Ok...NOW It's A Crisis...

afternoon.

Yesterdays' events have compelled me to blog earlier than I would have normally. So here goes...

I'm starting to run out of scapegoats and explanations for Arsenal's continuing failings. I have blogged in depth about my feelings about Arsene. Whilst maligned, they are not all completely fair, after much consideration and frankly I am tired of blaming our manager. So I am not going to.

At least not today...

Spurs' marginal victory yesterday means they have recorded 3 wins out 4 in the North London rivals' meetings over the past 2 years. Where as previously it was 1 in 20. In that time, Tottenham have closed the gap on their most hated of Islington neighbours. But other than personnel and improved quality of player, in my opinion the only difference is that Spurs have moved and evolved, but Arsenal have not. The antithesis of stagnation.


This biggest change for Arsenal was the departure of David Dein. Dein made a lot of the calls in the Arsenal boardroom. He was also Wengers' right hand man. When things were going awry, he was the one to have a quiet word in his ear; the voice of reason. That man now appears to be Ivan Gazidis and he does little to aide Wenger or appease the fans. On the face of it. I feel Gazidis is letting the club down more than Wenger ever has.  So who is Ivan Gazidis?


Ivan Gazidis was born in September of 1964, in Johannesburg, South Africa. He then moved to Manchester at the age of 4 and supported Manchester City as a young boy (does anybody see where this is going). He graduated with a degree in law at Oxford before moving to the States to work with Latham & Watkins. In 1994 he joined the founding management team of Major League Soccer and 7 years later became deputy comissioner. Three years ago in 2008, he was enlisted as Chief Executive of Arsenal Football Club, replacing the outgoing Dein. He was brought in to improve Arsenal's commercial avenues and to improve revenues from marketing.


There is NO doubt whatsoever he has done this. And so why is less and less money been invested into the Football Club, in terms of quality, no, world class players. Is the effort not there? It appears there is no teeth for the fight. The problem is for Gazidis and that prehistoric, ignorant mouthpiece, Peter Hill-Wood is that Arsenal has become one of the biggest cash cows in these recession ravaged times. Profit is clearly a good thing. But it is clearly an even better thing for the fat cats, chairpersons and majority shareholders. A football club that is run as more of a company than a sports team, is not. If Arsenal Football were situated in America it would now be a franchise. Hold on....With Kronke (ineffectual as he appears) and Gazidis, Arsenal are now heavily American influenced and financially - or not - backed. Maybe we already are?...

The big problem for me is the sheer level of ignorance on Gazidis' part. The lack of success since 2005, is clearly lost on him:

"I think perspective is very important,"  

"You need to take a distance when you assess the season. This club has over 120 years of history and if you're looking at where we are and how we're doing at this period of our development you have to say it is one of the special times, one of the golden times. I hope we don't forget to appreciate that.

What special times would they be Ivan? Where are these 'golden' times you speak of. Yes we have had success, commerically and in the past on the pitch. But that was with a different regime, which YOU were NOT a part of. So don't put your name on that success. Ever. The tumerity of this man is astounding. He was guilty of not putting the funds on the table for Juan Mata, now thriving at Chelsea. We could have had the same pacy left winger for £7m pounds less than what they paid for. But the funds for deals for Cesc and Lesri were not forthcoming and had not been sorted out.

So what about the transfer kitty? what about the war chest? Couldnt that have been used BEFORE Fabregas was sorted out?

truly astonishingly bad mis-management. I think if not blame Wenger, then blame Gazidis; The buck must stop with him


This brings me onto my main point, with Sagna now sidelined until at least January, Arsenal have a real problem on their hands. Carl Jenkinson will almost certainly now deputise at right back (although Coquelin could also be utilised there as he did with Lorient). Jenkinson is showing promising signs. But the cold hard facts are that this is not the Blue Square Conference. This is the toughest league in the world. many have failed. many will fail. Jenkinson is horribly unexperienced in this department and I am seriously concerned he will be exposed against pacy wingers.

When we return after the international break, Arsenal play Sunderland at home. Jenkinson is likely to be pitted against Seb Larsson or Elmohamady. The game is very much winnable and should be. But Steve Bruce will be fighting for his job and as unpredictable as this league is at times, its a tough call.



