Blog Archives
The Munich Empire Takes Rome
Rome’s defensive force just isn’t what it used to be.
Bundesliga juggernaut Bayern Munich traveled to Rome for a Champions League match against AS Roma yesterday. In the dawn of this season, FC Holywood was struggling (meaning they actually lost and/or tied a game or two). These minor hiccups (following a successful, hard fought World Cup for many of its star players mind you) are extrapolated because the expectations continue to be astronomical for Pep Guardiola after guiding a golden generation at Barcelona and the fact that he had the impossible task of directly following Jupp Heynckes’ record-breaking, treble winning season. Actually, Pep’s won everything Jupp did in that unforgettable 2012-2013 season, except a Champions league title. Sort of a big omission. Pep had a few words about his strategy in the disastrous semi-final leg versus Real Madrid, but this is a family-friendly blog. To paraphrase, he said ‘it was his biggest goof of his career.’ Still, thus far, Bayern Munich has earned two 1-nil victories in their 2014-2015 Champions League quest against Manchester City and CSKA Moscow. Next up was s trip to Italy against AS Roma.
In-depth analysis could break this game down, but someone graciously compiled a video that encapsulates the tone and feel of the match…in 6 seconds.
(Just click on the video to pause it)
Bayern Munich 7-1 AS Roma.
Pep’s Boys are officially back in top form. Simply put, this was a statement game for a final that won’t be played for around 7 months on June 6, 2015. And by the way, the UEFA Champions League Final is in Berlin at the Olympiastadion.
How do you say, “relentless focus” in German?
Looks like Pep’s rewriting it so that it starts with Bayern and ends in Munich (technically Berlin, but you know what I’m saying).
Throwing a “Hail Mary”
Braxton Miller.
After Miller re-injured his throwing shoulder yesterday in practice, just a couple weeks out from the season opener against Navy, there was a collective gasp that could be heard in every corner of Buckeye Nation. Potentially a season-ending injury, some are already deflating into a puddle of disappointment before the team has rushed into the Horseshoe for the first time this Fall. Understandably so, people are concerned. They should be. Braxton Miller is already a Heisman candidate based on his past successes, but we should look no further than just one year ago to find comfort.
Does the name Kenny Guiton still cause a Buckeye fan to smile?
Yes, it was in Berkeley, California last season against the Cal Bears when Kenny Guiton had a sensational display of throwing prowess for the Scarlet & Gray. Was it expected? No. Did it happen? Yes. For so many years when Jim Tressel was the head coach of the Buckeyes, literally everybody knew what play he was going to call (ironically, it rhymes with “fun”), regardless of age. Tressel had a system and, well, it worked pretty damn well. But it was predictable. These days, with Urban Meyer as the head coach (and the issue of dealing with restrictive sanctions), Ohio State has had to deal with adversity and many, many surprises. Few things in life, despite precise preparation, go exactly as planned. It’s not whether something negative will happen, but whether or not you can turn that negative into a positive (like when defensive lineman are chasing you with the game on the line).
Recall Ohio State v. Wisconsin in Columbus, Ohio in 2011?
Braxton Miller was not expected to make that kind of throw or for that to become a broken play. But it did and he had to adjust under pressure. Yes, that same Braxton Miller may miss this season because of a re-injured shoulder. It is still a “TBD” situation at this moment. However, on that same note, there are a couple backup quarterbacks who are ready and yearning for that spotlight.
And usually unforeseen greatness comes from people and situations we rarely expect.
Just ask Braxton Miller.
Lost in Translation
MLS All-Stars 2 Bayern Munich 1
The Jekyll and Hyde dynamic of the MLS All-Star game can be tricky to define and prepare for as a result. On the one hand foot, both coaches and teams are under the presumed assumption that the game will be more entertaining than competitive. It’s a reward of sorts for both squads. Tactics will be utilized, but to a suspended degree. And on the other foot, fans want to see their money’s worth. Consequently, this requires efforts of players be exhausted that would simulate a crucial playoff match in some circumstances.
Enter Bayern Munich into Portland, Oregon.
The first team for Bayern Munich did not even begin to take shape on the pitch until very late in the game (~ the 80′). The players from Germany and the Netherland’s World Cup squads flew in special for this event yesterday afternoon. For the most part, it was Bayern’s second team battling the MLS All-Stars (underscore the word “battle”). Things got tense on the field and on the coaching sideline when the best of MLS took some hard challenges on Pep’s Boys (my nickname). It appeared to violate “a gentleman’s agreement” before the match began, particularly in the mind of Pep Guardiola. This led to a refusal of Pep to shake hands with Caleb Porter, along with a stern talking to the officials after the final whistle blew. It should be noted that it’s the middle of the season for MLS and preseason for Bayern Munich.
Who is right and who is wrong?
It depends on what the agreed upon protocol was for getting Bayern Munich to play in this game and what was said before the game began for what the overall tone of the game would be. One thing for certain is that European clubs should be fairly aware now that the MLS All-Star game is less of a celebration of the two sides and more of an opportunity for the best of MLS to showcase its talents and compete against the best clubs and players in the world. It’s a friendly only until the MLS All-Stars have a chance to score a goal or be competitive.
Regardless of whose side you are on (if you are at all), that’s a very ambiguous situation to prepare for in terms of what players you start, tactics you employ and level of intensity you ask of your players for either the full 90 minutes or just 20 minutes here and there.
In a genuine effort to play peacemaker, Jimmy’s Daily Planet has a suggestion to (at least partly) alleviate the tension that was displayed at the end of the game last night: Both coaches and players should be treated to a maple bacon doughnut from the Portland staple VooDoo Doughnut.
This perfectly delicious treat is a winner in any country.
Happy Kickback Thursday!
Tonight will see soccer juggernaut Bayern Munich battle Chivas Guadalajara in Red Bull Arena in New Jersey for a friendly as part of a mini United States tour for the German champions. While several of their key players are MIA after deep runs in Brazil (including World Cup glory for a few), there will undoubtedly be talent on the pitch this evening.
How do I know?
Well, I looked at the roster (which includes superstar in-the-making Julian Green) and because Bayern Munich’s coach is Pep Guardiola. Pep is a tactical maestro. Need proof? Recall that he was the architect of Barcelona’s recent historic run and the fact that he was two victories away in the Champions League from sweeping all titles during his freshman year (2013-2014) in Munich.
Since today is Thursday, it’s time for a throwback to the past. And today’s featured player is Pep Guardiola the player.
He had a pretty decent shot, wouldn’t you say?
By some strike of very good fortune/parents, I will be in Red Bull Arena cheering, “Go Bayern Munich!
Jimmy's Daily Planet 