Sid Lou Spanish football expert. Country: Spain

Expert on Spanish football

On Wednesday, June 8, Spanish football expert Sid Lowe was a guest on the eplonline.co.uk website chat to answer readers' questions in real-time. Anyone who wanted to could send their questions to the chat host, who selected the most interesting questions to ask Sid. The conversation translation can be found in the "More Than a Club" blog. Welcome, Sid! How did you become interested in La Liga? What connects you to Spain? - My interest in Spain inevitably led me to Spanish football - simply because, like most people, I have always been passionate about football. I studied Spanish in school and university and lived in Oviedo. Then I wrote a doctoral thesis on Spanish political history... well, let's just say that football turned out to be more interesting. The weather is definitely an advantage as well.
- Yes, and the food... Was this the most interesting season in La Liga in recent times? In particular, the series of games between "Barça" and "Real"?
- In a way, yes. I don't think we've ever seen anything like the Clásico series - the tension, the rivalry, sometimes the obvious unsportsmanlike behavior. The participation of the two best players in the world (it's arguable, I'm not sure, but I would agree) adds to the interest, and both Mourinho and Guardiola are fascinating characters. But on another level, it was a difficult season, full of anxieties. Other teams were forgotten at some point, and the football narrative narrowed down to just "Madrid" and "Barcelona". Despite all the grandeur and noise, it can get tiresome. Arguing is sometimes surprisingly boring and infantile. "Madrid" finished this season on the rise. Will the gap between the main rivals in the league be smaller next year?
- I think so. In a way, "Madrid" gifted "Barcelona" the league victory this year due to their unsuccessful results against unexpected opponents. "Sporting", "Zaragoza", "Mallorca", "Levante", "Depor"... There is a concern that we will find ourselves in a situation where "Madrid" and "Barcelona" will win every game and the league will be reduced to 2 matches instead of 38. What can Cesc Fàbregas offer to "Barcelona" that they are currently lacking?
- It may sound a bit frivolous, but still: age. And in more detail?
- There is an understanding that Xavi will not play forever, and "Barcelona" wants to secure its future after him. It is also a matter of pride. In the sense that they feel they should bring him back home: a former youth team player, a Catalan, close to "Barcelona" in style. It is also a political question, a question of satisfying the fans: the desire to get someone new (even if in a certain sense it is not true) to make people interested... In "Barcelona", they also understand that their bench is short and, although there is no obvious vacancy in the starting lineup, Cesc will get a lot of playing time and will play a significant role in the team. How do you see Alexis Sánchez in "Barça" considering that the starting lineup positions are firmly held by Pedro and Villa?
- Good question. Honestly, I haven't seen much of his game. But I think "Barcelona" knows that despite winning La Liga and the Champions League, much was not perfect this season. They want more variety in the forward line, a bit more pace and inventiveness. Both Pedro and Villa had long periods when things weren't going well. Also, what if Messi gets injured? I was just about to ask that. He is incredibly lucky because he often faces physical resistance from some players.
- Messi's resilience is much, much greater than it seems. His problems were mainly due to physical peculiarities, and since Pep took charge, they have almost been eliminated. Many clubs in La Liga are in a difficult financial situation. Is there any reason for optimism?
- As for the health of La Liga, I am pessimistic in the long term. Teams, except for "Madrid" and "Barcelona", simply cannot attract the money needed to compete. And many of them are really poorly managed. The solution would involve a complete redistribution of television rights, but this will not happen as long as the influence of "Madrid" and "Barcelona" is so strong. What do you think of "Malaga", "Racing" and "Getafe"? Will their owners help them reach a new level within 2-3 years (before the introduction of UEFA's new financial rules)?
- "Racing": no. Things are sad there. Ali Syed disappeared, and they are close to bankruptcy. "Malaga": interesting... they have the money and enthusiasm. They could very well be a team that becomes the "best of the rest" in a few years, depending on the influence of financial fair play and whether the owners' enthusiasm fades. "Getafe" - it's unclear with them for now. They aim for a stable place in the top six. With decent financial injections, this is possible. Which team can cause trouble for the two giants of La Liga in the upcoming season?
