Thursday 21 July 2011

Maybe it's you....

The whole Tevez situation should tell people, that maybe it's not the player but the place. Tevez has said on numerous occasions that he wants to be closer to his family, and their was a brief moment in time when it was suggested that his destination would be Italy, that had people saying how that's is further away from his family, but the point is that his family would rather relocate to Spain or Italy because it is more cultured and it is not yobbish like it is here. The city of Manchester is one of the major complaints and no amount of money will change that. This saga was almost over, but the deal fell through, and over what? Money of course, Man City were asking for 50m, which Corinthians couldn't afford, so it all comes down to mans greed! I feel sorry for him, thinking his was on his way home only for that to be shattered.
 Another player who is hopefully on his way back home is Aquilani. After spending last season in Turin only to be sent back to Anfield. Apparently, he is so desperate to get back home that he is willing to take a pay cut, I'm surprised he doesn't pay a club to take him away!

With Tevez now forced to stay in Manchester, his form could take a hit and he could be labelled as a trouble maker. But this is not his fault, an example of a player labelled as lazy only to became one of the hardest working players is Robinho of Milan. He was unhappy at Man City but as soon as he came to Milan he has worked his socks off. Does that tell you anything?!!

Wednesday 20 July 2011

Enough with the rebuilding!!

A time come when you have to try and get the most with what you've got.... but Juve are clearly not aware of the fact that they have a good set of players. The last 2 seasons they have been " rebuilding", which just meant they would throw money at players and hope that things go back to the way things were... but you can never go back, things are different. And it all started when they got demoted to Serie B, they came back straight away and finished 2nd and 3rd, fantastic right? But then Nedved left, Rainieri got fired and they hired a former Juve player to take charge. Too much change in quick succession can be difficult, but having 4 different coaches in 2 years, each bringing in a different philosophy and tactics can be too much.
Their 4 manager, Antonio Conte was a former player but he has had more experience in Coaching and he is a person who commands respect, and rightly so, he was a fantastic player- but can he lead a different Juventus to success? Only time will tell. That is if he's still in this Job at the end of the coming season!
But it is not only the management that seems to have a revolving door policy, but also the players. Felipe Melo is on his way out, whis is a surprise seeing as though he has greatly improved from his debut season with The Old Lady. The latest rumoured departure is even more puzzling, they may exchange Leonardo Bonucci and bring in Simon Kjaer from Wolfsburg?? He has just starting to form a good partnership with Chiellini and is still very young, surely he can improve?!
Juve's chop and change philosophy is confusing, how can a team gel if you keep changing the personnel?

Monday 18 July 2011

Rossi's Revenge...

As a Juventus supporter, I am glad that they are close to getting Giuseppe Rossi for a reported 27m, this is not only good for Juve but also for the Azzurri, as he will undoubtedly play a part in Euro 2012 and playing in Italy will help his chances as he was left out in South Africa 2010 because he played in Spain. What does irritate me a bit is learning that if the signed him 4 years ago he would cost a mere 5m, and that has been the main problem with the club, they don't always recognize talent. They want a instant high, when it would be a lot wiser and cheaper if they allowed for improvement. Martin Caceras of Uruguay may not be a big name like Diego, but his Uruguay is still in the Copa America. And they spent 24.5m on Diego and sold him at a loss- how is this kind of spending good for the future of the club?!
Juventus feels that by spending big money on a few players will help, Beppe Morrota has come out and said that they will sell 11 players, this is like selling an entire team! For the past 2 seasons this is what they have been doing, and has it got them anywhere but 7th place?! Patience and familiarity are the keys to success in a league like Serie A, they may not have the spending power of La Liga or the Premiership but they do have the talent- just learn to take a second look!

Brazil are out??

