Premier League / Paul Moon / 25 May 2009 / 3 Comments

Paul Moon shares his strong opinions on the problems with English football and explains why he believes Barcelona have the tactical nous to overcome Manchester United in the Champions League final.

Intelligence, cunning, discipline, patience, possession and tactics are not words readily associated with English football. Some of our best players absorb these qualities in the course of their career but generally they are neither natural nor nurtured.

One reason why coaches in England sign so many continental players is that they come ready assembled. They are 'cute' and come attached umbilical style with the above disciplines. With language and lifestyle no longer barriers, assimilation is easier. Kudos and the money pool entice the best players and this cascades downwards.

Most English footballers come from the lower social classes and the vast majority of those come (regrettably) with a 'council estate mentality'. This will never entirely leave the individual and will be a hindrance and a negative throughout his career!

Our football academies ignore this ingredient. He will be 16 before he is offered a scholarship and move to digs nearer the club where he will be expected to continue his education at a local college. By the time he gets his NVQ, bad habits normalise and cement unchallenged.

At the same stage the continental boy will be able to speak at least two languages, recognise the perils of booze, cigarettes and drug abuse and have respect for his body and elders! Seemingly, nature has already given him touch and control.

The playing prowess of the Spaniards at Euro 2008 underlined how difficult it will be for England to win a trophy. Although the Champions League is different because of the national mix within the squad, problems continually resurface with the English contingent.

Two outstanding, positive and confident teams competing in the Champions League suggest and promise a magnificent final. Nerve ends jangle as an exhilarating mix of heady excitement and expectation fills the air. Alas, harsh reality and history are still to play their hand.

After the match on Wednesday 27 May 2009 at the Stadio Olimpico, Rome we are more likely to be talking about a contentious refereeing decision on the back of a moment of recklessness rather than a fabulous football match. This should surprise nobody - but it will, it always does.

Prior to the match ex-footballers and pundits alike spew out biased and influenced information dressed as fact before coming to some indeterminate conclusions. Inane phrases like 'good knock,' 'covering every blade of grass' and 'never say die' are foolishly blurted out as if valued on parity to technical ability.

Despite his domestic success, Sir Alex Ferguson is not renowned for this tactical acumen - his favourite word is tempo. He has admitted that his side has under-performed in Europe during his reign, which is a startling but honest confession. He is part of the reason.

Clearly, with all the resources at his disposal Manchester United should have won the Champions League more often. In 52 years of this competition, cash-laden Manchester United has won it just three times. To get this figure into perspective Nottingham Forest have won it twice, Aston Villa once and Liverpool five times.

Barcelona have been irresistible this season and are on the verge of being the first Spanish club to win the league, domestic cup and European title in the same season. Intelligent coach Pep Guardiola, who has played at the highest level until recently, understands detail and it is this cuteness that will be the difference.

I expect Barcelona to seize control before exploiting frailties between the back four and keeper. Lionel Messi, who has not scored in 10 matches against English clubs, will surely break his duck. This match will not go into extra time. Latest Betfair prices show: Barcelona [2.82] Manchester United [2.78] Draw [3.45].