Tev really needs to shut up...

"It has come about because I could not stand my sporting situation at Manchester United any longer"

"My first year was good in all senses. I played in the games and felt respected by the coach but in my second year some strange things happened that I still do not understand.

"After the game at Old Trafford where Liverpool beat us [4-1, in March], Ferguson ignored me almost as if I was to blame for the defeat when really Liverpool dominated us all over the pitch.

"After that the fans called for me to be in the team but he never took the advice on board because he always knows best.

Carlos Tevez was a so-called 'darling' of Old Trafford.

The supporters and he had an immensely close relationship, apparently. When he laughed, they laughed with him. When he cried, they too shed tears - not least when it became apparent that he was no longer going to be sticking around Old Trafford.The fans railed at the club with chants, banners and heartfelt pleas. When he scored in two successive games - at home to Manchester City and away to Wigan, he had outlined his worth to Manchester United. Q.E.D.

Well, if the Argentine and his beloved band of gullible and foggy-eyed supporters thought it was going to be this simple, they really deserve each other. Firstly, throughout the entire transfer 'saga', Tevez (expertly advised by the lovely Kia Joorabchian) was nothing more than a priss, playing up to his love of the club's fans while at the same time lambasting Sir Alex Ferguson et al for not having ironed out the details of a long-term contract yet. Secondly, the fact that Tevez behaved like this on Argentine radio stations was akin to if David Beckham gave an exclusive to East End Radio post-'flying boot' incident.

The actual comments attributed to Tevez in recent days hint at a player who goes against the work-horse so beloved down Sir Matt Busby Way. He blames Dimitar Berbatov for his departure - the Bulagarian making it harder for him to start games. He blames Ferguson for signing Berbatov in the first place and for also losing faith in him. He blames everybody but himself. If a new signing arrives at a club, one must dig harder and work harder in an effort to win a starting place but Tevez never did that. When given opportunities in the starting lineup, the Argentine failed to shine (particularly away to Villa and at home to Spurs) and it was only as an impact substitute that he showed glimpses of boundless energy and an ability to change a game (at home to Spurs, away to Wigan).

When speaking to a work colleague recently about Tevez' behaviour, I came to the conclusion that it was a cultural thing. Take the role of Kia Joorabchian - upon moving to Brazil and taking over Corinthians, it's clear that the South American obsession with alpha males, 'cahones' and walking the walk while talking the talk infiltrated the Iranian's persona. Perhaps he's always been this way but something tells me that his time building an empire in Sao Paolo taught him that the only way a diminutive, Middle-Eastern university drop-out could succeed in South America was to become South American in every possible way - bolshy, confrontational and ruthless. These personality traits can be viewed as downright stereotypical but one can't hide from Tevez' bolshy, confrontational and ruthless approach to a potential contract with United.

Unfortunately for him, Fergie doesn't respond well to coercion and when forced into the corner, always responds with the biggest punch of the bout - for Tevez, read McGrath, Whiteside, Ince, van Nistelrooy, Beckham, Keane and Ronaldo.

The irony of the whole Tevez story is that his likely destination is going to be Manchester City or Chelsea - two places where the Argentine will flourish but his career will flounder.

More on Madrid...

Following on from the last two posts here, check out this interview with Professor Simon Chadwick from Coventry University.

Simon is the Chair in Sport Business Strategy and Marketing there and spoke with us on 'Off The Ball' on Newstalk last Friday when I was in the producer's chair.

Presenter David McIntyre began the interview by asking him where Madrid are getting all this money from...

Enjoy.

Moderation - a vulgar term for the instigators of the beautiful game...

As Myles na gCopaleen, Flann O'Brien once wrote that moderation was an alien concept to the Irish. But, spare a thought for the Spanish, eh? They find the term disgusting, insulting and clearly believe the idea should not be entertained for long. In a country where spectacle and performance is lauded and appluaded, perhaps we should've come to expect this. At a club where Puskas, di Stefano and Gento instigated global football communities to believe in the fanciful notion of a sport being something 'beautiful', maybe we shouldn't be too surprised.

It's still incredibly strange to accept that with Florentino Perez as President, every door within the Spanish economy seems to open with astonishing ease and a cavalier wink from those on the inside. As details have emerged in recent days about the monetary agreements put in place by Perez in light of the captures of Kaka, Ronaldo and the likely arrivals of David Villa, Xabi Alonso and Franck Ribery, the most interesting pieces of the jigsaw remain question-marked. The Spanish savings bank 'Caja Madrid' has agreed to give Madrid a 76 million euro loan against two un-named pieces of collateral. This collateral cannot be the club's training ground, having been re-zoned back during Perez's first period as President. Is it the Bernebeu? Surely not. Then again, a similar agreement is in place with Banco Santander and would be led to believe that more collateral is in place with this deal.