What a shocking statement, the holding champions knocked out by the dreaded penalty spot kicks. Argentina's exit was a sad thing, as the host nation you had wanted them to go as far as they could, but Brazil, this was something unheard off, such a huge reputation can be a huge burden on what is still a young squad of players, but the Brazilian public may not be so understanding. Everyones eyes were fixed on Neymar and Ganso, whose price tag has dropped dramatically, so at least Milan fans should be happy! The fact that the game went to penalties should tell you alot, within normal time they couldn't win or maybe they just thought it would be a foregone conclusion that they should win the competition. No player should think like this, as this has just proven, because organisation and determination can go a long way.
It is almost inevitable that the excuses will come rolling in thick and fast, and I do admit that the pitch was disintegrating in front of you eyes, but Paraguay were on the same pitch. Penalties are always an ugly way to win a game as an awful lot of it is luck, but Paraguay showed they had the strength of mind to win.

Sunday 17 July 2011

Argentina are out..

Whoops.... This is a very bad situation they're in, but they can learn lesson from this in time for the big one.... The World Cup. I'm not saying in any way that this was not an important competition for Argentina, especially since it was played in Argentina, the pressure was on the host nation and it's no surprise that it got to them. They had not been that exciting in this competition, one has to be big enough to admit, but you also have to resists from placing the blame on one person.. Messi. It is easy to say that it's his fault and that he is overrated, but there are 10 more players on the team and he can't perform miracles. The coach was maybe a slight improvement on Maradona but only by the slimmest margin, he still didn't do much to improve the defence. And we all know that in any major competition, you need to be organised at the back to get far. It seemed that memo didn't reach anyone in the Argentinean camp! Messi is still young and he has a lot of skill and humility, he will live and learn, maybe in time for the World Cup in Brazil 2014.

Saturday 16 July 2011

Knight and Day - Official Movie Trailer 2010 [HD]

Review of Knight and Day

A very funny and entertaining film. Tom Cruise is a fantastic actor and he does comedy so well, he should do more! What you must remember is that this is a quasi comedy, so you will get some ridiculous action sequence where you're left thinking, " how the hell did they survive that?" The film has beautiful locations that enhance the film and some impressive action pieces. This film is further enhanced with the knowledge that Tom Cruise did many of his own stunts, and unlike Salt with Angelina Jolie, you can believe that he can do that. The story does touch on a pressing matter, the search for everlasting energy and what you would do to keep it.. and as usual the US tries to keep it for themselves, typical! Cameron Diaz has redeemed herself after the Charlies Angel film, her comedic timing was outstanding... and I got to mention the post- its,  a funny touch.This film had me laughing so hard, the only cheesy line was, when the were in Seville on the bike and Cruise says to Diaz's character," June, you got skills". The twists though out the film were good as they kept you guessing and also trying to figure out who's telling the truth. The bit at the end with Roy Millers family made empathise with his character more, the things he had to give up, but the way he still looks after his family is sweet.

3 1/5 out of 5

Tuesday 12 July 2011

Video Marchisio Bambino

Last in- First team player?









Now how in the hell is that fair, how can a regular starter be so easily and quickly replaced? Claudio Marchisio has played in nearly all of Juve's game last season, and now is not guaranteed first team football, he might even be sacrificed. Marchisio has been at the club since he was seven, now that kind of loyalty is missing from the modern game and shouldn't be punished. However it looks like the people at Juve are bored of him now and have turned their attention to Poli of the recently relegated Sampdoria. Poli is 21, so I get his appeal, he is valued at 10m,so he might be considered as a good investment, but with The Old Lady also looking at Giuseppe Rossi who will cost at least 30m, one does begin to wonder...where is all this money coming from? And all this money and new players will not guarantee you the championship, I've said this over and over again but the "genius's" at Juve fail to understand, it is familiarity and continuity that will win over the long haul, but they are short sighted and do not see their mistakes until it's too late!












Don't go Claudio!!

"Flippin nora"









..... Does anyone want Aquilani?? There was the faint hope that he might stay in Italy when there were rumours that Fiorentina were looking for a midfielder to replace Montolivo... but it wasn't meant to be. Montolivo has been linked to a move to North London club Arsenal, so La Viola will want to fill in the gap left by his departure. However it seemed that the Liverpool midfielder was considered to be too expensive for the side from Florence.












