BBQ POSTPONED
Please note that due to the passing away of a close relative of our committee president, this Friday's BBQ for members and supporters has been postponed. Our condolences go to Nenu, Carmen and their family
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN DANIEL LEVY ABOUT MODRIC SITUATION
"I wish to make it absolutely clear, as I have said previously, that none of our key players will be sold this summer. We are building a team for the future to consistently play at the highest level and retaining quality players is crucial to that.
"In respect of Luka Modric, we are not prepared to sell, at any price, to Chelsea Football Club or any other club.
"We made our stance on this issue abundantly clear in writing to Chelsea. They chose to ignore it and then subsequently made the offer public.
"For the avoidance of any doubt, let me reiterate that we shall not enter into any negotiations whatsoever, with any Club, regarding Luka.
"We now consider this matter closed."
Friday, June 17, 2011
ATHELTIC BILBAO AT THE LANESpanish La Liga side Athletic Club Bilbao will be the guests for Spurs' final pre-season friendly of the summer at the Lane.
The match will take place on Saturday August 6, kick-off 3pm (UK time)
Athletic have played in La Liga’s Primera Division since its start in 1928, winning the title on eight occasions. Under coach Joaquin Caparros, Los Leones achieved a sixth place finish and Europa League qualification in 2010-11.
Their squad includes Spanish World Cup winners Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, as well as rising stars Iker Munian and Markel Susaeta
The match will take place on Saturday August 6, kick-off 3pm (UK time)
Athletic have played in La Liga’s Primera Division since its start in 1928, winning the title on eight occasions. Under coach Joaquin Caparros, Los Leones achieved a sixth place finish and Europa League qualification in 2010-11.
Their squad includes Spanish World Cup winners Fernando Llorente and Javi Martinez, as well as rising stars Iker Munian and Markel Susaeta
SPURS FIXTURES 2011-2012 (Kick Offs UK Time)
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Everton, 15:00
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Saturday, 20 August 2011
Barclays Premier League
Man Utd v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 27 August 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Man City, 15:00
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Saturday, 10 September 2011
Barclays Premier League
Wolverhampton v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 17 September 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Liverpool, 15:00
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Saturday, 24 September 2011
Barclays Premier League
Wigan v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 1 October 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Arsenal, 15:00
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Saturday, 15 October 2011
Barclays Premier League
Newcastle v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 22 October 2011
Barclays Premier League
Blackburn v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 29 October 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v QPR, 15:00
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Saturday, 5 November 2011
Barclays Premier League
Fulham v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 19 November 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Aston Villa, 15:00
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Saturday, 26 November 2011
Barclays Premier League
West Brom v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 3 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Bolton, 15:00
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Saturday, 10 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Stoke v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 17 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Sunderland, 15:00
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Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Chelsea, 19:45
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Monday, 26 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Norwich v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 31 December 2011
Barclays Premier League
Swansea v Tottenham, 15:00
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Monday, 2 January 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v West Brom, 15:00
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Saturday, 14 January 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Wolverhampton, 15:00
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Saturday, 21 January 2012
Barclays Premier League
Man City v Tottenham, 15:00
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Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Wigan, 19:45
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Saturday, 4 February 2012
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 11 February 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Newcastle, 15:00
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Saturday, 25 February 2012
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 3 March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Man Utd, 15:00
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Saturday, 10 March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Everton v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 17 March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Stoke, 15:00
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Saturday, 24 March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 31 March 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Swansea, 15:00
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Saturday, 7 April 2012
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland v Tottenham, 15:00
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Monday, 9 April 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Norwich, 15:00
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Saturday, 14 April 2012
Barclays Premier League
Bolton v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 21 April 2012
Barclays Premier League
QPR v Tottenham, 15:00
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Saturday, 28 April 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Blackburn, 15:00
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Saturday, 5 May 2012
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa v Tottenham, 15:00
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Sunday, 13 May 2012
Barclays Premier League
Tottenham v Fulham, 15:00
Sunday, June 12, 2011
HARRY SAYS LUKA IS STAYINGHarry Redknapp says it's impossible to stop Luka Modric's head being turned by other clubs - but insists the Croatian will not leave Tottenham.
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are believed to be keen on signing the Spurs playmaker, who has refused to rule out a possible departure from White Hart Lane.
Redknapp, though, maintains that Tottenham cannot afford to let Modric depart this summer.
