Champions League Group C wrap: Rooney fires United

Manchester United edged Otelul Galati 2-0 in a tight Champions League Group C encounter, while Benfica also won on Tuesday.

A brace of penalties from Wayne Rooney gave United their first win of the group stage, while captain Nemanja Vidic and the home side’s Milan Perendija were sent off in Bucharest.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s team looked off the pace in the first half but the game turned in their favour just after the hour mark.

Moments after Rooney had put a good chance wide, he earned United a clear-cut penalty.

After being put through by Nani, Rooney attempted a cross to strike partner Javier Hernandez, but defender Sergiu Costin stopped the pass with his hand.

Rooney coolly dispatched the penalty, sending goalkeeper Branko Grahovac the wrong way to put United in the lead.

But minutes later Vidic became the centre of attention, as he was harshly sent off for a high tackle on Gabriel Giurgiu.

The United captain produced an untidy rather than malicious tackle and a yellow card would have sufficed.

The numbers were even with five minutes to go as Perendija was booked for a second time after dragging down Hernandez.

Nani came close to making sure of the result two minutes later, but his 25-yard shot struck the inside of the post and bounced to safety.

But in stoppage time, Rooney made sure of the points as he earned a second penalty and brushed himself off before firing in his second goal from the spot.

Meanwhile, Benfica moved top of the group with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Basel.

Brazilian attacker Bruno Cesar gave them a 20th-minute lead at St Jakob-Park, before Paraguayan Oscar Cardozo, coming off the bench, sealed the points with a strike a quarter of an hour from the end.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men with five minutes to play when Brazilian Emerson picked up his second yellow card, but they held on for their second win of the campaign.

View the original article here

Video- Darron Gibson goal vs Schalke Champions League Manuel Neuer Mistake

May 4, 2011

This Darron Gibson goal vs Schalke gave Manchester United a 2-0 lead in the second leg of their Champions League tie over German side Schalke 04. The Gibson goal against Schalke came minutes after the midfielder had produced a stunning pass to set up Luis Valencia for Manchester United’s first game.

The Gibson goal vs Schalke was also an error/howler from Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer, who had a stunning game when his side lost 2-0 to Man United in the first leg. Neuer somewhat shockingly failed to get behind the ball and Gibson’s shot to richochett off the post and into the net. Elementary error from Neuer, who is set to leave Schalke in the summer.

Video- Gibson goal vs Schalke- Manuel Neuer mistake/howler

( Credits of this Gibson goal vs Schalke 2011 video with uploaders)

Champions League: Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 1

Barcelona booked their Champions League final place with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Catalans went into the second leg at Camp Nou with a two-goal lead, and a 1-1 draw proved enough to get the job done for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Pedro’s second half goal looked like it had extinguished any hopes Real Madrid had, and although the visitors did manage to pull one back through Marcelo 10 minutes later, that was as close as they would come as Barca sealed a spot in the final at Wembley on May 28.

The home side had the first major chance on goal for the game, when Sergio Busquets rose highest – and unmarked – at a 21st-minute corner, but Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas was on hand to save.

A vintage Lionel Messi run 10 minutes later almost opened the scoring, as he cut inside Real defenders on the edge of the area, before firing a left-footed effort on target, only to be denied by a diving Casillas.

Minutes later, more Messi magic saw the 23-year-old midfielder charging at goal with team-mates either side of him and only two defenders in sight.

Messi went wide to striker David Villa, who’s curling far-post attempt was again denied by a strong-handed save from Casillas.

Real thought they had brought the tie to life in the first minute of the second period when Cristiano Ronaldo put through Gonzalo Higuain, who found the back of the net, but the referee had blown his whistle for a dubious Ronaldo foul on Javier Mascherano.

Madrid’s misfortune was compounded by Barca’s brilliance seven minutes later to open the scoring, and all but sew up their chance to win the illustrious Champions League in London.

A superb Andres Iniesta through-ball found Pedro, who fired home at the near post to all but seal their trip to Wembley.

Jose Mourinho’s side struck back via the boot of Marcelo, but it was Angel Di Maria who did the work in setting up the opportunity – firing on goal himself only to find the woodwork, but controlled the rebound to lay off to the Brazilian defender.

But Real failed to create any further chances, and could only watch as Barca celebrated a historic result.

