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Sonar pings #55

May 23, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

There are many topics, but they will be dealt with swiftly; I’ve got an aching head and little patience, forgive me.

Midfielder Souza, who returned recently and was enjoying (was he?) a relative success at Palmeiras, seems to be one more leaving through the back door. His contract expires in December and renovation with Palmeiras went down the drain when Souza demanded that his US$ 20K-a-month pay check reached US$ 120K a month. He was given a raise, but certainly nothing close to what he imagined. Grumpy now wants out and Cruzeiro has shown interest. One more short-sighted, big-headed young man not realising the value of being on the track to become one of the teams key players in the upcoming 100th anniversary. As one says over here: vaza logo.

— ooo —

Then there’s Valdivia. How many times have I started a paragraph with the exact same words? Lost count. And will lose count until he leaves, I fear. Injured, without predictions for returning. Felt better, intensified training, felt the thigh again. Not available for the Palmeiras’ opening game of the Brazilian championship this Saturday.

— ooo —

Available however is Palmeiras’ latest reinforcement: centre-back Thiago Alves. The 28-year-old former Mogi Mirim player, one of the team’s highlights in this year’s Paulistão, has signed with Palmeiras until December 2015. Coach Kleina expressed satisfaction with the arrival of Alves, who he denominates as “a modern player, with great positioning abilities and skill enough to initiate playmaking”. Expect more and punctual reinforcements, especially during the Confederation’s Cup break. 

— ooo —

SerieB2013Friday, kickoff in the Brasileirão, second division. Palmeiras’ debut is on Saturday, 16:20 local time, against Atlético Goianense: one of the few teams expected to put up a good fight. With all respect to the adversaries in the second division: everything but Palmeiras qualifying in first would be embarrassing. Watch out for Atlético, Sport, Ceará, perhaps Figueirense and América Mineiro. Check out the tables to your right, with the fixtures for the first round.

— ooo —

We might not be currently blessed with dream players, but at least we’ll look damn good on Saturday: Palmeiras and Adidas yesterday launched the 2013-2014 uniforms and they are spectacular. The home jersey pays homage to the 1973 Brazil champions in its retro styling, with larger Palmeiras badge and everything (as featured in the picture of Ademir da Guia, first from the left). The second jersey is plain white, as many of us have been longing for. Goalkeepers play in blue, with orange as the away colour.
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1-SEP_HOME_Front 2-SEP_AWAY_Front Ademir 1973

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As the pictures show, Palmeiras are currently without a main sponsor: the contract with Kia ended last Sunday. The club is negotiating with several companies, but little has leaked to the press (which obviously is a good thing).

— ooo —

Allianz will announce the name of the New Arena on 6 June. Some 630.000 votes have been cast on the internet. Perhaps we’re in for a treat, but most likely Allianz will have taken only notice of the popular request for Allianz Palestra (which wasn’t a voting option) but opted for Allianz Parque.

— ooo —

Great news to end with: Palmeiras announced Monday that Meltex, the same company that currently administers all official Palmeiras stores, will sponsor Palmeiras’ basketball team during the 2013-2014 NBB season. Last season the basketball team was without sponsorship, costing Palmeiras roughly US$ 500.000 to maintain. Nobre announced early on that all professional teams must carry their own costs and that the basketball team could be terminated as of this season. Thanks to a collective effort – directors in negotiating the deal and supporters in not letting steam off for a second in demanding a solution – we can look forward to a strong and professional basketball team carrying Palmeiras’ name all over Brazil thanks to the US$ 1.25 million that Meltex are pumping in.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

Posted in Administration, Advertisement, Brazilian Championship | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Nobre sticking to his guns. Are we?

May 17, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

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It’s in our nature to nourish dreams. Nothing wrong with that, on the contrary. But when dreams are not fulfilled, we mustn’t react like we’ve been deprived of what’s rightfully ours.

Back in January, few actually believed Palmeiras would make it to the knockout phase in the Libertadores Cup. There were even question marks in regard to progressing in the Paulista. Suddenly, the squad reacted with a streak of victories and those dreams, oh those dreams…

But Palmeiras were eliminated from the São Paulo Cup, then from the Libertadores Cup. Obviously not on any palmeirense’s script, but… Surprising? Not really. Disappointing? Certainly. A reason for heavily criticising the Nobre management? Absolutely not.