All this leads one to question how exactly Spain can be entertained by such daredevil financial antics when the country lies in the midst of a forecasted 20% unemployment level for the end of 2010 - a figure that could rise to over 25% given the right set of circumstances. As much as Madrid are the club of the people and Perez is the returning all-conquering hero, all heroes have a price and the astromonical monies quoted in articles featuring Madrid's current planned expenditure are mouth-watering. It's a balance-sheet of gargantuan proportions but one, I'm sure, Perez has the utmost faith in sticking to. One would imagine he's watching his back carefully and is confident of off-loading as many as seven players to help in his ushering-in of a new Galacticos era. But surely a global meltdown has to have an effect on an elite sports brand like Real Madrid?

Then again, perhaps football has beaten the bust. Or is it headed for a spiralling, out-of-control free-fall? It's been threatened with it for years and has always come out the other side; beaming, brazen and richer than ever. And something that was raised in The Times this week - are we just jealous? Should we applaud Perez and his bravery to remain incredibly confident, upbeat and postive in the face of worldwide financial adversity? He hasn't built up a multi-million pound business empire by being stupid and clearly his self-belief outweighs anything else within his psyche. However, when analysts sneered and gesticulated in disbelief during the first Galactico period, there wasn't an economic downturn to use as a stick to beat Perez with. This time around, there is. Currently, all financial institutions around the globe, particularly those dealing in private equity, are in perilous positions, even if your currency is Real Madrid.

Moderation...

The fickle nature of Madrid's philosophy continues...

Just after midnight, I caught the news that Kaka was finally a Real Madrid player. Weeks of intense speculation had finally ceased with Perez beginning casting on this year's summer blockbuster, 'Galacticos - The Return' . The conclusion was somewhat inevitable though my immediate reaction turned to Garry Cook and Manchester City.

Back in January, the City chief executive returned empty-handed from Milan, despite talking the talk in the days leading up to his Italian sojourn. Cook accused Kaka's then-employers of 'bottling' a possible deal between the clubs despite it being apparent that City were ill-prepared for hard-line negotiations. When it became clear that figures and salaries and percentages were still to be ironed out and confirmed by Cook, his employers and a small gaggle of legal experts, Kaka's representatives smelled a rat. They felt that this project appeared to be a fantasy to Manchester City, that this now-flush club had got itself caught up in a land of make-believe and were just happy to play in the sand-pit with the big boys. Ultimately, this was the case, complete with Cook whingeing to all who listened that it wasn't City's fault the deal fell through but Milan's. Oh, and they also broke a confidentiality agreement. So there. Hmmmpffff...

The continental transfer market is like a high-class poker table - in an instant, experienced pros can tell apart the steely veterans from the knock-kneed novices. And the cross-table flirtations between Kaka and City made sure that Florentino Perez was buying in to the next game. He had to be patient though - it wasn't until mid-May when he formally announced he was running to succeed Ramon Calderon as Madrid president. But, the Brazilian playmaker was on his radar. Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite once made the claim that he belonged to Jesus - but Perez fancied his chances. And anyway, he could take Jesus at the poker table.

And so it proved. We're about to return to an era of hard-line serial monogamy at the Bernabéu with Perez flirting with and seducing, not just a host of the world's top players but the club's core fanbase. In both cases, the demographics should know better. Actually, scratch that. The players are pawns in a political game and utimately, are merely stocks and shares. Not that they care. With a glittering move to a club like Real Madrid, the incoming players are insured in an iron-tight, win-win scenario - bank balance increased, profile increased, etc. So, the players probably shouldn't know better at all. The fans on the other hand...

Perez has been at Madrid before - it was a period of constant rumour, suspicion, idle gossip, not-so-idle gossip, four directors of football, six coaches, 20 players and €440m spent in just three years. He sacked Vincente del Bosque who had guided Madrid to 2 European Cups and 2 Primera Liga titles. It's also worth remembering that the Galactico period ultimately won Madrid a solitary Champions League and domestic league title while post 2003, the club failed to win a single trophy in the next three seasons.

But, this is what the fans want. The club has claimed two domestic league titles in the last three years but the supporters want change. They want big names. They want the headlines again. The question is, do they want to sacrifice trophies again?

Eric the Gardener...or life-coach

This one's been around for a bit.

Just in case you haven't seen it - definitely worth checking it out.

Am trying to get hold of Eric for a radio interview actually - will keep you updated as to how I'm getting on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qORhrcfSRmQ

8 simple ways to beat Manchester United...

