The Demise Of Les Monégasque

My article on the demise of AS Monaco for French Football Weekly.

There are circumstances in any form of life in which a dominant entity succumbs to an unexpected demise. Football is by no means an exception,  with one of French football’s most renown clubs AS Monaco now fading into obscurity in one of the most dramatic falls from grace in many a year.

Think back to May 2004. The club was on the verge of history, lining up against the modest Jose Mourinho and his Porto side in the finale of the UEFA Champions League. In the year of the underdog, in which Greece won the European Championship, two of the most unfavourable clubs in the last-16 shocked the continent to make it to the last two.

Coached by Didier Deschamps, the first-XI that night consisted of present & future household names such as; Patrice Evra, Fernando Morientes, Ludovic Giuly, Jerome Rothen and even Emmanuel Adebayor warming a seat on the bench. To call a winner on that night could have been left to a flip of the coin, nobody could predict an outright winner as both met on an even keel. Although the Portuguese ran out comfortable 3-0 winners and lifted their second European Cup, the achievement of Monaco actually getting to the final has been somewhat forgotten.

Runners-up in Ligue 1 the previous year, they overcame European juggernauts Chelsea and Real Madrid in the knock-out stage, not to mention finishing top off their group ahead of PSV Eindhoven and a Deportivo La Coruna team at its peak. Although it was just over seven years ago, a lot has changed since then with the club now floundering to an all time low.

At present, Monaco are sitting at the bottom of Ligue 2 after falling through the trap door of France’s top tier at the end of last season.  They have only accumulated one win in 14 league games, not to mention being humiliated by Sedan 4-1 in the Coupe de la Ligue back in July. They have had eight draws in total with five defeats – which could have been six had it not been for a goal from Marama Vahirua four minutes from time to earn a 2-2 draw at home to Le Mans last Saturday.

It is such a sorry state of affairs for one of the most successful clubs in French football. Ever since that night in Gelsenkirchen back in 2004, the club have gone nowhere near to replicating any such feats with a string of mid-table finishes. Nobody could have predicted a relegation battle last season, considering they finished 8^th the previous year. Although that is nothing to brag about, they looked stable, making their demise all the more baffling.

A number of reasons can point to why this has happened. Although it is such a big club, the fan base is vastly small in comparison to the other big hitters in Ligue 1 such as Marseille, PSG and Lyon. Monaco’s average attendances at the Stade Louis II have ranged from anywhere between 8,000 to 12,000 over the years, emphasising the lack of core support they behold.  Also, for a club that has never struggle financially, the inability to keep and attract bigger names led to a more orthodox route by the board to focus on nurturing young talent.

This was perhaps a thought leading back to the 1980’s/1990’s where they had the likes of Thierry Henry, David Trezeguet, Lilian Thuram, Emmanuel Petit, Fabien Barthez and even overseas imports such as the George Weah who went on to become FIFA World Player of the Year. Names that are now bestowed in football folklore for achievements ranging from domestic triumphs to the pinnacle of winning the FIFA World Cup.

It was a method that ultimately flopped, the young prospects at the club failed to reach the heights the club expected. With the team’s average age at 24, youthful exuberance is – again – being heavily relied in. Even with the experience of players like Petter Hansson and Ludovic Giuly, who returned to the club at the ripe old age of 34 in the summer, they are way past their best to have an impact on the team.

The lack of stability in the boardroom is also a key indication to the demise as since 2003, there have been five different Chairmen. The man in the hot seat at the moment, Etienne Franzi, stated upon his election in 2009 that he was unsure of what the organisational structure of the club would be. Again, a lack of direction and indecisiveness played havoc with on-field matters.

Where does the club go from here? First and foremost, they have to avoid relegation for a second-year running. The catastrophic effect that would have on the club is a harrowing thought for not only the club’s fans but also for the neutrals that identify Monaco as a marquee name in European football. This is a club that has won seven league titles, umpteen domestic cups and played regular European football over the course of its history.

