Comedian (and AFR reader) Spencer Owen sent his brilliant “Premier League poem” our way. The poem reflects on all the madness that unveiled itself over the past nine months. With lines like, “Wigan learned the Premier League is no bed of roses. They survived thanks to the 11th commandment: Thou shalt not sell Moses” we tip our hat to you, Spencer. [posted by EB, Get Involved]
With the European Championships on the horizon, Matthew Richards profiles the tumultuous career of Yoann Gourcuff, who was somewhat controversially called up to the most recent French squad, in part one of a look at his remarkable journey that has taken him from France to Milan, and back again.
Ever since Zidane chose to so ignominiously end his career in Berlin, French football has been left with a distinct void. Where Kopa and Platini reigned before the talismanic midfielder, there is now a long line of pretenders to the throne. Just as was the situation in Argentina for many years – though Messi appears to only be a strong World Cup away from near surpassing Maradona – there have been those chosen by the media and professed as the next in line; Henry, Ribéry and Vieira all bearing the responsibility at one point in their careers. Nothing yet, and the search continues. Welcome to Le Jeu des Trônes.
To be compared to Zinedine Zidane is both an honour and a hindrance. The similarities are plain to see: both Gourcuff and Zidane occupy the same area on the field, both burst onto the international scene with Bordeaux, both share the same on-pitch demeanour and style. “Don’t put too much pressure on the guy, and don’t ask him to be the new anybody,” said Zidane. “We can all see he’s very talented.” Here lies the drawback to the comparison. Gourcuff will never be able live up to the potential that others have decided that he has – and this is not to do his career a disservice; not many will ever equal Zidane. The pressure to live up to the mark is immense, and often insurmountable. Time will tell with Gourcuff, and his early appearances for France were promising, as were many of his performances for Bordeaux. If he’s looking to shed the comparison’s he’s often gone about it the wrong way, so good has he been on occasion.
After watching this EURO 2012 spot for ITV, it’s safe to say that if England were hugely successful on the international stage, then they would be absolutely insufferable. Think about it. The English press already thinks that England perpetually has the best team in the world. It’s a nice mentality, when the other alternative is perpetual pessimism. But it’s also entirely too delusional for any rational person to bear for an extended period of time. Nevertheless, the Euro is going to be here before you know it, so it’s about time to quote Inception and dream a little bigger, darling. [posted by EB]
Missed him? Rémi GAILLARD is the unforgettable YouTube legend and football freestyle wizard; world renowned for his ‘Mario Kart’ and ‘Rocky’ sketches, alongside disguising himself as player when Lorient won the 2002 Coupe de France. Despite being a humourous prankster, Rémi also frequently displays crazy football skills in yellow shoes which have become a trademark.
In his latest video “FOOT 12”, Gaillard jointly celebrates Montpellier’s Ligue 1 title victory, his home-town club, alongside demonstrating his genuine talent for the beautiful game. The philosophy behind his work is omnipresent, which reads “C’est en faisant n’importe quoi qu’on devient n’importe qui” - It’s by doing anything, that one becomes anybody. [posted by DV]
FC Barcelona’s kits for the 2012/13 season have caused quite a stir (official photos from the launch are above; home on far left, away middle, goalkeeper right) – indeed, as have many of Nike’s designs for the upcoming season.
It’s a departure from the traditional vertical stripes which has provoked contrasting reactions from supporters, with the home kit appearing to verge on PSG territory, but what do you think of Barcelona’s new look?
![The aftermath of losing…
There’s losing, and then there’s losing when you’re winning. The Champions League final in Munich was a game of inches, and both sides should be able to reflect upon it with their head held high. Bayern, most likely, will choose not to. Chelsea soaked up pressure, as they had hoped to, but Bayern failed to capitalise on their supremacy. In the end, tens of thousands inside the Allianz Arena, and millions watching across the world, had every right to be in an strangely dignified state of despair. Bayern had dominated the match, but were uncharacteristically wasteful. Petr Cech and Dider Drogba played the heroes, as they have often done, and in the wake of this victory, Chelsea supporters may well be calling for their statues outside Stamford Bridge. As with the loss in 1999, the unthinkable pain that accompanies this missed opportunity will likely stay with Bayern for years. [posted by MG]](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m4bm8tIeXg1qaznnlo1_1280.jpg)
There’s losing, and then there’s losing when you’re winning. The Champions League final in Munich was a game of inches, and both sides should be able to reflect upon it with their head held high. Bayern, most likely, will choose not to. Chelsea soaked up pressure, as they had hoped to, but Bayern failed to capitalise on their supremacy. In the end, tens of thousands inside the Allianz Arena, and millions watching across the world, had every right to be in an strangely dignified state of despair. Bayern had dominated the match, but were uncharacteristically wasteful. Petr Cech and Dider Drogba played the heroes, as they have often done, and in the wake of this victory, Chelsea supporters may well be calling for their statues outside Stamford Bridge. As with the loss in 1999, the unthinkable pain that accompanies this missed opportunity will likely stay with Bayern for years. [posted by MG]
By John Ray, follow on Twitter.
“Les Elephants”, the footballers of the Ivory Coast, help captivate and enthrall a nation while playing against Madagascar: large outdoor television flicker and the metropolis of Abidjan rustles. Arouna Kone (PSV) crosses to Salomon Kalou (Chelsea) at the edge of the area; the supporters swell in deliverance as he belts the ball into the Malagasy net. There are chants and dances to the djembe drum in the stands and in Abidjan; life in the country is good. A month later the stadium is empty, except for a smattering of people around the halfway line. ASEC Mimosas, the Ivory Coast’s most successful team, are playing a match, but no one seems to care. Ivorian international football has always had the capacity to unite and excite the nation, but interest in domestic football has gradually shrunk to null as the push for Europe has consumed the clubs. ASEC and its academy provide a perfect example of the effects (good and bad) of what is, for the lack of a better term, player commoditization.
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