True fans wear original jerseys?

Notice 2 fans debating on how fanatics they are supporting their clubs. One of them said that true fans only wears and buys original merchandise of their club. The other said that its a waste spending hundreds or dollars on original stuff. Here what i've got to say:

Edy Dee & Faiz Hakim Chelsea : fanatik xsmti beli ori and beli ori (yg mahal) tak semestinya membazir. Real fans is more that what they wear. Its in their heart and can never be put into words. If you have the money, why not buy the original one cause it will go to our beloved club. If cannot afford, its ok to buy the siam one. Wear your heart on your sleeve and you're already a true fan. ktbffh

Foreign Club vs Local Club

The final episode of Bola @ Mamak last week bring up an intresting topics, we should support the local clubs more rather than supporting foreign teams thousands of kilometre away. Had a few banters with the other fans that agreed on the topics. Some of them said that wearing foreign club jerseys that come to tours here instead of the local or national shirts make you unpatriotic. Here what i got to say:

I was there in 2003 Bukit Jalil and 2008 Shah Alam to see the team i supported since 1997 CFC. Both times i wore the Chelsea shirt. Wasnt an issue back then. This time around, i was made to feel guilty if i dont don the national calours because of a few issue made up such as the one discussed on the final episod.

Such issue shouldnt arise at all for me. The love for my county and my local football team (Selangor) never dimish or wear off since i started supporting foriegn clubs. If i'm being honest, i become a more EDUCATED football fan. We learn more, about how the game is played, the management and development they had over there. And that isnt a bad thing for me.

I still go to stadium to watch Selangor or Malaysia. Whether its football or hockey, badminton, SEA games, Commonwealth games, etc i still and i will forever cheering for my Malaysia. I even go to PJ every now and then to support the National Junior League and see the future of Malaysia football and impressed with what i saw. Such opportunity was never there or limited during my times. Kudos to the developement programme we had now. We have learned, not only the way we develop young players, but the way we think, the way we talk and the way we support (Ultras) Kudos to them too.

I will be wearing my Chelsea shirt and holding the Malaysia flag this 21st July. Does that make me less patriotic? tepuk dada tanya selera.

CFC Blabs: Just keep on believing

More than a month since i last wrote, and at that time... wasn't at all the best period for Chelsea fans all over the world. Our form just dip, so fast that the unthinkable of dropping out from the champs league spot (top 4) was playing through my mind. We also got knock out of the FA Cup, heartbreaking lost on penalty to an Everton side at home which surely prove that football is a very cruel game. That leave us only to the league (which is very impossible at that time) and the champ league for a chance of any silverware this season.

Pass couple of weeks saw our fortune suddenly turn. A good win against FC Copenhagen  in the 1st leg Champs League Round of 16, follow with back to back win against Man United and Blackpool with contrast to United who lost 2 straight games saw us closing the gap to 9 points with a game in hand. With United and Arsenal wobbling the past few weeks, and optimistically considering we will win the game in hand that will leave only a 6 points gap, anything can happen with all of the top team (including us) performing inconsistently and surely more points will be drop.

I certainly can feel the buzz and I'm sure most of the Blues fans feels the same, thats how fast things can change. A big game against City coming up, if we can turn up and show our best performance and then win our game in hand, surely the pressure will be on United. Hopefully they will drop a few points here and there,  and if we can win all of our game, the match against United at Old Trafford late this season may well be our most important game ever.

There's a lot of hopes and ifs, but what else we can do. Just keep on believing i guess. KTBFFH

CFC Blabs: Bad times

They say form is temporary and class is permanent, but two months is not a short time and the class was no where to be seen. 1 win in the last 9 games saw the club chances of retain the league title is fading or realistically said, gone. The reason for the poor showing and performance of the whole squad is unanswerable, to say all the players and Carlo Ancelotti turning into a bad players or manger is irrelevant and incomprehensible. Certainly the confident is at the minimum and the club is dropping like a stone.

Dont fix it if its not broken... Roman, a good man he is to the club (wouldnt swap him with other owners) for certain didnt learn his lesson. He should learn what happen to the club when we part company with the Special One. It takes us 3 managers and 3 seasons to win back the Premierleague crown after two successive title under Jose. Coincident or not, the bad run started after Ray Wilkins was axed without any firm reason.

