It is exactly one week to the European Championships and time for the predictions to start flowing in. Given last season’s total change of guard in Europe’s strongest leagues, it will be a great feat to correctly predict the nation that will emerge as European champions.
On paper Spain and Germany are considered favorites to win it all, but so were Barcelona and Madrid for the Champions League. To the shock of book makers, a Chelsea side that seemed to be in disarray as they endured their worst Premier League season in years emerged to win the title that club owner Abramovich has been obsessed with since he took over.
While Barcelona was also faltering domestically, Madrid was on hand to end their three – year La Liga title grip. As Barca finally relinquished their title, three other title holders in Europe’s greatest leagues followed suite.
In England, big spending Manchester City finally wrestled the title from their illustrious Manchester rivals in what was the most dramatic of seasons. As City celebrated their first title in 44 seasons, Montpellier held off the challenge of wealthy PSG to win their first ever French title against all odds. While the combination of Middle Eastern billionaire owner and proven Italian manager worked for City in overcoming United’s pedigree, PSG with same combination was held off by a Montpellier side operating on one of the lowest annual budgets in top flight football.
Juventus overcame Milan to win their first Serie A title in nine years! Fans in Stadio Olimpico wildly celebrated their 30th title although two of these titles are not recognized by the Italian football federation. As the number of titles won by the Old Lady of Italian football continues to be debated, in Bavaria there was no debate about who had cost Bayern their 23rd Bundesliga title and 5th Champions League trophy. Robben’s penalty misses led to horrific boos from his club’s fans as he featured in a recent friendly for Netherlands against Bayern Munich.
Bayern’s loss was Dortmund’s gain, as they emerged as the only club in one of the recognized most competitive leagues to retain their league title. Juventus and Bayern had invested heavily in a season designed to be special for various reasons and expectations grew tremendously as both made great starts. For Juve, it was a first season at the new Stadio Olimpico stadium while Bayern was hosting the Champion’s League finals. Emotions at the end of the season couldn’t have been more different for both sets of fans.
Like Chelsea, will the European Championships be won by an England team apparently in disarray after parting ways with their coach, mounting injuries and a Rooney suspension? Could this be Italy’s year, parallel to their 2006 World Cup triumph when Juventus emerged as champions and Serie A was hit by a match-fixing scandal? France re-shaping their image after a disgraceful world cup has started to show tremendous character in beating favorites Germany and overcoming a two goal deficit to beat Iceland. But this could be the year when Europe’s nearly men and last world cup’s loosing finalists arrive; after all, in van Persie and Huntelaar they boast two of last season’s most prolific European strikers bar Ronaldo. Have your say on who will emerge 2012 European champions.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
From Scrap to Steel!
Last week the debate about whether the Premier League is superior to La Liga was possibly finally settled. Probably more in anticipation of the events to follow the next day, Premier League chairman Dave Richards had raised eyebrows with accusations that FIFA and UEFA stole football from its English inventor.
While the elimination of one English team after another from the Champions League and Europa League highlighted the demise of the English Premier League, a flicker of hope was borne from the most unlikely source. As they descended the league table, they were considered the collapsing giant of English football especially when they moved from the most glamorous managers in world football to a lowly West Bromwich reject. Chelsea fans may have held onto a few memorable Roberto Di Matteo performances and goals from the late nineties, but on Wednesday night, he was firmly engraved into Chelsea’s history for leading them to arguably their greatest ever performance. Notably, the historic performance was inspired by the “old guard” that former manager AVB was hired at a very high cost to scrap.
As Drogba, Terry and Lampard were helping rejuvenate the spent blue force of London, their diminishing red counterparts were being revived by two players that gooners were hoping got dumped from their dressing room. Since that remarkable turnaround against their soaring North London rivals, Rosicky and Walcott have proved an irreplaceable component of an Arsenal juggernaut that was overly reliant on Robin van Persie earlier in the season.
Northwest of London, the scrap that was being refined to steel is helping shape a very nail biting finish in the battle for the title between the Manchester rivals. Like the Arsenal pair, Jonny Evans and David De Gea considered baggage by many United fans are now the glue that has helped plug United’s leaky defense. The former even capped his recent assured displays with his first goal in United colors to send the Red Devils on their way to cutting back the massive goal difference advantage that their cross-town rivals enjoyed.
In stacking up the goals, Manchester City have been so impressive, two-thirds of managers in the EPL tipped them to win the league. That they have recently seemed to be faltering, City fans may have to count on a Tevez refinement to rejuvenate their title surge.
At the other end of the table, the Manchester clubs’ Lancashire county rivals seem to be enjoying a revival of their own. Blackburn fans that have been clamoring for manager, Steve Keane’s head since the beginning of the season are now finally cheering rather than revolting at Ewood Park. With Blackburn rising above the relegation places against most predictions, what was considered “Keane’s crazy optimism” earlier in the season is now considered very likely.
