A-League in the Media Thread

el-capitano · Feb 22, 2009

Being all of 20 and yet to book in for his first decent haircut, you can hardly blame Michael Zullo for taking a bit of a swipe at Adelaide United after Queensland Roar’s limp capitulation on the weekend that takes the Reds into their second grand final in four seasons.

Frank Farina’s men knew, every coach in the A-League knows, how Adelaide is happy to protect their lead once they get on the scoresheet. Catenaccio might be a bad word in some quarters but it’s regarded as a sort of modus operandi at Hindmarsh – not surprising, given the club’s Italian roots, and not pleasant to watch but hardly ridiculous.

So Zullo’s real gripe, if he’s really honest with himself, should be with his coach’s performance, likely Farina’s most curious of the year. In a game that was so make-or-break for the club – a Grand Final appearance and an Asian Champions League berth in the offing – his players started the match virtually in first gear.

Farina simply had no answers while his counterpart, Vidmar, played his party-pooping role to perfection. Credit to Roar’s Charlie Miller - who came on late in the second half and showed some nose for goal - for singling out returning discard Jonas Salley for praise: “He's a difficult player to play, very difficult… a ‘rash’, as we say in Scotland. He's just there all the time and he played very well with Paul Reid in the middle.”

So well, in fact, that he got a standing ovation, albeit by a far-from-full house. A home crowd of 8472 is a terrible turnout for such a pivotal match; in fact the Reds’ second-worst ever. How Salley could have made a difference a week ago against Melbourne Victory.

And that is precisely what Vidmar will be hoping he can replicate when Adelaide ventures to Telstra Dome this weekend.
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/blog...ootballs-not-always-a-beauty-contest--173647/

el-capitano · Feb 25, 2009

St Kilda CEO Archie Fraser has become the second senior AFL executive to switch to soccer, taking a new role as head of the A-League.

Football Federation Australia (FFA) have head-hunted Fraser in their wide-ranging reorganisation as they prepare their World Cup bid team.

Ben Buckley was chief operating officer at the AFL before he became the FFA chief executive.

Buckley's predecessor at the FFA, John O'Neill, came across from the Australian Rugby Union and has since returned to again head up the ARU.

Buckley said Fraser, a former professional soccer player, would have a major role within the FFA.

"Growth and expansion of the Hyundai A-League is critical to the growth of football in Australia and is an absolute priority for FFA," Buckley said.

"Archie has not only played the game to a high level, he's also a professional sports administrator and he has a first class commercial and strategic background.

"Although he has worked in AFL for the past several years, he is the first to acknowledge that his No.1 sporting passion is, and always has been, football."

Fraser played soccer in his native Scotland and then Queensland.
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http://au.sports.yahoo.com/news/article/-/5351462/saints-chief-quits-head-aleague

el-capitano · Feb 26, 2009

As the domestic game's biggest club, Melbourne should be making sizeable returns each season but have found the going tough in the past year after the costly exercise of participating in the Asian Champions League added to the surprise news that major sponsor Samsung, which has been with the club since season one, will not renew its deal.

With the global financial crisis forcing companies to cut expenditure, the club has been looking to secure a new sponsor. Further frustrating the Victory is that despite getting ready to host up to 55,000 at Saturday's A-League grand final against Adelaide, all money from ticket sales will go into the pockets of Football Federation Australia.

Fortunately, the club won't take such a financial hit when they participate in next season's Asian Champions League as a result of the sizeable boost in prizemoney - up $US4 million to $US20m ($31m)- for participating clubs.

Last year, Adelaide lost about $400,000 playing in the tournament, despite making the final.

"There's no doubt there have been some changes in the ACL. Increased prizemoney at all stages and bigger travel allowances, which is important for all A-League clubs," Miles said.

