ENGLAND
Photo: Reuters
Luka Modrić and Tottenham Hotspur kept on rolling Saturday after losing their first two games of the season. It only took Spurs seven minutes to score their first goal against Ivan Klasnić and the Bolton Wanderers as a Modrić corner kick was deflected off the boot of Welshman Gareth Bale. Spurs continued to press in the first half but couldn’t find the back of the net after blistering shot after shot at the Bolton goal. Bolton defender Gary Cahill was wrongfully sent off in the 18th minute for a foul at midfield as the last man and that made the rest of the day a walk in the park for Tottenham. Modrić distributed balls all over the field to his teammates and should have had a goal early in the second half, but fellow Spur Jermain Defoe couldn’t get out of the way of the goalbound ball. Spurs scored two more in the second half to wrap up the game 3-0 for a comfirtable third place spot in the English table; with a game in hand.
Vedran Ćorluka remained on the bench as an unused substitute after playing the full 90 minutes in Spurs 2-1 Europa League loss to Greek side PAOK on Wednesday. Barring a huge win at Shamrock Rovers and a Rubin Kazan loss in the final group stage game, Tottenham will be eliminated from Europe this season after playing their ‘B’ squad in every match. Niko Kranjčar is still out due to a leg injury.
Tottenham-Bolton Highlights
Ivan Klasnić only managed two (blocked) shots against Tottenham as the early Bolton red card caused him to get no service the rest of the match. However. Klasnić was responsible for Tottenham’s first and third goals as his marking on set pieces was absolutely dreadful. Yes, the man is a striker, but you still have to defend to some degree at this level in the game. He was subbed out midway through the second half. Better luck next week Killer.
Germany
Mario Mandžukić(right) in action against Mainz
Wolfsburg blew a two-goal lead and had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Mainz 05 on Saturday. Mario Mandžukić opened up the scoring in the tenth minute after intercepting a poor pass from Mainz defender Zdenek Pospech to his keeper, side stepped a defender and smashing the ball just inside the left post. The former Dinamo Zagreb striker has now scored eight Bundesliga goals this season. After a Mainz own goal to double the score, Mainz would score two of their own in the second half to split the points at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg. Mario struggled to get anything going the rest of the match, finishing with only one shot at goal.
Mandžukić: goal(0:25), dribbling skills (1:30)
“We just stopped playing football and got scared. We let our opponents play more. I cannot say where this fear comes from because until then, we had been fully in control of things. We cannot be happy with what we have achieved so far. Of course we have got to ask ourselves why. We have sat down regularly, which we also did last year, but we don’t seem to be able to move on.”
~Wolfsburg manager, Felix Magath
PHOTO: Köln
Mato Jajalo(#19) gets robbed by Stuttgart keeper Sven Ulreich
Lukas Podolski and Christian Gentner scored two goals a piece as Köln and Stuttgart split the points with a 2-2 draw in front of 56,255 at Mercedes-Benz-Arena in Stuttgart. Mato Jajalo started and played the full 90 minutes for Köln but missed a golden opportunity in the first half after blowing a one-on-one with Stuttgart keeper Sven Ulreich. Köln stopped a two-game losing streak with the draw.
Photo: transferlist
Ivica Olić will be looking at offers from other teams this winter
Bayern München pipped the Borussia’s for first place on the Bundesliga table with an impressive 4-1 win over Wereder Bremen. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribéry each scored twice to satisfy the sell out crowd of 69,000 at Allianz-Arena. Croatian international, Ivica Olić, was left on the bench for Bayern, while Danijel Pranjić came on for Franck Ribéry in the 91st minute of play. Reports coming out of Germany suggest that both Ivica and Danijel are looking to play elsewhere this winter. Newcastle and Chelsea have expressed interest in Danijel, while Olić has only played eight times for Bayern this season as Villarreal and Wolfsburg have emerged as possible destinations for the 32-year-old.
“He has expressed his desire to play more, but he has not said he will leave Bayern. We are in talks with the club. I do not rule out that he can extend his contract, which expires in 2012. I have spoken with some Italian clubs, but I cannot say which ones. There is the possibility that he will play in a league other than the Bundesliga. In the coming weeks, things will be more clear.”
~Olić’s agent, Gordon Stipić, for Goal.com
“I have no problem to fulfill my contract. It’s not that I need to go. Now we have to wait until winter and then decide together. Maybe it’s even better if I stay until the summer, especially for my family. I spoke with coach Slaven Bilić on the situation. He wants me to get fit and healthy for the European Championships.”
~Ivica Olić for Bild
Thorsten Fink(right) determined that Mladen Petrić (left) was not fully fit this weekend
Hamburger SV continued their impressive run up the Bundesliga ladder by shutting out Nürnberg 2-0 and extending their unbeaten run to seven games. Mladen Petrić sat this one out but is getting closer to returning from injury. The Croatian international is expected to make his return against Mainz next weekend. Ivo Iličević is trying to find his form after returning from injury and played the final thirty minutes for Hamburg. The Croatian international will need to have an impressive second half of the season to secure a place on Slaven Bilić‘ EURO 2012 squad.
“We have got to take it day by day with him – he should actually have returned to training today.”
~Hamburg manager, Thorsten Fink on Mladen Petrić
PHOTO: Dortmund
Ivan Perišić
22-year-old Croatian international, Ivan Perišić, continues to wait his turn after watching Borussia Dortmund storm through the Bundesliga the past month or so. Ivan came off the bench in the 86th minute as Borussia Dortmund split the points with Borussia Mönchengladbach in a 1-1 draw at Borussia Park in Mönchengladbach. The former Hajduk Split midfielder has played a total of 69 minutes in the past five matches for The Black Yellows.
