Saturday, August 30, 2008
The ones that did not happen.
Gareth Barry (Aston Villa - Liverpool)
Argh! Why were in for him in the first place. He was priced more expensive than Spanish European champion Xabi Alonso! What the hell? For one, I am very sure that, Barry's range of passing is nothing compared to Alonso's. Even as Barry can dribble better, that's not much of a need as he would have replaced a defensive playmaker, and that playmakers are tasked to release the balls fast enough to release their wingers and forwards. So, with Albert Riera on the verge of completing his move to Anfield, I am glad Barry didn't come. I don't think Stevie G shares similar sentiments, though.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United - Real Madrid)
After a summer of bidding and arguments between the two clubs, it is confirmed Madrid will not sign Ronaldo. Haha... It'll be a tough task for Ronaldo to replicate his form after recovering from his injury during October. A record transfer bid was thought to be on the cards in order to entice United to sell. So, next summer will surely see Ronaldo be subjected to interest again for sure. Wait, maybe even during the January transfer window, perhaps.
Kaka (AC Milan - Chelsea)
£80 million was thought to be what Chelsea threw to Milan in order to get Kaka. It was also thought it would go through, as Kaka didn't like new signing Ronaldinho's lifestyle. But it seems he'll stay and form a three-pronged Brazillian attack with Pato and Ronaldinho, in support of Andriy Shevchenko. How ironic.
The ones that is on the verge of collapsing.
Robinho (Real Madrid - Chelsea)
Trickster. But strong enough for the EPL? Might be a blessing in disguise for Roman Abramovich.
Dimitar Berbatov (Tottenham - Manchester United)
Disloyalty, ungrateful. Spurs launched his career and thrusted him into the limelight, after almost no recognition at Bayer Leverkusen.
So Liverpool are in the same group as PSV Eindhoven, Marseille and Athletico Madrid. PSV were gunned down 4-0 on aggregate a couple seasons ago in the last 16. Marseille was pipped of the 2nd place in the group stages last season by the Reds, as the latter won 4-0 during the last game. Fernando Torres will meet his previous club Athletico Madrid, whilst Madrid's frontmen Luis Garcia and Florent Sinama-Pongolle will face their former clubs as well. "Group of Death", I guess... No complacency from the Reds this time I hope.
Tomorrow night, Villa vs 'Pool. The meeting of Martin O'Neill and Rafa Benitez after their disagreements in the summer. Villa playing well but losing last weekend, scoring and conceding lots of goals. Liverpool, on the other hand, is unbeaten, but have produced
EXTREMELY POOR performances. The Reds' probable team: jose REINA; alvaro ARBELOA, jamie CARRAGHER (c), martin SKRTEL, fabio AURELIO; dirk KUYT, javier MASCHERANO, xabi ALONSO, ryan BABEL; robbie KEANE, fernando TORRES; subs: diego cavalieri; daniel agger, andrea dossena; lucas leiva, yossi benayoun; nabil el zhar, david n'gog. C'mon... Make it 9 out of 9!
Bye~!
my thoughts at 5:27 pm