Soca Warriors Online Discussion Forum

Sports => Football => Topic started by: Disgruntled_Trini on April 19, 2010, 10:37:07 AM

Title: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Disgruntled_Trini on April 19, 2010, 10:37:07 AM
(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/kammourewa/Intermilanvsbarcelona-1.jpg)

Tuesday, 20 April 2010, 2:45, Trinidad Time

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro)

(http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y191/kammourewa/giuseppemeazza.jpg)

Current Form (in the Champions League ONLY)

FC Barcelona:
away DDWDD

F.C. Internazionale Milano:
home DDWWW

• Mourinho served as an assistant to the late Sir Bobby Robson and Louis van Gaal at Barcelona  from 1996 to 2000.• As Chelsea manager Mourinho oversaw a 5-4 aggregate defeat of Barcelona in the 2004/05 first knockout round but suffered a 3-2 overall loss at the same stage the next season. The 2006/07 campaign brought another reunion, this time in the group stage, with Chelsea finishing above Barηa after a 1-0 home win and 2-2 away draw.
• Guardiola played in Italy between 2001 and 2003, making 24 appearances in Serie A for Brescia Calcio and another four for AS Roma.
• Eto'o spent five seasons with Barcelona from 2004. The Cameroon striker hit 109 goals in 144 league appearances, including 30 last season. In the UEFA Champions League he registered 18 in 43 games, scoring Barcelona's first goals in the final triumphs of 2006 and 2009.
• Motta made 96 league appearances for Barcelona between 2002 and 2007, scoring six goals. He was an unused substitute in the Blaugrana's 2-1 UEFA Champions League final defeat of Arsenal FC in 2006.
• Inter forward Diego Milito, 30, could line up against his 29-year-old brother Gabriel of Barcelona. The Argentinian siblings played together for two seasons with Real Zaragoza between 2005 and 2007.
• Only three sets of brothers have played against each other in UEFA club competition: Johannes (Celtic FC) and Atli Edvaldsson (Valur Reykjavνk) in the first round of the 1974/75 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, Ronald (PSV Eindhoven) and Erwin Koeman (KV Mechelen) in the 1988 UEFA Super Cup and John Arne (AS Roma) and Bjψrn Helge Riise (Fulham FC) in this season's UEFA Europa League group stage.
• Quaresma spent 2003/04 at the Camp Nou, making 22 Liga appearances and scoring once.
• During his three-year spell at Inter, Barcelona striker Ibrahimović hit 57 goals in 88 Serie A appearances and six in 22 UEFA Champions League games.
• An unused substitute for Barcelona at San Siro in September, Maxwell was also with Inter for three years from 2006 to 2009. The Brazil full-back made 79 appearances in Serie A and scored two goals.
• Thierry Henry scored twice for Arsenal in a 5-1 win at Inter in the 2003/04 group stage. The France forward previously suffered a UEFA Cup semi-final defeat at Inter's hands when playing for AS Monaco FC in 1996/97.
• Former Barcelona forward Jordi Cruyff – son of Camp Nou favourite Johan – hit the opening goal for Deportivo Alavιs when they became the first, and so far only, Spanish team to beat Inter in Milan, prevailing 2-0 in a UEFA Cup fourth-round tie in 2000/01.
• The second leg is in Barcelona on 28 April. The victorious team will advance to the final in Madrid on 22 May where they will play either FC Bayern Mόnchen or Olympique Lyonnais.


Previous meetings:
• These two sides need no introduction having met last autumn in the group stage. They drew 0-0 at San Siro on 16 September before reconvening in Barcelona on 24 November, the Catalan side prevailing 2-0 through first-half strikes from Gerard Piquι and Pedro Rodrνguez.
• The clubs had previously met in the UEFA Champions League second group stage in 2002/03. Barcelona were 3-0 winners at the Camp Nou on 18 February 2003. Goals from Javier Saviola, Phillip Cocu and Patrick Kluivert secured a ninth successive victory in the UEFA Champions League proper, still a competition record.
• The return the following week finished goalless and both teams progressed to the quarter-finals, Barcelona as group winners. Yet Inter went further that season, reaching the last four.
• Inter's Javier Zanetti and Barcelona pair Carles Puyol and Xavi Hernαndez played in both matches, with Andrιs Iniesta an unused substitute at San Siro.


Handover of the trophy from the defending champions to the host club/city.

(http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7543/uefacltrophymadrid3.jpg)
(http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/7446/uefacltrophymadrid2.jpg)
(http://img401.imageshack.us/img401/6264/uefacltrophymadrid1.jpg)

The volcano that has caused havoc for many of Europe's air travellers has affected FC Barcelona for their trip to Milan.
Initial plans called for the team to fly out Sunday to Rome via Nice and then ride by coach to Milan.
But with all of the airports throughout northern Spain closed due to ash clouds emanating from the Eyjafjallajokull glacier in Iceland, the club has been forced to travel by coach a distance totalling 1,000 kilσmetros from Barcelona to Milan.
The bus took off Sunday at 14:30 for a 630km trip to Cannes where they will spend the night. On Monday they will continue the remaining 350km to Milan where they are expected to arrive sometime Monday evening.

(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100418/capt.68c0f87b22a8432cba8e599115f86ea3-68c0f87b22a8432cba8e599115f86ea3-0.jpg)
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100418/capt.d3e297c710a24c8bbaaec4ae100b11f2-d3e297c710a24c8bbaaec4ae100b11f2-0.jpg)
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100418/capt.57d66aa305354df1a63793103c57397f-57d66aa305354df1a63793103c57397f-0.jpg)
(http://www.sport.es/vivo/recursos/fotos/foto_432/foto_432811_CAS.jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100418/viajemilan%20(13).jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100418/viajemilan%20(3).jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100418/viajemilan%20(2).jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100418/viajemilan%20(20).jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100418/viajemilan%20(15).jpg)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 19, 2010, 10:49:03 AM
GO INTER!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: spideybuff on April 19, 2010, 11:25:43 AM
Eto'o bound to score at the Nou Camp and Mourinho to find a way to negate Xavi passing, thus preventing Messi from even getting the ball to work his magic.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Disgruntled_Trini on April 19, 2010, 11:30:50 AM
Milan at last!

The players have finally arrived in Milan after a 1,000 kilometre trek by coach and an overnight stay in Cannes.

The two coaches left Barcelona early on Sunday afternoon and finally arrived in Milan at 2 pm on Monday. The players had been booked to fly as usual but the disruption to European air traffic caused by a cloud of volcanic dust caused the plans to be changed at the last moment.

From Cannes to Milan
(http://www.fcbarcelona.cat/web/thumbnails/199_150/Imatges/2009-2010/futbol/noticies/abril/2010-04-19_VIAJE_01.JPG)

The coaches covered the 634 kilometres from Barcelona to Cannes on Sunday. They left again at 10 am today to drive the remaining 351 kilometres to Milan.

1,000 km

Not only the team has been affected by flight cancellations. The fans that have tickets for the match will also have to make the 1,000 kilometre journey by road or rail.

Brazilian fullback Dani Alves will give a press conference at 6.15 pm this evening. The players will then train in the Giuseppe Meazza at 7 pm. The first 15 minutes will be open to the press.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Disgruntled_Trini on April 19, 2010, 12:56:01 PM
Barcelona coach arrives at the San Siro in Milan.

(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100419/capt.49b58b0ac33e479fad9c5ea09efae42f-49b58b0ac33e479fad9c5ea09efae42f-0.jpg)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Bourbon on April 19, 2010, 03:06:21 PM
Was kinda worried about how the volcano would affect things. Jose most likely would try not to concede, and isolate xavi.

Part of me keeps on saying "ingratitude worse than obeah."

If etoo purge dem in dis tie....cant say much else.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: sammy on April 19, 2010, 07:28:08 PM
man talking bout eto since he gone inter, but didnt barca meet inter already? what did eto do?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 19, 2010, 07:37:08 PM
great match tomorrow, and no stress  :)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: xixgon on April 19, 2010, 08:26:36 PM
Inter's date with destiny


By Roberto Gotta - Espn Soccernet

April 19, 2010


Outside influences have had a habit, recently, of trying to penetrate Inter's hardened outer shell ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Most notably, there have been allegations about the Nerazzurri's perceived role in the 2006 Calciopoli scandal which have been brought to light by the defence attorneys for disgraced former Juventus director Luciano Moggi.

But Inter's preparations for their highly-anticipated clash with Barcelona have also been disrupted, possibly, by the news that the Catalans might not have been able to reach Italy following the cancellation of flights across Europe.

The threat of postponement, which then vanished when Barca started their journey by coach, may have distracted the Inter camp, who otherwise enjoyed an energising weekend after beating Juventus 2-0 on Friday evening, although they will not have been happy to see Roma come from behind and win the derby against Lazio, leapfrogging the Nerazzurri again at the top of the table.

But Europe is their focus now. After all, it is widely known the main reason Inter hired Jose Mourinho two years ago was their belief the Portuguese coach would lead them to their first European Cup success since 1964. Europe's top competition has been the sporting equivalent of a Holy Grail since the Nerazzurri lifted the trophy under the stewardship of Angelo Moratti, the father of current owner Massimo, and no matter how many Scudetti are sewn on Inter's shirt, winning in Europe is the priority. That makes each Champions League match contain the sort of drama you would pay to watch on prime time if it was turned into a TV series.

Ahead of their latest date with destiny in Europe, it is not easy to gain an insight into Inter's state of mind. Samuel Eto'o, for example, has gone on record as saying "Barcelona are the best team in the world and it will be almost impossible to knock them out", as if the gap between the two sides is huge.

Eto'o, who joined Inter from Barca last summer, was perhaps trying to play the kind of mind games that are usually the preserve of managers, and it would be interesting to know whether he actually believes what he said.

Inter's latest displays in Europe have been the portrait of efficiency and effectiveness, with more than a pinch of tactical acumen sprinkled in for flavour. But their victory over Chelsea tasted sour to some. After Inter won at Stamford Bridge by taking the game to the Blues, critics of Mourinho, and there are a lot of them, rushed to point out that the Nerazzurri had done nothing special, nothing revolutionary for Italian football (then again, you'd find many detractors rhetorically asking how Inter, with 11 foreigners in their most effective line-up, represent Italian football).

Marcello Lippi, after all, had shown the attacking way during the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany, replacing midfielders with forwards deep into extra time.

Interestingly, Inter's 4-2-1-3, which may also be seen as 4-2-3-1 depending on how you judge the positions of Eto'o and Goran Pandev - the outside men in the attacking trio - has probably been their most successful formation so far.

