"Alright. Here's why you don't have your ten million dollars yet. You are a paycheck player. You play with your head. Not your heart. In your personal life? Heart. But when you get on the field -- you're a businessman. It's wide-angle lenses and who fucked you over and who owes you for it. That's not what inspires people. I'm sorry, but that's the truth, can you handle it? Just a "question," Rod. Between friends."
- Tom Cruise, in Jerry Maguire.
Spain 1, Germany 0. Noice.
Anyway, I was thinking about the composition of club teams. Every successful team seems to have some dominant culture, something to knit the players together. With Man Utd it was the British core of Neville, Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Beckham. With Liverpool, it was the Scottish/English and the old Liverpool kit room. With Real Madrid and Barca, it's the Spanish players nurtured in their respective academies. With Chelsea, it's their collection of insufferable English jerks (Lampard, Terry, Cole... what a collection, hey?)
I was thinking, what do we have?
In the past, it was the English back five. Then, it was the Vieira years when Wenger went mad and tried to buy the entire French team (I understand the compulsion; I do it with my FM08 side as well). There was a discernible espirt de corps about that side. But now, we're a polyglot collective with no common ground, other than a desire to play pretty passing football.
Is that enough?
When the chips are down, when our players need to score a late goal or to defend tenaciously, what do they have to stitch them together? I'd suggest it's not much. Vieira gave up the chance to go to Real Madrid because he felt that Arsenal was his family. Hleb agitates to go anywhere because he can earn more money. To Hleb, Arsenal's just a paycheck. It'd be nice to win something, but it's not going to kill him if he doesn't do it with Arsenal. With Vieira, being shafted to Juventus still hurts. He felt a genuine affinity to this club.
I guess what I'm saying is that there's a difference between a paycheck player and a player who plays from the heart. A good side is stocked with good paycheck players. A great side is composed of players who play with their heart. If Arsenal's to be successful, I think we need some way to engender a sense of fellow feeling amongst our players. Maybe a roaring campfire, an acoustic guitar and a round of Kumbuya is required.
Or maybe we should've just bought Torres when we had the chance. That goal in the final was millimetre perfect. It still gives me tingles.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Euro 2008 final
"Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win."
- Gary Lineker
It's going to be a good game tonight. I'm going for Spain because, as Cesc says, they play like Arsenal. I love the patient build up, the waiting, the watching, that one single incisive pass and the chaos that ensues. It's been a pleasure watching Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Torres and Villa link up. Amazing stuff.
I'm especially eager because Cesc is starting, and playing in that 9.5 position. It's his best position, and he plays it very, very well. Spain have been the best side in the tournament and deserve the trophy. I'm sick of seeing defensive, tactical football winning international trophies. And anyway, if Arsenal can't win anything, I'd like to see an Arsenal-esque side winning something. But I'm not sure. Without Villa, will Torres have enough oomph to occupy Mertlesacker and Metzelder? Will Puyol and Marchena be good enough against Germany's aerial power? I'd like to think so, but I'm kind of apprehensive.
My prediction's 1-0 to Germany, Klose headed goal from a corner.
My other prediction is that straight after the match, Wenger will announce that he's signed Silva and Villa on the sly, and that he was just waiting for the tournament to finish before making it official. Apparently, he didn't want the publicity to effect Spain's chances.
Considerate man, our Arsene.
Oh, and Ade's going to ask to leave Arsenal for Milan.
"I had a dream of playing for Arsenal and Arsenal are one of the loveliest clubs in the world. When I go back to Africa it is obvious that a lot of people love the club. But now I have a chance of playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world. I haven't had a chance to speak to the manager yet. But we will sit down next week and decide what is good for my career."
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore".
- Gary Lineker
It's going to be a good game tonight. I'm going for Spain because, as Cesc says, they play like Arsenal. I love the patient build up, the waiting, the watching, that one single incisive pass and the chaos that ensues. It's been a pleasure watching Iniesta, Xavi, Silva, Torres and Villa link up. Amazing stuff.