Andre Mijatović(left) with Hertha manager Markus Babbel
Andre Mijatović looked on from the bench for the first time this season as Hertha Berlin traveled to Fritz-Walter-Stadion to face Kaiserslautern on Saturday. Maik Franz received a rare start instead of Mijatović, however, the 30-year-old had to be pulled out after picking up an injury in the 38th minute. With the score tied at 1-1, Andre came in and helped Hertha register a point.
“The coach has decided to play Maik Franz instead of me. Unfortunately, Maik got hurt and I was subbed in. I think I have put on a good performance today. The point was perhaps a bit lucky, but that’s football.”
~Andre Mijatović for Bild
“Andre is and will remain our captain. I thought before the season about who to choose and I realized that there is no other. He speaks openly about all the problems, which helps me a lot and we really appreciate. And I haven’t forgot that we are in big trouble without him in the second division not too long ago. When Andre was ready, once again we were back in the right direction and ended up in the first division.”
~Hertha manager, Markus Babbel
UKRAINE
Srna (center) celebrates wunder-volley goal against Arsenal Kyiv
With all eyes on the Euro 2012 draw Friday night, Darijo Srna and Eduardo still had to clock-in as Shakhtar Donetsk hosted Arsenal Kyiv from the Donbass Arena; one of the venues for next summer’s European Championships. Srna received the start and played the full 90 minutes, scoring the game’s opening goal in the 13′ with a blistering volley from 18 yards out following a corner. Srna was left all alone outside the box and decided to go for gold as he struck the ball with what appeared to be the outside of his right foot. The ball rocketed towards goal just inside the post to give Shakhtar an early 1-0 lead. It was reminiscent of Arjen Robben’s strike from a corner two years against Manchester United in Champions League play. Robben’s was a bit cleaner, but we still have to give Srna points for the ‘shoot now, ask questions later’ mentality.
Arsenal’s Bogdan Shersun was sent off in the 29th minute for a foul on a breakaway Shakhtar player and Costa froze the goalie on the ensuing free kick to make it 2-0 home side before the break. Eduardo was subbed into the match in the 60th minute, scoring the game’s last goal in the 76th, an ‘Ivica Olić’ open tap-in just in front of the goal to make it 5-0. With the win, Shakhtar claim the lead in Ukraine by two points with Dynamo Kyiv and Ognjen Vukojević hosting Metalurg on Monday.
It’s great to see Srna showcase his potential seven months from the Euro 2012 tournament. But when will we see another goal like this from him in checkers?
SRNA VOLLEY (0:02) EDUARDO TAP IN (2:45)
Listen to the song they play for Srna during his celebration. Nice touch!
Dnipro went on a roller coaster ride Sunday in a 3-2 defeat at Illitchivets. After being down 2-0 at halftime, Croatian defender Ivan Strinić was yellow carded in the 55th minute for a dive in the box and was immediately sent off moments later after mouthing off to the ref. It didn’t appear that Strinic said anything from the video, but nonetheless he was sent off. With Dnipro down a man, they managed to score in the 58′ to cut the lead in half only for Nikola Kalinić to equalize in the 73rd with a tap-in score in front of goal via cross from the left side. The fun wouldn’t last for Dnipro as they conceded an 87th minute penalty to lose 3-2.
Strinić red card (1:28) Kalinić goal (2:20)
SCOTLAND
Nikica Jelavić scored his 10th goal of the Scottish campaign Saturday night in a match versus Dunfermline. Jelavić stepped up to the penalty spot in the 29th minute to give Rangers a 2-0 lead an eventual 2-1 win. Rivals Celtic won on Sunday to keep the Rangers lead atop the SPL table to seven points. Jelavić’s scoring has dropped since the injury to strike partner Steve Naismith. With a comfortable lead in Scotland, should Rangers sell Jelavić this winter or keep him for the time being? Newcastle United have been rumored to have an interest in the Croatian striker.
JELAVIĆ PENALTY @ 1:25
France
PHOTO: olweb.fr
Should Dejan Lovren start for Croatia at EURO 2012?
Olympique Lyon almost gave up a three-goal lead in the second half and settled for a nerve-wrecking 3-2 win over Toulouse in front of 31,028 at Stade de Gerland on Sunday. Dejan Lovren sat out this one after picking up a thigh injury in the pre-match warm-up. With the win, Lyon moved up to fourth in Ligue 1 and will be full of confidence heading into their final Champions League group game against Dinamo Zagreb on Wednesday.