According to a study by Corriere dello Sport, since it was introduced in the second half at Dynamo Kiev, it has led to ten wins in 14 matches, while the 4-3-1-2 has reaped six wins in 14. It has been used away more than at home, but there is not a set pattern in its use. The big question, of course, is whether Mourinho will use it against Barcelona on Tuesday.

It requires some hard work from the forwards, as Eto'o and Pandev so splendidly demonstrated at Stamford Bridge, and can have an added element of flair and improvisation whenever Mario Balotelli comes in.

Inter's 4-2-1-3 was rewarded on Friday by a successful display against Juve, although it took them 75 minutes to take the lead against opponents who had had Momo Sissoko sent off late in the first half. Juve tried to pressure Inter high up the pitch, something Barcelona have become renowned for, so it may have been good practice for Inter in that respect, too.

Mourinho's men responded by keeping no fewer than four men up field, even when Juve had the ball. The obvious aim was to prevent the Bianconeri from sending too many players forward, and creating a foundation for quick counter-attacks whenever Inter were first to a loose ball. At times, there was too much space between the forward four and the rest of the side, which exposed Esteban Cambiasso and Thiago Motta to the close control and change of direction of Diego.

You just wonder what Leo Messi, who is a far classier and more dangerous player than the Brazilian, would do in a similar situation, and Mourinho would have made the same observation, obviously.

There is a chance Pandev, who has not been brilliant of late, will be left out and Inter will choose a more cautious 4-3-1-2. Wesley Sneijder has been outstanding as a provider of quick, telling passes to the strikers, and perhaps three holding midfielders would help cover space better in front of the defence.

An interesting twist in tactics was heavily speculated upon by Corriere dello Sport on Sunday, though: Maicon's attacking prowess as a right-back has been so influential this season that Mourinho may use him as a right winger, as he did in midweek in the 1-0 Coppa Italia win at Fiorentina that sent Inter to the final.

This would obviously require a change in other areas of the pitch: Maicon would be free to push forward and go past opponents with less concern over his defensive duties, which could be fulfilled by either jack-of-most-trades Javier Zanetti or Ivan Cordoba, and Inter would effectively line up with a rare 4-4-2. It has to be noted, though, that while Mourinho will surely consider not conceding goals at home to be almost as important as scoring at least one, Sneijder's form and overall play almost warrant him a place in any line-up, and a traditional 4-4-2 would probably not be best suited to him.

On the defensive front, the central pairing of Lucio on the right and Walter Samuel on the left is Inter's most frequent, and remains in line with Mourinho's desire last summer, when Lucio joined from Bayern Munich, to have at least one ball-playing centre-half who can contribute with distribution at the back and help the fluidity of play. Such a strategy will come especially handy against Barcelona and their pressing from the front.

Inter's home record in 2010 has been impressive: since Massimo Maccarone scored Siena's third in the 4-3 thriller on January 9, the Nerazzurri have conceded just one goal at the Mezza, and that was Salomon Kalou's in the first leg against Chelsea. A combination of a good defence, competent goalkeeping (although Julio Cesar appears to have slipped a little after being involved in a car accident just before the return leg at Chelsea) and excellent cover from midfield has contributed to the best home defensive record in Serie A, with just 11 goals conceded in 17 matches.

Stats can only mean so much, of course, as those who saw Barcelona dominate Inter at Camp Nou last November may be quick to point out. That was probably Inter's lowest point of the season (they started out in a 4-3-1-2 both times against Barcelona, by the way), but the side's confidence has grown immeasurably since then, and there is little doubt that assured performances both at Chelsea and CSKA Moscow will have increased the sense this may be Inter's year in Europe after all.

With Roma winning on Sunday while Barcelona were making their way across the border to France, Inter's season is at a crossroads: we will find on Tuesday, perhaps, whether it will turn to ashes - no pun intended.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 08:51:44 AM
go inter!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 20, 2010, 09:51:29 AM
i seriously feel Inter will pull it off and overturn Barcelona over the 2 legs...

For all their great performances against quality teams this season, I would say this Inter side is the first truly tough side with an opposing style that they come up against.. Just a look at the best teams theyve come up against so far...

Arsenal was an easy proposition because their style and approach matched Barcelona's except that they were in a much inferior class. Real Madrid was probably the best side they've played for the season, in form and competing with them for the title.. For the first 15 mins of the clasico, Real got it right.. harrying the midfielders and cutting off their creativity forcing them to hoof.. But then they were outclassed.. Rubin Kazan is a side that give them serious trouble because they kept it tight and were not interested in outballing Barca, but only to stifle them then hit them on the counter..

I feel Jose have a plan for dem, surely to involve cutting off Xavi and Messi from getting the ball and pressing them when they do.. and letting men like Yaya, Busquets and Keita have all the possession they want.. Would not be surprised to see him abandon the 3 forward lineup he playing last few weeks and give Muntari a start in the middle at the expense of Pandev. Will be interesting to see how Barca cope with that.

This game is the Champion's league final for me... Whoever win this win it all.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: jai john on April 20, 2010, 10:10:43 AM
These games ae so technical that it is the substitute that often makes the difference after the teams have cancelled out each other ...Balotelli....Henry ..come to mind.
I still say Real Madrid sold the wrong player ..Sneijder stock has certainly risen since he joined Inter.... it could rise even more today...
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 20, 2010, 12:09:23 PM
# -The teams are in... Inter: Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Zanetti, Motta, Cambiasso, Pandev, Milito, Sneijder, Eto'o. Subs: Orlandoni, Cordoba, Stankovic, Muntari, Materazzi, Chivu, Balotelli

# -Barcelona: Valdes, Dani Alves, Pique, Puyol, Maxwell, Xavi, Busquets, Keita, Ibrahimovic, Messi, Pedro. Subs: Pinto, Marquez, Bojan, Henry, Milito, Abidal, Toure Yaya
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 12:19:57 PM
game not on fsc for trini based

so here some links

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=73106&part=sports

http://atdhe.net/17794/watch-inter-milan-vs-fc-barcelona

http://www.atdhe.net/17776/watch-inter-milan-vs-fc-barcelona

http://www.atdhe.net/17778/watch-inter-milan-vs-fc-barcelona

http://www.atdhe.net/17778/watch-inter-milan-vs-fc-barcelona
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 12:21:28 PM
These games ae so technical that it is the substitute that often makes the difference after the teams have cancelled out each other ...Balotelli....Henry ..come to mind.
I still say Real Madrid sold the wrong player ..Sneijder stock has certainly risen since he joined Inter.... it could rise even more today...

Yep-could you imagine Sneijder and Alonso pulling the strings in midfield instead of Van de fart and Alonso. The Diaras hardly get runs anynore.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 01:16:34 PM
go inter!! inter looking potent
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 01:34:46 PM
go inter!! inter looking potent

Thanks for the links. Damn Fox monoplizing the scenes. Like they can't show the game live and then at 5pm again instead of just at 5pm.
Inter just really professional and efficient in how they play football- in Inter/Jose we trust!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Observer on April 20, 2010, 01:47:36 PM
Danny Alves ketch a vaps and get caught out of position on the goal. Almots Clichy like in his actions  ;D

Looks like Inter targeting Alves side of the field.
Title: How to stop Messi!
Post by: FF on April 20, 2010, 01:49:30 PM
How to stop Messi!

(http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Pix/pictures/2010/4/20/1271782077056/Inter-v-Barcelona-001.jpg)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: elan on April 20, 2010, 01:51:58 PM
What a counter attack.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 01:52:32 PM
take wood!! 2-1 inter
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 01:52:53 PM
I think Inter's physicality all over the pitch can help them work Barca over.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 02:00:44 PM
go inter!

DHW do you have any links for the NHL playoff games? I am trying to watch the Flyers vs Devils series?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:02:47 PM
go inter!

DHW do you have any links for the NHL playoff games? I am trying to watch the Flyers vs Devils series?

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=73131&part=sports

http://www.atdhe.net/17785/watch-new-jersey-devils-vs-philadelphia-flyers

 :beermug:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: elan on April 20, 2010, 02:03:30 PM
The "Special One"
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 20, 2010, 02:04:14 PM
Boom Bang
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: FF on April 20, 2010, 02:04:52 PM
Inter boy!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:05:05 PM
3-1 bitches WOOOOODDD!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 02:05:39 PM
go inter!

DHW do you have any links for the NHL playoff games? I am trying to watch the Flyers vs Devils series?

http://www.myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=73131&part=sports

http://www.atdhe.net/17785/watch-new-jersey-devils-vs-philadelphia-flyers

 :beermug:

Thanks very much :beermug: :beermug: :beermug:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mad Scorpion a/k/a Big Bo$$ on April 20, 2010, 02:06:46 PM
Pep scared he put on an additional defender and remove Ibra?  Wow!  I eh feel so bad we loose to Inter nah because I eh think we woulda handle Barca rough so.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:08:33 PM
D SPECIAL ONE  :beermug: d man is a boss
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:09:07 PM
 :devil: :devil: :devil: it working good eh
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Tenorsaw on April 20, 2010, 02:09:35 PM
Barca look bus-lagged ... ;)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Andre on April 20, 2010, 02:10:15 PM
i didn't see this coming.

unless inter go up 4-1 or 5-1, barca could still come back ez next week.

i wonder if jose riding the bus with them to spain for negotiations with real madrid.

"ah go take it here pep."
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 20, 2010, 02:10:54 PM
 Fergie can resign at the end of the season; I want Jose at United as long as he develops youth and plays them.The man is a genius and just a wonderful motivator! Watch how Chow becomes a United fan as a result! We will win at least 2 CL when he take over.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mad Scorpion a/k/a Big Bo$$ on April 20, 2010, 02:12:31 PM
Here comes Super Mario!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Tenorsaw on April 20, 2010, 02:13:41 PM
This Balotelli have attitude...could bend and screw....
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: Daft Trini on April 20, 2010, 02:14:18 PM
he eh no little magician... dat name only reserved for one man....
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Tenorsaw on April 20, 2010, 02:14:29 PM
i didn't see this coming.

unless inter go up 4-1 or 5-1, barca could still come back ez next week.

i wonder if jose riding the bus with them to spain for negotiations with real madrid.

"ah go take it here pep."

lol... :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Preacher on April 20, 2010, 02:20:03 PM
I think Messi is the greatest player ever.  ::)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:22:17 PM
i didn't see this coming.

unless inter go up 4-1 or 5-1, barca could still come back ez next week.

i wonder if jose riding the bus with them to spain for negotiations with real madrid.