Then its Stoke City, again at the Emirates. Always tough against a physical side, who Arsenal repeatedly struggle against. Jenkinson v Etherington is likely to be his chance to best his oppenent. Then it is Chelsea. Mata will no doubt come back to haunt us. One other thing though...this fixture will be Fernando Torres' return from suspension. Hmmm...a fresh Fernando Torres, bad form or not....


Doesn't bare thinking about.....


What is currently 15th place and 3 places above the drop zone, could and really should improve.

But if things don't go smoothly and - as we have seen, rarely do - in a months time, 15th place might not look so bad and then what happens?....

 

Citys Brats....

afternoon. please spread the word about this blog. readership pleases me greatly. like cake.


I return to you fresh from a week in Portugal's fine capital of Lisbon, though as I write this, sitting outside a cafe with my roaming wifi, one could be forgiven for thinking I was still there......anyways on to matters....




 Last nights ticking timebomb that was Carlos Tevez, last night destructed on the outskirts of Munich, destroying egos, and smashing ideas of a seemingly purring football club. Tevez's behaviour last was 6 months in the making.  Tevez had publically stated his desire to leave Manchester (which frankly I didnt see coming) to be with his family. What he didnt consider were the ramifications of his outburst. Tevez was on wages of up to 250,000k a week, which only a handful of clubs could get near to meeting; Real, Anzhi, PSG and Man City themselves. Problem.

The argentine's actions last night, are scandalous, for such a high profile player as Tevez. Its the equivalent of me refusing to go to work for WHATEVER reason but still demanding to be paid. It is alleged and I say this in the strongest sense of the word, that he had warmed up late in the first half last night at the Allianz Arena and was told to be prepared to come on if Dzeko didnt up his game. So the second half began and City looked more lifeless and Mancini dragged Edin off. But then Tevez when called said 'No thanks'  

Lets look a the facts; We dont know for certain he refused to play, BUT he refused to move from the bench. That much is certain. YES he has been dicked around by Man City but that was all his own doing; slating Manchester and the club. Tevez claimed earlier today that he did not refuse to play;

 "There was some confusion on the bench and I believe my position may have been misunderstood."  

he added:

 

 "This is not the right time to get into specific details as to why this did not happen. But I wish to state that I never refused to play.

I'm sorry. But what misunderstanding would that be? after 4 years in the English top flight, you should know what the universal sign for "get on the fu**ing" pitch" is. In this regard Mr. Tevez doesn't have a leg to stand on. My feelings are his agent Kia Jorabchian has been in his ear to try to calm the situation down...I have a certain amount of sympathy for Carlos. He is clearly a family man and he loves his children very much. He loves the fans and he does work exceptionally hard and is an equally talented player.

But this guy has bought into the devil (City) and a devils contract is a dangerous thing, near like selling your soul. So City own him. he has a lucrative contract; they can do as they see fit. This makes Arsenal's retention of Cesc Fabregas seem like child's play, as certain foolish individuals have mentioned to me. But the real issue I have with the defence is exactly that; If I was getting paid in excess of 200k a week I would forget about my unhappiness. I'd even force happiness upon me. BECAUSE I WAS BRINGING IN 500K. A MONTH.

I'd be clinically depressed....

thats a no go, coming from a guy who has suffered with borderline depression, at times.

the more interesting question now is after Manchester Citys' dire performance in Munich coupled with unhappy players; Joe Hart, Edin Dzeko to name but a few, how do City move forward from this? After a performance like this and resulting toys being thrown out of prams, if this was Arsenal it would be a crisis. If Man City do not address these problems they could have a mutiny on their hands in the vein of Shay Given gate. Lets face it; City don't need more insolent children on their books with Ballotelli a frequent offender and Kun Aguero having already show signs of dissent when removed from the field during a game. Not to mention a certain lesbian looking french winger who will remain nameless. If either Dzeko or Kun were to lose their form, City could have some real problems.


After Gary Cooks resignation (or rather his forced) as a result of alleged racist bullying towards Nedum Onuoha's 'cancer ravaged' mother, City were looking to avoid more bad PR....
 

Three Lions Optimism..

afternoon.


A week has passed since the international break and after another eventful week in the Premier League, there is much food for thought regarding the course of the English National team and its future.
6 points was a good outcome, if perhaps not merited (are u reading Robert Earnshaw). The squad in my opinion has real potential but only if certain players are included and used in the right combination.