"If clubs the size of Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to offer him Champions League football and massive wages, you would have to be very naive to think it wouldn't turn Luka's head," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"But I have been assured by the chairman that he is not prepared to sell him under any circumstances.
"And it's fair to say he's not happy about the unwanted attention and continuing speculation surrounding Luka.
"I have said on many occasions he is irreplaceable and it would be a massive disaster for the club if he was allowed to leave.
"We need to be strengthening the squad not depleting it. In an ideal world I would hope to bring in at least three more players to give us a realistic chance of competing for a top four place in the Premier League next season.
"United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, who all finished above us, are going to strengthen their squads so we have to be realistic.
"If we want to compete with them we have to be active in the transfer market, but I'm not suggesting it's going to be easy. Quality players at the right price are not easy to acquire.
"We also need to trim the squad and sell a few players."
Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are believed to be keen on signing the Spurs playmaker, who has refused to rule out a possible departure from White Hart Lane.
Redknapp, though, maintains that Tottenham cannot afford to let Modric depart this summer.
"If clubs the size of Manchester United and Chelsea are prepared to offer him Champions League football and massive wages, you would have to be very naive to think it wouldn't turn Luka's head," he told the Sunday Mirror.
"But I have been assured by the chairman that he is not prepared to sell him under any circumstances.
"And it's fair to say he's not happy about the unwanted attention and continuing speculation surrounding Luka.
"I have said on many occasions he is irreplaceable and it would be a massive disaster for the club if he was allowed to leave.
"We need to be strengthening the squad not depleting it. In an ideal world I would hope to bring in at least three more players to give us a realistic chance of competing for a top four place in the Premier League next season.
"United, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, who all finished above us, are going to strengthen their squads so we have to be realistic.
"If we want to compete with them we have to be active in the transfer market, but I'm not suggesting it's going to be easy. Quality players at the right price are not easy to acquire.
"We also need to trim the squad and sell a few players."
Thursday, June 09, 2011
VIEW FROM THE PARK LANE
This article will appear in the next edition of The Cockerel
This year marks the 30th anniversary of Tottenham Hotspur Malta. As part of our Supporters Club celebrations we had the pleasure to host former Spurs central defender Paul Miller in Malta.
Born in October 1959, Paul Miller spent the best years of his career at White Hart Lane but also played for Skeid (on loan) in Norway, Charlton, Watford, Bournemouth, Brentford and Swansea.
The Stepney born player joined Spurs as an apprentice in 1976 and signed professional terms a year later. At Spurs, Miller won the FA Cup in 1981 and 1982. He also scored the goal in the 1-1 draw in the away leg of the 1984 UEFA Cup final against Anderlecht. Spurs went on to draw 1-1 at White Hart Lane in the second leg and eventually win the cup on penalties.
While in Malta, Miller had the opportunity to meet journalists at the Grand Hotel Excelsior in Floriana and the Maltese Spurs supporters at our Club in Valletta. Here he not only took time to chat with all those present, but also joined a very nice number of members to watch the unfortunate 2-1 defeat against Chelsea. Judging by the way he was supporting the boys, those who joined us on the day will have no doubt that Paul is still 100% Spurs.
The former Spurs stalwart was also a special guest on Melita Sports’ Champions League live TV programme Focus Champions presented by Peter Paul Gauci and Catherine Mifsud. Speaking from experience and using his insight of the game Paul turned the programme into what can be dubbed a special edition.
During his stay in Malta Miller spoke about Tottenham and football in general. Despite Spurs not making it to fourth place he still thinks that this was a very good season. Fighting for fourth place till the end and reaching the Champions League quarter finals was no mean feat for a team experiencing the balancing act between the Premier League and Europe's top club competition for the first time.
Miller is hopeful that Spurs will use this season as a springboard for further success but in order to achieve this he is of the opinion that the Club needs not only to hold on to its key players but also strengthen in vital areas. He further opined that moving to a new bigger stadium is of fundamental importance if Tottenham are to compete regularly with the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.
At this point allow me to thank Norbert from Grand Hotel Excelsior and Pierre from Wembley Motors Ltd without the support of whom this visit would not have been possible. The help of these two friends is always just a phone call away and no words are enough to express our gratitude.
On other matters it was of course a disappointment for all of us to miss out on another Champions League qualification. Towards the end of the Premier League season I was of the opinion that 5th place would do us no good and for me it was either fourth or nothing.
