There Was Nothing "Ruud" About It

With the January transfer window beginning to wind down, there is news of the anticlimactic departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy from the hallowed stands of the Bernabeu.

The exceptional, if oft injured, winger now finds himself under the employment of FC Hamburg in a year and a half year loan deal, on which he and Madrid both mutually agreed. And unlike his prior move from Man Utd, there are no hard feelings this time, with the manager or C. Ron.

I only hope that the injury gods take mercy on Ruud's time in the Bundesliga, as it would be a shame for such a talented player not to regain at least some of his former glory in another uniform (and perhaps back in the Dutch national team kit?)

All this brings us to the end of the first Galacticos era at Madrid with Van Nistelrooy out, Guti soon to be, and Ronaldo and Beckham long gone, Los Merengues have closed the chapter of 2002. It remains to be seen, however, if Los Galacticos 2.0 are able to bring in more silverware than the original iteration.

Something in the Water

Reunited and it feels so good...

Footballers might not usually be considered the most sentimental types. Be it because of their propensity to leave their "beloved" club or their willingness to mock their former employers at the first opportunity, no one would think the likes of Carlos Tevez and Ashley Cole are quietly pining away for the day when they can rejoin they former clubs.

But the announcement of Sol Campbell's return to Highbury (check that: Emirates) as Becks publicly mourns his early departure from Old Trafford calls that perception into question. Not to be outdone, there's talk that Van Nistelrooy could be reclaiming his Premier League past (albeit likely in a Potters [side note: seriously?!] or a Gunners uniform). And then there's this.

Only time will tell if these moves prove masterstroke (a la Hughes) or misguided (a la Sheva), but, in the meantime, sit back, realx, break out the vintage kits, and bask in the nostalgia.

UPDATE: Word is that Flamini is keen to return to the Prem too, which shouldn't come as a surprise, since he is currently suffering the drop in form that accompanies a move to Serie A.

"If I only had a brain..."

Forever #1...even if only in his own mind

Ever eager to show his off-field brilliance, given its glaring absence in his on-field performances, Karim Benzema reportedly decided to confront his manager about his unhappiness with his striking role at Real.

Chief among Benzema's complaints is the fact that he has been routinely substituted, managing only three full 90-minute appearances this season. Worse, Benzie often lacks a "mobile" strike partner and has to *gasp* adjust his style of play to the Madrid elder statesman, Raul, who usually partners him up front.

In trying to get a better grasp on the situation, we've decided to try and look at things from Karim's vantage point. In the process, we have uncovered his thought process, and it goes a little something like this:

1. Why can't Raul change his game for ME! Oh that's right - it's because he's too old and slow...I need someone quicker, more agile to play with...someone more like ME!
2. Why doesn't anoyone understand this?? Why doesn't anyone care about MY needs??
3. I should play no matter what...I'm Karim freakin' Benzema for chrissakes....I'm like a Ferrari to his Peugeot...or wait, should that be I'm like an Audi? Isn't that the car we're shilling now? Damn it, Karim, stay on message! I'm like an Audi to his Peugeot....
4. Life's not fair...Pellegrini promised me I'd play...He promiseddddddddddd (begins to wail at the injustice of it all)

We would like to point out to Karim that not being able to perform under pressure is common striker problem, and no one is begrudging him an adjustment period, in which he continually shoots blanks. However, people (rightly) do take issue with the fact that he expects to retain his place in the line-up for an entire game, in which he has proven inept and a detriment to his team's chances.

Just a heads up: To even question the manager on a substitution in that context proves that Pellegrini's reluctance to sign you was more than justified.

Benzema, dear, you would do well to take note of the level of professionalism of others in the Los Merengues bunch. Van Nistelrooy, for one, has vowed to stay on and fight for his place in the line-up, no matter how many injuries stand between him and a return, darn it! And we sincerely doubt that either he or Negredo would ever demur from the opportunity to head the Galactico's front-line....even if it is next to Raul.