Lets look at the way England lined up against Bulgaria:


                                                                   HART

SMALLING                      CAHILL                              TERRY                       COLE


    WALCOTT                  PARKER                     BARRY                DOWNING


                                                                                        YOUNG
                                                                ROONEY                                                                       

Now how they did versus the welsh::


                                                                       HART


SMALLING                      CAHILL                              TERRY                       COLE


    MILNER                   LAMPARD                   BARRY                DOWNING


                                                                                        YOUNG
                                                                  ROONEY

During his time at the Villa, Ashley Young had always seemed to be on the fringes of the starting 11. But now, with his move to Man Utd, he seems to have a new lease of life, in no small part to to his newly found understanding with club mate Rooney. The way these two feed off each other is seemless. These two pretty much pick each other for the Starting XI.

This poses interesting questions about Englands other attacking players and where they may fit in, or not. But lets look at the back line first - an area I am going to focus on...


At The Back:

John Terry would appear to be the only one left of the old guard that is an automatic selection - if fit. Rio Ferdinand has seen better days; He has lost about 40% of his pace and there are beginning to be serious questions asked of his ageing limbs, with him picking up groin strains and muscle injuries. So where else do we look?

As I have previously written, this should be Gary Cahill's breakthrough year; he's now 25 and is gradually becoming one of the Premier League's better defenders; He is solid, works tirelessly, is particularly mobile and at times deadly in front of goal - certainly for a defender. This was underlined by his goal on his debut against the Bulgarians. They way he took his chance; The way he stayed in a dangerous area but most importantly his composed finish in tight area. As his second cap against the Welsh showed, it looks like Cahill is here to stay.

I was very impressed with Chris Smalling, also on international debut. A centre back at heart, yes, but when utilised as a full-back, Smalling adds another level of defensive offensive, if you will. For a guy of 6 foot, he has a better eye for a cross than many other diminutive wingers wouldn't. Smalling's other attribute is that he is quite pacy and can break down any potential counter-attacks. Smalling still has much to garner, against the big european teams, but already his place is beginning to look assured as a better alternative to Glen Johnson, who lacks a defensive nouse, as any sane Liverpool fan will atestify.

As far as Ashley Cole goes, I have no real vision of a left back that could take his place, except that is, Leighton Baines. One may go as far as to say Baines' delivery into the box is equal to, if not better than Cole. Baines lacks strength in the defensive department though. But the biggest hindrance to his chances are his own personal problems of homesickness. If he can overcome this, then he has a real chance of breaking through. IF

Kieran Gibbs would be the other full back to push for Cole's place, but currently he is going through a tough time with injury and like Baines, has defensive issues. he needs to strengthen his physique for this to happen.
A few other names are starting to emerge from the shadows following big money moves in the summer...

First there is Phil Jones. This guy is a bull. He looks terrifying when on the ball (for the opponents). He can run at defences with ease when utilised as a holding midfielder  and even then as a centre back, he still enjoys jaunts forward as he portrayed in his 2 assists against Bolton at the weekend. Jones is powerful and his heading ability for someone so young is impressive. He is also built well. I can see him slotting into a main centre back role, but also as a holding player to add more steal to an England midfield, that the likes of Milner, Barry and  the outgoing Lampard may not. If not there he could adequately fill in at right back. It will
be interesting to see where he will do the majority of his playing time...

From a personal view, Id love to see Roger Johnson get a fair shot. During his time at Birmingham, his performances were often match winning ones, or indeed match saving ones. But he was never really considered. In March he was called up to the squad,
but injury denied him a debut cap which was a huge shame. I am a big fan of Johnson and am slightly surprised that a bigger club than Wolves didnt come in for him. He's 26, not young, but most certainly not past it. He adds a real steel to the back line, as well as guts and goals. The only problem is I'm not sure where he comes down the pecking order as it stands. I hope Capello and future bosses do the right thing.


Defensive Pool;   Terry, Cole, Cahill, Richards, Jones, Smalling, Lescott, Baines, Glen Johnson, Warnock, Gibbs, Ferdinand, Roger Johnson, Upson;


Through the Middle:


The midfield picture is less clear, as far as permanent fixtures are concerned. With Gerrard struggling with niggling injuries and Lampard being ushered out (about time) the new England midfield is in the process of being molded and melded together. Scott Parker appears to now be a definite starter. As is Theo Walcott, who we will go onto later and Gareth Barry. So what are the other options?...

