The Regression of Alexis Sanchez: Is there Hope?

In the summer of 2011, Barcelona fans were giddy with excitement on the news of the signing of Alexis Sanchez from Udinese. However, since he's gotten here the fans' excitement has turned to apathy and frustration as it seems young Mr. Sanchez just cannot find the back of the net.

Pre- Barca: Udinese

Just a brief look at how he did his last season at Udinese.

2012- 2011. in 31 appearances- 12 goals and 6 assists.

Not a bad record, the young player showing much potential. Surely he'd excel with the Catalan giants!... And so the story progresses.

Barcelona Era

On July 20, 2011 Alexis Sanchez joined Barca after signing a deal reportedly worth about 37Mil Euros. *inserts Shirley Bassey's Hey Big Spender*. Never mind the money, He was worth it, he was going to make the team much more proficient with his ability to play in different position. Quote Guardiola

"Sanchez is very young... He can play in all three attacking positions, he shows intense defensive skills, he's direct and from what I've been told, he's a very nice kid."

Ok, he's a good kid, surely, he seems like a nice kid, but would he be good for the team?

*Cue the 2011-2012 Season*

Statistics? Why Surely!

25 appearances- 12 goals and 5 assists. Fair... I suppose. Lets chock it up to injuries. He was injured a lot for that season. Injuries on him like obeah to baxfoot! I even felt sorry for him, seeing he wasn't at his full potential, knowing he wanted to get better. "OH WHY CRUEL FATE!?? LEAVE HIM BE!" I screamed.
All foolishness aside given the whole stint of thing, credit must be given where credit is due.

In rolls the 2012-2013 season and he's fresh as a dandelion in spring. No major injuries, he's getting playing time, surely he'll doing better!.... NOT SO FAST!

Surely I could go on and on about how much I think he's great and this and that and what more we can do till I'm blue in the face. I'll let the stats speak for themselves.

For the league- 14 appearances  0 goals, ZERO, NONE, ZIP, ZILCH, GOOSE EGG, NIL, NAUGHT  NOT ONE DAMN GOAL. But luckily 3 assists. Blessings for the assists for at least he serves some purpose.

The season is mid way through and there seems to be no hope of him scoring where it counts. When management is quoted as saying something to the effect

"He useful, just unlucky in front of goal." you know its real.

What per se is the purpose you serve in front of goal if you continue to be unlucky? Unlucky persons do not get played. Unlucky persons have fans yelling " why the &^%$ is Alexis Sanchez warming up to come on this field." and comments like "Is him we really putting on." Sad stuff really.

In my opinion he's regressed. I don't think he's a fruitful and useful as we all expected, be honest? If you say it isn't true, you deceive yourselves. Which leads me to my next question.

HAVE YOU PEOPLE NO COMPASSION!!!??? I jest. But seriously, I'm not sure what can be done, but he needs to start finding the back of the net and soon, before he takes up the title of Proverbial  Bench Warmer Extraordinaire. I'd hate to see him there because as harsh as this seems, I want to see him succeed.  He is apart of my team and thus he is apart of my heart.

Well with regression, thank the Lord and science for evolution. I think there's hope for him. I haven't yet said to park him like an old Leyland bus ( yes you Fernando Torres) so there is hope. What we need to do now is to find that thing, that one spark that will again alight the flame in Alexis Sanchez.

I BELIEVE IN YOU ALEXIS! Dont pull a fast one on me. Looking forward to a goal filled future!

Love always,
Lisa.
Football Goddess, Sports Junkie, Barca Girl.

Should Messi care that Ronaldo's sad? And what's up with Cesc?

Since his failure to celebrate his goals on Sunday, the world's been behind Cristiano Ronaldo asking... what's up with that? To these questions he answered with literary genius! "I'm sad." OK we get he's sad. Why? Apparently "the club knows why." These cryptic statements have lead to rumors galore of trouble in the Real Madrid camp and maybe an impending departure.



Here's what I've heard:

1. Manchester City is preparing a 95mill pound transfer deal for January.
2. Tricky because of his 1bill euro buy out clause?
3. Manchester United fan begging, prayer he'll return to the red devils.

Here's what his agent, Jorge Mendes said, making it perfectly clear he's aware of the superstar's feelings:

" Following [the] reports published by some media outlets, which claim that I have been surprised and  bothered by the statements made by Cristiano Ronaldo, I clarify the following. Firstly, Ronaldo's declarations are based on reasons that are to the best of my knowledge. It is at the discretion of Cristiano whether he discloses them or not. Secondly, these statements have not surprised me and, much less, caused me any discomfort. The relationship that binds me to Cristiano Ronaldo means he will always count on me with total solidarity."

