FC Twente

Steve McClaren has delivered yet another PR disaster in his latest post-match interview at FC Twente, calling himself “crazy” and directly then contradicting himself within one minute about the timing of his first meeting with his new employers.

Things had started so well. Twente are riding high in the Dutch Eredivisie, currently sitting in third place after having beaten Vitesse Arnhem 2-1 at the weekend. And maybe it was this relaxed frame of mind which coaxed Schteeve into dropping his guard. Regardless of the reason, the result was a car-crash on screen.

Amazingly, despite having been in Holland from almost half a year McClaren still hasn’t grasped how to talk properly, continuing to speak (or should that be sing) in patronising broken English and short sentences. But it was his substance rather than his form which made him look like a prat this time.

After two minutes of the interview the presenter asked McClaren about Joop Munsterman, Twente’s chairman, who was apparently sitting in the studio giving his views. McClaren instantly became animated, the smile beaming across his face as he got a chance to talk nonsense.

And that is exactly what he did. Beginning his ramble by calling Joop “crazy,” McClaren happily went about recalling the time “when I first met him five years ago he said he would build and new stadium and get into the Champions League and he’s done it…We’re probably both a little crazy and that’s why we suit each other.”

When the presenter finally got an opportunity to ask another question she quickly went about trying to find out more information about this first meeting between McClaren and Twente five years ago.

Brilliantly McClaren found himself in a hole, his face dropping to the floor, with his only option being a numbnuts rebuttal of “I said five years ago he said to everybody he would build a new stadium and get them to the Champions League and he’s done that. He told me that on the first day I met him.”

Glad no-one saw that. Oh, we did!

See Schteeve McClaren’s interview here.

An evening to prelude a season of redemption, and to whom it may concern, an opportunity to exorcise the demons clouding the acts of yesteryear. The emirates welcomed those in question last night and conveyed a hint of fruition, an early sign of promise and a sense of expectation all in London’s N5.

Arsenal played host to the Eredivsie’s FC Twente and saw an England return for Steve McClaren, albeit minus a brolly. With Fulham proving to strong a challenge prior to last nights champions league encounter, an Arsenal side boosted by the return of Cesc Fabregas aimed to build on the poor Craven Cottage display.

On the back of a 2-0 advantage, Arsenal were always superior. And as McClaren goes Dutch (quite literally: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l9BFJYiPxA) a word of sympathy feels appropriate as Twente’s fans inherit such a wealth of management expertise. It was a name the directors wanted to manage the club anyway, so, well done. Stigma and (un)convincing accents are obviously irrelevant.

A champions league start for Walcott then, and a chance to shine in what’s now labelled his make or break season. All of this however, is somewhat strange for a promising teenager whose only crimes seems to be his place in the Arsenal squad, and early attention from McClaren’s England predecessor.

Wenger’s notorious golden eye (no pun intended) and army of scouts, has over the last decade, identified and developed so many players that his interest in Walcott created an instant expectation. Scout Damien Comolli’s departure to join rivals Spurs however, does suggest that, on the back of his recent success in signing young prospects, Comolli has either lost his touch, or remains loyal to the Gunners.

A weight of expectation lies heavy on the shoulders of Walcott and a damaged confidence perhaps clouds his self-belief. His final ball may not be the best and as Alan Hansen “expertly” puts it, Theo “lacks composure.” What then, that finish was to earn him a well-deserved goal, I’ll never know. Then again, I’m obviously not an expert.

I do however, echo the sentiments that in tribute to Tom Hank’s “Forest Gump” neutrals and fans alike will the teenager to “run Theo, run.” His turn of pace and acceleration is lightning, how many defenders could realistically keep up?

I’ve heard of teams playing to their strengths, launching ball’s up field to a hefty centre forward. Yet, am I alone in wishing Walcott would develop a self-belief behind the strength of his phenomenal quickness? Run Theo, run, or more specifically, beat a man and build from there.

Walcott did however flash glimpses of his potential, repeatedly coasting past the Twente left back. However, it wouldn’t require Wenger’s expertise to recognize that the defender, substituted on half time, is not one for the future.