Firstly, there is Wilshere, who when fit is a first teamer. His dynamicy is unmatched as far as English players go. He is best utilised right in the middle of the park, where he can create and run at teams. His absence for the Wales game was keenly felt. Someone who has a real shout at establishing himself is Tom Cleverley. In his time on loan at Wigan last season, he was often the stand out player. Now, since his return to Man Utd, he has forced his way into the starting XI, ousting Carrick and replacing the retiring Paul Scholes, thus partnering Anderson in the midfield.

Cleverley has had an impressive start to the season, which has had a direct impact on United's transfer dealings in that position, or lack thereof. For England though he could easily play on the right or left of midfield as a supplier, but also as tenacious tackler and distributor.



Matt Jarvis of Wolves could definitely do a job as a left winger, but that very much depends on the way other attacking players are utilised. Stewart Downing also, could also play on the right and has slightly more pace than Jarvis. Lately - after being the darling of Steve McClaren's England tenure - with many asking as to why he merited inclusion, his performances for Villa and more recently Liverpool have seen him earn his call up. Then there is Ashley Young, as mentioned. But it is his positioning or where he is played that will determine the forward options for England...


Midfield Pool:   Young, Wilshere, Barry, Parker, Lampard, Gerrard, Henderson, Jarvis, Downing, Milner, Cleverley;


Up Front:


England's striking options are plentiful. But the right combination and balance has to be reached. Currently, Rooney plays as the sole striker, with Ashley Young the provider just behind him. This formation leaves England's options limited in a 4 4 1 1 formation. Looking at the strikers individually there is much to ponder...

Danny Sturridge could quite easily be a starter. A lot of people have said that with 5 strikers, and more at Chelsea (Torres, Drogba, Anelka, Lukaku, Sturridge) he would find it increasingly difficult to make a place in the starting line up his own, if, as indeed he did, refuse a move away from Stamford Bridge to fight for his own place. But with Torres' currently goal drought and Didier Drogba's concussion, Sturridge is beginning to fight his way into the line up. His sublime, if not, outrageous finish against Sunderland, highlights that he does not lack confidence.

The other big loan striker breakthrough was another Danny, Welbeck. He would appear to be battling Javier Hernandez for a starting berth at Old Trafford, with Dimitar Berbatov increasingly falling out of favour.  
If utilised as a front two, Sturridge and Welbeck could work together very well, both very pacy and technically sound.

outside of these two, there is Zamora, who continues to impress at Fulham; Andy Carroll of Liverpool, but with his current problems on and off the pitch, there remains a big question mark over him; Jermaine Defoe needs to recapture his goalscoring prowess, but will continue to knock on the door and Kevin Davies exists as a real goal threat, for a sometimes lacking England threat,


Attacking Pool;   Rooney, Carroll, Welbeck, Sturridge, Zamora, Davies, Defoe;

So with all this said what could we be looking at come next summer in Ukraine and Poland.

well, potentially this.



                                                                HART




SMALLING                CAHILL                                TERRY                      COLE


                                                               JONES




                   CLEVERLEY                  WILSHERE                 PARKER 


                                                                                   YOUNG


                                                               ROONEY


or...




                                                                HART




   JONES                     CAHILL                                        TERRY                  COLE




   CLEVERLEY/MILNER                WILSHERE               PARKER/GERRARD   



  STURRIDGE/WALCOTT               ROONEY                 YOUNG/WELBECK


but really, there is much to be concluded...

The new blood....

and a very happy sunday to you all.



from the go id like to apologize for not posting for a few weeks. It been all go a chez Leverett, with festivals and what not. Basically I wrote 2 separate pieces but I've chosen to hold fire on them-for now....

onwards and upwards....

m

so it took total annihilation of his team for the manager to wake up and smell the coffee. With the absence of Wilshere, Song and Frimpong, Arsenals threadbare side were dismantled with ease, overrunning the midfield as only united can do best. Not exactly aiding the situation was the lamentable Johann Djourou who seems to be sliding back to his old ways.

Not 24 hours after this total humilaition, Arsene was right into the market....

Firstly lets cover Andre Santos' arrival, a move which I was most surprised with. But happily so. Arsene Wenger's belief in Kieran Gibbs, has not wavered, but his realisation, thankfully has. Gibbs is very injury prone at this stage of his career and this may never change. But even though Traore's impending move to QPR was on the cards i still didnt see Wenger recruiting another LB.