“I have made progress in all areas, and also as a person. I have confidence in myself and I think I have proved that I am on that level to play here . I started to play football at seven years old, my father was my first coach in Germany. After I played for several years in a small town near Zagreb, Croatia. Then I signed with Dynamo Zagreb before joining OL. Football was not really part of the family, my father has never played. I must admit that it was not my dream of becoming a professional footballer. I do not know where I got this passion. My favorite sport was golf. I feel that the media was not kind to me. But it is the law of football. You have to build character and ignore what is said outside. If you do not trust yourself, how can you play? If you are not sure of yourself or you’re not on top form you must remain on the bench. I am focused only on Lyon. I feel good here. For now, I have not thought about my career. I will go to the end of my contract until 2014. “
~Dejan Lovren, interview with Lyon Capitale
Next Matches:
Tuesday, 12/6
Olympique Marseille at Borussia Dortmund(Champions League), Shakhtar Donetsk at APOEL(Champions League)
Wednesday, 12/7
Bayern München at Manchester City(Champions League), Olympique Lyon at Dinamo Zagreb(Champions League)
Friday, 12/9
Schalke 04 at Hertha BSC
Saturday, 12/10
Aston Villa at Bolton, Bayern München at Stuttgart, Hamburger SV at Mainz, Freiburg at Köln, Wolfsburg at Werder Bremen, Sevilla at Levante, Dynamo Kyiv at Karpaty, Chornomorets at Dnipro, Rangers at Hibernian
Sunday, 12/11
Tottenham Hotspur at Stoke City, Kaiserslautern at Borussia Dortmund, Olympique Lyon at Lorient, Shakhtar Donetsk at Kryvbas
~Ante Kvartuč and Denis Svirčić reporting from sunny Southern California, Zach Gilfix reporting from Minneapolis, MN
@Ziva, you’re the same guy who said, and I quote: “we may win AND we may lose, no shame either way”
Do you see how asinine that statement is?….LOL!
@Ziva, your reading comprehension skills are that of an imbicile. Everyone can see by reading these posts how I simply pointed out from the beginning that real loyalty can never be based on money. Because you couldn’t comprehend that, you thought I was attacking you – and you come back with “and now get my point…………” and you go on about telling me how a player gets a contract, then works towards fullfilling that contract – DUHH! NO SHIT SHERLOCK! tell us something we don’t know. My point AGAIN, is that fullfilling the responsibility of contract has nothing to do with loyalty – which you agree with, right? It’s just business right? You did say you were using the word loyalty sarcastically right?
You got bricks in your head. LOL!
100% at training? Who said that?
Wallace….you don’t get it.
money buys loyalty. money = loyalty
but keep trying little man, one day you will grow up and move out of mama’s podrum.
@anonymous……..do you really think all players give 100% at training. Are you really that naive??? Oh well, your opinion on that.
..and Bilic makes peanuts with the national team. He could have pulled the plug a long time ago making more money with several international clubs but he stayed. All about money? Maybe for you and Mamic only.
Ziva istina, you think everyone prefers to take the easy road. Players give 100% every time they step on the pitch. It’s part of what is called training. They’re professionals. Do you think they give half their effort in some games? Your speculations are a waste of everyone’s time.
BTW, CSR collective, what’s the status on the Corluka transfer to Barca?
Playing for country is one thing. Paying for club is another.
What if Modirc decides that age 29 or 30 he is done with the repka?
Ziva Istina: “Pujols was loyal to the Cardinals.”
Ziva Istina: “there is no loyalty is sports. it’s all about the money”
—————————————————————————-
There you…….go again.
And I know you weren’t being sarcastic with that first sentence I quoted here in this post.
Ziva: “oh, jadan wallace-u” – I don’t get it, how does that statement pertain to me and what I’ve posted here?
Anyway, the reason I wasn’t sure if you were being sarcastic is because you’ve posted many oxymoronic things before. One way to indicate sarcacism is to use quotes: “loyalty” – so you would type loyalty when you really mean loyalty, and type “loyalty” when you really mean un-loyalty.
And again, your reading comprehension skills are severly lacking. I said there is SOME loyalty in pro-sports; my example of Nowitski dealt with his affiliation with the Mavricks, nothing less, nothing more.
And as far as Nowitski and the German NT, I thought they came to a mutual agreement; an NBA title for Nowitski was much more probable than anything the German basketball team could accomplish, and because basketball is more of an individual sport whereby one or two guys get most of the credit, Nowitski winning argueably the most prestigous trophy in that sport is argueably more beneficial to German sporting pride than anything the German NBT could produce. Surely, if Nowitski played soccer for say Liverpool, he’d ALWAYS play on the German National Soccer team for free, no?
You make sweeping statements such as “there is no loyalty is sports. it’s all about the money”
So Modric plays for Croatia only b/c of money?
Pujols was loyal to the Cardinals.
He played at a great level for them while he was under contract and caused no trouble in the clubhouse or with his teammates.
He was out of contract, looking for a better deal and he found a better deal. Anyone crying that Pujols was not “loyal” to the Cardinals is dead wrong.
This is no different than in everyday life. Many of us work for employers or as consultant under a contract. When that contract expires you are free to look elsewhere.
At the end of the day Pujols was “loyal” to his bank account and his family. The man made the right move.
Even today’s breaking sports news in the states: Albert Pujols.
Talk about loyal.
oh, jadan wallace-u
I guess I should speak with a sarcasm key when I type for you. Do you not see the irony in my remarks about loyalty being alive when the money is involved……oh never mind.
Dirk and his loyalty; thanks for the great example………easy to be loyal when Cuban is paying him $20 plus million. And go ask the german basketball federation what they think of Dirk’s loyalty. While he has played for Germany, he has not played for them every summer. You want to know why???????? Because of the money. The German federation has not always been able to insure Dirk’s contract for summer competition. Dirk could have played without the insurance and risked injury. But, his loyalty was too his contract and the Mavs and not to his homeland.
And Tom Brady did not take less money; he took a restructured contract, there is a big difference there. He still will collect what is owned to him. And again, it is easy to “loyal” when you are paid as one of the top 3 players in your position.
Dirk, Tom Brady or any other player suffers a career-ending injury, just watch what that “loyalty” will do. No chance of that contract ever being honored.
