Tribute To Barca!!!

With a new era about to take place at Barcelona, I think it's only fitting to pay tribute to the Barca of the last era, where Ronaldinho, Eto'o, Deco, Giuly and Larrson formed the most fearsome attacking partnership anywhere in Europe.
Take a look back with me at Barca's memorable Champions League triumph in the 05/06 season, from the group stages all the way to the final in France, at the Stade de France, where Barca reigned victorious over Arseanl with a 2 - 1 victory.
Though many of our stars are gone, the pass brings hope for the future and a sign of new things to come, it's now all up to Messi, Henry, Bojan, and new signings Dani Alves, Pique, Keita, and Caceres. FORCA BARCA!!!!

Deco signs for Chelsea

It's official, Deco has finally joined Chelsea after weeks of speculation, this according to the club's official website.
Deco had been on his way out for sometime after receiving permission from Barca to leave, as he along with Ronaldinho and Eto'o, have been notified that they are not in new coach of Barcelona, Pep Guardiola's plans.
Deco had been looking for a new challenge ever since this news, and had said earlier that he wanted to prove that he could still play at the highest level. Inter Milan and Chelsea were the two clubs constantly linked with the player, and now Chelsea has gotten their man.
Deco is thought to have joined the Blues largely because of the influence of Luiz Felipe Scolari, who had been coaching Deco with the Portuguese national team. Scolari was recently appointed new coach of Chelsea and ever since his appointment, Deco was rumored to follow. Frank Lampard, who is said to be still in talks with Inter Milan over a possible move to Italy, most likely had an impact on Deco's move, as Deco is seen as his ideal replacement.
Well the rumors are over now, it's official, Deco has signed for Chelsea. The details are not quite clear as yet, but he is believed to have signed on a two-year contract, for a transfer fee of around 8 to 10 million pounds.

Lampard Lands in Italy

With new reports out of Italy this time, suggesting that Lampard touched down in Italy to complete a medical at Inter Milan, the player's days at Chelsea definitely appear to be over.
I am actually quite excited about this transfer because English players usually don't play outside of their home country, and it will be very interesting in my opinion, to see how well Lampard performs at his new club. I think it won't be hard for him to adjust, especially with his former and soon to be current boss, Jose Mourinho, leading the charge. We all know how unsuccessful Micheal Owen was after making a move to Real Madrid in the 2004-2005 season, but I can't help but think Lamp's luck will be different.
Lampard's move again increases speculation, that Deco will be moving to the Bridge, largely because of newly appointed manager Luiz Felipe Scolari. I thought briefly about Roman Abramovich's interest in bringing in players, who can play more attractive football and definitely, Deco fits the script. His vision, skills and killer passes will bring one somewhat forgotten star to life, Andriy Shevchenko.
I strongly believe Shevchenko is the reason for wanting to see more attractive football. If you may recall when Sheva was at Milan, he was the kind of striker who usually ran on to deadly through balls from either Kaka or Pirlo. However at Chelsea the style of play is so different, that the player seemed to lack quality providers. After Chelsea payed such a hefty price for the striker, I believe they intend to bring in players who will help their investment perform rather sell and loose money.
As for Lampard I think the Serie A, will present challenges for him and ultimately will make him a better player. I think Inter Milan suits him just fine, and I'm definitely interested in seeing how he will adapt.

Inter Signs Lampard?

According to news reports out of France, Inter Milan has signed Frank Lampard from Chelsea. However official confirmation from both parties is yet to be seen.
I don't know how true this news is, but Inter's Chairman Massimo Moratti, did confirm about a week or so ago that Lampard was indeed their primary target. Jose Mourinho too on his appointment at Inter, earlier this transfer season, did also state that he would be keen on working with his former players, Lampard included, because of the commitment they showed him when he was at Chelsea. Therefore this news isn't so hard to believe, but I just find it rather funny, that news out of France would be the first to tell this story because English and Italians are involved.
Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge was somewhat under the clouds for sometime now, as he was tipped to leave the Bridge after apparent negotiations on a new contract had broken down. His departure from Chelsea could confirm Deco's move to the Blues, which has been speculated for sometime now after the appointment of Scolari as coach.
Lampard's deal is believed to be in the region of 9 million euros, with the player being played an annual salary of 7.3 million euros.