Enter Santos. 28. Brazilian international, most recently playing ahead of Real's Marcelo at the Copa America  this summer. Wenger's penchant for Brazilians is no secret, but this guy has real flair. Something Arsenal have sorely missed since the days of Sylvinho, and this guy has more than a touch of him about his play. All too often have had quick full backs that cant defend; this guy can and not only create and open play up, but can cross and deliver with aplomb. For £6.2m from Fenerbahce, it could prove to be a great piece of business...

Onto, in my opinion, the big signing (literally). Standing at 6'6' and exemplifying raw, German efficiency and power is Per Mertesacker. Arsene Wenger has been following the progress of the German at Werder Bremen for the past 2 years, and after deals for Cahill and Jagielka were deemed too expensive, Wenger has swooped for a proven, successful international, at half the price.

At just 26, and an international career spanning 7 years and 75 caps already, Mertesacker is a stalwart of the modern german game, paired with Arne Friedrich in central defence, his perfomances have progressed Germany to world cup semi-finals.

Further more Per claims to be a life long Arsenal fan, visiting his aunt in England to watch Premier League games. So he will not lack heart and fight. Something Arsenal need in abundance at this tricky time.

Curious one this. Park Chu Young or 'Ju' as he prefers to me known was a classic out-of-the-blue Wenger signing. As I have previously blogged, Park had been an unofficial Lille player for going on a month, but the i's and t's hadn't been dotted. He had completed one part of his medical with the French champions, but then suddenly a call came from the Arsenal manager, and Park jumped at the chance. Well who wouldn't?

.......

Anyway. He was soon on a train to Colney to complete said medical and become an Arsenal player. Some reports claim his deal is up to £10m so as to pay off his national service for South Korea, which he is expected to participate, in 2013. Park will be an interesting acquisition, hopefully giving Arshavin a real wake call and replacing the oft ineffectual Niklas Bendtner, who has seemingly ruled out a return. I really hope he gets a good run in the first team, because I really think he could become a cult hero, in the vein of Eboue.

though hopefully he can actually play football......

Another deadline day arrival was Yossi Benayoun on loan from Chelsea. He never really got a chance to shine for the blues, after having a great run of form for Liverpool. For me if Benayoun is on his game is very unique player. He is hard to read, and hard to deal with when he gets on run. Hopefully with a seeming dearth of real ruthlessness in the current team, Yossi can add an element of surprise to Arsenal's far too predictable game...

Quickly mentioned Alex Oxlaide Chamberlain, who was signed for £12m potentially rising to 15. That is an awful lot of money for a kid essentially. We shall have to see how he progresses.

Finally, I want to touch on the Arrival of Mikel Arteta. I am still of two minds; on the one hand Arteta, since his emergence as one of the finest midfielders in England during his time at Everton, and arguably only just behind Cesc Fabregas in terms of assists, goals and all round team performance. on the other, a guy who lets face it, has had in share of injuries, particularly thigh and hamstring troubles and many have said could be past his best.

There is no doubt that Mikel will play for the shirt; He doesnt do sulking or non performances and is a thorough professional. I have often thought that is ever Cesc departed, he would be as close to a Fabregas clone as humanly possibly; Same stature, build, appearance, postition. He even resembles him to a degree.

I would love for him to be a brilliant signing. I never thought I'd see Arteta in an Arsenal shirt. And with Wilshere (when he comes back), I see Arteta as the perfect mentor for Englands brightest midfield star.

Only time will tell.....

I will be doing a final extensive transfer round up in my next post. And boy is there much to cover....

Adios! El Capitan and Opening Weekend Thoughts...

afternoon all.

never thought I'd say this but Cesc Fabregas no longer is on the books of Arsenal Football Club...

After the most protracted transfer safa in modern times, Cesc Fabregas' transfer back to his beloved Barcelona took place officially this morning. I have to admit that have experienced the whole set of emotions this afternoon, now that it has finally come to an end. I have to admit to some fairly rash statements on Facebook I made only today after seeing him kiss the Barca crest. I was enraged. But on reflection that is his first love. Not Arsenal. Also the fact he says he seems to have been almost silenced by the Football Club, not to talk to anyone this summer, I find pretty sickening at a time all the fans wanted to know what was going on, the Arsenal Board would not give any information or any sort of statement which highlights to me the lack of respect Msrs Hill-Wood, Kronke and Wenger have for the fans.

