The Los Angeles Lakers will not take part in the 2018 NBA playoffs. It was a stretch for the purple and gold to make the playoffs and most with common knowledge on NBA would have easily laughed off any suggestions or fan theory on how the Lakers would make the playoffs. The Lakers sit in the 11th spot with a record of 33 wins and 41 losses.
The race for the 8th seed and final playoff spot is still being wildly contested between the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, and the Utah Jazz. Minnesota cannot afford any slip ups in their final games or they can see themselves not only fall to the 8th seed, but realistically miss the playoffs all together.
The Lakers had the chance to make the playoffs this year, but it seems they are content with just being overall more competitive than the previous years. Which I agree and admit that this year watching Laker games at home or at a sports bar were worth paying for the beers I drank. Now to finish the season off strong and wait for the playoffs to end and head towards the free agency that will definitely conjure up plenty of surprises, not just for the Lakers but for the entire league.
The season isn't over, heck, the playoffs haven't even began. I can't wait for playoff basketball. My favorite team wont participate, but this league has excellent teams that provide skillful and exciting basketball. Now to watch the remaining regular season games to see where teams finish to cement their playoffs spot.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
World Cup Power Rankings w/explanations
The FIFA men's world cup is approaching fast. Soon the world will set their sights on Russia for the 2018 tournament. There are a few notable nations that failed to qualify for the world cup final stage. Italy, Netherlands, Chile, and the United States are the teams that disappointingly failed to reach the tournament. Of the four teams Italy is the only one to have won the world cup (4x) and the Netherlands have reached the final 3 times only to lose all three. Chile is a team with exceptional players and could have easily been a dark horse this summer. The disappointment of the United States failure is based more on the fact that the CONCACAF is a relatively easier qualification process due to the presumed lack of strength by the competition.
But, the tournament isn't going to be won by a team that isn't there. The teams that are there, all 32, have the same chance and number of games required of them,7, to win the tournament. However, some teams are better equipped to lift the world cup.
1. Brazil
Why are they number 1? The 5x world cup champions eased through their qualification. The Brazilian team finished 10 points ahead of 2nd place Uruguay, in which I would argue is the most difficult region to qualify to the world cup do to their format and quality of the top 6 teams in the 10 team CONMEBOL confederation.
Why doubt them? Brazil hasn't fared well lately in the past World Cup tournaments. Since winning the 2002 World cup Brazil has been eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, Netherlands, and in a semi-final where they were humiliated, on their on soil, by a German side that went on to win it all. It doesn't help that their star player, Neymar, will be coming back from injury right around the start of the tournament.
It has been 16 years since Brazil last lifted a world cup trophy. For their standards that is a drought, but the reason they are my number one spot is for the fact that they are Brazil. Yes, Neymar is an excellent player and will be missed if he isn't fully fit. This team isn't the same one from four years ago who will collapse due to a few injuries. This team may not play as inspirational as past generations, but can definitely win 7 games.
2. Germany
Why number 2? Germany is a power house, plain and simple. Their model on developing players and how the federation invested heavily on youth programs has come into fruition. The Die Mannschaft won the world cup four times and are the current champions after their triumph in Brazil. Most will probably have Germany as their number 1, but at this point it's just preference. Germany had a relatively easy time progressing through their group to qualify for Russia.
Why doubt them? To summarize, you don't. The only issue I see this team having is the Goalkeeper situation as Neuer has been injured for a majority of the season and ter Stegen playing well for an undefeated Barcelona team could easily force Neuer to sit on the bench as the number 2 Goalkeeper.
This is a problem that most managers wouldn't mind. Having two world class goalkeepers is the least of the team's problem and if that is the biggest issue the German side has than they are sitting in pretty good shape heading into the tournament.
3. Spain
Why number 3? Spain has a squad with talent and depth to spare.That can be seen through jealous or admirable, or even both, eyes from anyone who isn't Spanish or cares for their success.
Why doubt them? Spain had a horrible world cup in Brazil. One can easily point out that if could have been stagnation or a world cup hang over from previously winning the 2010 world cup and 2012 Euros.
Spain is a team that hasn't performed to their expected standard in the last two major international tournaments (2014 World Cup and Euros 2016), but with the talent this Spanish side has it difficult to see this national side repeat their failures from the 2014 summer tournament in Brazil.
4. Argentina
Why fourth? The Argentinian side is full of attacking players. They also have in Messi arguably the best player in the world. Just give the ball to Messi and any team has a chance on winning the match. The head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, tends to get his teams to be organized and if he can do that with the Argentinian national side for the summer then this team has a chance on reaching the final again.
Why doubt them? The 2x world cup champions lost to Germany in the final in Brazil and were eliminated by them as well in the previous two world cups when the two sides met in the quarter-finals. And Messi had to save the team on the last match in qualifications from being one of the more recognizable national teams from failing to make the world cup. Argentina may have the best player, but the rest of the team tends to fall short when they put on the Albiceleste jersey.
5. France
Why fifth? I am aware the French national side lost the Euros 2016 final to Portugal. However, the French national team has notably better and younger talent that makes this a team for the future. Yet, there is enough experience on the team to propel Les Bleus to reach the latter round of the knock-out stages.