Tue 3 May, 2011

Champions League: Barcelona 1 Real Madrid 1

Barcelona booked their Champions League final place with a 3-1 aggregate semi-final victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday.

The Catalans went into the second leg at Camp Nou with a two-goal lead, and a 1-1 draw proved enough to get the job done for Pep Guardiola’s men.

Pedro’s second half goal looked like it had extinguished any hopes Real Madrid had, and although the visitors did manage to pull one back through Marcelo 10 minutes later, that was as close as they would come as Barca sealed a spot in the final at Wembley on May 28.

The home side had the first major chance on goal for the game, when Sergio Busquets rose highest – and unmarked – at a 21st-minute corner, but Madrid shot-stopper Iker Casillas was on hand to save.

A vintage Lionel Messi run 10 minutes later almost opened the scoring, as he cut inside Real defenders on the edge of the area, before firing a left-footed effort on target, only to be denied by a diving Casillas.

Minutes later, more Messi magic saw the 23-year-old midfielder charging at goal with team-mates either side of him and only two defenders in sight.

Messi went wide to striker David Villa, who’s curling far-post attempt was again denied by a strong-handed save from Casillas.

Real thought they had brought the tie to life in the first minute of the second period when Cristiano Ronaldo put through Gonzalo Higuain, who found the back of the net, but the referee had blown his whistle for a dubious Ronaldo foul on Javier Mascherano.

Madrid’s misfortune was compounded by Barca’s brilliance seven minutes later to open the scoring, and all but sew up their chance to win the illustrious Champions League in London.

A superb Andres Iniesta through-ball found Pedro, who fired home at the near post to all but seal their trip to Wembley.

Jose Mourinho’s side struck back via the boot of Marcelo, but it was Angel Di Maria who did the work in setting up the opportunity – firing on goal himself only to find the woodwork, but controlled the rebound to lay off to the Brazilian defender.

But Real failed to create any further chances, and could only watch as Barca celebrated a historic result.

Tue 3 May, 2011

We deserve Champions League, says Mancini

Roberto Mancini claimed his Manchester City side deserve to finish in the top four this season following their 2-1 win over West Ham.

Goals from Nigel De Jong and Pablo Zabaleta inside the first 15 minutes of Sunday’s English Premier League match at Eastlands proved enough for City to collect all three points, with West Ham unable to add to Demba Ba’s 33rd minute effort.

The victory means fourth-placed City are now seven points clear of Liverpool and Tottenham and on course to secure a Champions League qualification berth.

City and Spurs have four matches left this season, while Liverpool have played one game more.

“Everything is in our hands,” Mancini said. “We’ve been between first and fourth position all season. After what we’ve done, we deserve to be in the Champions League.”

“We are not under pressure. We know we have a big chance in this moment. The Champions League was our target at the start of the season and we are in a good position.”

“We’re also in the FA Cup final so we’ve done a good job.”

“We will relax after May 22. We must get the maximum points we can do. We have four games left and so do Tottenham.”

“The next game (against Tottenham) will be very hard for us but it’s important to get a positive result.”

West Ham meanwhile are now bottom of the league, three points from safety with matches against immediate relegation rivals Blackburn and Wigan coming up next.

And West Ham boss Avram Grant knows his team must pick up close to maximum points in the remaining fixtures if they are to avoid the drop.

“Now we play against a team that are in our area, so we have to win this game,” Grant said.

“I thought that other teams would take more points in the last two games, so the gap stays three points.”

“Our target is to take seven points – and we will try to take all nine – but we are playing against teams that also want the points.”

“But we believe if we use character we have shown in past games away against top teams, we can win games.”

Sun 1 May, 2011

We deserve Champions League, says Mancini

Roberto Mancini claimed his Manchester City side deserve to finish in the top four this season following their 2-1 win over West Ham.

Goals from Nigel De Jong and Pablo Zabaleta inside the first 15 minutes of Sunday’s English Premier League match at Eastlands proved enough for City to collect all three points, with West Ham unable to add to Demba Ba’s 33rd minute effort.

The victory means fourth-placed City are now seven points clear of Liverpool and Tottenham and on course to secure a Champions League qualification berth.

City and Spurs have four matches left this season, while Liverpool have played one game more.

“Everything is in our hands,” Mancini said. “We’ve been between first and fourth position all season. After what we’ve done, we deserve to be in the Champions League.”

