TheMachThe last of the big spenders....
August 14th 2011 15:51
Saturday 13th August, 2011
Rennes 1 -1 Paris St Germain
I don't care too much for money, cos' money can't buy us . . . wins.
Such is life now in the modern era, that almost every major football league in the world can boast a ridiculously rich club.
Middle and far eastern tycoon investment is all the rage since Roman Abrahmovich kicked start the revolution back in 2003 when the self made billionaire took the reigns at Chelsea.
Although the number of clubs selling out to the filthy rich are increasing, the patterns are shifting, and it becoming far more of a risk and reward business.
For instance when Chelsea FC was aquired by the Russians, within two seasons they had smashed transfer records, collated a team of the world's biggest names, finished 2nd in the EPL in their first season (finishing second only to the unbeaten Arsenal) and were champions one year later ... - suggesting that big money would provide instant success.
However, this has proved far from the case. Just ask Manchester City. Three seasons of extravagant spending, huge wage bills and the attraction of the biggest names from the biggest clubs... and still only one trophy. No doubt the cash flow has helped them improve as a club in their league standing, but the instant major success that many thought would follow Sheikh Mansour has never materialised. Even the exchange of sums of money unlike anyone has ever seen in the game, they are still in the shadows of their Manchester rivals suggesting that management, ethics and spirit are still holding off the advances of dollars in pounds in the pursuit for long lasting, notable success.
Continuing with this point, for all their efforts Chelsea are still seeking the richest prise in club football - the UEFA Champions League trophy, and are no closer to that achievement now than they were 8 years ago.
To the north in Russia, FC Anzhi Makhachkala are the latest club to emerge with ambitious financial foundations after recently offering Samuel Eto'o a staggering £340,000 a week to turn his back on the glory days in Milan and step out into the unknown.
Onto Spain and the coastal club of Malaga CF are turning heads in La Liga when they looked to 'sheikh' things up in 2010. Since that time they have flashed the cash to increase their attractiveness luring such prestigious international campaigners as Martin Demichelis, Joaquin, Toulalan, Van Nistelrooy and Joris Mathijsen to the club. I hazard a guess that even with such weight in the transfer market, they will not be worrying Barcelona and Real Madrid for some time...
And finally... the Asian invasion which has bypassed the nation so far, made it's way into France during the recent off season as Qatari investors saw an opportunity to awaken the sleeping giants in the capital and took control of Paris St Germain.
Once the most recognisable name in Ligue 1, PSG have struggled to keep the pace with Lyon in the last decade, and they have been powerless to resist as they watched the likes of Bordeaux, Marseille and most recently Lille take the crown in Le Championnat whilst they have struggled to find consistent European qualification and have not won the title themselves in nearly twenty years.
Now with cash weilding Arabs at the helm, and a bottomless transfer kitty much is expected of PSG on the domestic and European stage. Although, much like Manchester City, it is evident that things may not happen overnight.
Over the summer the club have made their ambitions clear by securing some of Europe's most saught after talent and some proven top names in their division.
Made the number one position at Palermo his own with consistent impressive displays at a high level in Serie A. Should prove a steal at 3.5 million euros after being likened to Buffon who still holds the world record fee paid for a goal keeper when Juventus paid ten times as much in 2001.
With an embarressment of riches, a squad jam packed with a delicate blend of youth and experience and quality seeping from every orifice, the second coming of Paris St Germain is inevitable. Although, much like Manchester City they may have to play the waiting game before success is equal to expenditure.
A slow start to the new campaign will have the media crawling all over them, and how long before the natives become a little restless? Increased expenditure, increased ambition and expectation walk hand in hand. After firing blanks in a shock home defeat to Lorient on opening day, they let a one goal lead slip at Rennes in week 2 leaving them with one point and as many goals from the opening two games.
Although the media wolves will be at the door, it would be ridiculous to begin to criticise and writing off at such an early stage in the season. However, as I mentioned before the ideology from such big spending is that it requires instant success. There is no little time to allow the true ingredients to take root. Finding the right blend, creating a team ethic and time for players to settle in new surroundings is massivley reduced when they have commanded such fees and are taking home such exxagerated wage packages.
PSG need to get it right, sharpish.
| 20 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