"ah go take it here pep."

u forget if inter score in barca ground next week
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:23:03 PM
I think Messi is the greatest player ever.  ::)

 ::)
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: Deeks on April 20, 2010, 02:23:10 PM
long bus ride!!!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Tenorsaw on April 20, 2010, 02:23:28 PM
Zanetti does really play hard boy...Mr. Durable
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:23:38 PM
oh gooooorrd inter rel defending boss
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: Brownsugar on April 20, 2010, 02:26:15 PM
D Special One..... ;D
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mad Scorpion a/k/a Big Bo$$ on April 20, 2010, 02:26:38 PM
de nasty fakin f**k geh ketch  :rotfl:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:38:27 PM
BRAVO INTER play with rel heart  :beermug:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: sammy on April 20, 2010, 02:38:40 PM
Here comes Super Mario!!!

since balotelli come on, inter playing with 10 men
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:40:13 PM
D Special One..... ;D

ent!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:41:42 PM
POISON RIGHT THERE

(http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/98576763.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F55225421C2EAE87A5B9C0E1430FFE9C52F03380A2EF8FADB6)

THIS MAN SWALLOW IT

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Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Marcos on April 20, 2010, 02:44:08 PM
Fire for Barcaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Observer on April 20, 2010, 02:44:26 PM
Inter played very well.  Forcing Barca back line to play deeper by playing early behind them.
The counter was deadly even though it broke down often through offsides.
Everybody on Inter worked so hard to close down it was amazing.
It look to me like the third goal was offside, but they all count.
Messi was limited to three shots and Barca did not look like they had any other attacking threat
outside of Pedro and Messi. Where as inter had four.
Great game Inter  :applause:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Small Magician aka Wazza on April 20, 2010, 02:47:27 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 02:56:33 PM
....King Leo?

aye he play today ???


 :devil:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Arazi on April 20, 2010, 03:04:01 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Good post...the tie is still very even...Mourinho will have to be as tactically astute in the second leg or Inter's good result could be irrelevant at the Nou Camp..It should be a classic...
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: trinikev on April 20, 2010, 03:04:14 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Allyuh with the shit talk against Messi....if allyuh really watched the game, u wud have seen that Inter shut down most of Xavi's passing channels in midfield. He very rarely got a chance to pass the ball forward, which resulted in less service to Messi and the other forwards. On top of that, everytime Messi got the ball, he was surrounded by at least 2, sometimes 3 players, and still he hardly ever gave up the ball.

Inter simply got their tactics right, and executed very well. Besides their first goal when Inter's defence fell asleep, Barca really didnt create many chances until after Inter scored their 3rd, and made more of a commitment to defending their 2-goal advantage.

The tie is still not over anyways, as in the Nou Camp, any number could play. Should be a big one.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 03:20:31 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Allyuh with the shit talk against Messi....if allyuh really watched the game, u wud have seen that Inter shut down most of Xavi's passing channels in midfield. He very rarely got a chance to pass the ball forward, which resulted in less service to Messi and the other forwards. On top of that, everytime Messi got the ball, he was surrounded by at least 2, sometimes 3 players, and still he hardly ever gave up the ball.

Inter simply got their tactics right, and executed very well. Besides their first goal when Inter's defence fell asleep, Barca really didnt create many chances until after Inter scored their 3rd, and made more of a commitment to defending their 2-goal advantage.

The tie is still not over anyways, as in the Nou Camp, any number could play. Should be a big one.

Again messi has showed alot of times that against a good tactically strong team and defensive setup, he struggles. i not taking nothing away from the man skill eh, is just an observation. This is the first real opposition Barca has played for the season IMO. and look what happen.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: FF on April 20, 2010, 03:25:22 PM
Men does real hate out here boy....

for all de ridiculous sh!t Messi does do... the youth is still human...

GO Inter still!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: PIMP on April 20, 2010, 03:35:46 PM

(http://cache1.asset-cache.net/xc/98576763.jpg?v=1&c=NewsMaker&k=2&d=77BFBA49EF878921A343B2C87A49D8F55225421C2EAE87A5B9C0E1430FFE9C52F03380A2EF8FADB6)

Everybody haffi arks where mi get mi clarks!!!!
Title: Re: How to stop Messi!
Post by: WestCoast on April 20, 2010, 04:27:18 PM
he eh no little magician... dat name only reserved for one man....
Yeah
he want to see Big Mag bad side :devil:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Arazi on April 20, 2010, 04:36:49 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Allyuh with the shit talk against Messi....if allyuh really watched the game, u wud have seen that Inter shut down most of Xavi's passing channels in midfield. He very rarely got a chance to pass the ball forward, which resulted in less service to Messi and the other forwards. On top of that, everytime Messi got the ball, he was surrounded by at least 2, sometimes 3 players, and still he hardly ever gave up the ball.

Inter simply got their tactics right, and executed very well. Besides their first goal when Inter's defence fell asleep, Barca really didnt create many chances until after Inter scored their 3rd, and made more of a commitment to defending their 2-goal advantage.

The tie is still not over anyways, as in the Nou Camp, any number could play. Should be a big one.

Again messi has showed alot of times that against a good tactically strong team and defensive setup, he struggles. i not taking nothing away from the man skill eh, is just an observation. This is the first real opposition Barca has played for the season IMO. and look what happen.

Sigh...if a team setup to neutralise your strengths? how good you gonna look?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Observer on April 20, 2010, 04:56:48 PM
For those who watched the game. Did it seemed clear that Inter wanted to exploit Danny Alves. It looked like Pandev played narrow and ran inside and then Schnider would run inside out and  go into the space vacated. Goal number 1 and then to set up goal number 3.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: mukumsplau on April 20, 2010, 04:59:08 PM
This Balotelli have attitude...could bend and screw....

some fans were ganging up on him in d garage wen he was tryin to get in d car..apparently after d match he and fans were havin a go at each other in d stadium and he threw the inter milan shirt on d ground...now after that in d lockeroom materazzi and balotelli had a go at each other cuz materazzi aint like wa he do...d barca players were in their lockeroom an they was like wtf allyuh jus win an daz wa allyuh gettin on wit...?



Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: 2cents on April 20, 2010, 05:16:07 PM
I think Barca have enough to take the 2nd leg. My question though is why Guardiola continue to prefer Busquets to Toure. I eh sayin he is a shithound...but I jus eh feel he is d right quality. Any views...?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: richpy on April 20, 2010, 05:34:33 PM
I think Barca have enough to take the 2nd leg. My question though is why Guardiola continue to prefer Busquets to Toure. I eh sayin he is a shithound...but I jus eh feel he is d right quality. Any views...?

You wouldn't believe, I've been asking the same question for the entire season! The man win 6 titles last season, so ah cyar really criticize him too much. But it seems to be Spanish men first with he.
Busquets is a good player, and offers speed,  but he is no Yaya Toure, in my opinion. Pedro playing well, but to consistently leave Henry on the bench so?? Not even a corbeaux sweat??

Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Deeks on April 20, 2010, 06:40:25 PM
How much of the long bus ride might have affected Barcas play?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Toppa on April 20, 2010, 06:50:38 PM
i didn't see this coming.

unless inter go up 4-1 or 5-1, barca could still come back ez next week.

i wonder if jose riding the bus with them to spain for negotiations with real madrid.

"ah go take it here pep."

 :rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 20, 2010, 07:24:42 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Allyuh with the shit talk against Messi....if allyuh really watched the game, u wud have seen that Inter shut down most of Xavi's passing channels in midfield. He very rarely got a chance to pass the ball forward, which resulted in less service to Messi and the other forwards. On top of that, everytime Messi got the ball, he was surrounded by at least 2, sometimes 3 players, and still he hardly ever gave up the ball.

Inter simply got their tactics right, and executed very well. Besides their first goal when Inter's defence fell asleep, Barca really didnt create many chances until after Inter scored their 3rd, and made more of a commitment to defending their 2-goal advantage.

The tie is still not over anyways, as in the Nou Camp, any number could play. Should be a big one.

Again messi has showed alot of times that against a good tactically strong team and defensive setup, he struggles. i not taking nothing away from the man skill eh, is just an observation. This is the first real opposition Barca has played for the season IMO. and look what happen.


So when Barca had beat dem 2-0 earlier in the season, they wasn't "real" opposition then?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 07:36:09 PM
Special performance inspired by the Special one...

Inter knew Barca play high pressure when off the ball and they also keep their defense high...Inter played at a higher intensity and set up the foursome perfectly to hit Barca on the counter attack...

thoroughly deserved....second leg is gonna be epic


....King Leo?

Allyuh with the shit talk against Messi....if allyuh really watched the game, u wud have seen that Inter shut down most of Xavi's passing channels in midfield. He very rarely got a chance to pass the ball forward, which resulted in less service to Messi and the other forwards. On top of that, everytime Messi got the ball, he was surrounded by at least 2, sometimes 3 players, and still he hardly ever gave up the ball.

Inter simply got their tactics right, and executed very well. Besides their first goal when Inter's defence fell asleep, Barca really didnt create many chances until after Inter scored their 3rd, and made more of a commitment to defending their 2-goal advantage.

The tie is still not over anyways, as in the Nou Camp, any number could play. Should be a big one.

Again messi has showed alot of times that against a good tactically strong team and defensive setup, he struggles. i not taking nothing away from the man skill eh, is just an observation. This is the first real opposition Barca has played for the season IMO. and look what happen.


So when Barca had beat dem 2-0 earlier in the season, they wasn't "real" opposition then?

nope  ;D
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: WestCoast on April 20, 2010, 07:48:18 PM
Fergie can resign at the end of the season; I want Jose at United as long as he develops youth and plays them.The man is a genius and just a wonderful motivator! Watch how Chow becomes a United fan as a result! We will win at least 2 CL when he take over.
:rotfl: :rotfl:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 20, 2010, 07:58:54 PM
Fergie can resign at the end of the season; I want Jose at United as long as he develops youth and plays them.The man is a genius and just a wonderful motivator! Watch how Chow becomes a United fan as a result! We will win at least 2 CL when he take over.