"This is an opportunity for it to be a commercial opportunity for the clubs and, naturally, playing in that competition is fantastic."
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...elbourne/2009/02/26/1235237835173.html?page=2

RickChelsea · Feb 27, 2009

FFA are laughing all the way to the bank. I think that's kind of unfair. Especially with no prizemoney for the winner let alone no money from the gate receipts at $80+ a head...that a lot of money goneskiis.

el-capitano · Feb 27, 2009

I can see both sides- the FFA needs a lot of money to keep up the work they are doing- but yeah- you'd think the winner would get a bit more in compensation- although it is only Melbourne!!

el-capitano · Apr 14, 2009

Should Mark Schwarzer succumb to injury or accident between now and the 2010 World Cup, ambitious Gold Coast United signing Jess Vanstrattan wants to be the man to grab his gloves.

Vanstrattan made the decision to abandon his European dreams after being seduced by Gold Coast’s billionaire owner Clive Palmer and first team coach Paul Okon.

There was also a conversation with Juve No.1 and Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, who made it clear to him that he wanted to play at the top level for at least five more years and win a UEFA Champions League crown with the Old Lady.

"I could have extended my contract but once I’d spoken to Buffon and he’d made his intensions obvious, that made my decision for me because at this stage of my career I need to be playing regular first team football," he explained.

"Having Paul Okon here on the Coast was also a big factor in me coming because he’s been a big international star and is somebody I have great respect for, along with our coach Miron Bleiberg."
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/big-hopes-for-vanstrattan-182388/

zhuangzi · Apr 14, 2009

Is there anyone involved with GCU who doesn't have delusions of grandeur?

SoundersBeliever · Apr 14, 2009

zhuangzi said: ↑

Is there anyone involved with GCU who doesn't have delusions of grandeur?
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No

epris · Apr 14, 2009

its ok...

When they find themselves bottom of the table 4 games in they'll quiet down.

zhuangzi · Apr 15, 2009

I actually think they'll do pretty well, and maybe even win something, but god do they sound like a pack of arrogant twats.

cmedina1983 · Apr 16, 2009

zhuangzi said: ↑

I actually think they'll do pretty well, and maybe even win something, but god do they sound like a pack of arrogant twats.
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They're based on the ********ing Gold Coast, what do you expect? When I think of anything near Brisbane I think of this:

http://media.thedaily.com.au/img/photos/2007/12/14/brough-large_t350.jpg

Then I remind myself of Family Feud and want to kill people.

el-capitano · Apr 20, 2009

FOOTBALL Federation Australia won't slow down its expansion plans for the A-League despite the financial woes of two clubs, with a bullish chief executive Ben Buckley yesterday insisting the competition remains well- placed to flourish in the worsening economic climate.

The FFA has already stepped in to help fund the running costs of Queensland Roar - about to be re-named Brisbane Roar - while Buckley confirmed at yesterday's announcement of next season's draw that the governing body might have to take back the licence of Adelaide United unless new investors were found within a matter of weeks.

Despite the troubles, Buckley insisted the FFA remained committed to increasing the league to 12 teams next year - hot on the heels of next season's expansion, which will see two new clubs, North Queensland Fury and Gold Coast United, join the competition in August.

"Every competition across the world will have to deal with economic issues, from time to time, and the A-League is not immune to those problems," Buckley said.

"But if you look at the game overall, participation is still growing, hopefully we're going to take that next step and qualify for the World Cup, so there's some real momentum there. As far as the A-League goes, we've got two new teams coming in, we've got exciting new players like Jason Culina and Robbie Fowler, so it's going to be a hotly anticipated season.

"So we're not worried for the long term. We think the game generally is in good shape. As for the two clubs [Brisbane and Adelaide], we think we can work with them to broaden their capital base and get some new shareholders involved who can add value to the club. We don't want to be long-term investors in our clubs, but if it's necessary for the FFA to step in for the short-term, then that's what we'll do.

"It's not like this has snuck up and surprised us. We speak to the clubs all the time, we're well aware of the financial position of all the clubs. We've been monitoring it … I'm sure we'll find a solution.

"What I can say to the fans of both clubs is that they will be here forever. Absolutely we can guarantee that, because we're committed to having a team in Brisbane, we're committed to having a team in Adelaide, and we'll make it work."
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...-to-slow-growth/2009/04/20/1240079605344.html

SoundersBeliever · Apr 20, 2009

At least one Football Federation is willing to put some cash into its clubs, as opposed to say Southampton

el-capitano · May 5, 2009

Yeah..... sure they are!

