Reports from Germany state that Wolfsburg have struck a 2-year deal with striker Ivica Olić. At age 32, Olić would be getting a much better look at consistent playing time at Wolfsburg. The move is a tricky one, as Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath usually prefers a loan striker up top. To add to the drama, if Magath keeps the current formation, Olić would be fighting Mario Mandžukić for a spot on the starting 11. Magath has said that Mandžukić has finally shown that he is an above average player, leading many to think that he will regain his spot in the starting 11 after being taken off early in a game in the beginning of the month.
Image: DPA
With the resurgence of Mandžukić, this signing could have been another step to light a fire under the youngster. The pairing wouldn’t be a first in Bundesliga history, as Olić and Petrić lead Hamburg to 4th and 5th positions in the table when they teamed up from 2007-2009. A coincidental signing or a Croatian recipe for success? I would hope for the latter, but only time will tell. Wolfsburg currently sit at the middle of the Bundesliga table after a recent loss to Bayern (2) and tie against Monchengadblach (4).
In other news, it seems that the German giants took a page out of Tottenham’s book by asking for too much money in the transfer of Danijel Pranjić to Everton. According to Bayern blog redrobbery.com, Pranjić was set to make a move to Everton six months ago. Talks came to a stand still when the 2 million pound price tag was placed on Pranjić, who has only played a total of 285 minutes this season. Pranjić will most likely have to wait until the end of the season to make a move anywhere.
Image: Rauchensteiner
Tottenham midfield Niko Kranjčar made a quick trip from Croatia to England after signing a sponsorship to become the new face for Gillette in Croatia. In a brief interview with vecernji.hr and hercegsport.info, Niko showed optimism after getting to play in back to back games for the Spurs.
“I am happy that I finally played two games in a row, just so I’ll be fit for the Euro…”
“I never wanted to leave Tottenham, and I believe that there was no offer because I was injured at the start of the season, two months I had no time slots. Primarily I wanted to return to optimal physical shape to be ready for the European Championship and club commitments, so I did not even think about changing the environment.” –Niko Kranjčar
With some of your speculations of Kranjčar being comfortable, it looks like he’s only got one thing on his mind – EURO 2012.
Image: Press Association
Skyports.net revealed that Hamburg have yet to sign Mladen Petrić to a new deal, after the Croatian striker turned down a contract offer earlier in the year. The team have agreed to meet with Petrić in a month, but it looks like Petric may be on his way out with the likelihood of a new deal being far less than what was previously offered. If Petrić doesn’t stay in Hamburg, where do you think he should or would go instead?
Image: AFP
@King…..I make nothing of them until I hear from the savez. I sure hope it does not happen.
What do you guys make of the Marco Russ rumours that he will join our national team?
Ziva your telling me,
I tryed orbitz and kayak but couldnt find nothing for less than 1700
I’m going June 1st , still to early to look for flights maybe?
@OHIO……….Yeah, I would want to do anything in my power to get out of Ohio as well. Unless you like throwing money away there is never a need to book any travel through a travel agency. You can do everything online and on your own.
At OHIO. We have Adriatic travel out of San Pedro. Honestly though, there is stuff like hipmunk, kayak, and a few other online sites that’ll get you some pretty ridiculous deals.
Manzo is used to having the vintage brutal performance. Wow huge rant on Olic yawn.
hey guys what travel agents or agencies do you guys use when you go home
im going to dubrovnik this summer
i know about adriatic out of ny and mihalen
any other ones?
@The Golden Child:
MLS is slow, but the players are generally super fit. Additionally, he would need to play on hot humid days in Houston etc.
@mihovil
Why is it difficult for some to realize what olic brings to the table? while others see his importance and gift.
You either love or hate the guy, but the ones that know, know, and the ones that dont, dont. Simple as that.
@Josko
Found that one out a little late. Thanks.
@Mali Hrvat
Klasnic would be fine in the MLS, it’s not that terribly physical. It’s physical in the fact that he might get injured by a stupid tackle, but the game is so slow he wouldn’t need to do much.
Klasnic had the opportunity to save his team as a super sub.
Is his career over if Bolton are relegated? Honestly who is going to want an aging striker with a history of health issues?
