The Beautiful Game Weekly

Team of Euro 2012

2012-07-03T16:09:00.001+01:00

Italy coach Prandelli worked wonders
for the Azzuri this summer

Another successful tournament draws to a close and one that saw Spain make history, becoming the first team to win three successive major international tournaments. Prior to Euro 2012, stories began to surface regarding racism being rife in both Poland and Ukraine, theories that proved untrue as both countries put on a superb tournament. The football on hand was spectacular and, as a result, Euro 2012 will go down as one of the greatest international competitions in recent memory.

With it, came stunning individual performances from players from the 16 representing nations and, as a result, below is my Team of Euro 2012. Playing a 4-3-3, it reads as follows:

Gianluigi Buffon – Italy

At 34 years of age, some wouldn’t be wrong in thinking Gianluigi Buffon would start to show signs of slowing as he grows older. However, the Italy captain, on the back-end of a title winning campaign with Juventus, proved to the watching world that he still is a goalkeeper on top of his game. Spectacular in between the sticks, the back-line was confident enough to rely on ‘Gigi’ to provide a solidified last line of defence and he was part of the reason the Azzuri reached the final. His performances didn’t warrant being on the receiving end of a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Spain in the last game of the tournament.

Mathieu Debuchy – France

The Lille star came into the tournament with high hopes and didn’t fail to disappoint. Mathieu Debuchy was a shining star in a somewhat disappointing France campaign. Attacking with intent from right-back and defending admirably when called upon, interest in Debuchy would surely have risen throughout the duration of the tournament. A poor performance against Spain in the quarter-finals would have done little to dampen interest in the 26-year-old, who has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Sergio Ramos – Spain

Despite regularly playing right-back for the national side, Sergio Ramos was called upon to fill the void left by the injured Carles Puyol. Although the Real Madrid star and team-mate Gerard Pique both got off to a shaky start, the pairing grew into the tournament to form a formidable partnership. Showing superb athleticism and providing a perfect defensive shield for goalkeeper Iker Casillas, Ramos was vital to the Spain side that created history in Poland and Ukraine.

Mats Hummels – Germany

The Borussia Dortmund defender was instrumental for Germany this summer in their path to the semi-final. An injury to Per Mertesacker ensured Mats Hummels would start Euro 2012 partnering Holger Badstuber in defence. The 23-year-old repaid the faith shown in him by head coach Joachim Low with a series of superb performances in Die Mannschaft. His ability to read the game and positional sense saw him only commit his first foul in the first half of the semi-final defeat to the Azzuri.

Jordi Alba – Spain

Like Debuchy, Jordi Alba came into the tournament with high expectations and didn’t disappoint. Having made just five caps prior to Euro 2012, many were apprehensive as to whether he would be able to handle the pressure. However, he took to the squad like a duck to water and was, comfortably, the best left-back of the competition. Having recently moved to Barcelona, presumably as a replacement for Eric Abidal, he will fit seamlessly into the system at the Camp Nou.

Andres Iniesta – Spain

‘The Solution Man’ as Graham Hunter dubbed him in his book Barca: The making of the greatest team in the world, Andres Iniesta proved to be just that for Spain. The midfielder may not have found the net in normal time throughout the tournament, but was essential to Spain’s progress to the final. As part of the six-man midfield that Vicente Del Bosque employed, Iniesta was sensational breaking forward from deep and supporting the likes of Cesc Fabregas and David Silva. Rightly awarded UEFA Player of the Tournament.

Andrea Pirlo – Italy

With his displays in the heart of the Italy midfield, many of the English pundits acted as though Andrea Pirlo was a youngster lighting up the tournament. However, at 33-years-old, the Juventus schemer is experienced on the international stage, racking up 89 caps for the Azzuri. With Italy heading into the tournament on the back-end of another match fixing scandal, it had been expected they would crash out at the group stage. Yet, with Pirlo pulling the strings in the middle of the park, Cesare Prandelli’s side exceeded expectations to reach the final. Will forever be remembered the Panenka penalty against England in the quarter-finals.

Joao Moutinho – Portugal

Cruelly underappreciated by some, with Cristiano Ronaldo often stealing the headlines, Joao Moutinho was the man that made things tick for Portugal. Finishing Euro 2012 with a pass completion of 82%, it was hardly surprising to see the FC Porto star at the hub of creativity for the national side. Calm on the ball and able to play anywhere across the midfield, it is hardly surprising to see interest high in the 25-year-old following the summer.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Moutinho may have worked his magic in the middle of the park, but it was Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals that saw Portugal reach the semi-finals of Euro 2012. Much hype had been made about the Real Madrid prior to the tournament following an excellent season with Los Blancos. However, after the first two games, scoring zero goals, many believed it was another tournament that Ronaldo would fail to turn up to. He turned it around in the 3-1 win over Holland and netted the winning goal over Czech Republic in the quarter-finals.

Mario Mandzukic – Croatia

With more being made of compatriot Nikica Jelavic prior to the tournament, Mario Mandzukic was the one that quietly went about his business in the 3-1 win over Republic of Ireland. Netting twice against the Irish, and once more in the 1-1 draw with Italy, the 26-year-old helped alleviate the pressure from the Everton striker and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Luka Modric. Comfortable as either the target man or in the number 10 role, his performances warranted his spot in my team of Euro 2012. Recently signed for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Antonio Cassano – Italy

Where it was Mario Balotelli stealing the headlines with his double over Germany, Antonio Cassano was the man supporting the Manchester City striker. Exceptional alongside the young Italian, it’s hard to believe Cassano required heart surgery earlier this year after suffering a stroke. Finding space expertly between the opposition midfield and defence, he caused numerous problems when pushing forward and was superb supporting Balotelli in the front-line.

Cesare Prandelli – (Coach, Italy)

Vicente Del Bosque would have been the easy choice for coach of the tournament, having re-written history twice. However, Cesare Prandelli takes the prize for this accolade. As mentioned, Italy came into the tournament on the backend of another match fixing scandal. Back-to-back defeats in the build up to Euro 2012 saw the Azzuri written off at the beginning, but Prandelli got Italy playing like a team rather than a nation. Taking them to the final, only to be beaten by eventual winners Spain in Ukraine, goes to show the capabilities of the former Fiorentina boss.

Players that could’ve made the cut:

Bastian Schweinsteiger

Joao Pereira

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Daniel Agger

Mario Gomez

Xavi

Xabi Alonso

Jakub Blaszczykowski

Vicente Del Bosque (coach)

Ben McAleer

The five to watch out for at Euro 2012

2012-06-04T22:34:00.001+01:00

Young Dutch striker Luuk de Jong
is one that will impress this summer,
having netted 32 goals last season

The European Championships are almost upon us. The best players across the continent are set to show off their capabilities to the watching world and, with numerous performers, the chance to impress potential suitors is likely to be higher than ever before. With the tournament in Poland and Ukraine comes the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robin Van Persie and more to really prove why they should be considered the world’s greatest.

Yet, there are those that haven’t been hyped up to the standard of the aforementioned trio and numerous others. Those that will see the competition as the opportunity of a lifetime to take over the reins for the future and are set to take the game by storm. Below, are the five players that, given the chance, will light up Euro 2012.

Yevhen Konoplyanka (Ukraine)

Starting off with one of the two host nations, the Ukraine youngster is tipped to impress this summer. Attracting interest from numerous Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Liverpool, Konoplyanka looks set to be one of the young stars of the tournament. At just 22-years-old, the winger already has 18 international caps to his name, with an impressive return of five goals, averaging one ever 3.6 games.

The type of player that will create something out of nothing, his footballing capabilities have seen him drawn comparisons to Lionel Messi. Currently dubbed Ukrainian football’s great new hope, given the time and space, Konoplyanka is one that can cause damage down either side of the pitch. Currently plying his trade with Ukrainian outfit FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk, should he enjoy a prolific tournament, the Dnepryani, currently managed by former Tottenham Hotspur coach Juande Ramos, will struggle to keep hold of their prodigious wideman.

A player that would take particular interest to England fans, having been placed in Group D with the joint-hosts, the youngster is certainly one to keep an eye on. With the ability to cause serious damage on the flanks, Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole, should they start against the Eastern European side, will need to be on top of their respective games in order to keep the winger quiet.

Luuk de Jong (Holland)

Following the likes of Arsenal front-man Robin Van Persie and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar of FC Schalke 04, Luuk de Jong is another Dutch striker to have had a prolific domestic season. The trio amassed an astonishing 117 goals between them, with the young FC Twente striker the lowest scoring of the three with 32.

Despite amassing an impressive total domestically, the 21-year-old is unlikely to start for Holland this summer. Head coach Bert van Marwijk tends to favour a 4-3-3 formation, and with Huntelaar’s impressive 48 goals this season, the powerful Schalke man is likely to spearhead the attack with Arjen Robben and one of either Van Persie or Dirk Kuyt in support.

However, that doesn’t mean de Jong won’t be called upon if needed. The player himself may only have seven international caps to his name, and one goal to match coming in the 2-0 win over Finland last September, but it doesn’t mean he hasn’t got the ability to cause havoc from the bench. At 6ft 2, he has the aerial threat about him to cause damage during the competition, especially late on when defences are tiring.

Should Holland have qualified by the last game, unlikely considering their group opponents, then fans can expect to see de Jong undertake the role that Huntelaar will surely fill when the Dutch kick off their campaign against Denmark on Saturday. Not a player to be taken lightly, despite his frail physique, the striker, given the chance, will look to make an impact during his time in Polkraine.

Christian Eriksen (Denmark)

The young Dane isn’t adverse to the pressure of a wider audience having already been linked with a move to one of Europe’s heavyweights in recent months. Another impressive campaign with Ajax has seen Christian Eriksen mooted as one of the stars of Euro 2012 and the expectations to succeed this summer are huge.

After being widely tipped to leave the Eredivisie champions last summer, the 20-year-old opted to remain in Holland with Ajax reaping the rewards of his loyalty, with Eriksen ending the season with eight goals and 21 assists in all competitions. The impressive return has only raised interest in his signature, with many vying to secure a deal prior to Fridays kick off.

Much similar in style to Konoplyanka, the potential for Eriksen to emerge as one of the star performers of the tournament is massive. Comfortable on the wing or just behind the strikers, it is the form and star factor of soon-to-be-Chelsea-winger Eden Hazard that has seen the young Dane, seemingly, slip under the radar as one of Europe’s emerging talents.

A big money move certainly beckons for the Ajax ace, be it before or after the tournament. However, if Eriksen lives up to the hype this summer in Polkraine, the Dutch side will be able to dictate the market and, in effective, auction off the youngster, should they decide to sell. One major factor could be whether they are willing to, possibly, lose captain Jan Vertonghen and the winger in the summer transfer window. Nevertheless, the much-talked-about midfielder is certainly one to keep an eye on this summer.

Marvin Martin (France)

Somewhat of a late bloomer to the international scene, being the oldest of the five players on the list at 24-years-old, Marvin Martin is a player that has, arguably, snuck under the radar into this list. Having only made his debut a little over 12 months ago, in the 4-1 win over Ukraine as a second half substitute where he netted twice and assisted for Younes Kaboul to net on his debut, Martin could be one of the surprise packages at the European Championships.

Having arrived at current club Sochaux in 2002, the young midfielder came through the ranks of the Ligue 1 club before making his debut in 2008. Now a fully fledged starter for the club based in Eastern France, the Frenchman is often called upon to break down even the most stubborn of opposition with his excellent vision and pin-point passing accuracy.

Often compared to Tottenham Hotspur’s Luka Modric, due to his slight frame and lack of height, Marvin is, technically, very good on the ball and, given the time and space to pick his place, will often ensure the opposition is put to sword should he be given the chance. However, despite his impressive showings for Les Lionceaux, the diminutive schemer is unlikely to command a starting place in the France squad this summer, with Samir Nasri, Alou Diarra and, when fit, Yann M’Vila preferred by head coach Laurent Blanc.

Yet, should he be given the chance, Martin will be looking to take full advantage of the occasion and showcase his capabilities to the football fans viewing the tournament this month.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (England)

Much like Theo Walcott at the World Cup in 2006, Arsenal team-mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could be perceived as the shock call-up by new manager Roy Hodgson. With the former West Bromwich Albion boss causing a stir by not including Michael Carrick and Micah Richards in his travelling 23-man squad, the young Gunners startlet looks to have secured his place on the plane without so much as a whimper from the media.

With just two England caps to his name, the winger is the youngest player on the list at just 18-years-old and perhaps the player with the least expectation riding upon his shoulders. Arrived at the Emirates Stadium last summer in a deal that could rise to £15m, Oxlade-Chamberlain had spent just the solitary in the Southampton senior squad before Arsene Wenger opted to move for the youngster.

And despite often being overlooked by the Frenchman, the England man has looked a constant threat when called-upon by Wenger, especially in the latter half of the season. Ended the season with just four goals and three assists in 26 games, a majority of which came from the bench, he still earned many of the plaudits due to an impressive run of form, especially in Europe.

Unlikely to start under Hodgson, the winger’s explosive pace and frightening ability to run at his man with speed and reason will see the Ox become a key member of the England team in Polkraine, especially from the bench. The England coach needs to ensure his time at the Euro’s isn’t wasted, much like Walcott’s in Germany six years ago, and should the need arise, be confident that the 18-year-old can the player to change any game in the blink of an eye.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Barcelona

2012-06-01T13:12:00.001+01:00

Barcelona captain Puyol is one
that will need replacing soon

The past four years for Barcelona have been nothing short of mesmerising. Move and move, pass after pass, goal after goal; everything about them was exceptional. The dream on Holland legend Johan Cruyff, who spent 13 years as a player and manager with the Catalan side, was realised through former pupil Pep Guardiola once he was placed in charge of the club in 2008.

One of Cruyff’s fabled disciples, the Spaniard managed to become the most successful manager in the clubs illustrious history over the past four years, picking up 15 trophies in the process. The style of play on show, widely renowned as tika-taka, was a legacy of Cruyff’s to bring the ‘Dutch influence’ to Barcelona. He finally got to see it in action once Guardiola took over.

However, like all good things, it must come to an end and even though the football may not stop, Guardiola's reign most certainly has with the recent Copa Del Rey win over Athletic his final game in charge of the Blaugrana. With it, the curtain draws close on one of the club’s, and to an extent football itself, most famous eras. With Tito Vilanova, Guardiola’s ex-assistant, set to take over from the former midfielder, not many changes are needed to tweak this team. Undoubtedly, like any summer for any team however, modifications will be made.

The new manager

As mentioned, Vilanova will succeed Guardiola next season at the Camp Nou, despite reports linking the club with moves for Athletic manager Marcelo Bielsa and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal. However, Barcelona, much like they do with their players, have opted to promote from within and draft in the 42-year-old, who was famously on the receiving end of an eye gauge from Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho during a feisty Spanish Super Cup encounter last August.

Much like the appointment of Guardiola in 2008, the Barca board are hoping that in Vilanova, they can continue the high quality footballing standards that the club are fabled for. Like any manager approaching a new job, the squad will come under careful assessment from the 42-year-old during the off season.

That isn’t to say Vilanova hasn’t has the chance to inspect the players at close quarters, having been Pep’s assistant since his appointment as first-team coach in 2008. However, he now has the difficult choices to make in which of the current playing staff are good enough to remain with him, where the squad needs strengthening and where he is to fortify these areas.

The La Masia product line, of which he was heavily tied to as Guardiola’s assistant during the Barcelona B season of 2007/08, will undoubtedly be called upon again, but there are numerous positions which could do with reinforcing. Whether these are new arrivals from oversees, or even within Spain itself, or the youth team produce, which continues to prove itself as one of, if not the, best in World football.

The best team in the world; what needs strengthening?

It is hard to believe that the best could indeed get better. But, the Catalan outfit do need to spend this summer if they are to reclaim their dominant position in La Liga. It is all well and good playing the most attractive football on the planet, whilst possessing the greatest youth team carrousel to match, but if they are to overcome fierce rivals Real Madrid and retain their place as Europe’s most feared team, a number of acquisitions need to be made.

Starting from the back, the two positions that could do with improving include centre-back and left-back. On the right, Dani Alves is likely to hold down his position alongside Gerard Pique in the back four, provided he is in Vilanova’s good books having been dropped by Guardiola towards the end of the season, will start the new season, after what has the potential to be another successful summer for the Spaniard.