I'm especially eager because Cesc is starting, and playing in that 9.5 position. It's his best position, and he plays it very, very well. Spain have been the best side in the tournament and deserve the trophy. I'm sick of seeing defensive, tactical football winning international trophies. And anyway, if Arsenal can't win anything, I'd like to see an Arsenal-esque side winning something. But I'm not sure. Without Villa, will Torres have enough oomph to occupy Mertlesacker and Metzelder? Will Puyol and Marchena be good enough against Germany's aerial power? I'd like to think so, but I'm kind of apprehensive.
My prediction's 1-0 to Germany, Klose headed goal from a corner.
My other prediction is that straight after the match, Wenger will announce that he's signed Silva and Villa on the sly, and that he was just waiting for the tournament to finish before making it official. Apparently, he didn't want the publicity to effect Spain's chances.
Considerate man, our Arsene.
Oh, and Ade's going to ask to leave Arsenal for Milan.
"I had a dream of playing for Arsenal and Arsenal are one of the loveliest clubs in the world. When I go back to Africa it is obvious that a lot of people love the club. But now I have a chance of playing with one of the biggest clubs in the world. I haven't had a chance to speak to the manager yet. But we will sit down next week and decide what is good for my career."
Quoth the raven, "Nevermore".
Friday, June 27, 2008
Don't Look Back
Don’t look back into the sun
Now you know that the time has come
And they said it would never come for you oh oh oh oh
- The Libertines, Don't Look Back Into The Sun
When are we buying Sammy Nasri?
I don't know. Like most people, I'm increasingly bored with the transfer market. It's dead news. There's no need to worry about who's going to leave, who's in the papers, or agonize over incredibly protracted transfer deals. It's going to happen no matter what, and nothing we can do will effect that.
Cast your mind back to the days when transfer season was exciting. Remember those times? For me, the last time I genuinely went into an off season with hope was the year Vieira left. Back then, Wenger was still untouchable, Henry was the golden boy, and we still had the vestiges of that glorious Unbeaten Season.
Yes, it was scary that Vieira left. But I was optimistic that we'd replace him with someone younger, fitter, and in a few years, just as good. And that we'd rule the Premiership once more. I scoured the internet for news and dreamed a young man's dreams of instant glory. It was exciting.
I want those times back. So, I'm going to write about Benzema to Arsenal. It probably won't happen, but I want to talk about it because it makes me happy.
I'd love to see him at our club. Some say Benzema's over-rated, that Ligue 1 is weak and Olympique Lyonnais are too strong. It's true that he's unproven in the Premiership and may have problems adapting. But I think he'll be great. He's got all the qualities that an Arsenal player needs (pace, strength, technique and a love of baguettes). Plus, he's young. Plus, I still get shivers from that goal he scored against Man Utd. He could do that for us next year!
Imagine Benzema in an Arsenal shirt, scoring the winner at Old Trafford. Imagine us winning the league because of that goal. It's a dream that's shiny and pretty and perfect. It's optimistic. It's fun.
But then, the feeling fades as you realise it's never going to happen. Benzema will cost 40 million pounds, and Wenger will never spend that kind of money. Actually, Man Utd will probably snap him up after they sell Ronaldo.
Real life has an unpleasant way interrupting one's fantasies.
The truth is that Arsenal today may never reach the heights of the Pires/Vieira/Henry years. Maybe it was a lucky coincidence that Wenger found those guys at the same time. Maybe it'll never happen again. It's a different world with Chelski on the scene.
It'll never be what it used to be. The promise of youth will always fade. Life corrupts virtue. Always has been, always will be. Pete Doherty and Carl Barat knew that when they wrote this song, during the time when the Libertines were breaking up.
The Libertines were gorgeous. Two albums later, they were nothing. And try as they might, those guys will never have anything as good or innovative or meaningful again. But what are they to do? Try, try again. Find virtue in what they're up to now.