@ Everyone:
Man U seems to be having striker injury problems. Do you think Jelavic can handle replacing the injured Chicarito?
Personally, I think Olic scores in a similar manner to Chicarito.
Did anyone see the Man City,Bayern Munchen CL game? Olic and Pranjic both started on a Bayern B team. Olic got a decent left footed near post shot off.
Look at Dirk Nowitski, he was never surrounded by the type of talent that Duncan, Kobe, Shaq, Wade, etc, were surrounded with; Nowitski could have left Dallas and jumped on someone’s bandwagan, but he showed loyalty to the organization that had the balls to draft him and helped him become a great player, and I’m sure he also developed a loyalty to his adopted city of Dallas. Of course he’s not going to play for free; why should he when everyone else is getting paid.
Look at Tom Brady in football, the guy took less money so the team would have money to spend on other good players – I think that would qualify as having at least SOME true loyalty.
Ziva Istina:
1. “there is no loyalty is sports. it’s all about the money”
2. “Money buys loyalty when it comes to soccer. Pay me and I will be loyal.”
——————————————————————————-
And Ziva says “I have a tough time understanding”….LOL!
1. You say there is NO loyalty.
2. You say there IS loyalty.
You are contradicting yourself.
And I disagree with both statements:
1. I think there is SOME loyalty in pro-sports; it can develop over time.
2. You can’t buy TRUE loyalty. That’s like saying a mail-order-bride is just as loyal to her instant husband as a bride who’s known her husband for years before they got married.
And don’t comment to me and then put me in the other group you’re talking about in your last paragraph b/c I never said anything about the Corluka-Spurs situation. You should put that last paragraph of yours in another post.
no, you just have a tough time understanding things.
Let me explain it to you…..
club soccer team + contract + match bonuses = loyalty
Money buys loyalty when it comes to soccer. Pay me and I will be loyal.
you guys view things as a fan and question why decisions are made from a fan’s point of view. Some of you guys are actually questioning why Corluka is not playing. Why should he…..the team is winning. No need to mess with what is currently a winning formula.
@Wallace….their is only one Ziva Istina!!
Ziva Istina: “And get my point………..there is no loyalty is sports. it’s all about the money.”
So then why do you keep saying “who ever pays me, get’s my ‘loyalty”? Which is it Ziva? Is there loyalty or no loyalty? You do that alot, you say completely opposite things in the same paragraph, sometimes even the same sentence. LOL!
Hot off the presses – Barcelona swoop in for Corluka and Luka for 65 million Euro! ….
Corluka is going to Barcelona?
Wow pretty crazy debate here. I’m not going to be repetive, you all said everything that needed to be said. Corluka to Barca should win “dumbest quote of the year” with their is only one ziva istina coming in 2nd for dumbest quote of the year. Also Joey Barton is amazing and I wish he was Croatian.
And get my point………..there is no loyalty is sports. it’s all about the money.
@Ziva, you didn’t get the point; the point is that that’s not “loyalty”.
Aleluja!!!!!!!!!!!
Ciganski Bosanac is back.
@Wallace………welcome to modern-day soccer. The club that will pay me the most gets my loyalty until my contract expires.
That’s how the real world works.
Ziva Istina: “If I am a player, I am loyal to whoever pays me.”
That’s the definition of un-loyalty.
Ziva Istina: “I am loyal to my employer as long as they pay me a fair and decent salary that compensates me for my time and work.”
Again, that’s not “loyalty”, it’s just business.
as for corluka vs walker argument, the main reasons walker starts over corluka is because he good young talent and has a lot of room to grow and become a top level defender where as corluka is older and his ability probably won’t be growing much more. Currently I think corluka is a better all around pure defender but walker is younger, faster, general better physical ability, better shot, and goes up on attack better. He has a lot more upside to be a very good so that is why redknapp is starting him over corluka. Corluka and kranjcar need to get a transfer to get playing time asap
Nationality sometimes does play a role at times. I don’t think that is the case here. Spurs is winning, no need for changes. Look at who Redknapp played at Portsmouth when he won the FA Cup. His squad had plenty of non-englezi on it. Bunch of Africans, Kranjcar and others.
Like Ziva said, and like I’m going to say for the third time….the kid might not be leaps and bounds above Corluka, but he works with the team. The team has been winning with Corluka out of the lineup, and Redknapp is not going to change a good thing.
WOW, if Walker is that far superior to Corluka, he must be one of the best right backs in the world.
Since Corluka is by far not one of the best defenders in the league, then no the kid wouldn’t be close to one of the best backs in the Prem/any league. Calm yourself.
i guess we need to ask our this question. If corluka and walker are of same nationality, who will harry choose?
@Raw Buffalo Fat…..time to educate you on how top-tier clubs function.
I sure didn’t criticize Modric for wanting to go to Chelsea, but I don’t buy into any of this loyalty talk that some of you are spweing. If I am a player, I am loyal to whoever pays me. Just like the real world. I am loyal to my employer as long as they pay me a fair and decent salary that compensates me for my time and work. Eventually Modric will end up at a bigger club. I give him credt for handling this better than some other players have in the past or currently do (Tevez).
As for the three backs at Spurs, i could care less for any of them. I don’t watch every game they play so I can’t comment on something I don’t see on regular basis (unlike some of you who will comment on players/game after watching a few minutes of it on a 18-inch computer screen). My point is this………..I will trust a coach like Redknapp over whiny fans on a message board who want to see a croatian player in the line up and frequently ignore a players flaws. Is Corluka better than those two??????…he might be. But, you cant argue with the results that have taken place this year and the line up selection used by the coach. That coach has the team playing at levels it never has, so Redknapp’s decision making wins out. What is so hard to understand about that.
to me, it seems you are pissed because Corluka is not getting playing time? You think he deserves more.