In seven years, Les Rouges et Blanc have gone from Champions League runners-up to relegation fodder. Succumbing to the National will be horrendous but they have time on their side to turn it round. If things continue in this vain however, any ambition to replicate finer years may just be a considerably long pipe dream.

Thanks to Ross Mackiewicz for this excellent article on AS Monaco. For more of Ross’s work check out his twitter feed and his excellent Paris St-Germain blog

By Ross via French Football Weekly

The Ivorian Starlet Leading The Army Men’s March

My article on Seydou Doumbia for Slavic Football Union.

When Samuel Eto’o made his mega money move to Russia with Anzhi Makhachkala back in the summer, many thought that a marquee name such as that could become an ambassador like figure for the domestic game in the country. With his pedigree and haul of honours, surely the man who emanates from the African continent would revel in Eastern Europe? As of this present moment, it is an African starlet taking Russia by storm, but it is not the three time European Cup winner.

Seydou Doumbia, the 23-year-old CSKA Moscow striker is vastly becoming one of the stars of not only football in Eastern Europe but also in general.

His contribution this season has been huge. He has netted 26 times in all competitions, with six coming in his last three games, including a hat-trick away to Anzhi last weekend and subsequently outshining the maven Eto’o.

Since his move from Swiss outfit Young Boys Bern in the summer of 2010 (although the deal had been rubber stamped at the turn of that year), he has integrated into a new brand of football with pure ease. Although the 2010 season was drawing to a close upon his arrival, he still netted 12 times in 15 appearances – seven coming in the Champions League.

This has been the Ivorian’s first full season and how he has revelled, particularly since his brace against Alania Vladikavkaz in the Russian Cup Final back in May. Although his team recently went through a period of failing to turns draw into wins, Doumbia more often not would find himself on the score sheet, indicating just how pivotal his presence is.

All his attributes are a mix of what the modern day striker is all about; fast, agile, clinical and highly intelligent. His hat-trick at the weekend more or less summed up Doumbia as a whole, with each goal telling you something different about his play. His first showcased his agility and power to spring up off his feet at speed to meet the ball with a thumping header that gave keeper Nukri Revishvili no chance. His second demonstrated his clinical finishing as Vagner Love coolly slipped him into the penalty area with a diligent through ball and the Ivorian – with no doubt whatsoever – instantly hit it first time with no hesitance into the back of the net. Finally, his third was by no means the prettiest but certainly his most hard fought.  Coming onto another sublime through ball, this time by Alan Dzaegoev, he proceeded into the box, fighting off a number of yellow shirts and just as it seemed the keeper had smothered the danger, he dug in and bundled the ball home – whilst on his backside.

He has been working in tandem with long serving Brazilian Vagner Love all season and this has played a major part in his development. It is apparent that Doumbia enjoys the partnership and told UEFA.com last week; “I always play well with Vagner Love and I like playing with him”, after he netted twice against Trabzonspor in the Champions League.

Vagner has not been as prolific in front of goal since his mammoth haul of 29 back in 2008 but he is still as integral as ever and is certainly bringing the best out of his strike partner. They work in tandem so efficiently and Doumbia’s pace and power is proving so beneficial to their link-up play it just gives CSKA such an edge in the final third – particularly when the likes of Dzagoev are pulling the strings in midfield to create openings for them.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and with just two games left, who knows what might have been? With the domestic game undergoing a transition due to the award of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, no champion will be decided this fall. This is due to the Russian FA deciding to complement with the traditional European calendar instead of playing through the spring.

This young and vibrant CSKA team, with an average age of just 24, is proving that the blend of youthful exuberance and ability can more than compensate for a team full of experience. They are second in the table – just two points off reigning champions Zenit St Petersburg – but with the championship being decided next year, it will be interesting to see if current form can be carried over till then.

The same certainly applies for Doumbia. He is fundamental to any potential silverware making its way into the cabinet of the Army Men and if he can carry on the kind of form he has shown this past year, he has every chance of adorning a winner’s medal come the end of it.

His emergence has been great. His establishment has been even better. All he needs now is something to show for it. If 2011 has been a year to remember for Seydou Doumbia, next year may just eclipse it.