So Jorge's not shocked people. He knows Ronaldo's sad.

Since Ronaldo's in the public eye for his sadness, why wouldn't the press ask his football adversary, his rival, what he thinks about the whole issue? Question of the day... Should Messi care? And if you say yes, why? In my opinion, Leo Messi's his own man, he's got his own issues, including a girlfriend who's about the pop any day, he's the best player in the world right now, he's front man for one of the greatest club football teams on the planet, he's captain of the Argentine football team, currently called up to international duty. Ahm... eh hem, forgive me, where in his mirage of issues should he find time to care about Cristiano Ronaldo? Honestly?? He's got better things to do. But these are my words. When questioned on the issue Leo Messi said it best. While trying obviously to avoid the question at all, he responded with a very diplomatic answer:


"This is something said by him, I've no connection with this matter."

He's right he has no connection and rightly so should stay away from the situation. In my humble opinion.

What on earth is going on with Cesc Fabregas?

I love Cesc, as a player and person. I always joke about having him on skype, but right now I wouldn't mind if that were true because I'd love to talk to him about what in the name of St. Francesc is going on. After failing to score TWICE on Sunday against Valencia, in a match which was admittedly a struggle to win, I came across a statistic I found shocking! It said that in all of 2012, Cesc hasn't scored in La Liga. My response to that? OY VEY, I hadn't noticed. That's a long time. So after his amazing start with Barca and tapering off into non goal scorability, is Cesc going to get the boot? OH NO! Woah there boy! Let's turn the shoot off on that rumour mill. If you don't believe me, here's what Barca's sports director Mr. Zubizaretta had to say:

 "Press claims Cesc not finding his spot? He has to compete with the best players in the world, but we're very happy with Cesc."

Cesc isn't going anywhere. At least not for now. And Cesc has confirmed he's got no interest in going anywhere.

"Everyone wants to play. I don't like to sit on the bench... But I'm not a bad teammate, and I always try to support the team....I know I'm competing with the best in the world. But I didn't join Barça for one, two, or three years. I want to retire here."


Cesc has made it clear people. He's at Barca to stay and I love him for it. I'm sure he'll soon find his rhythm and fight again. Maybe after a few skype therapy session with yours truly to sort his confidence. I Wish! LOL.

Bye bye for now.

Lisa,
Football goddess, Sports junkie, Barca girl.

So sad Cristiano, while Barca sits atop the chart

What in the world is eating Cristiano Ronaldo? After scoring against Granada this past Sunday and not celebrating in true Cristano fashion, the world press became concerned. The question? What's up with Cristiano Ronaldo? The answer? Very cagey. He's being reported as saying. "I'm sad, the club knows why..." Hmm??? Trouble brewing at the Bernabau? Not so fast. In June Cristiano was reported as saying he'd like to retire in a Real Madrid jersey, wanting to give his best to that white and black bwin shirt. Now he's sad. Poor thing. But my question is, is he really sad or is he more mad?? Lets analyse the timeline of his sadness.

UEFA player of the year award.

Last Thursday, August 30, was the player of the year award in Monaco. Who won might you ask? No... not Leo Messi, but rather his Barca pal Andres Iniesta, the mid field spiderman (IMO). While it was a shocker to many, thinking Leo Messi was a shoe in (0n top of over 70 goals for last season), none was more shocked than Cristiano, who, while probably used to losing to Messi by now, probably didn't expect to lose to Andres. His face was quite the tell that he was less that pleased, losing again and losing to a Barca player the worst. Maybe he should work on his poker face. But I suppose he took it on the chin and congratulated Iniesta. But it must have stung a little. Losing out, always coming second must suck, especially when you're on top of a truck load of goals yourself, leading man for the La Liga champions 2011-2012, UEFA champion league semi finalist 2011-2012 and Super Copa champions 2012-2013. Yeah, this might make one a trite upset. But its all politics so fret not.

Call it what it is?

So, is it sadness or annoyance for what seems to be an international lack of recognition for his greatness? And don't get me wrong, I'm a barca girl, but he's great, I call it like see it. So what is it? What do you all think? I think he's more pissy than depressed, but what do I know, I don't have him on skype. Maybe he's genuinely sad, in which case, poor baby. Some might say, he's the front man for a near unstoppable force in the footballing community, what's he got to be sad about? Well, money and fame doesn't always equal happiness so I wouldn't be so quick to want to switch places with him.

