Flops or what?

Is it correct to say that Milan’s Serie A start was a flop? Is it correct to say that Manchester United’s loss of the UEFA Super Cup was a flop? Although it is difficult to say that they were not in terms of results, I hope that for both “devils” this was just a slip and that it happened only because of lack of preparation. Otherwise, it is not going to be a nice season for any of them.

The Serie A debut of Ronaldinho was marred by Bologna’s efficiency in front of goal, or rather the deficiencies of Milan’s forward line. Milan’s midfield is incredible, yet the flaws at the front and the holes at the back remain there. Ancellotti has to restore some order to make his side a serious challenger for this year’s Serie A.

Milan’s loss against Bologna was not the only highlight of the first day of the Italian Serie A. I guess it’s interesting to note that none of the favourites managed to win the three points. Having said that, Roma, Juventus and Inter didn’t face a newly-promoted team (like Milan did).

Roma were held to a draw by a relatively improved Napoli side. Juventus shared the spoils with Fiorentina and Inter faced a good Sampdoria. It’s still the first day, and the league is very long.

As for Manchester United, I think that the Russian side outplayed the European Champions completely. Watching Zenit playing, reminded me of the Russian side which took part in the Euro 2008 championships. Manchester United, on the other hand, never offered serious opposition. One international commentator said that Zenit’s performance was another sign that Russian sport is growing and the newly super rich Russia is investing in its own teams and sides.

The Champions’ League

“So, which group did Milan get drawn in for this year’s Champions’ League?” This is one variant of the same question I got from friends following this year’s Champions’ League group stage. I took it in good spirit, as I believe one should take such questions.

This is the fun of football and it is part of the ‘burden’ one gets to shoulder when associated with a team which for the past 21 years (with the exception of 4) has been part of the top European club competition. Milan won’t be in this year’s Champions’ League. Nonetheless, there is no excuse for me (or any other Milan supporter) not to see this year’s edition of the most coveted competition. The ingredients are all there and even at group level, we should be watching some very intriguing encounters.

The current European Champions again find Celtic in their way as they were drawn together in the Group E of the tournament. Runners-Up Chelsea and Roma should be the favourites to qualify from Group A.

Scolari, who seems to have injected some fun in the Chelsea side, knows that to be respected in London he has to go a step further than his predecessor did.

Roma, on the other hand, are not the same team as last year and might have to make an early choice on what to focus its energy on.

Group H is one of the most entertaining groups. Juventus (who just two years ago where in Serie B) will face nine-time winners Real Madrid and UEFA cup winners Zenit. Zenit’s performance against Manchester United was a signal that they tend to save the best for European cups.

Inter should have no problem to make it to the next round. I believe that they will be joined by Werder Bremen.

In Group C, one has to wait to see who will join Barcelona in the next round, while in Group D there might be a close contest between the four clubs, namely Liverpool, Atlético Madrid, Marseille and PSV. Lyon, Fiorentina and Bayern Munich will have to fight their way in Group F, which includes Steaua.

Fighting corruption

The spot-light now goes on the various qualifiers. Our national team will be facing Portugal. Although the MFA organized a Press Conference to focus on Malta’s encounters, its president Dr Joe Mifsud continued with his crusade against corruption. It seems that there is something which is seriously bothering the top echelons of our football federation in so much that it has became a recurrent theme in any meeting which Dr Mifsud has with the media. In a very clear statement Mifsud said that rumours which tend to run along during the season have to be stopped. As rightly said, “we cannot have such talk overshadow the game.”

This campaign shouldn’t be the sole responsibility of the president. I believe that everyone, journalists, commentators, club presidents, players and coaches should back all necessary action to remove any weed which is hampering the sport element of our game.