Barcelona could be the next big name club to head to Australia for a friendly match.

TWG understands the Catalans have met Sydney FC officials to discuss a possible midweek match up in August, with another club - believed to be Melbourne Victory - also in the frame.

Given the proposed blockbuster would not be until after the start of the A-League season, it is understood there are still some scheduling details to be arranged.

A source close to Sydney FC has confirmed the high profile interest and suggested that Barcelona had initially expressed a desire to come in July before the start of the A-League, but have had to revise their plans.
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/a-league/barcelona-eye-a-league-friendly-185937/

epris · May 5, 2009

that would be phenomenal, but i won't believe it unless its confirmed.

el-capitano · May 6, 2009

Ali Abbas, the Iraqi international who defected to Australia almost two years ago, wants to rebuild his professional career in the A-League but hasn't given up hope of being forgiven by his national team and being recalled for next month's Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Ali Abbas, 22, was one of three Iraqi Olympic [under-23] team players who skipped out of a Sydney hotel in the middle of the night in November 2007 after playing earlier in the evening in a qualifying match in Gosford. One of those players, Ali Mansour, has since returned to Iraq, but both Ali Abbas and Ali Khadher were eventually granted political asylum in Australia midway through last year.

Ali Abbas is almost three months into his comeback after signing for former national league heavyweights Marconi Stallions, who now play in the semi-professional NSW Premier League. In recent weeks, the clever wide midfielder has been watched by a number of A-League scouts and Marconi coach Lee Sterrey has no doubt his Iraqi recruit is good enough to make the next step.

"It's a miracle he hasn't been picked up already," Sterrey said. "There's no one with his ability in that position in the A-League."
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...markable-recall/2009/05/05/1241289167158.html

cmedina1983 · May 6, 2009

Barcelona on their way to Sydney and Melbourne? Look out, Perth Glory, but this is really one international team I'd go out of my way to go and see. You'd think that if this did go ahead then nothing less than Stadium Australia for the Sydney match and the MCG for the Melbourne Match would do for crowd support.

el-capitano · May 11, 2009

Pim Verbeek famously claimed that training in the Bundesliga is more intense than playing an A-League game.

Former Newcastle Jets skipper Jade North says you can now add the K-League to the equation, insisting that training sessions with his new club Incheon United are far superior to anything he underwent back home during his nearly four seasons on the Hunter.

The centre-back told the World Game he now fully understands Verbeek’s harsh appraisal of Australia’s domestic competition as he enters his fifth month in Asia.

"It’s the training that’s the difference, it’s just so much harder than what it is back home. I now fully appreciate why Pim has been critical of the A-League at times," declared the 27-year-old Socceroo.

"I realise what he’s been talking about. I used to be one of those A-League players who probably didn’t really understand what he meant and thought we were doing okay.

"Being up here has really opened my eyes up. It took me to come to Korea to really appreciate the differences.

"It’s what you do doing the week which makes you a better player more than anything that happens on match-days, whether it’s tactical things with the coaches or something just based on fitness levels.

"Everything in Korea is so professional, the training is so intense, it's just different to what you do in Australia.

North, who admits he was in a comfort zone back home before the switch, believes the K-League is technically, if not tactically, superior to the A-League.

"The teams here pass the ball a bit better, players can turn it on when they want to and are more ruthless in front of goal," he added.

North is convinced that mentally he’s more resilient than ever.

"Before the season started there were training camps here in Korea and China," he said. "There were times when we trained in temperatures of minus 10 degrees on sandy pitches and I asked myself ‘What am I doing here’?

"But I’ve come to terms with it all now and it’s made me mentally tougher."

While North moved to Korea to enhance his national team prospects, it’s ironic that in recent weeks he’s paid the price at club level for being upper-most in the mind of Verbeek.

Since returning from Australian duty against Uzbekistan last month, where he was on the bench, he’s struggled to get back into a winning team, and has thus far made just five appearances for the side perched third in the K-League.

"I’m confident my time will come again, and I’m just waiting for that moment," North said.

