The Return Home
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
As many of you know, tomorrow’s clash between Arsenal and Barcelona has been viewed by many to be a very mouth watering encounter. The reasons for this are that both teams play an open game and like to hold on to the ball. However, this particular match that will be played in two legs has subplots that will make an entertaining game, not only for the fans of either teams but also for the neutral. It’s almost as though it were a movie directed by Martin Scorsese. These subplots revolve around Arsene—the Professor—Wenger, Pep Guardiola, Thierry Henry, and Francesc (Cesc) Fabregas.
As a manager of a high caliber team like Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has won all the trophies except for the elusive Champion’s League one. He almost did this in the 2006 final when he faced Barcelona in Paris but went down 2-1. As having failed this once before, he aims to go against the odds (if you so believe Arsenal are underdogs) and pull off an upset. He of people knows there is no point in doing all this if his team is to succumb in the semis or final in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in May. He is in it to win it!
A lot can be said about Pep Guardiola. He has done it all as a manager and a player. He is just one of half a dozen men to lift the illustrious trophy both as a player and a coach. With that in mind, if he ends up taking his Barça side to lift another unprecedented CL title, there will surely be debates on him being regarded as one of the greatest coaches of modern football.
A record of 226 goals in eight seasons for a player is no mere accomplishment. That is one of the many reasons why Thierry Henry is considered one of the greatest players to ever play the game. His return to the Emirates will be emotional and nerves will play a great deal in the first leg for the player. He did confess that his heart sank when he learned of the draw of facing his former team. He also went on to admit that he did not want to play against Arsenal but will have to as a professional. Henry is likely to feature on the left wing of Barça’s three-man attack. His love and respect for Arsene and the Arsenal fans will make his return all the more unforgettable.
‘The one who got away’ is what Cesc Fabregas is regarded as, as he moved from Barcelona to find greener pastures at Arsenal. Ever since then, maybe knowing that they had made a huge mistake, the Catalans have tried to lure the Arsenal skipper back home. This has become more evident as the candidate Sandro Rosell, who is running for F.C. Barça’s presidency, has made it his platform to lure Fabregas using his close ties with his family. Ultimately, the decision lies with him but that could all change if Coach Guardiola decides to personally persuade him. Knowing that Guardiola is Cesc’s all time hero adds more flavor to this already savory subplot.
History has it that during Fabregas’ time at Barça’s youth academy, Fabregas was going through a torrid time as his parent’s were going through a divorce. Guardiola found out about this and autographed one of his jerseys (ironically it was a number 4 Barça) to Cesc. It was inscribed "One day, you will be the number four of Barcelona". Fabregas cried after being given the jersey. That was in 2001, and nine years later, Cesc Fabregas will be looking to show his idol and long time friends and team mates (Messi and Piqué) how far he has come ever since their academy days together.
Knowing all this reaffirms my belief in a higher power. This is no coincidence that all these subplots occurring outside the pitch are just a matter of fact. They are there to intensify the game and make it as enjoyable as possible. Both teams want would want to progress to the semis but it is unfortunate that only one will have to. It is also a shame that this is to be played in the quarter-finals instead of a repeat of the 2006 final. All I can say is ¡que será, será!
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