I argued that Thursday night football in a “second division” competition will only serve as a distraction from our main objective, ie a return to the Champions League. However I have to say that Brazilian midfielder Sandro convinced me otherwise when he suggested that the Europa League can help more players get games under their belt. I do hope that this is the case and this competition is used to give more playing time to fringe and young players.
With regards to transfers, both Daniel Levy and Harry Redknapp have reiterated that players like Modric, Bale and Sandro are not for sale. Redknapp also stated that he’s looking to bring in three top signings to strengthen the squad and that, “…we are building a team here not trying to dismantle one”. And so say all of us Harry
Mark Mizzi
8 June 2011
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Borussia Dortmund campjins fil-Germanja
This article is not Spurs related.
Dan l-artiklu dwar Borussia Dortmund gie miktub mill-blogger Mark Mizzi u gie pubblikat f' L-Orizzont tal-Hamis 5 ta' Mejju 2011
Is-Sibt li ghadda Borussia Dortmund rebhu s-seba’ titlu fl-istorja taghhom hekk kif filwaqt li huma ghelbu lil Nurenberg 2-0, l-eqreb rivali taghhom dan l-istagun Bayer Leverkusen tilfu kontra Cologne. B’dawn ir-rizultati Borussia Dortmund gew inkurunati campjins ghall-ewwel darba mill-2002 lil hawn. Dortmund issa ghandhom 8 punti vantagg fuq Bayer Leverkusen meta fadal biss 2 loghobiet ghal tmiem il-Bundesliga.
80,000 spetattur iccelebraw ir-rebh tal-kampjonat ta’ Dortmund bil-plejers Lucas Barrios u Robert Lewandowski jiskurjaw il-gowls importanti. Ghal Barrios dan kien l-14 –il gowl tal-istagun. Iz-zewg gowls waslu fl-ewwel taqsima biex it-tieni taqsima intlaghbet f’atmosfera ta’ festa specjalment meta sar maghruf li Leverkusen kienu jinsabu minn taht.
Dan is-success fil-kampjonat huwa wiehed tassew impressjonanti ghal Dortmund. Fost ir-ragunijiet ghal dan hemm il-fatt li l-kowc Juergen Klopp kellu ghad-dizpozizzjoni tieghu skwadra relattivament zaghzugha. Klopp irnexxielu jirbah il-kampjonat b’sett ta’ plejers li, jekk tnehhi lil gowlkiper Roman Weidenfeller, ghandhom eta medja ta’ 22 sena.
B’din l-sikwadra ic-campjins il-godda tal-futbol Germaniz rebhu 22 minn 32 partita u tilfu erba’ loghobiet biss. Dortmund kienu konsistenti u komplew jiksbu r-rizultati minkejja li fi zminijiet differenti tal-kampjonat tilfu plejers inportanti bhal Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Sebastian Kehl u Patrick Owomoyela. Dan juri li s-success ta’ Dortmund ma kienx jiddependi biss mill-kapacita tal-plejers individwali izda mill-kollettiv u mill-mentalita li rnexxielu jdahhal il-kowc Klopp.
Fil-bidu tal-istagun Borussia Dortmund ma kienux mal-favoriti ghar-rebh tal-kampjonat. Ftit kienu dawk li tawhom cans jaslu sal-ahhar izda t-tim ta’ Klopp kellu ideat ohra u rnexxielhom isiru l-izghar tim fl-eta li qatt rebhu l-Bundesliga. Mhux ta’ b’xejn li wara l-loghoba kontra Nurenberg Klopp qal li, “t-tim tieghi ghamel xi haga straordinarja”.
Issa li Dortmund huma campjins il-mistoqsija hi jekk dan is-success hux se jkun xi haga ta’ darba jew jekk dan it-tim hux se jkun qed jiggieled ghall-unuri fil-Germanja b’mod konsistenti. Din il-mistoqsija tqum minhabba dak li gara fl-passat fejn rajna timijiet isiru campjins u wara jghaddu minn staguni relattivament medjokri.
Il-mistoqsija tqum ukoll minhabba l-fatt li donnu kull meta il-kampjonat jintrebah minn xi tim li ma jkunx mistenni il-kanuni jduru fuq Bayern Munich u l-klixe’ tkun li l-kampjonat intebah minn dak it-tim partikolari minhabba l-fatt li Bayern kellhom stagun hazin.