Why doubt them? The French side is hindered by having excellent players all across the board. The issue with them is how their head coach, Didier Deschamps, will line up the team, how will they play, and move them forward. Which tends to be the criticism he is getting by the French press to this day and the world cup is less than 100 days away.
6. Portugal
Why sixth? The Portuguese won the Euro 2016 in France with Ronaldo sidelined on the bench due to injury. This means that one can't solely judge this national side solely on the status of their star player. Ronaldo is picking form again at the right time for his club team. If he can bring that form into the world cup then Portugal will be a team that can easily challenge the more well established national teams.
Why doubt them? They tied with Switzerland on points during the qualifying stage only to get the automatic birth to the world cup due to goal difference. Yes, they did win the Euros 2016, but they did it in a fashion that most would classify their triumph to Greece in 2004 than Spain.
7. Uruguay
Why seventh? Uruguay finished 2nd in the CONMEBOL qualifications and have a team with a rough defense that will trouble the world's best attacking players and on the other end have goal scoring pair other teams will have trouble stopping in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Stuani is having an excellent season with Girona as well.
Why doubt them? The midfield is usually designed to make sure the back line isn't easily exposed. Making the overall team play very defensive and can leave their excellent strikers to fend for themselves.
8. England
Why 8th? The English have a manager in Gareth Southgate and if Henry Kane is healthy and in his top goal scoring form then England has a chance to silence the critics (mainly themselves) in being great underachievers.
Why doubt them? To keep it simple they are England. I am a harsh critic of the English in the footballing world due to a variety of factors. One of them is that i disagree that they are underachievers. I just think the English need to come to terms and realize they were never an elite footballing nation on the international stage. That being said, I actually would prefer this English side to win the tournament.
9. Colombia
Why ninth? For the footballing romantic Colombia is the team to root for. A team that is suppose to be more defensive than their play displays due to their Jose Pekerman, the Colombian national team coach, more tactical defensive approach towards the game. With players such as James Rodriguez, Falcao, and Cuadrado can make any team exciting to watch going forward on the counter.
Why doubt them? The Colombian national side captured the hearts of fans during the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Only to be defeated 2-1 by Brazil in a match that displayed the brutal and physical side when two CONMEBOL sides play each other. Colombia may be fun to watch, but can't hold their own against more physical teams. Add the quality of the top European teams on this list and it's difficult to see this national side as anything but an underdog.
10. Belgium
Why 10th? Belgium has a talented squad from Courtois in goal, a midfield with the likes of De Bruyne, and an attack that consists of Eden Hazard and Lukaku. A golden generation in some sort of way that has an opportunity to upset any of the favorites this summer.
Why doubt them? They lost to Wales in France during the 2016 Euros. For all the talent that this Belgium side may have, the probability of them being a wasted generation seems more likely than this side lifting up any major international trophy.
But, the tournament isn't going to be won by a team that isn't there. The teams that are there, all 32, have the same chance and number of games required of them,7, to win the tournament. However, some teams are better equipped to lift the world cup.
1. Brazil
Why are they number 1? The 5x world cup champions eased through their qualification. The Brazilian team finished 10 points ahead of 2nd place Uruguay, in which I would argue is the most difficult region to qualify to the world cup do to their format and quality of the top 6 teams in the 10 team CONMEBOL confederation.
Why doubt them? Brazil hasn't fared well lately in the past World Cup tournaments. Since winning the 2002 World cup Brazil has been eliminated in the quarter-finals by France, Netherlands, and in a semi-final where they were humiliated, on their on soil, by a German side that went on to win it all. It doesn't help that their star player, Neymar, will be coming back from injury right around the start of the tournament.
It has been 16 years since Brazil last lifted a world cup trophy. For their standards that is a drought, but the reason they are my number one spot is for the fact that they are Brazil. Yes, Neymar is an excellent player and will be missed if he isn't fully fit. This team isn't the same one from four years ago who will collapse due to a few injuries. This team may not play as inspirational as past generations, but can definitely win 7 games.
2. Germany
Why number 2? Germany is a power house, plain and simple. Their model on developing players and how the federation invested heavily on youth programs has come into fruition. The Die Mannschaft won the world cup four times and are the current champions after their triumph in Brazil. Most will probably have Germany as their number 1, but at this point it's just preference. Germany had a relatively easy time progressing through their group to qualify for Russia.
Why doubt them? To summarize, you don't. The only issue I see this team having is the Goalkeeper situation as Neuer has been injured for a majority of the season and ter Stegen playing well for an undefeated Barcelona team could easily force Neuer to sit on the bench as the number 2 Goalkeeper.
This is a problem that most managers wouldn't mind. Having two world class goalkeepers is the least of the team's problem and if that is the biggest issue the German side has than they are sitting in pretty good shape heading into the tournament.
3. Spain
Why number 3? Spain has a squad with talent and depth to spare.That can be seen through jealous or admirable, or even both, eyes from anyone who isn't Spanish or cares for their success.
Why doubt them? Spain had a horrible world cup in Brazil. One can easily point out that if could have been stagnation or a world cup hang over from previously winning the 2010 world cup and 2012 Euros.
Spain is a team that hasn't performed to their expected standard in the last two major international tournaments (2014 World Cup and Euros 2016), but with the talent this Spanish side has it difficult to see this national side repeat their failures from the 2014 summer tournament in Brazil.
