All posts by h79snht.top

The Champions League final should never have been about English clubs this year. The two best and most in-form English teams this year couldn’t even navigate out of the group stages, and yet here we are: a Champions League final from way out in left field and another opportunity for the Premier League to converge on a controversial topic should Chelsea win.

It really shouldn’t have mattered; there was a lot to look forward to from this years Champions League final. Another Clasico rematch—because who doesn’t love those—or how about Bayern Munich getting another shot at the trophy that eluded them two years ago. No, no, those footballing Gods had another plan for us. As if the ridiculous stories of racism, video technology, refereeing, and, of course, the decision for no handshakes between Chelsea and QPR (seriously?) weren‘t enough, we now get to backhand either Arsenal, Newcastle or Spurs into the secondary tier of European football. The Premier League just can’t get away from a sensational story this season.

OK, I’ll give you the whole drama, eye-gauging, and Pepe-stamping of the Clasico. I’ll even give you the harshness of Unai Emery being chased out of town by Valencia. Or what about the fact that a team in La Liga who could qualify for European football next season has a goal difference of minus-16. The only thing more ridiculous was perhaps Bayern Munich’s promise earlier this season of a new signing, only to unveil a mobile phone application. Such a success that was that they were forced into early discussions with Basel for Xherdan Shaqiri to appease their fans, who were rightly miffed.

But the Champions League final really does take the cake on the scale of how outlandish we can get. The season will be over for everyone, except fans, board members, the manager, and Doris the tea lady of the team who finishes fourth in the Premier League. Somewhere, Michel Platini is loving this. Football couldn’t grant him his wish of a Clasico final, so instead he’s probably hoping for mass carnage in England, with an extra hint of hopefulness that Arsenal finish fourth. By the way, a £40,000 fine for Arsene Wenger voicing his displeasure at one of Uefa’s dodgy referees, are you joking? Well at least there isn’t any racist chants floating around football grounds that need seeing to.

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I’m not saying that this ruling that the winner of the Champions League automatically goes into the following year’s competition is wrong, but there’s something so unnatural about this year. Maybe it is the fact that the absurdity of Chelsea knocking out Barcelona hasn’t quite settled in. But what about their absolute luck that they wouldn’t have to face Jose Mourinho and Real Madrid. Coupled with their goal that wasn’t in the FA Cup semifinal and Arsenal hitting the post a couple of times last week, this has been a decent few weeks for Roberto Di Matteo. Even Fernando Torres is back. I won’t hear anything else, he’s back!

The only thing worse than a Chelsea win for whoever is unfortunate enough to have finished fourth, is the endless praising from the rest of the media about how great and conquering Chelsea and English football is. The Premier League would have (rightfully, according to some) retaken it’s place at the throne, while watching Barcelona fall off a cliff in a ball of flames. You know, like that bloke in the third Lord of the Rings film.

I’m not even going to go down the path of suggesting Chelsea don’t deserve the Champions League. Looking back over recent history, it’s not always been the best team from their respective league that has gone to the final—Liverpool, AC Milan, Arsenal. Nevertheless, the winner has traditionally been a team who finished in the top three of four of their league, avoiding this kind of discussion.

But the match on May 19th isn’t just going to be about Chelsea fans, Bayern fans, and the neutrals—can’t forget the neutrals—there is certainly going to be a group of fans from one of Arsenal, Newcastle or Spurs that are hoping Manuel Neuer does his best Gandalf impression, staff and sword in-hand, as he shuts out Chelsea with a “You shall not pass.” Yes, lots of that please.

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It’s an injustice to the fourth-placed team and, in some ways, a reward to English football when it really isn’t deserving of it. The only thing Uefa seem to be getting right is their insistence that John Terry won’t raise the trophy should they win.

We can only hope now that Chelsea allow us to avoid all of this controversy and witch hunts and blaming Arsene Wenger by doing the treble and winning the FA Cup, winning the Champions League, and finishing fourth. Remember, fourth place is still a trophy.