I can’t see him playing in the EPL/Championship or MLS due to the physicality of the leagues. Maybe the HNL is calling.
@Denis:
I agree about Pranjic and Bayern. The problem is we have a lot of midtable top 3 league players. I suppose that is a great problem to have.
I am a fan of Kranjcar, but I feel he definitely falls into this category.
I thought Kranjcar looked pretty rough today. That wide right position doesn’t suit him. Additionally, his passing was weak and he got caught on the ball a number of times.
Maybe more playing time will help, but I just don’t see him fitting in at Spurs unless Modric gets injured. I hope he pulls a Corluka quickly.
@Denis,
I don’t know if u follow football americano, but Ed Reed’s hall of fame intro might start with that.
Jelavic was left off the squad for everton because he suffered a stomach strain during training I think.
Lol. Here comes the Mihovil love train. Watch out everybody.
Jelavic doesn’t even suit up for Everton today, but they end up beating Chelsea 2-0. Coach says he’s coming along well, but I’m not sure how well, since he didn’t play today.
Not sure if anybody caught the Arsenal and Man U games today, some good stuff from both sides.
Finally, watched a Wolfsburg match last night on ESPN 3, which u can all watch if u’d like. Cliff notes: Mandzukic was back to his old self again with a pretty terrible performance.
Mihovil knows his nogomet!
@Ziva Istina
Puno hvala.
@Mihovil…….nice post. No need to even counter those who say Olic “sucks” or whatever term they use to describe him. Half these clowns have self admitted they only started following soccer in recent years. No point in getting into a discussion with those type of people.
@anonymous,
“Most of you guys are retarded here. I agree with anonymous.”
Line of the year…hahahahaha..
@anonymous,
One of you, I don’t know which one.
“I think u underestimate the difficulty of being in the “right place at the right time.” Its a talent, not luck. There are players that make there careers by being in the right place at right time.”
You do make a valid point. I think its half luck/half talent. There is an instinct for being in the “right place at the right time” and there is luck like Kranjcar today for Tottenham.
I will tell you one thing, you will never hear a hall of fame speach start off like this… “Olic was a hell of a player. The guy was just in the right place at the right time”.
@Wallace,
“It makes more sense to let Pranjic rot on the bench and get nothing for him?”
My point is that 2 million euros is peanuts for Bayern Munich. Pranjic is there for insurance. A couple of injuries and Danijel plays 90 minutes. Bayern sell Pranjic and they lose that insurance. This is what happens when a midtable top 3 league player signs with a top 5 team in the world.
@Mihovil,
” I heard that Ivica Olić can only score “tap in goals” and that is all he does, and that is all he can do.”
I hope you are not referring to me. 🙂
I have only praised Olic since Euro 2008. All I am saying and continue to say is that MOST(not all) of Olic goals are tap in goals which I call “typical Ivica Olic goals”.
Olic brings so much more to any team even though he doesnt have that Mladen Petric “golden foot.”
Thank you.
http://fim.413chan.net/fic/src/132597704176-Clap.gif
You know what I heard? I heard that Ivica Olić can only score “tap in goals” and that is all he does, and that is all he can do. Pfft!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bL8HIfsBrLs&feature=related – I could be wrong, but I don’t think that was not a tap in goal. Yowza!
Two goals in the span of ten seconds against Juventus.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACJ3_xLzXjw
He cannot dribble either.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQy9SzE5aVk&feature=player_embedded
The goal @ the 2:04 minute mark is phenomenal! All that work and effort leading up to the goal and the pick pocket was awesome!
Best of Ivica Olić Part I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mK-Z8rS1bI8
Best of Ivica Olić Part II
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx34rt-4CwU&feature=related
Best of Ivica Olić III
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTjQl60i-tA&feature=related
Quick question: If Ivica can only score and muster only tap in goals than why is there so much highlight footage of his goals available?
