Footie Analyst

Time for Dimitar Berbatov to seize the moment for Manchester United

2010-03-31T22:09:00.001+01:00

From the hyperactive Wayne Rooney they turn to the languid Dimitar Berbatov to see off Chelsea and Bayern Munich inside five days. The good news is that Berbatov has already scored three times against Germany's grandest club. Less encouraging is that Rooney's replacement as Manchester United's chief striker posted all three while at Bayer Leverkusen from 2001 to 2006.

A £30.75m centre-forward comes off the bench to hunt the two wins United need to disprove the accusation that they are a one-man band.

Berbatov is an international who has played in two Champions League finals and scored 32 times in European competition. Hardly the bare bones of United's squad. Yet the success of his elevation will depend on his response to the urgency of this five-day test and the team's ability to survive the psychological jolt of seeing their best player on crutches.

The expectation back in August was that Sir Alex Ferguson would deploy Rooney and Berbatov together but the United manager has favoured a five-man midfield with Rooney in a luxury Alan Shearer role. Tactical considerations aside, the implication is that Ferguson's faith in Berbatov has dimmed to the point where Bulgaria's six-times footballer of the year exists to give Rooney a rest or supply an extra weapon when United are in desperate need of a goal.

Like Ruud van Nistelrooy, who was lethal around the penalty area and so could justify his comparatively low work-rate, Berbatov is the antithesis of the super-busy United striker who seeslosing the ball as a dishonourable act which he has a moral duty to correct. Berbatov must know that most Old Trafford diehards are intolerant of his dreamy style.

In a long and compelling answer to a question about Van Nistelrooy's successor Sir Bobby Charlton, the embodiment of United's energetic forward play, said in the Observer last year: "I watched him at Tottenham [his previous Premier League club] and I thought he was in charge of his own destiny, that he made the right decisions. But playing for Man United is a bit more demanding. You're expected not just to do all the great things you're good at but also your share of the dirty work – which is chasing back to regain possession, helping your defenders if you're close enough to help.

"First of all I was very critical of him, to myself, thinking: 'Look at that. As soon as he loses the ball he stops running and starts walking, as if to say – somebody else will do it'. And I thought: 'He must be a good player if he can afford to do that.'"

Charlton said he had come to understand Berbatov's "really great skill, his awareness and his physical strength at holding people off. Not only that, when he passes he always makes it easy for you. He always gives it perfectly. Everything is so, so precise. Add to that, he's got his control and when he gets round the goal he wants to score.

"He's frustrating sometimes. Instinctively I think that, if I've lost the ball, I want to chase after it. I want to make up for the mistake I've made. Maybe like George Best you've got to accept him for what he is. Cantona had that arrogance. But he did his fair share of the work. I'd never complain about Cantona in that respect. He was sensational and he had an influence. Given that bit of time and space that Berbatov seems to be finding now, he'll get better and better."

Since Charlton offered that analysis, mid-way through the striker's first season in Manchester, stagnation has become the theme. Twelve goals from 27 league appearances this term is not a glittering statistic. Rooney had scored 18 times in 13 outings before a typically conscientious urge to stop an attacking run inside his own half led to his ankle injury. Berbatov has yet to score in this season's Champions League but did seize two in the weekend's 4-0 win at Bolton.

Of the alternatives Michael Owen is out with hamstring damage, Mame Biram Diouf has appeared only five times for United and Federico Macheda is an 18-year-old on the road back from injury (Danny Welbeck is out injured).

"I'd have enjoyed playing with him but I'd have been arguing with him. A lot," Charlton said. "If you've got people running backward and forward and you're responsible, it's not right. But he's learned. You're not allowed many mistakes and you can't be casual. You can't be casual."

As a child Berbatov modelled himself first on Marco van Basten, then on Shearer. From the outset on Saturday and again on Wednesday night the United cognoscenti will look for evidence that his self-esteem has not been damaged by his slide in the hierarchy and hope he learned from Shearer the meaning of 'carpe diem'.

Source: Guardian

Maradona: Lionel Messi 'maturing in giant strides'

2010-03-25T22:31:00.001Z

The Argentina coach, Diego Maradona, has hailed Lionel Messi's recent performances after his return from a fact-finding tour around Europe, saying Barcelona's 22-year-old forward was "maturing in giant strides".

During his trip Maradona saw Messi score a hat-trick, one of two in successive league games. Although he failed to match his brilliant recent form in last night's 2-0 home win against Osasuna, he has been good enough of late to prompt comparisons with Maradona himself. "To me, Messi is better than Maradona," his Barcelona team-mate Pedro Rodríguez said this week. "I play with him, I see him every day and to me he is the best. Maradona has been the best player in history and for me, Messi is even greater than he is."

With Messi in such fine form, Gonzalo Higuaín scoring regularly for Real Madrid, Diego Milito impressing with Internazionale and Carlos Tevez having an excellent first season at Manchester City, Argentina would appear to have an embarrassment of attacking riches with the World Cup now less than three months away.

"I'm happy, we have all the Argentinian goalscorers scoring goals in all the leagues in Europe and they're all showing they want to be [at the World Cup]," Maradona told reporters. "It will be a good, very open fight and it will be difficult for me to leave some out because they're scoring incredible goals ... but I have to take 23 players."