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Neymar may have been the young Santos star grabbing all the headlines as the Peixe ambled through to the Copa Libertadores quarter-finals and won their third consecutive Paulista state championship title, but it is the return to form of Ganso that will have equally pleased the fans.

Ganso played a key role as Muricy Ramalho engineered Santos to their third Libertadores title in 2011, the combination of the young playmaker and virtuoso striker Neymar often proved deadly. The pair came through the youth ranks together and seem to have an almost telepathic understanding when they are both on song. However, it was not just in assisting the club’s star striker that Ganso shone. His goal was the decisive factor as Santos progressed past Club America in the last 16 stage last year. It gave the Peixe a vital away goal which they then defended with their life when they hosted the Mexican club in the second leg.

His success was duly noted by Brazil coach Mano Menezes and he placed Ganso with the immense responsibility of operating as Brazil’s number 10 in the Copa America. Given the hyperbole surrounding the playmaker, his performances throughout the tournament came as a huge disappointment as Brazil suffered an early exit at the quarter-final stage. It seemed he could not replicate his link-up with his Santos team-mate at the international level.

From that point, a steep decline in form ensued for the demure youngster. He struggled for consistency as various knocks and yet more international call-ups continued to interrupt his Brasileiro campaign. With qualification for the next edition of the Libertadores secured as reigning champions, the Peixe had little motivation to perform at their best in the league.

Whilst on international duty for Brazil in September last year, the Santos player suffered a thigh injury would keep him out until the start of the new year. With his below-par performances for club and country fresh in the memory, many began to question whether Ganso had the mettle to perform at the highest level. However, his performances in recent weeks have put to rest any doubts on the youngster’s future in the game.

Santos went into the first leg of the Paulista final against Serie B side Guarani knowing that they were just two games away from lifting their third consecutive Paulistao, a feat not achieved by any club since the days of Pele. The game did not start as expected. Guarani went about the first half with great organisation and discipline, and Santos were finding it hard to break down their resistance. Ganso was the man who changed the game when he provided a wonderfully measured finish from the top of the box just before half time.

He then played a pivotal part in the second goal as he broke beyond Guarani’s defensive line with intricate control as he received Elano’s pass. He committed the keeper, poking the ball away and Neymar was on hand to slot the ball into the vacant net. It was a game-changing performance and Ganso had unlocked the defence and set his team well on their way to a 3-0 victory.

Yet nowhere has his imperious been witnessed as devastatingly as it was in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarter-final against Bolivar. Having lost the first match 2-1 at altitude in La Paz, the Alvinegro put in a domineering performance to win 8-0 at the Vila Belmiro. Ganso was indomitable as he dictated the game in his typical languid, flowing style. His inexhaustible array of passing capitalised on a shambolic defensive display from the visitors and he also contributed two goals. A magnificent improvised backheel provided the first and his second came courtesy of a superbly executed free kick.

Ganso has benefitted from being able to operate as playmaker-in-chief for Santos, with Elano dropping deeper as part of a midfield three, typically alongside Arouca and Henrique. This has allowed him more freedom in the final third as his defensive duties have been reduced. He now has the liberty to roam between the lines in and pick apart the opposition with the odd well-weight through-ball or sweeping pinpoint pass to switch the play.

It comes as a far cry from his post-Copa America performances and he is now showing why he has been linked to a host of Europe’s best clubs.

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There could not have been a better time for the 22-year-old to have rediscovered his best form. Having helped secure Santos’ third Paulistao in a row – matching a feat that no other club has since Pele guided the club to a trio of title between 1967 and 1969 – they now face one of South America’s most consistent club’s in the Libertadores quarter-finals in Velez Sarsfield.

Retaining South America’s premier club competition’s crown is not unrealistic either with Ganso is now showing why he has been linked to a host of Europe’s best clubs. If he can carry his best form into the Olympics this summer then he can push himself to the forefront of the elite team’s transfer targets. He has failed to rule out a move during the summer transfer window and should he make the switch before the 2014 World Cup, there will no doubt there he will be heavy competition for his signature.

