Sportive Ramblings • 30 March 2003

The Italian press attacks again

By Kevin Grech

After two Formula One races, Michael Schumacher is failing to impress the Italian media. The German driver was slammed by the unforgiving Italian media for his performance in the last race and was practically written off for the whole season.

The Italian media are very good at making a person feel like the ‘king of the mountain’ in good times. But the joys of victory are immediately forgotten when the tide turns.

The Italian media has completely forgotten about Schumi bringing the Italian team from ruins to glory. They have forgotten that this driver has won five championships - three with Ferrari and two with Benetton - and has broken numerous records in Formula One.

Schumacher has practically dominated Formula One for the last 10 years. Even when he was not champion he was still the centre of attraction for viewers and competitors alike. His dominance last season led the governing bodies of Formula One to overhaul the rules so that Ferrari’s dominance would be cut down.

Schumi is paid very well for what he does, but Ferrari hired him to do a job and he has delivered more than what was expected. The season has only just started and he will be back to his former glory.

Is Beckham worth it?

In the last weeks we have heard a lot of rumours concerning David Beckham. The most recent being his supposed move to Real Madrid. Rumour had it that Real offered Manchester United US$60 million and Portugese stalwart Figo in exchange for Beckham.

The Englishman is a very good player but he is not worth this price tag. We cannot forget that he has been practically playing with the same players since his introduction to Man Utd. Will he blend into a team like Real Madrid? Does Beckham have the class of Zidane, Raul or Figo? With Man. Utd. Beckham lives the life of a movie star. Could he adjust to the Spanish or Italian leagues? These are questions that everybody would like to find the answers to. I believe Beckham would like to know the answers too. Being at the top of his footballing career and with a salary that ridicules Malta’s deficit inevitably the spotlight will always shine on Becks.

kev@maltamag.com