- In the upcoming season? Logically, it could be "Valencia", "Sevilla", "Malaga", maybe even "Athletic"... but actually I expect it only from "Villarreal". However, I doubt their ability to constantly compete at a high level. I'm not sure they have a long enough bench to compete in the league and the Champions League. Also, some of the best players will probably leave - Rossi, Cazorla, Borja? Who is your favorite coach in La Liga?
- Good question... and it's hard to answer because different coaches impress in different ways. I admire what Pep Guardiola has done... and although I think Mourinho made mistakes this year, I really like a lot about him. Luis Garcia at "Levante" surprised me this season - his motivational work is incredible. And in terms of humor, it's hard to compete with Preciado. He is a unique character. An original combination of different styles - and a person who has seen a lot in life. Funny, very charming, and what a voice he has! And the mustache! How long do you think Pep will stay at "Barcelona"? Can his style be successful outside of Spain?
- Pep Guardiola is the perfect coach for "Barcelona". A boy who passes the ball, a player, a captain, a coach of the second team, a coach... From the bottom to the top, he is an example to follow, a part of this club. It would be harder for him to go somewhere else, but I think he is smart enough and motivated enough for it. The pressure he is under is incredible, and there is no doubt that it has affected him. I don't think he will stay for long. He openly talks about the short-term nature of his work. His style would change in another place, I have no doubt. One of the things people don't understand is that Guardiola is a pragmatist. And he has broad horizons, and the idea of going somewhere else appeals to him. What does Mourinho need to do to bring "Madrid" on par with "Barça"?
- On the one hand, Mourinho has advantages: a bigger budget, a longer bench, resources too... But "Barcelona" has a system that has existed for a long time and is unchanged. "Madrid" doesn't have that. Mourinho thinks that "Madrid" has an inefficient structure - that's one of the reasons for getting rid of Valdano. I think he may be right that "Madrid" needs changes. With Mourinho's arrival, they start to happen. Now we see that the "Galacticos" model doesn't work and they are slowly moving away from it. Finally, the coach has a certain degree of power. While there is a certain risk in this, there are also clear advantages. Which player are you most interested to see in Spain next season?
- I would like to see an English player come to Spain, develop and become a truly great player. I guess you'll answer - who could that be? Rooney? Wilshere? I hoped it would be Pennant, but that didn't happen. What do you think, will a relationship similar to that between Madrid and Getafe be established between Barça and Roma now that Luis Enrique has gone there?
- In theory, it makes sense for "Roma" to take players from "Barça B" or young players from the first team, since Luis Enrique knows them... But I'm not sure it will work out that way. I wonder if "Roma" thinks they will get a new Pep, or maybe even that they have paved the way to eventually get Pep. Just a thought. Also, does "Roma" need unwanted players from "Barcelona"? "Getafe" admitted their secondary status... what about "Roma"? Lionel Messi, will he become the greatest footballer of all time?
- It's quite possible. I don't think he needs to get better to achieve this, just maintain his incredible level. There will always be debates, and one thing he definitely has to do, sorry for the obvious answer, if he wants to reach that level - win with Argentina. But what he has already achieved is amazing. And he's only 23, my goodness. He's incredibly good.
- Yes, he's special. I think he's much more complete than people think. Even when he gets physically tired, he will still be a great player, maybe playing deeper. Maradona, for example, couldn't do that. Is there a specific coach who could help him become even better?
- Pep Guardiola is doing what he really needs to do (although there is a question about the potential risk of this approach for "Barcelona"). He does everything to make Messi happy, builds a team around him, does everything he can for him. Who do you consider the best young and promising players in La Liga?
- There are several players who really stand out: Ander Herrera, Iker Muniain, Canales (if he gets his chance), Thiago... It's especially interesting to watch Muniain. Fearless, desperate, and very talented. Bruno (Soriano) is not particularly young, but he has a great future in the national team. It's a pity that Matilla couldn't fulfill his potential at "Villarreal". Why did Forlán, the best player of the World Cup, end up on the bench in his club?