No need for a coach to change his line up and style when the current method is winning games. Corluka at this point gives that team depth, but he is not worthy of a starting 11 spot according to his coach. Now, take off the homer glasses and you can see more clearly.
Class dismissed.
I agree that Corluka is good enough to play for Barcelona. He’s one of the best defenders in the world.
WOW, if Walker is that far superior to Corluka, he must be one of the best right backs in the world. I am sure Chelsea and AC Milan will be knocking on Tottenham’s door to grab him. Look out Ivanovic and Abate, here comes a fast Englishman.
Some of you should replace your grb with a union jack.
People that make absurd statements such as the ”corluka can start for barca” infuriate me. If you dont know what you’re talking about DONT POST. Educate yourself first so you dont sound like a complete fool.
Oh and btw WALKER>CORLUKA
Take off the rosy glasses and make sure to watch the entire game. Yes, Corluka has some great attributes, but he also does get beat quite often.
If you look at what Walker has been able to do in this short time span, I’d say he’s been a pretty great defender so far. On a club level and internationally he’s shown that he can hang. Corluka’s experience and skill on the ball beat Walker out, but Walker is an Englishman playing in an English league. He’s a better fit within Redknapp’s system because he’s been playing that style since he was a little tyke.
@Raw Buffalo Fat
“Do you remember Corluka during Champion’s League last season? He was an animal against some of the best in the world. I am thrilled that he is on the NT.”
He was an animal! He shut Ronaldo down brilliantly!
@Golden Child:
I agree that Walker is faster and younger. He makes mistakes defensively and can’t pass as well as Corluka.
I don’t know what parameters you are using for “better defending” other than speed. I don’t have access to how much either player can squat,dead lift etc., but Corluka appears to be bigger and stronger.
Do you remember Corluka during Champion’s League last season? He was an animal against some of the best in the world. I am thrilled that he is on the NT.
Bomba s Otoka: Mamić u Engleskoj prodaje Vrsaljka i Kovačića!
http://gol.dnevnik.hr/clanak/hnl/bomba-s-otoka-mamic-u-engleskoj-prodaje-vrsaljka-i-kovacica.html
Kovačić blizu Manchester Cityja?
http://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/kovacic-blizu-manchester-cityja/587048.aspx
Raw Buffalo Fat just made Ziva Istina eat raw buffalo fat
Do you think Hutton (last year) or Walker (this season) are better at RB than Corluka?
I don’t think Hutton was better than Corluka, but I think he had that toughness and grit that you wouldn’t get from Corluka. Hutton brought attitude and swagger, and even though his game may not have been as polished, he struck fear into the guys he was defending.
I think he was chosen over Corluka because that’s the mentality Harry wanted to carry in the back. Once Bale moved up from left back to left wing, Harry had all the speed and finesse he needed up top. From there, he just wanted to make sure the back four became a brick wall.
Walker –
Definitely better. Stronger, younger, faster, and a better defender with a deadly shot if you need it. All things that the English loooooooveee in their footballers.
I’m not trying to come down on Corluka, but just trying to answer your question to the best of my knowledge.
To the guy that said Corluka to Barcelona….
– Maybe you should have said he’s better fit in the Spanish game. His style and technique would probably fit a little better out there.
@IvicA
One of my clients has a British receptionist. She is hot! Reminds me of a young Liz Hurley. Anyhew, during one of our chats we happened to discuss the EPL. So I asked her who her favorite EPL team was. Her answer was, “anyone but Manchester United.” 🙂
I don’t hate Man U, I just feel better when they are not around. 🙂 Just kidding. I will cheer for Luka wherever he goes because he is my leader. 🙂 Although, Sir Alex Ferguson has the uncanny ability of talking his players out of playing for their National sides before there time is due.
Cantona(29), Scholes(29), Berbatov(28), and Vidic(29).
The Ibrahimovic purchase and sale one year later is because Ibra is a head case. Great talent and goal scorer, no question about it, but a head case all the same. Guardiola and Ibra despise each other. Therefore, he had to go.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgyJR-1LYvE
@Ziva: My point is that Modric was heavily criticized for wanting to go to Chelsea. Why should he be any more loyal than the team he plays for? Who cares if Tottenham were in the Champion’s League last year. This is big boy football and Chelsea consistently has the resources to qualify.
For someone who has no shortage of opinions, you suddenly can’t make an objective evaluation of three right backs. You are purposely snarky and argumentative.
My interest is in the Cro player, not the individual club. Perhaps you are a bigger fan of English teams than Croatian players. I am not. We all know Harry Rednapp is a great coach, but this not the Harry Rednapp fan club website.
Would anyone on this site mention Tottenham if not for the Croats on the payroll?
Loyalty to players??????
What are a you a coach of a 12-yr old team. Listen, this is big boy soccer. You are loyal to a player as long as he performs and warrants selection to play. Loyalty goes out the window once you stop producing – as it should.
What Kranjcar did a few seasons ago has no impact if he should be in the starting 11 this year for Spurs. That holds true for everyone.
to answer your question…..I have no idea if Hutton or Walker are better. But, that is up to the coach to make that decision. And I trust Harry…looks what he has done with this team since he started with them. he got them into the CL – first time ever. he has them in the top 3 right now – when was the last time that took place. Plus, the guy won an FA Cup with Portsmouth. That is enough for me to trust his call on giving Corluka playing time.