Maybe its time to evaluate the situation and lower down the club expectation. Not raising the white flag after only midway through the season, but the gap with United is too big even an optimist wouldnt bet his house on us. A top four finish is all i'm hoping for and seems more realistic. Looking the dreadful time as a blessing in disguise. Maybe the backbone and the likes of JT,FL,DD has reached their peak last term. Hopefully we can get back to our winning ways, secure the top four finish and use this as a sign for us to recruit or prepare the younger players who will have to step up in the near future. KTBFFH



What we've missed 24 Nov 2010 - 15 Dis 2010

The funny thing about football... it will effect what you do at home, at the office or when you're just trying to relax. It certainly effected me. Almost a month since i last wrote something on here, trying to run away from football huh. The pass few weeks see a lot of interesting and some can be said controversial happening  across the football globe and its very hard for me to ignore it, i'll try to express my view on the event in one post.

Chelsea dismal form
3 point from a possible 15, no win in the last 5 matches and averaging 0.6 goal per game certainly not a championship winning form. The goals has dried up, the performance far from inspiring and the pressure is building on Carlo. Coincident or not, the dip of form came after the shocking dismissal of Ray Wilkins by the club. RW for me is a true legend and play a major part in last season triumph, his dismissal was a shocked and until date, the true reason behind this is still unknown. No man is bigger than the club... what ever the reason is, the matter for me should be handle better by the club and RW has been harshly threated. Thank you Ray Wilkins for the pass and we wish you the best for the future.

The injury problems can be the excuse to condone the poor form of late. Yes, we lost JT, Alex, FL, Zhirkov Essien and having to play the not 100% fit DD the last couple of months. The good start certainly help, if not, we may be trailing the leaders by more points. We have a few of these players coming back, the hugely miss FL played a few minutes last weekend against Spurs, finger cross lets hope we can put our season back on track, and what a way to do it by winning against leaders Man Utd this coming weekend. For me, the poor form may be blessing in disguise. We need to spend in the January transfer window and the club should start scouting for replacement for the aging JT, FL and  DD.

2018 and 2022 World Cup host
The host for the 2018 and 2022 has been announced and congratulation to Russia and Qatar for winning the bid. The announcement didn't came without dispute and conspiracy. The English certainly frustrated not winning the bid after putting much effort and i surely can understand their frustration not getting the nod. Having advanced footballing technologies, stadia and facilities... last hosting the event in 1966 and having one of the most passionate and fanatical fans in the world, no wonder most of those who follow the game were leaving scratching their head on the result. Putting aside on bribery, oil money and rich nation, FIFA reason of broadening the game to new countries seems reasonable. Somebody got to lose.

Hughton & Big Sam Shocking Sacking 
Every season the bookies will have the odds on the first manager casualty. After the first 3 month of the season, names of Roy Hodgson, Mancini even Ancelotti has rise and tip to get the axed. After Newcastle achievement to bounce back straight to the Premier League last season and a reasonable start to this one, the termination of Chris Hughton from his position was a surprise to all. One week after that, another shocking dismissal, Big Sam was remove from his position after a good start to the season considering his limited budget. Lost for word on this one, whatever it is, football is certainly a cruel game and having rich, lunatic and insane people like Mike Ashley and the new Blackburn owners in the game certainly doesn't  make it better.

Oppss... too much football for today... i'll write back after we beat United this weekend. KTBFFH

Injury - Overpaid Overplayed Millionaires?

Chelsea manage to secure top spot in their Champions League group last night by beating whipping boys Zilina 2-1. Not the scoreline i expected, although Carlo did ring a few changes with few youngsters given the chance, i do think whoever start for Chelsea we should have beaten Zilina by a more bigger margin and keeping clean sheet. But considering the problems the club face the pass few weeks and the recent poor result in the league, it was still a good win. A much needed victory to build back the confidence.

Missing big players through injury for me was the main reason for the sudden dip of form. I cant recall any other season that we miss so many players due to injuries. An injury crisis that doesn't look to end soon, every week there seem to be a player out. Chelsea with a high average age of players might be a factor that we've had one of the most huge injury list among the other BPL clubs, but that wasnt the case at all. It seems that other team had a few injury problem as well. Rooney, v.Persie, Gerrard, Vermalaen, Fabregas, Torres, v.Der Vaart are just few names from the bigger clubs that had or still have injury concerns this season and its only November, not even halfway through the season.