From top to bottom of the league, players and managers considered scrap earlier in the season are enjoying such a revival they are poised to determine this season’s champions, champion’s league qualifiers and survivors of the drop. Other’s worth mentioning are Newcastle’s owner booed for replacing Andy Carroll with bargains that have seen the club challenge for Europe and Alex McLeish greeted by Villa fans’ echoes of “You don’t know what you are doing” for replacing Charles Nzogbia in the game against Fulham with unknown, Andreas Weimann, the eventual match winner. Have your say on which clubs are likely to reap the greatest benefit from turning their scrap into steel.
While the elimination of one English team after another from the Champions League and Europa League highlighted the demise of the English Premier League, a flicker of hope was borne from the most unlikely source. As they descended the league table, they were considered the collapsing giant of English football especially when they moved from the most glamorous managers in world football to a lowly West Bromwich reject. Chelsea fans may have held onto a few memorable Roberto Di Matteo performances and goals from the late nineties, but on Wednesday night, he was firmly engraved into Chelsea’s history for leading them to arguably their greatest ever performance. Notably, the historic performance was inspired by the “old guard” that former manager AVB was hired at a very high cost to scrap.
As Drogba, Terry and Lampard were helping rejuvenate the spent blue force of London, their diminishing red counterparts were being revived by two players that gooners were hoping got dumped from their dressing room. Since that remarkable turnaround against their soaring North London rivals, Rosicky and Walcott have proved an irreplaceable component of an Arsenal juggernaut that was overly reliant on Robin van Persie earlier in the season.
Northwest of London, the scrap that was being refined to steel is helping shape a very nail biting finish in the battle for the title between the Manchester rivals. Like the Arsenal pair, Jonny Evans and David De Gea considered baggage by many United fans are now the glue that has helped plug United’s leaky defense. The former even capped his recent assured displays with his first goal in United colors to send the Red Devils on their way to cutting back the massive goal difference advantage that their cross-town rivals enjoyed.
In stacking up the goals, Manchester City have been so impressive, two-thirds of managers in the EPL tipped them to win the league. That they have recently seemed to be faltering, City fans may have to count on a Tevez refinement to rejuvenate their title surge.
At the other end of the table, the Manchester clubs’ Lancashire county rivals seem to be enjoying a revival of their own. Blackburn fans that have been clamoring for manager, Steve Keane’s head since the beginning of the season are now finally cheering rather than revolting at Ewood Park. With Blackburn rising above the relegation places against most predictions, what was considered “Keane’s crazy optimism” earlier in the season is now considered very likely.
From top to bottom of the league, players and managers considered scrap earlier in the season are enjoying such a revival they are poised to determine this season’s champions, champion’s league qualifiers and survivors of the drop. Other’s worth mentioning are Newcastle’s owner booed for replacing Andy Carroll with bargains that have seen the club challenge for Europe and Alex McLeish greeted by Villa fans’ echoes of “You don’t know what you are doing” for replacing Charles Nzogbia in the game against Fulham with unknown, Andreas Weimann, the eventual match winner. Have your say on which clubs are likely to reap the greatest benefit from turning their scrap into steel.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Will Arsenal, Chelsea or Liverpool be Enchanted or Consoled by the Europa League?
Thirteen games to go and mid-season signings starting to bed in, we are clearly gearing up for the business end of the season. Cue for business men who own clubs that are not meeting their lofty expectations to take over training sessions.
Two games after Wolves’ otherwise considered reasonable owner gave his players a dressing down; Mick McCarthy was out of a job. Still at Chelsea despite recent training sessions under the watchful eye of ruthlessness Abramovich, Andre Villas-Boas knows that a successful career playing Russian roulette awaits once he is done with football management.
While Andre Villas-Boas surprisingly avoids seeing red, Chelsea fans may have to bear the pain of watching red Arsenal snatch that last Champions League place at their expense. Of course Liverpool, the christened Reds will want to have their say in the fight for that coveted fourth place finish.
With Tottenham not looking like they will relinquish their place in the top three, unfortunately for two of these traditional big four, Europa League may turn out to be esteemed reward. That Man United, Europe’s second most successful club of recent seasons, has graced this season’s competition may add glamour to the Europa League after all. Some rivals may find themselves in the unusual position of rooting for United to make it to the final, just to add spark to a competition that is likely to absorb their clubs next season.
Given that off-the-field events have recently made sports headlines, one can’t help but fear that such events will determine which of the traditional giants misses out on Europe’s most prestigious contest next season.