Does anyone feel the slightest feeling of guilt for Aqulani's current predicament. The poor soul had made it clear that he desired to stay in Italy, and no one can really blame him, Juve had the whole year to play with him, then they dump him on the last day- they are as fickle as they come... but not as much as the media. They have decided to tag former Juve player Diego as a flop. Now this is not only unfair but it is not true, he was the only glimmer in a side that suffered from injuries and a change in regime.






Diego might return to Italy, and I hope he shows everyone that it wasn't he who was the flop!

Saturday 9 July 2011

The American..



I've had this movie for some weeks now and only just watched it, all I can say is that it's not you typical hitman movie. It is rather slow at times and not a lot of obvious action. It was very subtle, Clooney is basically on his last job and wants to get out, but you can never really get out. The paranoia will always be there and you'll always reach for your gun if you hear a car back fire, it just instinct. I did like the fact that it was in Italy, a rather tech less town and a lot of place for a killer to hide, and that can work for you or against you. Also having an American in Europe increases his sense of isolation and that he will always be alone in this world.



An interesting film that leaves you thinking. 3 out of 5.

BSG and Lost- the last great shows?








In my humble opinion, these were the last truly great television shows before such rubbish like Cougar Town, Glee etc. Battlestar Galactica was a remake of the 1970's show except this went on for five seasons. What made this show great was a great storyline- Humanity has been destroyed by their very own creation and only fifty thousand people are alive, and they are forced into the deepest part of space to look for a new home. Kids today wouldn't get it because there's no inappropriate jokes and cocky one liners, but even though this concept could be considered rather depressing, there is humour, just not in your face- I mean, if the entire species was on the brink of extinction, would you really be making jokes? Gaius Balter is a very grey character, he helped the Cylons destroy the Planet without relising it, he is also a genius and rather comical in parts, for example he sees a sexy blonde (no 6) in his head and is constantly caught doing inappropriate acts with her.



Their is a great mixture of vintage actors and newbies, and it is their acting that makes the situations believable and makes you care about what might happen to them. And some speeches that may otherwise sound cheesey, are rather emotional because these actors are so fantastic. It's a thought provoking and intelligent show, the problem with shows now is how dumbed down they are. The show deals with highly sensitive issues, suicide bombers, suicide, religion and the very essence of a human- survival and what would you do in order to survive. And if terrorism can actually work. Issues they wouldn't touch these days!



Lost is equally brilliant, a show with a completely unique storyline but ultimately uses the same methods to peak your interests. They start off with a simple concept- a plane crash and use the same techniques to make you feel emotionally connected to these characters( through brilliant dialogue and fantastic actors). In each episode you find out something new about them, but it's not just this that gets you hooked on the show, it's the mix of known and unknown actors, not to mention the storyline was unbelievable! People complained about the ending, they said it was a cheap ending, but I don't, because most of the myth and fantasy side was explained during the season and this was a more emotional ending. You see people now want everything spelt out for the, I actually findthat type of story telling insulting, the ending to Lost was what you wanted it to be... and it did get me chocked up and that's hard to do!




The soundtrack to both these show were also amazing, it's always important to have good music, as it can make or break a show. The way you can tell that these show were classics is that they've been over for a couple of years now and I'm still talking about them in awe.

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Another reason to hate humanity....













They are not satisfied with ruining the economy, they also want to ruin the natural beauty that is so abundant in Italy. The EU is an evil organisation, exploiting the poor for their own gain. They wish to build a high speed tunnel linking Lyon to Turin, and they have offered them bags of cash that are probably worthless now, given the state of the economy. Italy is a stunning country, and what draws many people ( including me) to it year after year is the UNSPOILT landscape. Now if they build this tunnel which is very likely, all that construction and building is going to damage the surrounding lands and cause a lot more noise and air pollution. Many of the local residents rely on farming as their main source of income, what are they going to do when crops are destroyed?? everyone will lose because they wont be able to sell it to local markets and the cuisine that Italy is so famous for will suffer, because they can't get freshly grown produce anymore. But not only that, it will be an eyesore, Italy's famous landscape will be ruined all for some worthless pieces of papers!







Italy is not a rich country, but it's countryside is more valuable than anything else... DON'T DESTROY IT!!

Tuesday 5 July 2011

The Italian abroad...coming home?



