Now with the Shakhtar Donetsk, Dynamo Kyiv, Hamburg and Werder Bremen entering the semifinals of the UEFA Cup, which will be held in Marseille, is entirely a Ukrainian-German event. UEFA Cup has lost its charm of being a strong marker of Europe’s up-and-coming players. It has now limited itself to mere imitation of its former image. The competition will soon be named Europa league

The fact does not need any more proof that German and Ukrainian Leagues are on top of UEFA cup which is competing with Spanish Liga and English Premiere League. The Aston Villa, Tottenham and Milan did not fare too well at the competition. While the German team needs to strengthen its financial aspect, the Ukraine’s leading clubs face problems of poor administration and corruption besides being neck deep in debt. They have already conquered the problems faced due to winter break extension.

The UEFA Cup should pay attention to above mentioned, otherwise it will become a second rate candidate to Champions League. The competition should relapse into a straight knockout club is the suggestion from Paddy Barclay where 256 clubs from all over the continent can participate. However the suggestion cannot be incorporated as the TV executives who are the sponsors of the competition are not ready for a change.

But there is always a solution to a problem. The UEFA Cup winners can be given a place in Champion’s league so that the clubs participating in the competition play with more seriousness.

• Ronaldinho and Barca agree to send him to AC just a day after announcing that some form of an arrangement would occur 72 hours from then.
• Ronaldinho agrees to a 3 year contract that will end on 30 June 2011. He will be 31 when the current contract ends.
• AC Milan agree to pay 20 million Euro in exchange for ‘dinho and his services.

Analysis:

Ronaldinho is now the eighth new comer to join Milan. They have been really busy and they should be. While they are one of the top teams of the Serie A, they finished in 5th place. That means that they will not be playing in the Champion’s League this year, instead they will compete for the UEFA Cup. All in all, not bad, but for a premier club like this, the best is expected of them.

‘dinho should fit in nicely with a team that already has quite a few Brazilians. Digao, Kaka, Dida, Emerson, and the young Alexandre Pato will now be his teammates, so adjusting will not be that hard. Also, Gianluca Zambrotta came over on a free transfer. He has played in the spotlight of the Camp Nou and being at the top of La Liga, so the San Siro should not be any different. I think he will do very well here.

AC Milan’s Other Additions:

• Matheu Flamini
• Gianluca Zambrotta
• Luca Antonini
• Christian Abbiati
• Marco Borriello
• Ignazio Abate
• Marco Storari

A fine pick up for the Rossoneri and something that I will really look forward to.

Chelsea and Man U played their hearts out today and it was decided by the most dreaded but the most fairest way possible. The penalty shoot out is one of the most exciting things to watch.

After the send-off of Drogba, I was uncertain if the extra man would do it for the Reds but it didn’t, ending the extra periods of time.

Cheers Reds!

Manchester United defeated Spanish power Barcelona.  After this unfortunate loss for Barcelona, people are forecasting that there will be many changes in the Barcelona Camp.  Here are some things to watch for:

Rafa Marquez: Apparently, he may or may not be in Barca’s future plans.  Look for another defender to replace him if he is indeed on his way out.

Henry: Many people in English Soccer are speculating that there is a separation in the Barca locker room.  There are a ton of rumors…possibly even a MLS move.  Maybe no move.

Samuel Eto’o: He maybe on his way out, as people have been wondering if he really likes it there.  If both Henry and Eto’o depart, who will be the counterpart to Messi, Dos Santos or Bojan?

Ronaldinho: This has been brought up in discussion after discussion.  Where he exactly ends up, who knows? Manchester City is looking to add a name.

Frank Rijkarrd: I’m afraid Barca’s standards are too high and it seems that the manager will probably get the ax as well.

Besides the impending commotion that will occur in Barcelona.  We shall look forward to watching a fine Champions League Final between Manchester United and Chelsea.