Followers

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Diego Maradona

Posted on November 21, 2008Filed Under Weekend Question

The Postman’s Question of the Weekend: Do you think Maradona can also “do a Capello” with an Argentina team that has often promised so much more, but failed in the end?

For someone who is revel as ‘God’ in his own country, and one who had such enormous aura, Diego Maradona will not miss the chance to build on his legend by taking on the Argentina job. Maybe he wanted to ensure that he is the greatest footballer, greater than Pele who is never a coach for his country.The players would feel that they are playing for ‘God’ everytime he is around and this can generate a very positive effect and boost as the Argentine team was on a decline. Maradona’s past misdeeds are all forgotten until the day he implodes again, which he is very capable of. The honeymoon period has only begun and Argentina seemed to found its saviour. However, Maradona can undo everything, given his unpredictable behaviours and flaw in character if things do not play out accordingly on the field. Maradona is Maradona… leopard doesn’t change their spots.

Rewarding Athletes

Posted on November 18, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Should Singapore’s world champions be rewarded financially in the same way as winners in major Games (like Olympics, Asian, Commonwealth, SEA Games), and why?

YES! A world champion should be similarly and equally financially rewarded like an winning Olympian or an Asian Champion. They put in the same effort, time and sacrifices in order to reach the pinnacle of their sport and in a small country like ours, they are not many such gems whom we can boast and be proud of.At this moment the existing tiers in the rewards system are clear : Olympics, Asian and SE Asian. If we are going to reward the champions who do not fall into such categories, then it is time for the NSAs to scrutinise and list down the world championship events which their athletes will be taking part and co-relate them with the existing structure. This would reduce the argument on the extent of the rewards.Another way is to classify the tournaments according to World or Regional championships.

Published in New paper on Friday 21 Nov 2008

Manager Hypocrites

Posted on November 14, 2008Filed Under Weekend Question

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Do you think Alex Ferguon and Joe Kinnear are hypocritical, by dishing out criticism without being able to take it, and why?

Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Kinnear. Moyes etc are British bull-dog managers who blast off what their piece from their heart. They held nothing back and usually they did it without the rose tinted glasses. No doubt, they will be punished by the FA, trample by the media who love a good story from these colourful characters. Behind these facades, the managers have very good reasons for being such a character. Usually it is for the ‘protection’ of the players and team as the bullets are deflected towards the manager. When it comes to the ‘ref’, they are just oralising loudly that he is ‘kayu’/weak/moron. Until and unless there is a line of communication between the manager and the referee, such ‘injustices’ on the field would continue to be heard on the touchline and you cannot accuse them of being hypocritical. How far should the ref continues to test and stretch the threshold of another human being who are simply passionate about their work which can be destroyed just by a stroke of decision/indecision on the field, esp when it is absolutely hideous?

Fitting Torres, Gerrard, Keane Nov 11

The Postman’s Question of the Week: How would you fit Gerrard, Torres and Keane in the Liverpool side, if you are Rafa Benitez ?

When there is no injury problem and Fernando Torres is fit, fitting Keane in the Liverpool team is like fitting a square peg into a round hole. He is a surplus and should be used as an impact substitute even though the Reds had paid a king ransom for his services. Alberto Reina, since he came in, fits nicely into the left side. Also, Dirk Kuyt industrious workrate must not be sacrifice at all. In the midfield, Gerrard revelled in his central supporting role and with Mascherano as the defensive enforcer, there is only one place left. This should go to Xabi Alonso as he is the second brain. Alternatively this place can go to Benayoun. Robbie Keane is essentially a clever foil for a bustling striker and at this moment, Rafa Benitez doesn’t employ such a tactic of a pair of tandem strikers.Thus he should be used as an impact sub for Kuyt to support Torres in the later stage of the game or when the team is clueless..

Arsenal vs Man Utd Nov 4

Posted on November 4, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Who will win this Saturday’s big match and why?



Arsene Wenger’s policy of sticking with his young, self groomed Gunners seemed to have backfire in recent week. They were told that they ‘lacked spine’ and even Cesc Fabregas has cast doubts on the chances of Arsenal winning the EPL. They are only lacking spine but also jelly soft and when they meet teams like Stoke City, they folded under hard tackles. as a result, they suffered many injuries. The lack of depth in the squad is now exposed. Arsene Wenger may field his team B which did well in the Carling Cup. With a team which is still wet behind their ears, it is hard to predict what they can do. There is also the European factor to consider. If they do well against Fenerbahce, it will give them the lift on Saturday or else…. However, meeting a battle hardened team with a strong spine like Man Utd now is not a game which they they wish for. With such vulnerability and uncertainty, the Gunners will turned out to be Goners this round.

Arsenal vs Man Utd Nov 4

Posted on November 4, 2008Filed Under Question of the Week

The Postman’s Question of the Week: Who will win this Saturday’s big match and why?

Arsene Wenger’s policy of sticking with his young, self groomed Gunners seemed to have backfire in recent week. They were told that they ‘lacked spine’ and even Cesc Fabregas has cast doubts on the chances of Arsenal winning the EPL. They are only lacking spine but also jelly soft and when they meet teams like Stoke City, they folded under hard tackles. as a result, they suffered many injuries. The lack of depth in the squad is now exposed. Arsene Wenger may field his team B which did well in the Carling Cup. With a team which is still wet behind their ears, it is hard to predict what they can do. There is also the European factor to consider. If they do well against Fenerbahce, it will give them the lift on Saturday or else…. However, meeting a battle hardened team with a strong spine like Man Utd now is not a game which they they wish for. With such vulnerability and uncertainty, the Gunners will turned out to be Goners this round.