I have never ever seen a player in any sport more ridiculed and bashed like this guy! By his own people none the less. Comments like, “I hate this guy!”, or “what an idiot!”, or “hopefully he will retire”. Listen, let’s cut to the chase shall we, if we are talking about Jelavic or Kalinic scoring these goals, the website would be up in arms and going nuts and everyone would be masturbating frantically! Which is fine I guess but for some reason we cannot give Olić any admiration based on his “skill sets”?? We would not be
having this conversation at all if we are talking about someone else on our team. Not to toot my own horn because this is not my point here but the only reason that Mandžukić gets mentioned with tap in goals now is because I used him as an example for tap in goals previously on this site when discussing the same topic. The jury is still out on Mandžukić. He can hold up the ball well, good with his head, and has potential going forward. The bottom line is that the ball goes in the net. Back to the my point. I have read posts
on the internet blaming Ivica solely for the loss against the Turks in Euro 2008. You have to be kidding me !!!!!
Nobody on our current squad wears the checkers more proudly than this guy! The second place person might as well go home.
Goals do come from close range for Ivica, come to think of it, he does play the striker role so that might have something to do with it???? Keep making fun of this guy until he retires. Keep underestimating him and not giving him credit when it is due.
Is Ivica the best striker in the world? Nope.
Is he talented? Very!
He is blessed with heart, courage, speed, energy, and a beautiful knack to put himself in position to score goals with a never say die attitude that drives defenders nuts. If you need any proof, refer to the Euro 2008 Germany game. When Ivica was substituted out @ the 72nd minute mark it was Christoph Metzelder that had to inform Ivica he was being substituted as he desperately wanted him off the field!
This will be my last post on this subject matter as I allow myself to get suckered into it every time. 🙂 I meant that in the nicest way humanly possible.
As a result I would like to know if it would be alright with Croatiansports.com if I donate a jersey your way to display on your broadcast/s? I was thinking about donating either the broj 18 of Hrvatska jersey or the broj 11 jersey of Bayern Munich. Since our site pertains to Hrvatska I would probably go with the Hrvatska jersey but it is your call @ the end of the day. On the back the name will be Mihovil Olić. The method to my madness is that I will retire my comments about Ivica because personally I do not feel like discussing this anymore and I know people here are tired of me talking about it as well, and to be honest I really do not blame them for that. Hence, retiring this topic with the jersey so to speak. This will come up again I am sure, and my only responses will be either “refer to the jersey”, “watch the videos”, or there will be no response at all. This debate, which is technically not a debate because it is has no merit, is a falsehood, has become irrelevant, redundant and ridiculous as it rolls on down the highway.
If my request was forward or uncalled for please let me know.
The bottom line is that Ivica Olić can only score tap in goals. Yeeeeaaaahhh ok ?!?!?!?! Watch the videos.
Another fact is that Ivica Olić is the Rodney Dangerfield of Croatian football.
I only hope that he is healthy come Euro 2012!
Denis, you now owe me dva piva, rakije, dobro crno vino i dvije prostitutke, a oni bolje biti porno kurve zbog San Fernando Valley! lol!
How long? Not long, cause what you reap is what you sow – RATM
Kranjcar GOAL! It was a cheap rebound but good to see him score. Yes it was Ivica Olic like! Too bad Olic can only dream of having Niko’s ability just like Niko could dream of having Olic work ethic. Tottenham are best team in London and I’m damn proud of them. Andrej has disappeared because Tottenham has shut him up and become the great team he never thought would happen. Happy times
Denis: “It doesnt make sense for Bayern to sell Danijel for a million euros.”
It makes more sense to let Pranjic rot on the bench and get nothing for him?
@Mali Hrvat – I’d like to see Petric in NY if only to get more Croatians in the league. That said, the MLS would be a step down for most Croatian players, so hopefully when their careers start to wind down they’ll come here. A Petric/Henry partnership would rip the east apart. You take Petric, we’ll take Olic.
@JerseyCro- It’s true that Everton has no money and is frugal in the market, but 2M is not going to break the bank. To me, 2M sounds like a steal.
I’m not trying to rip soccer or anything, it’s just I was brought up with football since I was 4 years old. I didn’t get into soccer till like 2006 so that’s why I’m constantly putting football over. I love the game of soccer and it’s slowly moving as my 2nd favorite sport over basketball. Basketball just doesn’t cut anymore for me until playoff time. But when Euro Cup comes around, that is the best tournament ever.
