Farewell Claude

Claude Makelele has something that even the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, Puscas and Marco van Basten don’t have. And that honor is a position named after him. The Makelele role, synonymous to what a modern day holding midfielder does these days. The Frenchman was the first of the kind who played in his position. One of the most, if not the most important, player in most of his sides, the 37 year old was unlucky to miss out on his country’s biggest honors – the world cup and the European championship. The midfielder has finally hung up his boots after last weekend’s round of fixtures in Ligue 1, let’s have a look at his glittering career.

Claude Makelele, born in Zaire, came to France at the age of 4. He followed his father’s footsteps into football and joined his first club Nantes when he was 18. Stayed for five years and made over a 100 appearances for them. At this time he also scored 9 goals for the club, a feat that he would find rather rare in the seasons to follow. He won the league title, Ligue 1, in 1994-95. The midfielder also made his national team debut for Les Blues at the time, having played 11 times for the under 21s prior to that. He then joined Marseille for a season.

In 1998, aged 25, Makelele made the move abroad, signing for Celta Vigo in Spain. He played alongside future team mate Michel Solgado in that team and it was there where he finally discovered his anchor man position. After leading them to high finishes in the league and a run in the UEFA Cup, he made a move to Europe’s elite Real Madrid.

The transfer was far from simple as the two sides could not agree a price due to Celta Vigo’s refusal to negotiate. Finally after many protests from the Frenchman, they agreed on a 14 million euro price and the midfielder joined the Bernabeau at the turn of the millennium.

The ‘Galaticos’ as they were starting to be known, had just won the UEFA Champions League. There he played with the likes of Raul, Roberto Carlos, Luis Figo – with Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo joining subsequently. Makelele was establishing himself as an unsung hero in the side, helping the defense stay stable while allowing the galaxy of attackers to show what they can do up front. Despite scoring just 1 goal in three seasons, Makelele was one of the most important player in the side that won 2 league title and a UEFA Champions League among other titles.

However in the summer of 2003, things went sour for the Frenchman. Makelele was one of the lowest paid players in the team, and with encouragement from Fernando Hierro, Fernando Morientes and Zinedine Zidane, he demanded a new contract. The galatico era was in full flow with the club having just signed David Beckham from Manchester United. Things did not go as planned and Makelele was told he could leave the club.

Claudio Ranieri took advantage of that and brought him to Chelsea, in Roman Abramovich’s first season for nearly 17 million pounds. His departure from Real Madrid was greeted by mixed response, with president Florentino Perez claiming that he would soon be forgotten when a new young talent comes up while countryman Zinedine Zidane said “Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you sold the entire engine?”, referring to Makelele as the engine. Zidane’s fears were proved correct as the club went trophy less for the next 4 seasons, mainly due to defensive instability.

In his first season at Chelsea, Makelele helped the team reach the semi final of the UEFA Champions League, one better than his former club did that season. He also helped them to finishing 2nd in the league, their highest ever Premier League finish at the time. But it was when Jose Mourinho took over that Makelele’s true value was seen.

The former Real Madrid man was an integral part of the Chelsea midfield under the Portuguese. He played in the deep playmaker or anchor man role at Stamford Bridge and helped the club to successive league titles and another Champions league semi final, where they had beaten Barcelona and Bayren Munich en route. He was as integral a part of the set up as Frank Lampard and John Terry were.

Mourinho never failed to praise the Frenchman calling him the team’s most important player on more than one occasion. In Jose’s first season, with 2 games to go in Mourinho’s first season, they got a penalty against Charlton Athetic in second half stoppage time with the score 0-0. With the league title already won, and the trophy to come next, Mourinho allowed Malekele to take the penalty. It had been 5 years since his last goal. The keeper saved the penalty but Makelele scored the rebound and received a celebration that tried to shadow the trophy presentation that came next. That wasn’t the end of his goals at Chelsea as he scored a screamer against Tottenham at White Hart Lane, although the match ended 2-1 in favor of Spurs.

Despite age catching upto him, Makelele showed no indications of slowing down and added another carling cup and FA Cup to his collection. Under Avram Grant, Makelele was one of the most used players helping the club reach the final of the UEFA Champions League. However that final was the last match of his Chelsea career and the fans gave him a farewell he deserved.

He then signed a one year deal with Paris St Germain, picking up the captain’s armband in the process. Despite planning retirement at the end of each of those seasons, Makelele lasted three, although won no major trophies during this time.

Internationally, despite missing out on the world cup win of 98 and the European championship in 2000, Makelele managed to get 71 caps, and was a part of the 2006 world cup where they reached the final only to lose to Italy.

Makelele might not be remembered for cracking goals (although he did have the one against Spurs), or for dazzling runs, but he will be remembered for being one of the most consistent and solid defensive players in the world. Always played with a smile on his face and was light hearted even while getting booked, the Frenchman will never be forgotten at the terms he’s played for.