Arsenal left the field at half time a goal to the good according to Hansen, provided “everything but goals.” Forgive my ignorance but aren’t goals always everything anyway? They decide results don’t they? Even when none are scored?

Ignorance and cynicism aside, Arsenal are through and Twente are not. A score line of 4-0 perhaps flattered McClaren’s side and would of done so Arsenal, had it been the same performance and team defeated in Fulham.

However, a rejuvenated squad, a replenished injury-free talisman, and a replaced misfiring, badge-kissing prima Donna meant Arsenal, found redemption in the form of an encouraging score line. Walcott and Arsenal were impressive in parts, yet in terms of redemption, McClaren for the time being will need to look a lot closer to his adopted home (and accent) for his.

Is it a coincidence of sorts that I'm back to my ramblings on the first day of the season?? Well I'd sure like you all to think so. My last regular post was at the end of last season, and now ostensibly I'm back at it! A lot has happened in the interim, so lets get stuck in, shall we?

Hleb was packed off to Barca for a tidy sum, and the Nasri signing completed. We also signed another French kid, Coquelin and of course Aaron Ramsey, the latter who may be pushing for first team status in the forthcoming season.

Gilberto left on very amicable terms to Panathinaikos. Ideally we could have used his presence, as our youngish team got even younger, but oh well. A big welcome to the lads who have arrived and so long to Gilberto, thanks mate. And well, about that other fella who went to Barcelona, we won't miss him too much, naw we won't!

So just to sum up on the transfer business so far in the closed season, Flamini, Hleb and Gilberto are out and we have brought Nasri, Ramsey and Coquelin into the squad. Ade is still playing in our colours after probably the most annoying and long drawn transfer saga of all time.

With the offers from AC Milan and then Barca running cold, the lanky Togolese had to cut his losses and grow up! He put in some good performances in the pre-season notably against Real Madrid (and Ajax), where he was all verve and dedication, culminating in a penalty scored, and he resorted to "badge kissing" after sticking the ball past Buffon. This after he was received a mixed reaction on his return to the pitch after what could be mildly termed as a turbulent summer.

I have a very strong dislike towards Adebayor, while he was a bit of a revelation last season, we were more surprised to the manner in which he held the club to ransom in the closed season. It was murky goings on for a good deal out there especially where Ade on one occasion declared his love to Arsenal and in another interview a few minutes later being as ambiguous as possible about his future.

In the end when no one seemed interested in his services, Ade then said he was never really interested in a move, and signed a new deal for reportedly double the salary.

It was a very unpleasant affair, I just felt that Ade should go, I mean who the 'eck does he think he is? We were getting good money for him 25 mill if reports are to be believed, and we could replace him with someone else.

In the end analysis however I have to concede that as despicable as Adebayor's behaviour was last season, and as much as he rudely snatched away all the love and appreciation he received from the Gooners, and replaced it with quite the opposite really, it would be easier in the interest of the team if he did much the same as last season or better.

A replacement would take a bit to get used to the system and such. I'm not one of Adebayor's biggest fans, even when he was banging them in for us. He wastes too many chances, and well that could make all the difference in the pivotal clashes. That said he could only get better and he will have to get better-fast. And put his head down and put in those performances, frequently if he is even going to begin to reclaim the faith and respect of the Ashburton Faithful, and indeed my own. 'Nuf said!

The strength and depth of the squad this season, as has been debated all summer long lacks a bit in experience, especially in the centre of the park. We need someone to partner Cecsy in midfield. Diaby, who was primed for the job is injured way too often and then there is only Denilson. Don't get me wrong, I'm not slighting the Brazilian, but as you'd expect he doesn't quite bring the experience, and also is more a "Cesc," than say a "Gilberto," if you know what I'm on about.

So thats the place we definitley look lightweight in, Arsene looks to strengthen it though, and the names of Gareth Barry and Alonso have been thrown in to the mix also the latest the Swiss Inler. But then no one knows Wenger's mind. I would also like to add another centre back, it was defence that let us down more than anything else at key moments in the latter half of last season. The Kolo—Gallas combo doesn't quite fill me with confidence and after that we have Senderos and Djourou.

Going forward we have very little problems though, the kids and the additions to the squad have lit up our pre-season. (Winning us our first bit of silverware at the Ajax tourney.)

