The Crazy World Of Football

Mr. Perez resigned as Real Madrid President...hooray?

A lot of people might applause that Florentino Perez has resigned as the club President but not me. What is wrong with his approach in signing only big names? Isn't this what the (Real)fans want to see? All the best players in the world playing in the same club. On paper, it is probably the best team and most difficult team to beat. Let's analysis the problem at Real here;

Big Names (Current and signed from other clubs)
Who are these big names;
Ronaldo (One of best striker and Former World Player of the Year)
Zidane (Best attacking midfielder and Former World Player of the Year)
Beckham (Captain of England and arguably the best crosser and free kick taker)
R. Carlos (Best long range free kick taker and wait till you see how quick he runs)
Robinho (Exciting young player, expect to light up the World Cup 2006)

(Inherited)
Raul (One of best striker and leading scorer in Spanish League)
Casillas (No.1 Goalkeeper in Spain)

The fact is, these "Big Names" make the name big not from some acting or singing career but from their football ability and skill

Then why didn't it work?

Defenceless
In the 21st century modern football, if you can't defence, you can't win games. It is not everyday your forwards can put in more than what your opponents score at your end. Some days you need to be able to win by only a one goal margin. This is when you need your defence to be able to hold their line and soak the attack for the entire 90mins. Except for Jonathan Woodgate who unfortunately has been watching more football than playing (due to injury), Real has sign no real quality central defender or defensive mid. And worse, they sold Makelele to Chelsea. Makelele is the player in the team that lets the forward attack with confidence knowing that there is someone at the back who will foil off the opposition attack.

Credible Manager
Except for Robinho, the rest of the "Big Names" have been with Real Madrid for more than 3 years. So, what really change? The manager. When Real Madrid was at her best 3 years ago, Raul and Ronaldo were the strikers, supported by Zidane in the middle, Figo on the right, Makelele and probably Guti/Helguera making the rest of the midfield. Both R.Carlos and Salgado support the attack from the flanks. If you switch on your TV and watch the Real team today, you still get more or less the same group of players.
What has changed though is the manager. The manger 3 years ago was Del Bosque. To start off, Del Bosque was a former player of Real Madrid in the 70s. He took over from John Toshack as the manager in year 2000. In his four years as manager, he steer the team to 2 Spanish League title, 2 European Cup, 1 European Super Cup and World Club Cup.
You will not find another manager who has achieved more within such a short stint.

Finally, what I think Real needs to do? Get Del Bosque back. Who knows, Perez may have step down so that the new President, Fernando Martin can hire Del Bosque back. Is it my wish or it is another "humble pie theory"?

posted by PengSoon @ 8:52 AM