Javier Mascherano has done well to step in when called upon, but the over reliance on Carles Puyol is beginning to show. The Barca captain and Catalan favourite has been excellent in recent years, and last season could be perceived as one of his best. But, at 34-years-old, Puyol isn’t getting any younger, if he is getting better.

His age is beginning to show, with another knee injury, as result of his passionate approach to the game, ruling him out of Euro 2012. It isn’t the first time this has happened either, having missed a substantial amount of the 2010/11 season with a similar knee problem and he only mustered five minutes of the 3-1 Champions League final win over Manchester United, coming on as a late substitute towards the end.

Understandably, Barca have been approaching numerous targets as they begin to prepare for life after the after Puyol, with Thiago Silva of AC Milan and Chelsea defender David Luiz both mooted as possible arrivals this summer. Then again, the La Masia product line continues to churn out highly rated youngsters, such as Marc Bartra and Marc Muniesa, with the principal still remaining to promote the youth into the first.

Whether they go for the former or latter option, the task of replacing Puyol will be a tough one.

This brings me swiftly on to the left-back position and who could come in to replace Eric Abidal. The Frenchman has been unequivocally unlucky with injury problems over the last two-years, having been forced into surgery to remove a tumour from his liver last year whilst undergoing a liver transplant back in April.

Made a remarkable comeback last season in time for the Champions League final and, defying doctor’s orders, played the full 90 minutes of the encounter and was the first to lift the trophy at Wembley. Many have been speculating that he will continue to play the game, despite his transplant earlier this year whilst some reports claim he will be forced into early retirement.

If it is the latter, it will be a shame for the 32-year-old to call time on his illustrious career, have established himself as a key member of the Barca first-team. Like Puyol, the club have been drawing on replacements should the unfortunate announcement be made, with the head of the list being former Barca youth product Jordi Alba.

The 23-year-old spent seven years with the Blaugrana between 1998 and 2005 before winding up with Valencia in 2007 via a two year spell with Cornella. Now an established Spanish international and a starter with Los Che, Barcelona are believed to be readying a move to bring Alba back to the Camp Nou, with a stipulation believed to be in his contract that allows the Catalan side to sign him this summer for a nominal fee.

Alba will, undoubtedly, be an excellent signing for Barca as they look to strengthen their backline. However, if the money is available to spend and the player in question becomes available, a move for Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale may be viable. Naturally, he will have to revert to his former position of left-back if he is make the move, but his ability to break forward and wreck havoc from deep would be reminiscent of Alves, with the thought of the two marauding forward with pace and power a scary one to say the least.

With the midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets unlikely to need reshaping, with Cesc Fabregas and Thiago Alcantara in reserve it case push comes to shove; it brings me to the front-line. For a team that scored 114 goals in La Liga last term, whilst in Lionel Messi, a playing in the first team that mustered a sensational 73 goals in all competitions, one would think that the Barcelona strikers wouldn’t need strengthening.

However, in the ranks of the Catalan side, the possess too many false number nine’s; players that will float around the six-yard box, but never find themselves on the end of a loose parry by the goalkeeper or a ricochet off a defender. David Villa was brought in two years ago, expected to fulfil the role, but has just 32 goals in all competitions since his arrival.

Prior to that, it was Zlatan Ibrahimovic for a season, himself netting contributing 21 goals to the cause. Yet, since the departure of Samuel Eto’o in 2009, Barcelona have never had a consistent number nine to lead the front-line. At times this season, this has seen the club caught out on numerous occasions, most notably during the semi-final defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League at both Stamford Bridge and the Camp Nou.

Villa and Ibrahimovic both had the potential to succeed Eto’o to detrimental effect but if this season is anything to go by; Barcelona still need that out-and-out striker and a physically dominant one at that. A striker may well be high on Vilanova’s wish list this summer and if they are looking to find one in Spain, they could do a lot worse than Fernando Llorente of Athletic Bilbao.

The Lion King is expected to lead the strike force this summer in Poland and Ukraine in the absence of Villa and his physical qualities could be exactly what they need to really push on once again next season. Outside of Spain, if Barcelona were to secure the signing of Robin Van Persie from Arsenal, the goal tally could significantly improve, with the Dutchman netting 37 goals in all competitions in a Gunners side that scrambled to third.

Out of contract next summer, it remains to be seen whether Van Persie will be at the Emirates Stadium at the beginning of the new season, with Manchester City also believed to be keen on his signature. Either way, two or three new additions need to be made over the summer for the club to propel themselves back to the summit of world football. Whether it is via La Masia or otherwise remains to be seen, but Vilanova will surely identify the three key areas that need strengthening and do all he can to bring out the brilliant best in Barcelona next season.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Chelsea

2012-05-31T09:17:00.001+01:00

Marko Marin was the first signing of
the summer by Chelsea, arriving from
Werder Bremen

In March, Andre Villas-Boas was sacked as Chelsea manager. At the time, the Blues faced the possibility of an early exit from the Champions League, a difficult away trip to Birmingham City in the FA Cup and a top four finish was looking increasingly unlikely. Come May, the West London side had won two of the three competitions.

Hard to believe that, when the former FC Porto head coach was relieved of his duties and Roberto Di Matteo placed in interim charge, Chelsea were overcoming Liverpool at Wembley to lift their seventh FA Cup trophy and, just two weeks later, had defeated Bayern Munich, at the home of the German outfit, the Allianz Arena, on penalties to become the first London side to win the Champions League.

The win in Bavaria meant that, despite a sixth place finish in the Premier League, they would be taking part in Europe’s elite competition next season at the expense of rivals Tottenham Hotspur. With the financial backing of owner Roman Abramovich, coupled with the allure of the participating amongst the games top teams next season, the summer may be an expensive one for the West London side, especially if they wish to challenge Manchester City for the Premiership title.

Comings and goings

The biggest loss to Chelsea this summer will be the departure of Didier Drogba. The powerful Ivory Coast front-man is set to leave for Shanghai Shenhua once his contract expires next month. On his day, Drogba is unplayable; defenders up and down the country must have been counting their blessings when the exit was confirmed.

Whenever a team loses one of their most prized assets, replacing the player is usually difficult, but never impossible. With the 34-year-old, however, many have described him is irreplaceable and at times, they aren’t half wrong. When Drogba was in the mood, he was a handful for even the most experienced of defenders. His explosive power, strength, physical presence and keen eye for goal made him one of footballs better strikers.

The Blues may have Lukaku in reserve, a player dubbed the new Drogba, but his lack of first-team action last season saw him drop off the radar. Nevertheless, he has all the attributes to succeed the Ivorian, just not yet.

Across the squad, fans will see the likes of Michael Essien, Florent Malouda, Jose Bosingwa, Paulo Ferreira and Saloman Kalou depart, having now been deemed surplus to requirements or are out of contract. A new right-back may come in, with Ajax youngster Gregory van der Wiel strongly linked with a move to England in order to cover the loss of the aforementioned Portuguese duo.

Furthermore, FC Porto’s Hulk is believed to have secured a big money switch to Stamford Bridge, and his arrival will only strengthen Chelsea’s attacking threat, and one which now consists of Marko Marin and Eden Hazard.

This brings me swiftly onto my next point; if there was one player to soften the blow of Drogba leaving, it was sure to be the arrival of Hazard. The Belgium international, at long last, announced where he would be plying his trade next season on Monday after, what seemed to be, a very long wait. Chelsea’s Champions League win appeared to convince the youngster of the move to Stamford Bridge after much debate as to where his future will lie.

In Hazard, Chelsea have secured a player of immense talent and even more potential to make it as one of the game’s biggest household names. Not forgetting Marin, of course, who saw his move to Stamford Bridge announced before the end of the season, the Blues have a scarily efficient attacking set-up next season, with the possibility of playing Juan Mata, Hazard and Marin in behind either Hulk, should he sign, or Fernando Torres. But, with the three big name player’s arriving, a question still lingers over Stamford Bridge; whose signings are these?

The new manager

Let’s face it; Di Matteo will go down in folklore for his Champions League exploits, irregardless of their final league position. Many of the playing staff and fans are calling for the board to appoint him on a full time basis, rather than spend heavily bringing in a new man for next season. The safer option would be to keep him on a permanent basis, which could be wise unless Abramovich is to bring in the world class name he craves.

Understandably, the Russian is eager to see Chelsea play in a similar fashion to that of Barcelona and, with Pep Guardiola now out of work following his four years with the Catalan giants, is reported to have been pulling out every persuasive trick in the book in order to convince him to cut his sabbatical short.

As good as Di Matteo was in landing silverware during his two months at the helm, the form in the league suffered severely. Yes, results were being picked up and the brand of football that was on offer wasn’t what Abramovich wants at Stamford Bridge. To be fair to the Italian, he managed to get the player’s performing to their strengths and his reliance on utilising the ‘old guard’ of Drogba, John Terry and Frank Lampard clearly paid dividends.

But, with one of the trio off, and the other two not getting any younger, there will come a time when they are forced to rely on other members of the first team. Abramovich would surely have been made aware of the need for a younger manager in order to help stabilise the club, which would suit both Di Matteo and Guardiola, with the duo being 42 and 41 respectively.

The signings currently being made, without a manager in place, appear to sway more towards the Spaniard, with Marin and Hazard being very attack minded midfielders coupled with the expected arrival of Hulk. Then again, with the Italian already based in and around the club, he could still be pushing for the oligarch to bring in the players that he believes can improve the squad. Either that, or Abramovich is doing what he did with Andrei Shevchenko in 2006 and Fernando Torres 18 months ago.

Financial Fair Play

The big ruling that is set to come in at the end of next season will undoubtedly see most, if not all, the big spenders curb their spending significantly. Chelsea, with the backing of Abramovich, will be one of the teams that will be forced into slowly the spending sprees they have been fabled for in the past.

Chances are, this will be the last summer they can really splash the case like they have been already, having spent £6m on Marin, a reported £32m on Hazard and are believed to have offered £30m for Hulk. Closing in on £60m spent without the window being open, it is hardly surprising that the Blues are looking to release some of the deadwood that will be eating into the wage budget.

Either way, the money being injected into the club by Abramovich will have to be toned down after this transfer window, while offers for player’s that could see money recouped and injected back into the club may have to be accepted in order to fulfil the FFP quota set out by UEFA president Michel Platini.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Inter Milan

2012-05-30T12:24:00.003+01:00

Stramaccioni has recently been handed
a three-year contract by Inter Milan
chairman Massimo Moratti

2010 seems eons ago for Inter Milan. Under Jose Mourinho, in just his second full season in charge of the Nerazzuri, the club became the first team in the history of Italian football to secure the treble, winning the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champions League during the 2009/10 season.

However, having picked up the trophies, Mourinho opted to exit the San Siro on a high for Real Madrid and it has all been downhill since there. Since the Special One left, Inter have gone through five managers in a vain attempt to replicate the accolades he won the club during his two years in Italy.

Rafa Benitez, Leonardo, Gian Piero Gasperini and Claudio Ranieri were all brought in by trigger happy chairman Massimo Moratti and either left on their own accord or were sacked by the Italian due to poor performances. As a result, Andrea Stramaccioni was promoted from his role as youth team coach and after winning seven of his 11 games in charge of the Inter first-team, it was today confirmed that he would continue his role until the end of the 2015 season.

Yet, how long will that last? If results don’t go the 36-year-old’s way, how long before Moratti believes enough is enough? Some believe the Inter hot-seat to be a poisoned chalice, due to the chairman’s willingness to sack any underperforming manager at will. For an under-experienced manager like Stramaccioni, who is still working on obtaining his UEFA Pro coaching license, this summer could be pivotal to his success as a manager and next season for Inter.

An ageing squad

It is no secret that Inter possess one of the oldest squads in Europe, very similar to how rivals AC Milan were a number of seasons ago. With Yuto Nagatomo, Lucio, Walter Samuel and Maicon the back four during the last game of the Serie A season, a 3-1 defeat to Lazio, the age of all four combined was 123.

With the club perceived as one of the best in Europe, and fabled for its rock solid defence from the days of Helenio Herrera, a combined age of a backline reaching three figures, and quite high into that figure as well I might add, will always be susceptible to mistakes, just from age alone. Samuel and Lucio aren’t getting any younger at with each now at 34, strikers will find it easier to pick out space behind the two defenders and exploit the lack of pace between the pairing.

This is one key area that will need, not necessarily strengthening, but an injection of youth. The duo were never the quickest of defenders in their heyday and with just three, maybe four, years of football left in their respective careers, Stramaccioni will need to long beyond the defensive pairing, perhaps in time for the new season.

Nagatomo, the youngest, at just 25 years of age, of the aforementioned quartet, won’t need replacing having established himself as a regular in the starting XI for the Nerazzuri but Maicon, on the other, looks to be past his brilliant best of his earlier Inter days. Made to look average by Gareth Bale during the 2010/11 Champions League campaign, chinks are now beginning to show in the right-backs armour.

Dropped from the Brazil squad after a drop of form, despite showing enough to warrant interest from Manchester City, it may be time for the club to think about bringing in a new full-back to replace the 30-year-old. With Christian Chivu now 31, it leaves just Andrea Ranocchia and Marco Davide Faraoni as the only defenders, along with Nagatomo, under the age of 30 with any real first team experience.

A similar problem runs through the midfield and the front-line, with a number of starters the wrong side of 30. Esteban Cambiasso, Diego Forlan, Diego Milito, new signing Rodrigo Palacio, Dejan Stankovic, Javier Zanetti; all are aged 30 or above. All possess the necessary quality to succeed at the top, there is no doubting that, but a massive injection of youth throughout the first-team is desperately needed, despite Wesley Sneijder, Freddy Guarin and Ricardo Alvarez all involved in or around the starting XI under Stramaccioni.

Stability

As previously mentioned, Inter are currently on their fifth manager since Mourinho left in 2010. To put into contrast, Moratti has hired and fired 19 managers in the 17 years he has been at the helm of the club. Manchester United, for example, have hired and fired the same number of managers in 120 years.

The Nerazzuri are in desperate need of some stability in order to succeed in the long run. Current Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and Mourinho are the two longest serving managers under Moratti’s reign, lasting four and two years respectively, with the former, despite picking up seven trophies in those four years, still sacked by the Italian.

With Stramaccioni, Moratti has taken a huge gamble in appointing the 36-year-old as Ranieri’s successor, but his win ratio of 63.64% during his short stint as head coach suggests the chairman may have made the right choice. Now, after confirming the former youth team coach will remain in charge of first-team affairs for at least next season, reports today have claimed that he will stay on for at least another three seasons at the San Siro.

Part of the reason Moratti may have opted to hand the reins to Stramaccioni is that, having seen the success of Pep Guardiola with Barcelona, he may be able to replicate the accolades the Spaniard achieved at the Camp Nou. Either way, if Inter are to achieve further success over the coming years, Moratti will have to stick with the young Italian, even if the results on the pitch aren’t going according to plan.

Under Stramaccioni, the former youth team coach is already accustomed to the up and coming talents at the club and with him in charge; that aforementioned injection of youth may come sooner rather than later, and down a less expensive path that Moratti may have taken in the past.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Lille

2012-05-29T08:29:00.004+01:00

Mathieu Debuchy is one to have been linked
with a move away from Lille this summer

Lille OSC are expected to undergo a major revamp this summer. Having secured a third place finish, just a year after their Ligue 1 win, a place in next year’s Champions League is guaranteed. The participation in Europe’s elite competition for the new campaign will boost the recognition of the club around the world.

However, will it be enough to convince the big name players currently plying their trade with club to remain in France? If their latest transfer dealings are anything to go by, it’s unlikely. Gervinho left last summer for Arsenal, Moussa Sow moved to Fenerbache whilst Eden Hazard recently confirmed he is to move to Chelsea.

On top of that, Adil Rami moved to Valencia, Yohan Cabaye joined Newcastle United, Joe Cole is expected to return to Liverpool following the culmination of his loan spell this summer and Mathieu Debuchy is a reported target for a host of clubs across Europe. The loss of key players and star performers will undoubtedly hamper Les Dogues and is set to leave manager Rudi Garcia with a tough summer on his hands.

The Hazard factor

Once Gervinho and Sow had departed the club, Hazard was expected to quickly follow suit. A January exit had been mooted, but after confirming he would remain with Lille until the summer, the Belgian international conceded he would be leaving at the end of the season. Having finished the season with 22 goals, which included a hat-trick in the last game of the season against Nancy, and 16 assists, it was hardly surprising to have seen Hazard touted around Europe.