Dan l-istagun Bayern Munich kellhom stagun domestiku dizastruz u allura wiehed jistenna li jergghu jibdew jizzeffnu fin-nofs l-istess paraguni. Almenu kif jidhru l-affarijiet s’issa, fil-kaz ta’ Borussia Dortmund mhux bilfors se jkollna l-istess ezitu u l-livell li lahqu jistghu isostnuh.
Fil-passat ricenti rajna lil Stuttgart jirbhu l-kampjonat fl-2007 u Wolfsburg isiru campjins fl-2009. Dawn kienu zewg kampjonati mirbuha fl-istagun ta’ wara kompetizzjoni internazzjonali u hawn ikompli jissahhah l-argument ta’ dawk li jirragunaw li timijiet ohra jirbhu meta Bayern ma jkunux tajbin. L-argument hu li Bayern Munich dejjem ikollhom skwadra mimlija plejers internazzjonali u allura l-plejers taghhom ikunu ghajjenin meta jigu ghall-istagun domestiku.
Is-success ta’ Stuttgart u Wolfsburg ma kienx sostnut u l-ebda klabb minnhom ma rnexxielu jibni fuqu. Fl-istaguni ta’ wara r-rebh tat-titlu dawn iz-zewg timijiet ma zammewx il-livell taghhom u waqghu lura.
Jekk wiehed janalizza dawn iz-zewg staguni partikolari jinduna li fil-verita is-success taz-zewg timijiet ma kienx frott il-konsistenza u dan jikkonfermawh ir-rizultati matul l-istagun. Il-livell ta’ dawn iz-zewg klabbs mhux biss ma setax jigi sostnut wara r-rebh tal-kampjonat izda l-istess livell ottimu sahansitra lanqas gie sostnut b’mod konsistenti tul l-istess staguni li fihom rebhu l-kampjonat.
Fl-ewwel parti ta’ dawn il-kampjonati partikolari la Stuttgart u lanqas Wolfsburg ma wrew li ghandhom il-potenzjal li jsiru campjins. Izda t-tieni parti tal-istagun kienet storja differenti bi Stuttgart jirbhu l-ahhar tminn loghobiet u Wolfsburg jirbhu 14 mill-ahhar 17 –il loghoba tal-kampjonat.
L-istatistika turi li dawn kienu timijiet ta’ nofs stagun u mhux ta’ stagun shih. Minhabba l-forma fqira u aktar inkonsistenti ta’ klabbs ohra suppost pretendenti ghat-titlu, nofs stagun tajjeb kien bizzejjed biex dawn iz-zewg timijiet jiehdu l-kampjonat.
Dan jikkuntrasta bil-kbir ma’ dan l-istagun fejn Borussia Dortmund urew livell gholi ta’ konsistenza tul l-istagun kollu. Dortmund hadu l-kmand tal-klassifika f’Ottubru u baqghu jiddefendu din il-pozizzjini sat-tmiem. B’zewg loghobiet ghal-tmiem l-istagun Dortmund ga qabzu t-total ta’ punti li kienu kisbu Stuttgart u Wolfsburg filwaqt li jistghu ukoll jiksru r-rekord tal-anqas gowls maqlugha fi stagun shih.
Il-konsistenza ta’ Borussia Dortmund kienet ir-rizultat ta’ livell ottimu fl-iskwadra kollha. Dan ukoll huwa kkonfermat mill-istatistika fejn skond ir-ratings tal-magazine Kicker l-aqwa hames plejers fil-Bundesliga huma plejers ta’ Dortmund. Is-sitt plejer huwa l-gowlkiper Manuel Neuer ta’ Schalke biex imbaghad il-lista tkompli bil-gowlkiper ta’ Dortmund Roman Weidenfeller.
Dortmund issa jridu jkunu lesti li jiffaccjaw il-problema ta’ interess minn klabbs ohra fl-aqwa plejers taghhom. Meta tim bhal Dortmund jaghmel hoss ikunu qed jaghmlu hoss ukoll il-plejrs tieghu u awtomatiakment dawn il-plejers jigbdu l-intress ta’ klabbs ohra Ewropej. Karrotti quddiem dawn il-plejers se jiddendlu zgur u biex huma jaghzlu li jibqghu mal-klabb iridu jkunu konvinti li Dortmund se jaghmlu minn kollox biex jibqghu mal-isfidanti ewlenin.