Even before he fires Andre Villas-Boas, there is no doubt that Abromavich’s presence at Chelsea’s training sessions has polarized the dressing room to create recipe for failure. After watching the players openly challenge their manager’s tactics, it may not be long before Abromavich is sat in the dugout and making real on his play station fantasy. I have a feeling Gary Neville will be quick to remind us of his early season assessment of David Luiz’s defending.
Liverpool on the other hand may struggle to motivate two of their most influential personalities following a PR disaster called out by the NY times and major sponsor Standard Chartered. King Kenny and his pampered heir to the jersey #7 may not take being forced to make public apologies very kindly. Having watched events with Carlos Tevez over the past few months, it is obvious that South Americans and apologies do not get along. Given that the entire Liverpool squad was willing to blindly stand by Suarez when he faced investigation for racial abuse, a sulky #7 may just turn out to be the rotten apple that poisons the expensively assembled pie. Of course the silver lining of two great cup runs could yet rejuvenate Liverpool’s season if as expected they win at least the Carling Cup.
Despite the relative calm that seemed to be returning to the Emirates after their early season woes, recent displays against Milan and Sunderland will be causing the Arsenal hierarchy sleepless nights. It will not be long before unrest descends as choruses of “In Arsene we trust” are transformed to “Please Arsene burst”. A seventh trophy-less season is now the least of worries for fans and board members, as Arsenal braces itself for pre-season vultures circling for their irreplaceable marks-man. The big question is can Arsenal avoid their traditional end-of-season collapse to even stand a chance of retaining Robin van Persie’s services?
While the Europa League may turn out to be consolation for two traditional giants, former giant Newcastle will be enchanted by the achievement. Given that they are currently placed sixth in the league, and have recently added another impressive Demba to their striking line, Newcastle may just overhaul the one point that stands between them and the Champions League.
At nine points adrift, it will take a drastic collapse by either of the previously discussed falling giants for resurgent Sunderland or Everton to sneak into the last Europa League place. Have your say on what you think will be the reaction of these heavy weights if the Europa League is their end of season prize.
Two games after Wolves’ otherwise considered reasonable owner gave his players a dressing down; Mick McCarthy was out of a job. Still at Chelsea despite recent training sessions under the watchful eye of ruthlessness Abramovich, Andre Villas-Boas knows that a successful career playing Russian roulette awaits once he is done with football management.
While Andre Villas-Boas surprisingly avoids seeing red, Chelsea fans may have to bear the pain of watching red Arsenal snatch that last Champions League place at their expense. Of course Liverpool, the christened Reds will want to have their say in the fight for that coveted fourth place finish.
With Tottenham not looking like they will relinquish their place in the top three, unfortunately for two of these traditional big four, Europa League may turn out to be esteemed reward. That Man United, Europe’s second most successful club of recent seasons, has graced this season’s competition may add glamour to the Europa League after all. Some rivals may find themselves in the unusual position of rooting for United to make it to the final, just to add spark to a competition that is likely to absorb their clubs next season.
Given that off-the-field events have recently made sports headlines, one can’t help but fear that such events will determine which of the traditional giants misses out on Europe’s most prestigious contest next season.
Even before he fires Andre Villas-Boas, there is no doubt that Abromavich’s presence at Chelsea’s training sessions has polarized the dressing room to create recipe for failure. After watching the players openly challenge their manager’s tactics, it may not be long before Abromavich is sat in the dugout and making real on his play station fantasy. I have a feeling Gary Neville will be quick to remind us of his early season assessment of David Luiz’s defending.
Liverpool on the other hand may struggle to motivate two of their most influential personalities following a PR disaster called out by the NY times and major sponsor Standard Chartered. King Kenny and his pampered heir to the jersey #7 may not take being forced to make public apologies very kindly. Having watched events with Carlos Tevez over the past few months, it is obvious that South Americans and apologies do not get along. Given that the entire Liverpool squad was willing to blindly stand by Suarez when he faced investigation for racial abuse, a sulky #7 may just turn out to be the rotten apple that poisons the expensively assembled pie. Of course the silver lining of two great cup runs could yet rejuvenate Liverpool’s season if as expected they win at least the Carling Cup.
Despite the relative calm that seemed to be returning to the Emirates after their early season woes, recent displays against Milan and Sunderland will be causing the Arsenal hierarchy sleepless nights. It will not be long before unrest descends as choruses of “In Arsene we trust” are transformed to “Please Arsene burst”. A seventh trophy-less season is now the least of worries for fans and board members, as Arsenal braces itself for pre-season vultures circling for their irreplaceable marks-man. The big question is can Arsenal avoid their traditional end-of-season collapse to even stand a chance of retaining Robin van Persie’s services?