“We are not under pressure. We know we have a big chance in this moment. The Champions League was our target at the start of the season and we are in a good position.”

“We’re also in the FA Cup final so we’ve done a good job.”

“We will relax after May 22. We must get the maximum points we can do. We have four games left and so do Tottenham.”

“The next game (against Tottenham) will be very hard for us but it’s important to get a positive result.”

West Ham meanwhile are now bottom of the league, three points from safety with matches against immediate relegation rivals Blackburn and Wigan coming up next.

And West Ham boss Avram Grant knows his team must pick up close to maximum points in the remaining fixtures if they are to avoid the drop.

“Now we play against a team that are in our area, so we have to win this game,” Grant said.

“I thought that other teams would take more points in the last two games, so the gap stays three points.”

“Our target is to take seven points – and we will try to take all nine – but we are playing against teams that also want the points.”

“But we believe if we use character we have shown in past games away against top teams, we can win games.”

Sun 1 May, 2011

The Race for a Place In the Champions League 2011/12

England: It looks likely that it will be Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal to pick up the automatic qualification to the Group Stage and Manchester City to enter at the Play-off Round. Tottenham will need to close the three point gap but still have to play an in-form Chelsea side. Man City’s toughest game will be away to Everton but you can never be sure with this City side, they seem capable of losing points against anyone. However the most crucial game could again be at Eastlands when City host Spurs on the 10th of May.

Spain: Barcelona and Real Madrid have already secured the top two spots in Spain. Below them from third to fifth are separated by 12 points. Valencia look likely to take third, with Espanyol providing their hardest game who currently sit in eighth. It seems likely then that Villarreal will take 4th spot and enter at the Play-off Round, as it will be tough for Bilbao to gain over 6 points on El Submarino Maranillo as if they draw level on points, Villarreal would qualify by virtue of a better head to head performance.

Italy: AC Milan have secured one of the qualifying spots to the Group Stage but below them things remain fairly tight. It looks like Inter Milan and Napoli will take the other two spots. Battling for fourth are Lazio and Udinese who still must face each other. The team from Rome must also play Genoa and Juve in their last four games so will have to play at the top of their game to secure fourth spot. However, Udinese’s run in is no picnic either, they must also face Fiorentina and then Milan on the final day. Poor results for these teams could leave the door open for Roma or Juventus, but the Bianconeri may find that they have left it too late.

Germany: Borussia Dortmund have all but secured Champions League football as they will almost definitely finish in the top two. Leverkusen look set to follow them, taking the last Group Stage qualification slot. Third spot grants qualification to the Play-off Round which is being fought for between Hannover and Bayern Munich. Bayern sit a point behind in fourth place and must face Stuttgart and Schalke in their last three games. These are teams that have underperformed domestically this season, which could be argued is the same for Bayern, who have been extremely inconsistent. They will need some big results in order to qualify.

France: With six games to go anything could happen in France. Lille lost their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table to Marseille who win their game in hand this week. Below them Lyon, PSG and Rennes will all hope to get the final spot for the Play-off Round and my money is on Lyon to be consistent enough to secure the spot in next seasons competition.

Russia: The season that provides the teams for next seasons Champions League is over and so we know that Zenit St. Petersburg and CSKA Moscow will make the group stages, with Rubin Kazan entering in the Play-off Round.

Ukraine: Shakhtar look set to win another Ukrainian Title and therefore enter automatically and Dynamo Kiev look set to enter the competition at the Third Qualifying Round unless Metallist Kharkiv can close the 6 point gap in the remaining 4 games.

Romania: It’s all still up for grabs in Romania with 6 games left this season. Timisoara who currently sit second, have to play 1st placed Otelul, 3rd team Vaslui and 4th placed Dinamo Bucharest. Vaslui look like the best placed team to get one of the spots with the easiest run in, but Timisoara could also run away with the league if they win the big games previously mentioned. I would also expect Dinamo to put in a late charge.

Portugal: FC Porto have already won the league and thus will enter at the Group Stage, Benfica have secured second spot and will therefore enter at the Third Qualifying Round.

Netherlands: With two games to go just three points separate the top three; Twente, Ajax, and PSV Eindhoven. Ajax and FC Twente play on the 15th in a match that could well decide the title, but could also allow PSV to move up to second and take the final Champions League spot and enter at the Third Qualifying Round. Anything could happen in Holland, Nether say Nether.

