| by comrade commissar | ... | @ Wednesday, May 18, 2005, 2:39:00 AM | permalink |
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Before I start writing anything, I have to say, or rather, warn prospective readers, that this is my first attempt at blogging. I don’t know the exact structure or the way I am supposed to go about doing this, or the proper mannerisms and figures of speech required of me. (Do I talk about how my day went, the things I did? Must I insist that I’m writing the blog for my own private viewing and by my own personal discretion and that it should not be held against me should it be found offensive? Sorry, I couldn’t resist taking a few digs.) Anyway, a few more disclaimers before I start. Groups of people will undoubtedly find this entry offensive, insulting, and even churlish. Further groups of people will curse my audacity and condemn me and my club to a lifetime of pathetic losses (you’ll see). Anyway, do proceed at your own discretion, and don’t fret, I’ll not hold you responsible if your responses are anything short of savory. Money makes the world go around. Is this the correct phrase or was it something about love making it go round? If it is about love, then I am sorry, both for misquoting, and for challenging this naïve sentiment. I’m talking about the world of soccer; the world of ferocious pride, of club identity, of belonging, of cheering and moaning in one language no matter where you are from and who you support. Or at least, I am talking about the soccer I love, which is evidently, albeit miserably, not the soccer that is today. Monetary revolution. This should be a phrase familiar to all soccer fiends, particularly in the wake of this season’s closure. Chelsea lifted the cup, the only team in 8 seasons to do it besides Manchester United and Arsenal, and the world is on its feet, or lying prostrate on its back bemoaning the fates, whichever way you look at it, heralding the new era of soccer. The new age of glittering greenbacks, of mercurial players loyal to no club and no groups of fans, and of the ability to buy EVERYTHING. Look at Chelsea, with their Russian billionaire GOD, who just about bought everything that can be purchased. Their stronger and awe-inspiring team of soccer greats (or at least up and coming soccer stars); their efficient management and personnel group, and their ability to wield the best and most efficient threat. Perform, or else. Score, or else. Anybody remember the Chelsea team of last season? Vernon, Mutu and their equally expensive buddies? Anybody know where they are now today? A season of lackluster performances saw them loaned, sold, dumped to other clubs, while new players like Carvalho, fresh from Portugal’s Euro 2004 glory, and Damien Duff, England’s new prodigy, are brought in to refill the ranks. The unflinching sacking of last season’s big names sends a loud message, not just to current Chelsea players, but to the world of soccer as well. We can afford the best, and only the best can stay; the rest are expendable. I know of Chelsea fans who would worship at their Russian savior’s feet, thank him for the cup he bought Chelsea, even see him as THE answer to the club. But neutral fans of soccer and of the other clubs? Where do we stand? Club rivalry aside, do we agree of Chelsea’s revamp? Do you wish for the same monetary revolution to take our clubs? Will you be equally grateful and exultant? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not bitter about Chelsea’s new found glory (well, maybe a little, but it’s the Devil in me speaking), but I find that I cannot stomach the direction in which soccer is heading. I am not naïve, I know soccer is traditionally made up of money, and I also know just how much players like Rio Ferdinand get paid even on his months’ long suspension. But soccer is essentially still about belonging and about loyalty, and this belonging can only come about if players actually stay for more than a season with their clubs. Bleed new talents into the first 11, nurture these new talents and have the club’s well-loved old hands guide them, and one day, allow them to be the core and center of the club. I am looking at players like Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs when I say this; Giggs who has been with the club since 1990, a fledging then but a United great now. If I were to look to other clubs, I can give you the exact same examples of loyalty and club heritage through their players. Viera in Arsenal, Gerrard in Liverpool. This IS soccer, the ferocious belonging, and the familiarity. These are the players you would stick by no matter how pathetic their season has been, these are the players you are willing to put your money on. This is what the monetary revolution has replaced, and I’m aching for the loss. The pain is especially poignant now, in these last few horrid days. Soccer fiends will most probably know that Manchester United, my club for the last 8 years, is now in the ownership of Malcolm Glazer, American billionaire, asshole who can’t differentiate between soccer and football. I don’t know what is going to happen to my club, I don’t know if the pride I place so much faith in is going to get thrown out of the window. My lack of knowledge scares me, and I know it scares fans worldwide. This club belongs to the fans, and now, we are powerless. We might become another Chelsea, another victim of the monetary revolution. Who’s going to be next? Liverpool with the Thai government hot on their heels? Arsenal with their manager seemingly accepting of this revolution? I don’t know, and I’m running blind. The question at the end of the day really is, who do I support when the club we love and know best has been pulled out from under us? Be you an Arsenal, Everton (yes, we poached Wayne Rooney, but you don’t look like you are hurting), Liverpool or Newcastle fan, I do sincerely hope that the same fate doesn’t befall your club. I may hate your club on a weekly basis, but I don’t hate you enough to curse you in that manner. |
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