Stop The Rumors

It is not true. The rumors floating around the European media right now that I have been taking time off to recuperate from accidentally being shot by Feyenoord while quail hunting are just not true. I am just soo bored that I have decided to hibernate until the next significant soccer milestone, the re-start of the Champions League next week. Lets face it. Chelsea's lead dwindling down to 12 points just pails in comparison to the significance of the Winter Olympics right now. Yet I must report something or else my sponsors will say I am getting lax on the job and we cannot stand for that at Azzurri Dreams. The same can be said for Barcelona who now leads Valencia by only 6 points. But lets face it, besides giving thanks for surviving another Mido breakdown the pulse of European soccer right now is not that these two teams are being challenged in their domestic leagues; is it that we are only eight days away from the Champions League, and some teams are in better form heading into the Quarterfinals then others.

Juventus, on fire, enough said. Team is co-existing nicely and with the great Alex coming off the bench and a proven defense, they might just steal it this year. Watching yesterday's Italian Derby, gave me a renewed belief that Juventus are serious about winning(besides their typical 1-0 results). Bayern Munich, on fire and with a flying Dutchmen scoring(oh, to have Marco van Basten's problems right now) at will are playing well and their domestic leagues rapped up, they were my early season pick to win it. AC Milan has decided to play for second in the Serie A, yet Kaka is not convinced. Already the nightmares of him playing in Canary yellow have started. Make them stop. Lyon, well this just might be there year if Gérard Huoullier does not screw this up, they can win this(I know, it pains me to complaint the French, but I have found this new 'objective' gene in my soccer analysis). PSV will not be easy, ask AC Milan but we should see some goals in these matches.

And as for everyone else, well, lets just say...its going to be very tough. What I have noticed in the last few Champions League seasons, is teams underachieving in their domestic league and coming in strong to contend in the Champions League; Liverpool last year, and Chelsea and Monaco the year before come to mind. This year it might well be Arsenal and lets face it, they must like their chances with Thierry Henry going against Madrid, even 1-on-4, he can score on these guys. Madrid better show-up and play some ball tomorrow in the second leg of the Copa del Rey against Zaragoza or else, their focus for Champions League will go right out the door. Overcoming a 6-1 deficit against the most inform team in Europe(Roma a close second) right now will take a gallant effort, almost like keeping a straight face when you mention the Madrid back four as a 'defense.' Barcelona, just needs Ronaldihno back, but in his absence you see just how thin this team really is. Guily, Deco, Messi and the Great One out, and they are just about as good as an MLS team. Ok, I am exaggerating, buy you get my point. Barcelona, will start to feel pressure and the longings from the Italian media will start to pulsate like an Armin Zoeggeler gold-winning luge run for Frank Rijkaard to join AC Milan if he does not win the Champions League this season. Then again, I am sure one of these coaches that gets fired for not winning the Champions League will be happy to submit his resume for the Newcastle job.
Azzurri Dreams