"The team has been going well and that’s the way it is sometimes. I’m sure I’ll get back in."
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http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/aussies-abroad/north-k-league-far-superior-187175/

zhuangzi · May 12, 2009

Good to hear he's taking it all in his stride. Also, Pim apparently is incapable of being wrong. Fear.

cmedina1983 · May 12, 2009

It's no surprise that the K-League is stronger than the A-League. I'm hoping, in a weird sort of way, that the coming of Lavicka will actually motivate other A-League coaches to up the antè a bit and start implementing a more European regime into our home-based training.

RickChelsea · May 12, 2009

^ I agree, maybe learn some better training drills. Anything to improve their technique which even at their age, can still be improved. Ive got a good feeling that i will enjoy watching Sydney play this year, moreso than any other year including V1.

cmedina1983 · May 12, 2009

RickChelsea said: ↑

^ I agree, maybe learn some better training drills. Anything to improve their technique which even at their age, can still be improved. Ive got a good feeling that i will enjoy watching Sydney play this year, moreso than any other year including V1.
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I have the same feeling. I approach the thought of Sydney FC training sessions with the mindset of a drill sergeant.

Make. Them. Bleed.

el-capitano · May 26, 2009

IT IS more like a handshake than an embrace. But whichever way you look at it, Football Federation Australia's recent olive branch to the second tier of the game represents a massive cultural shift. It is not simply "new football" finally recognising "old soccer", although that remains the underlying theme. Rather, it is a statement of the obvious. Football can never realise its true potential until it becomes whole again.

The FFA has heard this message time and again. But until now, it has preferred to ignore it. So what's changed?

Circumstances, mostly. The FFA wants more teams in the Asian Champions League when allocations are reviewed in 2011. As it stands, the FFA has been marked down by the Asian Football Confederation because it falls short on three important criteria - a second-tier national league, promotion and relegation, and a knockout cup competition. To get more spots in the ACL, the FFA has to address these issues - and the only way to do that is to bring the state federations into the fold. The olive branch has been extended for reasons of self-interest as much as anything else.
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It is five years since the former NSL clubs were sent back to their state leagues, and their motivation is waning rapidly. Sooner rather than later, it will reach the point of no return.

A national second-tier league, and an FFA cup, will help re-energise and re-focus them. Some inside the FFA might prefer them to go out of business, but unless the A-League stops losing its own players to overseas clubs, then it needs to constantly replenish its stocks. A quick glance at A-League rosters proves that second-tier football continues to be a critical supply line - even if the clubs receive little recognition, and even less compensation, for it.

While setting up a second-tier league is only one of several issues to be discussed by the FFA's new task force, it is by far the most important. There is an overwhelming enthusiasm for it among the leading state league clubs - some of which still operate on budgets of more than $500,000. They'll spend that money, and more, if given the right incentives. Surely a new competition which can fill a crucial void in the development pathway, and perhaps be cost-neutral at the same time, has to be appealing to the cash-strapped FFA. Thankfully, it seems it is finally ready to listen.
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...strengthen-game/2009/05/25/1243103487824.html

cmedina1983 · May 27, 2009

This is an excellent article. Keep us posted on the updates

el-capitano · May 29, 2009

CRAIG MOORE could stake a legitimate claim to being the A-League's most committed captain but he admits he'll have to leave Queensland Roar, albeit temporarily, in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup.

With keeping fit his biggest priority, on top of Moore's list are two options - a four-month loan move to Europe or Asia or a short-term deal with either Melbourne Victory or Adelaide United to play in next season's Asian Champions League.

While Moore still intends to return to Queensland at the conclusion of the loan deal, the fact that their season can only last until the end of February means Moore wouldn't play another competitive match for several months.

And as much as he would like to stay at home with his family, Moore accepts he can't afford to be in anything less than peak condition to win selection in Pim Verbeek's final World Cup squad.

"These are things that I've obviously had to think about, and the options for me are to get a move back overseas to continue to play or to try and get a spot with an Australian team in the Asian Champions League," Moore said. "Whether that's a possibility, I'm not sure, but one thing is clear: if I have any intention or am any chance of going to the World Cup, I need to do something."
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http://www.smh.com.au/news/sport/fo...d-for-world-cup/2009/05/28/1243456683538.html