  Ah could only  :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: at dah one!  Good one, Giggsy!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Babalawo on April 20, 2010, 08:10:53 PM
big result for Inter. good game. hopefully i get to see the replay. vex Et'o aint score one atleast though.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: D.H.W on April 20, 2010, 08:18:15 PM
big result for Inter. good game. hopefully i get to see the replay. vex Et'o aint score one atleast though.
he delivering that package personally next week for them
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: xixgon on April 20, 2010, 09:29:58 PM
Mario Balotelli - irritating like Drogba, infuriating like Robinho - yet less talented than both.


http://www.youtube.com/v/kLCHY5k1an4&fmt=18


"Only one negative angle threatens to ruin the aftermath of Inter's success: Mario Balotelli, in for a tired Milito, was booed by the crowd after miskicking a pass and failing to hit the target on a speculative shot, and responded by insulting the fans and throwing his shirt away at the final whistle, something which Marco Materazzi, who has the unofficial role of squad enforcer, took strong exception to. Rumours of yet another dressing room confrontation ensued, and the coming days will again see Mourinho try to strike a balance between preparing his side for Atalanta and Barcelona while deflecting the inevitable questions about what even his team-mate Stankovic likened to one of his kids, behaviour-wise. Some praise." - ESPN Soccernet.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Small Magician aka Wazza on April 20, 2010, 09:46:37 PM
Mario Balotelli - irritating like Drogba, infuriating like Robinho - yet less talented than both.


http://www.youtube.com/v/2xgOmdha39g&fmt=18


"Only one negative angle threatens to ruin the aftermath of Inter's success: Mario Balotelli, in for a tired Milito, was booed by the crowd after miskicking a pass and failing to hit the target on a speculative shot, and responded by insulting the fans and throwing his shirt away at the final whistle, something which Marco Materazzi, who has the unofficial role of squad enforcer, took strong exception to. Rumours of yet another dressing room confrontation ensued, and the coming days will again see Mourinho try to strike a balance between preparing his side for Atalanta and Barcelona while deflecting the inevitable questions about what even his team-mate Stankovic likened to one of his kids, behaviour-wise. Some praise." - ESPN Soccernet.

ignorant twat

He'll never have a successful career because of his piss poor attitude...If Berba or Eboue had his attitude people would have been murdered because the 2 of them get alot of stick...spoilt little brat ..adopted and still not gracious for the life he has ..a chance to really make something out of it... waste of f**king break
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 20, 2010, 09:54:18 PM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Small Magician aka Wazza on April 20, 2010, 10:03:46 PM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!

send him to Blackburn on loan...Big Sam go sort he ass out
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Jay10 on April 20, 2010, 10:55:35 PM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
What is wrong with being upset? Its just his way of showing it. Hopefully his attitude changes tho. and small mag...circumstance has nothing to do with how he supposed to act...maybe its that attitude that got him where he is..
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 21, 2010, 12:04:05 AM
Rooney used to be cussin' referees left, right, center, up, down and every which way he could and manu fans NEVER used to come on here and talk 'bout he attitude. Now dey want to come on here talkin  'bout Balotelli and "gratitute" and wasting of "break" and a whole setta shyte.  I know too well how racist italian people could be before I start to judge this yute too harshly. Allyuh need to hush allyuh cyat because if he was doing the same ting in a manu shirt two ah allyuh cyat woulda be hushed! 
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Preacher on April 21, 2010, 12:17:24 AM
Is this a race thing?  At 25secs what is the man in the crowd shouting?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 21, 2010, 12:34:38 AM
Is this a race thing?

As far as whatever experiences he may have endured to have developed the "attitude" he has? Could very well be.  I wouldn't put it past them italians.  



At 25secs what is the man in the crowd shouting?

  Who knows?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 21, 2010, 12:38:41 AM
Back to Inter Milan's "shutting down of Messi" and the idiot yutes that cyah wait to hate on him, after lookin' at the game, I would say the man who really denied him was Julio Caesar.  Messi had a couple very good shots on goal that were well saved by the 'keeper.  If he keep on knockin' on the door like that next week, he just might cause some problems for Inter.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 21, 2010, 01:53:16 AM
Is this a race thing?  At 25secs what is the man in the crowd shouting?

No idea what anyone is shouting, but I do think Balotelli perceives his critics to be giving him a hard time because he is black. And I wouldn't be surprised if he was correct. Fellow ignorants like Cassano never got treated like him.

But then again, keep in mind he has publicly announced that he is a Milan supporter  ::)

He needs to move to England.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 21, 2010, 03:22:43 AM
Is this a race thing?  At 25secs what is the man in the crowd shouting?

No idea what anyone is shouting, but I do think Balotelli perceives his critics to be giving him a hard time because he is black. And I wouldn't be surprised if he was correct. Fellow ignorants like Cassano never got treated like him.

But then again, keep in mind he has publicly announced that he is a Milan supporter  ::)

He needs to move to England.

   The racism and nastiness that is pervasive throughout europe is well documented as is uefa's kid-glove (or tacit) handling of the guilty parties and that's only the shit than is documented and known.  Who knows what this young boy's experiences may have been the jealousy and hate he might have to put up with under the surface and behind the scenes and how it may have shaped his perception.  I doubt that he's been given the kind of red carpet treatment a man like, say....rooney was given from day one.  What could have rooney's reason for his attitude have been early on?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: onlikecorn on April 21, 2010, 03:26:45 AM
To comment on the game . . . . Mourinho wins round one . .. and as much as i want barca to lose (cuz they knock out my arsenal hahaha). . . barca this season has been a completely different team in the camp nou . . . if inter could conatin barca there . . .then they will have a chance. . .but if barca play (and more so messi) like they possessed like how they have done on many occassions this year . . . then inter in for a hard time.
Title: Mourinho: One of my favorite games of all time was T&T vs Sweden.
Post by: Flex on April 21, 2010, 05:02:48 AM
Sympathy for the devil: Mourinho,
Inter will have plan for Barcelona, Messi
By Ray Curren (Set Piece Analysts).


“So, Lone Star, now you see that evil will always triumph because good is dumb.”
- Dark Helmet

My expertise does not lie with either La Liga or Serie A, but – to me – the UEFA Champions League semifinal encounter between Barcelona and Inter Milan is absolutely fascinating.

On one side stands Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, and Barcelona, who stand for all that is right with the “beautiful” game. They score goals in bunches, play a free-flowing style, and are generally considered the most entertaining team in the world with the universe’s most entertaining player (this season by a wide margin), the aforementioned Messi.

Barca (even the shortened version of their name sounds cool) wears Unicef because they don’t need no stinking sponsors on the front of their kits, so they might as well make the world a better place. Even their club motto translates into “more than a club”, and no one was surprised when they chose pink for their alternate kits this season.

On the other – evil – side enters Inter Milan, coached by Jose Mourinho, who dubbed himself “The Special One”, and while admired for his success, is loathed for being arrogant and quotes like this while with Chelsea.

“Look, we’re not entertaining? I don’t care; we win.”

“1-nil to the Chelsea” was the favored scoreline of the Blues on their way to Premiership (but never European) glory.

(This conversation could also devolve into the differences of the wide-open Spanish league and the defensive-minded Italian league, but that may not be necessarily true anymore, even if public perception may continue in that vain).

Inter wears black and blue (what else?). They are sometimes called “the serpents”, and they have to share their stadium with the generally more popular AC Milan.

Good triumphed over all evil last season as Barcelona won everything in sight, including La Liga and the Champions League. But there was nearly a big hiccup, as in the Champions League semifinals, Mourinho’s old squad Chelsea (now led by Guus Hiddink) gave a performance Mourinho must have loved from afar.

Hiddink “parked the bus” to perfection in the first leg in Spain, much to the consternation of “beautiful game” lovers everywhere, getting a precious nil-nil. In the return leg, Chelsea got their goal early from Michael Essien, but had their hearts broken when Andres Iniesta scored deep into stoppage time, sending Barca through on away goals.

Good triumphed that time, but seemingly more often than not (outside of Hollywood, of course) evil takes the day.

I love “beautiful” soccer as much as the next, especially when coaching youngsters, but I must admit, there is a place in my heart for evil. I like to see Arsene Wenger squirm and Arsenal pass the ball 60 times without taking a shot. I like to see Stoke City suck the life out of games and win on a ball thrown 60 yards and tapped in for an own goal.

One of my favorite games of all time was in the 2006 World Cup when Trinidad and Tobago hustled and fouled and defended in front of their goal enough to get a 0-0 tie against Sweden.

I am also fond of Cameroon’s hack job of Diego Maradona to open the 1990 World Cup, a 1-0 upset. And, yes, I know T&T and Cameroon had a combined three red cards in those games.

I like Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho was paid handsomely to give Inter Milan the Champions League title. And he’s not about the let the fact that the other team is more talented and plays prettier soccer stop him. It’s never stopped him before.

Inter Milan and Barcelona were together in the group stage, and when the two teams met back in September, Mourinho decided his best option was to play – you guessed it – defensively, even though he was at home. The game ended 0-0.

Two months later, Barca got a 2-0 lead at the Nou Camp, but they were much more desperate at the time to get a result.

I drool at the psychology that Mourinho will try to employ with a few weeks to prepare for the conquering heroes.

You want a key matchup: how about Messi against Maicon? Lionel Messi, the guy who currently stands 5-foot-6 and is only that tall due to treatments he got when he was younger. Poor guy.

Then there’s Maicon, the Brazilian stopper who could probably play linebacker for some NFL squads (although he did prove he has some skill Friday against Juventus). Booooo.

Mourinho will also likely turn to defenders (see: goons) Walter Samuel, Lucio, Javier Zanetti, and Esteban Cambiasso to frustrate (see: foul) Messi at every turn, and do their best to turn beautiful into ugly.

But beauty, my friends, is in the eye of the beholder.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 21, 2010, 06:35:29 AM
Mario Balotelli - irritating like Drogba, infuriating like Robinho - yet less talented than both.


http://www.youtube.com/v/2xgOmdha39g&fmt=18


"Only one negative angle threatens to ruin the aftermath of Inter's success: Mario Balotelli, in for a tired Milito, was booed by the crowd after miskicking a pass and failing to hit the target on a speculative shot, and responded by insulting the fans and throwing his shirt away at the final whistle, something which Marco Materazzi, who has the unofficial role of squad enforcer, took strong exception to. Rumours of yet another dressing room confrontation ensued, and the coming days will again see Mourinho try to strike a balance between preparing his side for Atalanta and Barcelona while deflecting the inevitable questions about what even his team-mate Stankovic likened to one of his kids, behaviour-wise. Some praise." - ESPN Soccernet.

ignorant twat

He'll never have a successful career because of his piss poor attitude...If Berba or Eboue had his attitude people would have been murdered because the 2 of them get alot of stick...spoilt little brat ..adopted and still not gracious for the life he has ..a chance to really make something out of it... waste of f**king break

Maybe the young man being adopted plays in his head and he does not feel like he is good enough hence the attempts at false bravado. He needs a good therapist; I wonder what led him to even play football and whether he even likes it. Nobody knows what is going on in his head or what his life has been like including being adopted. What was Adriano's problem or as Chow said Rooney's.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 21, 2010, 07:21:41 AM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
What is wrong with being upset? Its just his way of showing it. Hopefully his attitude changes tho. and small mag...circumstance has nothing to do with how he supposed to act...maybe its that attitude that got him where he is..

Hoss, maybe you haven't been following the whole Balotelli saga, but this is just the latest in a string of unsavoury incidents from him. From falling out with the coach on numerous occassions, to wearing an AC Milan jersey on a TV program to getting into altercations with fans... and now this, who in their right mind would rip off their team jersey and fling it on the ground in disgust??