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Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has admitted that he would be interested in a move back to Barcelona, and would like to finish his career at the Spanish giants.

The Ivory Coast man has been an integral part of Roberto Mancini’s team since moving to England from Camp Nou, and scored both goals in the 2-0 win over Newcastle last weekend that has City on the verge of their fist top-flight title since 1968.

However, the African battler has also confessed a desire to return to La Liga and Barcelona.

“I would love to return to Barcelona and finish my sporting career there,” Toure told Spanish radio station Rac1, translated to English by The Daily Mail.

“I love the city and Barca has always been the club of my life. I have a lot of desire to return to Barcelona Football Club.

“I would also like to be close to Eric Abidal, he is my brother. I want to support him,” he said.

Pep Guardiola will step down as Blaugrana boss after the last game of the season, but Toure admits that he knows replacement coach Tito Vilanova well also.

“The decision by Pep Guardiola to leave was a little strange because the club has had years of success and trophies. But we are all human.

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“I know the new coach very well. He is a very good person and his footballing philosophy is similar to Guardiola. He will be a very good coach,” Toure concluded.

By Gareth McKnight

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Thomas Muller has urged his Germany teammates to grasp the initiative and avoid the repercussions of losing their opening game of Euro 2012 against Portgual on Saturday evening.

Joachim Low’s side are considered to be amongst the favourites to lift the Henri Delaunay trophy but Muller insists it’s imperative they get that first win under their belts.

With tough games Holland and Denmark coming up after they’ve faced Portugal the 22-year-old is worried about the potential consequences of losing to Paulo Bento’s side.

“Making a good start is crucial because you avoid a pressure situation with the game against Holland,” said Muller

“We don’t want to go into the Holland game, against a nation who finished second at the last World Cup, with a bad feeling and being nervous that we might not make the quarter-finals.

“You only get three games in the group phase and all three opponents are very strong, so you really cannot afford to slip up.”

Portugal hosted the finals in 2004 eventually losing out to surprise winners Greece and reached the quarter-finals in Austria and Switzerland four years ago.

Captain Cristiano Ronaldo is confident that the Portuguese side can go all the way this year despite finishing behind Denmark in qualifying and requiring a play-off win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to make it through.

He told reporters at his pre-match press conference: “When we enter any competition, we do so with the intention of winning it. We know it will be very difficult, but maybe this will be our turn.

The Real Madrid winger, scored 60 goals last season, has yet to fully deliver in a major tournament and believes he and his teammates need to remain focused and concentrate on their own game if they are to get off to a good start in their opening game.

“Germany are very strong opponents and they have great players, but I think that Portugal are a team who can always play well against top opponents,” Ronaldo said.

“We are facing one of the best opponents, but we have to concentrate on our strengths and be organised and keep our concentration, then we will see what result comes out of it.”

Injury News

Per Mertesacker is the only injury concern for Joachim Low after taking a knock in training.

Portugal coach Paulo Bento could be without Nani who’s been unable to train in recent days.

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Key Player

Mesut Ozil

A stunning season at Real Madrid will see the midfielder firing on all cylinders heading into the tournament. His performances in the 2010 World Cup lit up South Africa and if he produces the same again he could lead Germany to the their first major international triumph in 16-years.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Scoring 60 times in a single season and winning the La Liga title just isn’t enough for the Real Madrid star. Ronaldo wants to add the European Championships trophy to his glittering collection. He’s yet to fully shine on the international tournament stage but after a remarkable campaign it would be foolish to back against Portugal going all the way.

Prediction: 2-2

You know the feeling. Stepping off a flight into a mysterious land for the first time, the rush of exotic heat knocking you backwards as you descend into arrivals. Be it Benidorm or Brazil, Mallorca or Mauritius, upon first placing a tentative foot on foreign soil thoughts quickly turn to just one thing: sleep. You are knackered, you’ve spent all day travelling. Rest is in order.