If Manzo scores in Euro Cup, I’ll mail you a present Golden Child because i don’t see it happening. He will likely look like a doofus against Ireland and miss some chances, then get benched next game then come late and do nothing. Hopefully he proves me wrong but he needs to add to his arsenal. He’s a very talented dribbler for his size but when he kicks a ball towards goal, it ends up being nothing more than a cheap laugh most of the time.
Denis hitting the gym and might Cro Cop people? Watch out world!
I perfer American Football sir, I prefer it way over soccer sir. Once I heard Howard Webb was reefing that game, I did my best not to watch it but I ended up and it was vintage Howard Webb. Super Bowl was absolutely epic and BETTER than any games I’ve watched of soccer this year that doesn’t include Croatia’s win over Turkey or Tottenham’s big wins over Liverpool and Arsenal along with the crazy loss to Man City
He still plays in the MLS, for Chivas USA
Does anyone know if Ante Jazic is still playing in the MLS or has he retired?
That should be a lay up interview for the SanPedro crew.
Most of you guys are retarded here. I agree with anonymous.
@Josko Balaban:
I agree. People don’t ask How? They ask How Many?
@Nate:
I want Petric at the Red Bulls because I live in NJ. He would also make the most of Henry’s talent.
Petric has never played in the EPL so, I am unsure if an MLS club will pay his pricetag.. Eduardo would probably be a more likely target when he is too washed up for Shakhtar.
Henry servers balls on silver platters and the American hacks squander them. Luke Rodgers, who is a washed up 2nd/3rd rate English goon seemed to make the most of Henry’s service.
Mladen could probably help Agudelo develop as well.
I just watched the replay of the Chelsea and Man U game from Superbowl Sunday. Here are my two cents.
1. To quote Ante Kvartuc “It was another Howard Webb wrecked game.”
2. I can’t see how anyone watching that game and the Superbowl can call soccer boring or prefer American football.
Everton have little money Nate…they sold their Russian winger (won’t try to spell his name) just to buy Jelavic.
They used to spend a lot of money, but recently they suffered some bad financial loss and have decided to cut back
@Mali Hrvat- I’d love to see any quality Croatian player come to America. Was hoping we might land Olic in Seattle. The fans would love his effort and enthusiasm.
Pranjic only worth 2 million? Seems like Everton were being cheap. Typical for them.
@denis,
I think u underestimate the difficulty of being in the “right place at the right time.” Its a talent, not luck. There are players that make there careers by being in the right place at right time.
All kidding aside, I must admit that Ana does know her stuff about Croatian football. Anyone messing with my girl Ana will have to turn to me. I been hitting the gym strong the past few weeks and sucking down protein shakes. In a few weeks I will look like the Crippler. Watch out for those high kicks.
Ana is a Dinamo fan. What the hell does she know? 🙂
@Josko,
Yes, a goal is a goal. However, there are spectacular goals that Van persie and Messi have made a living from and there are Ivica Olic goals.
That said, I’m a huuuuuuuuuuuuge fan of Ivica Olic. He brings it every game, brings life to a team with his work ethic and positive energy. I appreciate his goals and would start Ivica, but at the end of the day, the goals are “tap in goals.”
As far as Mandzo, he’s only 25. He has to show me more. 2nd season now in the Bundesliga. Yes, he’s scoring, but his stats dont tell the full story. Mandzo is not a striker that brings fear to the defense, while Olic breaks ankles like Allen Iverson.
We’re not bashing Mandzo, we’re just saying that he’s not that good, yet.
@allen,
Yes, “to some of you he’s a villain and to others a hero”. Like I said many times before, you’re good in my book. You come up with some crazy shit at times like big Marco representing Croatia, but its ok. The positives definitely outweigh the negatives.
@thegoldenchild
haha thanks dont worry, i dont get discouraged by pathetic old men sitting behind computer screens
ive got more soccer knowledge in my pinky finger then most men (just ask denis)
@Allen
Disagree with your there. Mandzo is good in the air, and that’s probably where we’ll look to catch those teams. We don’t have much of a quick ground game that would break down Spain, so don’t be surprised when Mandzo puts some in.
@Josko
A goal, is a goal, is a goal.