Rumors Running Rampant

Amidst the boo hoo sadness, rumors are running rampant about an imminent departure from Real Madrid. True? Hold your horses. I wouldn't jump on that wagon just yet. I suppose as the story unfolds further and he opens up a little more about why he's so sad, we'll see. Let's see if the plot thickens or waters down. For now, I'm calling it a hoax. Its too premature to make any calls. End of story.

Barca on top, 5 points clear of Real.

In the mean while, Barca is looking on the side of history, since being on top for 3 weeks straight has more times than none lead to the league title. I'd like that. After 3 pretty good victories, some hard fought, Barca are atop the charts with 9 points, while Madrid is sitting pretty in 9th with 4 points. Don't count them out so soon though, after all, it is Madrid. But for now, I like the gap and I gladly take it. Given the current drama, I'm excited to see where this season goes. Boy has it started off with a bang!

Bye bye for now.

Lisa,

Football goddess, sports junkie, Barca girl

Et Tu Robin van Persie? Et tu?

Today, Arsenal Football club confirmed that they are letting their captain and let's face it their star player, Dutchman Robin van Persie go, and to who but their rivals Manchester United Football Club.

Arsenal today confirmed the closure of dealings estimated at 24M pounds, with a 4 yr contract, leading to gooners asking WHY?????  

The move had been rumoured but today was sealed with the question Et tu Robin?

Futher questions....RVP- Benedict Arnold, Judas, Brutus, Traitor, Treasonous scum? Or just a guy trying to win and further his career?

I guess only time will tell. My heart goes out to all the Arsenal fans, particularly Piers Morgan lol.

Well RVP from your friendly football goddess, I wish you the best of luck cause I like you. Hope you dont get lost in the crowd at Old Trafford.

• Robin van Persie - Arsenal 2012

Spain Reign Victorious: Euro 2012

For the first time in history, Spain are the 1st team to retain their European title after they won Euro 2012 after a 4-0 trouncing of Italy, the goals coming from David Silva, Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres and Juan Mata... Yes Juan Mata!! Spain are also the 1st team to win 3 consecutive championships: Euro 2008, World cup 2010 and Euro 2012.

It was an amazing game. The 1st goal really got the game going after Cesc Fabregas set up a precise cross which finds Silva's head on the end. Spain 1-0

2nd goal. Jordi Alba run into a large amount of Spain and buries his shot.

Half Time

3rd goal. Fernando Torres comes on as substitution for Fabregas and runs pass his opponents to beat Buffon the Italian keeper. Beautiful shot.

After being subbed in with 4 minutes left in regular time for Iniesta, Torres unselfishly sets up a chance for Juan Mata. He buries it. In his first appearance of the entire competition Juan Mata scores!!!!! JUAN!!!

With all this, it would be remiss of me to not mention the ENTIRE Spanish team! You go guys!! Special thanks also to St. Iker Casillas for an AMAZING tournament and the vital saves through out the tournament and especially tonight!!!!


SPAIN WINS 4-0!!!!!! VIVA ESPANA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Euros concludes until 4yrs time and I couldn't have written a better ending.

Thanks Poland and Ukraine. I had a blast!!!!

Till next time!

Lis

This just in! Spain vs. Italy finals for Euro 2012

WOW!!! Just wow!! After a rousing month of football, Euro 2012 will end this Sunday with a finals between Spain and yes...Italy! Who'd have thought!! Spain the early favourites, secured their space, after defeating Portugal 0-0 (4-2 pen), Cesc Fabregas to score the winning penalty, as he did in 2008 against Italy. Who would then think that Italy would be sitting pretty in the finals? After what some would call an upset, some thinking Germany might have steamrolled Italy, Italy would defeat Germany 2-1, Mario Balotelli scoring 2 GREAT goals to seal it. FANTASTIC!!!

So there you have it!!!!! SPAIN vs. ITALY!!! in the finals of EURO 2012! WONDERFUL!!!!

Next match... The finals

Sunday July 1, 1:00pm with Pre Match coverage, Match time 1:45

Be there or disappear. It's what the world will be talking about!!

Adios! Salute!!

Lis

Semi finalists for Euro 2012 decided

HOT OFF THE PRESS!! Italy wins on penalties (4-2) against England to secure their place in the semi finals. But Italy weren't the only ones. Last week Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal, St. Iker Casillas and Spain and Phillip Lahm and Germany also secured a place in the final four.

As it stands, the next match up are as follows:

Portugal vs. Spain in a clash of the Iberian peninsula, the Iberian derby and
Germany vs. Italy, which will prove to be an epic encounter.

Who do you think will be in the finals??? I'm excited!

Remember there are no matches tomorrow or Tuesday

Next match up
Wednesday June 27, 2012 1:30pm Spain vs. Portugal