The brightest amongst them would have to be Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela with Ramsey, Nasri, Theo and Bendtner earning a very honourable mention. With Ade, RVP, Eduardo (back soon, not sure when though, a safe date would be sometime in November '08) Bendtner, Theo and Vela, we do not need to add to the squad.

Ok so it's the first day of the season it's Steve Mclaren's FC Twente in the CL qualifying that we are up against. We will be without Cescy, Ramsey the 17 year old Welshman looks to take his place.

That in itself will inform you of our lack of midfield players. We are also without the services of Nasri and the other key absentees are Toure, Diaby and Rosicky. It looks like Ramsey, if handed a start will be partnered by Denilson in central midfield. A full available squad list for tonights game is here.

It's our most important clash at the start of the season, more important than even the first few EPL matches. We will have to play CL, can you imagine us languishing with the lesser likes in the UEFA cup? Right , you get the picture.

We will need to come through this unscathed, to fill the lads with confidence, the fans with confidence and shut up the tabloids and the other shit-stirrers! I was quite devastated to learn that Cescy wouldn't be part of the squad for the Twente match, but after it festered on the old bean, I think we still have a bit too much for the Dutch team anyway.

It won't be a rout by any means, but we need to come back with a healthy advantage for the second leg, or if possible finish the job in Holland.

It's here Gooners, good old football, is there anything else quite like it!!? Naw you would have to say, naw not quite! Let's get this off to a good start, us to win the treble, why not??

For the first time this season, COME ON YOU GUNNERS!

Update-The FC Twente game is at 19.45 London time which is a 00.15 kickoff in India. It's not on TV here, but you can check for streams on justin.tv

Can't seem to locate any sure-fire streams at the moment. If any of you lot do, write me up!

PS. I have tried to keep this as comprehensive as regards our closed season happenings, but I well could have left out something important. Would appreciate it if you would rub my nose in it and let me know if I did!

It’s Arsene Wenger vs the Wolly with the Brolly aka Steve McLaren as Arsenal will take on former the England boss and his FC Twente team in the Champions League third qualifying round. The ties will be played on August 12/13 and August 26/27. This will be a tough match up FC Twente as Arsenal were Champions League finalists in 2006 and quarter-finalists last season.

Five time winners Liverpool got an easier draw against Belgian champions Standard Liege while last season’s UEFA Cup finalists Rangers will face either Aalborg, champions of Denmark, or Bosnian side Modrica if they can get a result in Lithuania next week against FBK Kaunas.

The big name in the 3rd round is undoubtedly the match up between Schalke against Atletico Madrid. Schalke reached the final 16 last season, while Atletico Madrid are seeking a return to the Champions League for the first time since the 1996/97 season after a fourth-place finish in La Liga last season.

Some of the other big names teams involved in Champions League qualifying include Italian giants  Juventus who will face either Tampere of Finland or Slovakia’s Artmedia Bratislava if they are get back into the group stage after an absence of two seasons while Barcelona take on either Beitar Jerusalem or Wisla Krakow.Turkish champions Galatasaray were drawn against former European Cup winners Steaua Bucharest while Olympique Marseille, who lifted the trophy in 1993, will play either Norway’s Brann Bergen or Ventspils of Latvia

The first legs will be played on August 12-13 with the ties concluding on August 26-27. The group stage begins on September 16.

Champions League third qualifying round

Anorthosis/Rapid Vienna v Olympiacos
Vitoria Guimaraes v Gothenburg/Basel
hakhtar Donetsk v Domzale/Dinamo Zagreb
Schalke v Atletico Madrid
Aalborg/Modrica v Rangers/Kaunas
Barcelona v Beitar Jerusalem/Wisla Krakow
Levski Sofia v Anderlecht/BATE Borisov
Standard Liege v Liverpool
Inter Baku/Partizan v Fenerbahce/MTK Budapest
FC Twente v Arsenal
Spartak Moscow v Drogheda/Dynamo Kiev
Juventus v Tampere/Artmedia
Brann/Ventspils v Marseille
Fiorentina v Slavia Prague
Galatasaray v Steaua Bucharest
Panathinaikos/Dinamo Tbilisi v Sheriff/Sparta Prague