It’s a shame against the likes of Spain, Italy, and possibly Ireland that those six yards won’t really happen for Manzo along with the fact that if he steps up in competition that won’t happen either. He needs to improve his game all around.
I dont understand why people bag Mandzo for scoring ”ivica olic goals”. Who gives a fuck how he scores, at the end of the day its his job to pounce on anything in the 6 yard box.
I love when people talk tough when they’re named anonymous. Manzo is still way overrated but he has improved to the point where he is useful. He is not someone when I see on the field and cringe. He can do some things for Croatia but still more times than not, I’ll shake my head in disgust when he plays. i’m happy for him and I’ll give him props for scoring in the most important game in a long time against Turkey, but let’s not praise him so much. He still has much work to do and no way in hell is he underrated. He’s the complete opposite of underrated if anything but he has showed that he isn’t completely hopeless unlike Kalinic.
Wait you have faith in Slaven? Wow that’s first because I’m pretty sure most people on the site have little to no faith on that clown. Billc’s time is up and hopefully he will finally be gone. I don’t know what to think of Slaven but boy will I be smiling when he’s finally gone.
“The self-proclaimed voice of truth and reason for croatian sports” thanks for the awesome template Denis. That will fit right well with someone that knows what there talking about and that someone is me. I’d prefer to be called voice of the voiceless though because I’m not very popular these days which is fine because I don’t go crazy over every thing little positive thing Croatia does.
@Denis
Open field, he can get past by most defenders, but in small space he is pretty bad. If he had what you say he’s missing, then I’d say give him the money now.
@JerseyCro,
You make some good points on Mandza and I agree with you that “He is not perfect of course, but, right now, he is one of the better Croatian strikers, whether you like it or not.”
First, don’t think that this is some type of dinamo hate coming from a Hajduk fan. I support Mario and all Dinamo players on the national team.
I just don’t rate him as of right now. He’s having a great year compared to last year. However, the guy can not create a shot for himself. The guy doesn’t have a “golden foot” ala Mladen Petric. I do give the guy credit for having heart and giving it his all for Croatia.
If you look at our strikers, not one is having a good year. Mandzo scored 14 goals in a top 3 league and is not guaranteed a starting spot. That tells you something.
Eduardo scores 14 goals and they lay out the red carpet.
Bilic, unfortunately, laid out the red carpet for mandza 2 years ago.
Mario is only 25, he still has time to improve. Not hating on him, just saying he’s not worth all these millions that someone will end up paying in the summer as Wolfsburg will feel the same when they let him go. Just my prediction. I could be wrong.
Update on Olic:
From what I’ve been reading, he will join Wolfsburg at the end of the season. Supposedly there were a few bids coming in from Itay, but he prefers staying in Germany. Still no official word on terms and conditions, but it looks to be a done deal.
@Lebo Fan Club
If I could give u a plus one, I would.
@Ana
Don’t be discouraged by Ziva. When boys like you, they usually make fun of you.
@Hip hop anonymous
Pienaars pace and longevity are going to be favored over Kranjcar on Harry’s squad any time of the year unfortunately. He’s gone now, so we don’t have to talk about that.
Olic did do some carrying, but when you have to strikers performing at the top of their game it’s hard to give Olic a look. I know Olic is our guy, but you’re talking with your heart on this one.
@Jersey and Anon
I was the BIGGEST Mandzukic hater last year. Ask Ante and Denis and they’ll tell you I could not stand the guy. His cocky attitude and lackluster play is what did it, but he definitely has grown up.
He is still lacking consistency and those smarts you gain from being an experienced player. He is doing a good amount of things right, but he lets his ego get in the way of his game on and off the field sometimes. I hope he keeps the cockiness but just learns how to perform consistently on the pitch for both club and country. Like Magath mentioned, Mandzu is definitely an above average player. Hopefully he’ll keep proving me wrong as times goes on.
the abuse Mandzukic gets is ridiculous, he might be a stupid seljak, but he plays his ass off with the NT usually. Not his fault Bilic put him on the wing all the time prior to the Turkey match. He is not perfect of course, but, right now, he is one of the better Croatian strikers, whether you like it or not
All this heat Mandzukic gets is silly, he can at least hold up the ball and is a perfect complement to Olic who can’t control the ball for shit.