I digress...

 



Yes, the club nurtured him into the world class talent he is now (above turning out for his first senior appearance for Arsenal in 2003, against Rotherham in the FA Cup) and yes Barcelona turned their back on him at the age of 16, whilst signing young Messis and Xavis up to long term contracts. But he is born their. A spaniard in London may be happy a happy one, but sooner or later his homing instincts will take over. And ultimately, after Barcelona's near 3 year courtship of him and Arsenals current hazy direction, he has finally given in to his heart and returned home.


Its gonna strange seeing Cescy in the Blaugrauna shirt.....Still, the world revolves....Good Luck.

I guess...

here's a tribute to him in video. his best moments....he was so good at releasing Henry. So.Very.Good

ahem...(wipes away tear)


So the opening weekend of the new campaign was nothing if not boring. two goalless draws, included. But there were some moments of drama, not least Gervinho's sending off on his debut after a fracas with the kind spirited Joey Barton. I dont know what it is about this guy but he's never far from controversy. Im not gonna go into this except to say, Gervinho was correctly sent off, Song should have been, but most importantly Barton should have been, for continued aggressive behaviour.

And Arsenal need AT LEAST 1 or 2 creative players to provide that spark to get thing going behind the strikers...

so anyway....

Gary Cahill's price tag has now gone up by a further few million after a composed dominant performance against a beleaguered QPR side at Loftus Road, on their Premier League return after 15 years. Cahill scored the opening goal, a peach of a curler from just outside the box; this guy is the real deal. He can defend resolutely, pass, and also score and not just with his head. It must be his year to break into the England set-up and if Capello cant see it he needs his head read...Wenger too...

One of the players that also turned my head was Cahill's teammate, Croatian Ivan Klasnic. he's been with the trotters for 2 and a half years, essentially as an oft used sub, as back up to Johan Elmander and Kevin Davies but moreso during Daniel Sturridge's loan spell from Chelsea in the second half of last season.

Klasnic scored 5 goals in pre-season, which was the highest tally of anyone of the Premier League Clubs  with now Elmander is at Galatasaray and Sturridge back with Chelsea (albeit for now) Klasnic has the perfect opportunity to make a name for himself and cement his place in the starting line up, next to Davies. Plus he seems to link up effortlessly with new arrival Chris Eagles. From just his opening game he has registered a goal and an assist, and he may well make his way into my Fantasy Premier League team, with Gervinho suspended.

He COULD just, be a revelation...

Finally, I seem to owe Ashley Young an apology. I had previously posted that I felt he would struggle in a Utd Shirt, but conversely, he seems to thrive in it. With him and Nani on seperate wings, whilst United deal with the injury of Antonio Valencia he picked up on Copa America duty, United seem to have a good delivery set up. Young completely eclipsed Nani against West Brom, at least on this outing. Even Rooney. It looks as though SAF will deploy him on the left wing, where he will be able to cut inside and out of defences and then supply curling looping crosses into waiting teammates in the box.

I can see him having a ball. Sadly... 

The PSG Renaissance...

The last time French club, Paris Saint Germain won anything meaningful was the (now defunct) Cup Winners' Cup in 1996. Followed the next season by being runners up. Long before your Abramovich's, Sheikhs and multi billionnaires, PSG had dominated french football for the best part of a decade. That '96 squad included such luminaries as a cherubic Nicolas Anelka, Bernard Lama and Bruno N'Gotty, to name a few. The early nineties was a hugely successful time for PSG getting to the Champions League Semi-Finals, only for to be beaten by AC Milan. PSG won the three successive french league titles, as well as others either side of those, also. 

Since then however, the french outfit's fortunes have dwindled and the club have endured a barren spell spanning over 15 years and 8 different managers. Arsenal board note.... 