Stop looking at this with the homer glasses and look at what is best for that club and not what is best for a cro player.
Who cares about the EPL or any particular team. I want what is best for our players. If Modric can get better pay, training and consistent CL experience, I am all for him going to Chelsea.
These teams have no loyalty to the players. Am I the only one that remembers Kranjcar goal streak that helped Tottenham qualify for CL?
@Ziva: Do you think Hutton (last year) or Walker (this season) are better at RB than Corluka?
I was all about Modric going to ManU, and I still stand by that.
It woould be amazing for his career to go there, and Sir Alex Ferguson wants him just as bad as Villas-Boas does.
P.S. Yes, Barcelona would be a good place for Luka too, but that team is out of control. They buy players just for the sake of spending on the next big name. The Ibrahimovic purchase, then sale (one year later) was a perfect example of this.
Modric Rakitic Srna Olic Corluka Simunic when he was younger Petric Eduardo of this national team can make it in a big club and be repected in my opinion the rest of our national team are ok player AND I AM FINE WITH THAT when croatia play we need everyone healthy then we are competative. my squad of euro 2012 Again i am not the coach i am just giving my opinion would be
Golmani Pletikosa Kelava and not sure on 3 keeper
Obrana Corluka Simunic Scifo Vida Lovren Vrsaljko Strinic Pamic
Vezni Modric Rakitic Ilicevic Perisic Kranjcar Dujmovic Vukojevic Jajalo
Napad Eduardo Olic Mandzukic Klasnic Petric(Jelavic)
We have an interesting debate going on. All of you made excellent points besides anonymous with “Corluka to start for Barcelona.” Get off the pooky dude!
Ziva istina is right about the $$$ and having a better chance in champs league. In the end it all comes down to $$$$.
If I was Modric last summer, I would have stayed at Tottenham, focus on qualifying for champs league, qualifying croatia for the euro and being fresh for the euro.
So far, the plan is working. How many players complain about waaaaaay too many games ahead of a big tournament? Modric will play one game a week for the rest of the season, play the euro, and then, most likely, dont want to jinx them, play champions league with Tottenham next season.
By the way, Chelsea fans suck. I was at Stamford bridge a year or so before abramovic showed up. West London is like Beverly Hills. I was more impressed watching Fulham down the road a few days later.
@Toronto Croatia,
“And why do some of you think Modric would be sitting on the bench at Chelsea?”
We are not saying that he will be sitting on the bench. Modric might start a few games, struggle, and start coming off the bench. Plenty of good players on the Chelsea bench. While Tottenham do not have a replacement for Modric. Without MOdric and VDV, Tottenham are struggling to stay out of the relegation zone.
There is a greater chance for Modric to ride the bench at Chelsea than at Tottenham. The spurs dont have a replacement.
@Mihovil,
I wouldnt mind seeing Modric in Spain. Not a fan of the Italian league.
@T.O.CROATIA
Prestigious as in potential? Absolutely. Much like Man City is right now. But when I think of prestigious in England, it’s only Man U. and Liverpool. Chelsea don’t deserve anymore credit than the Tottenhams, West Hams, and Arsenals that have won in several different eras. Maybe it’s just me, but I really hope that Tottenham finish ahead of Chelsea, and Terry, Cole, Lampard, Czech, Drogba (I know he’s starting to come on. Probably trying to play himself elsewhere) start playing even worse!
I am an Arsenal fan! And as weird as it’s had to be, I love watching Spurs when they’re led by Luka!
@Ziva Istina
Yeah their European ambition does look pretty weak compared to some other clubs. I think a lot depends on where they finish this year. If they finish top 4 he could stay. I personally hope Luka carries them into a top 2 finish and he carries his play right into June!
I wouldn’t say Chelsea have done nothing in Europe. They made a CL final and have multiple semifinal appearances. I think they HAVE done something in Europe. They lack a trophy.
The reason modric wanted to leave Spurs is because of the money. Chelsea offered much more cash than what he was making. Spurs needed and wanted to keep him and had to up his wages. I still doubt Modric will be at Spurs for another 18 months unless Spurs is able to compete for the EPL. This is a nice run right now, but I am not sure if they can keep it up. It helps that they are not in the CL this year and they don’t seem to have high ambitions with the Europa League. That is there chance while the other EPL teams at the top are in the CL battling it out.
@ Poglavnik – ‘I love how Chelsea are now considered “prestigious” by some people.’
Do those ‘some people’ include Luka himself… and Daneil Levy?
Thats what the whole ‘principle’ behind the transfer according to Modric.
Modric stated that him and Daniel Levy had a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between them that he would be allowed to move if a bigger club came for him.
According to some of you guys, Modric is wrong? And Chelsea is not a bigger and more prestigious club?
And why do some of you think Modric would be sitting on the bench at Chelsea? Who in their right mind thinks that Villas-Boas is trying (and spending) to sign Modric…..just to have him sit on the bench?
As I said, Tottenham is playing well right now (which I’m happy with because of their Croatian contingent on the team)…but if Modric went to Chelsea and was feeding passes to guys like Drogba, Sturridge, Torres, you would see a way more dominant Chelsea team…and Villas-Boas knows this.