I don't think its a coincident that the injury trouble facing clubs early this season is due to the summer World Cup in Africa. After a long hard season last term, players then join their respective country for training and a month long of competition. Though they did have their holiday and much needed rest after the tournament, most of them reported back to their clubs late meaning a short pre season to gain full fitness. This raise the issue, are the players overplayed? The early season schedule also not too kind to the players. League matches on weekends, domestic cups, Europeans games and useless international friendlies adding to the hectic list of matches.

Some would say that the players are paid millions a year and ought to be playing as much games as they could whether for their club of country. But certainly if this injuries situation continue and  the summer international tournament proven to be the cause, something should be done at least for the season after the World Cup or Euro. A delayed start to the season, cup competition or abolish the useless international friendlies which i think anyone would agree and can do without. We want to see the best players play every week, the injuries will be a lost to the club as well as the fans. Something to think about. ktbffh

International Football - Boring boring weekend

Well.... I get through it, a weekend without club football. The 2 weeks international break is on with the Euro 2012 qualifying games and friendly matches played during the weekend and the next couple of days before the league resume.

When we talk about international games during the season, its hard to avoid the club versus country debate. With the importance of results in club football, the last thing managers want is their star players getting injured during the international break while playing with their national colours. Players getting back exhausted from travelling, playing too many games and involving in useless friendly matches has become and issue for club managers, but is there anyway to resolve the matter for the goods of the national teams, clubs as well as the players?

From a fan point of view, i think except from the World Cup or European Cup finals, the qualification games didn't really excites everyone. The matches usually are straight forward with most of the matches aren't competitive enough, for example Kazakhstan against the mighty Germans. Yes, maybe for some Kazakhstanis the prospect of seeing the likes of Klose, Schweinsteiger and co is intriguing. But for neutrals, a one sided affair between a nation ranked 126 against semi finalist of the recently concluded World Cup is not really stimulating much interest.

The club managers don't like it, the fans can do without it but the games must be played. Is there any other way to accommodate this international games into the football calender, is there any other format to make it more competitive and interesting for the fans. Its easier to moan and complain about it without prompting ways to improve the format or scheduling of the games, maybe we all just have to shut up and deal with it. KTBFFH

Liverpool FC - Demise Of A Great Club?

Seven games into the season, nobody would guess, nobody could imagine that Liverpool Football Club the most successful club in England, although the Man Utd fan will disagree (agree to disagree) dwelling in the relegation zone in the 18th spot. The mess that was drag and ringing around the club the pass few years have reach a new low.

It all begin when Liverpool agreed to a takeover bid from American sports tycoon George Gilett and Tom Hicks  in 2007. At that time most of us think, that is the beginning of a new era for LFC. Wealthy investor coming in, real resources, transfer funds, a new stadium and a strong commitment to the club was what the fans are hoping for, but that was not being materialized. Footballing wise, the club continue to progress finishing 4th in the first season of Gilett-Hicks era before finish just 4 point off champions Man Utd in the 2008/2009 the season after. That was when expectation became higher, the bar has been raised and the prospect of ending the club 18years drought of league title immense.

In the 2009/2010, the season which promise much, the season when Liverpool are expected to go one step better and claim the title didn't really happened. The club turmoil  became worse, all the promise made from the American owners didn't come into being. Rafael Benitez the manager at that time embarking feuds with both of the owners, deflecting the team performance on the pitch. The conflict between the owners and manager embroiled to a certain period when the fans was divided. The pro Rafa and the anti Rafa, Benitez was quick to get the support from the fans as he knew the expectation set was way beyond his team reach. He sparks the fans protest against the owner claiming he didn't have enough transfer fund to go out and get the player required for Liverpool to challenge for the title. But the anti Rafa will claim that Benitez had all the time to build the squad and wasting money (that was not much given) on several mediocre players. But as the seasons progress, Benitez support from the fans slowly decrease as his team performance turn upside down from 2nd place the previous season to 7th and failing to qualify for the Champion League subsequently ending his 6 years reign at Liverpool.