Dan mhux dejjem kien il-kaz u klabbs ohra Germanizi tilfu uhud mill-ahjar elementi taghhom wara li telghu fil-quccata tas-success. Huwa fatt li hafna mill-plejers regolari ta’ Dortmund huma kuntrattati sal-2103 pero llum il-kuntratti ftit li xejn jiswew u jekk plejer jaghmilha cara li jrid jitlaq il-klabb ma jkun jista’ jaghmel xejn biex izommu.
Favur Dortmund hija s-sitwazzjoni ekonomika tal-klabb li fil-prezent mhix prekarja daqs kemm kienet qabel. Sa ftit ilu offerti kbar ghall-ahjar plejers zgur li kienu jwasslu ghal trasferiment pero issa il-pagna inqalbet.
Fiz-zminijiet koroh id-dejn tal-klabb kien lahaq kwazi 120 miljun Ewro izda issa is-sitwazzjoni stabilizzat ruhha u d-dejn nizel ghal 73 miljun Ewro filwaqt li d-dhul qed jizboq l-infieq b’mod konsistenti. Bil-kwalifikazzjoni ghac-Champions League dan il-bilanc pozittiv ghandu jissahhah grazzi ghad-dhul li ggib maghha din il-kompetizzjoni.
Fl-ahhar snin Dortmund raw ukoll li jbiddlu s-sistema tal-akkwisti taghhom biex ma jergghux jingidmu kif ingidmu qabel u jigu f’sitwazzjoni li jkollhom bilfors ibieghu l-ahjar plejers taghhom. Kulhadd jiftakar il-vojt li hallew plejers bhal Marcio Amoroso, Jan Koller u Tomas Rosiciky li l-ingagg taghhom ma baqax sostenibbli.
Minflok imorru ghall-plejers bhal dawn Borussia Dortmund qed jakkwistaw talent zaghzugh sahansitra fl-eta fejn il-plejers ikun ghadhom se jiffirmaw l-ewwel kuntratt professjonali taghhom. B’hekk, minbarra tnaqqis fin-nefqa ghall-klabb, il-plejers ikunu nqabdu f’eta fejn ikunu jistghu jitilghu fis-sistema tal-klabb u jsibuha aktar facli li jaghmlu l-qabza ghall-ewwel tim.
Dan il-mudell ta’ ingaggar ta’ plejers wassal biex mill-2008 lil hawn 5 mill-ewwel tim ta’ Klopp inghaqdu ma’ Dortmund fl-eta ta’ bejn 19 u 21 sena. Id-dirigenti tal-klabb jidhru li se jibqghu jahdmu fuq dan il-mudell u f’Jannar li ghadda huma akkwistaw lill-plejer ta’ 18 –il sena Moritz Leitner li huwa meqjus wiehed mill-aqwa prospetti tal-futbol Germaniz.
Din is-sistema ta’ rekrutagg u s-success ta’ Dortmund huwa mera tas-success tat-tim nazzjonali Germaniz fejn fl-ahhar edizzjoni tat-tazza tad-Dinja rajna l-frott ta’ hafna xoghol u nvestiment fl-akkademji Germanizi. Xoghol u nvestiment li kkulminaw fil-produzzjoni ta’ plejers zaghazagh ta’ teknika u talent li sebbhu Tazza tad-Dinja u spiccaw jilghabu mal-aqwa timijiet fl-Ewropa.
Bhat-tim nazzjonali Germaniz Borussia Dortmiund qed jesponu l-merti ta’ success mibnu flok mixtri. Kif ghidt drabi ohra fis-sitwazzjoni ekonomika tal-lum ftit huma l-klabbs li jistghu jixtru s-success. U anki dawk li jixtru s-success m’ghandhomx garanzija li dan se jkun sostenibbli.
Success mibni ghandhu sisien aktar sodi. Jasal wara hafna pacenzja u sagrificcju izda l-beneficcji jistghu ikunu akbar. Success bhal dan ikun jiddependi fuq l-istruttura u s-sistema tal-klabb u mhux fuq l-individwi u dan ghandu jkun meqjus bhala vantagg kbir ghall-klabb koncernat.
F’dinja fejnil-kuntratti m’ghadhomx jiswew il-karta li jsiru fuqhom u fejn il-plejers ghandhom is-sahha jaghmlu li jridu ikun zball li klabb bhal Borussia Dortmund jibbaza l-futur tieghu fuq l-individwi.