Turkey: Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor will qualify for next years competition but they are both currently on 70 points with four games left. Fenerbahce have a slightly easier run in so should take the title and therefore a spot in the Group Stage, with Trabzonspor entering at the Third Qualifying Round.

Greece: Olympiakos won the League and therefore return to the Champions League Group Stages again. Panathinaikos will enter at the Third Qualifying Round.

Switzerland: The Champion of Switzerland will only enter the Group Stage automatically if the Winner of this season’s competition qualifies through domestic performance. This will occur unless Schalke manage to win the Tournament. Should Zurich win their game in hand against Neuchatel Xamax, they will be just one point behind leaders Basel. They still have 6 games left to play and the top two meet in Zurich on the 11th of May which will play a big part in deciding the title. I would expect Basel to qualify under the leadership of Alex Frei.

As Champions from the remaining countries will enter in the Qualifying Rounds of the Tournament I feel it is not wholly worth looking at as they will no definitely take part in the Tournament. Who do you think will be lucky enough to gain automatic qualification to the Group Stage?

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Real Madrid and Barcelona Charged By UEFA Over Champions League Semi-Final

Uefa have have opened disciplinary cases against Real Madrid and Barcelona over incidents during Wednesday’s fiery Champions League semi-final at the Bernabeu.

Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Real in the first leg of their semi-final was marred by incidents on and off the pitch.

Real have been charged in relation to Pepe’s sending off, Jose Mourinho’s dismissal to the stands, throwing missiles on the pitch, a pitch invasion and Mourinho’s inappropriate statement to the media after the game.

Mourinho vented his fury after his side had Pepe sent off for a challenge on Barcelona defender Dani Alves with the Portuguese being sent from the dugout.

The former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss then suggested in his post-match press conference that there is a refereeing conspiracy in favour of Barcelona after blasting the performance of German official Wolfgang Stark.
Barcelona have been charged for the red card picked up by substitute keeper Jose Pinto following a bust-up between both benches at the end of the first half.

Both cases will be heard by Uefa’s disciplinary board on 6th May. (Sky Sports)

It was a game that was always going to be explosive but some unsavoury incidents and ungentlemanly conduct took the edge off what should have been a festival of football. Leo Messi did of course score two top notch goals but the game may become more synonymous with play acting and a half time brawl.

UEFA clearly had a lot to look into and decided that the issues of note were Pepe’s sending off, which in fairness really didn’t warrant a straight red. Jose Mourinho’s reaction, though understandable probably foolish. The comments the Real Madrid boss made after the game are sure to lead to the most serious charge and the ‘Special One’ may well find himself the recipient of a large fine and a number of games sat in the stands.

Jose Pinto’s red card will also be looking into but it’s hard to fathom why the sub keeper was the only player to be punished for the 20 man melee. Whilst UEFA are at it they should probably punish Dani Alves and Angel Di Maria for persistent diving and Marcelo for his deliberate stamp on Pedro, the Barca winger could also do with some punishment for his constant play acting as well.

Expect the second leg to have even more in the way of cautions and red cards as Real Madrid will probably have little to play for and may want to exact some revenge on the Catalan giants.

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Video- Pepe Red Card vs Barcelona Champions League 2011 Real Madrid

Apr 27, 2011

This Pepe red card vs Barcelona saw Real Madrid reduced to ten men in the first leg of their Champions League 2011 Semifinal against their arch rivals. The Pepe red card came minutes after the Portuguese defender had played his part in getting Javier Mascherano a yellow card. Referee Wolfgang Stark awarded the Pepe red card against Barcelona for a studs up challenge on Barcelona’s Daniel Alves.

Pepe’s red card was however not the only red card awarded in the game, with Barca’s substitute keeper Jose Pinto and Real manager Jose Mourinho also getting red cards.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona- First Leg- 27/4/2011- Pepe Sending Off Video- 61st minute.

Video- Pepe Red Card- Champions League- vs Barcelona

( Credits of this Pepe Champions League red card video 2011 with uploaders)

Champions League: Schalke 0 Manchester United 2

Manchester United moved a step closer to a Champions League final at Wembley with a convincing 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Schalke.

The English powerhouse dominated possession at Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday, and their superior skills were put on show in a fine two-minute period midway through the second half which saw Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney score in quick succession.

United will take their two-goal lead to the second leg next Wednesday at Old Trafford, where they have not lost in all competitions since April last year.