While the Europa League may turn out to be consolation for two traditional giants, former giant Newcastle will be enchanted by the achievement. Given that they are currently placed sixth in the league, and have recently added another impressive Demba to their striking line, Newcastle may just overhaul the one point that stands between them and the Champions League.
At nine points adrift, it will take a drastic collapse by either of the previously discussed falling giants for resurgent Sunderland or Everton to sneak into the last Europa League place. Have your say on what you think will be the reaction of these heavy weights if the Europa League is their end of season prize.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Seeing the Blues!
While many did not get the white Christmas they dreamed of, we have heard more about the blues during first half of this Premier League season than anyone could have asked for.
“The blue moon rising” in Manchester has dominated headlines as City won the plaudits for their high pressing game, slick passing orchestrated by Silva and flurry of goals featuring the strange Balotelli character. Despite threatening to break every record in the league, those in the blue half of Manchester must be wondering what it takes to shake off the shadow of their red neighbours. Entering the New Year, it is shocking that the two Manchester clubs are level on points regardless of critical headlines about United’s unimaginative midfield and defence that looks so porous in the absence of inspirational Vidic.
Across in London, Man City’s wealthy blue cousin that microwaved their way to success over the last decade have a less revered story to tell about this season. Despite enjoying the most eye catching start to a managerial career, Villa Boas has at times demonstrated that he is still in “managerial diapers.” While qualification to the Champions League’s next round and ending Man City’s unbeaten start to the season are very impressive feats, some of Villa Boas’ decisions during the draw at Wigan’s DW Stadium were so naïve it calls for the highest level of optimism to believe in a Chelsea title for this season.
The pauper blue cousin in Mersey side has endured a very frustrating first half of the season as their brilliant manager continues to be crippled by budget limitations. Qualification for the Europa League is now viewed as “the good old days”! Everton fans are irked with envy as their red Mersey side rivals spend on an array of talent that makes them look like genuine contenders for a Champions League place.
The bottom end of the table has also featured its blues tale with Wigan and Blackburn battling to escape relegation. While both have recently enjoyed some impressive results against the so called traditional big four, it is consistency against the less illustrious bottom half of the table teams that will shape their destiny. What Martinez lacks for in financial resources has at least been compensated for with unity and support from the Wigan fans and owner. Blackburn’s Kean on the other hand has been hangout to dry by the club owners who have chickened out in the face of more viscous fan protests. Despite blowing a lot of hot air with talk about marquee signings at the start of their reign, no serious professional will be looking to join Blackburn’s relegation dog fight under owners that evidently have very limited knowledge about football.
My prediction about Wigan is that they are a cat with many lives and will enjoy another last day of the season escape as Rolladega and Dos Santos form an incredible striking partnership. Blackburn on the other hand have so much negative energy to contend with, not even Yakubu’s scoring feats will enable them to swim upstream. As they sink into the Championship, Big Sam will jubilantly wave at the Venky’s as he leads West Ham back to the Premiership.
While many of those craving a white Christmas were disappointed, the Championship will welcome two whites along with Blackburn. Bolton knew at the start of the season that they would struggle to make up for Elmander and Sturridge’s goals. Their defending has however been so awful, Bolton may as well cash in on Cahill, raise the white flag and start rebuilding for an immediate return from the Championship. As Wigan makes their dramatic last day of the season escape, it will be the swan song from the solitary Welsh side in the league. Formidable as their home record has been during the first half of the season, Swansea like Burnley a couple of seasons ago, play too pretty to mix it up in a relegation dog fight.
Have your say on which colours are likely to hug the headlines during the next half of the season. Whether your choice is blue, red, white or whatever other colour, for you, it is a special wish for a very prosperous 2012!
“The blue moon rising” in Manchester has dominated headlines as City won the plaudits for their high pressing game, slick passing orchestrated by Silva and flurry of goals featuring the strange Balotelli character. Despite threatening to break every record in the league, those in the blue half of Manchester must be wondering what it takes to shake off the shadow of their red neighbours. Entering the New Year, it is shocking that the two Manchester clubs are level on points regardless of critical headlines about United’s unimaginative midfield and defence that looks so porous in the absence of inspirational Vidic.
Across in London, Man City’s wealthy blue cousin that microwaved their way to success over the last decade have a less revered story to tell about this season. Despite enjoying the most eye catching start to a managerial career, Villa Boas has at times demonstrated that he is still in “managerial diapers.” While qualification to the Champions League’s next round and ending Man City’s unbeaten start to the season are very impressive feats, some of Villa Boas’ decisions during the draw at Wigan’s DW Stadium were so naïve it calls for the highest level of optimism to believe in a Chelsea title for this season.
The pauper blue cousin in Mersey side has endured a very frustrating first half of the season as their brilliant manager continues to be crippled by budget limitations. Qualification for the Europa League is now viewed as “the good old days”! Everton fans are irked with envy as their red Mersey side rivals spend on an array of talent that makes them look like genuine contenders for a Champions League place.