The race and childhood excuse could only go so far before yuh get held accountable and people just chalk you down as a waste of time. This youth have so much potential and he on the brink of throwing it all away. I sincerely believe if he was to put his head down, ignore the nonsense and focus on the game, he would be a starter in that team and would make the Italy national team for the world cup. As it is, he's alienating himself and if is one thing I dont like to see is talent being thrown away.

In life, for every difficult situation you always have 3 choices:

1. Accept it and adapt
2. Change it
3. Refuse to accept it and move along

Now which one of those categories does his behaviour fall in to?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 21, 2010, 07:36:42 AM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
What is wrong with being upset? Its just his way of showing it. Hopefully his attitude changes tho. and small mag...circumstance has nothing to do with how he supposed to act...maybe its that attitude that got him where he is..

Hoss, maybe you haven't been following the whole Balotelli saga, but this is just the latest in a string of unsavoury incidents from him. From falling out with the coach on numerous occassions, to wearing an AC Milan jersey on a TV program to getting into altercations with fans... and now this, who in their right mind would rip off their team jersey and fling it on the ground in disgust??

The race and childhood excuse could only go so far before yuh get held accountable and people just chalk you down as a waste of time. This youth have so much potential and he on the brink of throwing it all away. I sincerely believe if he was to put his head down, ignore the nonsense and focus on the game, he would be a starter in that team and would make the Italy national team for the world cup. As it is, he's alienating himself and if is one thing I dont like to see is talent being thrown away.

In life, for every difficult situation you always have 3 choices:

1. Accept it and adapt
2. Change it
3. Refuse to accept it and move along

Now which one of those categories does his behaviour fall in to?


Work on accepting it in order to move on.
Accept it and move on.
Don't accept it and stay stuck
There is a possibility he cannot handle who he is and what his life is about.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 21, 2010, 07:38:42 AM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
What is wrong with being upset? Its just his way of showing it. Hopefully his attitude changes tho. and small mag...circumstance has nothing to do with how he supposed to act...maybe its that attitude that got him where he is..

Hoss, maybe you haven't been following the whole Balotelli saga, but this is just the latest in a string of unsavoury incidents from him. From falling out with the coach on numerous occassions, to wearing an AC Milan jersey on a TV program to getting into altercations with fans... and now this, who in their right mind would rip off their team jersey and fling it on the ground in disgust??

The race and childhood excuse could only go so far before yuh get held accountable and people just chalk you down as a waste of time. This youth have so much potential and he on the brink of throwing it all away. I sincerely believe if he was to put his head down, ignore the nonsense and focus on the game, he would be a starter in that team and would make the Italy national team for the world cup. As it is, he's alienating himself and if is one thing I dont like to see is talent being thrown away.

In life, for every difficult situation you always have 3 choices:

1. Accept it and adapt
2. Change it
3. Refuse to accept it and move along

Now which one of those categories does his behaviour fall in to?


Work on accepting it in order to move on.
Accept it and move on.
Don't accept it and stay stuck
There is a possibility he cannot handle who he is and what his life is about.


They are now saying that the Inter fans were racialy abusing him last night. If that was the case I support him completely.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Zeppo on April 21, 2010, 07:49:22 AM
Rooney used to be cussin' referees left, right, center, up, down and every which way he could and manu fans NEVER used to come on here and talk 'bout he attitude.

Having a go at referees is one thing. But having a go at your own teammates, fans and manager is another.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: mukumsplau on April 21, 2010, 10:40:14 AM
i dunno y men runnin off dey mouth on balotelli..truth is nobody know wa goin on wit d man an wat he hadda put up wit everybody makin their own speculation an treatin as law...i would expect all of us here to live enough of life to know that u hadda reserve yuh judgement wen all u see is with yuh naked eye...d yute hav talent and lehwe hope that whatever the situation is gets resolved...men talkin bout waste ah break...steups...
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: jai john on April 21, 2010, 10:45:32 AM
Now tell me that is not a youth that need to get a dose of the Cyrano Glen treatment..

Schupit yute and it real huttin meh to see potential go to waste like that!!!
What is wrong with being upset? Its just his way of showing it. Hopefully his attitude changes tho. and small mag...circumstance has nothing to do with how he supposed to act...maybe its that attitude that got him where he is..

Hoss, maybe you haven't been following the whole Balotelli saga, but this is just the latest in a string of unsavoury incidents from him. From falling out with the coach on numerous occassions, to wearing an AC Milan jersey on a TV program to getting into altercations with fans... and now this, who in their right mind would rip off their team jersey and fling it on the ground in disgust??

The race and childhood excuse could only go so far before yuh get held accountable and people just chalk you down as a waste of time. This youth have so much potential and he on the brink of throwing it all away. I sincerely believe if he was to put his head down, ignore the nonsense and focus on the game, he would be a starter in that team and would make the Italy national team for the world cup. As it is, he's alienating himself and if is one thing I dont like to see is talent being thrown away.

In life, for every difficult situation you always have 3 choices:

1. Accept it and adapt
2. Change it
3. Refuse to accept it and move along

Now which one of those categories does his behaviour fall in to?

Maybe he might just be trying to prove dat he is de HARDEST
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Preacher on April 21, 2010, 10:55:24 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong.  I heard or thought, i heard the commentator say that Inter was about to bring on the only Italian on the field "Balotelli".  Just looking at this guy's demeanor, he has been abused and it's sapping his confidence.  The real story here is why are you being taunted by your own fans after you win.  The only answer I could come up with is hate.  Poor guy.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: DeSoWa on April 21, 2010, 11:05:46 AM
All the Balotelli haters and distractors would one day understand what this kid had to and is going through...hopefully it won't be too late... :-\

Big Up!
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 21, 2010, 12:42:05 PM
Balotelli must learn lesson - Mourinho

http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/championsleague/story/Mourinho-Balotelli-must-learn-lesson (http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/championsleague/story/Mourinho-Balotelli-must-learn-lesson)

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has blasted the attitude of Mario Balotelli but vowed to give the striker one more chance this weekend.

The Italian youngster came on as a substitute as Diego Milito left the field with cramp in the closing stages of the Nerazzurri's impressive 3-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final first leg at the San Siro last night.

But he infuriated the home fans, first by giving away possession unnecessarily and then by making a provocative gesture towards them after a wayward shot.

At the end of the game, Balotelli threw his Inter shirt to the floor in disgust and left the pitch without joining in with the rest of the team's celebrations.

For many an Inter fan, this was the final straw after numerous outbursts from the player, but Mourinho has yet to give up on the 19-year-old despite his clear anger at yet another unsavoury incident.

"I am sorry that the fans were like that with Balotelli," said the Portuguese chief. "I always want my fans to be with my players right to the end. But, in the end, I can understand them because they saw the same thing as me.

"They saw a team which was dead, exhausted after all their efforts.

"(Goran) Pandev had cramp. I couldn't make any more changes. The team was destructed and then you see (Cristian) Chivu come on and do everything, (Dejan) Stankovic come on and do everything, and then Mario comes on with this attitude."

Balotelli has already infuriated club bosses by declaring himself an AC Milan fan and wearing a Rossoneri shirt for a television gag.

He was even present at Milan's Champions League game against Manchester United earlier this year, showing his true affection, and has regularly shown a short fuse on the field, making him the target of abuse from visiting fans.

Now the home fans have also turned on him - and Mourinho claims he saw this coming.

"Nearly all of you for the last two years have been saying that what he does is normal," he said.

"And then there is just this idiot of a coach who says it is not normal. The coach takes all the flak - I can't motivate him, I can't educate him, this or that, next year it's best if Mourinho goes and not Balotelli.

"And then, in the second most important match in the world at club football level, all of my team leave the field dead and one player could have done a little bit more to help the team who was in danger.

"The fans wanted more, his team-mates wanted more, and he did not give it.

"And then that thing with his shirt. Full stop."

But, while Mourinho was quick to draw a line under the incident last night, he will hang out yet another olive branch to the Italy Under-21 international against Atalanta on Saturday - and he hopes the fans will do too.

"On Saturday we have another game, and he will play," said the 47-year-old.

"It is not a problem for me and I expect the fans to give him the chance to demonstrate that he is with us and can help the team and that he has learned today that to play football at the highest level, you have to play in a certain manner."

Club president Massimo Moratti also expects the experience to bring out the best in Balotelli, although this could well be his last chance with Inter.

"This is the lesson of a lifetime that could be useful to him," Moratti said.

The incident slightly marred Inter's 3-1 win over Barca which put Mourinho's men within touching distance of their first Champions League final.

Mourinho also diffused a rumoured row with Xavi in the tunnel after the game.

The Portuguese is reported to have labelled the Barca midfielder a bad loser after he criticised the referee on the way into the dressing room and, although Mourinho neither confirmed nor denied that, he hinted something along those lines had been said.

"I think it is very hard to lose, especially for somebody who is not used to losing," he explained.

"Even I am like this. It is the characteristic of somebody who almost always wins.

"For a team which is used to always winning, it is not easy. But this is football.

"I love Xavi and can never have any problems with him. I have known him for so long and love him.

"When I went to salute him in the tunnel at the end of the game, he spoke about the referee and I said he must have been talking about the referee (Tom Henning) Ovrebo from Chelsea-Barcelona last season, not this game.

"But there can never be a problem between us. He is fantastic."
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Disgruntled_Trini on April 21, 2010, 04:33:24 PM
Pep-

"We'll invite you to Barcelona and then you will see the real Messi," he said. "Our fans will get behind us and we can do it.


FC Internazionale 3-1 FC Barcelona
0-1 : Pedro 19'
1-1 : Sneijder 30'
2-1 : Maicon 48'
3-1 : Milito 61'

(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100420/moniinter%20(10).jpg)
(http://www.elmundodeportivo.es/gif/20100420/finalchaves%20(8).jpg)
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20100420/capt.143bb6b8cfac450c933ea55b810621b2-143bb6b8cfac450c933ea55b810621b2-0.jpg)
(http://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20100420/i/r2745342828.jpg)
(http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/9493/barcainterclsemi1a.jpg)


BOOKINGS
12' Eto'o (unsporting conduct)
45' Busquets (dissent) 1st
51' Puyol (foul on Milito) 3rd = suspension
60' Piquι (foul on Motta) 4th
68' Keita (foul on Eto'o) 1st
82' Stankovic (foul on Piquι) 3rd = suspension
83' Alves (simulation) 2nd
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: xixgon on April 21, 2010, 05:16:22 PM
Jus hadda watch the kinda money and attention these men does get from a young age to understand how some a them does turn out the way they do yes.


http://www.youtube.com/v/AnrRGzSmeXc&fmt=18


http://www.football-italia.net/apr20bb.html
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Observer on April 21, 2010, 05:19:31 PM
Mourinho say they did not water the pitch at all, so the ball will travel slower and Barca cannot move the ball at a high speed as they would like. Details details.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 21, 2010, 06:57:46 PM
Rooney used to be cussin' referees left, right, center, up, down and every which way he could and manu fans NEVER used to come on here and talk 'bout he attitude.

