ekansekans's blog: "df"

MADRID - It began as a marriage of convenience between a coach hungry to establish himself at the top of his sport and a club determined to put the brakes on the runaway success of its archrival. Asante Samuel Jersey . For Jose Mourinho, coaching Real Madrid added a major notch to his career, having previously led Inter Milan to the 2010 Champions League title and guiding Chelsea to six trophies in three years. Madrid president Florentino Perez banked heavily on Mourinho having the qualities required to rein in Pep Guardiolas stinging victories with Barcelona and also the strength of character to sort out a squad encumbered with "galactico" trappings but without a single item of silverware. Mourinho had proved his Champions League pedigree early by winning the trophy with Porto in 2004, aged just 41. Perez set aside considerations that Mourinhos fascination with defensive tactics might grate with his teams tradition of overwhelming opponents through attacking prowess. Two-and-a-half seasons later, the honeymoon is in tatters and the talk is that it was never a love match anyway. Spains media has claimed the Portuguese doesnt understand the "stateliness" of Madrid and the reverence it deserves. As evidence they point to the disrespect Mourinho showed to his position by poking (then assistant coach) Tito Vilanova in the eye during a melee in August 2011, and also to how he has criticized his own players in public for not showing the guts and commitment to win matches. Mourinho was scathing after Madrids 2-1 loss at Celta Vigo in the Copa del Rey last Wednesday. "There are players who have disappointed me," he said. "(Some) didnt want to play because it was cold, raining." Perez showed unusual warmth as he quickly stepped up to defend him on that occasion. "We have the best coach in the world, with an impressive track record," Perez said Sunday. "From here, Jose Mourinho, I give you my acknowledgment, my confidence in your work and my affection." That was before Sundays 2-2 draw against lowly Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu, a result that left Madrid in third place in the league, 13 points behind leader Barcelona after 16 matches, not to mention facing possible elimination from the Copa after a first-leg defeat. Mourinho conceded it was "practically impossible" for his side to retain the Spanish league title prized from Guardiolas grip last season. "The distance is too great to achieve the League," he said after the draw, words that Perez responded to rapidly. "Madrids sporting principles are never to give up, however difficult the challenge," the president said Monday. The atmosphere in Madrids dressing room has been tense, leading sports newspapers Marca and As have repeatedly reported in recent weeks. Rumours that French club Paris Saint-Germain may be trying to sign Mourinho have caused unease, as have unsubstantiated but unceasing speculation that the Portuguese coach really wants to end up at Manchester United. Mourinho has never hidden his admiration for the English Premier League since beginning work as a translator, then assistant coach, to Bobby Robson at Lisbon in 1992 and then Barcelona. The Portuguese has tried to quash rumours of his departure. "No, its not true," Mourinho snapped at a news conference Saturday before a French journalist had even been able to pronounce the first two words of his question. With the journalist about to speak again, Mourinho interjected that in May he had signed a new four-year contract to remain as Madrid coach until 2016, quashing the Frenchmans curiosity about any possible link with PSG. But last seasons success, where Madrid finished with 100 points and 121 goals and Guardiola left the sport for a break, has been all but forgotten. Barcelona has eclipsed Mourinhos squad, making it look flat-footed. The press has been quick to lay the blame on Mourinhos methods. "His choking style of leadership, his persistent and obsessive defiance, have finally exhausted his players," said sports columnist Alfredo Relano in As. The problem for Perez and fans is a lack of ideas as to who could replace Mourinho. A random question flung at Joachim Loew last week about his chances of taking the job was immediately dismissed by the German national coach. "I do not care about the rumours. This is just speculation," Loew said to German Television station Sport1. "Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2016. I have a contract until 2014." Despite the criticism and doubt that Mourinho has engendered, there is still great respect for his ability, as Perezs words demonstrated. No trophy is more precious to Madrid than the Champions League, and hope still remains there. The Spanish press grudgingly asked on Monday if Mourinho had "the pulse" to turn Madrids situation around. "He still can, but much will have to change," Relano said. Tony Gonzalez Stitched Jersey . They wont have to pin on race numbers, they wont travel to and from the start, and they wont be mobbed by the fans or media. But they will spend their rest day riding their bikes for several hours with a few high-intensity intervals. Tony Gonzalez Official Jersey . Former Toronto Maple Leaf Tie Domi told TSN Radio 1050 on Thursday that he and fellow team alumnus Mats Sundin will likely play in Winter Classic Alumni game for the Leafs. http://www.thefalconsfans.com/ . Sweden was eliminated from Euro 2012 after losing to Ukraine and England in its first two group games, leading some to wonder whether the 30-year-old Ibrahimovic, who has taken breaks from international duty in the past, would return to the team when World Cup qualifying starts. Jacquizz Rodgers Jersey . The San Antonio Spurs announced Wednesday that they had re-signed Duncan, bringing back the 36-year-old forward for at least a 16th season. Roddy White Elite Jersey . Rosicky injured his Achilles tendon during Tuesdays 2-1 win over Greece and had to be substituted after the first half. Although a scan at Wroclaws military hospital didnt reveal any damage to the tendon, Rosicky says he will miss the teams final pre-match training.CANONSBURG, Pa. -- Sidney Crosby just wants to get back to work. At this point, where he takes the ice hardly matters. The Pittsburgh Penguins star said Friday the prospect of lacing up his skates in Europe is growing more appealing as the NHL lockout nears the three-month mark. The latest round of talks between owners and players broke down Thursday night, leaving Crosby "disappointed" and considering other opportunities. "I just want to play hockey," Crosby told reporters after an informal workout with some of his teammates on Friday morning. "As far as whatever option is best there, Ill start thinking of it a lot more because this stuff is getting ridiculous." Crosby spent three days in New York this week as part of the negotiations and felt progress was being made until NHL commissioner Gary Bettman shot down any growing optimism during an emotionally charged press conference in which the commissioner scoffed at the idea the sides were close to a deal. With no deal in the works, Crosby ended up taking a late-night flight back to Pittsburgh wondering what else the players could have done to move things along. "I think we knew what the issues were and we moved on those," Crosby said. "I think if its the case there like Gary said in his press conference, where theyre going to draw a line in the sand, just say that, dont waste guys timmes there. Matt Ryan Jersey. " The lockout has become another setback in a maddening two years for the games most popular player. The 2007 NHL MVP and 2010 Olympic gold medallist has been limited to just 28 games since January 2011 due to a series of debilitating concussions. Hes healthy now and signed a 12-year contract extension last summer that would keep him in Pittsburgh until his late-30s. Yet instead of focusing on getting the Penguins back to the Stanley Cup, Crosby has spent the last three months trying to help salvage at least part of the season. All games through Dec. 14, along with the New Years Day Winter Classic and the all-star game, have been cancelled. The last NHL lockout resulted in the 2004-05 season getting wiped out. "The foundation (for a deal) is there and I dont think we can move any more," Crosby said. "Weve done everything from our side to make this work" Though any foreign team that signs Crosby would also have to take out an expensive insurance policy, Crosby maintains playing overseas -- where dozens of NHL players are keeping sharp, including Penguins teammate Evgeni Malkin -- is a "practical" alternative. "I think Ive tried to be optimistic and things like that and given it every chance possible," Crosby said. "But Ive got make sure I keep playing hockey. I havent played for awhile." ' ' '