4. Argentina
Why fourth? The Argentinian side is full of attacking players. They also have in Messi arguably the best player in the world. Just give the ball to Messi and any team has a chance on winning the match. The head coach, Jorge Sampaoli, tends to get his teams to be organized and if he can do that with the Argentinian national side for the summer then this team has a chance on reaching the final again.
Why doubt them? The 2x world cup champions lost to Germany in the final in Brazil and were eliminated by them as well in the previous two world cups when the two sides met in the quarter-finals. And Messi had to save the team on the last match in qualifications from being one of the more recognizable national teams from failing to make the world cup. Argentina may have the best player, but the rest of the team tends to fall short when they put on the Albiceleste jersey.
5. France
Why fifth? I am aware the French national side lost the Euros 2016 final to Portugal. However, the French national team has notably better and younger talent that makes this a team for the future. Yet, there is enough experience on the team to propel Les Bleus to reach the latter round of the knock-out stages.
Why doubt them? The French side is hindered by having excellent players all across the board. The issue with them is how their head coach, Didier Deschamps, will line up the team, how will they play, and move them forward. Which tends to be the criticism he is getting by the French press to this day and the world cup is less than 100 days away.
6. Portugal
Why sixth? The Portuguese won the Euro 2016 in France with Ronaldo sidelined on the bench due to injury. This means that one can't solely judge this national side solely on the status of their star player. Ronaldo is picking form again at the right time for his club team. If he can bring that form into the world cup then Portugal will be a team that can easily challenge the more well established national teams.
Why doubt them? They tied with Switzerland on points during the qualifying stage only to get the automatic birth to the world cup due to goal difference. Yes, they did win the Euros 2016, but they did it in a fashion that most would classify their triumph to Greece in 2004 than Spain.
7. Uruguay
Why seventh? Uruguay finished 2nd in the CONMEBOL qualifications and have a team with a rough defense that will trouble the world's best attacking players and on the other end have goal scoring pair other teams will have trouble stopping in Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani. Stuani is having an excellent season with Girona as well.
Why doubt them? The midfield is usually designed to make sure the back line isn't easily exposed. Making the overall team play very defensive and can leave their excellent strikers to fend for themselves.
8. England
Why 8th? The English have a manager in Gareth Southgate and if Henry Kane is healthy and in his top goal scoring form then England has a chance to silence the critics (mainly themselves) in being great underachievers.
Why doubt them? To keep it simple they are England. I am a harsh critic of the English in the footballing world due to a variety of factors. One of them is that i disagree that they are underachievers. I just think the English need to come to terms and realize they were never an elite footballing nation on the international stage. That being said, I actually would prefer this English side to win the tournament.
9. Colombia
Why ninth? For the footballing romantic Colombia is the team to root for. A team that is suppose to be more defensive than their play displays due to their Jose Pekerman, the Colombian national team coach, more tactical defensive approach towards the game. With players such as James Rodriguez, Falcao, and Cuadrado can make any team exciting to watch going forward on the counter.
Why doubt them? The Colombian national side captured the hearts of fans during the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Only to be defeated 2-1 by Brazil in a match that displayed the brutal and physical side when two CONMEBOL sides play each other. Colombia may be fun to watch, but can't hold their own against more physical teams. Add the quality of the top European teams on this list and it's difficult to see this national side as anything but an underdog.
10. Belgium
Why 10th? Belgium has a talented squad from Courtois in goal, a midfield with the likes of De Bruyne, and an attack that consists of Eden Hazard and Lukaku. A golden generation in some sort of way that has an opportunity to upset any of the favorites this summer.
Why doubt them? They lost to Wales in France during the 2016 Euros. For all the talent that this Belgium side may have, the probability of them being a wasted generation seems more likely than this side lifting up any major international trophy.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Send in the Reinforcements (2018 World Cup)
FIFA International
News for World Cup 2018
The FIFA men’s World cup is around
the corner and Russia will host the 2018 tournament. That isn’t news to most
who follow the beautiful game. What is news is that FIFA approved rule changes
that will be in effect this summer. VAR, Video Assistant Referee, which is the
most controversial of the new rules, is one of them. There are a few managers
and sports pundits who despise the introduction of VAR into the game, stating
that it will ruin the game for the fans by slowing down the continuity and
speed of the game. Depending who one might ask of whether VAR is a good or bad
idea, or whether one likes it or not will definitely vary, but no matter how
one feels about it VAR will be in use this summer.
The other two rules that most
likely went under the radar due to the emphasis on VAR on most soccer shows is
the introduction of teams having a fourth substitute available if the game goes
into extra time. The second rule is the ability to transfer data to the
technical area for coaching purposes. I will go out on a limb and state that
the latter rule is more of a formality because I am certain coaching staff were
already receiving information.
However, the rule that I think will
shape the world cup is the fourth available substitute. This will allow for
coaches to plan for a tactical shift in extra time by putting in a fresh new
player. Whether the coach decides to put in a more attacking minded or
defensive minded player, the fans will benefit almost as much as the two teams
playing in extra time. The fans will be able to see the thought process of
their national team’s coach based on the player they put in and which player
they take out and potentially eliminating the occasional dreadful 30 minutes
of play where both teams are depleted and exhausted waiting for the final
whistle to finish the match via a penalty shootout.