Having a go at referees is one thing. But having a go at your own teammates, fans and manager is another.

   What are the circumstances?  Do you know? Have you walked a block in this young man's shoe, far less a mile?  Have you ever even been a victim of racism? Have you ever had the pressures placed upon you like he is of being who he is where he is?  Spend a day as a minority working or playing with some of these europeans and you will hear the things that come out of their mouths.  Unprovoked. Right here in the good ole us of a. Much less for their own european turf.  I could only IMAGINE how rough this boy could have possibly had it among these kids, competing for positions, playing games in all these cities and hearing the chants.........Even Samuel Eto'o, a mature, seasoned, professional Samuel Eto'o had had enough and wanted to walk off the field once.
    The goes that rooney used to have at referees would have been just as detrimental to the team as you all allege Balotelli's is, if the refs had the balls to render the appropriate punishment.  What did alex ferguson used to say? "...he is young. He'll learn...blah, blah, blah" Well, Balotelli is young, too, and he should be afforded the same room to grow and mature like everybody else that ever seemed to have an issue.   I didn't quite used to see the announcers, the media and part-time, come lately fans like some people I see here, coming out in such force to be as critical back then as you all are with this young fella.  That is the hypocrisy that I find to be the bullshit.  If the fans are having a go at him, opponents having a go at him, the media having a go at him, some of his own teammates having a go at him, his manager (possibly in his mind) having a go at him, the boy will rebel. What would you do?       
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: 100% Barataria on April 21, 2010, 07:18:41 PM
Rooney used to be cussin' referees left, right, center, up, down and every which way he could and manu fans NEVER used to come on here and talk 'bout he attitude.

Having a go at referees is one thing. But having a go at your own teammates, fans and manager is another.

   What are the circumstances?  Do you know? Have you walked a block in this young man's shoe, far less a mile?  Have you ever even been a victim of racism? Have you ever had the pressures placed upon you like he is of being who he is where he is?  Spend a day as a minority working or playing with some of these europeans and you will hear the things that come out of their mouths.  Unprovoked. Right here in the good ole us of a. Much less for their own european turf.  I could only IMAGINE how rough this boy could have possibly had it among these kids, competing for positions, playing games in all these cities and hearing the chants.........Even Samuel Eto'o, a mature, seasoned, professional Samuel Eto'o had had enough and wanted to walk off the field once.
    The goes that rooney used to have at referees would have been just as detrimental to the team as you all allege Balotelli's is, if the refs had the balls to render the appropriate punishment.  What did alex ferguson used to say? "...he is young. He'll learn...blah, blah, blah" Well, Balotelli is young, too, and he should be afforded the same room to grow and mature like everybody else that ever seemed to have an issue.   I didn't quite used to see the announcers, the media and part-time, come lately fans like some people I see here, coming out in such force to be as critical back then as you all are with this young fella.  That is the hypocrisy that I find to be the bullshit.  If the fans are having a go at him, opponents having a go at him, the media having a go at him, some of his own teammates having a go at him, his manager (possibly in his mind) having a go at him, the boy will rebel. What would you do?       

Well said Mango Chow, a response full of shadow benny and pepper, love it.  The racist inter fans could rock so, glad you highlight Samuel , hope he is trying to mentor the youth, folks like him, Henry, and many others can assist him in this process.  Stay strong Balotelli
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 22, 2010, 06:40:06 AM
Good article. Is there anyone who has the skills to effectively man mark Messi today. I have seen Ronaldo marked out of games but any one who can man mark Messi?

The Times UK
April 21, 2010
Inter's win a shock? Not when you compare squads

Gabriele Marcotti

3. Because Jose Mourinho's outsized personality dominates whichever club he's with, Inter's 3-1 win over Barcelona will be depicted as his personal triumph, taking a rag-tag team of cast-offs past one of the greatest sides in history. But, in fact, in terms of personnel, I'm not sure the gap between these two sides is quite as massive as some would have us believe.

Yes, Barca are clearly the better team and their fooball is, generally, better and more effective. Not coincidentally they have dominated La Liga whereas Inter are in serious danger of losing Serie A to a severely underresourced Roma (kudos to Claudio Ranieri incidentally). But look at the individuals and you see that Inter aren't that shabby.

Julio Cesar is clearly a notch or two above Victor Valdes. There's not much in it between Maicon and Dani Alves, though the former possibly has a slight edge, if only because he's Brazil's starting right back. Lucio and Walter Samuel have been terrifyingly good this season. I don't see a huge gap between them and whatever combination of Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Gabi Milito or Rafa Marquez starts for Barca. Javier Zanetti is ancient but shows few signs of slowing down: he can hold his own against Eric Abidal or Maxwell.

Xavi v Thiago Motta is no contest obviously, but, for me, Esteban Cambiasso just shades it over Sergio Busquets or Yaya Toure. You can mix and match the front four and I'll have Andres Iniesta and Leo Messi over their Inter counterparts any day of the week, but, the way Diego Milito has been performing, I'm not sure Zlatan Ibrahimovic is that much better. That leaves Samuel Eto'o v Pedro and, again, maybe you go with the veteran.

The point here is that the gap between the two sides — and make no mistake about it, there is a gap, Barca are the better team and, if they go out, it will be an upset — is not particularly pronounced in terms of individuals. Where there is a huge difference is that Barca are generally greater than the sum of their parts, whereas the same can't be said for Inter ... except, of course, for last night.

2. Oh to have been a fly on the wall at Barcelona, circa 1997-98. Not only because they won the Double, but can you imagine what some of those coaching meetings must have been like? Louis van Gaal as manager, Jose Mourinho as an assistant, Pep Guardiola as the veteran skipper and midfield general. This year's Champions' League, with each of the three men leading his side to the semi-finals is rather incestuous. Would love to ask each of the three men what they learned from the other two (provided I had a polygraph machine to cut through the inevitable BS).

1. Didn't hear it myself, but I was told that after Messi's four goals against Arsenal a pundit suggested that the little Argentinian could be neutralized by specialist man-marking, with someone athletic and quick like a young Martin Keown being suited for the job. Not sure about Keown, but Claudio Gentile, the former Italy defender (who man-marked Diego Maradona, by hook or by crook, out of a match in 1982) does believe that individual attention could work against Messi.

"You'd need somebody quick and athletic who was good at reading the game and could ensure he never got the ball," Gentile said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. "And you'd need someone who was not going to get beat in a one-on-one if Messi does receive the ball and turns successfully. But the problem is that I don't know that there is anyone today who fits the bill. Not because today's defenders are poor, but simply because man-marking is a lost art in today's game. Everybody plays zone, nobody thinks in terms of individual battles anymore."

He's right. Man-marking has its flaws, hence it's almost nonexistent in the game today. But its demise was also something of a vicious cycle: the fewer the players who knew how to do it correctly, the fewer the occasions in which it was used and, of course, the fewer the chances for someone to learn how to do it.  And that's kind of a shame...


Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Toppa on April 22, 2010, 12:11:21 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 22, 2010, 12:25:39 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.

imo, is only so far yuh could go with that piece of trump call the race card before yuh hold yuhself accountable.

all the people who think that whole victim thing as an excuse need to come off that tip and get real. Is one thing if yuh persistent beef is with the fans (home and away), its a totally next thing if yuh alienating yuh teammates, yuh coaching staff, yuh board and all the people who trying dey best to support yuh and want to see yuh do well.

His attitude does not help his cause and in fact empowers not only the racist fans, but also the ones that just want a way to throw him off his game, to continue with the behavior towards him. Now in no way am I excusing the despicable behavior of the fans, but it was like when you was in school and yuh rankle because a man tell yuh something about yuh mudda.. When you react to that, men will just want to give you more mudda talk because they know that YOU give them that power.

How come man like Eto'o, Muntari and Maicon dont have the same issues?

How yuh go fling de jersey? Thats a direct insult to your club. How yuh go bring all that dem personal issues to your side in their biggest game of the year regardless? It means you're disruptive and you not playing for the team but only for yourself.. Get real. And yet still they willing to give him another chance.

Personaly, I real like this youth and I like the man game plus I give him a bigger bly as a black man in a position to make real change in a country that needs that bad... but that youth right now is just a shame.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: 100% Barataria on April 22, 2010, 12:33:23 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.

imo, is only so far yuh could go with that piece of trump call the race card before yuh hold yuhself accountable.

all the people who think that whole victim thing as an excuse need to come off that tip and get real. Is one thing if yuh persistent beef is with the fans (home and away), its a totally next thing if yuh alienating yuh teammates, yuh coaching staff, yuh board and all the people who trying dey best to support yuh and want to see yuh do well.

His attitude does not help his cause and in fact empowers not only the racist fans, but also the ones that just want a way to throw him off his game, to continue with the behavior towards him. Now in no way am I excusing the despicable behavior of the fans, but it was like when you was in school and yuh rankle because a man tell yuh something about yuh mudda.. When you react to that, men will just want to give you more mudda talk because they know that YOU give them that power.

How come man like Eto'o, Muntari and Maicon dont have the same issues?

How yuh go fling de jersey? Thats a direct insult to your club. How yuh go bring all that dem personal issues to your side in their biggest game of the year regardless? It means you're disruptive and you not playing for the team but only for yourself.. Get real. And yet still they willing to give him another chance.

Personaly, I real like this youth and I like the man game plus I give him a bigger bly as a black man in a position to make real change in a country that needs that bad... but that youth right now is just a shame.

Come nah man Dinho, Eto had the same issues at Barca, no while at Barca he never declare himself an Espanyol or Real Madrid fan nor toss his jersey, but he threatened to leave the field on many occasions, suffice it to say even though his attitude improved this is why Laporta eventually parted w/him, according to Barca press.  There are many mistakes WE make as human beings for which we all have to be accountable, but WE need to get off that high horse and pretend that the injustices that confront this YOUNG man are easy to overcome w/o making mistakes.  In all walks of life this can happen when one is the victim of some injustice and of course we need to try to be mature to combat the issue(s) and rise above it/them, but let's not pretend what he is facing is something WE all understand, b/c we don't, he is a black Italian w/talent facing constant ridicule and racism week in/out in Italian football
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Toppa on April 22, 2010, 12:38:41 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.

imo, is only so far yuh could go with that piece of trump call the race card before yuh hold yuhself accountable.

all the people who think that whole victim thing as an excuse need to come off that tip and get real. Is one thing if yuh persistent beef is with the fans (home and away), its a totally next thing if yuh alienating yuh teammates, yuh coaching staff, yuh board and all the people who trying dey best to support yuh and want to see yuh do well.