Rooney was infamously sent off at the Veltins Arena when playing for England against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but the 25-year-old put that horror memory to bed when he put through Giggs for the first goal, before scoring himself.

Giggs snuck in behind the Schalke defence to fire a left-foot shot under Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 67th minute, and less than two minutes later, Rooney received the ball from strike partner Javier Hernandez to deliver a body blow to the Germans at Neuer’s near post.

In the opening 45 minutes, Neuer was a one-man band in keeping out United’s forward attempts, with each of Hernandez, Giggs, Rooney and Park Ji-Sung having chances kept out by the German shot-stopper and Schalke captain.

Tue 26 April, 2011

Champions League: Schalke 0 Manchester United 2

Manchester United moved a step closer to a Champions League final at Wembley with a convincing 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Schalke.

The English powerhouse dominated possession at Gelsenkirchen on Tuesday, and their superior skills were put on show in a fine two-minute period midway through the second half which saw Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney score in quick succession.

United will take their two-goal lead to the second leg next Wednesday at Old Trafford, where they have not lost in all competitions since April last year.

Rooney was infamously sent off at the Veltins Arena when playing for England against Portugal in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but the 25-year-old put that horror memory to bed when he put through Giggs for the first goal, before scoring himself.

Giggs snuck in behind the Schalke defence to fire a left-foot shot under Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer in the 67th minute, and less than two minutes later, Rooney received the ball from strike partner Javier Hernandez to deliver a body blow to the Germans at Neuer’s near post.

In the opening 45 minutes, Neuer was a one-man band in keeping out United’s forward attempts, with each of Hernandez, Giggs, Rooney and Park Ji-Sung having chances kept out by the German shot-stopper and Schalke captain.

Tue 26 April, 2011

United lose Berbatov for Champions League semi

Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov will miss his side’s Champions League semi-final first-leg match with Schalke on Tuesday in Gelsenkirchen.

The 30-year-old striker, who is United’s top scorer this term with 22 goals, missed the team’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, and will sit out the Schalke clash along with Darren Fletcher, Bebe and Owen Hargreaves.

The news comes on top of speculation about the Bulgarian’s future at Old Trafford, with rumours swirling that Berbatov is upset at being overlooked in favour of Javier Hernandez in manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up.

Despite his efficiency in front of goal, Berbatov has started in only three of United’s past 13 games, although he does still have another year to run on his contract at Old Trafford.

Despite Berbatov’s absence, Ferguson insists his side are in excellent condition heading into the match.

“We are in good shape,” Ferguson said. “I needed to keep us fresh against Everton, knowing that three days later we would be playing Schalke in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final.”

“I had one eye on the trip to Germany and, of course, big games in the league against Arsenal and Chelsea.”

“I enjoy this critical stage of a season, when we are involved in big games that come at you thick and fast, with little recovery time in between.”

“Team selection comes into its own, and just as the players have to rise to every occasion, so do I as I try to keep the team fresh and raring to go.”

Mon 25 April, 2011

United lose Berbatov for Champions League semi

Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov will miss his side’s Champions League semi-final first-leg match with Schalke on Tuesday in Gelsenkirchen.

The 30-year-old striker, who is United’s top scorer this term with 22 goals, missed the team’s 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, and will sit out the Schalke clash along with Darren Fletcher, Bebe and Owen Hargreaves.

The news comes on top of speculation about the Bulgarian’s future at Old Trafford, with rumours swirling that Berbatov is upset at being overlooked in favour of Javier Hernandez in manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s starting line-up.

Despite his efficiency in front of goal, Berbatov has started in only three of United’s past 13 games, although he does still have another year to run on his contract at Old Trafford.

Despite Berbatov’s absence, Ferguson insists his side are in excellent condition heading into the match.

“We are in good shape,” Ferguson said. “I needed to keep us fresh against Everton, knowing that three days later we would be playing Schalke in the first leg of a Champions League semi-final.”

“I had one eye on the trip to Germany and, of course, big games in the league against Arsenal and Chelsea.”

“I enjoy this critical stage of a season, when we are involved in big games that come at you thick and fast, with little recovery time in between.”

“Team selection comes into its own, and just as the players have to rise to every occasion, so do I as I try to keep the team fresh and raring to go.”

