'small' clubs rule in 2007

[johan neeskens]

Interesting article in Dutch footy mag VI today:

http://www.vi.nl/vi/show/id=62802/contentid=89971/sc=2fdef9

(scroll down to bottom of page for European league statistics). Apparently so far in 2007, small clubs are doing exceptionally well in Europe. Reading have the best 2007 record in the premiership so far, FC Nürberg in the Bundesliga, Getafe the second best 2007 performance in Spain, Toulouse best so far this year in France, and Twente in Holland. Is this a trend proving that money isn't everything or is this simply to do with the bigger clubs playing on several stages at this time of the season whereas the smaller clubs can focus on the league?

[benficafan3]

Money probably does have plenty to do with this. Passion, however, does not. Back in the day, as I remember it, small teams would go to the likes of Benfica, Real Madrid, Manchester, etc. and look for a tie, or atleast not be completely blown out. Top players were focused only on playing, not cellphone promotions (cough *Beckham* cough). It's a sad trend, but it probably won't end. Top players have different things on their minds these days, i.e. Figo. Would rather gain cash in the Middle East, then play for his "beloved" Sporting again. God forbid a "super league" will be formed. We'll probably see players avoid getting tackled, just so they won't miss their Asian tour.

[Catel]

Not really a surprise for Toulouse. They're currently following a development plan, inspired by Lyon and Lille, to become a great team in a few years. They have in fact very good players: Elmander, Mathieu, Bergougnoux or Aubey.

[leg_breaker]

Reading haven't played any top four since new year, hence their good record.

Is this a trend proving that money isn't everything

A quick look at the league table says 'no'.

[Clan]

Reading haven't played any top four since new year, hence their good record.


Indeed, that was my first question.

Who have they played?

Scheduling, in such a rigid parameter of unequal comparisons, is going to give flawed value.

[leg_breaker]

Reading's league games this season:
6-0 vs West Ham
1-1 vs Everton
3-1 vs Sheffield Utd
3-2 vs Wigan
2-0 vs City
2-0 vs Villa

An impressive run, but all against teams in the bottom 12.

[johan neeskens]

Indeed, that was my first question.

Who have they played?

Scheduling, in such a rigid parameter of unequal comparisons, is going to give flawed value.

I don't know about the other leagues but Twente have yet to lose a game to the top three.

Also, why not ask who the big clubs have played?

[johan neeskens]

Reading's league games this season:
6-0 vs West Ham
1-1 vs Everton
3-1 vs Sheffield Utd
3-2 vs Wigan
2-0 vs City
2-0 vs Villa

An impressive run, but all against teams in the bottom 12.

Same question to you, who have the big clubs lost points to?

[herewego]

It´s not so special after a World Cup. The best players in the biggest Clubs pay for the extra exhaustion. It´s no big surprise to see Real, Bayern, Barca, Milan, Lyon, Chelsea not reaching their full potential in their domestic leagues.

I remember Bayern Munich finnishing at 10th place in the 74/75 season, while playing with 6 players that were reigning World Champions, European Champions, European Club Champions and Bundesliga Champions in that year. But at least they were able to concentrate on some european games and won the European Cup again.

[AFCA]

It´s not so special after a World Cup. The best players in the biggest Clubs pay for the extra exhaustion. It´s no big surprise to see Real, Bayern, Barca, Milan, Lyon, Chelsea not reaching their full potential in their domestic leagues.



That's a matter of making bad choices. There's enough money there to field two potential CL winners (per club).