His attitude does not help his cause and in fact empowers not only the racist fans, but also the ones that just want a way to throw him off his game, to continue with the behavior towards him. Now in no way am I excusing the despicable behavior of the fans, but it was like when you was in school and yuh rankle because a man tell yuh something about yuh mudda.. When you react to that, men will just want to give you more mudda talk because they know that YOU give them that power.

How come man like Eto'o, Muntari and Maicon dont have the same issues?

How yuh go fling de jersey? Thats a direct insult to your club. How yuh go bring all that dem personal issues to your side in their biggest game of the year regardless? It means you're disruptive and you not playing for the team but only for yourself.. Get real. And yet still they willing to give him another chance.

Personaly, I real like this youth and I like the man game plus I give him a bigger bly as a black man in a position to make real change in a country that needs that bad... but that youth right now is just a shame.

Come nah man Dinho, Eto had the same issues at Barca, no while at Barca he never declare himself an Espanyol or Real Madrid fan nor toss his jersey, but he threatened to leave the field on many occasions, suffice it to say even though his attitude improved this is why Laporta eventually parted w/him, according to Barca press.  There are many mistakes WE make as human beings for which we all have to be accountable, but WE need to get off that high horse and pretend that the injustices that confront this YOUNG man are easy to overcome w/o making mistakes.  In all walks of life this can happen when one is the victim of some injustice and of course we need to try to be mature to combat the issue(s) and rise above it/them, but let's not pretend what he is facing is something WE all understand, b/c we don't, he is a black Italian w/talent facing constant ridicule and racism week in/out in Italian football

Was it ever directed at his own club and team-mates, though?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Bourbon on April 22, 2010, 12:39:20 PM
I now actually watch de game..and when he came on...i looking for what he did to deserve any kinda problems from de fans.

I eh see nuttin. He try a kinda one time long ball up that didnt come off..buh was a good idea. He try a shot dat was kinda on....buh it was bout 3 feet wide of de post.

So i trying to understand what he coulda do to deserve it. Not saying that it wasnt stupid to throw the jersey. Not to mention the episode with him and the AC jersey. Buh jeez....what did he do tuesday to deserve abuse from the fans?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 22, 2010, 12:41:38 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.

imo, is only so far yuh could go with that piece of trump call the race card before yuh hold yuhself accountable.

all the people who think that whole victim thing as an excuse need to come off that tip and get real. Is one thing if yuh persistent beef is with the fans (home and away), its a totally next thing if yuh alienating yuh teammates, yuh coaching staff, yuh board and all the people who trying dey best to support yuh and want to see yuh do well.

His attitude does not help his cause and in fact empowers not only the racist fans, but also the ones that just want a way to throw him off his game, to continue with the behavior towards him. Now in no way am I excusing the despicable behavior of the fans, but it was like when you was in school and yuh rankle because a man tell yuh something about yuh mudda.. When you react to that, men will just want to give you more mudda talk because they know that YOU give them that power.

How come man like Eto'o, Muntari and Maicon dont have the same issues?

How yuh go fling de jersey? Thats a direct insult to your club. How yuh go bring all that dem personal issues to your side in their biggest game of the year regardless? It means you're disruptive and you not playing for the team but only for yourself.. Get real. And yet still they willing to give him another chance.

Personaly, I real like this youth and I like the man game plus I give him a bigger bly as a black man in a position to make real change in a country that needs that bad... but that youth right now is just a shame.

Come nah man Dinho, Eto had the same issues at Barca, no while at Barca he never declare himself an Espanyol or Real Madrid fan nor toss his jersey, but he threatened to leave the field on many occasions, suffice it to say even though his attitude improved this is why Laporta eventually parted w/him, according to Barca press.  There are many mistakes WE make as human beings for which we all have to be accountable, but WE need to get off that high horse and pretend that the injustices that confront this YOUNG man are easy to overcome w/o making mistakes.  In all walks of life this can happen when one is the victim of some injustice and of course we need to try to be mature to combat the issue(s) and rise above it/them, but let's not pretend what he is facing is something WE all understand, b/c we don't, he is a black Italian w/talent facing constant ridicule and racism week in/out in Italian football

respect Barataria i understand all that, :beermug: yuh right about that, and I don't pretend to know what he going through.. but keep in mind that is the same Eto'o trying to talk to this youth..

I doh believe in exonerating a man of blame for his actions or what he become, because of his circumstances, because at the end of the day everybody have a choice to make.

At some point if he eh check heself, people will decide that he eh worth the struggle and the fight up and is best to leave him to his own devices.. and thats how God given talent does go to waste and then yuh does hear about "he coulda been x and he shoulda been y".. jmho
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: 100% Barataria on April 22, 2010, 12:45:08 PM
respect Barataria i understand all that, :beermug: yuh right about that, and I don't pretend to know what he going through.. but keep in mind that is the same Eto'o trying to talk to this youth..

I doh believe in exonerating a man of blame for his actions or what he become, because of his circumstances, because at the end of the day everybody have a choice to make.

At some point if he eh check heself, people will decide that he eh worth the struggle and the fight up and is best to leave him to his own devices.. and thats how God given talent does go to waste and then yuh does hear about "he coulda been x and he shoulda been y".. jmho

Sense  :thumbsup:

Was it ever directed at his own club and team-mates, though?

No, correct, but not sure if the two situations are absolutely identical, he def has more of a fuse than Sammy and as Dinho point out Sammy tryin to assist him, will see how it all pans out, hopefully for the better
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: elan on April 22, 2010, 12:51:47 PM
I'm sure Balotelli is not the first player to experience prejuduce in football...he just seems to have a very bad attitude that supercedes whatever he might have experieced, or maybe compunded it. Anyway...whatever may or may not have happened is no excuse to be carrying on like that to your own fans (after declaring your public support for AC Milan? What kind of idiot move is that?) and throwing your team jersey on the floor in disgust.

He just comes off as an immature idiot to me and his attitude, if it continues, will be his undoing.

imo, is only so far yuh could go with that piece of trump call the race card before yuh hold yuhself accountable.

all the people who think that whole victim thing as an excuse need to come off that tip and get real. Is one thing if yuh persistent beef is with the fans (home and away), its a totally next thing if yuh alienating yuh teammates, yuh coaching staff, yuh board and all the people who trying dey best to support yuh and want to see yuh do well.

His attitude does not help his cause and in fact empowers not only the racist fans, but also the ones that just want a way to throw him off his game, to continue with the behavior towards him. Now in no way am I excusing the despicable behavior of the fans, but it was like when you was in school and yuh rankle because a man tell yuh something about yuh mudda.. When you react to that, men will just want to give you more mudda talk because they know that YOU give them that power.

How come man like Eto'o, Muntari and Maicon dont have the same issues?

How yuh go fling de jersey? Thats a direct insult to your club. How yuh go bring all that dem personal issues to your side in their biggest game of the year regardless? It means you're disruptive and you not playing for the team but only for yourself.. Get real. And yet still they willing to give him another chance.

Personaly, I real like this youth and I like the man game plus I give him a bigger bly as a black man in a position to make real change in a country that needs that bad... but that youth right now is just a shame.

None of them are bringing down Italians by being a Black Italian.

Why they start booing the man on the field even before he do anything? I don't understand that.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: jai john on April 23, 2010, 07:47:57 AM
If yuh taking de money show some respect for your employers and their shareholders. He doh have to take it yuh know ...he could leave. I cant see why he would want to stay if his atitude is not to win over the fans.
Racism exists everywhere ...and so does bad attitude to work ....
there are two qualities that overshadow your best efforts to impress ...ignorance and arrogance ..Balotelli seems to want to exhibit both .
If you can rationalise a throw down shirt , the wearing of  a rival team's shirt, saying you are a fan of a rival team and are willing to take on the crowd ....there is a place for you ... try professional wrestling !
Football needs stars not monstars !
It would be the same for any player who under pressure reacts as balotelli does...take yuh steel beam and go !
It is an insult to the fans in a country where young and old  eat, sleep and dream football.
Morinho , to is credit, is trying but even his rope has an end.
What a waste.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 23, 2010, 08:18:16 AM
If yuh taking de money show some respect for your employers and their shareholders. He doh have to take it yuh know ...he could leave. I cant see why he would want to stay if his atitude is not to win over the fans.
Racism exists everywhere ...and so does bad attitude to work ....
there are two qualities that overshadow your best efforts to impress ...ignorance and arrogance ..Balotelli seems to want to exhibit both .
If you can rationalise a throw down shirt , the wearing of  a rival team's shirt, saying you are a fan of a rival team and are willing to take on the crowd ....there is a place for you ... try professional wrestling !
Football needs stars not monstars !
It would be the same for any player who under pressure reacts as balotelli does...take yuh steel beam and go !
It is an insult to the fans in a country where young and old  eat, sleep and dream football.
Morinho , to is credit, is trying but even his rope has an end.
What a waste.

if ur employer or your customers started racially abusing you, you would just accept it cuz dey payin yuh salary? ::)
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 23, 2010, 08:33:09 AM
 I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 23, 2010, 08:49:11 AM
If yuh taking de money show some respect for your employers and their shareholders. He doh have to take it yuh know ...he could leave. I cant see why he would want to stay if his atitude is not to win over the fans.
Racism exists everywhere ...and so does bad attitude to work ....
there are two qualities that overshadow your best efforts to impress ...ignorance and arrogance ..Balotelli seems to want to exhibit both .
If you can rationalise a throw down shirt , the wearing of  a rival team's shirt, saying you are a fan of a rival team and are willing to take on the crowd ....there is a place for you ... try professional wrestling !
Football needs stars not monstars !
It would be the same for any player who under pressure reacts as balotelli does...take yuh steel beam and go !
It is an insult to the fans in a country where young and old  eat, sleep and dream football.
Morinho , to is credit, is trying but even his rope has an end.
What a waste.

if ur employer or your customers started racially abusing you, you would just accept it cuz dey payin yuh salary? ::)

Well as for me, if my employers or customers paying me his salary, then they could go ahead and racially abuse me yes...   :D



I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

Balotelli seeks to leave Inter after Barca incidents

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775078&sec=europe&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775078&sec=europe&cc=5901)

Mario Balotelli has reportedly handed in a transfer request after the events that followed Inter Milan's 3-1 victory over Barcelona at the San Siro.
Mario Balotelli

GettyImages

Mario Balotelli provoked an angry response from the Inter crowd

• Balotelli attacked over gesture
• Mourinho plans to play Balotelli

Balotelli was booed by his own fans after a speculative shot late on in the game and he threw down his shirt at the final whistle. The striker was criticised by a number of his team-mates after the game and security had to protect him from angry supporters as he left the stadium.

