Bojan Krkic

An Citeog · 27-03-2008 02:17PM

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

The absolute best thing for Bojan would be for him to leave Barca. They're a comedy club, and you cant help but wonder how much better Henry, Ronnie, Messi, Deco and company would be performing at a club with more discipline.

Still, if Frank really is going at the end of the season, things may change.

4 or 5 years ago, I would have agreed with you but the turnaround at the club has been unbelievable. They went from playing and being knocked out in the Uefa Cup by Celtic to being a regular in the CL quarter finals and even winning it in 2006. And it's not just the turnaround on the pitch either. Have a read here and try and get your hands on the BBC documentary, Barça: The Inside Story.

Another thing that must be remembered is that if La Liga had the same rules as the EPL, Barça would have been champions last season due to their far superior goal difference. It was on head to head that Madrid won it.

And finally, I lay the blame squarely on Frank Rijkaard for Barça's underperformance this season. A lot of the players just don't look interested and it's his job to motivate them. Teams seem to have copped on to their formation and it isn't anywhere near as effective as it used to be. That's understandable but there doesn't seem to be any plan B. I think Rijkaard's tenure at Barça will be over in the summer but I can't really think of any stand-out candidates to replace him. Mourinho knows how to get a team playing effective football and how to win but I don't think that's enough for the Barça fans. They also detest the man himself which will definitely count against him but still, stranger things have happened!

An Citeog · 27-03-2008 02:29PM

armour87 wrote: »

Definetly.

But still no Arteta lol. Also from what I've seen of Tamudo, notably the Barcelona derby last year (I think) and bits of the Uefa final, he seems a real class act.

Any merit in the idea of Ramos at CB, I know he's playing at RB for Madrid mostly but didnt he play there a bit with Sevilla and perhaps even spells at Real?

Arbeloa is a good shout for LB.

Spain have such an abundance of top class creative midfielders that it's going to be nearly impossible for Arteta to force his way into the team. Who would you play him ahead of? Possibly Alonso/Senna/Albelda, but that means Xavi dropping back into a holding midfield role which doesn't offer that much protection to the back four. I think that team would be too attacking and needs more balance. He's definitely worth a place in the squad though.

Tamudo is class for Espanyol and has single-handedly won them games. He's scored 5 goals in 13 games for Spain but I still wouldn't put him at the same level as Villa or Torres. More a case of him being the big fish in a small pond at Espanyol (eZe^'ll like that one!:D).

I think the defence is where a lot of Spain's problems lie. Apart from Ramos, there's nobody that you can really say 100% deserves a spot. Puyol hasn't been great this season. Maybe moving Ramos into the centre would help him, particularly because of his pace, but that leaves you the problem of finding a quality right back to replace him. I still think Ramos' future will be as a centre-half, but at the moment, he's arguably the best RB in the world (tbh, that's more to do with a lack of real top-quality right backs than anything else).

UnitedIrishman · 27-03-2008 02:42PM

armour87 wrote: »

Any merit in the idea of Ramos at CB, I know he's playing at RB for Madrid mostly but didnt he play there a bit with Sevilla and perhaps even spells at Real?

The only thing is Ramos and Puyol are very much alike in terms of how they play. I'd have Ramos out on the right, Capdevilla on the left but not a clue in the middle with Puyol maybe Marchena or Juanito although haven't seen much of them two this season.

kryogen · 27-03-2008 02:53PM

eh, would nobody be willing to let Pique try to make CB his own? there isnt a whole lot of other options that would blow you away in fairness, even puyol has always been overrated, id be tempted to put him at right back and have Ramos and Pique in the centre, could be the future Central defensive partnership of the future for Spain

An Citeog · 27-03-2008 03:53PM

kryogen wrote: »

eh, would nobody be willing to let Pique try to make CB his own? there isnt a whole lot of other options that would blow you away in fairness, even puyol has always been overrated, id be tempted to put him at right back and have Ramos and Pique in the centre, could be the future Central defensive partnership of the future for Spain

Nah, he's not ready tbh. I'm a United fan aswell but I just don't think he can go from warming the bench at United to starting for Spain. Puyol hasn't been at his best this season but I'd still have him in there before Pique. He may be an outside bet for a squad place though. I'd have Ramos at RB, Puyol with Juanito/Pablo/Marchena in the centre and Capdevila on the left.

Alternatively, they could try Arbeloa on the right, Puyol and Ramos in the centre and Capdevila on the left. Actually yeah, that's the defence I'd like to see start. Puyol to RB is a big no no. Maybe Puyol and Ramos are too similar to play together but it's worth a try anyway.