Now the coach doesn’t have to
decide whether to save their last substitute for extra time or put in the 3rd
and final substitute in during regular time to win it before the match even
goes into extra time. This will allow the coaches to implement their plan and
allocate all 3 substitutes during the 90 minutes of the match. This new rule
will not eliminate the games between an international power house versus a
national side content on making the tournament more exciting, but it is a rule
that should have been adopted sooner as I see it only benefits the game in a
positive manner.
Of the three rules that will be in
effect this summer in Russia, VAR will most likely take the headlines and be in
the majority of the talking points, but I can see the additional substitute in
extra time being a decisive factor as the tournament reaches the knockout
stages.
Monday, March 19, 2018
Lakers have a Shot...
Lakers have a Shot…..
The Los Angeles Lakers are still in the playoff hunt. A lot
has changed from a week ago. A quick recap, the Lakers won two and lost two.
Which isn’t necessarily bad, but they did not make up any ground. The Utah Jazz
had the biggest jump from 10th to 5th and are on a 9-game
winning streak. The Lakers play the Indiana Pacers tonight and with only 13
games left, numerically, they are still alive in the playoff hunt. However, with the
regular season coming to a close and not making ground does make a staunch
supporter begin to doubt just a bit.
The Lakers remain in 11th while the LA Clippers
(37W-32L) sit above them. The Utah Jazz (40-30) are in the 5th spot
followed by the Pelicans (40-30), Spurs (40-30), Timberwolves (40-31) and the
Denver Nuggets (38-32) are in 9th. Most humans with common sense
would bet that the Lakers won’t make the playoffs and I will not argue against
that. Yet, the fan part in me, is still holding onto that small glimpse of hope
that the Lakers can make the playoffs. With 13 games left each lost (most
likely 3) will eliminate the Lakers from the playoffs.
The NBA regular season is exciting especially out in the
west. Earlier in the week the San Antonio Spurs were momentarily out of a
playoff position. There is still a whole month of basketball left to play and
teams that sit in the 5th and 9th spot can all change. I
will argue that those teams will definitely not finish as they are now. Both LA
teams seem to be the ones being left behind in all the fun and excitement, but for
the fans of the game this is a thrilling way to head towards the end of the
regular season.
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Lakers Have a Shot
Lakers have a Shot!
The Los Angeles Lakers will host
LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday evening at the Staples Center.
Most of the media frenzy will be focused on LeBron James and his option to opt
out on his final year on his current contract and become an unrestricted free
agent. Pretty much giving the biggest brand in the NBA free reign to choose his
next destination. One of the possible destinations James could land is with the
team he is facing Sunday at the Staples Center.
However, James has stated that he
has no “list of potential destinations” and reassured Cleveland fans that he
still has work to do this season. I will take LeBron James by his
word and move on from that topic for now. At the moment LeBron James has the
right mindset and the Lakers should follow and focus on the present. The season
is approaching the final stretch and there is plenty to play for. Especially
for the Los Angeles Lakers.
There are 17 remaining regular
season games for the purple and gold and with an optimistic chance on clinching
the 8th and final playoff spot. The Lakers currently sit in 11th
behind the Utah Jazz, Denver Nuggets, and current 8th seed Clippers.
To most NBA fans this may seem like a stretch, which it is, but that’s what is
captivating about the league. There are still four teams battling for that last
playoff spot.
The Lakers have the higher mountain
to climb of the four teams and it doesn’t help that they lost to the Nuggets on
Friday night. Of the 17 games remaining the Lakers play four games against the
teams that sit above them. They will host the Nuggets, two games against the
Utah Jazz, and their last game of the season will be against the LA Clippers.
One of the reasons why I mention
the optimistic opportunity for the Lakers to make the playoffs is to appreciate
the now. Laker fans had to endure two awful seasons and I am aware that most
Laker fans’ mentality is win it all or it is a failure. The “We hang banners”
thought process is due to the historically successful basketball organization.
But, as someone who watches Lakers basketball on a regular basis this team is a
significantly improved and fun to watch again. Their record may discourage
some, but I can say that the loses the Lakers accumulate this season differ
from the past.
For the most part, the Lakers are a
competitive team and have demonstrated their experience by not being able to
close out games when they have the lead late in the game. But! That right there
is the difference! The team isn’t hopelessly being blown out by the other teams
and that is where I make my case. Yes, it is a long shot, a prayer, and then
some, but, excuse my short sightedness, LeBron James isn’t a Laker and free
agency is never a guarantee to any player or organization. These current Lakers
have a shot at the playoffs and that's something to get excited about.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
The "Best" Soccer league
I had a conversation with a coworker of mine. He claimed that the English Premier league was the best league. Which I disagreed with in my head and continued to listen to the Chelsea fan. Then he added that La Liga is a two team league and the rest of the teams are garbage. AND that is where I was puzzled and annoyed. For the record any one can state which league is the best and which league is trash or worthless, but those of us with a position with local professional soccer teams should be slightly more knowledgeable than the average fan. He claimed that it was a debate that can't be solved and to let it be, but I replied that the answer may not be solved (which league is better) but it is definitely worth discussing in depth.
I am not claiming that La Liga is better, just interested in the why in this case English Premier league fans think that their league is better or "best."
To start, La Liga is a two team league and in the Premier league any team can beat any team on any given day.