Gazzetta dello Sport has now reported that Balotelli has handed in a transfer request, although club president Massimo Moratti is hopeful the issue can be resolved.

"Now it's difficult to mend," he said on Football Italia. "It's not impossible, but something will have to give. It's as if Balotelli committed suicide in public.

"But I have faith in him and I don't intend to sell him. I don't know if he'll play against Atalanta. There is a lot to do. We'll see."

Balotelli, meanwhile, has said he wants to prove he can be the best player in the game despite recent negative headlines.

"I am ready to become the greatest player in the world," he told Sky Italia. "I am relaxed and nothing has changed. Since childhood I have had this dream and I have no intention of messing it up."
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 23, 2010, 08:51:16 AM
I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

http://www.interpersempre.com/apps/blog/show/3023103-this-is-the-real-balotelli-the-entire-interview-with-le-lene
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 23, 2010, 09:03:03 AM
I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

http://www.interpersempre.com/apps/blog/show/3023103-this-is-the-real-balotelli-the-entire-interview-with-le-lene

Thank you-good interview. He appeared to give some level headed responses including admitting that he does experience feelings of anger when he does not get a call. Only time will tell.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 23, 2010, 09:04:24 AM
If yuh taking de money show some respect for your employers and their shareholders. He doh have to take it yuh know ...he could leave. I cant see why he would want to stay if his atitude is not to win over the fans.
Racism exists everywhere ...and so does bad attitude to work ....
there are two qualities that overshadow your best efforts to impress ...ignorance and arrogance ..Balotelli seems to want to exhibit both .
If you can rationalise a throw down shirt , the wearing of  a rival team's shirt, saying you are a fan of a rival team and are willing to take on the crowd ....there is a place for you ... try professional wrestling !
Football needs stars not monstars !
It would be the same for any player who under pressure reacts as balotelli does...take yuh steel beam and go !
It is an insult to the fans in a country where young and old  eat, sleep and dream football.
Morinho , to is credit, is trying but even his rope has an end.
What a waste.

if ur employer or your customers started racially abusing you, you would just accept it cuz dey payin yuh salary? ::)

Well as for me, if my employers or customers paying me his salary, then they could go ahead and racially abuse me yes...   :D



I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

Balotelli seeks to leave Inter after Barca incidents

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775078&sec=europe&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775078&sec=europe&cc=5901)

Mario Balotelli has reportedly handed in a transfer request after the events that followed Inter Milan's 3-1 victory over Barcelona at the San Siro.
Mario Balotelli

GettyImages

Mario Balotelli provoked an angry response from the Inter crowd

• Balotelli attacked over gesture
• Mourinho plans to play Balotelli

Balotelli was booed by his own fans after a speculative shot late on in the game and he threw down his shirt at the final whistle. The striker was criticised by a number of his team-mates after the game and security had to protect him from angry supporters as he left the stadium.

Gazzetta dello Sport has now reported that Balotelli has handed in a transfer request, although club president Massimo Moratti is hopeful the issue can be resolved.

"Now it's difficult to mend," he said on Football Italia. "It's not impossible, but something will have to give. It's as if Balotelli committed suicide in public.

"But I have faith in him and I don't intend to sell him. I don't know if he'll play against Atalanta. There is a lot to do. We'll see."

Balotelli, meanwhile, has said he wants to prove he can be the best player in the game despite recent negative headlines.

"I am ready to become the greatest player in the world," he told Sky Italia. "I am relaxed and nothing has changed. Since childhood I have had this dream and I have no intention of messing it up."

Thanks for the article.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 23, 2010, 09:05:54 AM
Balotelli agent rejects transfer request claims

By Soccernet staff

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775563&sec=europe&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775563&sec=europe&cc=5901)

Mario Balotelli's agent has rejected claims the striker has requested to leave Inter Milan.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported this week that agent Mino Raiola had met with the club to announce that Balotelli wanted to leave the club following the events against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

"That is not true," Raiola told RAI Sport. "I have nothing to deny when it comes to something so obviously false. I have not even met with president Massimo Moratti this week."

Raiola, who said he would "defend the rights of my players at any moment and in any venue", had earlier suggested that it was the Inter fans who were at fault.

"Clearly he can't have been happy with those jeers," he told Telelombardia. "Will he apologise? I don't know. Maybe the fans ought to apologise to him."

It has also been reported that the player could seek legal action over the alleged 'bullying' Balotelli received from his team-mates. Raiola has played down those suggestions, although he warned that it was an option.

"I never said Balotelli was the victim of bullying, nor did I talk about taking legal action," he said. "I find it interesting that we're talking about bullying, because Goran Pandev arrived at Inter due to legal action he took against Lazio over bullying, so if you want to add one and one to make two, you can do that with Balotelli..."

Pandev joined Inter on a free transfer in January having been released from his Lazio contract. He had been frozen out of the squad after indicating his wish to leave the previous summer.

Meanwhile, former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has said he does not believe Balotelli will play another home game for Inter.

"Inter have not been able to learn how to manage the player, especially Jose Mourinho," he said on Football Italia. "You cannot bring the player on in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and then, after five minutes, start telling him off.

"These are the kind of things that will incite the crowd, which will see them whistle and jeer him. Balotelli just crumbled. If I was in charge of the player, none of this would have occurred. After what has happened, I don't see the player playing at the Meazza.

"Balotelli needs to learn to learn to be humble. He needs to learn that talent alone will not turn you into a champion. He needs to learn to behave himself."
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 23, 2010, 09:12:10 AM
I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

http://www.interpersempre.com/apps/blog/show/3023103-this-is-the-real-balotelli-the-entire-interview-with-le-lene

Thank you-good interview. He appeared to give some level headed responses including admitting that he does experience feelings of anger when he does not get a call. Only time will tell.

And here's the video where he wore the Milan shirt (looks like he thought filming had finished when he put it on)
http://www.youtube.com/v/qeVMVDifZDU
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: giggsy11 on April 23, 2010, 09:27:56 AM
Balotelli agent rejects transfer request claims

By Soccernet staff

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775563&sec=europe&cc=5901 (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=775563&sec=europe&cc=5901)

Mario Balotelli's agent has rejected claims the striker has requested to leave Inter Milan.

Gazzetta dello Sport reported this week that agent Mino Raiola had met with the club to announce that Balotelli wanted to leave the club following the events against Barcelona on Tuesday night.

"That is not true," Raiola told RAI Sport. "I have nothing to deny when it comes to something so obviously false. I have not even met with president Massimo Moratti this week."

Raiola, who said he would "defend the rights of my players at any moment and in any venue", had earlier suggested that it was the Inter fans who were at fault.

"Clearly he can't have been happy with those jeers," he told Telelombardia. "Will he apologise? I don't know. Maybe the fans ought to apologise to him."

It has also been reported that the player could seek legal action over the alleged 'bullying' Balotelli received from his team-mates. Raiola has played down those suggestions, although he warned that it was an option.

"I never said Balotelli was the victim of bullying, nor did I talk about taking legal action," he said. "I find it interesting that we're talking about bullying, because Goran Pandev arrived at Inter due to legal action he took against Lazio over bullying, so if you want to add one and one to make two, you can do that with Balotelli..."

Pandev joined Inter on a free transfer in January having been released from his Lazio contract. He had been frozen out of the squad after indicating his wish to leave the previous summer.

Meanwhile, former Juventus director Luciano Moggi has said he does not believe Balotelli will play another home game for Inter.

"Inter have not been able to learn how to manage the player, especially Jose Mourinho," he said on Football Italia. "You cannot bring the player on in the semi-finals of the Champions League, and then, after five minutes, start telling him off.

"These are the kind of things that will incite the crowd, which will see them whistle and jeer him. Balotelli just crumbled. If I was in charge of the player, none of this would have occurred. After what has happened, I don't see the player playing at the Meazza.

"Balotelli needs to learn to learn to be humble. He needs to learn that talent alone will not turn you into a champion. He needs to learn to behave himself."


It seems like he is saying the club needs to learn how to better manage the player and the player needs to manage him self better. Not sure if Jose has the patience to deal with youth men like Balotelli.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Observer on April 23, 2010, 10:01:07 AM
This is only my interpretation of things. In Italy the managers are changed so often, that their
only concern is the immediate result. Nurturing talent is not on the priority list. Look how very few
young players are used in the league. The coaches are not charged with building a club, or program
in the long term. Admittedly I may be way off here, its just an observation from the outside.
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Blue on April 23, 2010, 11:11:48 AM
This is only my interpretation of things. In Italy the managers are changed so often, that their
only concern is the immediate result. Nurturing talent is not on the priority list. Look how very few
young players are used in the league. The coaches are not charged with building a club, or program
in the long term. Admittedly I may be way off here, its just an observation from the outside.

I remember watching Balotelli sweat for Inter's first team in a pre-season friendly almost 3 years ago, back when he was still a member of the youth academy. He must have been about 16 then. They have tried with Balotelli.

If you look at the Inter squad, men like Santon and Pandev have also come through the academy (Pandev left and came back).
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Zeppo on April 23, 2010, 12:58:38 PM
if ur employer or your customers started racially abusing you, you would just accept it cuz dey payin yuh salary? ::)


When did Inter fans racially abuse Balotelli?
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: dinho on April 23, 2010, 02:23:22 PM
I am curious to know if there are any interviews given by the young man regarding his behaviors, personal feelings as well experiences? If yes could you please post it?.

http://www.interpersempre.com/apps/blog/show/3023103-this-is-the-real-balotelli-the-entire-interview-with-le-lene

real laughing at the one comment at the end of the interview.. :rotfl:
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: fish on April 23, 2010, 02:29:32 PM
This is only my interpretation of things. In Italy the managers are changed so often, that their
only concern is the immediate result. Nurturing talent is not on the priority list. Look how very few
young players are used in the league. The coaches are not charged with building a club, or program
in the long term. Admittedly I may be way off here, its just an observation from the outside.

I remember watching Balotelli sweat for Inter's first team in a pre-season friendly almost 3 years ago, back when he was still a member of the youth academy. He must have been about 16 then. They have tried with Balotelli.

If you look at the Inter squad, men like Santon and Pandev have also come through the academy (Pandev left and came back).


Pandev look like he is about 50 lol
Title: Re: UEFA CL Semifinal • Inter Milan v Barcelona • 20 Apr 2010
Post by: Mango Chow! on April 24, 2010, 01:32:51 AM
.....amazing how men (and boys) coming on here and calling Balotelli a "waste"......for all the trouble he's alleged to be giving, he is still PRODUCING for Inter both as a supporting player and as a scorer.  If he wasn't, we would hardly be hearing about him from deep on the bench.......not to mention that he is playing at such a high level that Lippi struggling with the decision to include him for South Africa.  What a "waste" in trute. 
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