Yet, the way he has gone about deciding which team he is set to play for next season has already seen a number of fans turn their back on him. Confirming his intention to play in England earlier this season, the race started to bring in one of the game’s highest rated youngsters. Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, briefly, and Chelsea all emerged as favourites to secure his signature ahead of the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

As the months have dragged on, the front-runners began to reveal themselves; City with their billions and Premier League title win, United with their star name and Chelsea with the financial backing of owner Roman Abramovich and their recent Champions League win over Bayern Munich. These three were the teams that, as confirmed last week, would be where Hazard’s future lays, with the latter being the team he chose.

In his exit, Lille are to lose one hell of player. Hazard is one that will light up the Premiership for years to come and when, as expected, it was confirmed that he is to join the Champions League holders, their strength in firepower breaking forward is one to rival any team in the world. One man who knows best about him is Andrew Gibney, the chap who runs French Football Weekly and his thoughts on Hazard are unparalleled. All I can tell is that Lille are going to lose a player of immense quality and replacing him, unlike Gervinho and Sow who made up the attacking three that made them so dangerous breaking forward, is going to be an almighty task.

The new stadium

The 4-1 win over Nancy also signalled the end of another era for Lille; it was to be the last game they played at the Stade Lille-Metropole. Since 2004, LOSC have considered 18,000 seater stadium their home and after winning their first championship since 1954 in 2011, the time is right to move to a bigger home to ply their trade.

The Grand Stade Lille Métropole is nearing completion and set to be opened in time for the new season as the club look to reclaim the Ligue 1 crown they lost to Montpellier. At 50,000, the stadium will match the club’s ambitions to become one of France’s biggest teams whilst aiding in attracting possible targets to the club.

Coupled with the Champions League football set to be on show, it will bolster the coffers for Garcia to help improve the squad. With Hazard and Debuchy just two players set to depart over the summer, the Frenchman will have the opportunity to utilise the increase in budget from the sale of the Belgium international, whilst the increase in TV revenue from the Champions League will aid in paying off the new stadium rather than eating into the money that can go towards transfers.

Either way, despite losing Hazard to Chelsea, the future is bright for Lille. Jires Kembo-Ekoko of Rennes has been heavily linked with a move to the club and is believed to be the perfect player for Garcia to mould. The new stadium and the prospect of Champions League football to look forward to is one that will certainly appeal to the fans.

Replacing Hazard may be an uphill challenge, but, as clichéd as it sounds, no player is bigger than the club. In Garcia, Lille have one of the finest managers in France and whilst reshaping his squad to accommodate the lack of the Belgium winger may be difficult, it isn’t impossible. But, bringing in the right player’s will be important for the club this summer if they are to continue the progress they have been making since the 48-year-old took over in 2008.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Liverpool

2012-05-28T12:56:00.004+01:00

Stewart Downing is one of many
that will have to prove his worth
to the new manager next season

A Carling Cup win did little to mask over the poor Premier League performance last season, where Liverpool, having spent heavily over the summer, could only muster an eighth place finish. If anyone can testify to that statement, it’s Kenny Dalglish, who was sacked from his position at the club a little over a week ago.

With the financial backing of the Fenway Sports Group, the Reds were expected to challenge for, at least, a top four finish. However, having dropped too many points at Anfield, a place they lost just following Dalglish’s appointment for the latter half of the 2010/11 season, the Merseyside outfit finished 17 points behind fourth place Tottenham Hotspur.

However, now managerless, this summer is set to be of monumental importance to the future of the Merseyside outfit. Currently underperforming, but set to participate in Europe next season, months of rebuilding are set to be undertaken as Liverpool look to break back into the top four next season.

The manager

The most important facet that needs addressing sooner rather than later. Following the sacking of Dalglish, Liverpool were linked with a host of big name managers ranging from Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho to former Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas. Yet, despite the Reds approaches for the likes Swansea City boss Brendan Rodgers to Frank de Boer of Ajax, nobody seemed keen to take over the reins at Anfield.

Getting a new man in as quickly as possible is the most viable option for the club’s owners as they look to secure the necessary stability to take the club forward. Wigan Athletics Roberto Martinez appears to be the overwhelming favourite having met John W Henry in Miami on Thursday. Many of the Reds faithful had been pining for a return of Rafa Benitez, a distinct possibility with the Spaniard out of work, but after admitting they want a younger man to take charge, Martinez appears to be the man FSG want in charge.

To be fair to the club’s American owners, they want the new man at the helm to bring in a stable environment and you can understand their inclination to bring in a younger manager to bring this on. Furthermore, the attacking football the Martinez had his Latics side playing during his time at the DW Stadium will surely get the Reds fans salivating at the prospect of the style of the play their team will be playing in the foreseeable future.

The only major worry appears to be his youth and inexperience. Yes, Martinez may have five years worth of management behind him, but at just 38-years of age, the possible criticism and lack of time with one of the so called ‘sky four’ could hinder his progress as a coach, especially if he gets off to a slow start with his new club, should he be appointed.

Nevertheless, it is vital that the new manager is ready to start pre-season at the beginning of July in order to stamp down his authority and implement his ideas into the first-team. Martinez clearly ticks all the necessary boxes to match FSG’s ambitions, being young and attack minded, and if they believe him to be the right man to take the club forward, in the long-term, then the support of the fans will be pivotal for their success.

The Players

The first-team squad at Liverpool will be key to the success of Martinez. However, it is also a two-way street and if the Spaniard is to be considered a success at Anfield, he will need to earn the respect of the players. Unlike the Villas-Boas approach at Chelsea, involving a major cull of the senior members of the squad, Martinez will have to ensure his workings are right.

Dalglish, to his credit, had already earned the admiration of the current playing squad following his cult hero status with the fans following his spell as a player and first stint as manager. From the word go, Martinez will, like Roy Hodgson, not be a fan favourite having succeeded Kenny on Merseyside. It is a similar scenario to Hodgson, who fans took an instant distain to due to the fact he wasn’t Dalglish.

If he is to establish himself on Anfield, should FSG look to him, Martinez may be wise in taking the Frank Rijkaard approach the Dutchman adopted when he took over Barcelona in 2003. With fan favourite Luis Enrique set to retire at the end of the campaign Rijkaard took over, a then 40-year-old Frank knew he would have to somehow cull the Spaniard from the squad.

However, rather than instantly cut him from the first-team, and face a revolt from one of the senior squad members, Rijkaard persisted with the midfielder at the beginning of the season before slowly fazing him out of first-team duties, explaining his decision to Enrique, thus earning his respect and harmony in the dressing room.

Martinez will have to take a similar approach should the time come with captain Steven Gerrard, much like it did with Jamie Carragher, another vocal and respected member of the dressing room, had been dropped from the starting XI in favour of Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger across the course of the season by Dalglish. Yet, the difference between Dalglish and Martinez is that, as previously mentioned, the former had already earned the respect of his player’s via his playing and managerial career.

Yet it isn’t just Martinez that could have to prove his worth to the club, with a number of under performers from last season set to be handed a second chance to really prove their worth. The likes of Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam all arrived with high expectations, yet failed to deliver in their first year on Anfield. These player’s, amongst other, will have to showcase their capabilities to the new manager in order to warrant a place in the starting XI for the new campaign.

Transfers

The underperforming arrivals last summer will be put to the sword, should the new manager opt against utilising them in his future plans. FSG backed Dalglish heavily during the summer and the January window that the Scot took over and the group will again need to back the manager this transfer window again, should the need arise.

Reports suggest the American company will look to utilise the bosman market, a move that could backfire on them with the huge sums of money they have thrown at the club. The new manager will want the financial backing of the owners, should he deem the current crop unnecessary to his plans for the club.

If FSG were willing to save on costs, it could have a detrimental effect on not only the squad, but also the club’s limitations when it comes to re-breaking back into the top four. Liverpool now need to invest heavily if they are to improve on their eighth place finish and Carlin Cup win. Silverware in the trophy cabinet may have appeased some, but when it comes to measuring success, a lot is based on reaching the Champions League.

Another campaign outside of Europe’s elite competition could have a serious effect on the future of the club. The fanbase will forever remain with the club, that is a given, but whether the player’s will again settle for a third successive season without any involvement in the Champions League is another matter altogether.

Bringing in new acquisitions this transfer window could be more pivotal than in previous years and it is up to the owners to back the manager financially to ensure this happens. Without it, the new man could end up feeling undermined, leading to a disharmonic atmosphere in the dressing room that would, undoubtedly, cost the team on the pitch. For all football fans know, this could be the most important summer in recent history for Liverpool.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Athletic Bilbao

2012-05-24T11:53:00.003+01:00

Fernando 'the Lion King' Llorente
is expected to lead the Spanish
attack this summer

The second half of the season has seen one team in particular rise to real prominence; Athletic Bilbao. Every Spanish expert around the world knew all about the Basque outfit and the quality they possessed. But, there run to the final of the Europa League caught the attention of more than those in the shores of Spain.

There brand of free-flowing football, stemmed from Argentinean manager Marcelo ‘Loco’ Bielsa, has captured the hearts of many across Europe. From the moment they knocked Manchester United out of the Europa League, footballs fans sat up and took notice of the La Liga side that had just overcome the Premier League champions over two legs.

Suddenly, with the style of play led by Fernando Llorente and Football Manager favourite Iker Muniain, Bilbao had become everyone’s second team. It was these two, amongst a host of others including Oscar de Marcos, Ander Herrera and Javi Martinez, that fired Los Leones to the final of the Europa League and Copa Del Rey.

The close affiliation with fans and the Basque roots of the club saw them labelled the ‘people’s club’ by many and despite their loss to Atletico Madrid in the final of the Europa League, and despite the love and affection shown towards Barcelona, a number of football fans are hoping Bilbao come out triumphant over the Catalan giants and pick up their first piece of silverware since the La Liga and Copa Del Rey double they achieved back in 1984.

The Lion King

The spearhead of the ruthless Bilbao attack, Llorente has received his fair share of plaudits for another successful season with the La Liga giants. Appropriately nicknamed The Lion King due to his physical stature and blonde mane, the Spanish international has enjoyed his most prolific season to date, netting 29 times in 51 games in all competitions.

His success on the domestic stage has seen the 27-year-old feature heavily with the national side in recent and following the news that David Villa is to miss the upcoming European Championships as he still recovers from a broken leg, Llorente is expected to get the nod ahead of Roberto Soldado and Fernando Torres and lead the Spain attack in Ukraine and Poland next month.

However, it is these performances for club and country that is sure to attract the interest of a number of Europe’s heavyweights. A superb showing against United at the last 16 stage of the Europa League this season saw the Red Devils heavily linked with a move for Llorente, while Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been mooted as possible suitors in the past.

The fact of the matter is, Llorente has become hot property in recent years across the continent and this summer will see his name strongly linked with a move away from Bilbao. It is absolutely pivotal for the future of the club that Athletic that they hold on to their talisman in order to build on the success they have attained this year alone.

His close ties with the club, having been born a little over 120km from Bilbao, could well see him stay with the club despite speculation suggesting otherwise. As witnessed during the club’s Europa League semi-final win over Sporting, where Llorente was crying in the corner of the pitch following the 3-1 win at San Mamés in the second leg over the Portuguese side, the powerful striker is evidently in love with the club, having claimed reaching the final of the competition to be a bigger honour than winning the World Cup in 2010.

Yet, it won’t stop the rumours linking him with a move away from the club, especially with him having admitted in the most recent issue of FourFourTwo that he would be interested in a move to the Premier League in the future. Admissions like that will see interest in him increase tenfold, interest that Athletic will have to work hard to stamp out and convince Llorente that his future lies in within the confides of Bilbao.

Keeping Bielsa

The mad man from Argentina, having arrived at the beginning of the season following a four-year stint as Chile manager, Bielsa has completely changed the fortunes of the club on the pitch. Despite the club finishing a lowly 10^th in La Liga, a chance to return to the Europa League is a possibility next season should they overcome Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final on Friday.

‘Loco’ has brought in his South American influence to the club, with Athletic and the fans reaping the rewards with the brilliant brand of football that has seen them dubbed one of the most exciting teams in Europe at the moment. Yet, much like Llorente and his performances on the pitch, Bielsa’s coaching capabilities having gone unnoticed.

Soon-to-be-former Barcelona head coach Pep Guardiola praised Bielsa to high heaven earlier this season, lauding him as his potential replacement at the Camp Nou, a sentiment echoed by Lionel Messi. The Blaugrana eventually replaced Guardiola with his assistant Tito Vilanova for the next season, but the worry is there for Athletic that big club’s will come sniffing around the 56-year-old.

Club president Josu Urrutia will surely work hard to keep Bielsa at San Mamés, along with Llorente. The Argentine is believed to be on the shortlist to take over at Chelsea and with the news today emerging from chief executive Ron Gourlay that an appointment will be made announced over the coming weeks, Bielsa is likely to be one that has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge before the July deadline set by the Blues. It is, like holding onto Llorente, pivotal the club keep hold of the Argentine manager in order to continue progressing on the both the domestic and European front.

One player sure to leave

Versatile defence minded midfielder Javi Martinez is one that will be leaving Athletic this summer. The Spanish international, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, is reported to be joining Bayern Munich when the transfer window reopens at the beginning of June. The news will come as a bitter blow to the club, with the 23-year-old often utilised as a centre-back under Bielsa.

Equally comfortable in the middle of the park, Martinez, himself a World Cup winner in 2010, was always expected to leave the club this summer, but will still be a big blow to the Basque side. It will be important for the club to replace him quickly and hold onto the aforementioned duo in order to increase their chances of success for the future.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Bayern Munich

2012-05-23T10:34:00.002+01:00

Mario Gomez ended the season with
an impressive 41 goals in all
competitions

It’s hard to think that a club of Bayern Munich’s stature could end up empty handed come the end of the season. But after losing out to Borussia Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and the German Cup and Chelsea in the Champions League; that is exactly what happened to the Bavarian based giants. Having not won any major honours since 2010, and with a majority of their Bundesliga rivals beginning to catch up on them, with Dortmund usurping them as Germany’s best team at the moment, the former glory of Die Roten is going to be harder and harder to replicate over the coming years.

With the likes of Franck Ribéry, Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben leading the attacking charge (the trip ended the season with 77 goals in all competitions between them) Manuel Neuer emerging as one of the game’s best goalkeepers and Bastian Schweinsteiger and Toni Kroos pulling the strings from the midfield, it is hard to believe that a squad possessing so much talent has failed to pick up any form of silverware in two years.

But, that is exactly what has happened to Bayern and for a club of their magnitude to have gone 24 months without a trophy, a big summer could be needed to end that wait. As one of the biggest club’s in Europe, the fans are forever expectant of success and, irregardless of the pressure hyped on to the player’s, this campaign may well be deemed a failure by their standards.

Attacking wise, Bayern are fine

As mentioned, Ribéry, Gomez and Robben scored an impressive 77 goals between them and with Thomas Muller, Kroos and Schweinsteiger the supporting act, with the latter of the above trio recently extending his spell at the Allianz Arena. With Neuer and goal, and a defence including Phillip Lahm and Jerome Boateng, you would think that the Bundesliga giants would be solidified at the back as well.

Far from it in fact. In Boateng, they have a young centre-back, able to play right-back if need be, who has the potential to become one of Europe’s best defenders. However, the question is; who to play alongside him? Daniel Van Buyten may be experienced at 34-years of age and a powerhouse of a defender, but is hardly the quickest of centre-backs and his reading of the game and poor positional sense isn’t good enough for a team like Bayern.

Holger Badstuber, who Louis Van Gaal claimed to best left-footed in Germany in the past, is also hardly able to warrant a spot in the Bayern Starting XI. At 23-years-old, he may have time on his side to improve his game, but like Van Buyten, isn’t a player that would be expected to start at a team of Bayern’s size due to his inconsistency and lack of concentration and awareness.

Head coach Jupp Heynckes needs to act to bolster the back-line in the summer. Not necessarily a big name signing in the heart of the defence, but one that can step in alongside Boateng and form a partnership with the young German international in the hope of improving the defence that, despite containing a number of world class names, is still susceptible and prone to making high profile errors that have cost Bayern in the past.

Will Heynckes still be at the club next season?

Prior to the final, there was much speculation as to whether the veteran tactician would still be part of the Bayern set-up following the Champions League final. The 67-year-old, currently in his third spell with the Bavarian side, has won just three trophies during his combined five year spell at the club, leading to reports suggesting he may decide to call time with the club.