La Liga does have two globally recognizable teams in FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The popularity is enhanced due to the fierce rivalry and the long history those two teams share. By using simply the eye test La Liga does seem like a two team league. But, lets evaluate the numbers to compare the number of English Premier league winners and La Liga winners from the start of the premier league (1992-93) *Sorry Liverpool fans
EPL has had 6 different winners since the start; Manchester United (13), Chelsea (5), Arsenal (3), Manchester City (2), Leicester City (1), and Blackburn (1).
La Liga has has 5 different champions starting (1992-93) FC Barcelona (12), Real Madrid (8), Athletico Madrid (2), Valencia CF (2), and Deportivo La Coruna (1).
The EPL has had one more team win the league than La Liga in the span of 25 years. This may seem like I am choosing a sample size due to some sort of bias, but there is some neutral logic behind it. First the Premier league is technically a new competition. Second, the sample size is at the start of the Premier league to coincide with the new champions league format in order to remove any potentially altering results due to scheduling format changes that have occurred during the really early start of English football. Third, I will be using champions league winners as another sample size that wont go past 1993 that way the Real Madrid dominance in the 50's doesn't have an effect on the new champions league format where back then the tournament consisted mostly of knockout games among the league winners excluding second place regardless of the league. This meant that only Barcelona OR Real Madrid could participate in the early years of Europe's soccer competition.
Another way to argue that a league is better is through their intercontinental success such as the UEFA Champions league. Let's have a look. Starting in 1993. For those that want to argue that Liverpool has won more, that is true. They have won the competition 5 times. And so have Barcelona. Yet, Madrid still beats both those teams combined with a total of 12. *See why I do sample sizes?
EPL has had 4 winners Manchester United (2), Liverpool (1), and Chelsea (1).
La Liga has won it 10 times Real Madrid (6) and Barcelona (4)
Okay so the English Premier league boast that one thing that separates their league is that on any given day any team can beat any other team. Now that may be true, tagged with some excellent advertising and promotion from television networks, but lets see how that can be evaluated. In this instance, I decided to compare the two knock-out competitions that occur simultaneously with league play. Spain has the Copa del Rey and England has the FA Cup. I see this as the best barometer that can shine light on the "any team can beat any team."
FA Cup winners 8 different teams (Since 93) Arsenal (7), Chelsea (6), Manchester United (5), Liverpool (2), Everton (1), Wigan Athletic (1), Manchester City (1), and Portsmouth (1)
Copa del Rey winners 10 different teams (Since 93) FC Barcelona (7), Real Madrid (3), Real Zaragoza (3), Athletico Madrid (2), Deportivo La Coruna (2), Espanyol (2), Sevilla (2), Valencia (1), Real Betis (1), Mallorca (1)
There are plenty of leagues in Europe that are worth watching and if one wants to claim that one league is the best so be it that is perfectly fine. But, as someone who studies sports there is a distinction between analyzing data, in this case the English and Spanish leagues, and being a fan who supports and backs their team no matter what. Yes, at times some fans use numbers to demonstrate their teams superiority and that's fine too. However, that adds to muddling the two together. Full disclosure and transparency I support a club from La Liga who isn't even the 3rd best team in the league and I am aware that they probably wont win the league any time soon, but you better believe at the start of the season my belief in the possibility of winning the league runs high especially the longer the team hangs on to 2nd or 3rd place.
There are a few reasons why my curiosity brought me to do this comparison. However, one of them was not to promote or prove in any way that La Liga is better or the best league. One is I am genuinely curious in comparing the two leagues to see what I will find. Second, was to understand where some of my friends, colleagues, and a few sports TV personalities (in this case referring to the anglophone people) imply or straight out claim that the EPL is the best league. I repeat I like the EPL, I do think it is a league with great quality and has exciting football. I enjoy watching Klopp's Liverpool! Confession, what bothered me the most was that there are soccer fans in the United States that think the EPL is the standard league, that the U.S. should replicate it, which to me is baffling. There is a lot to discuss on why I think the U.S. shouldn't replicate their cousins over the Atlantic in terms of soccer, but lets save that one for another time. The same Chelsea fan who claimed Chelsea was almost relegated only to come back the next season to win it doesn't understand that, yes, what he stated is true, La Liga will probably never see FC Barcelona or Real Madrid face a relegation battle, but that the coach that came in and won it was an Italian who won the league using 3 at the back which he used in Serie A! Antonio Conte existed before Chelsea and had success prior to moving to London. Does that mean that the Italian Serie A is better than the English Premier league? Of course not (But it doesn't hurt to go in-depth on that comparison either right?). I understand the excitement aspect of the league, I just don't understand the negligence of other leagues as if they were absolutely inferior. Is it an imperialistic mind set? I am not sure. One thing is for sure, the league hasn't helped their international team succeed either.
I am not claiming that La Liga is better, just interested in the why in this case English Premier league fans think that their league is better or "best."
To start, La Liga is a two team league and in the Premier league any team can beat any team on any given day.
La Liga does have two globally recognizable teams in FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. The popularity is enhanced due to the fierce rivalry and the long history those two teams share. By using simply the eye test La Liga does seem like a two team league. But, lets evaluate the numbers to compare the number of English Premier league winners and La Liga winners from the start of the premier league (1992-93) *Sorry Liverpool fans
EPL has had 6 different winners since the start; Manchester United (13), Chelsea (5), Arsenal (3), Manchester City (2), Leicester City (1), and Blackburn (1).
