Two Easy

Where have we been since my last post? Twin scoreless defeats to two of the top teams in the Primera. We were again listless in both matches, comfortable and secure in our place at the table, yet weeks gone from the promise of a guaranteed European slot. The mistakes are killing us. ...

Ups and Downs

Games In Brief
OK we beat Murcia away midweek, but then we drew against Racing this past weekend. We're safe, but a chance at Europe is slipping through our fingers. We still lack that self believe, that winning confidence. Luck was not on our side today as Deportivo failed to qualify for UEFA cup via the fair play award. In addition, Spain did not get that extra country spot in the Intertoto - Denmark and Germany did. So now we need to beat Sevilla away and hope that Deportivo will lose to Villarreal at the Riazor. Our chances frankly are not good. Sevilla and Villarreal both have nothing to play for. Depor is at home and Lotina and company have created a fortress over there. A draw and a loss at home has killed our opportunities. Let's hope for a miracle.

3 Young Spanish Midfielders

So after a terrific La Liga title winning season, we have all but a game that may or may not happen against Levante this weekend. So all eyes are on the moves that Real makes this summer in the transfer market, as its pretty certain that barring a bust-up, Bernadine Schuster will be the coach next year. So the management of the team and the coach will be working hand-in-hand for once in the off-season to put together the team for next season.
Common sense dictate that not many moves need to be made for a team that did so well this year, and Ramon Calderon has not run his mouth about potential signings this summer, sticking with the suggestions Raul and Gabi Heinze made to him to keep the team together, explaining that before making a move in the market, mainly selling a player, consider how other players will take it and the effect it will have on team chemistry. Couple that with Schuster's idea that no more than 3 additions are needed, which should mean atleast 3 departures, and we have a very solid core of players to continue chasing honors with.

Que te vaya bien, Frank

I'm not generally one for too much sentiment when it comes to sports. I bid players and coaches farewell about as emotionally as I do laundry, but somehow this is different. Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard will certainly be missed around these parts, despite the on-again-off-again relationship most of us have had with him over the last two years.
Let's look beyond the recent "turmoil," beyond the tabloid headlines decrying this or that folly, and let's look at the good that Frank Rijkaard has done for this club. Two La Liga titles, a Champions League title, and 2 Spanish SuperCups in the span of 5 years, along with 2 runner ups and a 3rd place finish in the league, and a Champions League semifinal appearance to boot. Then there's the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan and a Copa Catalunya title last year (though I don't know if Frankie can take credit for that one).

What Should I Write About?

I Wish Upstate New York/Connecticut Looked Like This

So it is officialy summer for me, which means I have started out a little lazy with posting as I sleep copious amounts and workout like crazy. But I will go back to every-other-day Grapevine posts, and remember everyone, my 1 year anniversary writing here ...

How does that shirt fit, Sol?

Better question: Does it even look right?
The shirt is nice, but does he look nice in it?
I know, the rumor began some time ago, but since I just started writing for The Offside I thought it'd be best to address it now. Besides, it's resurfaced in the past couple of days. One report already confirms that Campbell will sign following the completion of Portsmouth's season. But hey, as we all know in football, nothing's certain until pen is put to paper.
Many say he just wants a free ride to the Champions League.
But can you really imagine the big baldy donning the all-yellow? He's done it before when Arsenal had those yellow Villarreal knock-offs as their third kits. It just looked pretty tacky.
Aesthetics aside, I'd like to know what all of you think of the potential move. The defense is already solid, anchored by Capdevila. Any need for more pace in the back, which a Campbell presence could provide? The guy is quick and good in the air, but is he really what Villarreal needs now?
I've been particularly wary of English nationals trying to make it in Spain. So many have tried and failed - Beckham, Woodgate, McManaman, etc. Owen was decent, but still one and done at Madrid. For that matter, nobody on the English team plays overseas, except for Beckham. By contrast, Spaniards such as Torres, Fabregas, Reina, Xabi Alonso and many others have flourished in the Premiership.

La Liga at its Best and Worst

Although I support Manchester United because of George Best(my favorite player of all time) who I met briefly while serving as a ball kid back in 1977 for the LA Aztecs of the old NASL, I am not a passionate fan like I am for Cagliari and Mallorca. Therefore ...

Relief

Ahh, sweet glorious relief ... how wonderful it is!

The weight of the world has been lifted off our shoulders.
The birds are chirping. The sun is shining. The flowers smell wonderful and the effervescent coffee in the next room beckons us to enjoy the day ...

Ok, it's ...

Sprinting to the Finish: Villarreal 2 - 0 Espanyol

After clinching second place in the league and looking forward to Espanyol on Sunday, striker Nihat said, "Our fans deserve to celebrate this great achievement, so we have to be at our best and go out and play a great game." (Congrats, by the way, Nihat! Reppin' ...