Mitch Connor · 27-03-2008 04:24PM

kryogen wrote: »

eh, would nobody be willing to let Pique try to make CB his own? there isnt a whole lot of other options that would blow you away in fairness, even puyol has always been overrated, id be tempted to put him at right back and have Ramos and Pique in the centre, could be the future Central defensive partnership of the future for Spain

he has only played in 10 games this seaosn for United - surely Spain should be looking at more established players than Pique? I think the guy has the ability, but i reckon he will have to move on if he wants to start on his international career any time soon - cause Vidic and Rio don't look likely to be making way for him.

Tusky · 27-03-2008 04:28PM

Could do something like this as well. They have so many great players that there is almost too much choice. I'll be rooting for them anyway. They seem a little short on quality in defense though.

Castillas

Arbeloa--Puyol--Ramos--Capdevila

Xavi
--Iniesta

Silva

Fabregas

Torres

Villa

Subs: Reina, Joaquin, Raul, Garcia, Alonso ETC

I like the formation that was already posted already though.

Or you could do something like.

Alonso

Iniesta----Xavi----Fabregas

Villa---Torres

OR

Xavi

Iniesta---Fabregas---Silva

Villa--Torres

eZe^ · 27-03-2008 05:32PM

An Citeog wrote: »

Tamudo is class for Espanyol and has single-handedly won them games. He's scored 5 goals in 13 games for Spain but I still wouldn't put him at the same level as Villa or Torres. More a case of him being the big fish in a small pond at Espanyol (eZe^'ll like that one!:D).

Hahaha, small club! I do however think on their day they can beat any team in la liga. Tamudo and De le Pena are the absolute heart of Espanyol, and without Jarque they have looked so suspect.

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

The absolute best thing for Bojan would be for him to leave Barca. They're a comedy club, and you cant help but wonder how much better Henry, Ronnie, Messi, Deco and company would be performing at a club with more discipline.

This type of speech annoys me, a comedy club? On what merits? Sure they haven't been in the formidable form they showed a couple of years ago, but to call an entire institution a comedy club is idiotic. They are playing quite poorly, but again, 4 points off the top of the league (I know Madrid have been terrible lately also), and in the semi's of the CL.

Xavi6 wrote: »

Apart from Ronaldinho, who else had their weight soar and looks disinterested? Can't say anyone else has been named and shamed.

The team has looked quite disinterested in alot of games this season really. Too much side ways passing, no real killer balls. Teams haven't been put to the sword.

armour87 wrote: »

Never mind not picking Arteta!

This is going to sound harsh, but I dont think Arteta is good enough to make the squad ahead of the creativity there atm. Maybe its because there aren't many players like him in the premiership because of the way the EPL plays, but there are Arteta style players at loads of teams in La Liga, its abundant with those creative midfield players.

An Citeog wrote: »

Puyol on the right is a big no no.

I dont know about that, he has been so suspect defensively in the past few weeks that he might be quite a big liability in the centre, and as he wont be dropped he might be less of a burden at RB. He has shown alot of promise there imo, and Ramos has been very dodgey the past couple of games too.

lordgoat · 27-03-2008 05:37PM

This season: Arteta > Alonso and warrants a squad place ahead of him.

CantGetNoSleep · 27-03-2008 07:56PM

ShoulderChip wrote: »

would they all get into the irish squad?

No way, I'd say Alan O'Brien is a far better option, with Douglas starting in midfield

Dont be at yourself · 28-03-2008 03:07AM

This type of speech annoys me, a comedy club? On what merits? Sure they haven't been in the formidable form they showed a couple of years ago, but to call an entire institution a comedy club is idiotic. They are playing quite poorly, but again, 4 points off the top of the league (I know Madrid have been terrible lately also), and in the semi's of the CL.

While they're not quite rivalling Newcastle or Valencia in the comedy-club stakes yet, there's no doubting that the club appears to be coming apart at the seams. They had a couple of years on top, and it looks to me like they're starting to believe their own hype, and think they can just turn up (to the match, if not training!) and collect 3 points.

Like I said, there's no doubting their talent. It's their mentality that has them unable to catch a Real Madrid side who are catastophically off-form. The CL is papering over the cracks, in my opinion. They seriously need to bring in an iron-fisted coach to replace Rijkaard and motivate the players again.