La Liga has has 5 different champions starting (1992-93) FC Barcelona (12), Real Madrid (8), Athletico Madrid (2), Valencia CF (2), and Deportivo La Coruna (1).
The EPL has had one more team win the league than La Liga in the span of 25 years. This may seem like I am choosing a sample size due to some sort of bias, but there is some neutral logic behind it. First the Premier league is technically a new competition. Second, the sample size is at the start of the Premier league to coincide with the new champions league format in order to remove any potentially altering results due to scheduling format changes that have occurred during the really early start of English football. Third, I will be using champions league winners as another sample size that wont go past 1993 that way the Real Madrid dominance in the 50's doesn't have an effect on the new champions league format where back then the tournament consisted mostly of knockout games among the league winners excluding second place regardless of the league. This meant that only Barcelona OR Real Madrid could participate in the early years of Europe's soccer competition.
Another way to argue that a league is better is through their intercontinental success such as the UEFA Champions league. Let's have a look. Starting in 1993. For those that want to argue that Liverpool has won more, that is true. They have won the competition 5 times. And so have Barcelona. Yet, Madrid still beats both those teams combined with a total of 12. *See why I do sample sizes?
EPL has had 4 winners Manchester United (2), Liverpool (1), and Chelsea (1).
La Liga has won it 10 times Real Madrid (6) and Barcelona (4)
Okay so the English Premier league boast that one thing that separates their league is that on any given day any team can beat any other team. Now that may be true, tagged with some excellent advertising and promotion from television networks, but lets see how that can be evaluated. In this instance, I decided to compare the two knock-out competitions that occur simultaneously with league play. Spain has the Copa del Rey and England has the FA Cup. I see this as the best barometer that can shine light on the "any team can beat any team."
FA Cup winners 8 different teams (Since 93) Arsenal (7), Chelsea (6), Manchester United (5), Liverpool (2), Everton (1), Wigan Athletic (1), Manchester City (1), and Portsmouth (1)
Copa del Rey winners 10 different teams (Since 93) FC Barcelona (7), Real Madrid (3), Real Zaragoza (3), Athletico Madrid (2), Deportivo La Coruna (2), Espanyol (2), Sevilla (2), Valencia (1), Real Betis (1), Mallorca (1)
There are plenty of leagues in Europe that are worth watching and if one wants to claim that one league is the best so be it that is perfectly fine. But, as someone who studies sports there is a distinction between analyzing data, in this case the English and Spanish leagues, and being a fan who supports and backs their team no matter what. Yes, at times some fans use numbers to demonstrate their teams superiority and that's fine too. However, that adds to muddling the two together. Full disclosure and transparency I support a club from La Liga who isn't even the 3rd best team in the league and I am aware that they probably wont win the league any time soon, but you better believe at the start of the season my belief in the possibility of winning the league runs high especially the longer the team hangs on to 2nd or 3rd place.
There are a few reasons why my curiosity brought me to do this comparison. However, one of them was not to promote or prove in any way that La Liga is better or the best league. One is I am genuinely curious in comparing the two leagues to see what I will find. Second, was to understand where some of my friends, colleagues, and a few sports TV personalities (in this case referring to the anglophone people) imply or straight out claim that the EPL is the best league. I repeat I like the EPL, I do think it is a league with great quality and has exciting football. I enjoy watching Klopp's Liverpool! Confession, what bothered me the most was that there are soccer fans in the United States that think the EPL is the standard league, that the U.S. should replicate it, which to me is baffling. There is a lot to discuss on why I think the U.S. shouldn't replicate their cousins over the Atlantic in terms of soccer, but lets save that one for another time. The same Chelsea fan who claimed Chelsea was almost relegated only to come back the next season to win it doesn't understand that, yes, what he stated is true, La Liga will probably never see FC Barcelona or Real Madrid face a relegation battle, but that the coach that came in and won it was an Italian who won the league using 3 at the back which he used in Serie A! Antonio Conte existed before Chelsea and had success prior to moving to London. Does that mean that the Italian Serie A is better than the English Premier league? Of course not (But it doesn't hurt to go in-depth on that comparison either right?). I understand the excitement aspect of the league, I just don't understand the negligence of other leagues as if they were absolutely inferior. Is it an imperialistic mind set? I am not sure. One thing is for sure, the league hasn't helped their international team succeed either.
Friday, January 26, 2018
The Real Madrid-Barcelona Switch
Barcelona and Real Madrid are Spain's two most historically successful soccer clubs that have captivated the interest of the world. The rivalry has extended beyond the Spanish borders and has always extended beyond the pitch. However, I am not here to discuss the social-political history these two clubs share-it is worth noting that the social-political interaction between these two clubs should not be ignored and is a significant subject matter when discussing these two teams. The reason for the exclusion of any past event or trauma that has affected the supporters and communities who follow Real Madrid and Barcelona is due to the topic I want to discuss. This is not to say I wont reference any past event, but by paying too much attention to the historical event will evade my main point and those events will not be described in detail that would serve justice to them.