Pep reaveals plans

New coach of Fc Barcelona, Pep Guardiola, was officially presented today and has announced his plans for next season. The coach has stated that he is not counting on Ronaldinho, Deco or Eto'o, come next season and that these three players have their own futures in their hands. However he said that if Ronaldinho wanted to continue at the club he could do so and earn his place.
I can understand Pep's comments, apparently the relationship with these players and the club has deteriorated and he cannot really count on these players, who seem to have lost motivation to play for the club. I understand that he has to move on and build a strong side, one which does not include Ronaldino, Deco and Eto'o because these players' names are constantly in the transfer market and who knows what decision they will make.
Of the three, the player most likely to leave is Deco, he has been linked with Chelsea and Inter, but he has stated that nothing will be decided until he has finished with his international duties with Portugal. Ronaldinho too like Deco has been linked with Chelsea and has been urged by his teammate to join him at Chelsea should he join the Blues this summer. Eto'o on the other hand has expressed that Barca is his first choice but if he's not wanted he would move on. Despite Pep stating that he's not counting on Eto'o, I find it hard to believe that statement, primarily because of the high price tag Barca has placed on the striker. My view is, if you really want a player to go, you would do everything necessary to make it happen and lowering the transfer price would be a good start.
Pep has implied that he already has replacements lined up for the trio by stating that he and Barca know who they want. Recent news in the transfer market has stated that Barca are still keen on signing Emanuel Adebayor and Aleksandr Hleb from Arsenal, and time will tell if they get their targets. Clearly I can see why they would want to buy these players because to me Arsenal's style of play is quite similar to that of Barca's, but Barca just does it better in my opinion.
With all this said, Pep has stated that he is ready for the challenge ahead and that if he wasn't ready he wouldn't take up the job. I'm glad to hear his comments, I'm just hoping and praying that at least one of the three mentioned, stay at the club. I'm thrilled that he's ready for the challenge and I hope he doesn't disappoint. FORCA BARCA!!!

Scolari To Chelsea Official

Given the fact that Luiz Felipe Scolari has now been officially appointed coach of Chelsea, it will be very interesting to see what the Brazilian has to offer. Said to be a man who always has good relationships with his players by interacting with them and seeing how they like to play and where on the pitch. To see him coaching Chelsea will be very interesting indeed.
For me, bringing him to Chelsea was a good move by the directors and owner, Roman Abramovich, it will be very interesting to see how similar or different Chelsea plays under Scolari's rule. While Avram Grant was manager Chelsea pretty much played the same physical, brute force kind of football that they had been playing when Jose Mourinho was manager. However we will see if Scolari brings them to playing more attractive football, the kind that Abramovich would like to see.
Another point of topic, would be the players that he decides to bring to Stamford Bridge, will he follow the trend of the other managers in the EPL, and bring in players of his nationality, like Rafa Benitez brings in Spanish players and Arsene Wenger brings in the French. Well, we shortly shall see.
One player who it has been suggested that he will bring to the Bridge is Deco, who Scolari is currently coaching at Euro 2008 along with the other Portuguese players. It is reported that Scolari has indicated to Lampard that he should leave, thus leaving the press to speculate about Deco replacing Lamps. Regardless of who he brings in to play, one thing is certain, Chelsea fans are excited about Scolari's appointment, let's all just wait and see what he has to offer.

Does C.Ronaldo, Portugal have what it takes?

I've been following Euro 2008 and I have enjoyed watching the competition thus far. I watched two impressive victories thus far Spain's 4-1 brilliance over Russia and the Netherlands' thrashing of Italy.
I want to draw some attention right now to the Portuguese, who seem to be in good form, as they have won both of their matches thus far. Although they don't look to me as impressive as the Netherlands or Spain, they get the job done and have been beating their opponents quite convincingly, but i don't think the score lines in both their matches truly reflected how close their games were. The only difference between them and the teams they have beaten is that they took their opportunities when they came, and in football this is what separates the best from the rest.
Portugal has a good team with the likes of captain Nuno Gomes, Simao, Deco, Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, but do they have what it takes to be crowned the best of Europe. With the lineup they possess I believe they are capable of doing it but I really don't see them winning this one. They have a good midfield but their defense looks a bit shaky at times and their chemistry seems to be a bit off. I do like the way Cristiano Ronaldo is playing, as he is passing the ball a lot more than he would had he been playing for Manchester United, but I'm never overly impressed with the things he does.
One thing that I have really questioned about this Portuguese team is the fact that team coach, Luiz Scolari allows Ronaldo to wear the captain's armband when Nuno Gomes is substituted. Personally, I think the band should be given to a more experienced player like Deco, but I guess the armband is given to Ronaldo to boost his confidence. However he is still very young and I don't think he's ready to lead the national team.
Overall Portugal are playing well and with a little bit more time together they most likely will get better, we just have to wait and see how they hold up against the bigger guns of the competition. Good luck to Portugal.