As for my Spain XI - I was just chatting about this to a mate. They could field three different teams that would be capable of winning the Euros. Their biggest problem is that they dont seem to have any national pride. It'd never happen, but perhaps picking an all Basque or Catalan team for a tournament would see a more motivated performance.

Anyway, my tuppence worth:

Cassilas
Ramos-Puyol-Marchena-Arbeloa

Xavi-Fabregas
---Villa---Iniesta---Silva

Torres

Backline is a bit shakey, but Cassilas is well used to that! Villa playing as man-off, with Iniesta drifting out to the right.

eZe^ · 28-03-2008 09:38AM

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

While they're not quite rivalling Newcastle or Valencia in the comedy-club stakes yet, there's no doubting that the club appears to be coming apart at the seams. They had a couple of years on top, and it looks to me like they're starting to believe their own hype, and think they can just turn up (to the match, if not training!) and collect 3 points.

The clubs coming apart at the seams? Could you explain that? Is their something about the way the club is run that at the moment which means its in demise? Maybe next year they'll be fighting for survival in la liga? The club doesnt have a big shot owner who is throwing money at them to buy players so I dont see how its falling apart.

A few years at the top? Oh ya, because clearly Barcelona have never been one of the strongest teams in Europe. That form was just clearly the one purple patch they'll ever have in their history is it?

You seriously make it sound like they are mid table team who have made it into Europe after some shrewd signings and done better than expected over the past 4 years. You know the team does have more league titles than Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and the same amount as Liverpool. They have 2 CL titles, never relegated from the league in its history, they have had more world players of the year than any other club in the world, the biggest stadium in Europe, and are the 3rd richest club in the world.

These are all little things, but there is no doubt that the pedigree is there. To say its any less of a club in comparison to any other team in the world is naive imo. Im not even going to talk about comparing it to this years crisis Valencia or Newcastle.

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

Like I said, there's no doubting their talent. It's their mentality that has them unable to catch a Real Madrid side who are catastophically off-form. The CL is papering over the cracks, in my opinion. They seriously need to bring in an iron-fisted coach to replace Rijkaard and motivate the players again.

This I agree 100% with, Frank was never ever a tactical genius, and you can only keep a team motivated for so long when you have the soft mentality as a manager. I would personally like Pellegrini, as he has experience in La Liga. I know Jose Mourinho worked for Barcelona under Robson, but I personally dont like his approach to managing with all the controversy. Lippi would be good too, but I doubt he'll do it. Laudrup is a distinct possibility also, but he is very inexperienced which may go against him.

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

As for my Spain XI - I was just chatting about this to a mate. They could field three different teams that would be capable of winning the Euros. Their biggest problem is that they dont seem to have any national pride. It'd never happen, but perhaps picking an all Basque or Catalan team for a tournament would see a more motivated performance.

Anyway, my tuppence worth:
Cassilas
Ramos-Puyol-Marchena-Arbeloa
Xavi-Fabregas
---Villa---Iniesta---Silva
Torres

Backline is a bit shakey, but Cassilas is well used to that! Villa playing as man-off, with Iniesta drifting out to the right.

I seriously doubt that fact Spain has Basques, Catalans and Castilles matters when it comes to the national team and pride.

That team will get absolutely eaten in the midfield by teams like France and Italy. The reason Spain aren't the most complete team in the world this year is because they lack a quality DMF who will be a bit of muscle behind the pansies Iniesta, Xavi and Fabregas, they have Albelda, but Koemann the fool exiled him so he has no real playing time until the tournament. Imagine if that team came up the French midfield with Vieira and Makelele (actually theres no need to imagine, they lost in the wc to them), or even a midfield of Pirlo and Gatusso, they'd be eaten alive.

Oh and Silva's a good shout.

Dont be at yourself · 28-03-2008 01:05PM

eZe^, I think you're completely taking me the wrong way WRT to Barca. Of course I realise that they're not a flash-in-the-pan success and I recognise their history. I was at pains in my previous post not to liken them to Newcastle and Valencia.

Indeed, it is their long tradition of success that shows up their current dip in form all the more. Barcelona should be able to reign in a lacklustre Real Madrid side - both in terms of their tradition and in terms of their current squad.

Until Laporta and Rijkaard came in, they were in many ways in Madrid's shadow in recent times. The point I was making is that a La Liga and Champions League win seems to have erased the memories of life before then, and if they're not careful, they'll end up right back there. I think we pretty much agree on this point, and that there needs to be some serious changes to the coaching staff.

As a Liverpool fan, I wouldnt want Mourinho at my club either. It wouldn't be against type for Barca to appoint Laudrup , but I reckon it would be a pretty big gamble.

