REAL MADRID COMING TO MALAYSIA?

Probably the best chance to see Jose Mourinho for the first time. These kind of friendlies normally don't guarantee the attendance of the top stars. Even if they are present, the playing time will be minimal. Therefore, I will not put in too much expectations for it. I hope they will visit Singapore too. That will be great!

Real’s Malaysia trip feels Ramadan bite
June 04, 2010

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 — Real Madrid’s proposed pre-season fixture with the Malaysian national team has yet to be finalised due to a clash with Ramadan and venue issues.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) secretary-general Azzuddin Ahmad expects the game against the nine-times European champions to take place on August 21 — in the middle of Ramadan where Muslims fast for the holy month.

However, Malaysian news agency Bernama said Azzuddin was discussing with national coach K. Rajagobal about playing at 2200 local time as Muslim players and fans can eat before sunrise.

Azzuddin also said he was hopeful refurbishments to the National stadium, due to start shortly, could be delayed by two months so that they could use the venue for Real game.

The Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium has been earmarked as a possible alternative.

The national team also play a friendly match on July 17 against English Championship (second division) side Cardiff City, taken over by Malaysian businessmen Tan Sri Vincent Tan and Chan Tien Ghee last month.

“Playing Cardiff City and Real Madrid, especially, who have a list of world class players, will give my players valuable experience and world class competition,” Rajagobal said.

The FAM have brought forward domestic fixtures to accommodate the arrival of Cardiff, who will also play a fixture against the under-19 team on July 15. — Reuters

'THE SPECIAL ONE' TO 'THE WHITE HOUSE'?

Well, he wants to win titles with clubs in the four different leagues of the Portuguese Liga, English Premier League, Italian Serie A and now the Spanish La Liga. Ironically, La Liga was one of Mourinho's earlier managerial career destinations as an assistant but he has yet to win anything there by himself. It will also be interesting to see him becoming the coach of Real Madrid instead of Barcelona FC, where he worked under van Gaal and Bobby Robson.

The dude is just 47 years old and I have to admit that his experience with different leagues really made him probably the most versatile coach up there with Fabio Capello, who is 63. Capello only managed in two leagues but he is now a country coach. He had probably won more titles with more different teams but in just the Italian and Spanish leagues. Therefore, as much as I can't stand Mourinho's sarcastic remarks and opinions, I have to admit he is up there among the legendary managers of this era. I guess if Mourinho, like Capello, cannot manage Real Madrid, I'm afraid no other coach of this era can. The team needs someone with great authority like them to push the team's discipline and teamwork to get effective results. You can't win by default with just money alone as been proven by Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester City. You need a conductor who can bring the whole orchestra together to generate a magnificent performance.

Will The Special One succeed? Well, only time will tell. If he does, I hope the stupid management of Real Madrid will not just sack him like how they did with Capello. Capello was effective but the management was impatient with the arrival of the 10th Champions League crown.

CONGRATULATIONS BARCELONA FC, CHELSEA AND INTER MILAN!

They all won their respective leagues! Chelsea and Inter Milan earned a double like Bayern Munich! Real Madrid is a testament and proof that money can't buy success / victory!

We have the Champions League to look forward to before the World Cup 2010! Can The Special One win it against his ex-teacher? Both teams have chances for the treble!

IBRAHIMOVIC TO BARCA & ETO'O AND TO INTER

Wow! Barcelona are crazy to send off their top marksman of many seasons!!! Let's keep watch until the dust is settled!!!

Goal.com

BREAKING NEWS: Barcelona Sign Ibrahimovic From Inter For 40m Plus Eto’o - Spanish Press
The Catalan press has reported that Barca have completed the singning of Ibracadabra...

Barcelona have reportedly concluded the transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Inter for €40m plus Samuel Eto'o and Alexander Hleb on loan.