Though we can feel little sympathy for the luxurious lavishness of a footballer’s lifestyle, there is one area where the common man may well have the advantage. When a player disembarks his seat – first class, no doubt – after a long hard slog to the other side of the world, a barrage of duties await. From the minute the photographers in arrivals clamber for shots to the moment the screeching rubber of the plane’s wheels give flight, a footballer is obliged to partake in the the whirlwind PR machine that is doing more harm than good: the pre-season tour.

Touring English teams have long been an attraction across the globe. Amateur side Corinthian FC drew sizable masses to their games on a missionary tour of Brazil in 1910, whilst around 10,000 witnessed Exeter City’s visit to the same country as opponents in the national side’s first ever match in 1914. Yet these adventures held a noble purpose. As creators of the game, we were taking it out into the world, spreading the football gospel to unconverted corners. Today’s tours are more akin to mercenary missions, exploiting these lands for all their riches and then doing a runner into the sunset.

Between Manchester United and Arsenal alone total travel for pre-season clock in at just under 40,000 miles combined. The Proclaimers would have to go through 80,000 renditions of their most famous hit just to match these exploits, and nobody wants that. Darting from South Africa to China and then to Northern Europe, Manchester United are aiming take advantage of latest figures which estimate that nearly a sixth of the world’s population consider themselves supporters. Arsenal, meanwhile, also head out East to China and Malaysia, whilst their cancelled tour of Nigeria would have taken their outreach even further. It begs the question: is there any footballing value to these tours?

Arsene Wenger is a sensible man. A man led by reason. Yet even he is powerless in resisting the desire of Premier League clubs prioritise maximised revenue streams over footballing benefit. Wenger has a new talent to blend, new systems to perfect and narrowing corridor of time in which to prepare. If Arsenal are to finally achieve this season, preparation is vital. Are games against Kitchee FC and a Malaysia XI adequate fore bearers for a clash with Sunderland less than a month later? With all due respect to these sides, Arsenal are using them as nothing more than a medium of exploitation, giving an air of purpose to what is nothing more than a money making exercise.

Manchester City, naturally, are leading the charge for global recognition this pre-season. They too will be heading East. Their experiences in America last season, as well as early indications in this pre-season indicate a stinging lack of interest from players. Mario Balotelli’s ludicrous attempt at a back heel when clean through on goal against LA Galaxy last year testified to the forthright apathy of which players approach these fixtures; a jovial exercise in indifference. Roberto Mancini rightly pulled the Italian off, but Balotelli had already signified wider attitude trend. City’s 1-0 reverse to Al Hilal only reinforced this, as a strong City side appeared lethargic and ultimately uninterested in the task placed in front of them, like a child bundling their way through homework to get their sweets at the end.

Though pre-season games rarely stretch beyond leisurely run-outs, sensibly arranged friendlies against competitive opposition on home soil provide the greatest prospects of tangible rewards on the pitch. Though PSG meet Barcelona in New York and Arsenal meet Manchester City in Beijing, the chosen locations suggest the games will not stretch beyond exhibitionism. Indeed, when Premier League teams have met in pre-season in far flung lands previously, games have often amounted to nothing more than a tedious wait for the clock to run down so both clubs can collect their pay packets.

We live in a world where Stoke and Swansea City are promoting their ‘brand’ in the home of fat-cat capitalism. Both head to America in the hope that some poor sod will be packing their bags in preparation for a trip to Hanley or the Mumbles on a dour winter’s eve come the resumption of the Premier League season. Unlikely, yet such is the way of football nowadays. Someone in Baltimore is just as likely to follow Stoke as someone in Burslem.

It is highly unlikely that players take any benefit from these ventures. Jetlag, alien climates and relentless media duties must take their toll. No human being, no matter how physically pristine, can hop between time zones so frequently without feeling the effects. There is every chance it leaves players with greater levels of fatigue that when they first set off.