I seriously doubt that fact Spain has Basques, Catalans and Castilles matters when it comes to the national team and pride.

Yeah, I don't know. They've such a talented pool of players that there must be some reason they can't get it together. Reminds me of the Dutch team in the 1990s and early 00s - huge talent, but also huge egos and lots of rumoured in-fighting.

As you say, Albelda is not getting minutes on the field, and he's not getting any younger either. Alonso is another possibility, but he still doesnt bring that much defensive steel, and he's also struggling for form and a place in his club team. I've heard great things about Senna, but I can't say I've ever seen him play. I maintain that the above team would get the best out of their best players.

An Citeog · 28-03-2008 01:05PM

eZe^ wrote: »

A few years at the top? Oh ya, because clearly Barcelona have never been one of the strongest teams in Europe. That form was just clearly the one purple patch they'll ever have in their history is it?

You seriously make it sound like they are mid table team who have made it into Europe after some shrewd signings and done better than expected over the past 4 years. You know the team does have more league titles than Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea and the same amount as Liverpool. They have 2 CL titles, never relegated from the league in its history, they have had more world players of the year than any other club in the world, the biggest stadium in Europe, and are the 3rd richest club in the world.

You forgot to mention that FC Barcelona is the only club to be involved in European club competition every year since its inception in 1955.;)

eZe^ wrote:

This I agree 100% with, Frank was never ever a tactical genius, and you can only keep a team motivated for so long when you have the soft mentality as a manager. I would personally like Pellegrini, as he has experience in La Liga. I know Jose Mourinho worked for Barcelona under Robson, but I personally dont like his approach to managing with all the controversy. Lippi would be good too, but I doubt he'll do it. Laudrup is a distinct possibility also, but he is very inexperienced which may go against him.

Laudrup is a good shout actually, he's done brilliantly with Getafe this season and just picked up where Schuster left off. Two Getafe managers to be poached by "the big 2"(tm) in 2 consecutive years.:D

The problem is that there really aren't that many top class managers available at the moment, particularly ones who'd fit in with the style of Barça. They really do seem to be missing Ten Cate though.

eZe^ wrote:

I seriously doubt that fact Spain has Basques, Catalans and Castilles matters when it comes to the national team and pride.

Imho, the Spanish national team's disjointedness is as a direct result of the animosity between the different autonomous regions of Spain. Most of these players were born in the decade after Franco's death, when Spain went through a huge amount of turmoil, military coups etc. There's no such thing as national pride in Spain (well not much anyway), it's all regional, particularly in Catalunya and the Pais Vasco. It mightn't be as bad as it was in the 70's-90's but the animosity is still there. Catalunya even has its own cup competition (the Copa Catalunya) and its own Catalan national team!

eZe^ wrote:

That team will get absolutely eaten in the midfield by teams like France and Italy. The reason Spain aren't the most complete team in the world this year is because they lack a quality DMF who will be a bit of muscle behind the pansies Iniesta, Xavi and Fabregas, they have Albelda, but Koemann the fool exiled him so he has no real playing time until the tournament. Imagine if that team came up the French midfield with Vieira and Makelele (actually theres no need to imagine, they lost in the wc to them), or even a midfield of Pirlo and Gatusso, they'd be eaten alive.

Oh and Silva's a good shout.

Ah right, back to the football so!:p I think that because of the vulnerability of the Spanish defence, they need a destroyer to protect the back 4 and allow the others to get forward and influence the game. Xavi can do that against lesser opponents, but when it comes to the crunch matches, they need someone like Senna or Albelda. Neither is top class imo (maybe Albelda but he's not playing for Valencia) but they do a job and let the others around them concentrate on the attacking.

Silva's a very good player but I'd rather have a front 3 of Iniesta, Torres and Villa. He's a great option to have on the bench though.

eZe^ · 28-03-2008 04:06PM

An Citeog wrote: »

You forgot to mention that FC Barcelona is the only club to be involved in European club competition every year since its inception in 1955.;)

Laudrup is a good shout actually, he's done brilliantly with Getafe this season and just picked up where Schuster left off. Two Getafe managers to be poached by "the big 2"(tm) in 2 consecutive years.:D

The problem is that there really aren't that many top class managers available at the moment, particularly ones who'd fit in with the style of Barça. They really do seem to be missing Ten Cate though.