And what are we to do? Just go on living. Have faith that the next thing will be meaningful and just as worthwhile for your affections. Hleb and Ade may be going, but Sammy and Benny (hopefully) will replace them. Probably better, maybe not, but you know... you've got to keep on going.
Only, don't look back into the sun. It's way too sad.
Now you know that the time has come
And they said it would never come for you oh oh oh oh
- The Libertines, Don't Look Back Into The Sun
When are we buying Sammy Nasri?
I don't know. Like most people, I'm increasingly bored with the transfer market. It's dead news. There's no need to worry about who's going to leave, who's in the papers, or agonize over incredibly protracted transfer deals. It's going to happen no matter what, and nothing we can do will effect that.
Cast your mind back to the days when transfer season was exciting. Remember those times? For me, the last time I genuinely went into an off season with hope was the year Vieira left. Back then, Wenger was still untouchable, Henry was the golden boy, and we still had the vestiges of that glorious Unbeaten Season.
Yes, it was scary that Vieira left. But I was optimistic that we'd replace him with someone younger, fitter, and in a few years, just as good. And that we'd rule the Premiership once more. I scoured the internet for news and dreamed a young man's dreams of instant glory. It was exciting.
I want those times back. So, I'm going to write about Benzema to Arsenal. It probably won't happen, but I want to talk about it because it makes me happy.
I'd love to see him at our club. Some say Benzema's over-rated, that Ligue 1 is weak and Olympique Lyonnais are too strong. It's true that he's unproven in the Premiership and may have problems adapting. But I think he'll be great. He's got all the qualities that an Arsenal player needs (pace, strength, technique and a love of baguettes). Plus, he's young. Plus, I still get shivers from that goal he scored against Man Utd. He could do that for us next year!
Imagine Benzema in an Arsenal shirt, scoring the winner at Old Trafford. Imagine us winning the league because of that goal. It's a dream that's shiny and pretty and perfect. It's optimistic. It's fun.
But then, the feeling fades as you realise it's never going to happen. Benzema will cost 40 million pounds, and Wenger will never spend that kind of money. Actually, Man Utd will probably snap him up after they sell Ronaldo.
Real life has an unpleasant way interrupting one's fantasies.
The truth is that Arsenal today may never reach the heights of the Pires/Vieira/Henry years. Maybe it was a lucky coincidence that Wenger found those guys at the same time. Maybe it'll never happen again. It's a different world with Chelski on the scene.
It'll never be what it used to be. The promise of youth will always fade. Life corrupts virtue. Always has been, always will be. Pete Doherty and Carl Barat knew that when they wrote this song, during the time when the Libertines were breaking up.
The Libertines were gorgeous. Two albums later, they were nothing. And try as they might, those guys will never have anything as good or innovative or meaningful again. But what are they to do? Try, try again. Find virtue in what they're up to now.
And what are we to do? Just go on living. Have faith that the next thing will be meaningful and just as worthwhile for your affections. Hleb and Ade may be going, but Sammy and Benny (hopefully) will replace them. Probably better, maybe not, but you know... you've got to keep on going.
Only, don't look back into the sun. It's way too sad.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
There She Goes
There she goes
There she goes again
Racing through my brain
And I just can't contain
This feeling that remains
- The La's, There She Goes Again
This is my ode to whiny introspection.
In seven weeks time, I'll be gone. I'll be in Europe. For six months. By myself. On my lonesome. With nothing to protect me except my native wit, animal cunning and a couple of credit cards.
I'm alternating between excitement and nervousness, sleeplessness and sleepiness. Sometimes I'm scared because I'm struck by the thought that I haven't got a clue what I'm getting myself in for. Most of the time, I'm just really, really, really looking forward to it. It's something I've been dreaming about for ten years.
But then, you know... I look down the hallway and there she is. Racing through my brain. Pulsing through my veins. Blowing down my lane. And I just can't contain the feeling that remains.
Because when I leave, I know I'll never see her again.
There she goes again
Racing through my brain
And I just can't contain
This feeling that remains
- The La's, There She Goes Again
This is my ode to whiny introspection.
