JOE looks at the possibility of a second Manchester United treble, the easy life of Harry Redknapp and wonders if Barcelona are suddenly the most hated team in football?
By Frank McCann
Why is ‘Arry given such an easy ride?
Perhaps because of the sideshow of the fitness of Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema amongst others, and the fact that José Mourinho finally lost a home game for the first time in nine years at the weekend, little attention has been paid to the fact that Spurs are playing quite horrendously at the moment.
The last time the Spuds actually won a game was against AC Milan in the San Siro in the Champions League in the middle of February and since then, they have lost one game and drawn four, failing to score in three of those games. Some might call it only a blip, but take into account that four of those games have been against the teams that actually occupy the bottom four places in the Premier League at the moment, and suddenly their form becomes a major concern.
Yet, there is still a notion out there that they can pull it off against Real Madrid over two legs. Some believe that the team that conceded a combined six goals to Blackpool and Wolves, to the striking talents of DJ Campbell, Steven Fletcher and Slyvain Ebanks-Blake, can contain a strikeforce that is likely to include (who are they kidding?) Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Mesut Ozil.
It’s far-fetched to say the least, but then how could you say anything ill of ‘Arry, the man who will gladly wind down his window to show his Droopy-like mug to the Sky Sports News cameras and offer a nice sound bite on a regular basis, the man who actually joined son Jamie and his cronies in the studio only minutes after beating Milan in the San Siro, the next England manager in waiting?
Put it this way, if it was Mancini or Ancelotti in a similar position, there would be calls for their heads.
Is it stupid to write off the European Champions?
Inter Milan won the Champions League last season, although many will tell you that was largely down to Jose Mourinho.
The European champions have been a shadow of the side that claimed the biggest prize in club football last May, having seen Rafa Benitez depart halfway through the season after several below-par performances.
Wesley Sneijder gives short shrift to Leonardo’s instructions
However, the blue and black half of Milan have improved since the appointment of Leonardo, with the Brazilian leading his side to 30 points from his first 12 domestic games, which isn’t bad at all now, is it?
Although they got a 3-0 thumping during the Milan derby last weekend, he has still led his side to what at this stage, will be a respectable finish in the Italian top flight.
As for the Champions League, you have to look at it from Inter’s point of view. They won’t be winning the Serie A title. So why not put all their focus on the Champions League? They know how to win it and the team is basically the same as last season.
After their last-minute victory over Bayern in Germany recently, Inter will feel that they can take out another German side, with Schalke being the opposition on this occasion.
The Italians will be favourites to progress, but that’s as far as they’re expected to go. If they progress, they will meet the winners of the Manchester United and Chelsea clash, who are both considered to be superior opposition. However, Inter have the ability to beat any team on any night. Just because they’ve had a tough season doesn’t mean they can’t finish on a high.
Beware of the wounded animal. Inter will be no pushovers.
Manchester United v Chelsea and Barcelona v Shakhtar Donetsk
The Treble Mark II: A step too far?
When you compare the Manchester United side of 1999 to the “Unconvincibles” of 2011, you still get the feeling the Red Devils’ season is going to fall apart at some point.
At this stage 12 years ago, United were set for their Champions League semi-final first leg against Juventus at Old Trafford, playing Arsenal in the last four of the FA Cup and had not been defeated in any competition since the turn of the year.
The Red Devils looked unbeatable; boasting one of the best starting line-ups in world football. Their midfield boasted four of the greatest of their generation…all in their prime.
Giggs, Keane, Scholes and Beckham were all at top of their game when United achieved the historic Treble. So it really makes you think if the likes of Michael “average” Carrick and Darron “good shot, bad pass” Gibson have what it takes to repeat the heroics of ’99?
United have been in mixed form as of late, having suffered defeats at Chelsea and Liverpool, while also showing wonderful determination in their games against Bolton and West Ham.
Traditionally, the Red Devils always turn up the heat at this stage of the season, usually hitting their peak when it matters most. However, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have still failed to impress critics and fans this season, having been called the “unconvincibles” (in contrast to Arsenal’s “Invincibles” of 2004) during their unbeaten run that was finally finished at Molineux in February.
With crucial games coming up over the next few weeks that includes three games against Chelsea, a trip to the Emirates and a Wembley date with the blue half of Manchester, it’s a very important time for United.
Many said that their games against Chelsea and Liverpool a few weeks back would be pivotal to their title chances, and although they suffered defeat in both of those games, they still managed to remain on top of the Premier League due to the shortcomings of their title rivals.
However, United can’t rely on other teams slipping up this time around, with the next few games being straight knock-out football. These games could make or break their season.
Are Barcelona becoming the team to hate?
Following the high-profile drama of ‘Arse-lona v Barc-enal’, many football fans are looking at Barcelona in a different manner.
The gloriously-gifted Catalans have been criticised for their unprofessional antics against Arsenal that possibly swung the tie in their favour. A combination of blatant arrogance and attempting to influence the referee were amongst the reasons why the anti-Barca movement has begun.
While they do play football that is simply irresistible to watch, it’s sad to see their sulking manner when things don’t go their way.
The behaviour of Dani Alves against Arsenal is one reason why Barcelona aren’t flavour of the month at the moment
Did they deserve to beat Arsenal? Yes. They were the better team over the two legs and fully deserve their place in the quarter-finals. With Shaktar next on the menu, it looks like the Catalans will be in the last four unless the Ukrainian side can pull off a huge upset.
However, you’re not as likely to see the unsporting antics from Barca against Shaktar.
Why? This is a game that Barca should win comfortably; therefore they won’t be under the pressure they would face from a better team. The Catalans will have most of the ball, so they won’t be in a position to get upset. When everything goes their way, Barcelona play beautiful, confident football. It’s only when things go bad that they start to hassle the referee.
With many people believing this Barcelona side could be the greatest of all time, it will be interesting to take into account their petulant attitude. Maybe this could go against them? How could a team that behaves in this manner be one of the greatest ever? Respect and ability are the two sides of the game. To be a truly great team you must have both.
It’s last-chance saloon for Chelsea. Can they beat United?
After dropping more points at Stoke on Saturday, it looks like the Champions League will be Chelsea’s only remaining chance of silverware this season.
In the last few weeks it looked like the London side may have been getting back into the title race following a good run of results which included a win over rivals Manchester United.
However, it looks like the chances of retaining their title are gone, as they trail the leaders by 11 points with eight games to go, albeit with a game in hand.
So…can they advance at United’s expense?
Why not? Chelsea have an excellent record against United, while also having a psychological advantage after beating them at Stamford Bridge last month.
Although United have a tendency to move up a gear as the season reaches its climax, their unconvincing displays this term may give Chelsea the motivation to throw everything at the Red Devils.
The new Shevchenko (aka Fernando Torres) will once-again attempt to score his first goal for Chelsea. The former Liverpool striker has been a shadow of the man that was banging them in on Merseyside, having lost virtually all of his confidence since his arrival at the Bridge.
However, he has had a habit of making Nemanja Vidic look foolish in recent times and could finally pop his Chelsea cherry by giving the Serbian the runaround on Wednesday night.
If the Londoners pack the centre of park and play a high line they could get a lot of joy behind a United midfield that has looked very suspect this season.
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