B’dan l-mudell, jekk il-klabb ikun kapaci almenu jixtri dak il-plejer jew tnejn li jaghmlu d-differenza fil-grawnd u li bihom jikkonvincu lill-plejers l-ohra li l-klabb huwa wiehed ambizzjuz, ic-cans li Borussia Dortmund jigrilhom bhal Stuttgart u Wolfsburg ikun izghar.
This article is not Spurs related.
Dan l-artiklu dwar Borussia Dortmund gie miktub mill-blogger Mark Mizzi u gie pubblikat f' L-Orizzont tal-Hamis 5 ta' Mejju 2011
Is-Sibt li ghadda Borussia Dortmund rebhu s-seba’ titlu fl-istorja taghhom hekk kif filwaqt li huma ghelbu lil Nurenberg 2-0, l-eqreb rivali taghhom dan l-istagun Bayer Leverkusen tilfu kontra Cologne. B’dawn ir-rizultati Borussia Dortmund gew inkurunati campjins ghall-ewwel darba mill-2002 lil hawn. Dortmund issa ghandhom 8 punti vantagg fuq Bayer Leverkusen meta fadal biss 2 loghobiet ghal tmiem il-Bundesliga.
80,000 spetattur iccelebraw ir-rebh tal-kampjonat ta’ Dortmund bil-plejers Lucas Barrios u Robert Lewandowski jiskurjaw il-gowls importanti. Ghal Barrios dan kien l-14 –il gowl tal-istagun. Iz-zewg gowls waslu fl-ewwel taqsima biex it-tieni taqsima intlaghbet f’atmosfera ta’ festa specjalment meta sar maghruf li Leverkusen kienu jinsabu minn taht.
Dan is-success fil-kampjonat huwa wiehed tassew impressjonanti ghal Dortmund. Fost ir-ragunijiet ghal dan hemm il-fatt li l-kowc Juergen Klopp kellu ghad-dizpozizzjoni tieghu skwadra relattivament zaghzugha. Klopp irnexxielu jirbah il-kampjonat b’sett ta’ plejers li, jekk tnehhi lil gowlkiper Roman Weidenfeller, ghandhom eta medja ta’ 22 sena.
B’din l-sikwadra ic-campjins il-godda tal-futbol Germaniz rebhu 22 minn 32 partita u tilfu erba’ loghobiet biss. Dortmund kienu konsistenti u komplew jiksbu r-rizultati minkejja li fi zminijiet differenti tal-kampjonat tilfu plejers inportanti bhal Nuri Sahin, Shinji Kagawa, Sebastian Kehl u Patrick Owomoyela. Dan juri li s-success ta’ Dortmund ma kienx jiddependi biss mill-kapacita tal-plejers individwali izda mill-kollettiv u mill-mentalita li rnexxielu jdahhal il-kowc Klopp.
Fil-bidu tal-istagun Borussia Dortmund ma kienux mal-favoriti ghar-rebh tal-kampjonat. Ftit kienu dawk li tawhom cans jaslu sal-ahhar izda t-tim ta’ Klopp kellu ideat ohra u rnexxielhom isiru l-izghar tim fl-eta li qatt rebhu l-Bundesliga. Mhux ta’ b’xejn li wara l-loghoba kontra Nurenberg Klopp qal li, “t-tim tieghi ghamel xi haga straordinarja”.
Issa li Dortmund huma campjins il-mistoqsija hi jekk dan is-success hux se jkun xi haga ta’ darba jew jekk dan it-tim hux se jkun qed jiggieled ghall-unuri fil-Germanja b’mod konsistenti. Din il-mistoqsija tqum minhabba dak li gara fl-passat fejn rajna timijiet isiru campjins u wara jghaddu minn staguni relattivament medjokri.
Il-mistoqsija tqum ukoll minhabba l-fatt li donnu kull meta il-kampjonat jintrebah minn xi tim li ma jkunx mistenni il-kanuni jduru fuq Bayern Munich u l-klixe’ tkun li l-kampjonat intebah minn dak it-tim partikolari minhabba l-fatt li Bayern kellhom stagun hazin.
Dan l-istagun Bayern Munich kellhom stagun domestiku dizastruz u allura wiehed jistenna li jergghu jibdew jizzeffnu fin-nofs l-istess paraguni. Almenu kif jidhru l-affarijiet s’issa, fil-kaz ta’ Borussia Dortmund mhux bilfors se jkollna l-istess ezitu u l-livell li lahqu jistghu isostnuh.