By Ross via Slavic Football Union

Preview: Villa vs WBA

Preview: Villa vs WBA

Last week`s 4-1 defeat away to Manchester City was no big surprise but Villa will be hoping to bounce back with a win against the Baggies this afternoon.

In truth, we did not play particularly bad last week as the scoreline suggests. The players were fairly comfortable in the first-half up until Mario Balotelli`s piece of brilliance unhinged Alex McLeish`s tactics. Nevertheless, even Eck himself will freely admit that anything we gained from Eastlands last week would have been a bonus due to the superiority of our opponents.

Now attention turns to West Bromwich Albion who have been hit and miss all season. They have been fairly inconsistent but are unbeaten in their last three and have just come off a vital 2-0 win against bitter rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Vital Quotes:

Gaffer Alex McLeish is under no illusions that West Brom will pose a considerable threat, especially with Shane Long leading the line.

Speaking to The Sun, the Scot said:

‘West Brom have pace in attack and a lot of experience. Big ugly defenders, all the ingredients of a good side.’

‘Long is a handful and Tchoyi is interesting. I watched him when he was at Salzburg, one or two of my coaches have seen him as well and we’ll have to be very aware of him.’

He then went on to praise Gabby Agbonlahor who has been in sterling form thus far, netting four goals in the process and being pivotal to the Villa attack.

He even admitted that it crossed his mind whether or not to give him a ‘slap` when they first met at Bodymoor Heath – meant in jest of course – having been on the receiving end of Gabby brilliance in the ding dong derbies when he was Birmingham boss.

‘He was definitely a difficult customer whenever Birmingham played Villa. That is one of the reasons why I had to try and resurrect Gabby Agbonlahor and get him back to the potent force we are seeing just now.

‘I said to him when I arrived ‘I should slap you’ but now I am working with him it is great to see him showing so much confidence and belief in himself.’

Meanwhile, Roy Hodgson believes Eck had the simplest of decisions in jumping ship from Blues to Villa in the summer.

With all the turmoil and controversy that surrounded the move, he thinks his counterpart made the right call.

Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, he said:

‘I don`t know why it should be considered a bold move to move from a team that has been relegated to the biggest team in the Birmingham area – at least traditionally.’

‘Certainly, if you talk in terms of financial resources and financial power, they are the biggest team in the area. I don`t think ourselves, Wolves or Birmingham would compare ourselves to Aston Villa. If you look at the money they pay for players, you don`t see the other teams doing that. They`re the ones with the money and the power and the ones who are expected to get into the top six far more than us others.’

‘It seems to me to be a fairly simple decision to make if you`ve got the chance to move to that club from a club that has been relegated.’

Aston Villa Team News:

James Collins is back in contention after missing last week`s trip to Manchester. Nathan Delfouneso and Jermaine Jenas are still ruled out.

Player to watch: Gabriel Agbonlahor

We all know how Gabby loves a derby and today will be no exception.

His desire to work for the team as well as his potency up top will give Roy food for thought in trying to quell his influence.

West Bromwich Albion Team News:

Zoltan Gera should return in some form – either starting or on the bench – after recovering from a long term ankle problem. Steven Reid is also back but it remains to be seen if striker Peter Odemwingie starts up front.

Player to watch: Shane Long

The 24-year-old striker has settled in brilliantly since his £4.5m move from Reading back in the summer. He has netted three times this season with two coming against both Chelsea and champions Manchester United.

Match Facts & Stats

Five of the last six matches between Villa and the Baggies have ended with a 2-1 scoreline.

Villa have lost just one of their last 15 Midlands derbies at home.

Match Prediction:

Villa narrowly won last year`s fixture 2-1 and I think we are in for more of the same. Hodgson`s team will be more than resilient and make it difficult for us. We will need to be patient in the middle of the park and utilise Gabby`s pace down the left-hand side where he will look to give Steven Reid a torrid time. Will be a toughie but I think we will edge it – just. 2-1 Villa.