Olic and Mandzukic will start up top, the only option I would consider is Eduardo but he better have a heck of a second half with Shakhtar to consider it. If Jelavic, Kalinic, Petric start at EUROs, we might as well stay home
@Wallace,
Olic will transfer at the end of the season if reports are true. Olic would be a free agent in the summer anyways. No chance he returns to Bayern.
Pranjic is in the same boat as Olic. Free agent this summer. It doesnt make sense for Bayern to sell Danijel for a million euros.
@anonymous,
I have some advice for you too. Listen to Ziva Istina, “the self-proclaimed voice of truth and reason for croatian sports”
.
please sign in with a name so we can refer to you in the future. Also, when you quote me, add my name so people know that you are referring to me.
“underestimating Mandzo” ?
How so? What has he done? Mandzo’s stock is high right now because of 14 “Ivica Olic tap in goals” for Wolfsburg. If I was Wolfsburg and a decent offer came in, I would sell in a heartbeat. Not taking anything away from Mario. The guy is a workhorse and is amazing in the air. However, the guy has two left feet. Mandzo is the Croatian Peter Crouch only not as tall.
I like Mario at Wolfsburg, getting 90 minutes a game against some of the best competition in the world.
What has Mandzo done at Croatia? Besides the Turkey game in Istanbul? How did he look a couple days later against Turkey in Zagreb?
The good thing is that Mandzo is only 25. Plenty of time to improve.
As far as the repka, I really don’t know who to start up top. Kalinic, Jelavic, Eduardo, Mandzo, and Olic. Eduardo would be guaranteed a starting job if fit and in form. However, the past 6 months havent been good for the “Brazilian born Croat”. The only thing that I wouldnt do is start both Olic and Mandzukic. I would start one of them with Jela, Kala, or eddie.
@Slavonac,
I think Ante feels the same about Jelavic. No one wants Jelavic playing at Rangers. However, I think Ante was talking about the big teams that are bigger than our players. Modric is the only Croat that can possibly challenge for a place on a top 10 team in the world.
Players like Mandzukic should stay at Wolfsburg or they will ride the bench at the Tottenham’s, Bayern’s, etc etc.
The ultimate for any player is to play 90 minutes for a Real Madrid, Barcelona or a Bayern, etc etc. But not everyone is as good. So now the player has to decide how far up the ladder he wants to go knowing that if he f%$#s up, he will have a nice place on the bench.
Pranjic should have transferred to a mid table Bundesliga team instead of Bayern Munich. However, its not easy turning down Munich.
@Lebo fan club,
Its pretty obvious that you’re a Dinamo fan 🙂
Sadly, no one has impressed me besides Kovacic. This isnt a good sign for the future as Dinamo has been 70% or so of the national team the past decade or so. I’m not worried, Croatia always seems to pull someone out of their ass. I wouldnt be surprise if we found some Brazilian with Croatian blood playing soccer 12,500 ft above sea level at Lake Titicaca in Bolivia.
This is a done deal? I don’t see anything on the bundesliga website. I thought the winter transfer window had closed?
Why would Bayern let Olic go when he’s first choice forward sub and has played, but keep Pranjic who never plays? That would be getting rid of your immediate depth and keeping depth you’re probably never going to use – am I missing something here? I can’t believe a giant club like Bayern is more worried about sweating pennies than doing everything they can to win the Champs League.
@ Ante – you said: “I could care less if our players play for high profile teams (Bayern Munich). As long as they are fit and ready for Croatia and I can watch them in non-bench roles, I’m good.”
you should care…good players play better in a stronger environments…thats why they strive to play at better clubs in better leagues. I could care less if Jelavic was a God at Rangers in a crap league…what does that prove? Its better for our NT for our players to be competing at the best and highest level possible!
You should take my advise before I begin charging you for it. It’s clear you are a homer and can’t separate your emotions from the facts. That’s OK….that is why I am here, the self-proclaimed voice of truth and reason for croatian sports.
I look at Redknapp’s results since he took over at Spurs. I have no issue with his player selection over the last two years. If the team was struggling or in the relegation zone than you can bitch about his moves. Who is better in my opinion: Kranjcar is, but maybe in Redknapp’s eyes he thinks Pienaar is a better for for the team in his system. Again, the results back Redknapp.