I love how Chelsea are now considered “prestigious” by some people. Ten years ago it was Tottenham that had a more “prestigious” history, but now a Russian billionaire buys them, they win a couple of league titles (nothing in Europe) and people consider them with other elite teams. The biggest things Chelsea have ever had going for them are a great fan base, and now Abramovich. Tottenham would be just as good a club to play for. There’s less pressure from your crazy owner, and you’re still living in London. Don’t be surprised if Modric and the Spurs finish ahead of “prestigious” Chelsea.
@Armada
I’d sign Charlie to the Barca “B” team.
Barca are full of so many pussies that they could use a Hrvat!
Corluka wouldn’t make the Barca B team…
Bahahaha corluka good enough for Barcelona! Are you drunk?
Has any club bought a 50 million euro player and had him sit on the bench? Modric and Corluka are good enough to start with Barcelona.
@TheGoldenChild
Great assessment. Although I think he is physical considering his stature and quite athletic.
My concern is the lower end hack league of the EPL and his health going forward. Also the amount of extra games the EPL plays in conjunction to other leagues can grind him down as well and put more mileage on his engine over the course of his career and hurt him going into tournament play. This is all for not as he will not be going to another league any time soon.
His ability cannot be questioned. The guy is truly magical in every sense of the word!
I would love to see Modric in Barcelona one day replacing Xavi as he will be turning 32 in January. They do have Fabregas but I think Barcelona would easily welcome back the reincarnation of Johan Cruyff. It’s a pipe dream I know but just give Luka some room to move around and not worry about his ankles being hacked off to show his true wizardry. Look at Rakitic enjoying himself in Spain. He can breath out there in the Spanish midfields! I just cringe everytime I see boneheads like Ryan Shawcross, Joey Barton, Richard Dunne, Míchel Salgado, and Grant Holt just to name a few try and tackle Luka. Although not lower end teams, let us not forget about John Terry and Nigel De Jong just to put the cherries on top. I love aggressive football, but at anytime these boneheads can really do some damage.
I worry about Luka’s future in the EPL. He can get hurt in any league but the percentages are much higher in the EPL. Ask Eduardo and he will tell you the same thing. This guy is our future and we have to watch out for him!
@Ziva Istina,
Yes, you are right about everyone jumping on Redknapp about not playing Kranjcar and Corluka. All that I said was that they should shoot for a transfer. Harry is no idiot.
Allen
I don’t think it’s a lacking of chemistry bud. The way Villa Boas has them playing is different from the style they are used to playing. They play dangerous high back line, and they’ve been getting caught frequently. Sure they have their fair share of players acting up, but I don’t see a lack of chemistry. Denis put it nicely when he said, “The Tottenham experiment is working.
@Mihovil
I think Modric is a perfect fit in the EPL. Like man of the La Liga players who come over, Modric flourishes with athletes around him. He may not be as physical or as athletic, but he is the brains of the operation. He’s able to ping balls around the pitch to his pleasing, while guys like Bale and Defoe run their brains out. Sure he’d do well in the other leagues, but I think EPL suits him.
@Toronto
Yup.
@ziva
….
Colin O’Haravić knew all along Tottenham and Redknapp had everything figured out (woah, just went Ziva 3rd person on you). There is no way I ever wanted Modric to go to Chelsea and I stand by that. Why would anyone want that? What denotes a “prestigious” club? I think Tottenham is pretty prestigious right now and Modric is still starting and getting tons of playing time. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Wait a minute????? All this love for Tottenham now. Were some (not all) of you not the same people earlier this calendar year complaining that Redknapp had no clue what he was doing because Kranjcar and Corluka were not regulars in the line up.
(warning, warning…..about to go third person on you)
And didn’t Ziva Istina tell you that Redknapp was a damn good coach (FA Cup at Portsmouth is proof to that) and knew what he was doing.
Typical hater you are Goldenchild. You still would want Modric going to Chelsea. Don’t you see Chelsea is a place where their is no stability. They have no chemistry either and it’s not a good place. Tottenham is where they have loyalty and have chemistry with a feel good taste. Also look at the table, look who is before Chelsea. Everyone hated on Tottenham in August saying they were crap like Andrej (who has disappeared). Yet look who’s on top of the table and who is the one that called it! This is why I’m overjoyed because I sure called it and it will stay that way.
Modric would perform well wherever he plays…I’m very confident of that.
I would like to see Modric go to Chelsea for one reason….because in football, you never know how short a carreer could be, and I want to see Croatians playing for PRESTIGIOUS clubs.
With that being said however… Tottenham is a very exciting team to watch play (in my opinion moreso than Chelsea). Tottenham is in great form so far and it would be unfortunate to see any trades cause a downward spiral.
Modric will play good wherever he goes. This just in, Modric is good! 🙂
However, the EPL is not where he should be.
In no particular order he should be playing his football in La Liga, Serie A, or the Bundesliga. The EPL midfield is way too dangerous for him as the lower half teams are hacks. He broke his leg just prior to the England Croatia WC 2010 qualifier and my spidey senses tell me something like that might happen again. Hopefully this is not the case! The EPL plays more games than any other league as there is no winter break. “One” of the reasons England never plays well at the world/tournament stage is because they are running on fumes come tournament time. Players from the other leagues are fresher and have more energy going into the tournaments.
Who’s kidding who, the money is in the EPL and Luka is not going anywhere. But I wish he would for his and our National teams future.