Managerless Liverpool are believed to be interested in bringing him to Anfield, either as head coach or as sporting director, which, at his age, could be wise as a means of testing his capabilities in the Premier League. Furthermore, the board are yet to deliver their doomed ‘vote of confidence’ in Heynckes, which could be a pro in his books, there has been little surrounding his future following Saturday’s defeat to Chelsea.

Had Bayern defeated their English counterparts, many wouldn’t have begrudged the well travelled German the opportunity to step down with dignity and the club’s first European trophy since 2001. However, the loss could go in one of two ways; either Heynckes opts to remain with the club to try again next year or, the loss in the Champions League final see’s him move on after accepting that A) Dortmund are the dominant power in Germany once again and B) teams in Europe are stronger than Bayern that will strengthen more over the summer leading to them falling behind in the chasing pact.

On the other hand, the Bundesliga is the emerging superpower in Europe and is set to usurp Spain, based purely on financial input from the German Football Association and the ever changing life cycle on football, and the chance to continue managing one of the nation’s biggest clubs may be enough to persuade Heynckes to remain at the Allianz Arena, if for at least one more season. However, he best be prepared to start the new campaign with a bang if he is to end the long two-year wait for silverware.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Napoli

2012-05-22T10:53:00.004+01:00

Argentine Lavezzi looks the most
likely to leave after club president
Aurelio De Laurentiis admitted to
the winger's release clause

Fresh from their Coppa Italia win over Juventus, and in the process denying the Old Lady a domestic double, Napoli returned to Naples and commenced their open bus celebrations at 4am Monday morning, with tens of thousands of football fans lining the streets to welcome back their returning heroes.

Goals from Edinson Cavani and Marek Hamsik, two players I will get to later in the post, along with Ezequiel Lavezzi, proved to be the difference as the Serie A outfit ended their 22-year hunt for silverware. Having grasped the attention of Europe following their debut campaign in the Champions League, much like Tottenham Hotspur in the 2010/11 season, many expected the Serie A outfit to follow their success in the elite competition with a second spell next season.

Alas, a fifth place finish wasn’t enough to see them into next year’s competition and a place in the Europa League beckons. Sunday evenings success would have gone a long way to plastering over, to some, a disappointing league campaign, but like many of Europe’s top players, they want to be performing on the grandest stage, which at this points in time, is the Champions League.

As mentioned, the scalpel sharp trident of Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsik have been pivotal to their recent success, whilst the likes of Gokhan Inler, Christian Maggio, Walter Gargano and captain Paolo Cannavaro have also played starring roles for Napoli. However, it is the main attacking three that are likely to be linked with a move away from the Stadio San Paolo this summer, with at least one expected to depart.

But which one?

The trio have contributed a remarkable 41 of Napoli’s 66 goals this term, leading to heightened speculation surrounding the three players. Each brings with them their own slice of quality to the playing field; Hamsik the creative influence from the middle, Lavezzi the wing wizard and Cavani the goalscorer, with 23 of those 41 coming from El Matador.

With that said, it is the Uruguayan international Cavani that a majority of speculation has surrounded. The 25-year-old arrived in 2010, following a successful World Cup with his home nation, and has enjoyed two prolific seasons with the Serie A club. It is hardly surprising that a number of Europe’s heavyweights are keen on the front-man, with Chelsea and Manchester City taking particular notice of his exploits, both domestically and continentally.

If assists is what your team needs, than Hamsik and/or Lavezzi is the player that a number of teams will be casting a watchful eye over. Both assisted a combined 21 goals in all competitions for Napoli this season and played key role in their Coppa Italia victory on Sunday.

Club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has already accepted that Argentina international Lavezzi could leave this summer and if that is the case, it is highly possible that Cavani and Hamsik remain with the club unless a ‘silly’ money bid is put on the table.

This is a good thing

The success of the trio has taken a lot of the spotlight off their team-mates. The likes of Gargano, Maggio, Inler and the rest are unlikely to be linked away from the club as a result. Granted, while losing one, or even two, of the three isn’t exactly ideal, much of the backbone of the team is unlikely to be broken up as a result.

Furthermore, with the focus on Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani, head coach Walter Mazzarri is another that is unlikely to be linked with a move away from the club. The Italian has worked wonders at the club since his 2009 arrival, guiding the club to three successive top six finishes which isn’t too bad a feat considering the club were only restored to Serie A in 2007.

Should Napoli be able to keep hold of Mazzarri and most, if not all, of the so called ‘lesser players’ then they will be able to rebuild with or without the trio. The club have plenty in reserve to cover the loss of any of their attacking trident, with Eduardo Vargas, Goran Pandev and Cristiano Lucarelli, should they keep hold of the latter two following their loan spells from Inter Milan and Parma, respectively.

What needs to happen?

De Laurentiis needs to convince the big name players to stay for at least one more season and fire them back to the Champions League. Unfortunately, with the UEFA coefficient league ranking Italy out of the top three, and by some distance behind Germany, Spain and England, the places available to Serie A have dropped from four to three.

Despite finishing just three points behind third placed Lazio, it is still harder to qualify for the competition and until the teams entered into the Champions League and Europa League begin to return with silverware, it is highly likely that this won’t change for some time. Success in the Europe’s ‘lesser’ tournament may be enough to convince the big guns to remain with the club for the foreseeable future, much like the Coppa Italia, but like any headline grabbing player, they want to play in the Champions League.

It is a very similar scenario to Spurs, with both gearing up to play in the Europa League next season while possessing a number of world class players in the squad. The big clubs are likely to come sniffing around the top players meaning De Laurentiis will have a fight on his hands if he is to keep hold of his star performers.

If the Napoli president can indeed keep hold of Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani, it will prove a major victory on his behalf and showcase the ambition that the club need to push on to bigger and better things. However, with his latest statement, claiming Lavezzi has a release clause inserted into his contract, the Argentine may be the first to leave the club should the right offer come along.

If this were to happen, it would hamper Napoli’s preparations for the new season, whilst showing a lack of ambition on their behalf which could see certain members of the squad contemplate their respective, immediate futures with the club. What is set in stone, however, is that if Napoli can keep their star players and add to the squad over the summer, they will a stronger prospect next season. However, they need to make it through the summer unscathed first, something that is proving near-on impossible with each passing year.

Ben McAleer

Big summer for: Tottenham Hotspur

2012-05-21T12:01:00.002+01:00

Gareth Bale is likely to be linked with
a big money move away from Spurs
this summer

*Pop*. With Didier Drogba’s winning penalty against Bayern Munich on Saturday night, that pop was the sound of Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League dream ending. With that penalty against the Germans, the Blues were crowned Europe’s best team, despite ending the season as England’s five places behind top spot.

With Spurs finishing fourth, Chelsea were given priority to enter the competition ahead of the North London side and, after 2005 and UEFA’s rule change following Everton’s fourth place finish coupled with Liverpool’s dramatic win over AC Milan in the final of the tournament, it is now impossible for Harry Redknapp’s side to take place in next years’ competition, meaning a second successive season in the Europa League.

Without Champions League football available at White Hart Lane next season, the ramifications are set to be massive. From player’s wanting to leave in order to play in Europe’s elite competition to the financial implications, this summer is set to be one of the longest and most difficult in recent memory for Tottenham Hotspur.

No Champions League football = Fault of Spurs

Spurs fans can blame Arjen Robben for missing his penalty in the final, Lionel Messi for failing to score from the spot at the Camp Nou in the semi final or Bastian Schweinsteiger and Ivica Olic for missing their respective penalties in the shoot-out all they like. But the fact of the matter is, missing out on Champions League football is their own fault.

Back in February, Spurs held a 12-point gap over fourth placed Arsenal before, ultimately, capitulating and sacrificing the stranglehold they held over third place. In the end the race for third place went to the last game of the season and after the Gunners 3-2 win over West Bromwich Albion, irregardless of the Lilywhites 2-0 win over Fulham, saw the former retain their spot in the Champions League next season.

However, that run between February and the end of April wasn’t the fault of anyone but manager Redknapp and the player’s. They are the ones that were charged with achieving a top four finish and whilst they managed to secure fourth on the final day of the season, it could easily have been a higher position in the Premier League had Spurs not had the disasterous run.

Yes, Bayern Munich were the better of the two teams, as were Barcelona in the semi-final, but, the most important game of the season should involve Tottenham Hotspur, not their London rivals or the second best team in Germany. Spurs should have had Champions League football wrapped up weeks ago, not relying on the Bundesliga side to overcome the Blues at the Allianz Arena.

Transfers

With that Drogba penalty on Saturday night, Spurs’ transfers targets shifted very, very quickly. Marseille front-man Loic Remy was reported as wanting to see if Champions League football would be played at White Hart Lane next season before making a decision on his future. However, with Europa League football all the North Londoners can offer, any move for the Frenchman now appears highly unlikely.

Ajax captain Jan Vertonghen, last week, claimed he wants to join the club regardless of whether Spurs reach the Champions League or not, and with personal terms reportedly agreed between the club and player, all that is needed is for a fee, believed to be around €15m, to be settled with the two clubs.

Yet, when it comes to attracting top class talent, the lack of attraction drawn to performing in Europe’s top competition will begin to show as the summer drags on. And it isn’t just bringing players in that will be affected; holding on to the star performers will prove an equally, if not greater, task.

The likes of Luka Modric and Gareth Bale will both be heavily linked with big money moves to a number of Europe’s heavyweights. The latter, in particular, came close to leaving the club last summer, seeing a transfer request that would aid in securing a move to Chelsea turned down before chairman Daniel Levy rejected three bids from the Blues for the Croatian.

The same player in question is likely to want a move away from the club this summer having stalled on signing a new £100k-a-week contract in recent months, with the schemer opting to wait to see the outcome of the season before putting pen to paper. However, with no Champions League football on offer next season, it is highly unlikely that a new deal will be signed and, if Modric’s body language in the second half of the season is anything to go by, his head is no longer focused on Spurs, but rather on the move to the next big club to come calling.

Bale is another whose future is likely to be ravaged with speculation, with many teams already linked with his signature. The Welshman has become one of the prized trio at White Hart Lane, with Modric and Rafael Van der Vaart, and with four games still to go of the season, insinuated that he would be looking to leave the club should they fail to reach the Champions League.

Now that the inevitable has happened, chances are the vultures are likely to start circling their prey. Prior to the last game of the season, Levy stated that none of the big name player’s would leave the club this summer, and reports today suggest that the club have sent a letter, I’m hoping strongly worded and in blood red to show Spurs really mean it, to all those enquiring about Bale that he isn’t for sale.

Then again, every player has his price and if the player wants to leave, it may be hard for Spurs to reject any bid for the duo, especially if it is a record breaking offer from the likes of Barcelona or Real Madrid.

Financial implications

Last summer, Spurs only made a net profit due to the deadline day sales of Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios. The income from TV revenue from Champions League heavily contributed to this, while the lack of spending on new player’s (the club have spent just £16m since they fourth place finish in 2010 on signings) have helped the club stay out of the red.

Reaching the competition again was vital to the finances of the club, with no club making a profit from the Europa League unless they reach the final. With the Northumberland Development Project now beginning to pick up steam, the boost in income could have gone a long way to speeding up the plans to improve the surrounding area.

Furthermore, the wage structure is unlikely to increase as a result of the lack of Champions League football. As many know, Spurs have one of the tightest wages budgets in England, meaning the club can’t throw money at players in a vain hope that they would join, like Manchester City did after the 2009/10 season.

Now, without the increased income, a net profit is looking less likely than it did last season, despite Spurs appearing on TV more than any other team in the Premiership last season. With it, looking to tie down a number of the key performers on extended contracts is unlikely to occur due to the small financial wind fall that would have come with Champions League qualification.

Ben McAleer

Changes needed to the England squad

2012-05-18T18:01:00.002+01:00

Hodgson's first England squad was
always going to spark debate

So the long awaited announcement was made on Wednesday as Roy Hodgson named his first England squad ahead of the European Championships. Understandably, it has been met with stark criticism sent in the way of the recently appointed national coach with all those with an opinion feeling this player should have been in ahead of that.

The 23 man squad in full is as follows:

Joe Hart

John Ruddy

Rob Green

Glen Johnson

John Terry

Phil Jones

Joleon Lescott

Gary Cahill

Ashley Cole

Leighton Baines

Theo Walcott

Stewart Downing

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Steven Gerrard

Gareth Barry

Frank Lampard

Scott Parker

Ashley Young

James Milner

Andy Carroll

Danny Welbeck

Jermain Defoe

Wayne Rooney

On Standby:

Jack Butland

Phil Jagielka

Jordan Henderson

Adam Johnson

Daniel Sturridge

As pointed out, the squad was going to be criticised from the off, and rightfully so by some of the choices Hodgson made. Below, I will go into who shouldn’t be in the squad and who the natural replacement should have been.

Captaincy

After John Terry was stripped of the England captaincy back in February over the alleged racial allegations made to the Chelsea defender, much has been made over who will replace him in leading the nation this summer in Ukraine and Poland. Scott Parker was handed the role during the 3-2 defeat to Holland at the beginning of March under Stuart Pearce during his one game outing as interim manager.

Naturally, once Hodgson had taken over the speculation started up once again and, as expected, it was Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard that was handed the armband, having been instilled as the bookies favourite when Terry was stripped of the captaincy. While I don’t naturally disagree with Gerrard taking over the reins, for the Euro’s at least, with his credentials unrivalled by most, in the long-term, I believe there is a more viable option in the squad.

And that option comes in the form of Joe Hart. Let’s face it, barring serious injury, suspension or a cataclysmic drop in form, Hart has the England number one spot sealed up for the next 15, or so, years. So why not give it to a player that is going to be in and around the starting XI for the long-term? Laurent Blanc did the same with Hugo Lloris with France and I feel Hart would be the better choice to lead the nation, if not for the Euro’s, certainly the time after its completion.

Stewart Downing

This is beyond perplexing. How Liverpool winger Stewart Downing, who has played 36 league games and has as many Premiership goals and assists as I do, made the final 23-man squad is beyond anyone’s guess. Yes, I may have witnessed him score a goal this season and yes, he may have showed a glimmer of his quality in the Carling Cup final against Cardiff City, but for a player that was brought for £16m, his first season with the Reds has certainly failed to live up to expectations.

Yet, Hodgson must have seen something in him to have seen the 27-year-old warrant a call up to the national team. Granted, his time with Aston Villa was largely productive, with the winger ended his second season at Villa Park with eight goals and eight assists, but on recent form, the Reds man would be lucky to get near the Liverpool substitutes bench, let alone the England team.

Numerous candidates had every right to take his place in the squad, two of which are on the stand-by list in; Daniel Sturridge and Adam Johnson. Aaron Lennon, Matt Jarvis, Matthew Etherington, even Nathan Redmond, would all have been better choices ahead of Downing for one of the places on the place to Ukraine and Poland.

Scott Parker

Before you jump all over me for this, there is a valid reason Scott Parker shouldn’t be on that plane. Yes, he where’s his heart on his sleeve. Yes, he is the perfect midfield shield for the back four and yes, he has been excellent for Tottenham Hotspur this season, but, the fact of the matter is, Parker is currently nursing an Achilles problem that will surely see him drop out of the squad over the next week or so anyway.

Achilles injuries are one of the most difficult to overcome for a professional footballer due to the pressure the muscle undergoes during a 90 minute game, not to mention training on top of that. Team-mate Michael Dawson missed a substantial chunk of the 2011/12 season as a result of the problem he picked up while David Beckham, on-loan with AC Milan at the time, was forced out of the 2010 World Cup with the very same problem.

Both missed months of the season as a result, leaving Parker facing a similar fate. Having missed the end of the current campaign through the injury problem, chances are the tough-tackling returning to Spurs next week are high. Michael Carrick has been instrumental in Manchester United’s success this season and his defensive stats are marginally worse off than Parker. However, on a creative side, his passing is borderline 80% per game leading to calls as to why he wasn’t included in, at the very least, the stand-by list. And, if as predicted, Parker does pull out of the squad, then there is always Jordan Henderson to be drafted in....

Micah Richards

How Micah Richards didn’t get into the final 23-man squad beggars belief. Hodgson confirmed it was between him and Phil Jones about who would travel with the squad for the European Championships, with the Manchester United preferred due to his ‘versatility’. And while I don’t condone Jones’ inclusion, not taking Richards on the plane is a mistake in itself by Hodgson.

