Thursday, March 15, 2007

The Grab: 03.15


While hardly a lightweight (not many Russian oligarchs are), Roman Abramovich will look to flex his power even more, after trading his wife for singledom (for $2.5 billion). Sure, he's a quiet guy, and sure he shies from confrontation, but nothing seems to get the blood flowing like being able to parade your new model girlfriends (see above) around town. The excellent Simon Barnes tells us why it could spell trouble for Jose Mourinho. [Melbourne Herald Sun, Times Online]

It saddens me that I can't partake of YouTube to break up the monotony and general pointlessness of my er, work at the office, but as long as your company isn't like mine, where even streaming in the Beeb on my destop is impossible, be sure to check this out. [Guardian Sport Blog]

Ottmar Hitzfeld has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Bayern Munich, which would see the gaffer in charge of the German club until next summer. One of only two coaches to win the European Cup with two different teams (Borussia Dortmund and Bayern), Hitzfeld was shown the door by Bayern after winning four Bundesliga titles, 2 German Cups and Champions League title in just six years. Hitzfeld returned after the sacking of Felix Magath, and although they remain in fourth place, he is confident that Bayern have a shot at the title. Going through in the Champions League against Real Madrid, combined with only a six point gap between them and league leaders Schalke, has given the German powerhouse some confidence, and it will be difficult for Werder Bremen to maintain their attacking style without Miroslav Klose. For Schalke, they've stumbled as of late, and face third-place Stuttgart on Saturday. [RTE, IHT]

Michel Platini has reiterated his desire to shake-up the current make up of the Champions League, something he ran on during his election to the post against incumbent Leinnart Johannson. While it may unnerve fans in the strongest leagues, Platini is looking for support to grow the eastern leagues of European football. Despite holding the presidency of UEFA, Platini only gets one vote, so the worry for fans of the big four in England is just how persuasive the former French great can be. [Daily Telegraph]

-bl

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