Giuseppe Rossi has always welcomed a move back to Italy, the America born Italian has had some experience playing in the Italian league. Not to long ago, he played for Parma from 2000-04 then he moved to the premiership giants Man Utd from 2004-07 with a stint at Newcastle in 06. As fortunes would have it, he found his way back in Italy in 07, playing 19 games for Parma before being sold to Spanish side Villareal in the summer of 07.... and he is only 24!! He has already had experience of playing in three different leagues with three very different styles of play. He has played in England, so we know he can handle himself physically, and he has played in Spain, so we know he has technical skill, my only worry is... will he be able to fit in with Juventus? Juve have played with a big man upfront for so long, with the likes of Iaquinta and Amauri, small strikers haven't had the best of luck in Turin- just ask Giovinco.



This could be the start of a new era, with a new coach and a boatload of new players, it may help the style of football that Juve play, as in the past they have been rather predictable, maybe Rossi can help bring a new dimension to the game!

Giuseppe Rossi - The Italian American

The undervalued Hero...









Claudio Marchisio has been valued at under 20m euros, which I think is rather low and I think Juve should do whatever they can to dissuade potential suitors. Marchisio has determination and skill with the ball that I think Juve have been missing ever since Pavel Nedved retired. He may not share the same locks as Nedved and is not an attacking player, but he has the same persistence and never gives up, and this is the kind of attitude that the Bianconeri should be encouraging and not throwing to the side. He has been given the Captaincy for Juve on many occasions and has always performed as a captain. He is a hard tackler, which may be the reason for his continued yellow cards, but overall, he is a versatile midfielder, and at only 25 I believe he will only get better and with his versatility he can play where ever Antonio Conte wants him to, every team needs a player that will do the grunt work. Please don't get rid of him, you'll surely regret it!

Sunday 3 July 2011

Claudio Marchisio




At only 25, one would think that Juve would want to hold on to him but no, they would rather rely on a player who spent most of last season injured and who is in his 30's. I am talking about the acquisition of Andrea Pirlo, no one is denying his skill and vision, but is it me or are Juve just thinking about the immediate future. Would it not be wise for the younger players to be around a great player like Pirlo and learn his trick, I mean if he can teach Seedorf his moves, why not Marchisio. Marchisio is a versatile player, with great feet and he can read the game excellently, he's already half way there and he will only get better. He has been with the Turin Giants since the age of seven, so Juventus is something he is proud to be a part off, so why would you take that away from him? Antonio Conte is looking to rebuild the "glory days" that Juventus once had and from his point of view it would be safe and easy to turn to the familiar, but one not take a chance on their youth-why are they so afraid?

Instead of harking back to the days that were, why don't we look at the days that are, and move forward from there.

Claudio Marchisio // The Gladiator of Juventus // HD 2009

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) Compilation

All of this has happened before, All will happen again...







Juventus are guilty of being short sighted, yes Andrea Pirlo has tremendous experience and has a wonderful touch and amazing vision, but at 32 is he really going to make an impact? And the wise people of Juventus want to get rid of Claudio Marchisio!! Marchisio is only 25 and is a homegrown product of the youth system, as Giovinco is aware, it is hard to break into the senior side, but Claudio showed great determination and will to get a permanent place in the senior squad. He should be considered part of the future, he was no always played in his best position under Delneri but that should taint any ones' view of him.





Juve must have an unlimited supply of money, while us mere mortals are dealing with the financial crisis, they can afford to spend 30m euro on an untested talent. Beppe Morrata is so desperate to get the Argentine forward, he is willing to go above and beyond to get hin, just because he scored 1 goal against Bolivia doesn't mean you should risk everything for an inconsistent player who is coming from a completely different league. They have more " economical" alternatives in Giuseppe Rossi, Javier Pastore and Mirku Vucinic- and guess what... you don't have to mortgage your home to get them and they all have played in Serie A with the exception of Rossi, but even he has got some experience of playing in Serie A with Parma.





Juve are doomed to do the same thing again, get a talented young player who has never played in Italy, who will need time to adapt but of course Juve have no patience, so he will be sold after 1 season at a huge loss!!! Does anyone remember Diego?!!!