With Kyle Walker playing no part in the tournament due to injury, many believed Richards was a shoe-in for a place in the squad, either as Glen Johnson’s back-up or as a starter. But, to not even include the 23-year-old on the standby-list, like Carrick at the very least, is another poor choice by the former Baggies boss, especially considering Phil Jagielka has his history of injury problems coupled with Richards being more versatile than the Everton defender.

Personally, I would’ve dropped him for Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, or even team-mate Frank Lampard. Many believe that he should’ve been on the plane ahead of Terry, something I disagree with despite the looming court case, but either way, Richards deserved his place on the place to the Euro’s.

Peter Crouch/Grant Holt

Either Peter Crouch or Grant Holt, of Stoke City and Norwich City respectively, deserved as much recognition as any of the front-men that Hodgson included in his squad. Both have enjoyed successful campaigns for their teams this year, while the former already has a formidable international record, with 22 goals in 42 games.

Holt may have been considered a wild card by some, but he still captained the Canaries to a 12^th place finish in their first season back in the Premier League since their relegation in 2005. The 31-year-old, who recently handed in a transfer request, ended the season with 17 goals in all competitions and was a constant thorn in the side of every defence he came up against during the season.

With an impressive run of form towards the end of the season for Andy Carroll, Wayne Rooney always set to be included and team-mate Danny Welbeck enjoying a successful campaign for Manchester United, it would be Tottenham Hotspur’s Jermain Defoe that would be the unlucky one to miss out on a place in the England squad. He may have ended the season with 17 goals, despite appearing sporadically under Harry Redknapp this year, but many are of the opinion that either Crouch or Holt would make a better impact against opposition defences, especially from the bench.

Ben McAleer

Oh my god, they killed Kenny

2012-05-16T23:39:00.000+01:00

Dalglish faced the wrath of the
board after failing to secure a
top four finish

If there was one piece of breaking news to take the attention away from Roy Hodgson’s England squad selection, then the story that Kenny Dalglish has been sacked by Liverpool is that one piece. When it was announced that the Scot had been given his marching orders by the Reds, social networks went crazier than a Sergio Aguero goal to hand Manchester City the title.

When the team for the European Championships emerged at around one o’clock Wednesday afternoon, despite the best efforts of many to sabotage the announcement, Twitter went into somewhat of a meltdown, with much of the debate regarding the inclusion of Stewart Downing and the lack of Micah Richards and Michael Carrick.

Yet, if anyone was to trounce Hodgson’s first big breaking news story, it was to be the man who replaced him at Anfield; King Kenny. The football season may have come to a dramatic conclusion last weekend, but that hasn’t stopped the football conveyer belt of controversy from belting out some much needed talking points between now and Euro 2012.

So, with not a flourish but a whimper, Dalglish’s second spell in charge of Liverpool came to an abrupt end. Having coming in 18 months to steady a sinking ship that Hodgson himself had inherited, many of the fans were praising his arrival and felt it had come around six months too late. A number of the Liverpool faithful wanted him to come in at the same time as Hodgson, despite the previous owners, Tom Hicks and George Gillet, plumping for the now-England coach.

Dalglish was labelled the saviour of the club when he took charge of the first-team last January as they club went on an impressive run that saw them end the season in sixth, including a run of just one loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur between the time he took over and the final game of the campaign.

A big summer ensued, with the likes of Downing, Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam just three of the players that arrived at the club. Expectations, for a club of Liverpool’s stature, were understandably high with the fans confident that Kenny was the manager to achieve the success they craved.

However, the previous nine months have done little but convince the board that Dalglish was the right man to take them forward. A Carling Cup win did little to pave over the poor Premier League form, which saw them achieve a win ratio of just 33%. The owners, Fenway Sports Group and to be specific, chairman Tom Werner, conceded on the day of his sacking that they would trade in the domestic success in order achieve a higher finish in the Premiership, evidently conceding that the fan favourite wasn’t the man to take the club forward.

Many felt he deserved one final crack at bringing success back to Anfield, but in my opinion, his final chance arrived in the form of the FA Cup, which they ultimately lost to Chelsea 2-1. Many have been linked with the now vacant Liverpool hot-seat, including Roberto Martinez, Andre Villas-Boas, Jupp Heynckes, a possible return of Rafa Benitez and even, controversially, David Moyes.

Naturally, the last name on the list is very much unlikely to swap the blue of Merseyside for red, but the other names mooted are all viable options. Villas-Boas is the current favourite with Benitez a close second, and if they are looking to return to a previous favourite, the Spaniard is the man the club should look to bring in.

Rafa the gaffer: MK: II

Benitez was sacked in 2010, despite a second place just the season before his dismissal. However, a seventh place finish in his last campaign ultimately led to his demise. Yet, if he had received the required backing of the previous owners, it may have cost Benitez his job. Many saw what he achieved and the potential that was there to further the success of the team, yet without the backing of Hicks and Gillet, he failed to strengthen adequately to take them to the next level.

Now, with the Reds under new owners and, quite evidently, prepared to spend big, I believe Benitez could be the man to re-take over the reins at Anfield. The board have already demonstrated their willingness to hire a former manager to take charge so why not give Rafa another go at the role? He still has the experience and knowledge of the game and with the right backing, could be another success with the club.

Furthermore, with Benitez currently out of work, the club wouldn’t have to spend monumental amounts on compensation to any club to secure the new manager. Either way, I believe that a return of Rafa could well be on the cards and judging from a number of fans on Sky Sports News, I am not the only one.

Who Liverpool will actually go for

It was confirmed during the Liverpool press conference to confirm Dalglish’s sacking that the club will be looking to appoint a manager under 45 in order to allow them the necessary time to instil his plans and vision for the club. This, therefore, all but rules out a number of the aforementioned candidates, bar Martinez and favourite Villas-Boas. With the age limit set, it also includes Swansea City’s Brendan Rodgers and Norwich City manager Paul Lambert, both of whom have enjoyed success in their first stints in the Premier League.

The former Chelsea manager would be an astute appointment, provided he has the backing of the board unlike his time spent at Stamford Bridge. However, many are still confident that they will go for Martinez after his impressive ability to again keep Wigan Athletic in the Premiership with very limited funding must have surely appeased FSG.

Naturally, the Reds owners must be hoping his style of attacking football can be incorporated with the current players Dalglish had at their disposal without spending as much as they have over the last 18 months. The only worry is; is Martinez ready for the step-up to a big club? Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has, to his credit, already stated he won’t stand in the way should the Reds come calling, much as he did last summer when Aston Villa came calling.

But, the chance for the Spaniard to crash and burn is a very, very big one to take. Like Hodgson, the pressure will be on him from the beginning and the Liverpool fans, every expectant for success, will be ready to criticise him should he falter during the first five or so games of his tenure. At just 38-years-old, he may have already accumulated five years managerial experience, three of which in the Premiership, but is he mature and skilled enough to handle the senior players of the Reds dressing room and, perhaps more importantly, the fans? Highly unlikely.

If the opportunity presents itself, a move for an older manager may be the best case scenario for the club. Heynckes would be the first choice, should they pry him away from Bayern Munich, before, perhaps, promoting him to a director of football role with a younger head coming in i.e. Martinez. Either way now is a very clinical time for Liverpool. They need to make the right appointment and the sooner it is done, the better for the stability of the club off the pitch and success on it.

Ben McAleer

The changing shift in European football

2012-05-01T11:51:00.003+01:00

Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates after
scoring the winning penalty that saw
Bayern Munich progress to the final
of the Champions League

As one power in football begins its inevitable downturn, another appears to step into its place. If football fans learnt anything from last week, it was that Barcelona aren’t as formidable as they were, even 12 months ago. Whether that is down to the players, or Pep Guardiola’s exhaustion, is anyone’s guess.

The defeat to Chelsea over both legs over the Champions League semi-final, the chance to only win one final piece of silverware this season, the Copa Del Rey against Athletic Bilbao next month, and the lack of challenge against Real Madrid for the La Liga title, as witnessed during the recent El Clasico at the Camp Nou, signifies that this Barcelona team could have entered the decline that many teams go through.

The cornerstones of the team, and in particular Xavi and Carles Puyol, have begun to enter the twilight of their respective careers, with the duo 32 and 34 years-old respectively, and the ages are beginning to show. The player’s look fatigued and with it, a distinct drop in physical and mental fitness ensues.

This was evident from the first kick of the 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea almost two-weeks ago to the Fernando Torres strike six days later at the Camp Nou, with the aforementioned El Clasico sandwiched in between. As expected by many, Guardiola announced he would be stepping down from his role as Barcelona head coach at the end of the season. He himself, judging from the period between when he took over in 2008 to his press conference last Friday to announce his decision, looked absolutely exhausted.

Compare that to Xavi who, as well pointed out by MiguelDelaney in his article Spanish stars at risk of burning out, the creative midfielder has played around 66 games a year on average since June 2008. That level of commitment is expected to take it out of any professional footballer, including one that played every game of Spain’s World Cup winning campaign in 2010 and has mustered over 50 appearances for his club in all competitions since 2006.

The increase in youngsters coming through the Barcelona ranks this season is to accommodate for the ageing stars at the Camp Nou and not only is it a testament to the club’s exceptional youth academy, but also a statement that a number of these stars are heading into the latter end of their career.

A changing shift

This isn’t affecting just Barcelona, but the Spanish national side as well. Seven of the starting XI from the World Cup final against Holland still play for the Blaugrana and despite the two-years adding experience between then and now, coupled with the countless accolades picked up, they are also two-year’s older, a substantially large time span in the game.

That has begun to show with the older generation and as mentioned, Guardiola was beginning the process of incorporate the La Masia products into the first-team. Naturally, Tito Vilanova, the Spaniard’s replacement with Barca next year, will continue to transition of youth into the senior squad, but many of them won’t be ready to usurp the current incumbents in their role.

This is where the shift is beginning to change, a little further east of Spain in Germany. Following the 2006 World Cup, and as a result of Jurgen Klinsmann’s input, the emphasis switched heavily onto youth and his successor, Joachim Low, continued the process of integrating youth-team player’s into the first-team.

Paths to the final and semi-final at Euro 2008 and the World Cup in 2010, respectively, has seen the national side begin to reap the rewards of this youth transitional process, with the likes of Mario Gotze, Toni Kroos, Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil now firmly established members, with the oldest from the quartet being the latter at 23-years of age and obtaining 31 national caps.

Such rapid progression has seen the Germans instilled as second favourites to lift the Euro 2012 crown, just behind favourites Spain. However, if they continue their development much in the same way they have been, many wouldn’t be surprised to see them overcome their 15 European counterparts in the competition to see them win their first piece of international silverware since their European Championship win of 1996.

And it isn’t just on the national stage that the Germans look set to overtake their Spanish counterparts. At club level, Bundesliga teams are once again emerging as one of the strongest across the continent, made evident by UEFA’s decision to strip Italy of one of their Champions League places and hand it to Germany as a result of their impressive coefficient rating.

Seven teams will be representing the nation next season in the Champions League and Europa League next season, a further testament to the competitiveness of the league. Having knocked Real Madrid out of Europe’s elite competition at the semi-final stage on penalties, and reaching their first final since 2010 where they lost out to Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan, the quality available to Jupp Heynckes is, at times, astonishing.

More impressive is the fact that Bayern were pipped to the Bundesliga title by Borussia Dortmund, the latter’s second in as many years, and are currently languishing eight points behind the Die Schwarzgelben with a game to play. Compare this to La Liga, where Bayern surpassed Real over both legs of the last four encounter, with Los Blancos currently seven points clear of second placed Barcelona, who were in turn knocked out by sixth placed Chelsea, 22 points behind joint Premier League leaders Manchester City and Manchester United.

At both club and international level, Germany look set to become the next superpower in the world of football. With the added capability of attracting, and keeping, big name player’s, it is hardly surprising to see the nation and its clubs excel as they are doing now. Predictably the order of things will change again in the future, as is the natural order of football. Prior to Spain and Barcelona performing admirably, it was France on the international stage and numerous English clubs excelling across the continent.

And with Germany now reaping the rewards of youth development, following a similar model to Spain, numerous nations are beginning to switch the emphasis from present footballers to those of the future. England have taken steps to improve their low standards with the increasing budget and the opening of St. George’s Park in Burton. The appointment of Roy Hodgson will bolster the chances of success in Burton, with Switzerland beginning to see an improvement in the quality of younger player’s following his time as head-coach between 1992 and 1995. However, until then, it is once again Germany’s time under the spotlight to perform and despite heading into Euro 2012 as second favourites; it wouldn’t surprise many to see them lift the trophy, with the same applying to the Champions League, with the final taking place in Munich later this month.

Ben McAleer

Picture copied from www.totalfootballmadness.com

Miguel Delaney is a freelance writer for the Irish Examiner, the Independent, Blizzard and ESPN and his article on Spain can be found here.

What now for Barcelona?

2012-04-27T13:04:00.000+01:00

Guardiola when he initially
took over at Barcelona in 2008

The rumours began Thursday, but it was finally confirmed Friday morning that Pep Guardiola would be leaving Barcelona at the end of the season. To put it simply, the Spaniard was a revelation with the Catalan giants, winning 13 trophies, which could rise to 14 should they overcome Athletic Bilbao in the Copa Del Rey final, during his four-years with the club.

Of the 239 games that he has been in charge of the Blaugrana, Guardiola has been on the winning side of a little over 73%, which is a remarkable feat in itself. I think it’s fair to assume that with the 41-year-old now set to leave the Camp Nou, he leaves knowing full well that he has assembled one of, if not the, greatest team to every grace the world of football.

What will his departure mean to the club?

Let’s set the record right before delving into anything; Guardiola isn’t responsible for the amazing run of achievements over the past nine years. Credit must go to Frank Rijkaard, who took over the reins at Barcelona back in 2003 and transformed the club from perennial underachievers to the club they are today. Since that the Dutchman took over, and subsequently Guardiola, the club have won 18 trophies in those nine years.

Rijkaard was the manager who turned the fortunes around with the club that were desperately underperforming on the pitch. Without him, none of the recent success would have been possible. Anyway, moving on, the club have, arguably, been playing some of the most scintillating football fans have ever witnessed in the history of the game.

When he was initially appointed into the role, six months after president Joan Laporta wanted the former Barca midfielder to take over from Rijkaard following a poor show of form during the 2007/08 season, many were sceptical about his promotion from the B side to the senior team, myself included.

Granted, he had Barca B playing the tika-take style football that is very much associated with the club, but it was a major step-up, especially with the egos of Ronaldinho, Deco and Samuel Eto’o threatening to derail all the hard work that Rijkaard had done. So Guardiola did which many would have been too fearful to do; he ridded the poison at the club. Ronaldinho was sold to AC Milan, Deco to Chelsea and Eto’o was set to be shown the exit door unless he improved his attitude both in training and on the pitch.

The Cameroonian did just that and scored 36 goals that season, the second highest season total in his career before being sold to Inter Milan at the end of that year. However, his moves to sell the trio instantly instilled respect throughout the squad, and with the team then being built around Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Lionel Messi, he won over the admiration of the board.

His belief in the youth system, stemming from his time with the B team, has proven a cornerstone for football club’s around the world. The amount of player’s coming through the ranks within the Catalan side has risen incredibly since 2008, with the likes of Thiago Alcantara, Isaac Cuenca and Andreu Fontas, to name three, all utilised by Pep this season.

They follow on from Guardiola, who came through the famous La Masia youth ranks, current trio Xavi, Iniesta and Messi and two players who recently returned from spells in England; Gerard Pique in 2008, upon Pep’s appointment as first-team coach, and Cesc Fabregas last summer. These five, along with Victor Valdes and Carles Puyol, set the very high platform for success and boosted the credentials of the Catalan favourite.

Either way, his departure has certainly left a platform for success. Whether it will be next season or in the following years, despite the likes of Xavi etc. still performing at the top of their respective games, there is that platform available. However, one is of the opinion that this highly praised Barcelona side is slowly, but surely, coming to the end of its beautiful cycle. But, that is the natural order of things in the world of football. Every club will go through the ‘circle of life’, with apologies to the Lion King reference, but it is true.

Why did he leave?

Exhaustion, tediousness, pressure, there are numerous reason why Pep would have left Barcelona. Judging by pictures of the 41-year-old between 2008 and now shows the strain of managing one the world’s biggest teams can have on a manager. Balding, fatigued and suffering from weight loss, Guardiola isn’t the man that took over the side four years ago.

