SPORTS NOTES EXTRA - FOOTBALLS TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES - December, 2008

James Loving/National Radio Text Service

There needs to be a club salary cap. Eleven years ago I asked former Italy International then the MLS's New England Revolution keeper Walter Zenga who had the strongest football league in Europe. He replied it changes based on who spends the most money to acquire talent. Fast forward to today and Zenga's words have become even more astute. The Man City acquisition of Robinho has not proved to be their saving grace since the club lacks quality and Robinho needs help. After 16 games the side has only 18 points only 3 above the relegation zone. The bottom line is a solution. Come up with one and USE IT or the consequences could be LOSE IT, the integrity of the game.

Friday December 12, 2008

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST IN SCHUSTER

Eleven years ago I asked former Italy International then the MLS's New England Revolution keeper Walter Zenga who had the strongest football league in Europe. He replied it changes based on who spends the most money to acquire talent. Fast forward to today and Zenga's words have become even more astute given what is going on in the world of football with what too many are outrageous sums of money paid to acquire players and managers. It raises the question what is going on in the world of international football?

It appears that everyone has lost the plot in search of greed, money and fame…ohhh and victories. It's not to say there's anything wrong with seeking victories but there is a question about the ethics or lack there of in going about their business to do so. Sports are about winning but at what cost?

Robinho departed Real Madrid an unhappy camper when he felt his talents weren't appreciated. The then Thaksin Shinawatra owned club outbid Chelsea and Robinho shocked many football pundits by taking the money and not moving to a powerhouse club that has prestige super talent, great manager and win. Chelsea is one point off the top of the table with 36 points behind Liverpool's 37.

The arrival of Robinho has proved not to be the saving grace since the club lacks quality and Robinho needs help. After 16 games the side has only 18 points only 3 above the relegation zone where Sunderland holds down the 18th spot with 15 points.

English pundits are saying that the club needs a super marquee player to add to the value of the organization with Robinho that in turn would attract others strong supporting players but not necessarily marquee names. Thaksin sold the club to Middle Eastern interests who have deep pockets and are said have the money to buy anyone or anything. So who is mentioned as being a likely Man City target?

KaKa is the name that keeps coming up the most. Though he says he's happy where he is the buzz continues. The rationale being with Robinho and KaKa on the same side what player wouldn't want to join the organization.

In the center of the storm Real Madrid continues to surface. They are now working with their 11th coach within the last 10 years. This list includes Vanderlei Luxemburgo from 2004-2005. Madrid won the La Liga title in 2007 for the first time in four years under Fabio Capello. Despite the achievement of winning La Liga, Capello was sacked one month later, in June 2007, and was replaced by German manager Bernd Schuster

The recent firing of Schuster after only a few months as the manager of Real Madrid was a result of the squad's dismal showing. But the biggest surprise is the hiring of Juande Ramos the former Tottenham Hotspurs manager who was sacked Oct. 25th as the Spurs were at the bottom of the English Premiers League table with only three points to show for it. To compound their logic is they dismissed Fabio Capello after last seasons title winning campaign. What is in that Real Madrid water?

Ramone Calderon is one of the elements. Calderon was elected President (now Chariman) of Real July 2, 2006. He is infamous for his quotes to the media, stating that Madrid will sign some of the world's elite. This past summer he vigorously went after Ronaldo who had four years remaining on his Manchester United contract to jump ship and sign with Real. It took months to work that out and get Ronaldo to think like a responsible adult and honor his agreement. He had no argument for leaving a side that won the Premier League and Champions League titles. All he had was money and greed waiving in his face to play for a team he always wanted to play for. The problem is he is young and could have done so honorably after his contract with Man U expires. A reminder of Real Madrid's previous problems is wild spending did not buy the success of their All-star Los Galácticos.

CONTINUED - Los Galácticos - SEEK & YOU SHALL FIND

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