Fil-passat ricenti rajna lil Stuttgart jirbhu l-kampjonat fl-2007 u Wolfsburg isiru campjins fl-2009. Dawn kienu zewg kampjonati mirbuha fl-istagun ta’ wara kompetizzjoni internazzjonali u hawn ikompli jissahhah l-argument ta’ dawk li jirragunaw li timijiet ohra jirbhu meta Bayern ma jkunux tajbin. L-argument hu li Bayern Munich dejjem ikollhom skwadra mimlija plejers internazzjonali u allura l-plejers taghhom ikunu ghajjenin meta jigu ghall-istagun domestiku.
Is-success ta’ Stuttgart u Wolfsburg ma kienx sostnut u l-ebda klabb minnhom ma rnexxielu jibni fuqu. Fl-istaguni ta’ wara r-rebh tat-titlu dawn iz-zewg timijiet ma zammewx il-livell taghhom u waqghu lura.
Jekk wiehed janalizza dawn iz-zewg staguni partikolari jinduna li fil-verita is-success taz-zewg timijiet ma kienx frott il-konsistenza u dan jikkonfermawh ir-rizultati matul l-istagun. Il-livell ta’ dawn iz-zewg klabbs mhux biss ma setax jigi sostnut wara r-rebh tal-kampjonat izda l-istess livell ottimu sahansitra lanqas gie sostnut b’mod konsistenti tul l-istess staguni li fihom rebhu l-kampjonat.
Fl-ewwel parti ta’ dawn il-kampjonati partikolari la Stuttgart u lanqas Wolfsburg ma wrew li ghandhom il-potenzjal li jsiru campjins. Izda t-tieni parti tal-istagun kienet storja differenti bi Stuttgart jirbhu l-ahhar tminn loghobiet u Wolfsburg jirbhu 14 mill-ahhar 17 –il loghoba tal-kampjonat.
L-istatistika turi li dawn kienu timijiet ta’ nofs stagun u mhux ta’ stagun shih. Minhabba l-forma fqira u aktar inkonsistenti ta’ klabbs ohra suppost pretendenti ghat-titlu, nofs stagun tajjeb kien bizzejjed biex dawn iz-zewg timijiet jiehdu l-kampjonat.
Dan jikkuntrasta bil-kbir ma’ dan l-istagun fejn Borussia Dortmund urew livell gholi ta’ konsistenza tul l-istagun kollu. Dortmund hadu l-kmand tal-klassifika f’Ottubru u baqghu jiddefendu din il-pozizzjini sat-tmiem. B’zewg loghobiet ghal-tmiem l-istagun Dortmund ga qabzu t-total ta’ punti li kienu kisbu Stuttgart u Wolfsburg filwaqt li jistghu ukoll jiksru r-rekord tal-anqas gowls maqlugha fi stagun shih.
Il-konsistenza ta’ Borussia Dortmund kienet ir-rizultat ta’ livell ottimu fl-iskwadra kollha. Dan ukoll huwa kkonfermat mill-istatistika fejn skond ir-ratings tal-magazine Kicker l-aqwa hames plejers fil-Bundesliga huma plejers ta’ Dortmund. Is-sitt plejer huwa l-gowlkiper Manuel Neuer ta’ Schalke biex imbaghad il-lista tkompli bil-gowlkiper ta’ Dortmund Roman Weidenfeller.
Dortmund issa jridu jkunu lesti li jiffaccjaw il-problema ta’ interess minn klabbs ohra fl-aqwa plejers taghhom. Meta tim bhal Dortmund jaghmel hoss ikunu qed jaghmlu hoss ukoll il-plejrs tieghu u awtomatiakment dawn il-plejers jigbdu l-intress ta’ klabbs ohra Ewropej. Karrotti quddiem dawn il-plejers se jiddendlu zgur u biex huma jaghzlu li jibqghu mal-klabb iridu jkunu konvinti li Dortmund se jaghmlu minn kollox biex jibqghu mal-isfidanti ewlenin.
Dan mhux dejjem kien il-kaz u klabbs ohra Germanizi tilfu uhud mill-ahjar elementi taghhom wara li telghu fil-quccata tas-success. Huwa fatt li hafna mill-plejers regolari ta’ Dortmund huma kuntrattati sal-2103 pero llum il-kuntratti ftit li xejn jiswew u jekk plejer jaghmilha cara li jrid jitlaq il-klabb ma jkun jista’ jaghmel xejn biex izommu.