Mon 25 April, 2011

Champions League not pivotal for Bale to stay

By: Elmesy | April 22nd, 2011
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All the talk around White Hart Lane is of champions league qualification, and quite rightly so. It is the one thing that every Spurs fan wants. It will mean continued success at the highest level, growth for the club and increased financial riches. It will also give us the ability to hang  on to our top players like Luka Modric, Rafael Van Der Vaart and Gareth Bale. Or will it? In Bale’s case at least, there is a strong indication that suggests qualification for the Champions League may not be enough to keep the talented Welshman at White Hart Lane .

 

Bale has made it very clear that he wants to play at the top level on a regular basis, and he recently admitted himself,  his nationality will deny him many  achievements at International level, which puts an onus on him to achieve things with his club.

Despite us all wanting to believe we can, Spurs cannot guarantee Bale regular Champions league action (not in the same way that Barcelona or Real Madrid could).  If we manage to qualify for the Champions League again this season it will be another over achievement for Spurs in a period of our history that is beginning to take on true fairy tale proportions.

Bale has already stated his ambitions, and for him to achieve this with Spurs would be a miracle for both the player and the club. He has talked fondly of Spain and he is being compared to the likes of Ronaldo and Messi, so where else would a confident youngster be turning to? In all honesty you cannot blame Bale for being ambitious. Yet after being developed so brilliantly at a club that has shown a lot of patience with him, it will be disappointing if he does leave either this summer or the next.

When Spurs signed Bale he was a budding left back who seemed to have plenty of potential and a devastating left foot. His ability from set pieces was one of his main attributes and his tender age meant time was on his side to develop the rest of his game.  After overcoming injury and a jinx like run of losing appearances, he emerged as a left winger with pace to burn and a box of tricks to rival the best left sided players in the country. After his two games against Inter Milan when he tore apart the Brazilian Maicon, he was immediately elevated to one of the best players in the world alongside the likes of Messi and Ronaldo and thrust into the gaze of all the major clubs in Europe.

Now don’t get me wrong, I think Bale is a fantastic player and someone who could become a world beater. But right now, he is not. To put him in the same league as Messi and Ronaldo at this stage of his career is an insult to the Barcelona and Real Madrid stars and brings unnescessary hype to Bale. The fact remains though, that after his exploits in Europe’s top competition, the big (or should I say bigger) clubs will come calling for him. The temptation to play in Spain is one that Bale is unlikely to refuse and with the correct offer Spurs may well have to sell Bale, sooner rather than later.

Since his return from injury Bale has shown glimpses of the brilliance that got him his recent PFA player award. Yet despite this he has also shown glimpses of selfishness that are not commonplace in the modern day greats of football. When Cristiano Ronaldo first came to Man Utd he had so much arrogance and was so selfish with the ball that he would try and beat the entire defence single handedly every time he had possession. Ferguson sorted that part of his game out and he gradually matured into the world beater he now is, (admittedly keeping a little of the arrogance) showcasing his skills when necessary and using his team mates around him to achieve far greater success on the pitch. Messi is the equal of Ronaldo now, schooled in the correct way, he has never come across as selfish or overindulgent to himself. Even with his undoubted ability on the ball he still has the maturity to play for his team and use his skills at the correct times during a match.  This is something Bale needs to bring to his game, not trying to beat five players every time he gets the ball, but picking his moments to show his ability. Personally I think all the hype surrounding Bale is beginning to get to him and Redknapp needs to address this before he becomes a one man show. In recent games he has been guilty of giving away possession much more than usual and choosing the wrong options on the pitch that he seemed so good at making previously. He should, and most likely will learn when to pass and when to dribble. It took Ronaldo a while to learn this so we should not expect Bale to be there just yet. He needs to understand that the better you are, the harder it is to influence a match. The more the opposition knows you, the more they close you down, double mark you and stand off you, already aware of your pace. Then sometimes it becomes important to occupy the opposition without the ball rather than with it.

It is completely understandable to imagine a young talented player like Bale getting carried away with all the media attention. Being out injured for a while also aids your status as a player (footballers seem to get better the less they play, just ask Gareth Barry and Joe Cole) but he needs to play with the hunger and enthusiasm that got him where he is now, and not resort to the individual showmanship that is more likely to get him enemies rather than fans. 