The bottom end of the table has also featured its blues tale with Wigan and Blackburn battling to escape relegation. While both have recently enjoyed some impressive results against the so called traditional big four, it is consistency against the less illustrious bottom half of the table teams that will shape their destiny. What Martinez lacks for in financial resources has at least been compensated for with unity and support from the Wigan fans and owner. Blackburn’s Kean on the other hand has been hangout to dry by the club owners who have chickened out in the face of more viscous fan protests. Despite blowing a lot of hot air with talk about marquee signings at the start of their reign, no serious professional will be looking to join Blackburn’s relegation dog fight under owners that evidently have very limited knowledge about football.
My prediction about Wigan is that they are a cat with many lives and will enjoy another last day of the season escape as Rolladega and Dos Santos form an incredible striking partnership. Blackburn on the other hand have so much negative energy to contend with, not even Yakubu’s scoring feats will enable them to swim upstream. As they sink into the Championship, Big Sam will jubilantly wave at the Venky’s as he leads West Ham back to the Premiership.
While many of those craving a white Christmas were disappointed, the Championship will welcome two whites along with Blackburn. Bolton knew at the start of the season that they would struggle to make up for Elmander and Sturridge’s goals. Their defending has however been so awful, Bolton may as well cash in on Cahill, raise the white flag and start rebuilding for an immediate return from the Championship. As Wigan makes their dramatic last day of the season escape, it will be the swan song from the solitary Welsh side in the league. Formidable as their home record has been during the first half of the season, Swansea like Burnley a couple of seasons ago, play too pretty to mix it up in a relegation dog fight.
Have your say on which colours are likely to hug the headlines during the next half of the season. Whether your choice is blue, red, white or whatever other colour, for you, it is a special wish for a very prosperous 2012!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Who will be blinded by The Dark Cloud in Manchester?
For all their early season talk about how close they were to Barcelona, last week a dark cloud descended upon Manchester’s illustrious clubs when they were eliminated from Europe’s major show piece. Despite premier league dominance during the early season, both United and City will now have to make do with the less glamorous Europa League. This week we explore which of the two clubs will be blinded by this dark cloud to derail their premier league campaign.
For City, elimination as Champions League novices from the group of death is excusable. They also have Europa League experience to draw from and arguably the deepest squad in Europe to manage the challenge of Thursday night and Sunday football better than their Manchester rivals.
United on the other hand, a three time winner and finalist in three of the last four seasons was very embarrassed by elimination from the most winnable of groups. As they demonstrated against Wolves last weekend, and previously following a 2003 first leg quarter final battering in Madrid, United are at their most dangerous after embarrassment.
City has such a deep squad it can afford to keep their players fresh all season for both Europe and domestic contest. United on the other hand has over nine first team players out injured, including Vidic, the glue that holds a sometimes leaky defense together. Ferguson has stressed that United do not need to feel sorry for themselves about the injuries and if he can navigate December with the team in touching distance of the league leaders, will stand a good chance of reclaiming the title. One can draw parallels between this season and the 2009/2010 season when players returning in the second half of the season propelled United from total obscurity to finish the season within a point of Chelsea.
Although the Europa League is one trophy that Ferguson has never won, we would be silly to think this will motivate him to prioritize it over the premier league. Despite reports that Ferguson has only not won this trophy because his teams have never been bad enough to compete in it, United did not even make the cut for Europa on the last two occasions they were eliminated from the group stages (1994 and 2005). Given their stretched player resources, United’s best hope for a sustained premier league challenge may be to dedicate the Europa League to academy and fringe players’ experience.
The biggest challenge for City at the start of the season was how to keep the egos of their overpaid stars in check. The Tevez Munich disaster did not just conclude his transformation from talisman to villain, but finally gave Mancini a chance to make his mark as the dressing room’s top dog.
Given that both United and City are likely to prioritize the premier league, it is very unlikely that the Europa league will shape their respective premier league destinies. With their high up the field pressing game recently showing frailties when countered with energy and pace, City’s collapse may depend on whether players of other teams will have the courage and discipline to implement this blue print. A few more losses may cause dressing room unrest as some of Mancini’s stars begin to question his strategy. Having played most of their premier league title rivals away from home in the first half of the season, City have the easier run in on paper. Despite enjoying a perfect home record thus far, City fans will be wary that their home record over many of their title rivals has not been flawless in recent seasons. United’s season on the other hand rests on how Ferguson addresses Vidic’s absence and a midfield that lacks a cutting edge.
For City, elimination as Champions League novices from the group of death is excusable. They also have Europa League experience to draw from and arguably the deepest squad in Europe to manage the challenge of Thursday night and Sunday football better than their Manchester rivals.