Doesn’t matter what Olic is saying. It’s the coaches call and he has made the correct calls. Bayern’s issues are not with their forwards or their attack. I believe they lead the league in goals.
Try better next time.
Allen you have no idea what you’re talking about. All positions are taken by proven players. You also underrate Mario just like so many here. Does that mean you think Bilic doesn’t know what he’s doing by having so much faith in him. Has he not performed? What are you thinking?
Ziva, I never said Redknapp was Kranjcar’s personal trainer. How can anyone put Pienaar ahead of Kranjcar. Did you read anything, dummy?
Olic said he’s in top shape so don’t use the injury as an excuse.
Don’t give me advice. I appreciate advice from good people. You’re a clown.
@Anonymous…… Redknapp is not at Spurs to ensure Kranjcar develops or receives minutes. Redknapp is at Spurs to win games and look at the results for Spurs since he has arrived. You really cant argue with his moves. He has the club fighting for top 4 finishes in the EPL. When has that happend before. Redknapp is not nuts, he is a very good manager. You may not like the fact that Kranjcar is not a fulltime starter, but thats on you. That is a “you” problem.
As for your comments about Heynckes……the name of the game is winning and not being sentimental what took place two years ago. Two years is a lifetime in soccer. So, in your opinion, Olic who came back from a very serious injury, should warrant a starting role at Bayern. On what planet do you live. Nevermind the fact they are two points out of first and it appears the lineup Heynckes uses has worked for Bayern. He doesn’t put German players ahead of Olic because they are German, he is putting better, healthier players ahead of Olic.
A word of advise for you…..remove the emotion from your argument just because the players in question are croatian. Take the emotion away and take off your homer glasses and you will be able to see much better and begin to reason much better.
Goldenchild with the nice report.
Niko has always has great quality, it’s just will he show up? He will play at some time in Euro Cup and maybe will start, but he really needs to step it up a notch. I’m always a big fan of him and still holds a valuable spot on the team. Does he start right now? I don’t think so but if he steps up then sure. It’s not like Rakitic and Perisic are doing anything major right now.
Olic going to Wolfsburg is bland. I’m hoping he retires after Euro Cup but that won’t happen. I don’t care for him but hope he makes the most of it. But Croatia should seriously look to build striker talent and not use him anymore.
Petric to Red Bulls? I still wouldn’t go because he’s never been a favorite of mine. He shows some quality so I hope he has one more big run in Europe. Hamburg stinks so he should move and go to a better club.
I can totally see Manzo get overpaid to a German club or Italian club. After they see him score like 14 goals this year, they will pay him big time bucks. I hope he improves but he’s still shaky at this point.
There are no proven top notch strikers and possibly no proven top notch defenders although Corluka is damn good. That is why I’m so down on the team but whatever their is hope when Slaven is gone to manage better and get something better out of players.
So Kranjcar can score two goals in a single game, yet Redknapp gave Pienaar the start before Kranjcar every game last season and Pienaar didn’t score a single goal for Spurs. Makes me wonder if Redknapp is nuts.
Bayern’s new coach always puts the German players ahead of Olic or Pranjic. I think he has not watched Olic’s season with the club where he carried the team on his back. This sport is ruthless.
I think Petric will transfer to another German club.
“Mario has had issues with Felix Magath and some loser team will overpay for him.”
You underrate Mandzukic-which is bizarre. He deserves alot more than he gets and he makes the most of his horrible midfielders. If he was on a better team he’d score twice as many goals. For you to talk about him in that way it makes me wonder about your tact.
Only current player on Dinamo who you can expect to do anything on the repka is Kovacic. Badelj has shown nothing that makes me think he can produce on the international level consistently. Same with Vrsaljko.
@Ana……stay in the kitchen honey. Appears you don’t know too much about soccer. Bayern is doing what is best for Bayern, not what is best for individual players. They still have Olic and Pranjic is insurance. That is how elite teams operate, they have quality depth.
