Monthly Archives: April 2010
Mourinho’s Black Magic
Mourinho’s Black Magic I can’ say that I can remember many moments of football that have made me feel physically sick before inducing a prolongued bout of black dog (depression) but few have provoked both reactions as much as the site of Jose Mourinho scampering across the turf of the Camp Nou, and striking his defiant pose af the end of last night’s match. If ever there was a moment of profound profanity it was this one. Bobby Robson’s one-time transalator, since elevated to the status of ‘special one’ by a culture …
It Rains in Spain
It Rains in Spain Tapas and wine in London’s Iberica restaurant last night with a group of young thrusting Spanish professionals who are living and working in London. We contrast and compare UK and Spanish politics- a welcome respite from the domestic campaign trail. “The common problem with both countries is the disconnect the suffering masses have with the discredited political class”, kicked off one attendee. Subsequent discussion showed the majority of those present –myself among them-genuinely impressed by the capacity of UK political parties to renew themselves, and the …
Thanks, Jack
Thanks, Jack My warmest congratulations go out today to my fellow Catholic Jack Valero who had the good sense to see through all the media hype surrounding the Foreign Office ‘gaffe’ over the Papal visit. “ I think it is a joke that has gone wrong…(Catholics) will think about it today and then forget about it. In the Catholic Church we are used to forgiveness. It’s part of our culture,” he was quoted in the Guardian. Valero has shown guts at a time when intemperate Catholic voices of a theologically …
Where Clegg nay be taking us
Where Clegg may be taking us Yesterday I managed to squeeze in a public meeting with local parliamentary candidates(Battersea) before running back home and watching the TV debate of the three party leaders. The first part showed local politics at its best. Each candidate submitting himself (Labour’s Martin Linton and the Green’s Guy Evans) and herself ( Tory Jane Ellison and the Lib Dem’s Layla Moran) to questions from ordinary constituents which showed a keen sensitivity to local issues and a refreshing ability not to sound simply as party …
Lost in Translation
Barca is translated So Mourinho has done it again. Having studiously followed the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing side, the arch tactician brought out the best in his own players and managed to make Pep Guardiola’s passing game, on the night, look not just ineffectual but tedious. This was a memorable game, but for the wrong reasons: a couple of poor referee decisions (one of which should have been a Barca penalty),Ibra-yet again-undeserving of his price tag- a dysfunctional defence, and worst of all, a Messi lacking all …
Inter vs Barca: Pride & Prejudice
Pride & Prejudice Well it’s Messi against the Transalator and this after 1,000 kilometeres by bus from Barcelona to Milan. It’s not difficult to imagine Mourinho devising a simple strategy of suffocation Italian-style which will neutralise Barca’s pivotal player and play on the disorientation of others. He has done it before and thinks he can do it again. Forget about previous games. This is one with the capacity to wreck every cule’s dream-that is, if you don’t believe in miracles. Mourinho has everything to play for, not least the prospect …
What politics do we want
TV Politics Funny how easily the media and, seemingly, the general public -if opinion polls are indicative- can be swayed from one day to the next. Not so long ago the three major parties were publishing their manifestos each with a variation on devolving power to the people, candidates and their supporters were knocking on doors – some followed by TV cameras, but a majority not. Any mention by Cameron of his ‘Big Society’ vision was notable by its absence from thursday’s TV debate, let us not forget. Suddenly there …
Pigs over Battersea
Pigs Fly in Battersea I know that I am not the only Battersea resident somewhat baffled by David Cameron’s choice of Battersea Power Station to launch his manifesto. The location over the years has come to symbolize wasted opportunity and broken promises. Who can forget the photo of Margaret Thatcher in her heyday as prime-minister celebrating the ‘launch’ of the power station redevelopment under John Broome who later repatriated to Cairo after his business had gone bust. Since then other developers have come and gone, and the site is still …
Gloves off at the Bernabeu
Real Madrid 0 FC Barcelona 2 It may not have been a classic, but it was nonetheless edge of the seat stuff. Gabi Millito’s collapse towards the end personified the toughness of the battle. (Dear Carlos-it’s not all beautiful football!) Some enduring images: Florentino Perez looking increasingly uncomfortable in his presidential box Cristiano Ronaldo looking increasingy uncomfortable on the pitch Messi’s cheeky smile after scoring another goal Pedro fighting back to win the ball. Pedro scoring the second goal. An emerging talent , one of Pep Guardiola’s young boys. Meanwhile …
Campaign diary: An early round
Campaign diary: An early round Woke up just after five am today and caught the early morning chorus, of the benign chattering class: a true symphony of bird song. Such divine presence would lift the heart of any potential voter! Five hours later I find the local Labour party campaign office in surprising upbeat mood. No shortage of volunteers of every race , creed, and age . I heard suggested that the glossy, extremely well-funded leaflet campaign of Tory candidate Jane Ellison has stimulated a response with contributions for Martin Linton’s …
