Posted by Rafa Gonzales

So the weather really took it's toll on the game across the UK. There were several matches postponed which took the focus outside of the Premiership for a change. This type of situation is not such a bad thing by the way, especially for those English-centric fanatics... like Steven. Having football freeze up across England allowed for those of us here in the States to get re-introduced to League 1 in France, as well as the Bundesliga which both reminded us how entertaining their respected leagues are.

This past year, Steven and Kenny have really tried to branch out and expand our footballing minds out side of the English game, and this weekend really made them prove their metal. Coming out of the weekend, Steven came to the conclusion that Italy just isn't as entertaining of a product to that of the English and Spanish top leagues. Citing a lack of goals and a game spent primarily battling it out in the middle of the park, Steven said that he wasn't satisfied watching the Serie A over the weekend and found more interest watching his new found love of Barcelona, or the quick paced, goal-fest that is the German Bundesliga. Kenny quite appropriately countered this argument with the age-old retort that the Italian league is a tactically defensive league with a consistently higher level of skill per player making for a tougher competition game in, and game out. And the Scotsman has a point. So there aren't fixtures full of goals coming out of Italy, but if you take the time to really watch the individual plays, the regular fighting for possession and control of the midfield, and the creative genius that comes from the few goals that are produced, Italy still has a brilliant product that only needs to be spread by those who understand... (listen to a Kris Voakes, Carlo Garganese, or any Calcio and Coffee podcast)

Guest wise, we kick off the show with the walking quote machine and humble servant of the Magical Messi-ah, Mr. Ray Hudson from GolTV. Steven knew the attachment for Barcelona from Ray and the Catalonian Giants were the first topic of discussion. Bringing back the argument for great team ever in this Barça side, Steven asked Ray his opinion on the matter. "We are witnessing a very special period in time with this Barcelona squad".

Kenny tried to shift gears away from Spain and Barcelona a bit by trying to see what was Ray's Goal or Moment of 2010 was? Unfortunately for Kenny though, Mr. Hudson took it right back to Barcelona and the "Little Magician" who doesn't have one single glorious highlight, "his masterpiece is yet to come, and that is what makes every touch of Lionel Messi's so special. Every time Messi in on the ball, you are expecting greatness." Eventually the boys switched gears and got Ray to talk a little Bundesliga which he also commentates for GolTV.

Our second guest of the day was the freelance Italian football journalist Matthew Barker. We are lucky to have several top quality guests to cover all things football out of Italy, and Matt is no exception. He brings a comfortable conversational knowledge about all matter on and off the pitch in Italy, and it shows. Immediately, Kenny wanted to talk about his beloved Cassano who is looking to make a move soon. Then Steven jumped over to Inter and the current job situation of Rafa Benitez. And after 25 minutes of grilling him, the boys gave him the hardest question of the night when they asked what he had planned for the holidays. It took a while for Matt to answer, but "sitting, drinking lots of wine, and watching rubbish holiday television" was his plans for Christmas.

We were supposed to bring on Craig Burley of ESPN, but he was pushed to Tuesday at 9:15am PST. We also bring you Phil Ball of ESPN Soccernet. He wrote a really powerful piece of Barcelona's visit to Espanyol over the weekend and the warm reception that Andres Iniesta had from usually spiteful and cold Catalonian rivals. You can find it on our Facebook Fan Page. Do make sure to tune in as we bring you some big shows to close out the year.

Cheers,
Rafa

ps: Happy Birthday Mom!



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