What Nobre’s doing should be recognised: he’s following a plan. It’s a bit worrying actually having to point this out, but in the heat of the moment far too many supporters seem to have forgotten what’s been repeatedly damaging not only Palmeiras but most football clubs in Brazil since forever:  a lacking mid to long-term strategy, paired with professionalism. Nobre was elected to bring exactly that. But now, many criticise him for keeping his promise, not giving in to quick fixes aimed at boosting Palmeiras’ chances in this year’s first two competitions.

Palmeiras’ financial situation is bad, very bad. “Spend yourself out of the crisis, buy top players, win trophies: revenues and bonuses will come!”. Right. That’s the mentality we’re supposed to fight, remember?

Nobre’s plan is based on careful diagnostics of Palmeiras’ situation and follows a logical progression. Some people with access say that implementation is running its course more or less as expected. The goal this year is one and one only: give the club best possible conditions to assemble a squad that will bring Palmeiras back to the first division in 2014. Nothing else matters.

Decades of amateurish management are not reverted in three month’s time. A whole mindset of do’s and don’ts are not easily reverted either. Some of the heaviest criticism of the actual administration seem to be coming from some of those most desperately desiring change. Is that desire fogging their reasoning? Are they really thinking that we’d see profound changes to Palmeiras on and off the pitch after three months of new management? I don’t know. But I do know that the current polarisation of opinions at large seems both unnecessary and counterproductive. In late 2012, when the direct vote was the hot subject, there was unity. Some of that, if not a lot, seems lost.

Freedom of speech is fundamental. Now, with speech comes responsibilities. We are all – in one way or the other, and certainly on different magnitudes – opinion-makers. Is my opinion well-founded? Am I working in benefit of Palmeiras by voicing it? What do I want to achieve? These questions and others should be reflected upon before pressing that “send” or “publish” button. As of late, I see a lot of gasoline being poured over perfectly manageable fires.

There are no guarantees Nobre and his directors will succeed. Time will tell. Remember, the primary goal is ascent. That’s the yardstick. Give the man some time, give the man some room to manoeuvre. And please, give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he was elected on those premises.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

Posted in Administration, Opinion | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments »

Palmeiras 1-2 Tijuana/MEX

May 15, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

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Palmeiras eliminated. For the close to 40.000 supporters at the crowded Pacaembu stadium and the millions watching at home, the end of a dream we knew was more than far-fetched. Now, it’s all about restructuring, closing sponsorship deals and aggressively hit the market: Palmeiras must secure the best pieces available as soon as those transfer windows open. We need a squad that will successfully conclude the two obligations that 2013 has in store: second division and the Brazil Cup. With that, next year Palmeiras commemorate their 100th anniversary in the top division and playing the Libertadores Cup. Anything else would be… Let’s not even think about it.

Yesterday’s game could have developed in a different way. Palmeiras were applying pressure during the first 20 minutes and Ayrton hit the crossbar at 24’. Shortly after, a monumental error by our keeper Bruno and everything went crumbling down like a house of cards.

In true Libertadores fashion, the game was violent and yellow cards were generously distributed. Early in the second half, a bad clearance from Henrique allowed for a spectacular shot and 0-2 on the scorecard. Coach Kleina went all or nothing, a penalty was converted by Souza, a goal by Kleber very dubiously dismissed as offside, and that was as close as we got.
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Goalkeepers have the most difficult task of them all. A keeper never wins a game, always depending on his teammates to perform. Mistakes are generally punished hard, resulting in goal for the opponents. Huge responsibility, little glory.

The most important characteristic of a good keeper is consistency. Bruno has been mixing stellar performance with very weak ones. Yesterday’s obviously goes beyond weak. Not sure if Bruno will survive this last episode in the Palmeiras jersey.

As for the directors, they now must double their work. Supporters are growing increasingly impatient and will need to see change, not only to the management structure. In the end, a strong team is the only indicator of success that matters. It’s a long and winding road.