With the Premier League sewn up for another season, Manchester United will look to their meeting with Barcelona in this year's Champions League final as the real litmus test of where this present side ranks in the club's illustrious history.

Since the turn of the year, United have been far from convincing in their domestic and continental performances with their wavering certainly costing them a unique quintuple whilst at the same time ensuring the Premier League title race went on for at least four weeks too long.

The ship-steadying of recent weeks has all but cemented another championship crown but the Champions League semi-final displays against Arsenal only served to illustrate the decline of United's North London rivals. The second leg result in particular flattered to deceive - Arsenal were hopeless and for the most part, United could afford to casually remain in third gear. In many ways, that game offered a definitive visual of what this season has been like for United - always in a position to adjust their performance levels at any stage if required - see the Tottenham game when the second half was a blitz of non-stop peppering of Heurelho Gomes' goal. Scoring five goals in 22 minutes was a sight to behold, though once again, the combustion of a visiting side at Old Trafford was a truly bizarre occurrence.

But, for United, it's time to forget about domestic silverware. This season's 18th league title might equal Liverpool's record but it's the Merseysiders 5 European Cups that continues to irritate Sir Alex Ferguson. To the most uniterested bystander, the Scot has under-performed in the Champions League, missing out on trophy successes in 1997 and 2002 in particular. The former saw a semi-final defeat to eventual winners Borussia Dortmund while Bayern Leverkusen destroyed the dream seven years ago - a 2-2 first leg draw at Old Trafford essentially putting paid to United's hopes of a final showdown with Real Madrid.

So, what are United's chances against Barcelona? On the outside, very good. The Catalans will be missing three first choice defenders, Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry are both doubtful while historically, despite a 4 - 0 Romario / Stoichkov-inspired thrashing at the Camp Nou back in 1995, United haven't done too badly against them. Barca have long since been the favourites for this year's Champions League crown though since the Chelsea semi-final, many feel that their creaky defence will ultimately cost them the ultimate crown. But let's concentrate on how Barca can win the game. Essentially for Barcelona, there are 8 simple ways to beat Manchester United:

(1) Learn from last year.

Twelve months ago, Thierry Henry was introduced as a substitute when Barca were chasing the game at Old Trafford. This time around, Henry, Eto' and Messi must contribute evenly up front. The Argentine carried far too much responsibility last year and requires assistance to unlock the United defence - both Eto' and Henry need to make up for their peripheral cameos in last season's semi.

(2) Probe United down the flanks.

According to sources within Old Trafford, John O'Shea has been promised a start in this year's Champions League final. Barcelona might look at this as a weakness but the Waterford native has been incredibly impressive throughout the campaign and many would consider him one of United's most valued and consistent performers this season. Rather worryingly, Patrice Evra has been flaky since the turn of the year and seems far too taken with his offensive runs than with defensive responsibilities. Against Tottenham, in particular, Evra couldn't handle Aaron Lennon - if Barca switch Henry to the right, Evra could find the going tough.

(3) Be flexible up front.

Though Bara will probably look to isolate Henry with O'Shea, a better bet will probably be to switch Messi to the left and bring Henry across to battle it out with Evra. Messi always looks to cut inside when attacking down the right but particularly if Anderson and Park are handed defensive directions, his space may be restricted. Therefore, giving him licence on the left would see him stick to creating and instigating from that side while Ronaldo will hardly be charged with tracking back to close down the gifted Argentine.

(4) Stop Cristiano Ronaldo.

Easier said than done, ain't it? But, with the probablity of Wayne Rooney playing wide left, Ronaldo becomes intrinsic to United's attacking. If, for whatever reason, he isn't having much joy down the flank, the Portugese can just as easily be pushed up front as a target man. If he plays, Keita may be given extra responsibility to track R7 while Sylvinho's sole purpose will be to shut Ronaldo out of the game. But, the flexibility of the wide-man gives United many options and it's up to Barca to be prepared for all eventualities.

(5) Be as industrious as United.

It goes without saying that Ji Sung Park and Anderson will feature in a 5-man United midfield alongside Michael Carrick, Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. With YaYa Toure deployed in front of the back four for Barca, the onus is on Xavi and Iniesta to provide perspiration as well as inspiration and counter-act the healthy work ethic of the dynamic United duo. Anderson, in particular, can be quite inconsistent though and is usually prone to gaining somewhat needless yellow cards. If United get too much space, particularly in the centre of midfield, they will exploit and punish you in other areas.

(6) Re-establish the goal rush.

