This season's first international week has ground the leagues around Europe to a halt; after a fun weekend, this gives us a chance to look around and see what is happening in the football world.
* The always candid LA Galaxy GM made a long appearance on FSC's "Fox Football Fone-In" last night. I've got to give him credit; as sleazy as he sometimes appears, he is willing to go on a public forum and take his medicine. Among other gems, he admitted that David Beckham didn't play in New England because of the turf (essentially saying 'Fuck You, suckers' to all the families who paid $50.00 a seat to multiple games to see Becks) and that ESPN put pressure on the Galaxy to make Beckham appear in that meaningless exhibition vs. Chelsea in July. Good job, guys. If anyone gave a crap about the MLS, this would be big news. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: this whole Beckham thing could end up hurting American soccer more than it helps it.
* In England, two games within the next week will tell us if Smilin' Steve McClaren will be fired or not. He doesn't have David Beckham, probably doesn't have Fat Frank Lampard, and Steven Gerrard has a bum toe. Still, I'm pulling for England. The Euro's won't be the same without them losing on penalties in the second round.
* The perpetual circus at Chelsea continues unabated. This week they left midfielder Michael Ballack of the eligible-list for the first half of Champions League play, insisting that he still isn't fit. However, reportedly Ballack told his German national coach that he is ready to go. Nice. They're paying $250,000 per week to a player they don't like. Hey, I'll play midfield for a third of that...
* One thing I am looking forward to: next Wednesday's Brazil-Mexico clash at Foxboro Stadium. Maybe I like international week after all....
More coming soon!
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