Coming into the 2010/2011, the Liverpool faithful protest against the owners still continued, they want the Americans out. The words of the club will be sell ringing from last season, but until now there isn't any conclusion on the matters. A few bidders has come in, but then just walks away. What are the intentions of the 2 owners? What do they want? Its unexplainable why not one of the many bids received is not accepted and taking so much time.

The performance of the players go the same way, after 7 league games into the season Liverpool are in the relegation zone. The manager they appointed, an Englishman in Roy Hodgson thought to be the Liverpool saviour to bring back the passion and glory back to Anfield quickly being questioned. Is he the right man? Do he have what it takes to manage a big club? The fans currently divided again. Some want to give him more time, some didnt like his attitude, his ambitions was said not at the same wave length as Liverpool FC should have and want the man to be remove quickly. Which group are you in?

Personally for me, as much as i hate Liverpool its sad to see such a club being in such a mess on and off the pitch. Roy to me is not the right man, but Liverpool has appointed him and kicking him at this time will only bring the worst out of the club. Give the man 1 season, Liverpool will not get relegated with the current squad they have. The players meanwhile should hold more responsibility, because the way they performed the last 7 games, shows that they didn't bother at all. Anything bad happen, the fans will all put the blame on the owners. These so called superstars need a kick up their ass, they're being paid millions week in week out to perform on the pitch and that what they are supposed to do. The ownership issue is another matter, and let put that aside and hope it can be resolve as soon as possible. On the pitch players should perform much much better because it seem like they are forgetting for which club they are playing for. Just a humble football fan point of view. KTBFFH

p/s: while i'm writing, news of Liverpool has agreed the club sale to New England Sports Venture has come out. not sure its a good thing or bad, time will tell.

"some people think football is a matter of life and death. I assure you, it's much more serious than that" William 'Bill' Shankley

Insane Wenger - when egos take over

Coming into his 15th years as manager of Arsenal Football Club, Wenger was the longest serving manager in the club history and also the most successful for the club in terms of trophies. Appointed as Arsenal's manager in 1996 Wenger has won 3 Premier League title and 4 FA Cup Winners medals for the club but 5 trophy less seasons, the good was quickly forgotten. Known for his philosophy of playing good and beautiful football, his ability to nature young talents, buying cheap and selling for a hefty price, the Professor is the kind of manager that most club Chairman wants. And as long as the team is winning trophies, the fans will be happy.

Its been a mix situation at Arsenal this pass couple of weeks, first announcing the club record profit for year ending May 31st before suffering a humiliating defeat to newly promoted West Brom last Saturday. The veering against Arsene didnt start after the defeat, but from 2 to 3 seasons back and its seem to be growing larger with some quarters of the fans already calling for the Manager's head. Patience of the supporters seems to reach the limit with an empty trophy cabinet the past 5 seasons, empty promises with the young players and Wenger delusively backing some of his 'quality players'.

A man who hold tight to his approach and belief in how football should be played. But with his experience, he should know better when to let it go, to put aside his egos, to stop trying to prove that everybody is wrong and put priority straight.... the club itself. For me, that's the main reason some of the Gunner faithful has turn their back on him.

His failure to find a replacement for Vieira and his unwillingness to spend big for a similar hard tackling no nonsense holding midfielder still haunt him till now. What did he do next? Complaining and moaning to the press on how football should be played, how to tackle, how his player needs more protection from referee..sorry Mr Wenger, but i didnt hear that during the Vieira, Keown and Adams days.

His blind support and faith in his two goalkeepers Almunia and Fabianski is also unbelievable, when almost everyone agree that both of them is not good enough to play for Arsenal at least in the starting eleven. He has the chance to get a world class keeper in January last season before Shay Given making the move to Man City. He had a second opportunity to get Given during the start of the season transfer window. Mark Schwarzer putting himself in the transfer list to force a move but the deal falls through due to Wenger didnt want to add a few millions to meet Fulham asking prise. I'm sure he'll regret it after the latest blunder from Almunia and i'm also pretty sure  that he wont admit it. Almunia is a great goalkeeper.

A man loss is another man gain. The fans outcry for big names transfers and for Arsenal to start winning trophies again seems unheard. The Chairman and board at Arsenal just kept quite and let Wenger do his things, never the board set target or make known of their ambitions. Never came out and said we want to win the league this season, and we have the money and will backed Wenger to get the player he need. Nope, never heard it. Why should the board to that? They just announced a record profit, free of debt, just move into a new stadium and although not winning trophies, Arsenal consistently qualified for the money spinning Champion League. Good enough for the board, but what are the fans getting from this?