In the group stages, Barca scored 18 goals in 6 games, including 5s against Sporting and Basel. The goals continued at the knock-out stage - seven against Lyon, five against Bayern. But, against Chelsea - Barca's first outing against an English team since last year's semi finals, they managed one goal from two games - that last gasp Andres Iniesta strike. So, in Barca's last four games against English opposition, they've scored just once. In the Champions League final, it's critical that they score, preferably more than once. As Wigan found out last night, United always find a way to score and can count on a variety of sources to do so. Barca need to do likewise.

(7) Keep the discipline.

Chelsea went to the Camp Nou for the semi-final first leg and delivered a superb away performance. Somewhere between the cat-calls and dissenting voices, there lay a side on the ropes - battered, beaten and unable to get dig any deeper. What let Barca down most was how they allowed Chelsea's performance to eat away at their attitude. Suddenly, everyone was out to get them - most of all the referee. Chelsea kept their heads while around them, everyone was losing theirs. On the pitch (and off it), there appeared no calming influence for Barca, no one willing to take control of the situation. Contrast this to the second leg - the winning strike from Iniesta only came about because Barca refused to give in. They had to work hard for the opportunity but kept their discipline as well as their positive brand of football. This approach is critical in the final - Barca need to be prepared for United not giving an inch but also anticipate them giving a mile.

(8) Eradicate defensive lapses.

At the Camp Nou against Lyon in the knock-out stages, Barca conceded two goals as a result of some incredibly poor defending. For the majority of the competition, the club has also had to put up with constant criticism of their defending. With Eric Abidal and Dani Alves ruled out through suspension and Rafael Márquez also missing through injury, Barca's already maligned back-line is in tatters. Sometimes though, this can be a god-send as the coach purposely advocates a tighter approach at the back owing to the change in personnel. But, the onus is on Pique and Puyol to ensure United are made work hard for their chances.

Roman Empire crumbling to pieces...

In this beautiful game, it's the most irrelevant and seemingly meaningless moments that have the most destructive of effects.

If Michael Essien had closed down Jason Koumas before the Welshman's cross was volleyed home by Emile Heskey at Stamford Bridge last April, Chelsea could very well be the reigning Premier League champions. If John Terry's posture when taking penalties leaned him forward instead of back, Chelsea could very well be the reigning European champions. If.

Would we be talking about a 'Chelsea crisis' if they were the domestic and European champions? Yes. Why? Because, if Manchester United were playing as poorly as Chelsea currently are, it would be reported as 'the end of an era'. For Roman Abramovich though, his (and this current Chelsea side's) era ended in September 2007.

When Jose Mourinho left the Fulham Road, it was reminiscent of the effect Elvis had on rock 'n' roll when the US Army came a-calling. This arrogant, pompous but wholly unique and adventurous creation ripped apart, abandoned by its talisman and leader.

Whereas rock 'n' roll could count on the emergence of dedicated followers and students to carry its weight and message to new generations, Mourinho was the past, present and future of Chelsea Football Club. He had built a side, moulded and sculpted it, observed as it challenged and overcame the tired and generic big-two of Manchester United and Arsenal. He revelled in how his team were ridiculed by many but praised by those that mattered. The Great One's individuality may have been taken as 'runt-of-the-litter' upon his arrival in England but since he's walked away, the Premier League has returned to a valley of dull mediocrity both on and off the field.

Both Avram Grant and Luiz Felipe Scolari's tenures at Stamford Bridge were bland and largely forgettable. The Israeli would counter-claim by pointing to the fact that his side came within two points and a lick of paint of winning both the Premier and Champions League. But it was never his side. The players belonged to Mourinho, the club belonged to Mourinho. It was the talent possessed by Terry, Carvalho, Lampard, Drogba et al that pushed Chelsea to the brink of greatness in May of last year, not the managerial nous of Grant.

Scolari tried in vain to make changes and put his stamp on the side. The acquisition of unreliable Deco last summer was the first attempt, his last being the the recent purchase of the patchy Ricardo Quaresma. Off the pitch, there were well-documented problems but more importantly, on the pitch, the side were a mess. The 3-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United was not just embarassing but humbling. Mourinho's players - Ballack, Mikel, Drogba and Lampard skulked around Old Trafford disinterested and jaded. Scolari's big summer signing Deco was substituted at half-time.

With Hiddink seemingly a short-term solution, the onus falls on the shoulders of Roman Abramovich to decide whether or not he wants a leader once again. Whether or not he wants a team again. Like any empire, Chelsea needs to be dismantled before being rebuilt. But to do that, you need an emperor. Jose Mourinho remains the only one to have ever graced Stamford Bridge.