Next Fixtures:

Sunderland away next Saturday.

By Ross via Preview: Villa vs WBA.

Preview: Man City vs Villa

Preview: Man City vs Villa

In a week where England qualified for Euro 2012 and Alex McLeish compared Emile Heskey to Franz Beckenbauer - love it Eck – it is nice to get back down to business in the Premier League with Aston Villa`s unbeaten run being tested to the metal tomorrow.

A visit to joint league leaders Manchester City may be a daunting prospect but with the feel good factor in the camp and an evident sign of resiliency, Villa may fancy upsetting the apple cart in the blue half of Manchester.

You only need to rewind to our trip 10 months back where we were well and truly humbled 4-0 as Mario Balotelli netted a hat-trick in one of the most abject performances from a Villa team in many a year. Although you would not bet against the same scoreline this time around due to the form of our hosts – which has been frightening at times – it is inevitable that the passion and desire will be demonstrated unlike before.

City may be dealing with an unwelcome debacle with striker Carlos Tevez but that will not hinder their performance on the pitch and will be going all out for the win tomorrow afternoon. The good news for Villa is that the country`s most expensive import Sergio Aguero, is out with a groin problem. The bad news is Edin Dzeko will most probably come into the fold alongside Super Mario.

As for ourselves, Gabby Agbonlahor is winning his fitness battle and should be fit for the game. There are not enough superlatives to epitomise just how well he has played this season and signed us off prior to the international break with a stellar display against Wigan Athletic which had the Holte-End bellowing his name as loud as ever.

Vital Quotes:

How about this for a comparison, Emile Heskey and Franz Beckenbauer? Those were the words from our gaffer Alex McLeish, obviously meant in jest, as he hinted at a possible new deal for the 33-year-old, with his contract in its final year:

‘Emile is in the last year of his contract but I don’t think he needs to worry about his future.’ Eck hinted.

‘Emile is a player who can play anywhere and won’t let you down. He is a fantastic professional. I never have cheek from him. Sometimes you’ll hear coaches shout ‘brilliant’ from the side but the one minute you criticise them and say ‘you should have done this’ they’re chirping back at you.

‘They don’t chirp back and say ‘thanks for saying brilliant’ of course! But Emile is a guy who gets his head down, and gets on with it.

‘He is a brilliant all-round player, he understands the game, we need him in the squad.

‘We played him at centre-back last week and he was spraying the ball about the whole pitch as if I was watching Franz Beckenbauer.’

The manager also confirmed that Gabby should be fit for tomorrow`s game after recovering from a back problem:

‘He`s been back on the training field and we`re pleased with the progress he has made on his back problem.’

‘Gabby seems to be fine and we just have watch the load we give him in training. I think the smart money is on him being available against City.’

As for the game itself, he talked up our chance at possibly returning from Eastlands still unbeaten. Although the size of the task is huge, McLeish is adamant the Villans can make it difficult for the big spenders.

He told AVTV:

‘City are one of the favorites for the title and they will be quite high up in European terms as well in terms of the Champions League’

‘That Bayern Munich result (2-0 defeat two week ago in the Champions League) would have given them a wee eye opener but they are very strong. They have a really strong side and should be better than most teams in the league.

‘But we are in a confident moment and if the players play to their top level, and we can make it difficult for City, then you never know what can happen in football. We are certainly not fazed by it, we don’t look on it as a daunting task, we look on it as a great challenge.

‘We want to come back from the Etihad Stadium unbeaten. That is our goal, our aim. We will try and put a plan together and make it difficult for City in the process.’

Manchester City Team News:

Sergio Aguero is out. Mario Balotelli is a slight doubt with a back problem but should be fit for the game.

Player to watch: David Silva

It has to be the early frontrunner for the PFA Player of the Year David Silva. The little Spaniard has been in mesmerising form this season and demonstrated his capabilities for his national team in a standout display against Scotland in the week.

He has the ability to unlock defences with diligent passing and can weave his way into the penalty area with ease. Alex McLeish will have earmarked him as City`s most dangerous threat and if Villa can somehow quell his influence, then we have a chance.