United on the other hand, a three time winner and finalist in three of the last four seasons was very embarrassed by elimination from the most winnable of groups. As they demonstrated against Wolves last weekend, and previously following a 2003 first leg quarter final battering in Madrid, United are at their most dangerous after embarrassment.
City has such a deep squad it can afford to keep their players fresh all season for both Europe and domestic contest. United on the other hand has over nine first team players out injured, including Vidic, the glue that holds a sometimes leaky defense together. Ferguson has stressed that United do not need to feel sorry for themselves about the injuries and if he can navigate December with the team in touching distance of the league leaders, will stand a good chance of reclaiming the title. One can draw parallels between this season and the 2009/2010 season when players returning in the second half of the season propelled United from total obscurity to finish the season within a point of Chelsea.
Although the Europa League is one trophy that Ferguson has never won, we would be silly to think this will motivate him to prioritize it over the premier league. Despite reports that Ferguson has only not won this trophy because his teams have never been bad enough to compete in it, United did not even make the cut for Europa on the last two occasions they were eliminated from the group stages (1994 and 2005). Given their stretched player resources, United’s best hope for a sustained premier league challenge may be to dedicate the Europa League to academy and fringe players’ experience.
The biggest challenge for City at the start of the season was how to keep the egos of their overpaid stars in check. The Tevez Munich disaster did not just conclude his transformation from talisman to villain, but finally gave Mancini a chance to make his mark as the dressing room’s top dog.
Given that both United and City are likely to prioritize the premier league, it is very unlikely that the Europa league will shape their respective premier league destinies. With their high up the field pressing game recently showing frailties when countered with energy and pace, City’s collapse may depend on whether players of other teams will have the courage and discipline to implement this blue print. A few more losses may cause dressing room unrest as some of Mancini’s stars begin to question his strategy. Having played most of their premier league title rivals away from home in the first half of the season, City have the easier run in on paper. Despite enjoying a perfect home record thus far, City fans will be wary that their home record over many of their title rivals has not been flawless in recent seasons. United’s season on the other hand rests on how Ferguson addresses Vidic’s absence and a midfield that lacks a cutting edge.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
The Boiling Point: Who Gets Sacked Next?
First, I would like to extend my sympathies to football fans at a time when the football world has been stunned by the premature deaths of Garry Speed and the great Socrates. As Wales and Brazil mourn the losses of their most cherished sons, our thoughts and prayers are especially with the deceased’s families and friends.
On a less tragic but still painful note, during the last week, the Premier League witnessed its first managerial casualty in Steve Bruce of Sunderland. Having overhauled his entire squad following a season in which Sunderland flirted with European football, expectations were sky high. In all honesty, Sunderland had clearly lost their way since the loss of Darren Bent in the middle of last season. Coupled with the departure of Asamoah Gyan and the brilliant Danny Welbeck, it is of little surprise that they continue to struggle for goals. Unfortunately for Bruce, Nicholas Bendtner who was brought in on loan to compensate for these three has so far failed to deliver the goals when it matters.
With so much money at stake in the Premier League, many owners have recently adopted a ruthless approach that has left managers more vulnerable. December is usually the time for owners to decide whether to trust the incumbent with funds for squad reinforcement or if a total change of direction is necessary.
It is easy to mark out managers at clubs that are at the foot of the table as most susceptible, but in many ways, it is a case of being at the right club at the right time. Steve Kean one of the early favorites for the sack continues to defy the odds and was even recently rewarded with a new contract. Strange that the new owners got rid of Sam Allardyce when the club was comfortably in mid-table, citing his “lack of ambition”, but have continued to stand by Kean despite fans’ unrest. My prediction is that Steve will keep his job until a few weeks into the Championship season next year, when the owners will finally yield to fan pressure.
Speaking of fan unrest, Wolves and Everton are the other two premiership clubs that have had to deal with demonstrations. While the Wolves fans were demonstrating against McCarthy, Moyes at Everton is a fan favorite and all the noises are directed at the owners for lack of investment into the squad. My take is that both managers will be safe as they continue to mobilize their troops to punch above their weight.
If with the purchase of Blackburn, Big Sam was not at the right place at the right time; Martinez could not have timed his presence at Wigan any better. Firmly rooted at the foot of the table, probably as testament to Whelan’s understanding of the game, he is one owner that acknowledges that for their lack of investment, it is a bonus to simply stay in the division. The club fans are also so in love with Martinez, their former player and hero; one can’t help but feel that his job is safe. As a caution though, we don’t need to look further than Arsenal to recognize how fickle a manager’s relationship with fans can be.