Roy Hodgson - A Manager of Two Sides

If there ever was a ‘manager turnaround of the season’, Roy Hodgson would win it without a doubt this season. Hodgson is one of the rare English managers to have coached in 8 different countries (or even abroad for that matter). Following a brilliant two seasons with Fulham, which ended with defeat in the Europa League final, Hodgson was one of the hottest managers around, winning the LMA Manager of the Year. He was often thought of as the man who will succeed Fabio Capello in the England job whenever the Italian leaves. He then joined Liverpool in what proved to be a nightmare of a job, before being sacked in January. But he returned to management with West Bromwich Albion the following month, and has since seen his stock rise as fast as it fell.

After months of rumors, Roy Hodgson finally succeeded Rafa Benitez at Liverpool. Despite confessing to being humbled and honored by the chance given to him at Anfield, his tenure proved to bring back bad memories from when he was at Blackburn Rovers more than a decade ago. With owners George Gillette and Tom Hicks looking to sell the club, money was tight at the Merseyside. However with whatever little he had, Hodgson managed to make some signings that made Robbie Keane look like a hit at Anfield. Defenders Danny Wilson and Paul Konchesky showed that they were not close to being Liverpool standard and neither did midfielders Christian Poulsen and Joe Cole. With the exception of Raul Mireles, none of the new faces really showed their worth.

On the other hand Hogsdon lost Argentine captain Javier Mascherano and playmaker Yossi Benayoun as well as loaning out Alberto Aquilani, with Poulsen and Cole being the only underperforming replacements. And not to mention how he had to deal with an unhappy Fernando Torres.

The season started as a hurricane style disaster. Points were being dropped everywhere with Liverpool being in the last 5 of the Premier League table. Even league two strugglers Northampton Town beat them at Anfield in the league cup. The only thing common between the Hodgson of that day and the one 6 months ago was his face. Speculation on his future was rife, however 3 straight wins, including a 2-0 over champions Chelsea gave new owner John Henry some reason to keep faith in the Englishman.

However that proved to be a false down and following a home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanders and a 3-1 away loss to Blackburn Rovers sealed his faith. Roy Hodgson was sacked on 8th January, and he didn’t look to be half the genius he was just half a year ago. His signings were poor, tactics were all over the place, and results atrocious. Having managed them for just 31 games, Hodgson was the club’s shortest lasting manager.
Things suddenly turned for a man who’s reputation was good as destroyed. Just 5 weeks later, Roy Hodgson was appointed manager at West Bromwich Albion replacing the popular Roberto di Matteo. With the signing made just after the close of a dramatic January, Hodgson could not sign any players for his new team (and judging by his previous experience it was probably a good thing).

He took over when the side had lost 13 of their last 18 games, and led them to a wonder 6 game unbeaten streak, helping them out of the relegation zone. The team looked to have a similar style and discipline that his former Fulham team did and he didn’t lose until Chelsea finally ended their run. Despite that he didn’t let the side get into free fall and even managed to beat former side Liverpool 2-1 (who themselves were climbing the table as if they were wearing anti gravity boots) in April.

With 5 wins, 5 draws and just 2 defeats in his 12 games in charge, Hodgson has ensured a mid table finish for the Baggies, and with one game remaining they are above both Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the Premier League. They are also set for their highest finish in the Premiership this decade.

One of the biggest turnarounds of the season, it’s funny how a manager who was so poor in the first half of the season was so brilliant in the second. Whatever be the reason, it is clear that Hodgson is keen to rebuild his reputation just as fast it as fell!

Has Avram Grant's Bubble Finally Burst?

Exactly a year ago to the day, following Portsmouth’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea at Wembley, manager Avram Grant had everybody’s sympathy. The world’s unluckiest manager! A cup genius who finished bottom of the Premier League table only because of the off the field troubles at Fratton Park. A man who was second only to Harry Redknapp in the eyes of the Pompey faithful had managed them for the last time. Portsmouth were down, their future was in great uncertainty, but they went down with their heads held high. The former Israel boss went out with reputation stronger than ever. One year on, and now boss of West Ham United who have lost their top flight status with a game still to play after a six year stint in the top flight. Has his bubble finally burst?

Grant spent most of his career in his native Israel. Having managed the likes of Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Hafia among others, he finally got his chance with the national team after the 2002 world cup. Despite finishing the group undefeated, Grant and Israel missed out on qualification after they finished 3rd behind France and Switzerland. The then 51 year old did not sign a new deal with his current employers and then his career took a sudden change in direction in a way he probably may never have imagined.

Right after the world cup, Avram Grant was appointed as director of football at Portsmouth Football Club, overseeing manager Harry Redknapp’s activity. Just a year later he took up the same position at two time league winners Chelsea, who’s owner was his then friend Roman Abramovich. With superstar manager Jose Mourinho in change, Grant’s appointment in his position was questioned by fans and media alike. Speculation of Mourinho’s relationship with Abramovich and the club was hot on the press, and in September of 2007 he resigned as manager, leading to Avram Grant taking over.

From not being able to qualify for the world cup with his national team to being manager of one of Europe’s biggest club in just two years. Grant was expected to deliver what Mourinho couldn’t – attacking football, returning Andriey Shevchenko to his best and the UEFA Champions League trophy. Despite being disliked by most of the Chelsea fans, Grant and Chelsea finished just two points behind eventual champions Manchester United in the league. They also got to the Champions League final, where they were one slipped penalty kick away from winning the title. John Terry’s miss cost Avram Grant his job, and Chelsea three years of his salary.