The drive and passion is still there for all to see, but it appears that the stress of leading the team has got the better of him. Guardiola gave fans of the club the best four years in recent history, yet with it, a lifetime has passed him by in some ways. A well earned sabbatical is in order, but with his infatuation for the game still evident for all to see, it won’t be the longest sabbatical in the history of football. Many believe it will be similar to the time Jose Mourinho spent away from the game before the Portuguese returned a better coach with first Inter Milan and then rivals Real Madrid.

Guillem Balague highlighted the idea of Guardiola travelling to England to further his coaching techniques and improve his overall knowledge of the game. Whether that will be to take over a team in the Premier League in the future, who knows. Nothing but speculation at the present time, but whichever club convinces Guardiola to lead them will be have with them a great manager who knows how to read a game to the highest standard, get the best out of player’s and get his team playing some brilliant football in the process.

His replacement

Athletic Bilbao head coach Marcelo Bielsa was instilled as the instant favourite following the news breaking on Thursday and Friday, while Luis Enrique and Arsene Wenger, of AS Roma and Arsenal respectively, were also heavily linked with the role. However, Barcelona have opted to appoint from within with Pep’s assistant Tito Vilanova set to step up from next season to manage the first-team. For those unaware of Vilanova, he is the man Jose Mourinho thumbed in the eye during Augusts El Clasico.

Ben McAleer

Picture from http://topnews.in

My Ultimate Team

2012-04-26T22:20:00.001+01:00

El Fenomeno during his
Barcelona days

So I was discussing on Twitter the other day that in any ultimate team (not FIFA), I would have Ronaldo, El Fenomeno, during his Barcelona days spearheading any attacking front-line that would be put together my myself. Then it hit me; who would be in my ultimate team from the player’s I have been fortunate to witness during my 23 years of life? Well, read more to find out who would make my ultimate starting XI from past and present.

Furthermore, the teams and appearances are ones that, in my opinion, are when the chosen player’s were at their brilliant best.

GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus 2001 – present, 386 appearances)

Yes, there are a number of world class goalkeepers in the game at the moment. The likes of Manuel Neuer, Iker Casillas and Victor Valdes still grace the game, while David Seaman, Dida and Peter Schmeichel have all excelled in the spot between the sticks at various points in their illustrious careers. However, personally, none can compare to Gianluigi Buffon. The Italian has been plying his trade at the highest level for over a decade now and hasn’t shown any signs of slowing in recent seasons. Numerous individual and club accolades, the 34-year-old is the shot-stopper I would want to provide support to the back four.

LB: Paolo Maldini (AC Milan 1985 – 2009, 902 appearances)

They say Italians make the best defenders and in the case of Paolo Maldini, they couldn’t have got much wrong with the AC Milan stalwart. 24 years of devoted service to the Serie A giants and all of the highest quality made him the stand-out candidates for the position of left-back. Such class at the back saw Milan retire his famous number three shirt upon his decision to quit the game aged 40. However, the decision will be reversed should one of his sons ever make it into the senior side.

CB: Jaap Stam (Manchester United 1998 – 2001, 120 appearances)

An imposing defender to say the least, Jaap Stam was one player any front-man would dread coming up against. The giant Dutchman was imperious in the Manchester United back four during his three years with the club. Many questioned the decision of Sir Alex Ferguson to sell the now 39-year-old when he appeared to be entering the best years of his career and he showed he still had what it takes to perform at the highest level having turned out for Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax following his United exit. Now works on part of the scouting team with the Red Devils.

CB: Fernando Hierro (c) (Real Madrid 1989 – 2003, 659 appearances)

To accompany Stam, it has to be Fernando Hierro. The defender had it all; excellent on the ball, effective in the air and the ability to find the net having scored 129 times during his 14 years with Los Blancos. As cultured a defender as they come, he was equally comfortable marshalling the midfielder as he was at the back. Ended his career with Bolton Wanderers 2005, despite lobbying from the fans and then manager Sam Allardyce, he is now the director of football with Qatari owned Malaga CF.

RB: Cafu (AS Roma 1997 – 2003, AC Milan 2003 – 2008, 378 appearances)

No matter how often the opposition tried, at times there was no stopping the marauding Cafu. Full of stamina, running and power, he is the most Brazilian of right-back’s you will ever see. Lauded as one of the game’s best full-backs of the modern day, many would be hard pressed to find a player as effective in defence and attack as he was and his performances didn’t go unnoticed by Brazil legend Pele, who listed the 41-year-old as one of the 125 greatest living footballers in 2004.

LM: Lionel Messi (Barcelona 2004 – present, 324 appearances)

Fans, fellow professionals and pundits are running out of adjectives to describe Lionel Messi. 243 goals, with an added 99 assists, means Messi has been directly involved in over a goal-per-game since his debut with the Catalan giants in 2004. Labelled the greatest player in the history of football, a monumental achievement considering the greats that have played the game, ‘The Flea’ can seemingly do no wrong at the moment. Still aged just 24, there is a lot more to expect from the Argentine who will duly deliver once again in the future.

CM: Xavi (Barcelona 1998 – present, 626 appearances)

I cannot describe how much I enjoy watching Xavi play. Technically, the closest to perfection in the game at present, his vision, accuracy and passing ability is rivalled by no one in the game at the moment. If ever there was a player I would want dictating the game from the middle of the park, it would be the 32-year-old. An absolute joy to watch.

CM: Pep Guardiola (Barcelona 1990 – 2001, 384 appearances)

Playing the pivote role behind Xavi, Pep Guardiola is one of Johan Cruyff’s disciples and is reading of the game has been evident throughout his managerial career. Standing at 6ft, Guardiola was never the most agile of midfielders, but as I mentioned, his reading of the game and ability to pick out a pass from 40/50/60 yards away was unrivalled during his player career. A midfield of Guardiola and Xavi, his heir to the throne once the former departed for Brescia, would have been, in my eyes, perfect, especially with the latter pushing further forward.

CM: Pavel Nedved (Lazio 1996 – 2001, Juventus 2001 – 2009, 528 appearances)

Like Xavi, one of the most technically gifted players to have graced the modern game. Pavel Nedved was a very, very special player in his own right during his respective spells with Lazio and Juventus. With Guardiola shielding the back four and supported by Xavi, the Czech Republic international would enjoy a free role in my 4-5-1. Excellent on the ball, capable of scaring any defence into submission, there wasn’t a more creatively brilliant player around during his career than the 39-year-old. Became just the second Czech player to receive the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 2003.

RM: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United 2003 – 2009, Real Madrid 2009 – present, 432 appearances)

The world’s most expensive player was never going to be overlooked. As AC Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic expertly coined, ‘Messi is pure genius, Cristiano Ronaldo’s success is the result of hard training’ and believe me, it shows. A physical phenomenon, when he begins to surge at any opposition, he does so with minimal ease, while his strength and power makes him almost unstoppable. Already has 142 goals to his name in just 140 games with Los Blancos, better than a goal-per-game, the Portuguese international, like Messi, receives all the plaudits and deservedly so. Unlucky to have peaked at a similar time to ‘The Flea’ otherwise he would comfortably be titled the World’s Best Player.

ST: Ronaldo (Barcelona 1996 – 1997, 49 appearances)

El Fenomeno was always going to lead this front-line, having opened this article with him. The sole purpose for this piece, during his days with Barcelona, Brazilian Ronaldo was the most feared striker on the planet. A stunning return of 47 goals in those 49 appearances, the front-man was unplayable on his day. Was unfortunate not to have won a thoroughly deserved Champions League winners medal and still holds the record for the most goals in a the finals of any World Cup with 15.

Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson (Career spanning 38 years)

What more can be said about the Manchester United manager? With the Red Devils for 26 years now and has won near enough every trophy on offer. Knighted following the treble in 1999, including one of now two famous games at the Camp Nou, the plaudits he has received in the past have been nothing short of deserved. Exceptional during his eight years with Aberdeen, the stand-out candidate for the manager of this team.

Honourable mentions:

Like my Alternative Team of the Year, there were always going to be player’s that deserved, but ultimately didn’t get into, this team. Below are a few of them:

Marcello Lippi (Juventus, Inter Milan, Italy)

Raul Gonzalez (Real Madrid)

Alessandro Costacurta (AC Milan)

Roberto Carlos (Real Madrid)

Christian Vieri (Inter Milan)

Fabio Cannavaro (Parma, Juventus)

Clarence Seedorf (Real Madrid, AC Milan)

Luis Figo (Barcelona, Real Madrid)

Zinedine Zidane (Juventus, Real Madrid)

Dennis Bergkamp (Arsenal)

Thierry Henry (Arsenal)

These are just a few names off the top of my head, but believes me, there are many, many more.

Ben McAleer

Picture from http://www.football-tricks.com

The Alternative Team of the Year

2012-04-26T12:42:00.002+01:00

Rodgers has worked wonders for
Swansea City this season

Late on Sunday April 22^nd, the announcement came across the respective media outlets regarding the PFA’s choice for Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year. Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker picked up the respective awards in the categories, whilst the Team of the Year consisted of the following:

Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Vincent Kompany (Manchester City)

Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United)

Leighton Baines (Everton)

David Silva (Manchester City)

Yaya Toure (Manchester City)

Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur)

Gareth Bale (Tottenham Hotspur)

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

Robin Van Persie (Arsenal)

Now, while each player is deserving of his respective place in the squad, one gets the impression that a number player’s from the so-called ‘lesser’ teams have been cruelly overlooked as a result. Therefore, I have taken the time to compile the Alternative Team of the Year. Read below to see who is selected and why.

Michel Vorm (Swansea City)

A choice by many for a spot in the PFA Team of the Year, only to be ousted by Hart, Michel Vorm has been excellent during his debut campaign in England. Signed from FC Utrecht over the summer for a modest £1.5m, the 28-year-old was instantly instilled as Brendan Rodgers’ number one at the Liberty Stadium. And the Dutchman hasn’t let his manager down across the course of the season.

Danny Simpson (Newcastle United)

Virtually ever present for the Magpies this season, Simpson has been essential in Newcastle’s quest for a top four finish. About to complete his third year with the club, he has come on leaps and bounds since Alan Pardew took over the club and he has repaid the faith shown in him by his manager with a series of impressive displays for the club.

Jonny Evans (Manchester United)

Some time ago, many wouldn’t have thought twice about leaving Evans out of their team of the year, but the fact of the matter is, he has been excellent filling in for the injured Nemanja Vidic alongside Rio Ferdinand. Came close to leaving Manchester United last summer, but opted to fight for his place and with many perceiving this to be his last chance with the club, took it with both hands and has excelled in the heart of the defence this year.

Steven Caulker (Swansea City (on-loan from Tottenham Hotspur))

Made a huge impression in the heart of the Swans defence this year, big things are expected of Caulker next year. Brendan Rodgers will be hoping to keep the young centre-back for at least another season, but Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has already insisted he will be back at White Hart Lane next season. Likened as the next Ledley King, big things are expected of him with Spurs, with his mature displays just a glimpse of how far he can go.

Jose Enrique (Liverpool)

In hindsight, staying with Newcastle may have been the best thing for Enrique. However, in the midst of a rebuilding project, a move to Liverpool may have been the wisest one for the Spaniard. Already won a trophy with his new club, his performances have been a shining light in a somewhat dim campaign for the Reds. The Merseysiders signing of the season along with Craig Bellamy.

James McClean (Sunderland)

A late bloomer, McClean arrived at Sunderland under the radar last summer. Former manager Steve Bruce opted to keep him in the reserved until he felt he was ready for first-team action. However, under Martin O’Neill, the development from hot prospect to starter has been remarkable. Recently rewarded with a new contract and a call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad after a number of exceptional displays for the Black Cats.

Stephane Sessegnon (Sunderland)

Beginning to repay the faith shown in him by the Sunderland faithful, the Benin international has been beyond excellent this year. Slotting in behind the front-man, Sessegnon has caused all kinds of damage to the opposition this season, netting seven and laying off a further nine in 27 appearances in all competitions this year. Such form has seen him linked with a move back to big spending PSG.

James McCarthy (Wigan Athletic)

The creative lynchpin in the Latics midfield, the young midfielder has continued his excellent development from hot prospect to guaranteed starter in recent months. Likened to Paul Scholes, the plaudits haven’t stopped rolling in for McCarthy. However, he is expected to leave Wigan this summer, regardless of whether the club survive relegation or not.

Clint Dempsey (Fulham)

The American cannot stop scoring this season. Already has 22 goals in all competitions to his name, bettering a number of striker’s records for the campaign. A number of the top four clubs are keeping a watchful eye on the 29-year-old, with Arsenal particularly keen to add him to the ranks. Has often led the attacking line when Fulham have been short of striking options.

Yakubu (Blackburn Rovers)

Feed the Yak and he will score. The chant couldn’t be more accurate for the giant Nigerian this season. Leading from the front in an underperforming Blackburn Rovers side, he still has 16 league goals to his name and will be pivotal to their Premier League survival. Notable goals this season include his brace in the shock 3-2 win over Manchester United on New Year’s Eve.

Grant Holt (Norwich City)

Three-years ago, Holt was turning out for Shrewsbury Town. Now, many have him down for a possible England contender after an superb debut campaign in the Premiership with Norwich City. A return of 13 league goals has seen the Canaries all but secure their status in the top flight with the possibility of a top half finish. Can be a real handful to any defence on his day with his strength a real asset.

Brendan Rodgers (Manager, Swansea City)

A fine debut campaign in the Premier League for Rodgers with many praising the football his Swansea City side have been playing, so much so they have been nicknamed ‘Swansalona’. Key wins over Arsenal and Manchester City at the Liberty Stadium have all but seen them survive relegation, barring a minor miracle from the team below them, their best performance of the season came in the 3-0 win away at Fulham.

Honourable mentions

With only 11 places to fill, a number of player’s were always going to miss out. Below are the ones that could’ve made the Alternative Team of the Year.

Demba Ba (Newcastle United)

Papiss Demba Cisse (Newcastle United)

John Ruddy (Norwich City)

Danny Graham (Swansea City)

Yohan Cabaye (Newcastle United)

Moussa Dembele (Fulham)

Nikica Jelavic (Everton)

Royston Drenthe (Everton)

Craig Bellamy (Liverpool)

Victor Moses (Wigan Athletic)

Leon Britton (Swansea City)

Gylfi Sigurdsson (Swansea City)

Steve Morison (Norwich City)

Paul Lambert (Manager, Norwich City)
Alan Pardew (Manager, Newcastle United)

Ben McAleer

Picture from answers.bettor.com

Di Matteo deserves, but ultimately won’t get, the Chelsea job

2012-04-19T15:54:00.003+01:00

Chelsea have lost just once under the
stewardship of Di Matteo

The Chelsea train keeps chugging along under interim manager Roberto Di Matteo. An absolutely pivotal win over Barcelona on Wednesday night followed up the resounding 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur has left them in touching distance of the UEFA Champions League final and a place in the FA Cup final, respectively.

At the beginning of March, following the sacking of Portuguese youngster Andre Villas-Boas, Di Matteo was bought into manage the Blues on an interim basis, presumably whilst owner Roman Abramovich courted a number of high profile targets across Europe, most notably Guus Hiddink and Barca head coach Pep Guardiola.

However, the West London side have lost just once under the stewardship of the Italian, a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with 10 of the 13 games under Di Matteo ending in victory. They may not be playing the attractive football that Abramovich desires, but the former West Bromwich Albion manager is picking up results that have boosted Chelsea’s chances of achieving a domestic and European double, while taking them to within two points of fourth placed Spurs.

The form is good, so why won’t he get the nod?

Di Matteo has enjoyed a successful time with Chelsea, both as a player and now as a manager. The reason Villas-Boas didn’t last long in the role was down to the fact that he lost the respect of the predominant figures in the Blues dressing room. However, due to his time with the club in the past, the former midfielder often worked with captain John Terry and, albeit briefly, vice-captain Frank Lampard, two key members of the dressing room at Stamford Bridge.

As heavily mooted, the continued lack of inclusion of the duo, the latter in particular, is what contributed to the downfall of Villas-Boas. Rather than shepherding the old guard out, much like Frank Rijkaard did in the 2003-04 season for Barcelona with Luis Enrique in his final season with the Blaugrana, the former FC Porto boss opted for a major cull with the likes of Terry, Lampard and Didier Drogba.