- Forlán's situation is very complicated, and he has gone downhill due to very, very difficult relationships with the coach and some teammates. Fatigue, minor injuries, and overall poor conditions at "Atlético" also played a role. The relationship between Quique Sánchez Flores and Forlán deteriorated by the end of the season, and Quique simply stopped playing him. Is "Athletic's" policy towards Basque players an anachronism? Will they consider abandoning it to achieve greater success?
- No, "Athletic" is clear about this: this policy has changed, the concepts have become flexible (who can be considered a Basque player, etc.), but they will not abandon it. A few years ago, they almost dropped to Segunda, and this question was barely raised. And when it was raised, the reaction was clear - they would rather give up their place in La Liga than change. Also, their financial situation is such that if they could sign any player within their means, there is no guarantee that he would fit in and improve the team's game. Traditions, in their opinion, are more important. It's surprising that they maintain this policy. By the way, in the 1930s, more than 50% of players in La Liga were Basques, i.e. there was a large pool to choose from and maintain competitiveness. Now it's about 6%. How do you think things will go for Rossi at "Barcelona"? Who is better for "Barcelona", Sánchez or Rossi?
SL: I can't tell you much about Sánchez, but I think Rossi fits well into the "Barcelona" system - he moves excellently, is strong, fast, and has excellent positioning. He has the technique they need, high pressing. If he ends up at "Barcelona", he will play a lot, maybe on the right. He knows it will be difficult for him to compete, but all players believe they can show themselves if given a chance. This self-confidence is good. I think Rossi knows that time is on his side. Also, it's a very simple feeling: if "Barcelona" wants to see you, you don't refuse. Do you think the next club for André Villas-Boas will be a Spanish club?
- It will be very interesting to see what Villas-Boas will do next. He is highly regarded, and I think Spanish clubs will be among those who will be watching him. However, in the near future, I don't see it happening: where would he go? To "Madrid" after Mourinho, maybe? "Valencia" extended their contract with Emery. "Sevilla" has Marcelino. "Atlético", hmm... Maybe "Malaga", but they are happy with Pellegrini. So I imagine another year in Portugal, and then, most likely, there will be interest from England. Last two questions. Is "Barcelona" the greatest team in history?
- That's a question! Can I dodge the answer? Haha, if you want!
- Honestly, I don't know. It's easy to say about Brazil in 1970, "Ajax", "Bayern", "Liverpool", etc. But here's my answer: they have achieved more than any other team has in such a short period of time. They have achieved more than most teams have achieved in their entire existence... and what really sets them apart is their obvious principles - I have never seen a team with such unity and dedication to one approach (except, perhaps, on the other end of the scale, "Wimbledon"*). They are as innovative a team as Sacchi's "Milan" once was. And maybe watching them play is even more interesting. Other teams may have excited me more, but I don't think I've seen a team that is as dominant, as assertive in their superiority as this one. I think they might be the best of all the teams I've seen. And they are different... what amazes me the most is not just that they win, but HOW they win. Every time someone says, "Yes, but Barcelona hasn't...", or "Yes, but Messi can't...", they do it. I think everyone agrees that they are absolutely phenomenal. Maybe you should ask someone at "Barcelona" to organize a preseason friendly match with Stoke City** on a cold English night to finally settle this question?
(Boisterous audience reaction in the chat) I would be thrilled if "Barcelona" played in Stoke on a chilly wet night... and crushed "Stoke". To put an end to this question.
- Yes, that would definitely be worth watching. By the way, speaking of being unable to win in unfamiliar conditions... England is clearly the worst at this from all perspectives: only one truly successful World Cup in history - and all games at Wembley.
- Unfortunately, that's all the time we have today. Sid, on behalf of all our users, I would like to thank you for your time and knowledge, it was fascinating and informative to chat with you.