Posted in Libertadores Cup, Players | Tagged , , | 2 Comments »

Coincidences, coincidences…

May 12, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

Bedtime stories put the innocent to sleep. Then there are stories that leave you awake for long hours, have you thinking “how on earth is this allowed to go on?”.

We’ve been through parts of it before. Remember, connecting the dots? Well, fool if you think it’s over.

The Federal Government is discretely preparing a new so called “temporary measure”: a law with a short expire date (although it can be renewed), that takes effect immediately and doesn’t pass through Congress. The law in question cancels 90% of Brazilian football club’s federal debts; these are mainly composed of employers’ fees, contributions to the pension system, that sort of things.

The proposal to create this temporary measure was presented by a member of the same party as former president Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva, who is not only an outspoken and hardcore corintiano, but also one of the mentors behind the Itaqueirão stunt.
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It’s bad enough that irresponsible management leads to “awards” in terms of tax breaks, depriving society of revenues. But that’s only half the story. Not all clubs are in debt. And among those that are, differences are striking. Which club is in the deepest pit? Corinthians, by a mile, closing in on the US$ 65 million mark as these lines are being written.

According to Luís Fernando Tredinnick, weekly columnist at the 3VV website, Corinthians’ debt with the Federal Government doubled between 2010 and 2011, then almost doubled again in 2012. No other club shows a similar pattern. Forgive us for asking, but what kind of information did Corinthians have that no other club had?

On top of this, the Caixa Econômica Federal, one of the Government’s most important financial institutions, recently closed a US$ 15 million-a-year sponsorship deal with Corinthians.

Coincidences just keep piling up, now don’t they?

Posted in Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

Tijuana 0-0 Palmeiras, and then some

May 3, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

Tijuana_Palmeiras_Foto_Ferreira_LANCEPress_LANIMA20130501_0014_26_765356629.
São Paulo Cup elimination through a penalty shootout against Santos. 17h of traveling. Artificial grass. Strong opponent. Palmeiras returned home with a not great but certainly good result against Tijuana, now needing a simple victory in the return game to qualify for the quarter-finals in the Libertadores Cup. With no other duties but training and resting in the two weeks to follow – and with the possible return of some players from the medical department, for example Patrick Vieira – expectations are high. The Pacaumbu stadium will be sold out, no doubt about it.

Against Tijuana, Palmeiras were again more heart than anything else, combined with the tactical obedience from previous Libertadores games. The relatively weak performances we’ve seen in away games did not repeat this time. Special mentioning to Bruno – magnificent between the posts – and Vinícius – working hard and always available on the left flank, keeping Tijuana’s defence busy.

 — ooo —

Serginho_Palmeiras_Clayton_de_Souza_Estadao_260413_292Last week, playmaker Serginho joined the squad. The 22-year-old was defending Oeste as of late, but spent his formative years at Santos with no other than Neymar and Paulo Henrique Ganso. Very eager, he caused a good impression when officially presented, pleased to once again be part of a big team. Serginho has been included in the Libertadores squad and can be used as playmaker or even a forward. He comes on loan until end of May 2014.

Palmeiras are studying other reinforcements, but as cash continues scarce, preference is given to options that include player swaps: Vasco players might be involved and, possibly, Maikon Leite from our side.

 — ooo —

This Saturday, club members gather in a General Assembly to take a vote on the 15% filter, as unanimously proposed by the DC. If the proposal is ratified, the Direct Vote is securely implemented already as of coming election. The filter is not ideal (no filter should be necessary, imho), but the most important right now is securing the direct vote. Thus, Anything Palmeiras endorse the “yes” vote on this one.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

Posted in Administration, Libertadores Cup, Players | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments »

Say my name, Allianz

April 29, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

What’s in a name? Sometimes, not much. Sometimes, the world.

Today, in São Paulo, WTorre, Palmeiras and Allianz publicly announced the purchase of the naming rights of the New Arena by Allianz: a deal worth roughly US$ 150 million for a 20-year contract, Palmeiras’ share being approximately US$ 19 million (the rest goes to WTorre; always remembering that Palmeiras are not paying a cent for the construction of the New Arena).

Allianz rapidly launched a facebook voting campaign, where supporters are encouraged to pick the name of Palmeiras’ new stadium from three options: Allianz Center, Allianz 360º and Allianz Parque.