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Clubs have every right to enhance their income wherever possible, but a line must be drawn whereby football must come first. The integrity of the game is compromised each time a club pockets millions of pounds from a meaningless friendly, against a club most likely used shamelessly as a pawn on the Premier League’s rigged chessboard.

Can you see any footballing reason behind these pre-season tours? Tweet me @acherrie1

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Type in Michael Owen on google and the first thing that comes up under the suggestions is ‘Michael Owen twitter.’ That pretty much sums up the striker these days – the only thing more fitting would be if the word ‘injury’ replaced that of twitter.

Owen is currently without a club, and given the very few times he has actually played this season, perhaps a brochure a little thicker than the previous 32 paged one that lured in Fergie like the real Ronaldo to a pie, with phrases such as ‘fit and healthy.’ Now phrases such as ‘prolific tweeter’ or even ‘knowledgeable about racehorses’ could be used to attract his next suitor.

In all seriousness, what was a once great player is now struggling to find a taker – and given his injury record and wage demands this is no real shocker. If there was a guarantee that Owen could stay fit, there would be a massive difference in the interest for the player.

A player like Owen does not lose his instinct for goal – no matter how old or injury prone, but pace does fade and Owen is now in the final days of his career, with the question of retirement lingering in the minds of the doubters – and perhaps even the player himself.

Yes it would be a shock to go from training with the likes of Scholes and Rooney each day, but coaching would not be out of the question, nor would punditry should the likeable player wish to keep his finger in the game.

To get Owen to play a full schedule of 38 games seems about as possible as Gary Neville putting on a Liverpool shirt, and short of wrapping him up in cotton wool after every game, there are few out there who believe the player could do this – in fact he would probably find a way to injure himself from the wool.

Of course Owen tells us that he is not going to fall at the final hurdle and there are clubs interested in him for one final contract, yet with the wish to stay close to home, again that narrows down the list of suitors, with Stoke being the ones who are linked the most heavily, yet the style of play and mentality at the Britannia is a wold away to what the player is used to.

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Bitter former fans of Owen aside, most would agree the player is not motivated by greed and genuinely feels he has something to give to a team. Whether that is on the field on a Saturday or putting out the cones on a Monday however remains to be seen.

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Manchester City have started their Premier League defence with a comeback 3-2 victory over Southampton at the Etihad Stadium.

Carlos Tevez put the hosts into the lead five minutes before the half-time interval, but the newly-promoted side came out of the blocks in the second period, with goals from Rickie Lambert and Steven Davis setting the Saints up for an upset.

However, substitute Edin Dzeko and Samir Nasri both hit the net for Roberto Mancini’s men to ensure that the three points went to City.

Despite picking up the win, City striker Sergio Aguero suffered a knee injury, with the Italian coach admitting that it could be a big blow for the Premier League champions.

“I am worried. Anything around the knee is dangerous and this injury was so strange,” Mancini told Sky Sports.

“At the moment we don’t know. We need to wait for the scan in two days.”

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By Gareth McKnight

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Chelsea Manager, Roberto Di Matteo refused to elaborate on reports that the club are nearing a deal to sign Victor Moses, in the aftermath of the Blues’ 2-0 victory at Wigan, according to the Daily Telegraph.

A goal from Bransilav Ivanovic and a penalty by Frank Lampard secured victory within the opening seven minutes for the European Champions.

Di Matteo said the Moses deal “was for someone else to deal with”, but praised the performance of debutant and £32million signing, Eden Hazard.

Hazard came across some rough challenges by the Latics defence, who struggled to cope with the Belgian’s movement and skill on the ball, but this largely unconcerned Di Matteo, who feels the player is living up to the hype since arriving from Lille.

He said: “He’s got great technical ability, the burst of pace and can play with his back to goal. He has lot of good characteristics.”

Despite the defeat, Wigan Manager, Roberto Martinez was pleased the way his side responded after the early setbacks: “It would have been easy to feel sorry for ourselves but we showed character and had a few chances. We couldn’t get the goal, but I was pleased with the manner in which we responded.”