If you ask any Spurs fan who was the best player of the season so far, I am sure that a large majority of them would say Luka Modric or Michael Dawson, Gareth Bale would be up there, but first? I am not so sure. Now I know some people will be reading this and thinking, is this guy a Spurs fan? Well I am, but if I imagine myself an outsider for a moment and look at Gareth Bale from a neutral point of view, what do I see? The two great games against Inter Milan, a history of injuries, including a susceptible back problem, and just over one continuous season at the top level in football. If someone wants to pay us £50m for him already, then is that such bad business? I can imagine there are not many people outside Liverpool who think Andy Carroll is worth £35m after one season, and Bale £50m? if that’s the fee that Spurs are offered I think they would be stupid to turn it down.

It is more than likely that an offer will be made in the summer and I for one am expecting Spurs to accept it. Bale will definitely welcome the move and you can’t blame him for that. We saw in January the player power exerted by Torres for his move to Chelsea and Spurs will be powerless to prevent Bale from leaving.

We have seen in interviews that Redknapp continues to big up Gareth Bale, even when the added attention could orchestrate an incoming bid. Ask him a similar question about Luka Modric though and you will get a blatant denial of any possible move away from the club. I think Harry knows that he may have to sell Bale, and if he does he will make sure that he gets top dollar for him. Unfortunately for us Spurs fans, this day could be coming sooner rather than later, even if we do qualify for the Champions League this season.

Spurs contiue their push for fourth at home to West Brom on Saturday.

Some Related Spurs Posts:Young Boys; Champions League DrawBale Or Modric Go To United? You’re Living In The Past, FergieChampions League Draw, Pick Your PoisonBrilliant Bale Is Causing A Headache For Spurs FansSack The Juggler
Category: Team News Tags: Gareth Bale, Harry Redknapp, Luka Modric, Spurs, Team News, Tottenham, Tottenham Hotspur, Tottenham Hotspur Official Site
    Tweet « Sack The Juggler | Home | Comments   |  Add your comment USASpur | April 22nd, 2011 at 11:38 pm

Very interesting read. Valid points throughout, but I guess the timing of this threw me for a loop. I kind of always felt that Bale’s confidence was something that played into his advantage. Harry does need to wrangle him if necessary, but I thought he latest efforts were largely effected by the absence of Lennon. But you could be spot on with this theory though. With 50 Mil and Niko or Pienaar replacing I could see it being well worth it, but I’m still pleeding for Bale to stay

BucksSpur | April 23rd, 2011 at 3:31 am

Good article and afraid I have to agree that the sun and riches will tempt Bale to Spain this Summer irrespective of where we finish. If we got an offer of £50mil then we should definitely take it PROVIDING the money is re-invested in players. Bale is a fantastic player AT TIMES but over the whole season he disappoints. A few good games have taken him into the limelight and if that can get us a BIG offer then we should sell him. It is far more important to hang onto Luka, he is the heart of the team. Irrespective of finishing 4th or not, irrespective of selling Bale or not, Levy MUST spend big this Summer or we will be finishing 6th next season after Citee and Giropool.

Tony | April 23rd, 2011 at 8:32 am

Totally agree but then what else is new? Tottenham has the history of grooming young stars and then sell them – from Waddle, Gasgoine, to Barbie.

What does Tottenham want to be from now on? Be an also-ran in the Premier League every year and once-in-a-while CL participant? Spurs had a taste of CL and honestly it aint so tough. We are a couple of star players, noticeably finishers upfront, from being a legit CL contender. I firmly believe we couldn’t beat Real but do have a shot at Barca’s weak aerial defense.

With Harry likely to take the England job next year if not sooner, Spurs will to replace him. Perhaps Tottenham should brave the thought of luring the Special One. Jose Maurinho is like a guaranteed success. When was the last time he failed to win a trophy in a season?

Maurinho has openly remarked that he wants to return to the EPL and build his own dynasty. Whatever success he might bring to MU, it won’t be his dynasty because it will be remembered as the SAF legacy. Harry has done a tremendous job for Spurs but I wouldn’t call it a legacy for Maurinho to match. A Spurs dynasty will be a Maurinho’s dynasty.

London is certainly his preferred city for his family. I think if a London club splashes a big budget to him, he would prefer it to MU or MC. Which other London club would have the resource other than Tottenham Hotspurs?

Spurs have the core players in place for Maurinho’s brand of football. Let him get his Eto or Drogba.

EPL and Champions League success? Only if Spurs deviate from its history and open the cheque book.

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