@ Denis: I definitely agree about Olic. He’ll get a little bit of playing time in the 70th minute for Bayern, and then probably move to Wolfsburg in the summer. Being 34 for the WC, he’s not going to be the same player by the time it rolls around, but putting him on in the 70th minute fresh with his speed, it’s going to kill defenders. The only issue is of course his finishing and dribbling. But if he keeps producing goals like he has been, even tap ins which believe it or not is a skill, you do have to be a predator to know where and when to be there and to stay unmarked, he’ll be a good 12th man for Croatia.
As for Pranjic, poor guy doesn’t have any luck. I still think he’s a incredibly skilled player, but not much of a defender, average at best call it. For that reason, Strinic will keep his spot, and we have too many quality midfielders for him to find a place anywhere else on the field.
As a general word, watch out for Ivo Ilicevic, guy has pace, great on the ball, and is creative. If he can stay healthy to have a good run of form with his club, he’ll for sure come off the bench for Euros. He’s still a player that needs to come into his own with the Repka, he’s still the new kid on the block, like Kalanic, that just needs time to develop. We can also expect a whole lot of Dinamo players to come in soon, as a lot of them are nasty, not least of which Mateo Kovacic.
Lebo, nice report. Good pics and videos to go with the text.
Good move for Ivica, Bayern pretty much gave up on him which doesn’t surprise me considering their all-star squad. I wouldn’t count Olic out for the world cup. Yes, Ivica did mention that a good showing at the Euros would be a perfect sending off. However, I can see Ivica playing another two years for the repka if he’s healthy, produces at Wolfsburg and doesn’t lose his speed/stamina. Olic off the bench in the 70th minute will still bring fear into any defense.
Pranjic has to ride the bench most likely the rest of the season. Danijel can’t even get into a german cup match. Just bad luck for Pranjic as Croatia has a surplus of left midfielders and he’s stuck playing for a top 8 side in the world. Pranjic still has a shot at World Cup 2014. Hopefully, he will transfer somewhere midtable bundesliga in the summer when his contract expires.
Petric to Red bulls. Thats all I have to say.
Look for Mandzukic to be shipped out this summer. Mario has had issues with Felix Magath and some loser team will overpay for him.
da fuck, bayern is loaning olic out but no no we cant let go of pranjic, we need someone to warm our bench!? who is making these decisions at bayern and what are they smoking!?
Olic’s move to Wolfsburg means absolutely zero for the national team. He will be retiring from the repka after the Euros anyway.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Qd_4oZiAEE
Check out Kranjcar’s 2 goals against Man City from deep inside the penalty area (just like a striker).
The 3rd goal of the game was awesome. When Niko is in form, he is so comfortable on the ball.
I still think Kranjcar could play in between Adebayor and the midfield, just like VDV. Most of VDV’s goals come from the edge of or outside the penalty area. His goal during the Watford game was identical to Niko’s goal against England.
Perhaps I am too biased towards Kranjcar. For me, they are very interchangeable and very one dimensional.
Premierleague.com provides detailed player info including where the players score their goals. VDV and Kranjcar look pretty similar in their graphical analysis.
Mishko,
Kranjcar doesn’t have the speed nor size to play striker in the EPL. Defenders would eat him alive. And no way can you put him in front of Adebayor, Defoe, VDV…he’s a distributor with a shot from outside.
I would love to see Petric at the NY Red Bulls. Then I could justify going to a couple of their games.
Ante, what do think about Kranjcar in a striker position? If I was Harry I’d give it a try, you never know, stranger things have happened.
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I could care less if our players play for high profile teams (Bayern Munich). As long as they are fit and ready for Croatia and I can watch them in non-bench roles, I’m good. Olic should get more time at Wolfsburg anyways. And if he can play together with Mandza regularly, even better for Croatia.
Looks like Pranjic got snubbed. I like the guy and he’s probably be very effective at Everton, but soccer is a business after all. He probably won’t be an option for Croatia this summer. Don’t see him coming off the bench.
Kranjcar is good now that Pienaar is gone and Vdv is hurt. It’s up to him if he wants to perform and solidy his spot at Spurs.
Petric might just need a change in scenery before he rides into the sunset. And possibly make a move to the MLS if thats what he wants to do….Maybe a newly promoted Bundesliga club next season, where he has no pressure. I don’t see him leaving Germany and I think England is out of the question. Italy/Spain…ehhhh