Favur Dortmund hija s-sitwazzjoni ekonomika tal-klabb li fil-prezent mhix prekarja daqs kemm kienet qabel. Sa ftit ilu offerti kbar ghall-ahjar plejers zgur li kienu jwasslu ghal trasferiment pero issa il-pagna inqalbet.
Fiz-zminijiet koroh id-dejn tal-klabb kien lahaq kwazi 120 miljun Ewro izda issa is-sitwazzjoni stabilizzat ruhha u d-dejn nizel ghal 73 miljun Ewro filwaqt li d-dhul qed jizboq l-infieq b’mod konsistenti. Bil-kwalifikazzjoni ghac-Champions League dan il-bilanc pozittiv ghandu jissahhah grazzi ghad-dhul li ggib maghha din il-kompetizzjoni.
Fl-ahhar snin Dortmund raw ukoll li jbiddlu s-sistema tal-akkwisti taghhom biex ma jergghux jingidmu kif ingidmu qabel u jigu f’sitwazzjoni li jkollhom bilfors ibieghu l-ahjar plejers taghhom. Kulhadd jiftakar il-vojt li hallew plejers bhal Marcio Amoroso, Jan Koller u Tomas Rosiciky li l-ingagg taghhom ma baqax sostenibbli.
Minflok imorru ghall-plejers bhal dawn Borussia Dortmund qed jakkwistaw talent zaghzugh sahansitra fl-eta fejn il-plejers ikun ghadhom se jiffirmaw l-ewwel kuntratt professjonali taghhom. B’hekk, minbarra tnaqqis fin-nefqa ghall-klabb, il-plejers ikunu nqabdu f’eta fejn ikunu jistghu jitilghu fis-sistema tal-klabb u jsibuha aktar facli li jaghmlu l-qabza ghall-ewwel tim.
Dan il-mudell ta’ ingaggar ta’ plejers wassal biex mill-2008 lil hawn 5 mill-ewwel tim ta’ Klopp inghaqdu ma’ Dortmund fl-eta ta’ bejn 19 u 21 sena. Id-dirigenti tal-klabb jidhru li se jibqghu jahdmu fuq dan il-mudell u f’Jannar li ghadda huma akkwistaw lill-plejer ta’ 18 –il sena Moritz Leitner li huwa meqjus wiehed mill-aqwa prospetti tal-futbol Germaniz.
Din is-sistema ta’ rekrutagg u s-success ta’ Dortmund huwa mera tas-success tat-tim nazzjonali Germaniz fejn fl-ahhar edizzjoni tat-tazza tad-Dinja rajna l-frott ta’ hafna xoghol u nvestiment fl-akkademji Germanizi. Xoghol u nvestiment li kkulminaw fil-produzzjoni ta’ plejers zaghazagh ta’ teknika u talent li sebbhu Tazza tad-Dinja u spiccaw jilghabu mal-aqwa timijiet fl-Ewropa.
Bhat-tim nazzjonali Germaniz Borussia Dortmiund qed jesponu l-merti ta’ success mibnu flok mixtri. Kif ghidt drabi ohra fis-sitwazzjoni ekonomika tal-lum ftit huma l-klabbs li jistghu jixtru s-success. U anki dawk li jixtru s-success m’ghandhomx garanzija li dan se jkun sostenibbli.
Success mibni ghandhu sisien aktar sodi. Jasal wara hafna pacenzja u sagrificcju izda l-beneficcji jistghu ikunu akbar. Success bhal dan ikun jiddependi fuq l-istruttura u s-sistema tal-klabb u mhux fuq l-individwi u dan ghandu jkun meqjus bhala vantagg kbir ghall-klabb koncernat.
F’dinja fejnil-kuntratti m’ghadhomx jiswew il-karta li jsiru fuqhom u fejn il-plejers ghandhom is-sahha jaghmlu li jridu ikun zball li klabb bhal Borussia Dortmund jibbaza l-futur tieghu fuq l-individwi.
B’dan l-mudell, jekk il-klabb ikun kapaci almenu jixtri dak il-plejer jew tnejn li jaghmlu d-differenza fil-grawnd u li bihom jikkonvincu lill-plejers l-ohra li l-klabb huwa wiehed ambizzjuz, ic-cans li Borussia Dortmund jigrilhom bhal Stuttgart u Wolfsburg ikun izghar.
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