Soccer tidbits

Some newsbits of interest now that our outdoor season is about to start.

A short appearance draws large praise for Canadian footballer
by Jim Bray National Post - April 22, 2009

Professional sports can often be about big guys, bruising plays and towering vital statistics, but the smaller players can still shine the brightest. Case in point: Canadian footballer Jaime Peters, a midfielder with only a modicum of height currently plying his trade with Ipswich Town in the English Championship league.

Ipswich beat its derby rivals Norwich City — the garishly attired Canaries — by a score of 3-2 last weekend and Peters, a Pickering, Ont., native who entered the game just a few minutes before the break to replace the injured Ben Thatcher in the unusual role of left-back, earned high praise from then team manager Jim Magilton.

“There was a rumble of laughter when we threw Jaime Peters on against the 6-foot, 3-inch Dave Mooney,” said Magilton, who was let go this week. “Jaime is just 5-feet, 2-inches, but he has come from nowhere to produce a performance like that at left-back.” Magilton was a little off on Peters’ height — the 21-year-old is actually 5-foot-7 — although the numbers did seem to concern him. “Jaime has no fear,” Magilton told BBC Radio, “and I think that is his greatest attribute."


Inter Milan coach Mourinho not so fond of Italian soccer
by Noah Love, National Post - April 22, 2009

Jose Mourinho hit out at Italian soccer once again on Wednesday, insisting that the English league is a paradise for coaches in comparison. The Inter Milan boss has often incurred the wrath of the Italian media this season after making a series of unflattering comparisons with English football, covering everything from refereeing, fans, the soccer itself and honesty. As well as describing English football as a paradise, Mourinho said in Italy everyone is obsessive and that more coaches go grey in Italy than in England. The former Chelsea boss began by commenting on the 4-4 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal on Tuesday night before attacking Italian soccer.

In Italy, there is an obsession about points and the result. “The one who plays to win the scudetto should win it, those who play for European qualification should get that, those who play to stay up should manage that.“ And yet already 10 coaches out of 20 have been fired. [Editor: 50% - this sounds worse that the self-destructive tendencies of the NFL and NHL!]

“Life isn’t easy. A coach is obliged to focus on a personal and immediate project, he can’t look to the future of the club.” Mourinho also weighed into the racism row engulfing Italian soccer after his black player Mario Balotelli was racially abused during the 1-1 draw at Juventus last Saturday.

“It’s not racism. It’s just an ignorant way to vent their anger against an unpleasant opponent because he scored a goal,” said Mourinho. “If I can speak up for Juve, what happened on Saturday wasn’t the first time. It’s happened in many stadiums and also in our own.”

Mourinho said he was against the sanction dealt to Juve who will have to play a match behind closed doors. He also insisted that Italy is not a racist country. “No, it’s not, nor is Italian football. Something has to be done but I certainly don’t like the idea of playing a match behind closed doors because half the reason to play will stay outside with the fans.”

This is a coach I respect. Given the ethical lapses that have befallen the Italian League over past few years (and their last disappointing World Cup) perhaps they should listen.