From the very first moment, it is clear this will not be a routine interview. Mario Balotelli is in the room and he’s not really supposed to be. ‘What’s this?’ he enquires, standing at the door. ‘It’s an interview, Mario.’ ‘What interview? Why?’ he asks. ‘Joe and the Daily Mail. Nothing to do with you.’ […]
Archive | December, 2012
Continuity amid Vilanova adversity could push Barcelona to greater heights
The coach will undergo an operation on Thursday, but the Catalans’ philosophy will remain intact thanks to a capable stand-in and a group of players familiar with pulling through Life without Tito Vilanova begins away to Valladolid in the Primera Division on Saturday, but the road to recovery starts at home for both coach and […]
One day like Barca – an interview with David Silva
For David Silva there is little left to achieve in football. At 26 years of age the Manchester City playmaker is the x-factor in Roberto Mancini’s team and a star in a Spain constellation that is surely the brightest ever to light the international stage. He has won the World Cup and two European Championships, opening the […]
Blurring the lines between defenders and midfielders
A recent tactical trend is to field midfielders at centre-back, an approach favoured by Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola and Tito Vilanova, who have refused to buy a “traditional” central defender despite needing back-up for Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique. Instead, they’ve converted Javier Mascherano, Alex Song and Sergio Busquets into defenders, with varying levels of regularity […]
Wenger decides to rely on British core
As a result of the premature departure of his side’s previous leaders – Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie and Alex Song to name a few – it appears that Arsene Wenger has decided to rely on a British core rather than “fickle” foreigners. Losing the likes of Cesc and RVP must have been particularly painful […]
Fantasy Football – Gameweek 18
As usual, the good folks of Fantasy Yirma provide their insight and selections for Gameweek 18. Gameweek 18 preview: Santi presents Wigan with a problem Santi is coming to Wigan, and perhaps he should be coming into your team too. We all know that this is a special time of year, a time to look forward to […]
Benteke – the next Drogba?
The world is waking up to Benteke …”That was probably the most complete performance I’ve seen from a centre-forward in the Premier League this season,” commented pundit Alan Shearer, the league’s all-time record goal-scorer. Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, on the receiving end of Benteke on Saturday, admitted, “Benteke was outstanding.” …I can recall certain members […]
Champions League Draw Results
TKTG brings all the best reports on the Champions League draw for the Knockout phase. The draws are: Galatasaray vs FC Schalke Celtic vs Juventus Arsenal vs Bayern Munich AC Milan vs Barcelona Real Madrid vs Manchester United Valencia vs Paris St Germain FC Porto vs Malaga Shakthar Donetsk v Borussia Dortmund ESPNFC: Ronaldo Returns […]
PSG Secure New Commercial Agreement
While the world is focusing on the Champions League Draw, many might have missed this bit of news. ESPNFC has reported that PSG has signed a new EUR 150 Mln a year deal with the Qatar Tourism Authority. Is it a brilliant marketing deal or a slap-in-the-face for FFP? Paris Saint-Germain have clinched […]
Has Sir Alex hung up the hairdryer?
Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed for the first time the secrets of how he became the most successful manager in British football history. The Manchester United manager opened up and provided a fascinating insight into his 26-year career at Old Trafford. Ferguson, who will be 71 on New Year’s Eve, collaborated with academics at […]
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