FIRST POLL ANALYSIS

It is time to retire 4 of the polls I created. I am adding four new ones regarding EURO2008 group stage competitions. Who will top each group? Take the poll!

What is wrong with Barcelona FC this season?
12 responses
66% Dream team won't gel (Galaticos repeat),
25% Some superstars' egos,
0% Soft coach,
5% Injuries and lack of team work,
0% Fans pressure and bad luck

Well, we all know Barcelona have an extremely bad season and the way the club players are projected is very similar to how the Galaticos behave during those few years. Players don't gel and superstars given special treatments. It seems like the same thing is happening in Barcelona FC. It took Real Madrid many coaches and a change of a president to clear the problem. I don't know whether the problem will be solved in Barcelona if these stars are still maintained. That's the tough part as most of those alleged to be untouchable are still staying. It is either they are too overpriced to be afforded by others or the club is unwilling to sell. A new coach (Guardiola) is coming in but he is too inexperienced in the football coaching world. One wonders whether he can survive long.

Where should 'The Special One' go next?
11 responses
36% Barcelona FC,
27% Inter Milan,
27% Milan,
9% Sevilla,
0% Valencia

We all know the answer. It is interesting that many voted for Barcelona FC as the highest choice eventhough the assurance of Rijkaard being replaced by Josep Guardiola is very clear even before the season is over. Guess many believe that he is not ready to hold such a high profile post. He went to Inter Milan and declared himself to be The Great One! It is great to have him back to the football world so we can hear his unpredictable remarks yet again. The last favourite quote from him before he retired was, 'My Chelsea boys are naive.' Will he be able to bring them the Champions League glory? I'll watch Inter closely next season. It should be very interesting.

Where should Deco go next?
10 responses
10% Chelsea,
40% Inter Milan,
10% Juventus,
0% Liverpool,
40% Milan

Nobody knows but people are saying he could rejoin his former Porto boss at Inter Milan. To me, Deco, Ronaldinho and Eto'o were the main reasons for them to win their last Champions League trophy. If more than two of them leave, Barcelona must find strong candidates to replace them. We all know Inter are loaded with many players. Mourinho will need to do some spring cleaning first before he recruits more.

Based on this season, who should spend most in the transfer market?
9 responses
11% Arsenal,
11% Barcelona FC,
77% Milan,
0% Sevilla,
0% Valencia

To me, it should be Milan. They are the Bayern Munich of next season, not able to taste the Champions League matches. It is incredible that Ancelotti is still sitting pretty steady. The ageing squad must have new recruits in defence. They can't rely on the old Maldini and Nesta. They are past their prime already. It is time to change in positions that matter most. For me, they should replace the oldest first.

Who will win the EURO2008?
10 responses
50% France
0% Germany
20% Italy
0% Netherlands
30% Spain
(I will still retain this poll perhaps until the finals)

Well, it is too early to know now but the past EURO2004 reminded us that even the unknowns can be champions. Will it be the same again this year? I hope we get to enjoy a lot of exciting matches. For me, Spain and Netherlands are always strong on paper but fail on big occasions. France have some interesting and young players which will take every opportunity to show their stuffs in this big stage. Italy have virtually the same squad since the last World Cup. I believe their squad is a bit too old now. In addition, their super invincible captain for the last World Cup, Cannavaro will not be playing. For me, I will give France the best chance and put Germany as a dark horse. Spain and Netherlands need to show some consistency during the group stages to assure me. They have always fall short in the previous EUROs and World Cups.