But what people didn’t was the amazing squad that he inherited. Finishing second in the Premier League, Champions League and Carling Cup is a brilliant season for any team, but most other managers would have won at least one of them. The league had two 4-4 draws in it, both of which were points lost from winning positions. The disciplined side of Jose Mourinho would never have conceded that many goals, or lost so many points from winning positions. Nor would they have lost to Barnsley in the FA Cup. And they would certainly have beaten some of the top 4 sides, which Grant failed to do.

Sympathy was high for the Israeli and after a year in the unemployment line, he took his old job as Director of Football at his old club Portsmouth and later replaced manager Paul Hart after a disastrous start to the season. The poor start was not just on the field but also off it as the club went through five different owners before finally becoming the first Premier League side to go into administration, and hence having 9 points docked. Despite that, Portsmouth made it to the FA Cup final beating Harry Redknapp’s Tottenham Hotspurs in the semi final on the same weekend when they were relegated. An impressive showing against Chelsea despite ending on the losing end, Grant was regarded as the most unfortunate manager in football.

In reality despite Portsmouth no longer having the likes of Jermain Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Peter Crouch in their side, pompey were really poor in the league. Had they not being docked the points, they would have still finished bottom of the table. He was no Harry Redknapp in the way that he had managed the south coast team to premier league survival which had lesser quality that the one that the former Maccabi Tel Aviv manager had.

A quick return to the Premier League with West Ham United, Grant once again finished the season at the bottom of the table. This time, the sympathy was over. Poor results and performances from a team that had the likes of Scott Parker (who was nominated for PFA player of the year and won writer’s player of the year), Carlton Cole, Mathew Upson and January signings of Demba Ba, Robbie Keane and Wayne Bridge.

At Chelsea he could hide behind the fact that he didn’t have the support of the fans, at Portsmouth he could blame the off the field troubles. But following his miserable season with West Ham United, Grant has shown that he really is just the ‘Normal One’ (something he said when he took over from the Special One at Stamford Bridge).

Real Madrid Player of the Season

With the 2010-2011 season coming to an end, and in Real Madrid’s case the only thing left to play for is the Pichichi trophy, let’s look at who the best players this season have been

Ricardo Carvalho
New coach Jose Mourinho seems to love Carvalho. He had him at Porto, took him to Chelsea, tried to take him to Inter but failed and now signed him at the Bernabeau. 8 million seemed a bit steep for a 32 year old, but he has proved everybody wrong and has certainly been the club’s best defender this season. Consistent at the back, usually alongside national team mate Pepe, Carvalho has also driven forward contributing with 3 goals as well. Surprised everybody due to his age in a league as fast as the la liga, Real have looked a little venerable every time he has been missing. The recent Champions League semi final was clear proof of that.

Mesut Ozil
Rivals Ricardo Carvalho very closely for the signing of the season tag. After an incredible world cup, the young German moved to the Spanish capital on a modest 16 million euros from Werder Bremen to cover up for Brazilian Kaka (who was injured for 4 months). Replacing outgoing Rafael van der Vaart, both on the pitch and with the number 23 shirt, the playmaker has been more than just a revelation this season. More than the 10 goals he’s scored, Ozil has assisted 22 times in all competitions of which 17 were in the league, second only to Leonel Messi. He has made Madridistas forget all about Wesley Sneijder and Kaka with his pace and accuracy in midfield. Just 22 years old, the German is going to be the center of this team for at least another decade.

Xabi Alonso
One of the 4 neo galaticos signed in the second coming of Florentino Perez’s reign. Alonso has shown the best form of his career in the middle of the park, usually alongside Sami Khedira or Lassana Diarra. Playing the deep playmaker’s role, Alonso has been probably the most accurate passer of the ball the club has seen in a long time. Inheriting Guti’s number 14 at the start of this season, Alonso has been what his predecessor could have had he been as consistent. The team seems to lack severely in creativity every time he is out of the team.

Iker Casillias

Can a Real Madrid list ever be complete without captain consistent? Following the copa del rey win this season, Casillias has now won every competition he has ever played in. The leading appearance maker for an active player in la liga, the Spanish captain has been the team’s savior for the last decade. Although the defense has improved leaps and bounds from the days of Pavon and Helguera, Casillias has still had to make important saves time and time again. It’s still hard to count the number of times he has single handedly saved the team this season.

But the winner…

Cristiano Ronaldo
Any player who’s scored 51 goals in a single season, with a game still to go is very hard to look beyond. The over a goal a game average and seven hatrics (2 of which were quadruples) might overshadow the 13 assists the Portugese has provided this season. Playing mainly on the left wing with Angel di Maria on the right, it seems to be a new position for the former Manchester United man is more used to being on the right or up front. Coach Jose Mourinho however doesn’t want to play him upfront because he believes he is better utilized in the middle of the park due to his ability on the ball. Scored the winner to end the club’s 18 year wait for the Copa del Rey, and about half a century times other than that, Ronaldo has shown just why the club paid a world record 80 million for him!