In seven weeks time, I'll be gone. I'll be in Europe. For six months. By myself. On my lonesome. With nothing to protect me except my native wit, animal cunning and a couple of credit cards.
I'm alternating between excitement and nervousness, sleeplessness and sleepiness. Sometimes I'm scared because I'm struck by the thought that I haven't got a clue what I'm getting myself in for. Most of the time, I'm just really, really, really looking forward to it. It's something I've been dreaming about for ten years.
But then, you know... I look down the hallway and there she is. Racing through my brain. Pulsing through my veins. Blowing down my lane. And I just can't contain the feeling that remains.
Because when I leave, I know I'll never see her again.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
On Animus
an·i·mus –noun
1. strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.
2. purpose; intention; animating spirit.
3. (in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the masculine principle, esp. as present in women (contrasted with anima).
- from dictionary.com
I learnt a new word last night: animus.
I learnt it while watching this TV show called Skins. Great show. All about hedonistic British kids with drug habits and protected sex. Good writing, good plotting and great character development.
And it's educational.
I've never heard of animus before. It's the inarticulate, primeval rage that drives us to succeed. It's the competitive edge that makes us want to win. It's that little voice in our heads that pushes us to risk everything we've got in order to win everything we've ever wanted. It's that breath of life that God imparted onto Adam.
It's the thing I've never had. Ever.
It's the thing I've been missing. It's the thing I've been lacking. It's the void in my psyche that other people have that I don't. When I'm slumped at my desk, wondering what the fuck is wrong with me, it's the deficit that's staring back at me.
Camus once said that the only philosophical question in life is etre, "to be". Everything else is just window-dressing. And really, what else motivates a life except one's animus? I need this relentless, remorseless rage. I need this driving force in my life. Now that I know I'm lacking it, I need to find it. What the fuck is my animus?
Who says you never learn anything from TV?
1. strong dislike or enmity; hostile attitude; animosity.
2. purpose; intention; animating spirit.
3. (in the psychology of C. G. Jung) the masculine principle, esp. as present in women (contrasted with anima).
- from dictionary.com
I learnt a new word last night: animus.
I learnt it while watching this TV show called Skins. Great show. All about hedonistic British kids with drug habits and protected sex. Good writing, good plotting and great character development.
And it's educational.
I've never heard of animus before. It's the inarticulate, primeval rage that drives us to succeed. It's the competitive edge that makes us want to win. It's that little voice in our heads that pushes us to risk everything we've got in order to win everything we've ever wanted. It's that breath of life that God imparted onto Adam.
It's the thing I've never had. Ever.
It's the thing I've been missing. It's the thing I've been lacking. It's the void in my psyche that other people have that I don't. When I'm slumped at my desk, wondering what the fuck is wrong with me, it's the deficit that's staring back at me.
Camus once said that the only philosophical question in life is etre, "to be". Everything else is just window-dressing. And really, what else motivates a life except one's animus? I need this relentless, remorseless rage. I need this driving force in my life. Now that I know I'm lacking it, I need to find it. What the fuck is my animus?
Who says you never learn anything from TV?
Monday, June 23, 2008
My FM08 side
You'll be glad to know that my FM08 side has won the Premier League and Champions League double. We were unbeaten in the league and won it in a canter. We beat Chelsea 1-0 in the CL final. The only sour point was that we lost the FA cup final to Man Utd through a fluky Rooney goal. That still grates. Would've been a glorious treble.
Anyway, in the off season, I sold Vela to Barcelona for 23 million and Diego. I didn't have much choice - Vela was champing at the bit to go, and he never felt comfortable in England. I also sold Wright-Phillips, Rosicky and Diaby and bought Benzema. I wanted to sell Eduardo, but no one wanted to buy him.
I'm still sticking with 4-1-4-1. It's a good formation. Flamini's developed into a world-class defensive midfielder, and I'm drooling over the prospect of seeing Ben Afra, Diego, Fabregas and van Persie support either Adebayor or Benzema. I'm undecided about the effectiveness of Miguel Veloso as Flamini's understudy, however. He's got great stats, but he's really poor in that holding midfield role. I think I'll wait a year for Sankhare to mature, and then move Veloso on.
