Cromarty wrote:I V Stalin wrote:Except for the Germans, Dutch, Mexicans, French, Ivorians...
Besides, Spain, Portugal and South American countries make up five of the current top eight in both the FIFA and Elo world rankings.
And...maybe there's a link between the vast number of Spanish players in the Spanish league and the fact that Spain are reigning World and European champions? While teams like City, Spurs, Arsenal and Chelsea often have only two or three English players in their starting elevens.
There's only so many Spanish players in the Spanish league because, outside of Barcelona, Real Madrid and teams like Malaga who have recently become cash-heavy, they can't afford differently.
Which is, yet again, down to La Liga being set up to ensure that Barcelona or Real Madrid will
always win it.
Why do you think Athletico Madrid had to sell Aguero and Torres and Valencia had to sell Mata, Silva, Albiol and Villa? Because they almost bankrupted themselves trying to break the inherently unfair hegemony that is killing the Spanish domestic game.
It is not 'set up' that way, it has developed to this point. Helped, I might add, by teams such as Atletico Madrid and Valencia, who recently agreed to a collective tv deal which gives 35% of the total pot to Real Madrid and Barcelona. It's hardly the
Clasico clubs' fault, either. What are they meant to do, turn down millions of Euro to give to their competitors?
Also, Atletico aren't exactly helped by being run by a succession of nutters. 50+ managers in 30 years is not exactly a solid foundation for success. Not that Jesus Gil was known for solid foundations. Shutting down your youth academy is also pretty stupid...more so when it means Raul goes to Real Madrid for nothing. Imagine if a Barca president decided to shut down La Masia. From what I've read, Cerezo and Gil Marin aren't much better - certainly when it comes to giving managers a chance.
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 11:58 pm