Part of the reason the Blues struggled over the course of Villas-Boas’ short spell at Stamford Bridge was his inability to keep these three happy and with reports continuously circulating of discontent within the squad, it wasn’t surprising that Chelsea struggled both domestically and on the European stage.

However, under Di Matteo, the team now relies heavily of the experience of the trio and it has paid dividends. Playing to the strengths of the player’s he has around him, be it a backs-against-the-wall performance against Barcelona on Wednesday night, he is still grinding out the results that have propelled the team up the league, into the last four of the Champions League and the final of the FA Cup.

Yet, despite ticking all the right boxes, results wise, and improving the fortunes on the pitch and with that, off it as well, he isn’t playing the football that Abramovich craves. Take the 1-0 win over Barcelona on Wednesday, the Catalan’s first defeat in 14 months; many lambasted the style in which they picked up the victory at Stamford Bridge, with some quarters of the football fan-base comparing them to Stoke City but without the Rory Delap throw.

The Italian, however, knew about the risks of trying to Barcelona at their own game and set his team up brilliantly to soak up the immense amount of pressure that the Blues came under and hit them on the counter. The European champions enjoyed a 72% share of possession against their English counterparts, but failed to break down a resolute Chelsea back-four, marshalled excellently by Terry.

This was Di Matteo’s plan for the night and it paid dividends, regardless of every outfield Barca player completing more passes than Chelsea’s highest passer of the night (John Obi Mikel with 34). Abramovich has to understand that his team won’t live up to the high standards set by Guardiola’s side straight after the appointment of a new manager.

Too much was expected of Villas-Boas early on following the style of play that his Porto team played last season. Ultimately, it proved to be his downfall that led to his sacking due to Chelsea not having the players at his disposal to play the football the owner craved. He asked Villas-Boas to remove the more senior players from the squad early on and with it, the experience and spine of the team was ripped out causing major upset throughout the squad.

Under Di Matteo, he has re-installed the trio as figureheads to his starting XI and the club are reaping the benefits under his management style. Yet, no matter how many hurdles he overcomes, many in the footballing world feel as they he still won’t do enough to convince Abramovich to give him the role on a permanent basis.

The Russian Oligarch craves the fluid football that semi-final opponents Barcelona play and despite the best efforts of Villas-Boas and Big Phil Scolari, two managers that seemed capable of bringing the specific football Abramovich wanted to Stamford Bridge, both ultimately failed to see out the season.

The more productive managers that have come in to replace the aforementioned duo, he has been happy to leave or been unable to convince to stay in West London. When Scolari left, Hiddink came in and Chelsea lost just once domestically, winning the FA Cup during his short stint with the club. And now is the chance for Di Matteo to prove himself, yet like Avram Grant, who got the Blues to the final of the Champions League and came within a penalty of lifting the trophy in 2008, it may be the case that the current interim boss receives nothing more than a pat on the back and a thank you from Roman.

Nevertheless, Di Matteo can do no more to warrant the position. He has changed the fortunes of the club despite many ruling them out of a top four finish, a shot at the FA Cup and a run this far in the Champions League, having been 3-1 down to Napoli at the last 16 stage before staging an emphatic comeback at Stamford Bridge which saw them win 4-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.

Personally, if I was Abramovich, I would accept the football on offer may not be the prettiest, but it is getting the right results. At the moment, as mentioned, Chelsea don’t have the player’s to play the style of football he plays whereas under Di Matteo, he knows that they can’t compete on a technical scale against the likes of Barca and has them playing to their strengths, which happens to be more physical and route one at this present moment.

But, as many suspect, Abramovich will be craving the big name manager to come in and replace the seat Villas-Boas left, the very same one Di Matteo has been keeping warm for the best part of two months. If I were the owner in the current position, I would ensure the Italian is giving the role permanently at the end of the season and allow him to work with the current Blues squad for next season and make his own additions in the transfer window. It is painfully evident that he has the knowledge to succeed with Chelsea, even Abramovich has to know this, but it is the style of football that I fear will see Di Matteo not offered the role on a permanent basis.

Ben McAleer

Image copied from www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Gary Neville: A breath of fresh air in the world of punditry

2012-04-18T17:32:00.000+01:00

Gary Neville on MNF

Who would have thought that when it was announced former Manchester United and England right-back Gary Neville would replace Andy Gray in the pundits’ seat for Sky Sports News, he would take to the position like a duck to water? Gray had been a corner stone in the years gone by for Sky alongside Richard Keys, promoting the vast array of talent live to the fans on Monday Night Football (MNF) with a round-up of the best and worst of the weekends talking points.

However, when Keys and Gray were removed from their position for sexist remarks towards lineswoman Sian Massey live on television, coupled with the former caught live discussing a potential ‘smash’ with Jamie Redknapp, many were pondering who would replace the duo live on air. Let’s face it, the pairing weren’t everyone’s cup of tea but, they knew what to do and they did it well.

Ed Chamberlain came in to replace Keys as host of MNF, amongst other positions including the presenter of Super Sunday, while Neville, who had retired a little over 12 months ago, was requested to appear alongside the former Sports Saturday and midweek Soccer Special host. Now regularly praised for his input, it is hardly surprising to see Neville such a success in a role that looked impossible to undertake following Gray’s dismissal.

What makes him so good?

The knack that Neville has to thrive in his role is his knowledge of the game having performed at the highest level almost 20 years. And while the argument can be made that Gray spent a similar amount of time as Neville plying his trade in England and Scotland, the latter was around since the inception of the Premier League and played when the game was performed at a higher pace with technique featuring predominantly during the rise of the Premiership as one of Europe’s elite leagues.

But what makes Neville that much better than Gray? To put it simply, Neville isn’t afraid to speak his mind. He knows exactly what it takes to perform at the top of any player’s game and can put his knowledge to exceptional use when it comes to analysing a passage of play, a goal or a controversial decision.

With Gray, his chance to play in the Premier League, having retired two-years before it commenced, limits his understanding of England’s top tier in the way Neville excels in this department. The former Scotland international may have endured a successful playing career, but the way football has evolved, especially in England, since his retirement saw many questions his tactical analysis on numerous occasions with a number of fans believing his opinion to be outdated, to an extent.

I understand this is may sound like a bit of a Neville love piece, and there are critiques of him coming up, but his brutish honesty, his ability to argue his points and isn’t afraid to contradict his fellow pundits if he believes they are in the wrong.

What I don’t like about Neville

It hasn’t happened all too often, but when Sky have relied on Neville to co-commentate in the past, his opinions have become diluted and more scripted. More often than not, he doesn’t have the opportunity to analyse game changing situations in great depth that he would do during half-time or full-time.

His commentating skills are poor and his inability to let his team bias get the better of him really let him down in this department. Matthew Le Tissier for example, who regularly updates Gillette Soccer Saturday, is one that should be ahead of Neville in the commentating pecking order as far as I’m concerned. His work on Soccer Saturday stands him in good stead for the role during Sky’s live games due to his ability to rapidly update what fans can’t see on the screen and quickly analyse any situation to his best extent.

And while Neville can do this, his analysis is better served when it is drawn out over an extended period of time, allowing him to pick out incidents that fans may or may not have picked up on during the course of any fixture. This is what has seen him lauded as one of the better pundits to emerge in the modern game, partly down to his unrivalled characteristic of speaking to his mind to prove his point.

Many pundits within football take a more scripted and clichéd approach to discussing occurrences over the course of any game, whereas Neville isn’t afraid to tell it how it really is, something that generally welcomed by the football family. Whether it’s his recent take on diving or a goal that hasn’t crossed the line, the former Manchester United right-back isn’t afraid to upset the viewers or fellow pundits to make his point and his knowledge of the game at the highest level can be considered unparalleled by some, which is what makes his emergence in the game such a welcome one.

Ben McAleer

Image posted from www.ukfootball.ru

Bilbao bail will harm Bielsa

2012-03-09T22:32:00.000+00:00

'Loco' Bielsa during his four-year
stint with the Chile national team

Athletic Bilbao’s 3-2 win over Manchester United on Thursday night proved something many Spanish footballing fans already knew; there is life outside of the big two in La Liga. The fluidity in their movement, the slick style of passing and the resolute defensive capabilities coupled with the attacking intent saw the Basque side come away from Old Trafford with the upper hand heading into the second leg of the Europa League encounter at San Mamés next week.

With the powerhouse, and long-term target for Tottenham Hotspur, Fernando Llorente leading the front line emphatically after levelling terms on the evening following Wayne Rooney’s opener for the Red Devil’s, Oscar de Marcos’ Barcelona-esc goal saw Bilbao take a, surprisingly, not-so-shocking lead against United before Iker Muniain doubled their advantage late on. Rooney may have netted a second for the home side in the dying embers of the enthralling encounter giving Sir Alex Ferguson’s men a fighting chance in the second leg next week, but credit must go to Los Leones for a superb team performance that raised eyebrows from football fans across Europe.

And much of the credit must go down to manager Marcelo Bielsa, who has guided the club to fifth spot in La Liga, just a solitary point off Levante and a spot in the Champions League places, while seeing them through to the final of the Copa Del Rey against the Blaugrana in May. The Argentine has continued to bolster his impressive portfolio at club level after a 13-year hiatus to take charge of Argentina and Chile national sides between 1998 and 2011.

His first full season under Bilbao has seen the club really bolster their credentials across the continent and it is hardly surprising to see the club performing so well, both domestically and in Europe. However, it is these impressive performances that the players have been churning out that has seen a number of the game’s big hitters’ stand up and take notice. Most recently, Chelsea are believed to have taken a strong interest in the progression Loco Bielsa, as he is so aptly nicknamed, has made during his stint with the club.

As many football fans know, the Blues recently sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas due to poor results and performances by the club. The 56-year-old has since been heavily linked as the Portuguese tactician’s successor with owner Roman Abramovich keen to see similar performances like that of Thursday night at Stamford Bridge from the players.

“It will be hell for whoever succeeds him [Villas-Boas],” former manager Luis Felipe Scolari recently proclaimed, and many feel compelled to agree with him. Bielsa, despite his excellent repertoire at club level management, would be foolish to take over the deserted reins at Stamford Bridge, especially with Abramovich at the helm of the club. Only recently has his name really began to emerge from the shadows once more, despite leading Chile to an impressive campaign during the 2010 World Cup, but away from the International scene, has begun once again to showcase his capabilities and he should continue to bolster his portfolio with the Copa Del Rey finalists.

His career could be tarnished in football should he opt to take over the vacant managerial spot with Chelsea, much in the same way Juande Ramos’ was following an unsuccessful stint with Spurs. If things don’t go right for him from the off, should he be approached and, in fact, take over, he will have the media and, more significantly, the trigger happy oligarch breathing down his neck. And for a manager who isn’t afraid to axe a player at the drop of a hat, the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard will possibly begin throwing their toys out of the pram at the first sign of trouble.

The same could be said for England. The Football Association may end up approaching the Bilbao boss following his excellent work with the Lions as Fabio Capello’s replacement. Naturally, Harry Redknapp remains the overwhelming favourite to succeed the Italian and is more likely to accept the position at the end of the season. However, by some sheer stroke of luck chairman Daniel Levy manages to convince the veteran manager to remain at White Hart Lane, it has been speculated David Bernstein and his minions will cast a watchful eye to Spain, with Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola of Barcelona thought to be high on the shortlist.

Bilbao’s performance against the Red Devils in the Europa League would have caught the interest of the four-man contingent charged with replacing Capello and it could well see them cast an eye of the San Mamés over the next few weeks. Again, Bielsa would be foolish to take over the position with his reputation likely to be at stake from the off. The best the Argentine could do is stick with Bilbao for the foreseeable future, especially with Guardiola and World Player of the Year Lionel Messi singing his praises and willing to accept him should the former Barca captain stand down from his position with the Catalan giants.

A chance to take over, arguably, the game’s greatest team at the moment would be too hard an opportunity to turn down and after working wonders for his current club, the prospect of reinforcing Barca’s status as the world’s best could be a positive step for Bielsa. Staying in Spain, and more importantly with Bilbao, is the best move he could make right now.

Picture used from Deportes

Ben McAleer

Who do Arsenal need to sign to Keep RVP?

2012-03-06T11:42:00.000+00:00

Cavani is just one of three players
Wenger should be vying for this summer

I think it’s fair to assume that Arsenal wouldn’t be the same team without captain Robin Van Persie in the side. The Dutchman has netted 25 of the Gunners 55 league goals this season with his recent brace coming in the important 2-1 win over Liverpool which has left the club within touching distance of their North London rivals in third place.

It is vital to the club that they secure the striker on a long-term deal once the season is over due to the realisation that, in a little over 12 months time, the 28-year-old’s contract expires. However, they run of the risk of having a similar scenario to that of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas, both of whom departed for Manchester City and Barcelona, respectively, at the end of last season.

Serious investment is required if they are to convince the talismanic front-man to extend his stay at the Emirates and below are the players manager Arsene Wenger should be targeting when the transfer window re-opens in the summer.

Edinson Cavani

The Napoli hitman has been in impressive form for the Serie A giants both domestically and on the European front with 24 goals in all competitions. His form has seen him linked with a move away from the Champions League debutants and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis has done well to ward off potential suitors for the time being. However, his displays will surely see interest heighten in him again as the season begins to draw to a close.

Chelsea and Manchester City were heavily linked with a move from the Uruguayan in January, but any move failed to materialise. And Arsenal, should they have the funds, would be foolish to turn down the opportunity to sign Cavani. The prolific striker would provide the perfect foil for Van Persie and chip in with numerous goals to ease the burden on the Dutchman. Yet, his performances would have seen his price-tag skyrocket to beyond the £40m mark and whether Arsenal can afford him is another matter altogether. Nevertheless, it would prove a major sign of intent from the Gunners if they were to snare to Napoli striker at the end of the season.

Eden Hazard

The Belgian international has become hot property across Europe over the past 18 months and has been attracting interest from a number of the game’s heavyweights following a series of superb individual displays for Lille in Ligue 1. It had been believed Chelsea were leading the race for his signature over the course of January, but in recent weeks, Tottenham Hotspur were thought to have leaped in front of their London rivals in their attempts to sign him.

Recently confirmed his admiration to move to a club in the Premier League, the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal become strongly linked with a move for the 21-year-old winger. Former team-mate Gervinho currently plies his trade for the Gunners and will, undoubtedly, look to convince Hazard his future lies at the Emirates. And his signing could prove to be a major coup for Arsene Wenger, should he manage to bring the prodigious youngster to North London. Comfortable on the wing or in the centre, he could become a major asset for the top four contenders in their bid to keep hold of Van Persie and reclaim their status as genuine title contenders.

Mario Gotze

Young Gotze has been regularly linked with a move to Arsenal prior to an injury at the Emirates in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-1 defeat to the Gunners back in November saw the North Londoners cool their interest in the playmaker. However, there is no denying his quality in the centre of the park and it could be considered that the Germany international is a natural replacement for former captain Cesc Fabregas.

Able to unlock any defence with a single pass, Van Persie would unquestionably thrive off Gotze’s creative influence. The 19-year-old has been imperative to Borussia Dortmund’s success, with 20 assists and 14 goals in 68 games since making his debut for the Bundesliga champions in 2009. Expected to play a major part for Germany in Euro 2012, It may be wise of Arsenal to secure his signing prior to the tournament otherwise run the real risk of seeing his value rise considerably should he prove a success in Poland and Ukraine.

With reports gathering pace that Lukas Podolski will be arriving over the summer, Wenger needs to follow up his arrival with a series of big name signings. Henry Winter on Sunday Supplement claimed the Gunners would be wise to announcing a big name signing the day the transfer window opens in order to outline their intentions. Any of the aforementioned trio would be ideal and could be enough to convince Van Persie to sign a new long-term contract with the club.

Picture taken from Total Football Madness

Ben McAleer

Chelsea were wrong to sack AVB

2012-03-05T21:11:00.003+00:00

Andre Villas-Boas must now
look to a way back into football

Many had assumed the writing is on the wall for Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas following the defeat in Italy. A 3-1 loss in Napoli wouldn’t have helped the young tactician’s cause, especially as it was their fifth on the bounce. The Blues faithful have been calling for his head for some time now. Poor tactics in the Premier League has seen them drop out of the Champions League places and the way he set-up his side against Napoli, an outfit many have dubbed the most exciting in Europe at the moment, in Italy was borderline catastrophic.

