tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112228.post116281127441195716..comments2023-08-24T03:41:03.133+12:00Comments on the beautiful game: The Vexing Case of the Little Rabbit: Javier Saviola and FC BarcelonaLindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09807392842004716065noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112228.post-31270637050478340992007-01-31T02:43:00.000+13:002007-01-31T02:43:00.000+13:00Raul: I support Argentina, so there's no need to t...Raul: I support Argentina, so there's no need to tell me what the Albiceleste shirt means to the players. I admire guys like Heinze who are willing to put Argentina first. <br /><br />(Although, remember, even Redondo refused to play for Argentina while playing for Real.)<br /><br />However, the real issue with Saviola at club level (and not just with the technical director) was always his large salary and his refusal to take a pay-cut when club stawarts like Puyol did to fit into the new wage system. I'm not saying it's Saviola's fault - popular opinion blames his agent - but that's the issue. That's still the issue.<br /><br />As for him going to Real Madrid...I wish Gago and Higuain well at Real, but what's Saviola going to do at Real? Who's going to sit on the bench? Raul? Not a chance. Van Nistelrooy? No way. Higuain? Sort of defeats the purpose of having so many Argentineans at a great club if they're not playing. For Saviola, what's the difference between going to Real to sit on the bench and staying at Barca to do the same thing? He'd probably rather go to Espanyol (as loathesome as that idea is to me), stay in the city of Barcelona and start every week. Unless, of course, it's the same old 'bigger salary' talking...<br /><br />Also: is Capello going to be there next season? I'm not so sure.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09807392842004716065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112228.post-11982147821574670682007-01-30T13:23:00.000+13:002007-01-30T13:23:00.000+13:00Clubs, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, to name...Clubs, like Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter, to name a few want Argentine players because we produce some of the finest footballers in the world. If sporting directors are upset with Argentines playing in the national team they do not understand that the passion of the game for us [Argentines] is not club football but is "la seleccion" the national team. <br /><br />Big example to show this look at Gonzalo Higuain, he could have made a great business arrangement and a lot of money out of playing for France like David Trezeguet; instead he chose the harder road Argentina. Something that he knows there is a lot of competition, he has guys like Tevez, Saviola, Crespo, Aguero, Milito, Palacio to compete for a spot in the squad. <br /><br />European clubs need to realize that Argentine players will always chose Country over club. <br /><br />I love Saviola and I respect him alot. He is a beacon of determination. The reason he went to the 2004 games to sit at the bench was because he loves Argentina, the reason he stayed at Barcelona despite all the odds was because he wanted to earn himself a spot; which he clearly has. 11 goals in 10 games. <br /><br />Barcelona are going to lose him and I am glad, Real Madrid are keen on an offer for June on Free Transfer, that partnership Gago, Robihno, Higuain, and Saviola would be true fast paced attacking football, and will save Capello and Real Madrid.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112228.post-87143252784238748372006-11-18T20:46:00.000+13:002006-11-18T20:46:00.000+13:00If I recall correctly, the sticking point about th...If I recall correctly, the sticking point about the Olympics situation also came about because he'd been on international duty before that as well.<br /><br />It's kind of like how Valencia had a running feud over releasing Aimar to Argentina because Ayala insisted on playing every game for Argentina, including 'less important' games like the Olympics, the Copa America and so on and got injured while being away for a month.<br /><br />This happens a lot with Argentinean players, because so many of them are passionate about playing for their country no matter what. A lot of players from other countries put their club first (like Claude Makelele, Stilian Petrov etc), but not Argentineans.Lindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09807392842004716065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34112228.post-80830778322019820292006-11-17T16:12:00.000+13:002006-11-17T16:12:00.000+13:00Linda,
It still makes me wonder why is Saviola si...Linda,<br /><br />It still makes me wonder why is Saviola situation is that complicated. But based on your latest posting I must say the problem is not on the pitch but off it.<br /><br />The Barcelona directors are not acting in the name of sportsmanship but personal feud. Why because he wouldn’t take a pay cut? Fine maybe that might be acceptable. But because he went to the Olympics?<br /><br />I think everyone should realize that the chance for a footballer to get to the Olympics might only come once in a lifetime, as it is Under-23. Many players, who went to the Olympics, also went on have great success later on. For example Romario (former Barca players).<br /><br />If people don’t realize this, than it is best that FIFA pulls out the football event from the Olympic programme, just to please people like Beguiristain.<br /><br />John<br />MalaysiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com