Bolton is another struggling club that has a former player managing on a very meager budget. Owen Coyle started his reign by mixing great results with style but like Bruce at Sunderland; saw a late collapse as last season progressed. Also similarly, the loss of loan signing Daniel Sturridge coupled with the departure of Johan Elmander has deprived Bolton of a goal threat. Unlike Wigan though, I get a feeling that Premier League survival is paramount for Bolton’s owners and if results do not turn around soon, Owen will not survive the season.
While Wigan, Everton and Blackburn have together made a troubled season for teams with Blue home jerseys, their illustrious counterparts from London mainly have a trigger happy owner to be concerned about. Andre Villas-Boas continues to assure in the press that he is confident about the safety of his job, but Abromavich’s record of seven managers in eight years is reason for pessimism. Andre draws his confidence from the fact that he was signed for over £13 million on a three year contract but the sacking of many of his predecessors did not seem rational. Ranieri was sacked despite leading Chelsea to the Champions League semi-finals and second in the league to break the Man United – Arsenal stranglehold. Mourinho was sacked despite winning the club’s first title in over 50 years and retaining it the season that followed. Grant was sacked despite putting Chelsea within a whisker of their first ever Champions League title. Ancelotti was sacked despite winning the club’s first ever League and FA Cup double in his first season. This weekend’s win against Newcastle may have just bought Villas-Boas more time, but one fears the worst if Chelsea fails to win against Valencia this week.
Have your say on which club owners are likely to reach boiling point first and axe their manager in what is likely to be a crazy December.
On a less tragic but still painful note, during the last week, the Premier League witnessed its first managerial casualty in Steve Bruce of Sunderland. Having overhauled his entire squad following a season in which Sunderland flirted with European football, expectations were sky high. In all honesty, Sunderland had clearly lost their way since the loss of Darren Bent in the middle of last season. Coupled with the departure of Asamoah Gyan and the brilliant Danny Welbeck, it is of little surprise that they continue to struggle for goals. Unfortunately for Bruce, Nicholas Bendtner who was brought in on loan to compensate for these three has so far failed to deliver the goals when it matters.
With so much money at stake in the Premier League, many owners have recently adopted a ruthless approach that has left managers more vulnerable. December is usually the time for owners to decide whether to trust the incumbent with funds for squad reinforcement or if a total change of direction is necessary.
It is easy to mark out managers at clubs that are at the foot of the table as most susceptible, but in many ways, it is a case of being at the right club at the right time. Steve Kean one of the early favorites for the sack continues to defy the odds and was even recently rewarded with a new contract. Strange that the new owners got rid of Sam Allardyce when the club was comfortably in mid-table, citing his “lack of ambition”, but have continued to stand by Kean despite fans’ unrest. My prediction is that Steve will keep his job until a few weeks into the Championship season next year, when the owners will finally yield to fan pressure.
Speaking of fan unrest, Wolves and Everton are the other two premiership clubs that have had to deal with demonstrations. While the Wolves fans were demonstrating against McCarthy, Moyes at Everton is a fan favorite and all the noises are directed at the owners for lack of investment into the squad. My take is that both managers will be safe as they continue to mobilize their troops to punch above their weight.
If with the purchase of Blackburn, Big Sam was not at the right place at the right time; Martinez could not have timed his presence at Wigan any better. Firmly rooted at the foot of the table, probably as testament to Whelan’s understanding of the game, he is one owner that acknowledges that for their lack of investment, it is a bonus to simply stay in the division. The club fans are also so in love with Martinez, their former player and hero; one can’t help but feel that his job is safe. As a caution though, we don’t need to look further than Arsenal to recognize how fickle a manager’s relationship with fans can be.
Bolton is another struggling club that has a former player managing on a very meager budget. Owen Coyle started his reign by mixing great results with style but like Bruce at Sunderland; saw a late collapse as last season progressed. Also similarly, the loss of loan signing Daniel Sturridge coupled with the departure of Johan Elmander has deprived Bolton of a goal threat. Unlike Wigan though, I get a feeling that Premier League survival is paramount for Bolton’s owners and if results do not turn around soon, Owen will not survive the season.
While Wigan, Everton and Blackburn have together made a troubled season for teams with Blue home jerseys, their illustrious counterparts from London mainly have a trigger happy owner to be concerned about. Andre Villas-Boas continues to assure in the press that he is confident about the safety of his job, but Abromavich’s record of seven managers in eight years is reason for pessimism. Andre draws his confidence from the fact that he was signed for over £13 million on a three year contract but the sacking of many of his predecessors did not seem rational. Ranieri was sacked despite leading Chelsea to the Champions League semi-finals and second in the league to break the Man United – Arsenal stranglehold. Mourinho was sacked despite winning the club’s first title in over 50 years and retaining it the season that followed. Grant was sacked despite putting Chelsea within a whisker of their first ever Champions League title. Ancelotti was sacked despite winning the club’s first ever League and FA Cup double in his first season. This weekend’s win against Newcastle may have just bought Villas-Boas more time, but one fears the worst if Chelsea fails to win against Valencia this week.