An out of form Jose Bosingwa starting on the wrong side of the shaky back-four at the expense of the experienced Ashley Cole was asking for trouble from the start, while hoping Raul Meireles and Ramires, both of which aren’t defensive midfielders, to counter-act the brilliantly labelled scalpel-sharp trident of Edinson Cavani, Ezequiel Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik was never going to work. Then, to ask an unhappy Florent Malouda to complete the midfield trio has seen the 34-year-old’s position at Stamford Bridge come under scrutiny from more quarters than just the Chelsea fans.

Credit to Villas-Boas, he has come out and proclaimed his position in West London is safe, citing private assurances from owner Roman Abramovich as his reason for doing so. However, it certainly hasn’t stopped the rumours gathering pace of a potential sacking before the season is up. Many feel he left FC Porto too early, but without giving him a season to really prove himself to the supporters, man of whom are already calling for his head, is the wrong way to aid the team pull out of their current rut.

It is evident that the Blues are heading through, somewhat, of a transitional period. The old guard of John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba aren’t the player’s they once were. An ageing spine to the side is the sole reason Abramovich bought the Portuguese tactician. A much needed injection of fresh blood to help conquer England, and at a stretch Europe, once again was desperately needed within the squad, many of which Villas-Boas has inherited from many of the five managers, from Jose Mourinho onwards.

The football may have got the club results, but it was done in a negative, ‘anti-football’ manner, something that didn’t appease the Russian billionaire. Avram Grant, Luis Felipe Scolari, Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti all failed to put a smile on the trigger happy owner’s face, although credit to Hiddink, he won them the FA Cup and only lost once during his interim spell at Stamford Bridge. But goalkeeper Petr Cech expertly pointed out he has now played under seven different managers in eight years with the club, after now Inter Milan manager Claudio Ranieri bought him to England from Rennes back in 2004.

Chelsea are simply lacking one important factor at the moment; stability. Whether Villas-Boas can offer them that, or Abramovich is willing to give him the opportunity to do so, is another matter altogether. However, it was clear the Russian had run out of patience with the manager, who opted to part company with the 34-year-old after the weekend’s 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion. A rash decision by the oligarch, who has spent around £600k per game in the hiring and sacking of Villas-Boas and further hampered their chances of a top four finish and a trophy for a season, that many have deemed unsuccessful for the Blues.

The decision to sack the former FC Porto boss could have further repercussions on the club as a whole. With the impatience of Abramovich costing them countless managers in the past, a number of the early favourites could perceive the role as somewhat of a poisoned chalice with the Russian billionaire demanding instant success or, like many before a new man has been bought, face his wrath.

As previously mentioned, the club are currently facing a transitional period. A number of the older players need to be shipped out particularly swiftly if Chelsea are to move forward. Villas-Boas was bought in to oversee that period in order to improve the team in the long-run. However, the senior generation weren’t happy with what was happening, both on and off the pitch, and it was the player power that contributed to his downfall. Too many times the likes of Lampard and Terry went to the press regarding the tactics used by the manager and were heavily critical of his means of selection should they not be utilised to, what they believe, is their full capacity.

This player power must be kicked out of the club when a replacement is bought in, be it through selling the aforementioned duo to name but two members of the squad or with a strict disciplinarian named as the successor to Villas-Boas. The likes of Rafael Benitez and Fabio Capello have been mooted as potential incomers, while former fans favourite Jose Mourinho remains the overwhelming favourite to return to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues will now begin to struggle to find the man to restore them to their dizzying heights in the Premiership due to the intolerance of Abramovich. Many had assumed he had learnt from his previous mistakes, but with his latest debacle in firing the young tactician, Chelsea very much find themselves back to square one. Roberto Di Matteo will take interim charge until a new man can be bought in, but even that is a temporary solution to a permanent problem.

What next though for Villas-Boas? A hefty pay-out is guaranteed, but in terms of football, a return to Portugal has been heavily mooted. Personally, that would be the best option to take and it will give him the opportunity to regain his status in the footballing world. If that isn’t the case for the rising Portuguese manager, a move to a “lower” La Liga team will help rebuild his dented credibility. Either way, the now former Chelsea boss will come out of this the stronger of the two parties with his former club now scampering to find a manager that will ensure they retain their position in the Champions League for next season with the vein hope of landing some silverware before the end of a miserable season for the West London giants.

Picture originally from Sabotage Times

Ben McAleer

El Clasico is quickly descending into football’s farce

2012-02-05T11:28:00.003+00:00

Gerard Pique points out where team-mate
Lionel Messi was stamped on by Pepe

The quest for domination in Spain is one that will never end. For the best part of a decade, it has been the mission of both Barcelona and Real Madrid to outdo each other, no matter the cost. Valencia managed to break the monopoly, albeit it temporarily, back in 2002 and again in 2004 while many contenders, including Atletico Madrid, Villarreal and, more recently to an extent Levante, have come and fallen at the feet of the games’ biggest sides.

Considered to be in a league of their own, much like Rangers and Celtic in a more flamboyant equivalent of the SPL, battles between the two great giants are a much sought after affair. Viewing figures for the most recent El Clasico at the Nou Camp was well into the hundreds of millions. And why wouldn’t football folk want to view this game?

As aforementioned, it is an encounter that possesses football’s finest talents. In the one fixture, the gold, silver and bronze medallists of the Balon D’or, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Xavi respectively, all featured at the Copa Del Rey fixture in Catalan country and, in one capacity or another, influenced the final 2-2 draw on the night (Madrid crashed out of the competition after falling 2-1 to the Blaugrana at the Bernabeu the previous week) while in the past have utilised their immense talent to change a game in a heartbeat.

However, while the talent is there for all to witness, another changing factor has begun to really creep into what should be a spectacle on the grandest of scales. While Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi can showcase their capabilities to the world, the likes of Madrid’s Pepe and Sergio Busquets of Barcelona have revealed what is beginning to slither into what is a prestigious affair.

The undermining tactics of both players in order to secure victory has resulted in yellow cards, red cards and injuries, while allowing the world to witness the disturbing low two sets of players’ are willing to stoop to in order to obtain victory over the other. We’ve seen the likes of Ricardo Carvalho simply kick Messi in the knee at the Bernabeu, while bearing witness to compatriot and team-mate Pepe “accidentally” stamp on the Argentine’s hand while the ‘little flea’ was on the floor as a result of the burly defenders’ heavy challenge.

With the European Champions, the imaginary card waving from Pedro and Dani Alves became an all-too-familiar-sight when the two sides met last season. The play-acting of Busquets has seen the World Cup winner fall from his place in the fan’s hearts to one of the most hated professionals in the game. The relentless diving on the floor, rolling around clutching one’s face in a vain attempt to see a fellow professional, and at times an international team-mate, as witnessed during the aforementioned fixture at the Nou Camp when Sergio Ramos received his second booking as a result of the midfielder, is beyond nonsensical at the best of times.

Don’t get me started on the worst. It simply doesn’t bare the comprehension of this article. But, it goes to show how far down El Clasico has dropped in recent years. This isn’t a dig at one team or the other; it’s a major gripe with both. The dangerous precedent set to the hundreds of millions of football fans, many of those aspiring to follow in the footsteps of their heroes on the pitch with their friends during a friendly kick-about or from the academy fixtures and up, is one that is beginning to set down a very, very slippery slope.

It is a big problem, but one that won’t be changed in the distant future. With both club’s vying for that elusive top-spot, neither are going to cut out the senseless, and downright pathetic, behaviour until one team is the victor. It has become an obsession with the duo that has seen them go to great lengths to topple the other which, from the perspective of a football fan, is what matters when it comes to the any major derby.

Overcoming the old enemy is one of the greatest feelings to any supporter of the game, but doing it in such a way, influencing the future greats of the game to behave in a similar fashion, isn’t the way to go about it. Both Madrid and Barca are capable of playing football at the highest of the highest standard, the latter in particular are currently being labelled as the greatest in the history of football, but Spain’s best are running a monumental risk of being remembered for a number of the wrong reasons.

Picture from football.co.uk.

Ben McAleer

Will Malaga’s millions break the La Liga monopoly?

2012-01-23T16:01:00.001+00:00

Ruud Van Nistelrooy ended his 18-month
La Liga exodus when he signed for
Malaga in the summer

It is widely accepted that when the club is on the receiving end of a big money takeover, the expectations of the fans rise ten-fold. It happened with Chelsea, it happened with Manchester City and it happened with Paris St. Germain. However, when Malaga were bought out by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nassar Al-Thani around 18 months ago the club had a plan to slowly propel them back up La Liga rather than spend heavily and “buy” the league.

After renovating Estadio La Rosaleda last year, expanding the capacity to just shy of 29,000, the platform for success elevated considerably. Bringing in Manuel Pellegrini, formerly of Villarreal and Real Madrid, the star manager to help bring in the big names was in place. However, rather than splashing the cash on players, sporting director Fernando Hierro insisted the emphasis would be placed on youth development and the arrival of established Spanish players.

Cue an influx of experience and up-and-coming stars, including the likes of Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Joaquin Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, and the stage for a push up the table was there for all to see. However, the initial plan of challenging the ‘best of the rest’ hasn’t come to fruition. Los Boquerones are currently languishing 10^th in the table, 10 points behind third-placed Valencia and a monumental 19 points off defending champions Barcelona.

And after a whopping 4-1 defeat at the hands of the Blaugrana over the weekend, coupled with a 4-0 loss to league leaders Real Madrid earlier in the campaign, overtaking Spain’s big two could prove a harder task than initially anticipated by the club’s owners. Breaking the stranglehold of the big two in La Liga is going to be no easy feat, no matter how much money is injected through private ownership, the name alone of both Madrid and Barcelona is comfortably going to trump that of Malaga.

The branding is key when it comes to La Liga. The general consensus in World football is that the top two teams in the league are the biggest in Spain, followed by a mix of Valencia, Villarreal, Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao, the so called ‘best of the rest’. The first port of call for Malaga is to break the aforementioned quartet and establish themselves within the chasing pack as a team who can begin to guarantee European football, whether it is via the Europa League or Champions League, in order to attract the bigger name players.

However, the problems lay deeper than just closing the gap on the table. It is common knowledge that teams in Spain arrange their own TV deals with the national media and with a majority of the nation, and to some extent the world, supporting either Real Madrid or Barcelona, companies are going to fight tooth and nail in order to secure the rights to show both teams on TV. A colossal fan-base results in large viewing figures and with both teams able to command maximum profit from their insistence on ‘exploiting themselves’, television stations are willing to fork out top dollar for the pleasure.

On paper, this works to the full advantage of the powerful duo. People want to see them play so they can, effectively, charge what they want. And in comparison to the Premier League, the profit was double, around £123m to £60m, to what Manchester United, arguably England’s biggest team, made throughout their domestic campaign. However, outside the top two, the cracks begin to show. While Madrid and Barca yield from this, the rest comprehensively suffer as a result. In relation to last season’s Premiership campaign, Valencia, who finished third in la Liga, accumulated the equivalent of what Blackpool Rovers, around £39m, who ended up relegated after their one and only season to date in the top flight, earned via TV revenue throughout the year.

Clubs have fought to alter the deal, but the two heavyweights have opted against altering the agreement and can you blame them? Both, off the pitch, gain from the increase in viewership which results in more money and, in turn, the ability to spend more on players both through transfer and wage budgets. In comparison to the rest of the league, they are completely blown out of the water in terms of money in coffers. With the increase viewership, the branding increases and with it, the gulf increases between the top two and the remaining 18.

In comparison, Malaga, bearing in mind they had recently been taken over that summer, received around £10m in TV payments, less than a tenth of what the big two received. When teams in, for example, England often benefit from the aftermath of a private takeover with a substantial increase in interest from afar and closer to home. However, the news that Malaga were subject to a big money takeover from wealthy Qatari backers only begun to reach the shores outside of Spain over the summer when, as has been dubbed, ‘Project Malaga’ really begun to build up momentum.

That said, the money is available for Pelligrini to spend and with the new TV agreement set to come into for the 2015/16 season, much to the displeasure of the big two I can imagine, although the option to bring it forward one-year is available, it should level the playing-field, if only slightly, in the favour of the remaining teams outside of Madrid and Barcelona. However, the key is still product placement, in that retrospect. Malaga may have millions in the coffers but the sheer fact of the matter is, fans are closely associated to Madrid and Barcelona and on a global scale, they are contentedly two of the biggest teams in football.

It is this branding that Los Boquerones have to compete with, which is easier said than done. The money will help play a part in their overall quest to overcome Spain’s two most successful teams but it will take ample time before they come close to be considered the best of the rest, let alone challenge the dominant grasp that Madrid and Barca have over La Liga.

Ben McAleer

*Note, figures came courtesy of Swiss Ramble.

The return of Scholes was an act of genius, but Henry’s wasn’t

2012-01-18T15:22:00.001+00:00

Henry and Scholes in action during the
peak of their respective careers

It has been discussed to death since the respective return of the Manchester United and Arsenal legends. One was a pretty low key affair, announced just hours prior to the FA Cup third round Manchester derby while the other, secured in the build-up to Arsenal’s third round encounter with Leeds United the following day. But, while Paul Scholes’ comeback didn’t grab the headlines as much as Thierry Henry’s did, it is the former who will be more of a success than the latter.

Henry completed a fairy-tale return to the Gunners, making his first appearance in over four-years and un-rivalled in the club’s goalscoring records, the Frenchman emerged from the sub’s bench to net the winner on his second debut during the 1-0 win over Leeds. The Emirates erupted into a chorus of applause and the joy on Henry and Arsene Wenger’s face was an absolute picture for all to see.

The 34-year-old admitted that every game following his return won’t result in him scoring goals, much like the one he put away against United, and any fan is adamant they would be surprised should the legendary front-man replicate the form that made him such a potent threat during his first stint in North London.

And it is herein where the initial problem arises. Henry simply isn’t the player he was when he initially left North London back in 2007. Granted, Arsenal fans aren’t expecting the striker to perform the same feats he did during his peak with the club he experienced his finest years but could they be hoping too much from the former Barcelona ace? That remains to be seen but the pressure is likely to be firmly placed on the shoulders on the striker, especially with both Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh away on international duty for the African Cup of Nations.

However, should the second coming of Arsenal’s all-time highest goalscorer prove an untimely success, and a masterstroke on Wenger’s behalf with the elegant front-man finding the net on a regular basis, the manager could well find himself in a spot of bother regarding his return. With Henry only at the Emirates until next month, if he proves an un-qualified success, the Arsenal could end up pressing for his return on a permanent basis.

Furthermore, when his loan ends, if his goals do help propel Arsenal into the top-four, it could well see the Gunners fall back down the league, especially if Robin Van Persie loses his goalscoring touch or pulls up with an injury while Gervinho and Chamakh don’t have the best goalscoring records since their arrivals in England. When Henry leaves, who is going to be there to pick up the pieces if his move is successful?

Wenger is masking a permanent problem with a temporary solution by bringing back Henry and whether he is a success or not, it could well back-fire on the Frenchman, especially with the current crop Henry is now playing with completely different from the team he was used to when he left back in 2007. Sir Alex Ferguson bringing Scholes back, on the other hand, may only be a stop-gap until the summer, but it makes a whole lot more sense than Henry’s return to Arsenal.

Scholes only retired in the summer and has been working with the current crop of players since he called it a day following the Champions League final defeat to Barcelona back in May. The 37-year-old is up to speed with the pace of the Premiership having only just retired a little over six months ago but with the United midfield slowly depleting due to injuries, his return has more than aided Ferguson in the Scot’s time of need.

Despite showing his rustiness in the 3-2 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup, the midfielder at fault for Aguero’s strike just after the hour mark, Scholes still showed his goalscoring touch during the weekends 3-0 win over Bolton Wanderers. His reinstatement to the Red Devils first-team, albeit until the end of the season, will not only boost Ferguson’s options in the midfield, but Scholes has the knowledge and the know how to ensure that United are certainly challenging for honours come late April/early May.

And with the Premier League stalwart available until the end of the season, Ferguson will have the talented midfielder available for the business end of the campaign while Wenger will lose Henry right when the going gets tough. The latter’s arrival may have appeased the Gunner’s faithful but, as mentioned, it is a temporary solution to a permanent problem. Scholes may the same at United but, at least Ferguson knows he can now wait until the summer before making a move for a new central-midfielder rather than paying over the odds in January.

Ben McAleer