Wigan already have a reputation of nurturing young, talented footballers before moving them onto bigger clubs- a model which remarkably sees them compete in the Premier League for an eighth consecutive season.

The likes of Antonio Valencia and Leighton Baines are the two most notable examples, going to Manchester United and Everton respectively, but Martinez slammed the need for the summer transfer window to extend into the new season, hinting that the speculation surrounding Moses was unsettling the club.

“We want this league to be the best in the world and we should look after the human side of the game. I want the authorities to stop the transfer window before the start of the season”, he added.

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England captain Steven Gerrard admits major success at the 2014 World Cup is unlikely for the Three Lions.

Following a dismal performance at 2010 World Cup a sense of realism has entered media and fan expectation surrounding England, with expectations particularly low as the latest qualifying campaign begins.

Many factors have influenced this new found attitude towards England in major competitions; it is over 20 years since the nation advance beyond the quarter final stages at a major competition. While competing in unchartered territory in South America will bring added difficulties.

Gerrard stated, “I’m realistic to be honest. We are not one of the favourites to win the World Cup. That doesn’t mean you stop believing, working hard to improve, and learning from mistakes you’ve mad at previous tournaments.

“This team has every chance to get better in the next few years, with some players coming through and others with the experience.”

Liverpool’s captain also discussed the fact many of England’s ‘golden generation’ are set to be involved in another qualifying campaign despite previous failures, and also potentially halting development of youngsters. The 32 year old said, “You should judge players on performances. It doesn’t matter how old they are.

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“You need to be playing well to stay in the team. I remember reading before the start of the Euros, journalists wanting Paul Scholes back in the set-up and he was 34 at the time.”

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Sir Geoff Hurst says he would have no issue with leaving the Boleyn Ground if the proposed move to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford went ahead, according to the London Evening Standard.

Hurst, 70, is one of the greatest players to have graced Upton Park scoring 248 goals in 411 appearances, spanning thirteen years for the Hammers.

He believes that change is often a positive thing and feels a potential move to the new stadium would be a step in the right direction for the club, “I have more memories of the place than most but there won’t be much sadness. I firmly believe that things don’t stay the same forever and you have to move on in life.”

Hurst added, “I firmly believe the move would benefit both the club and local area and, if we’re talking about legacy, would ensure the stadium is used consistently well for the next 100 years. West Ham apart, no one could give that sort of guarantee. It would give both the stadium and the local community full support.”

Despite Hurst’s optimistic outlook on West Ham’s proposed move to the Olympic Stadium, some Hammers supporters have met the potential relocation with scepticism, concerned that the new stadium would not have the same compactness and intimidating feel that Upton Park currently encompasses.

Hurst says that he can understand these concerns, “There are so many positives but I can understand some of the fans’ uncertainty about how far they would be away from the action, particularly after the close confines of Upton Park.”

The former striker reckons that if West Ham do win the bid for the new stadium, the club’s owners, David Gold and David Sullivan would take appropriate action to ensure that it would be enjoyable for the Hammers faithful, “I believe the club have plans to bring the supporters closer to the pitch at the new stadium, though, and I am sure that is the case.”

Hurst added, “This is not a two-minute job. This is a long-term plan and involves a long-term relationship. I would hope that this magnificent new stadium will be the home of West Ham United for the next 100 years. Nothing is insurmountable if you have the will to make things better.”

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Hurst, who will be forever endeared by England fans for his hat-trick in the 1966 World Cup Final, says that the move would also see West Ham up there with the Premier League’s elites, “If you want to be a top Premier League club, which is our aim and with our fan base a realistic ambition, then you have to come and encourage more people to come and watch West Ham with improved facilities and better access.”

Sir Geoff believes that after experiencing the London Olympics last month, he is excited by the prospect of West Hams generating a similar electrifying atmosphere, “I was fortunate enough to be invited to the Usain Bolt 100 metres final. I just wish every West Ham supporter could have been there because it was just a fantastic atmosphere which the Hammers fans could strive to emulate because they will play a big part in this, as they always do.”