KTBFFH

EPL Newcomers - Hit, Flop & Bargain

With the premierleague 2010/2011 season just started and the transfer window closed, i'll like to discuss and share my view on the new players that have come in, debutants for the EPL this season. Man City was undoubtedly getting all the spotlight, showing their financial muscle by bringing in 7 new player with 5 of those players playing their first season in english football. Backed by multi millionaire Sheikh Mansour, City have spent more than 100million on new players trying to challenge for the title or at least getting into the champions league spot. Hits, flops and bargain will all be unveiled as we move along which promised to be an exciting season.

Debutants for the 2010/2011 English Premier League:

Arsenal - Chamakh, Koscielny,Squillaci
Aston Villa - M.Alonso, Moreno
Birmingham City - Jiranek, Hleb, Zigic, Beausejour
Chelsea - Ramires
Everton - J.Silva
Fulham -  Dembele, Salcido
Liverpool - Jovanovic, Poulsen, Meireles
Man City - Y.Toure, D.Silva, Kolarov, Boateng, Balotelli
Man Utd - Hernandez, Bebe
Newcastle - Ben Arfa
Sunderland - Riveros, Al - Muhammadi, Gyan
Tottenham - Van der Vaart
W.B.A - Odemwingie, P.Ibanez
West Ham - Barrera, Obinna
Wigan - Alcaraz, Boselli

The EPL, one of the most exciting and most watched league in the world is well known for its high tempo and physical game. So it will be a challenge for the newcomers to adapt quickly to the new environment and style. When results are massive in importance in todays game, time will not be on these player side. Fans and owners want instant result and immediate impact, players that can cope quickly on and off the pitch will certainly make it. Its only the fifth game of the season, nothing is definite right now, but i'll give my personal opinion and prediction which transfer will be a hit,  flop or a bargain transfer coup.

Hits

Tottenham finishing 4th last season and  qualifying for the champion league was a massive progress for the club. Spurs fans are hopeful that they can bulit on the success and improve what they have achieved last term. Playing midweeks champions league games will be a new experience for the club and  manager Harry Redknapp knows that he will need to bolster his squad. Things didnt go well during the window until the last day when Harry finally got his man, 9miillion transfer deal bringing Rafael Van der Vaart to Spurs from Real Madrid. The 27 years old cant really get into the Galacticos first team and was link to several clubs before moving to Spurs. Known for his creativity and passing ability, Van der Vaart will certainly make an impact in the league. His versatility also an added advantage for Spurs. I do hope the talented midfielder can get his club career back on track and looking forward seeing him besides Modric providing chances and telling passes to the likes of Defoe, Crouch and Pavlyuchenko.

Flops

I'm going stick my neck out on this one. But too say one is a flop, it must come to a big money move and i have to say Man City Mario Balotelli. With all the wealth of talents in the Man City squad, the team really doesnt gel as well as they hope. Roberto Mancini tactics and formation already being questioned by the media and some fans. All the egos and superstars at the City stadium must be hard to control and manage. Balotelli was bought by Mancini from Inter Milan costing City 24million, a pinch maybe for the club millionaire owner. But i always have a doubt when a player from the Serie A especially strikers move to the EPL. The tempo and physical game is much much higher compared to the Serie A where players do have more time on the ball. With Balotelli temperament and his disciplinary problems plus all the top striker in the City ranks, its going to be intresting to see how Mancini handle with his new recruit. Is he going to be the next Robinho, time will tell.

Bargain

Marouane Chamakh is the bargain transfer this season without a shadow of a doubt. Moving on a free transfer from Bordeaux to Arsenal, he already shown a glimpse of his abbilities, what he can offer to the team and  proving his move is not a wrong one, and i'm sure all the gooners out there will agree with me. Mr Wenger with his transfer policy seldom get it wrong when choosing a player to bring in, careful with his transfer and not rushing it, Chamakh was in the Arsenal's radar for almost a year before they finally sign him. With Van Persie injury prone, certainly Chamakh will be cherishing his opportunity to lead the line in the Arsenal strike force.

"Transfer deals always give pleasure, if not the arrival, the departure"

good luck to the newbies. KTBFFH