Gallas is still captain, but not for long. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he'll be 32 by then. I think I should let him leave on a Bosman and make Toure captain. Bellaid, Sakho and Nordveit will be more than adequate replacements at CD. It's cruel because Gallas has been an excellent captain, but there's no room for sentiment in professional football.
And yes, I know it's just a computer game, but it beats reading about how we're going to lose Adebayor and how we're not going to sign anyone older than 19.
Oh, and I worked out how to do La Roulette with a futsal ball. I'm awesome - like Zidane, only with hair.
Anyway, in the off season, I sold Vela to Barcelona for 23 million and Diego. I didn't have much choice - Vela was champing at the bit to go, and he never felt comfortable in England. I also sold Wright-Phillips, Rosicky and Diaby and bought Benzema. I wanted to sell Eduardo, but no one wanted to buy him.
I'm still sticking with 4-1-4-1. It's a good formation. Flamini's developed into a world-class defensive midfielder, and I'm drooling over the prospect of seeing Ben Afra, Diego, Fabregas and van Persie support either Adebayor or Benzema. I'm undecided about the effectiveness of Miguel Veloso as Flamini's understudy, however. He's got great stats, but he's really poor in that holding midfield role. I think I'll wait a year for Sankhare to mature, and then move Veloso on.
Gallas is still captain, but not for long. His contract expires at the end of this season, and he'll be 32 by then. I think I should let him leave on a Bosman and make Toure captain. Bellaid, Sakho and Nordveit will be more than adequate replacements at CD. It's cruel because Gallas has been an excellent captain, but there's no room for sentiment in professional football.
And yes, I know it's just a computer game, but it beats reading about how we're going to lose Adebayor and how we're not going to sign anyone older than 19.
Oh, and I worked out how to do La Roulette with a futsal ball. I'm awesome - like Zidane, only with hair.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Can't be arsed
I seriously cannot be arsed.
It's June and miserable. El Nino's taking a break and the hills of Glen Waverly shimmer in a hazy blanket of rain. It's a bit like a postcard, I suppose. I know I shouldn't complain when we're down to 20% storage capacity, but sometimes I think the drought's a good thing.
Maybe it's the meds. I heard that after a month or so, you get really, really blase about everything. I was already pretty apathetic to begin with, so it's going to be an interesting few weeks. I hope I still have the motivation to put on fresh underwear.
Anyway, Kroenke's joining the board. It just shows what a hideous over-reaction it was from Hill-Wood and co. Kroenke will be good for Arsenal. He'll offer a new perspective to the club, and give organizational insights from other sports. Good bloke. If they'd just accepted him as our "American cousin" a few months back, we wouldn't be in this position with Usmanov.
Adebayor's probably off for 25 million. Or whatever. We should use it to buy Villa. And hire Naomi Campbell as our new defensive midfielder. She's one scary lady.
It's June and miserable. El Nino's taking a break and the hills of Glen Waverly shimmer in a hazy blanket of rain. It's a bit like a postcard, I suppose. I know I shouldn't complain when we're down to 20% storage capacity, but sometimes I think the drought's a good thing.
Maybe it's the meds. I heard that after a month or so, you get really, really blase about everything. I was already pretty apathetic to begin with, so it's going to be an interesting few weeks. I hope I still have the motivation to put on fresh underwear.
Anyway, Kroenke's joining the board. It just shows what a hideous over-reaction it was from Hill-Wood and co. Kroenke will be good for Arsenal. He'll offer a new perspective to the club, and give organizational insights from other sports. Good bloke. If they'd just accepted him as our "American cousin" a few months back, we wouldn't be in this position with Usmanov.
Adebayor's probably off for 25 million. Or whatever. We should use it to buy Villa. And hire Naomi Campbell as our new defensive midfielder. She's one scary lady.
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