Now to get back to my topic, Barcelona and Real Madrid are not immune to the globalization of the sport. I am aware that soccer is the most globalized sport, but in this case I am referring to the two clubs and the transfer market. I am discussing the approach these two giants of the sport have towards their footballing philosophies. Real Madrid has the Galactico tag associated with them since they signed Luis Figo away from Barcelona. The Madrid club has the stigma of spending insane amounts of money on acquiring star players to come play at the Santiago Bernabeu. On other hand, Barcelona are known to have the famed academy, La Masia. The Barcelona academy has produced players such as Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and of course Lionel Messi. There have been plenty of players that have graduated from La Masia in the past and have gone to have stellar professional careers. I am only referring the most recent notable players. In short, Real Madrid buys while Barcelona develops. I understand that this is not a true representation as Barcelona have spent quite a sum to bring players to play at the Camp Nou and to ignore Iker Casillas, Guti, and Raul coming from Real Madid's youth academy is a serious disservice to the truth.
At the moment Real Madrid are having a horrendous season. They recently were eliminated by Leganes in the Copa Del Rey by losing 2-1 at home. Madrid are 19 points behind the league leaders, Barcelona, which is bad, but what solidifies Real Madrid's terrible season is that they aren't even in 2nd or 3rd! At the moment everything is going great for Barcelona who are still undefeated in league play. Bare with me I am not here to analyse in depth the success and failure of these two teams. But, alas to my point, Barcelona has taken a page from their arch-rivals approach for success.
Barcelona have spent large sums of money in purchasing Coutinho and Dembele. And let's not forget Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes were purchased with price tags, even at the time, to be inflated and even more so now for how little impact these two players have had. Nelson Semedo, Samuel Umtiti and their most recent defensive signing Yerry Mina are a few of the defensive players Barcelona has spent to strengthen their much needed defensive line. I am not saying that the playing style has changed for Barcelona, but to be fair Ernesto Valverde was criticized early on by the Barcelona press for moving further away from Barcelona's philosophy. It is hard to continue nagging about a cultural sport philosophy when the team sits on top of the league table and is still without a loss to their record. At the moment Barcelona only has two new recent academy products on their roster, Sergi Roberto-who scored the final goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the historic comeback- and Denis Suarez. And there is no fault or wrong doing in any of this. A club such as Barcelona has to go into every season prepared to compete and win all that they can. Whether it be to bring up youth academy players to the senior side or dive into the transfer market, a team such as Barcelona has resources to improve and can use either one. And prior to this current on going season Real Madrid was arguably the better team the past two seasons. A quick reminder Messi, Iniesta, and Busquets are still current starters if available. But, Iniesta is 33 years old and Busquets will be 30 in the summer and the sad truth is that Messi wont play forever -as much as any soccer fan would love to see him play forever, it just isn't possible.
All of that is future thinking attached with quite a few "what ifs." At the moment no philosophy or future analysis can take away from Barcelona's current success. But, this is where Real Madrid can repay the favor and borrow Barcelona's approach towards the game. This is a suggestion that will most certainly go unnoticed, for Real Madrid executive board members have their agendas and don't read blog post from a random southern California dude. Real Madrid's season is pretty much done aside from a glimpse of hope in the champions league. Which is why the league is a great opportunity for those in white to start integrating a few of their younger players into the squad. Managed with precision and closely monitored manner, Real Madrid can stay competitive in La Liga and qualify for next years champions league in addition to maturing a few of their youth academy players. Zidane could give a few starts to the likes of Borja Mayoral, Marcos Llorente, and Jesus Vallejo. I am aware that Jesus Vallejo isn't a Real Madrid youth product, but the 20 year old Spanish center-back has the potential to play an important role, possibly a vital defensive backbone for the club's future.
Zidane isn't Real Madrid's Pep Guardiola, whether he stays on the bench will depend on champions league results and Real Madrid isn't known to have a ton of patience with their youth players, but if Real Madrid wants to get back to their pinnacle of success -which was six months ago; reveals the extremely high standard expected of Real Madrid- must begin by looking internally to see what they have and what they want to do. Real Madrid has the opportunity to build a team that can last for multiple seasons. Build from their in house structure and then buy players to supplement their squad. Real Madrid is a club that will always have players who's desire and dreams is to play for the Spanish giants. So taking the second half of this season, specifically in La Liga, to rotate a few young players into the starting eleven seems like an understandable approach. Then the upcoming summer is when they can buy players that will help improve the club.
As stated earlier I am merely suggesting what Real Madrid should do to catch their rivals who play at the Camp Nou. Plenty of what I suggested seems nice, but I am aware that Real Madrid's problems are more complicated and the situation on their hands wont be fixed by simply looking into their youth academy. Many of the players who started the champions league final have giant contracts that run through 2020. Which makes it difficult for Madrid to buy a starting star quality player without being forced to sell one of their players first. Which is why my advice was to seek internally to avoid the complexity of the transfer market. Whether Real Madrid bounces back this season or rotates younger players, one thing is for sure, and that is Real Madrid will spend this summer. I think that Real Madrid has a unique opportunity to switch the whole Real Madrid-Barcelona stereotypes when it comes to their approach towards the game. Imagine Barcelona are the new big spenders while Madrid develop their players.