On the 31st of May of this year, however Qatari Business Authority bought a 70% controlling stake in the club. QIA, as its known, is estimated to own in excess of $60 billion of assets. It holds 15.1% of shares within the London Stock Exchange. In 2010, QIA bought Harrods and Walt Disney and Miramax Films.

not a bad portfolio.....

since then, QIA have begun investing heavily in the club, in a bid to return the club to its glory days. The first action was to install the outgoing Inter coach and former player at PSG, Leonardo, as Director of Football, in July. Since his arrival PSG have ramped up the big money buying of players;

  

 

to begin with PSG coach Antoine Kombouare (also a former son of the french club) recruited Lorient's highly rated, french international striker Kevin Gameiro (above left) for 11 million euros. Then in the course of four days between July 25th and 28th, the club signed Roma winger Jeremy Menez for 8m euros and Blaise Matuidi from St Etienne for 7.5m euros (both photographed above right). Matuidi seen as the ideal replacement for the retiring Claude Makelele. Then 4 days later signing veteran midfielder Mohamed Sissoko from Juventus for around 8m euros. (above)

All summer QIA had been looking to unveil a big name signing and after weeks of speculation and in a major coup, trumping Chelsea, Javier Pastore (above with director of football, Leonardo) was unveiled officially on August 8th as a Paris Saint Germain player, leaving Italian club Palermo for a reported 38.5million euros. 

“I am very happy to be here, Paris is a magnificent city, and PSG are an important club. When I left Argentina to come and play in Europe, I had no problem adapting, so I don’t see why it should be a problem now. My new teammates seem very nice, and that should help me integrate.”

“Leonardo convinced me to come here. The club have so much ambition and that helped too. The squad is of a very high level, and the team is young. There are so many reasons why I wanted to come here.” 

Big price tag, yes, but this guy is young, has bags of talent, pace and is seen as the man to take PSG back to the big time. Pastore has already asserted himself into the Argentinian set-up often competing with Angel di Maria for a place in the starting 11.

And PSG may not be done there. Linked with Berbatov, Alvaro Perreira of Porto, and Gilardino, there could still be a frenzy of activity, in the same vein as there was at Eastlands (ahem, sorry the ETIHAD STADIUM, pft) at the end of August 2009)

sadly PSG didnt start their campaign in spectacular form, losing 0-1 to newly promoted Lorient.

well, Paris wasn't built in a day........ 

  

Cesc The Coy..

So the end of July has rolled around and we are still no closer to the end of longest saga since the Who Shot JR? storyline in Dallas......


All jokes aside, the situation is getting desperate; for Barcelona, Arsenal, but particularly Fabregas. Even of people Arsene Wenger is getting increasingly agitated and exasperated, citing concerns over focus just two weeks away from season kick off at St. James' Park in 13 short days;

"I'm just worried that the player has to be completely focused and committed to our club. At the moment he's coming back from an injury and we have to sort out that situation.

"He is the captain of our club and we have to make sure he is really focused on being with us."   

with speculation surrounding the Arsenal captain, not once has Cesc spoke out publicly or come out and stated the way things are. sensible enough, ok, not to get involved with media speculation as frequently he gets misquoted, but the way things have occured is almost clandestine. Not Cesc speaking, but instead quotes come from Pique, Messi, Puyol and repeat offender, Xavi. Thats not to say he's been getting him to do his talking; make his soundbites, but for them to come out, and for him to then add further fuel to the fire by not making a statement, it just doesn't sit right.


But thats not what is angering me. In so much as its Barcelona's general decorum. President Sandro Rosell is a disgrace. He has stated that Fabregas' market value has gone down since last year; this for a player they are trying to get to come to their club. They will not pay more than £34m was the statement. Arsenal want £40m. Barcelona know they will not pay that as they repeatedly try to drive the price down to no avail. Its almost reaching an impasse. Check, if you will.


Also if I was Cesc Fabregas, I'd be looking at this situation, trying to unsettle him at Arsenal, because he wants to go home.

Let there be no doubt about that...

And yet they arent exactly trying to bust a gut in trying to sign him. They were more concerned about securing Alexis Sanchez. If I were Cesc, I would be nothing short of 'pissed-off' or muy annoye if you will.

On Saturday, much to my surprise, Cesc was in attendance at the Emirates Cup, sitting above with Tomas Rosicky and Carlos Vela. (and some bespectacled, bearded chap, who is that? : /) Good that he was showing face. But then at half time, he shot off down the tunnel, accompanied by a burley minder, out the stadium and into a silver Audi before being whisked of back to his
mansion (I assume).

I was not impressed. He claimed to have respect for the club.

thank god he didnt attend yesterday; he might have booed us off....