Have your say on which club owners are likely to reach boiling point first and axe their manager in what is likely to be a crazy December.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Will Manchester City match Arsenal’s Invincibles?
After Man City thrashed their illustrious rivals at Old Trafford, much of the talk switched from who are favorites to win the title to whether City could match Arsenal’s 2003/2004 unbeaten season. Having spent just under £450 million on player transfers since Sheikh Mansour’s September 2008 investment and a manager who won three consecutive Italian titles, Manchester City are undoubtedly equipped to break records.
The first challenge facing Mancini is how to keep the egos of his overpaid stars in check and create a team spirit in his dressing room to win titles. Much like Steve Kean at Blackburn, Mancini’s appointment left a sour taste of unfairness as his predecessor was arguably doing a great job. Having won the club’s first trophy in 34 years, Mancini can now command a “top-dog” authority, casting the shadow of last season’s talisman, Tevez, in his wake.
The next possible obstacle would be balancing the rigors European football with the domestic season. However, with a squad so deep their reserves could win the league, surely City’s rivals are only clinging onto branches that City’s squad could be stretched so thin. Take into account the experience of their manager as well as that of most of their squad, and again one cannot help but feel that City have all the tools to break records.
The tougher test is probably how the team will cope with the pressure of being title favorites and their response to a loss in other competitions. On the back of City’s loss to Napoli, and their Champions League campaign hanging on a thread, the game against a rested Liverpool team that boasts a great head-to-head record against City, could in the eyes of antagonists not be timed any better. Even with ten men for the last 10 minutes of the game, City managed to record only their second draw of the campaign and with their five-point lead still intact, should still feel comfortable in the title race.
The real test for Mancini will be how to keep his troops grounded even against the league’s bottom teams that sometimes play with a bold “nothing to lose” attitude that could catch City out. After all, last season it took a dogged Wolves performance to end Man United’s long unbeaten run. There will be games against teams like Arsenal and Man United that should get better as the season progresses, and are marshaled by seasoned generals who will be extra motivated to deny City such a prestigious coup. Tottenham as well have continued to improve and have a great record against City while Chelsea is bound to end their miserable run against City at some point.
Like United’s 1999 treble, I believe the Gunners 2003/2004 run is a one off that will not be repeated, at least not in the near future. Luck has to align with ability and hunger, but luck is especially not an aspect that is easy to sustain through a season. If City can survive the December 7th – 18th period, where they have a tough run of games against Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Arsenal, they just may be in line to make lightning strike again!
The first challenge facing Mancini is how to keep the egos of his overpaid stars in check and create a team spirit in his dressing room to win titles. Much like Steve Kean at Blackburn, Mancini’s appointment left a sour taste of unfairness as his predecessor was arguably doing a great job. Having won the club’s first trophy in 34 years, Mancini can now command a “top-dog” authority, casting the shadow of last season’s talisman, Tevez, in his wake.
The next possible obstacle would be balancing the rigors European football with the domestic season. However, with a squad so deep their reserves could win the league, surely City’s rivals are only clinging onto branches that City’s squad could be stretched so thin. Take into account the experience of their manager as well as that of most of their squad, and again one cannot help but feel that City have all the tools to break records.
The tougher test is probably how the team will cope with the pressure of being title favorites and their response to a loss in other competitions. On the back of City’s loss to Napoli, and their Champions League campaign hanging on a thread, the game against a rested Liverpool team that boasts a great head-to-head record against City, could in the eyes of antagonists not be timed any better. Even with ten men for the last 10 minutes of the game, City managed to record only their second draw of the campaign and with their five-point lead still intact, should still feel comfortable in the title race.
The real test for Mancini will be how to keep his troops grounded even against the league’s bottom teams that sometimes play with a bold “nothing to lose” attitude that could catch City out. After all, last season it took a dogged Wolves performance to end Man United’s long unbeaten run. There will be games against teams like Arsenal and Man United that should get better as the season progresses, and are marshaled by seasoned generals who will be extra motivated to deny City such a prestigious coup. Tottenham as well have continued to improve and have a great record against City while Chelsea is bound to end their miserable run against City at some point.
Like United’s 1999 treble, I believe the Gunners 2003/2004 run is a one off that will not be repeated, at least not in the near future. Luck has to align with ability and hunger, but luck is especially not an aspect that is easy to sustain through a season. If City can survive the December 7th – 18th period, where they have a tough run of games against Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Arsenal, they just may be in line to make lightning strike again!
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