@goldenchild,
Yes, you are right. Mata did come over as plan B for Chelsea. Also, there isnt a right or wrong answer on should he or shouldn’t he jump to Chelsea. The only thing that we do know is that Tottenham are firing on all cylinders and Modric is playing 90 minutes. Chelsea will always have a better chance at champions league and silverware. However, Tottenham have made it clear that they are here to compete for a champs league spot. Also, I can care less if Modric wins the champs league or EPL title. All I care about is that he plays 90 minutes against some of the best competition in the world to prepare him for the national team.
All I am saying is that right now the Tottenham experiment is working. Modric is behaving himself and seems happy with life in North London. What would have happened at Chelsea we will never know.
I agree with you, but I don’t think he’d be riding the bench at all at Chelsea. If Modric comes over, that means Mata doesn’t make the trip over. So Modric fits into Mata’s role, or they scoot Lampard over to drop Modric in the middle, as I’m not really sure how much he would like playing in that left spot.
http://www.zonalmarking.net/2011/12/03/newcastle-0-3-chelsea-tactics-mata-sturridge/
Chelsea is also going through a majooooooor revamp. Villa Boas is trying to transform the team into his playing style, which the older players are not really flowing with. For all you know, maybe they bring over Modric and Villa Boas dumps Lampard to pick up Mata. Probably would never happen, but let’s say it did all go down. You then have to firecrackers in the mid, pulling strings for Chelsea and you’re banking on a good Drogba, Sturridge, and potentially better Torres.
Tottenham on the other hand made some moves of their own. Adebayor had been playing poorly in Spain, and nobody really knew how he would do. So far, he’s done pretty well. Scott Parker was also a huge pickup, as he’s been playing his face off.
If you asked me to make that same decision in the beginning of the year, I would have told you to send him still.
http://www.emirates247.com/premier-league/chelsea-willing-to-swap-lampard-for-modric-2011-12-04-1.431248
Modric for Lampard?
Tottenham are not that stupid are they?
@goldenchild,
You are right, I “have no idea what impact he could have made at Chelsea.” The only thing that I do know is what he has done at tottenham up to this point. Dont want to jinx anything, but would be nice to see the Spurs in Champs League.
More importantly, I like how Modric has handled the situation after going public requesting a trade to chelsea earlier in the year. Modric has been a professional and surely has matured and learned a lesson from all this.
Besides Rakitic and Mandzukic, who else has been producing for their clubs this year?
Hasnt played: Olic, Pranjic, Eduardo, Dujmovic, Perisic, Corluka, Kranjcar,
Play for mediocre clubs in a mediocre league: Kalinic, Strinic, Jelavic, Vida, Simunic, Pamic, Schildenfeld
Croatia would be in big trouble if Modric was riding the bench at Chelsea.
@Denis
“Modric to Chelsea would have been a mistake.”
Pllleasssssseeee. Easy to say now. You have no idea what impact he could have made at Chelsea.
Thanks to Stipe Lasic and our “fan club” from Cleveland for this link.
Go vote:
http://www.uefa.com/community/teamoftheyear/index.html
Yes, Lovren has potential but he’s made too many mistakes on a big level (national team). I think the back line used against Turkey played very well together.
As for Modric, he deserves more pay-whether that’s through Tottenham or Chelsea. Levy needs to loosen the purse strings or Modric is gone. It would be nice to seem him guide Chelsea through to the top in the new year too.
Sevilla wins 3-0. Rakitic plays full game and gets 2 assists
@Denis Svirčić
You’re welcome. He is world class and for my money one of the best players in the world @ the job he does. There is no doubt.
It looks like our friendly in February will be against Sweden. Two more friendlies are scheduled for May leading into the Euros and it looks as though the “Eduardo/Bilic” issue was not an issue. Thankfully.
http://www.hrt.hr/index.php?id=37&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=141891&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=34&cHash=7ca50b6a8f
Where are my “Luka Modric to Chelsea” people?
Tottenham is 10-1-2 after 13 games and is only 2 points back of ManU with a game in hand. Luka has started 11 of the 13 games and played 90 minutes in 9 of them. The Spurs brought in Brad Friedel, Scott Parker, and Emmanuel Adebayor.
Modric to Chelsea would have been a mistake. Modric is our only player at this moment that is having a great club season so far.
@Mihovil,
Thanks for the link buddy. Glad to see that someone appreciates Modric.
@Poglavnik,
Hopefully, we see Lovren on the bench. However, knowing Bilic, I think he starts against Ireland.
@AZ,
Call me pessimistic, but I’m not too confident of progressing to the quarterfinals as of this moment. With new information, my opinion will change. As of right now, I have us finishing 3rd. Italy only gave up 2 goals the entire qualifying campaign and with our shaky defense? Also, Ireland are no walk in the park. The Irish will be like the Swiss of 2004.
Besides all this negativity, qualifying is a huge accomplishment for us. We have a good chance to progress, I will support the boys till the end and enjoy the ride.
Lovren scares the crap out of me!
I don’t wanna see him near the pitch this summer unless he show’s some major strides from now til then at both club and national levels.
He just seems mentally weaker than our other options, and you don’t want that when the pressure is on in June.
Formation Geek: Deep-lying Midfielders – Luka Modric
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTBV9mfI-b8&feature=player_embedded
@AZ
Rakitic does not play until Monday (Today) vs Getafe.
Why are rakitic or bilic not mentioned?
Are the national team players ready for euro2012?
The following players are either injured and no first team football in their clubs:
Runje, Corluka, Strinic, Cale, Kranjcar, Perisic, Dujmovic, Pranjic, Iličević, Olic, Eduardo, Petric, Off form jelavic, Lakic..
Are we good enough to face itay and ireland then????