Imho, the Spanish national team's disjointedness is as a direct result of the animosity between the different autonomous regions of Spain. Most of these players were born in the decade after Franco's death, when Spain went through a huge amount of turmoil, military coups etc. There's no such thing as national pride in Spain (well not much anyway), it's all regional, particularly in Catalunya and the Pais Vasco. It mightn't be as bad as it was in the 70's-90's but the animosity is still there. Catalunya even has its own cup competition (the Copa Catalunya) and its own Catalan national team!

Ah right, back to the football so!:p I think that because of the vulnerability of the Spanish defence, they need a destroyer to protect the back 4 and allow the others to get forward and influence the game. Xavi can do that against lesser opponents, but when it comes to the crunch matches, they need someone like Senna or Albelda. Neither is top class imo (maybe Albelda but he's not playing for Valencia) but they do a job and let the others around them concentrate on the attacking.

Silva's a very good player but I'd rather have a front 3 of Iniesta, Torres and Villa. He's a great option to have on the bench though.

Dunno what so say because I agree with nearly all of this. My favoured Spanish team would be;

Casillas

---Ramos---Puyol--Juanito--Capdevila/ Navarro

Xavi

Senna

Fabregas

--Villa

Iniesta----

Torres

Guiza/ Garcia could easily then come on for Torres, Silva for Iniesta , and if they wanted to switch to 4-4-2 Villa can join Torres up to and push Fab to the centre, Xavi to the right and Inista to the left.

NekkidBibleMan wrote: »

eZe^, I think you're completely taking me the wrong way WRT to Barca. Of course I realise that they're not a flash-in-the-pan success and I recognise their history. I was at pains in my previous post not to liken them to Newcastle and Valencia.

Until Laporta and Rijkaard came in, they were in many ways in Madrid's shadow in recent times. The point I was making is that a La Liga and Champions League win seems to have erased the memories of life before then, and if they're not careful, they'll end up right back there. I think we pretty much agree on this point, and that there needs to be some serious changes to the coaching staff.

As you say, Albelda is not getting minutes on the field, and he's not getting any younger either. Alonso is another possibility, but he still doesnt bring that much defensive steel, and he's also struggling for form and a place in his club team. I've heard great things about Senna, but I can't say I've ever seen him play. I maintain that the above team would get the best out of their best players.

Alright, sorry man, thought you were calling them a small fish in a big pond. Its ridiculous that the players have lost their hunger alright, and they should never have the bravado attitude of already having games won before being on the field. But to say we should be worried about going back to the Gaspart era is kind of silly, teams will never dominate a league every year. It happens in cycles. I dont really know what manager Id like to see for the blaugrana, all I know is FR must leave.

Im so pissed at Koemann (even though I love him for his free kick in 1992, also his niece goes to UCC!) for exiling Albelda from the squad. He really needs playing time because Alonso has been quite lack lustre this season due to an inconsistency in playing time.

Bounty Hunter · 09-04-2008 08:20PM

after hearing that Stat again tonight 961 goals at youth level! and now at the age of 17 hes playing with the Full squad. so assuming he was still playing youth football at a young 17 and started with Barca at what 7/8years old, giving him around 9seasons at Youth level. Does that mean that he got an average of 106.77* goals per season!! if so I then wonder how many gaems that is spread amongst a year, 40/50 max meaning he scored a minimum of 2 goals a game on average for 9years straight.... HOLY FUPING SNIT!!!

but of course dunphy doesent rate him, so just like Uniteds Ronaldo i guess he will never make it.

eZe^ · 09-04-2008 09:50PM

'Played for FC Barcelona's cantera from 1999 to 2005, scoring 961 goals in seven years, breaking all previous goal scoring records held at the club's youth levels'

Mr.Nice Guy · 09-04-2008 10:21PM

Tell me I'm not the only one who found Bill O'Herlihy's attempt tonight to pronounce Bojan's full name absolutely hilarious?!

"Tonight Barcelona pinned their hopes on young 17 year old Bojan...(look of utter bewilderment) Kra...Krakcic?" (begins laughing uncontrollably)

Brilliant stuff. I really hope someone Youtubes it!

lordgoat · 09-04-2008 10:25PM

Mr.Nice Guy wrote: »

Tell me I'm not the only one who found Bill O'Herlihy's attempt tonight to pronounce Bojan's full name absolutely hilarious?!

"Tonight Barcelona pinned their hopes on young 17 year old Bojan...(look of utter bewilderment) Kra...Krakcic?" (begins laughing uncontrollably)

Brilliant stuff. I really hope someone Youtubes it!

Ya that made me laugh too, got to love Bill though.

Bojan Krkic

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