Archive for May, 2012
Malaga’s Millions Reach Champions League, What Glory Awaits?
When Manuel Pellegrini set about re-shaping Malaga CF’s first team football squad last summer, it was clear that they were not about to see a repeat of the 2010-11 season, when they staved off relegation by just three points, despite ending the campaign in mid-table 11th place. Pellegrini, Malaga and their rich owner Sheikh Abdullah [...]
Where Will General Michael Bradley Lead His Troops Next?
No longer known simply as “Bob Bradley’s son”, ‘General’ Michael Bradley had a stellar debut season in Serie A by all accounts. The industrious midfielder played in 35 games for the Flying Donkeys of ChievoVerona, failing to start in only one of those matches. In those appearances, either directly through the center, or pushed slightly [...]
Jurgen Klinsmann must solve defensive issues for USMNT success
The US national team has now played two games of its five game series and there have been mixed results. The first game saw a brilliant 5-1 drubbing of Scotland and the second saw a decisive 4-1 loss to Brazil. From the two games, one theme is apparent now for Jurgen Klinsmann’s team: central defense [...]
James Rodriguez would be a perfect addition to Manchester United
Manchester United has been interested in acquiring the services of FC Porto’s 20-year-old Colombian winger, James Rodriguez for several months now. Rodriguez is one of several young talents including Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa and Benfica’s Nicolas Gaitan, that manager Sir Alex Ferguson are looking to bring to Manchester this summer. The Daily Mail was one [...]
EPL Feature: Norwich and Swansea - The hunt for new managers begins now.
As I write this news has broken that Norwich City manager Paul Lambert has resigned from him position at the club and is expected to become the new manager of Aston Villa. This follows on from news earlier today that Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers has agreed a three year contract to become manager of Liverpool. While these breaking [...]
Málaga Merriment, Yellow Submarines Sunk
Almost anyone could have predicted the top two teams in Spain, but the rest of the league proved unpredictable. The only club to finish in the same position as last year was third-place Valencia, and even they parted ways with their manager Unai Emery. His treatment at the Mestalla was strange considering he led Valencia [...]
Schalke 04 chasing free agent Salomon Kalou to partner with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Salomon Kalou was one of the first Chelsea players notified of his pending release after the Blues lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in Munich. After six seasons that saw the Ivory Coast international make 244 appearances for 58 goals and 40 assists in all competitions he is set to take his leave on a [...]
Player Sales More Important than Signings for Real Madrid this Summer
Real Madrid finally usurped Barcelona from the throne of Spanish domestic football last season—and now have their eyes on a summer of strengthening as they bid to rule Europe once more. With the confirmed contract renewal of their head coach Jose Mourinho, tied to the club for an additional three seasons until 2016, Real Madrid [...]
To Pen or Not to Pen, the Penalty Shootout debate has only just begun
In the last two weekends football fans across the world have seen two very important football matches decided by a penalty shootout. First, Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich to win the UEFA Champions League. Then Huddersfield Town defeated Sheffield United to gain promotion to the Football League Championship, England’s second tier of football. In the days [...]
Ballers and Their Cars: David Beckham
David Beckham was once the proud owner of a Rolls Royce Drophead Coupe, the convertible version of one of the world’s most luxurious cars. He’s recently been seen in a brand new black Rolls Royce Ghost, the more practical and affordable version of the Phantom. Of course by affordable we mean for those of you [...]
Brendan Rodgers on Brink of Liverpool Job, which Players Will Lose Out?
Liverpool’s managerial search may be over by the end of this week after reports throughout the English media put Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers at the top of the pile. It is by no means the only major senior management position that will have a new face for Liverpool next summer, as they have also yet [...]
Differing Luck in London
The final day of the Premier League campaign decided the English title, but did not resolve the question of the fourth Champions League spot for next season. Arsenal clinched third place on the final day of their campaign to ensure a spot in the Champions League group stage. The Gunners also signed German international Lukas [...]
Serie A Feature: Udinese and their buy-to-sell philosophy
Moneyball. A phrase coined in baseball has found it’s way into the world of soccer due, in part, to Fenway Sports Group and their acquisition of Liverpool FC in England and Italian club AS Roma. Moneyball doesn’t properly translate to soccer because of the enormous differences in the sports. But the fundamentals of it do [...]
Twitter Top 5 - Week of May 28, 2012
We heat up for the Euros, the Champions League winners strengthen their team, an Aussie looks to educate, and an Arsenal man looks to sell some of his followers.
Why Eden Hazard should have joined Arsenal
Eden Hazard has disappointed those who have backed his talents for so long with his recent pandering and prima donna behavior. In the world of football, this is a bit annoying. As analysts and fanatics of football, we appreciate a genuine talent. But players who court multiple suitors must live up to expectations, especially against [...]
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