Needless to say, none of these options make a palmeirense happy. The first two make no reference do Palmeiras or the Palestra Italia Stadium. The third option… Well, “Parque” is a reference to the Parque Antártica where the old Palestra Italia was situated. But the name has a strange ring to it: in Portuguese, the correct phrasing would be “Parque Allianz”. “Allianz Parque” is like calling the Munich stadium “Arena Allianz”. Doesn’t quite work.

This is however less important than the main issue: “every” supporter wants the name to be “Allianz Palestra”: the sponsor in evidence, but with a strong link to the original stadium as well as Palmeiras’ origins.

Allianz - Edward Lange CEO Allianz BrasilThe people at Allianz, like Brazil CEO Edward Lange here to your right, say it’s company policy not putting anything in front of the name “Allianz” (thus ruling out “Parque Allianz”). Allianz also fear that “Palestra” is too strong a name, that it will shadow “Allianz” if put together. And here, Allianz is choosing the wrong path.

The palmeirense is VERY traditional – a feeling sprung from the club’s origins in the Italian minorities of São Paulo, the persecution suffered in the past and the unequal treatment Palmeiras are suffering to this date. A palmeirense refers to his home, his stadium, as “Palestra Italia” or simply “Palestra”. And always will.

This is bad news if you’ve purchased the naming rights and are opting for a collision course with tradition, because you will lose. It’s good news if you trust the strength of your brand and also supporters to recognise your efforts to respect history.

Call it Allianz Parque, and supporters will say Palestra.

Call it Allianz Palestra, and many might still call it Palestra, but many others (and in increasing numbers) will call it Allianz Palestra. And believe you me: many of us will make an effort to say the full name, in recognition of the respectful attitude shown by the company in reverting the decision.

Allianz, you have a unique opportunity to please 15 million potential customers. Just say the name. Say the name.

Posted in Advertisement, Opinion, Supporters | Tagged , , , , , , | 8 Comments »

The endless upstream

April 23, 2013 by Kristian Bengtson

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At times, the only reaction is “you gotta be kidding”. With Palmeiras through to the knockout phases in the Copa Libertadores and the São Paulo Championship, the last game against Ituano should have been a formality, the only spice being a possibility to advance a position or two in the tables to seek easier opponents in the quarter-finals. Well, Palmeiras not only lost 2-1, but lost Fernando Prass: our keeper was harshly challenged by an opponent inside the penalty area while clearing a ball and fell badly, injuring his left shoulder. Six to eight weeks out of combat is the doctor’s verdict, meaning Bruno will be our hope between the posts during the concluding stages of the abovementioned tournaments. Bruno, who came on against Ituano and can be held directly responsible for the two goals suffered.

Making things worse, the causes for pains centre-back Vilson had been feeling in his left knee proved worse than expected, the player this morning undergoing a surgical procedure to remove fragments from the knee. At least four weeks away from the pitch. Vilson is one of the few newcomers available for the Libertadores Cup. Or rather, was.

Palmeiras’ medical department also includes Patrick Vieira, Valdivia, Kléber, Leandro Amaro, and Edilson. Chronic structural problems? Bad luck? I bit of both? A lot of both? In any case, Valdivia and Kléber could be ready for Saturday’s game. Let’s hope they are not only ready but hungry as Bayern Munich.

This coming Saturday, a single quarter-final decision against Santos. Already the following day, Palmeiras should be heading for Mexico to face Tijuana, on artificial grass, on the last day of the month. My guess is that we roll all over Santos but lose rather badly to Tijuana.

— ooo —

Midfielder Souza’s contract expires at the end of the year. Palmeiras wanted an extension, but Souza’s recent success has clearly gone to his head and his salary demands were simply insane. Seems he’s gotten a raise as an attempt to keep him happy, but the redhead might be looking closely at offers likely to materialise mid-semester. It would be a shame if he left prematurely, but on the other hand if money’s all he’s thinking about, better leave sooner than later. He has the capacity to write history at Palmeiras: hope he’s ready to listen to anyone who could spell that  out for him.

Scoppia che la vittoria è nostra!

Posted in Libertadores Cup, S. Paulo Championship | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments »

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