Aston Villa Team News:

Agbonlahor is fit, as too James Collins who missed international duty with Wales due to a foot injury.

Striker Nathan Delfouneso is out however after picking up a hamstring tear on international duty with the England U21`s.

Player to watch: Shay Given

Coming up against his former club for the first time since his move in the summer, Shay Given will love nothing more than to put in a sterling display.

He has been top draw since his £3.5m move – an absolute bargain in today`s market – and will undoubtedly prove his worth over the upcoming winter period.

Match Facts & Stats

Villa’s last win at Eastlands came in a 2-0 win in April 2007 thanks to goals from John Carew and Shaun Maloney.

Villa have lost just one of their last 15 Premier League games.

Match Prediction:

A case of thinking with your head and you heart in this one. Realistically, it is a big ask to go to the Etihad and pick up a result but I am more positive now than I was 10 months back. There is a togetherness in the camp once again, a resiliency, a desire and a defence that can look unbeatable at times. For once I am sure the Villa faithful will be more than happy to see us sit back and absorb the pressure yet see what we can do on the counter attack. Big ask but I will go with my heart on this one and predict a 0-0 stalemate. Of course my head knows that our first defeat in the league looks more or less a formality.

Next Fixtures:

West Bromwich Albion at home next Saturday.

By Ross via Preview: Man City vs Villa at Vital Villa.

The Exhilaration Of Being A Premier League Fan

The Exhilaration Of Being A Premier League Fan

By Ross Mackiewicz on September 27th, 2011

Having the opportunity to watch the world’s best football league week in and week out in person, is a very special privilege.

Having had a season-ticket at my boyhood club Aston Villa for well over a decade, I have seen some of the world’s best players come to Villa Park and demonstrate their imperious abilities.

There is nothing quite like a match day buzz in England. Getting up on a cold Saturday morning knowing you are in for a day of nothing but football is a ritual in this country that will continue to last for generations. The pre-match burger/beer, the walk to the ground, the sound of chanting, the banter that goes with it – it is a thoroughly enjoyable routine.

Being a Villan, we have had our fair share of ups and downs. We have been embroiled in mid-table scraps, been gunning for a place in the top-four and even endured a dreaded relegation battle such as last season. Nevertheless, we are the fourth most successful club in England and have a rich, illustrious history which I am extremely proud of and grateful for. It is wonderful to support a club that has contributed both domestically and in Europe.

Being a club that is built on a proud history, we have stuck to our principles for the majority of our existence by investing in British talent and integrating the youngsters from our academy and into our first-team. This has not only benefitted Aston Villa, it has also benefited the English national team. In recent times the likes of Ashley Young, Stewart Downing, Gary Cahill, James Milner, Gareth Barry and Darren Bent have all been affiliated with the club and gone on to play regularly for their country.

Although our investment in overseas talent is a rarity, seeing them sparkle at Villa Park in opposition colours is not. I remember Cristiano Ronaldo in his debut season for Manchester United absolutely ripping us to shreds on the final day of the 2003/2004 season and netted a brace in the first-half. He crushed our aim that day of finishing 5^th and qualifying for the UEFA Cup, with Newcastle United doing so instead.

Seeing magic like that makes you realise just how special this league is. Yes, there are other leagues in football that have more ability in terms of technical flair, possession and geometry, but in terms of entertainment, goals and exhilarating football, this is the place to be.

Football is a religion in this country, you cannot escape it. Wherever you go and do, you will hear or see football in some sort of medium. I have noticed in the last ten years that the sport – although it was already symbolic in this country – is getting bigger and bigger due to the all seater stadiums and the money BSKYB has poured into our domestic game.

The Premier League since its inaugural season in 1992 has developed into this global juggernaut, not just in football but in sport as a whole. Being an Englishman, living through it week after week it will never be novelty that will wear off. The excitement and exhilaration you get from a Premier League match is second to none.

It is quite simply the best league in the world!

By Ross via The Exhilaration Of Being A Premier League Fan at Soccerlens.