What a way to start the week.
The Monday headlines were startling: The LA Galaxy wants $22 million for David Beckham; Tony Adams gets sacked at Portsmouth; In a shocker, Luiz Felipe Scolari is dismissed at Chelsea; Later in the day, Toronto FC sign Argentine striker Pablo Vitti on loan.
Where to begin?
First up, the Beckham quagmire. The Daily Mirror is reporting that the Galaxy figure Beckham is worth $22 million (US). Yikes! The Galaxy should get as much as they can obviously, but it’s a dangerous game to play. Remember, he can walk for free at the end of the upcoming MLS season. Are they asking too much?
Over in the EPL, seven clubs have now changed managers since the start of the season. Tony Adams said he was surprised to be let go. But a nine-game winless run will often end with that result. Portsmouth after all, is just one point clear of relegation.
On one hand, the Scolari firing is a surprise, but a closer look at Chelsea's track record in this area is a bit more revealing. Since Ruud Gullit took over in 1996, the Blues have now churned through eight managerial changes. Last time I checked, Arsene Wenger has been in charge at Arsenal since Gullit took over Chelsea 13 years ago. Heck, Sir Alex has been running Manchester United since 1986 -- 23 years ago! Stability is a foreign word to Roman Abramovich. Did Scolari really deserve to be fired this soon?
And lastly, Toronto FC have strengthened their strike force by signing 23-year-old Argentine Pablo Vitti. As Mo Johnston says, making the cultural and lifestyle change for South Americans isn't always easy. But there's no question the Reds are shaping up to be a much better team this year. What do you think?
Now, to address that centre back problem ...
