackson Pollack paining in motion.In the second half much better but no real pace from anyone to rid themselves of their mark and make something happen.

Positives,despite Gooch loosing his mark on America's first goal Onyewu seemed comfortable on the ball and even set up Zigoni on a heaed pass outside the 6.His physical size and strength will be of great value to this version of AC Milan. Leonardo's greatest challenge will be to infuse some youth into the midfield and find Inzaghi a real partner if Milan expect to thrive this season.

All in all Ronaldinho may accept the challenge of being the best player on the team.Hopefully for Milan fans Ronnie will fill the void of Kaka's absence and carry this team.It is a World cup year after all so expect everyone to raise their performances that much more.But poor Gooch Onyewu must have walked through the doors at the Milanello and thought he stepped into the AARP building.

Some Ronnie to see why Milan still have some hope this campaign

Was Canada punished by incompetence or an agenda?

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 13:44:00 +0000

It seems over and over whether in World cup qualifying or in Concacaf play Canada seems to get the very short stick of any controversy. If its a decision that stretches the boundary's of credibility it seems to always go against Canada.A classic example would be Gold cup 2007 where US defender Gooch Onyewu deflects a chipped ball onto to Canada's Attiba Hutchinson who scores and ties the game sending the match into overtime.That goal came in the 94th minute.

Their is a clear pattern of this behavior when it comes to Canada. I don't believe in coincidences.Sure spread out of a given period of time every country receives a poorly judged decision.But tournament after tournament Canada gets stiffed. But why?

The irony of it all seems to be Canada are not a great side that teams need help from officials to overcome. But becasue they are not great they are also by their nature eassier to err against. Here's why,Canada are a Country headed by an impotent soccer federation that even if it so chose could not ruffle feathers in Concacaf. Because of this an environment has been created or been allowed to cultivate amongst Concacaf officials that if working a Canada game if your going to make a mistake make it against Canada.

Canada are not supported by thousands in the stands.In most of Canada except Montreal and Toronto fear nothing from the supporters, their will never be a fear of a cascading avalanche coming from the stands to kill you. On the road or a nuetral site fear nothing at all, make your mistakes against Canada. You will survive your incompetance.

Dont worry about a media backlash from Canada's major media. They are distracted by Hockey,Football,Baskettball,Golf and Baseball. The media in Canada will never raise a stink and raise inquiries that would force the National Government to look into.

Make your mistakes with Canada because soccer fans world wide will hardly remember or care about bad calls to a nation that don't exist in the mass consciousness of soccer fans. And finally make your mistakes against Canada who have an impotent Soccer federation who's main task always seems survival rather then growth and excellence.

In essence make your mistakes against Canada because the backlash will be minimal to nil.

"It was a horrible decision by the referee," said Canada's Atiba Hutchinson, who came close to equalizing several times as the Canucks attacked furiously during the second half."

Here's the call it comes at the 2:40 minute mark.Judge for yourself.Was it a handball? Was it contact by Pual Stalteri to take down Martinez?

Its human nature to feel influenced in your decision making based on the outcome that will do the least amount of damage to oneself.Whatever the case maybe little will be done to correct this pattern of behavior against Canada.Canada are a minnows.And we all know minnows don't bite.

Bayern say goodbye to Lucio

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 12:51:00 +0000

Brazil's captain asked to be released from his Bayern contract that had a year left and today will leave for Inter Milan.He will undergo his physical and if he passes will pen his name to a new three year deal with Inter. This is a great one year signing by Inter.But Lucio is 31 years old and hungry for a World cup.So i expect an incredible year from this ferociously intense big man with small man dribbling skills.But next year after his appetite has been satiated what will Inter get from him? If you ask Mourinho and Morratti they will probably say who cares.Its about this year,right here right now. Massimo Morratti is starving for some European success.

This Season will be a two horse race between Inter and Juve. Roma,Palermo along with the rest will fight for Europes final two spots. Yes that's right Palermo.They signed 19 year old Javier Pastore.Argentina's version of Kaka.They already have Edinson Cavani and Fabrizio Miccoli. With Walter Zenga as manager,getting this side to punch above its weight expect to rethink the Pink. Then AC Milan and Fiorentina and of course possibly Genoa and the Samp. I cant see Gian Peiro Gasperini getting his side to perform miracles again after loosing Thiago Motta and Diego Milito to Inter.But if its anyone i believe can take lemons and make lemonade it's Gasperini. He to me is one of Italy's best kept secrets when it comes to chess masters. We'll see.

