Tributes to Franz Beckenbauer and a European roundup – Football Weekly
Jan 9, 2024
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Football Weekly: Franz Beckenbauer's immense legacy in German football is discussed, including his achievements as player and manager at Bayern Munich. The rise of Barcelona under Koolballa, La Liga match analysis, underdog team winning hearts, and Napoli's poor performance and managerial changes are also covered.
Inter Milan and Juventus are engaged in a captivating and unpredictable battle for the Serie A title.
Juventus' performances have been underwhelming, relying on narrow victories and luck to secure points.
Inter Milan has displayed resilience, a strong defensive record, and exceptional team goals, posing a continuous challenge to Juventus' title aspirations.
Deep dives
Inter and Juventus in a tight title race
Inter and Juventus are locked in a closely contested race for the Serie A title. Inter has been in sublime form this season, having scored 44 goals and conceding only 9. They have shown resilience and an ability to grind out results, as seen in their last-minute winner against Verona. On the other hand, Juventus, although not performing at their best, have managed to find ways to win, relying on players like Rabiot, Rabio, and McKennie. The young talents from Juventus' next-gen team are also making their mark. This back-and-forth battle between the two teams is making the title race more fascinating and unpredictable.
Juventus' unimpressive performance
Despite being in contention for the Serie A title, Juventus has often delivered underwhelming performances. On paper, their team may not seem intimidating, and they have relied on narrow victories and luck to secure points. However, there are positive aspects for Juventus, such as the emergence of young talents from their next-gen team, like Samuel Lein and Moises Kean. The guidance of manager Max Allegri has also played a significant role in maximizing the potential of the team. While some players are giving their best, overall, Juventus' performances may not match the dominance expected from a traditional powerhouse like Juventus.
Inter Milan's resilience and impressive defensive record
Inter Milan has demonstrated resilience and a strong defensive record throughout the Serie A season. With 12 clean sheets in 19 games and having conceded only 9 goals, they have shown a solid defensive structure. They have also displayed moments of exceptional football, showcasing their ability to control possession and create outstanding team goals. The team's last-minute victories against Verona and Cetana highlight their determination to secure crucial points. While facing tough competition from Juventus, Inter Milan continues to maintain their position at the top of the table, posing a continuous challenge to Juventus' title aspirations.
Jourona's Impressive Performance and Figures
Jourona's recent performance in the league has been brilliant, with an extraordinary projection of 96 points for the season. Despite being beaten only once in the first half of the season, some doubts remain about their ability to compete against the bigger teams. However, their goal scoring is spread throughout the squad, making them a formidable and well-rounded team. They currently have a 7-point lead over Barcelona and a 10-point lead over Atlético Madrid, which is an outstanding achievement.
The Groundswell of Support for Jourona
Jourona's potential success in the league has garnered support from people who want a change from the dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona. Despite some reservations about their ownership and the ethical concerns tied to it, the focus in Spain has mostly been on Jourona's exciting style of play and the joy they bring to their fans. While Madrid and Barcelona still hold a strong influence in the country, there is a growing fondness for Jourona. However, the level of enthusiasm may not match that of Leicester City during their remarkable Premier League triumph.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Sid Lowe, Nicky Bandini, Lars Sivertsen and Archie Rhind-Tutt to pay tribute to Franz Beckenbauer and round up the latest stories in Spain and Italy. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
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