Let's examine the truth about Der Kaiser's attack on 'English' football

By Brian Reade

Published 07:01 19/06/10

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Let's be slightly less emotional about Franz Beckenbauer's remarks eh?

Beckenbauer: 'England have gone back to kick and rush'  

Instead of making RAF bombers with our arms, why not work out who he was getting at when he said that under Fabio Capello England "seem to be going back to the days of kick and rush."

Key words: Capello and back. Meaning it's an attack on Italian football. Which the Germans don't like. Neither it seems do the Dutch. As Johan Cruyff told us last week: "With Capello, all the world knows how England will play. It's a curious situation. England needs a great spectacle but that is impossible with Capello as coach."

Again, an attack on Italian coaches, who many great players hold in contempt because they perceive them to be the enemies of creative football.

Instead of the two-World Wars-and-one-World Cup hysteria aimed at Der Kaiser, let's have a nodding silence.

Don't get paranoid get shadenfreude.

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News that Javier Mascherano is learning Italian in the hope Rafa Benitez takes him to Inter Milan is a bit of a surprise.

Mascherano fuels Liverpool quit fears by revealing he's learning Italian  

Last summer when his agent was begging Barcelona to take him, he put it out that his wife couldn't settle in England because she missed Hispanic culture.

He should just be a bit more honest and ask Liverpool for a transfer, because if Inter came up with £55million they would bite their hands off. Mascherano is very good, but his Anfield contribution is often over-rated due to his Hollywood tackles.

Plus they have a ready-made replacement in Lucas Leiva who, despite his scapegoat-status, is blossoming into an effective defensive midfielder.

So £55million it is then? What do you mean that's way over the top. Let me refer you to how Inter Milan's new coach defined the Argentinian's worth last summer:

"Mascherano has no price. Barcelona could not afford to match his value to Liverpool Football Club - even £50million wouldn't buy him."

Over to your new chequebook Rafa.

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