Now to get back to my topic, Barcelona and Real Madrid are not immune to the globalization of the sport. I am aware that soccer is the most globalized sport, but in this case I am referring to the two clubs and the transfer market. I am discussing the approach these two giants of the sport have towards their footballing philosophies. Real Madrid has the Galactico tag associated with them since they signed Luis Figo away from Barcelona. The Madrid club has the stigma of spending insane amounts of money on acquiring star players to come play at the Santiago Bernabeu. On other hand, Barcelona are known to have the famed academy, La Masia. The Barcelona academy has produced players such as Victor Valdes, Carles Puyol, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique, Pedro, Cesc Fabregas and of course Lionel Messi. There have been plenty of players that have graduated from La Masia in the past and have gone to have stellar professional careers. I am only referring the most recent notable players. In short, Real Madrid buys while Barcelona develops. I understand that this is not a true representation as Barcelona have spent quite a sum to bring players to play at the Camp Nou and to ignore Iker Casillas, Guti, and Raul coming from Real Madid's youth academy is a serious disservice to the truth.
At the moment Real Madrid are having a horrendous season. They recently were eliminated by Leganes in the Copa Del Rey by losing 2-1 at home. Madrid are 19 points behind the league leaders, Barcelona, which is bad, but what solidifies Real Madrid's terrible season is that they aren't even in 2nd or 3rd! At the moment everything is going great for Barcelona who are still undefeated in league play. Bare with me I am not here to analyse in depth the success and failure of these two teams. But, alas to my point, Barcelona has taken a page from their arch-rivals approach for success.
Barcelona have spent large sums of money in purchasing Coutinho and Dembele. And let's not forget Paco Alcacer and Andre Gomes were purchased with price tags, even at the time, to be inflated and even more so now for how little impact these two players have had. Nelson Semedo, Samuel Umtiti and their most recent defensive signing Yerry Mina are a few of the defensive players Barcelona has spent to strengthen their much needed defensive line. I am not saying that the playing style has changed for Barcelona, but to be fair Ernesto Valverde was criticized early on by the Barcelona press for moving further away from Barcelona's philosophy. It is hard to continue nagging about a cultural sport philosophy when the team sits on top of the league table and is still without a loss to their record. At the moment Barcelona only has two new recent academy products on their roster, Sergi Roberto-who scored the final goal against Paris Saint-Germain in the historic comeback- and Denis Suarez. And there is no fault or wrong doing in any of this. A club such as Barcelona has to go into every season prepared to compete and win all that they can. Whether it be to bring up youth academy players to the senior side or dive into the transfer market, a team such as Barcelona has resources to improve and can use either one. And prior to this current on going season Real Madrid was arguably the better team the past two seasons. A quick reminder Messi, Iniesta, and Busquets are still current starters if available. But, Iniesta is 33 years old and Busquets will be 30 in the summer and the sad truth is that Messi wont play forever -as much as any soccer fan would love to see him play forever, it just isn't possible.
All of that is future thinking attached with quite a few "what ifs." At the moment no philosophy or future analysis can take away from Barcelona's current success. But, this is where Real Madrid can repay the favor and borrow Barcelona's approach towards the game. This is a suggestion that will most certainly go unnoticed, for Real Madrid executive board members have their agendas and don't read blog post from a random southern California dude. Real Madrid's season is pretty much done aside from a glimpse of hope in the champions league. Which is why the league is a great opportunity for those in white to start integrating a few of their younger players into the squad. Managed with precision and closely monitored manner, Real Madrid can stay competitive in La Liga and qualify for next years champions league in addition to maturing a few of their youth academy players. Zidane could give a few starts to the likes of Borja Mayoral, Marcos Llorente, and Jesus Vallejo. I am aware that Jesus Vallejo isn't a Real Madrid youth product, but the 20 year old Spanish center-back has the potential to play an important role, possibly a vital defensive backbone for the club's future.
Zidane isn't Real Madrid's Pep Guardiola, whether he stays on the bench will depend on champions league results and Real Madrid isn't known to have a ton of patience with their youth players, but if Real Madrid wants to get back to their pinnacle of success -which was six months ago; reveals the extremely high standard expected of Real Madrid- must begin by looking internally to see what they have and what they want to do. Real Madrid has the opportunity to build a team that can last for multiple seasons. Build from their in house structure and then buy players to supplement their squad. Real Madrid is a club that will always have players who's desire and dreams is to play for the Spanish giants. So taking the second half of this season, specifically in La Liga, to rotate a few young players into the starting eleven seems like an understandable approach. Then the upcoming summer is when they can buy players that will help improve the club.
As stated earlier I am merely suggesting what Real Madrid should do to catch their rivals who play at the Camp Nou. Plenty of what I suggested seems nice, but I am aware that Real Madrid's problems are more complicated and the situation on their hands wont be fixed by simply looking into their youth academy. Many of the players who started the champions league final have giant contracts that run through 2020. Which makes it difficult for Madrid to buy a starting star quality player without being forced to sell one of their players first. Which is why my advice was to seek internally to avoid the complexity of the transfer market. Whether Real Madrid bounces back this season or rotates younger players, one thing is for sure, and that is Real Madrid will spend this summer. I think that Real Madrid has a unique opportunity to switch the whole Real Madrid-Barcelona stereotypes when it comes to their approach towards the game. Imagine Barcelona are the new big spenders while Madrid develop their players.
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