Canada win again EH!

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:46:00 +0000

Last evening's Canada,El Salavador game was another example of how different Canada could be with the right person in charge.(Different is code for better)Canada were elegant and very patient.(Patient is also another word for intelligent.) Canada continued with the wisdom of possession rather then percentages. Value the maintenance of the ball rather then press into pressure, Choosing to keep possession rather then to force something into existence.Brazil and a few others can force things into existence.Like magicians what once was an open hat becomes a rabbit dangling from the hand of the magician.Canada cannot do that.

Canada played horizontally allot switching the field looking for new points of attack. Pulling the ball back as far as their third of the pitch hoping to find open spaces behind El Salvador.Ever so patient. And it worked because El Salvador didn't apply any collective pressure until Canada crossed midfield.Forcing El Salavador to chase and run.Canada also held its two Center backs in reserve for fear of El Salvador's quick counter attack.

Having a central midfielder with the ability of Julian De Guzman (Deportivo La Coruna)also helps because it allowed our back four a lynch pin centrally to find and distribute through.When covered Canada's left and right back's were attached wide to the touchline forcing El Salavador to concentrate their shape or open up the middle of the pitch by expanding. The elegance of Canada's simple movement's is not complex or miraculous.Canada's motto seems to be elegance through simplicity.

Ali Gerba was the hero again last night scoring off a Patrice Bernier volley that was redirected into El Salvador's goal.Gerba has twice found a touch to help Canada.Simple chances finished and not wasted.

I am a big fan of Canada's Steven Hart He is only the interim manager.By choice apparently.What will come of this tournament for Canada? One thing is certain when the beautiful game is played by a few basic concepts of Valuing possession,fluidity of movement on and off the ball, a clear and concise role for each player and a passion to work hard and defend all is possible and of course finishing your chances,well then all is possible.So it is with Canada,all things remain possible.

Every win by Canada is a big win

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 02:04:00 +0000

Canada started off the Concacaf Gold cup this Evening in Los Angelas on the strong foot by downing Caribbean Giant Jamaica 1-0. Not an easy feat for Canada who just a year ago in world cup qualifying failed to get by Jamaica.But that was under much maligned Manager Dale Mitchell.In his stead Steven Hart has returned to take the reigns of Canada.And the difference in performance and play is startlingly better. Under Steven Harts guidance Canada look like an organized calm unit capable of ruffling feathers in this tournament.

Canada won 1-0 on a fantastic finish by Ali Gerba who scored off of a Kevin Kckenna cross, Gerba in stride struck the weighted cross with a fantastic right foot volley into the side netting.The MK Dons Forward wreaked havoc all day with his pace and ability to run off passes. It was an impressive effort by Canada who looked strong.

Their was a five minute period in the Second half where Toronto FC's Greg Sutton was forced to save some Canadian bacon with fantastic saves including a breakaway stop. That was enough on the day.Most managers rely on their keepers to make one save per half beyond their regular duties to help their teams achieve victory.Tonight Greg Sutton made two back to back and it was enough for Canada.

Full credit to Steven Hart who demands Canada value possession.Good horizontal movement through Julian De Guzman and quick direct balls down the flanks kept Jamaica chasing most of the evening.

Full credit to Canada.If these efforts could only translate into excellent performances for World Cup qualifying, nights like this would carry more weight.Canada play their next game Tuesday night versus El Salvador who tonight are playing Costa Rica. Outlook is cautiously optimistic.

Showing off just becasue its fun

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:09:00 +0000

I have never seen the giving birth move.But man was it funny.

Gamesmanship during penalties England-Sweden

bippohackett@hotmail.com (Pep) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 10:56:00 +0000

First off,England won a game on penalties. Bravo.You've gotten over the hump.We Italians understand your pain all to well.See Italia 90 Semi Finals lost on Penalties to Argentina.USA 94 Lost on penalties in Finals to Brazil.Poor Baggio.France 98 quarter finals lost on penalties to France. So i can relate to your pain. Was this weekends England win on penalties enough to mask or help heal the pain of England's Semi final Loss to Germany in Italia90? Well maybe, maybe not, but considering most of these U21' will be in England's next two to three world cups,it sure helps allot.

What made these penalties so unique was the slipping, booing,yellow card,GK taking a penalty,taunting and jeering. And that's all before the third penalty had been taken.
Visceral is what comes to mind.Check it out for yourself.