motz Posted May 31, 2011 Share Posted May 31, 2011 Obligatory disclaimer: This news report is largely fictional, composed from various fan comments and the whims of our imagination in an attempt to inspire a sense of realism through our reporting. While we do our best to keep things reasonably neutral, this report is in no way intended to be a completely bias-free representation of the parties involved, nor does it claim to provide critical analysis of past and potential outcomes from qualified Altador Cup experts. If professional analysis is what tickles your fancy, take a look at our predictions (global/daily). <b>With Yooyuball practices lined up at the Stadium in Altador, teams have been flooding in from all over Neopia. It was luck that earned the Daily Neopet’s team an exclusive interview with Shenkuu captain Mirsha Grelinek. The team seems to be working on some new techniques, and we hope to get some inside information on the team’s strategy.</b> <b>Hello, Mirsha, we’re very glad to have you sit down with us today.</b> Mirsha Grelinek: Oh, yeah, I’m pretty excited, too. <b>Well, then, let’s get right down to it! Shenkuu has been a respected team since your first competition in ACII, when you came in second runner up. But, the team has been considered inconsistent, and not on terms with say, Darigan Citadel, or the Lost Desert. Why do you think this is?</b> Mirsha: This is a tricky question, because opinions on the game are all over the place. If you ask any of our own supporters, they’ll say we’re a shoo-in for first, regardless of any supposed inconsistency. But, you’re right; a lot of people don’t think we’re quite up to the challenge. I think it’s because we don’t focus on our offense. A strong defense isn't exactly the run of the mill strategy. The ‘powerhouses’ are strong offensive teams, but in our minds, balance is more important. We work just as hard on our defensive positions as our offense, because losing goals is as shameful as missing them. Not to mention, Xana cries every time she lets a ball in. Mirsha: Oops, I shouldn't have said that. <b>Don’t worry, we’ll scratch that. Now, that does make some sense. But, a strong offense seems to work for the aforementioned powerhouse teams. Why is it so different for you guys?</b> Mirsha: Well, our strategy is to frustrate the other team. Having a strong defense does this. Now, a strong offence can also be extremely frustrating, as we’ve seen in Darigan’s strategy. We’re simply going about it a different way than them. <b>So, you’re telling me that the basic concept is the same? But, you’re just balancing it out a bit more. Trying to play a wild card, almost?</b> Mirsha: That’s the idea, yes. <b>Okay, I think I get it. Now, if this strategy is pretty much the same as the ‘powerhouse offence’, why didn’t it seem to work for you last year? I mean, Shenkuu was expected to win the cup, and yet fell so far behind.</b> Mirsha: [laughs] Wow, you go straight for the kill, don’t you? There was a lot of pressure on us last year, from both our fans and the rest of the league. It got to our heads, and Foltaggio in particular suffered for it. A lot of our main plays rely on his consistency, and he lost a lot of that last year. We’ve changed things up, so there isn’t so much pressure on him. But, I really shouldn’t reveal too much, the team’ll already be mad at me [laughs]. Let’s just say this year will be very different. People are calling us ‘underdogs’ now, but last year was a very bad year. Hopefully, we’ll knock that image out of peoples’ heads by the end of the season. <b>Well, that’s very good to hear. This year sounds like it’ll be very exciting, and I’m sure Shenkuu will bring a lot of game to the field. So, let’s move away from your strategy. How are you feeling about team support this year? Do you expect a big fan-base?</b> Mirsha: Now, that’s kind of hard to decide. We had a huge influx of fans after our second place win two years ago. But, something tells me that we won’t have a terribly big fan base this year. Hopefully, we have enough diehard fans to keep us afloat, but if no one’s buying tickets, then we lose funding. But, that’s the very worst case scenario. I doubt anything like that will happen. <b>I see, I see. Now, before I let you go, there is one more question I have to ask. Larcy Phu is said to-</b> Mirsha: Yes, I know what you’re going to ask. Larcy probably won’t cause too much trouble this year. Of course, we had a few incidents last year… <b>Oh, yes, the famed slushie-to-eyeball incident. People say that’s one of the reasons Soley left Krawk Island’s team.</b> Mirsha: Oh, I highly doubt that. A little bit of syrup and ice never hurt anyone. And Dasher was always a tough old bugger. But, Larcy…well, fans are suggesting he go to a… less personable team. But, it’s all in good humor. We love Larcy, even if he flies off the handle on occasion. He’s a good player, and a great defender. <b>Ah, back to the offence-defense balance. Tell me, though, does Larcy ever cry when he lets a ball in?</b> Mirsha: Oh, rats! Xana is going to hate me now! Sorry, Xana! <b>[laughs] Good team dynamics, then?</b> Mirsha: The best! <b>Well, thank you very much for your time, Mirsha. I should probably let you get back to the field. Practice sessions only last so long after all. I think we’re all very excited to see what kind of miracles Shenkuu pulls off this year.</b> Mirsha: No problem, I was glad to speak. And I know all of the Yooyuball fans out there will definitely enjoy this season! I know I will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest KRAWK ISLAND SQUAD Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 WHO IN THERE IMPOSSIBLE WORLD IS LACEY, HOWEVER YOU SPELL THAT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motz Posted June 1, 2011 Author Share Posted June 1, 2011 Larcy Phu Right Defender for Team Shenkuu Strengths : Tenacity, craftiness, tackling Weaknesses : Dirty play Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
:)Doc Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 Good report! I bet Shenkuu does better this year than last year. Just gotta feeling :whistle: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Person335 Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 Mirsha: Well, our strategy is to frustrate the other team. Well, it's working... Ha ha, JK. Anyway, nice interview. I like the personality you gave her. But my request for a rookie to get interviewed has been denied. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
voteforpedro333 Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 Well if you guys are wondering about fanbase, my sister has chosen Shenkuu a second time, after having a stint with the Krawks the year they won first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antiaircraft Posted June 1, 2011 Share Posted June 1, 2011 But my request for a rookie to get interviewed has been denied. No worries there - we've got quite a few interviews still lined up. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Shenkuuman Posted June 2, 2011 Share Posted June 2, 2011 For once they choose a proper captin to interview Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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