24 replies to this topic

[Artur Mas i Gavarró]

Zin, on 21 February 2011 - 04:23 PM, said:

Can someone tell me why Spanish journalists seemingly have so little integrity?  Is it all about politics when reporting, or is there some other motive?

Sporting press revolves around two centers: Madrid and Barcelona.  Within each center we have various publications with their individual biases.

Such over-saturation of print papers for such little content creates an environment where the only easy way to sell is to make up controversies and play to the respective supporters' biases.

[Diablotelli.]

Anyone watching Zaragoza - Osasuna? Got nothing to do so tuned in.

[Saeta Rubia]

Hope Osasuna gets relegated. Even more easier to hate them now that Camacho in not there anymore.

[Diablotelli.]

Osasuna won 3-1  

[Vikipedia]

Yay, Osasuna. I hate Zaragoza, stupid bastards, I hope they go down.

[Andalucia]

Racing Santander has a lot of trouble. The club from the Primera Division announced today the postponement of payment application, because the debts have risen to over 33 million euros.
The players, coaching staff and suppliers can therefore not be paid for the time being. "We have taken this decision in the interests of the club," said president Francisco Pernia at a news conference. "We hope to avoid larger problems, such as relegation to the Segunda B ."

[Vikipedia]

Damn, never knew Racing were in that much trouble. Not that I'd miss them much, the club barely have any character, but you don't wish demise upon them.

In other news, Macua won the elections for the Athletic presidency which should mean the one and only MARCELO BIELSA will be their new coach.

[Resurrección]

Essential reading, from the superb Zonal Marking. He gives a very detailed outline of what we can expect at Athletic Bilbao under Bielsa: http://www.zonalmark...thletic-bilbao/

I'm not yet convinced his style will be a success in Spain, but I can't deny the prospect of it is so exciting

[Andalucia]

Javi Poves has decided of principle reasons to say goodbye to professional football. The 24-year old defender from Sporting Gijon describes his sport as "spoiled".

If you are involved in this world for some time, you realize that it only matters about money. The football is rotten and has taken away my enthusiasm," said the Spaniard. "Why would someone want to make money this way?"

Javi Poves refused earlier a club car. In addition, he did not want his salary to a bank because he wants to prevent the bank that they with his money could speculate.

[Zin]

http://www.guardian....sh-union-strike

Quote

La Liga and Segunda División players will go on strike for the first two weekends of the new Spanish season as the players' union steps up pressure on the league for a new deal over conditions.

The AFE president Luis Rubiales told a news conference: "We are unanimous and firm in our decision to call a strike. The league will not start until a new agreement [between the league and the players] has been signed."

At the heart of the dispute is the union's demand for a larger emergency fund to help players not being paid by clubs who are in financial administration.

The La Liga and Segunda División seasons are scheduled to start on the weekend of 20-21 August.

The AFE were supported by more than 100 top-flight footballers in a Madrid hotel where the event was held. The Spain internationals Iker Casillas and Carles Puyol were among the players and there were union representatives from France, Germany and Italy among others to lend their support.

Rubiales said the players had been negotiating with the Spanish football league (LFP) over a series of protective measures for players that are commonplace in other leagues in Europe but which Spanish players do not have.

"It is lamentable. As it stands we are at the bottom of the pile in Europe. We don't want more money, we want the clubs to honour the contracts they sign with their players. We don't want palliative measures. We have put forward proposals which exist in Holland, Germany, France and England which are preventative. In these countries if a club shows it can't pay its players the club doesn't compete.

"We have asked that players who are owed more than three months [wages] can break their contracts. It seemed like we had an agreement but it was left out."

Rubiales said that, despite the lengthy negotiations, the LFP had imposed a new settlement at the beginning of August which the players rejected.

"Enough is enough," he said. "This does not mean we are refusing to negotiate any more. We will do for the good of the players and football in general. But the league will not start until a new collective agreement is signed."

No football.