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| Thursday, August 29, 2002 21:01 EST |
Barcelona hopes Van Gaal can re-work title magic
[Reuters]
MADRID -- Real Madrid may finally have
given up on signing Brazilian World Cup hero Ronaldo but the
nine-time European champions will not exactly be short of
firepower when the Spanish league season kicks off this weekend.
Real proved unstoppable in last season's Champions League,
as Zinedine Zidane inspired the side to a ninth European Cup
success with some breathtaking attacking soccer.
The club was the top scorer in the Spanish league but
inconsistency cost the team a 29th league title, as a handful of
distracted displays let Valencia in for its first championship
since 1971, with Deportivo Coruna pipping Real for second place.
Deportivo has strengthened its squad in key positions and
it would be unwise to write off Valencia after the impressive
way it held its nerve on last season's run-in.
Barcelona could also have a major say in the outcome of the
title race, with returning Dutch coach Louis van Gaal certain to
demand more commitment after two hugely disappointing seasons
since he left.
It is hard to look beyond Real Madrid for the championship,
though, despite the lack of transfer activity at the Bernabeu.
With a proposed deal to bring in Ronaldo from Inter Milan
apparently shelved, Real coach Vicente del Bosque will be asked
to improve on last season's league showing with much the same
squad.
That should not be beyond the club.
Zidane took time to fit in with the squad last season
following his $66 million move from Juventus but he should be
fit and raring to go from the off this term, particularly after
the disappointment of the World Cup.
Luis Figo struggled for much of last season with an ankle
injury but the current FIFA World Player of the Year was looking
close to his best in preseason and he could return as a major
influence.
Raul will once again be on hand to provide the link between
midfield and attack, while gifted young striker Javier Portillo
could make the breakthrough, particularly if Fernando Morientes
is eventually sold.
The defense may be a problem but if Fernando Hierro can stay
fit Del Bosque will be confident enough of landing his second
title, following the team's success in 2001.
"We have the foundations of a very good squad that won the
European Cup last season," the Real coach said recently. "It is
balanced and well prepared for all the challenges that face us
this season."
If Real is to be beaten, Barcelona may be the team to do
it.
The return of van Gaal signalled an immediate exit for
Brazilian World Cup winner Rivaldo but new Argentine signing
Juan Roman Riquelme looks to have the raw talent to succeed in
his place.
Van Gaal has pulled off something of a coup with the
acquisition of Spanish midfielder Gaizka Mendieta, rescued from
Lazio on a loan deal after a frustrating year spent largely on
the sidelines after his move from Valencia.
The intention is to play a 3-4-3 formation, which will
demand a lot of a defense with a slightly threadbare look about
it now that Abelardo and Sergi have been released.
Van Gaal's chances of repeating the success of his first
spell in charge, which included title wins in the first two
years in 1998 and 1999, could rest on whether the club manages to
land a regular goalscorer before the transfer deadline.
"This team is certainly capable of winning titles," the
Dutchman said in a recent interview. "Although we cannot
guarantee anything, what we can promise is hard work, enthusiasm
and ambition."
Deportivo's chances of repeating its league title success
of 2000 will be boosted by the signings of Paraguay midfielder
Roberto Acuna and Portuguese center-back Jorge Andrade for a
combined total of around $20 million.
Barca and Deportivo have been among the few sides to spend
significant amounts of money in the transfer market, with
uncertainty over the new television rights deal currently being
negotiated leading to more caution than in recent years.
Valencia has signed just one player, the little known
French defender Jean Felix Dorothee, and a successful defense of
its title may be too much to ask.
The Champions League runner-up in 2000 and 2001 is back in
Europe's top competition and with a small squad it may
struggle to balance the demands of European and domestic action.
Challenging the top four could be Real Betis, who did
well to finish sixth last season and has Victor Fernandez,
formerly of Celta Vigo, as the club's new coach.
There have been few additions to the squad -- the return of
striker Alfonso from Barcelona has been the biggest news of the
close season -- but the club has managed to keep exciting young
winger Joaquin, despite the interest of some of Europe's top
clubs after his impressive World Cup.
Atletico Madrid has been active in the transfer market as
the club returns to the top flight after two seasons in the second
division.
Spanish strikers Javi Moreno and Jose Mari have come in from
AC Milan, along with midfielder Demetrio Albertini and defender
Fabricio Coloccini.
The signing of Brazilian midfielder Emerson from Deportivo
Coruna also looks a shrewd move and a UEFA Cup place could be a
realistic target for coach Luis Aragones.
Another side making a welcome return are Recreativo Huelva.
Spain's oldest established team will be in the top flight
for only the second time after a one-season spell at the highest
level in 1978-79.
The club was joined in the promotion slots by Racing Santander,
who make an immediate return following its relegation in 2001.
Racing will have high hopes of staying up but Recreativo
will almost certainly be battling to avoid relegation with the
likes of Osasuna, Rayo Vallecano and Villarreal.
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