Maradona, who has been Argentina's head coach since November 2008, has called up a hundred players during his tenure as he searched for a winning formula, with the nation's performance in World Cup qualification so poor that they were in danger of failing to reach the finals for the first time since 1970. He could not find a formula in which Messi could replicate his brilliant Barcelona form and only picked Higuaín in the last two games against Peru and Uruguay, that Argentina needed to win.

"Messi looked fantastic, full of energy, happy ... He's maturing in giant strides," said Maradona. "Messi is another I'm certainly taking [to the finals] as a first-choice player alongside [midfielder and captain Javier] Mascherano," he said.

Rhone Group head list of 'six or seven' potential Liverpool investors

2010-03-15T20:49:00.001Z

Liverpool have moved a step closer to resolving their financial future with "six or seven" potential investors vying to take a majority stake in the club.

The first to declare its hand is the Rhone Group, a US fund management firm, run by billionaires Robert Agostinelli and Steven Langman, which has expressed an interest in buying a stake of at least 34 per cent for around £100 million.

That would substantially dilute the holdings of owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett and break the boardroom stalemate which has hamstrung the club for more than two years.
However, Liverpool remain hopeful of receiving a number of competing offers before the Easter deadline set by the club's managing director, Christian Purslow.

Six other interested parties are believed to be considering proposals entailing either partial investment or a wholesale buyout of Hicks and Gillett. Those offers would be put to the club's board by Purslow, with sources at Liverpool hopeful of securing new investment "in good time" for the start of next season.

Regardless of which offer is accepted, any cash infusion raised by a share issue would be used to pay down the £237 million debt laden on to the club by Hicks and Gillett, a condition laid down by the Royal Bank of Scotland if the two Americans are to refinance loans held by the Government-controlled bank in July.

But an end to the search for investment started last year by Purslow would free up the working capital to enable work to start on the club's long-awaited new stadium on Stanley Park this year, as well as, crucially, allowing Liverpool to strengthen their playing staff.

The club's manager, Rafael Benítez, has been forced to spend only what he raises in the transfer market for the past two years and the prospect of the funds being available to provide the "four or five" front-line signings Fernando Torres suggested on Saturday are key to his and Liverpool's future without fresh investment are distant.

The Spain international is known to harbour concerns over Liverpool's ability to compete for the major honours he so craves, and made the first public expression of his doubts when he called on the club to "make an effort" this summer to bring in the players needed to compete not for fourth place, but for the league title.

"His main motivation is winning trophies," said Benítez. "He wants to be playing in the Champions League, but it is not just him. We all want that."

But while the arrival of Rhone's offer may signal the beginning of the end for Hicks and Gillett, doubts remain as to whether any investor would be willing to inject so much cash without taking at least a 51 per cent stake, thereby guaranteeing overall control.

O'Neill dismisses talk of him becoming the next Man United manager

2010-02-27T20:27:00.002Z

Like David Moyes at Everton there is an added dimension to the work of Martin O'Neill. They are both engaged in the service of their clubs while, like it or not, simultaneously taking part in an unspoken audition for the role of Manchester United manager.

They can never admit it, of course. That does not stop the rest of football weighing the possibility. Last week, Moyes had the catwalk to himself with victory over United at Goodison. Today the beauty contest repairs to Wembley, where it is O'Neill's turn to show Ferguson a fine pair of heels.

At 57, O'Neill probably has one more big posting in him. The fans of Aston Villa, who have not always been kind to him, are increasingly accepting of the idea that he might find career fulfilment at Villa Park. This is the stated aim. Villa's last trophy came 14 years ago. A decade has passed since they last contested a final, the FA Cup in 2000. Two League Cups is the sum of their labours in the 28 years since Peter Withe bundled the ball off a post in Rotterdam to win the European Cup.

O'Neill tells you that this is his focus, that the biggest job in domestic football is not a matter for him. "I have never thought about that at all, not for one second, not even when I was up at Celtic. Sir Alex Ferguson will decide, I would reckon probably in the year 2033, when he feels the Champions League has passed him by one last time. I will have departed this earth long before him."

O'Neill distances himself from the pageant with characteristic charm. The glow of FA Cup victory over Crystal Palace the night before is still on him. The Pullman that will take the team to London is parked at the door. A sense of anticipation is building. O'Neill is at the centre of the narrative. You sense he would be happy to talk all day. On another afternoon the question of the Ferguson succession might send him spinning out of Bodymoor Heath in a haze of expletives. On this day, he is happy to play keepie uppie with the theme.

"Following Ferguson is the impossible job, absolutely. How many times as he won the championship? Ten times, something like that? It has never really bothered me. There is always somebody coming up, somebody whose name is relevant at the time. I never pay any attention to it. I really enjoy my job here. For us to win a couple of competitions in the next couple of seasons is what it is all about, to qualify for the Champions League, that sort of stuff."

O'Neill takes questions like Socrates at the Acropolis, stroking his chin in contemplation, as if teasing the words from his mouth in precise order. "The fact that I'm facing Sir Alex Ferguson does not make the difference. The fact that we are in a final at Wembley is enough for you to want to do your very best, to show off your ability. When you are up against Manchester United and Sir Alex in the final it is not so much that you want to raise your game, you have to if you are to win."

Oh come now Martin, you have taken four points off him already this season, three of those at Old Trafford. What's to fear? Surely you have his measure. The thought prompts another caress of the jaw, and a smile that suggests the Priory is the place for any who believe that. "I don't think that for one second. People have been trying for a lot of years to get the measure of him. He has done an amazing job even to be at Old Trafford as long as he has, at a club that is demanding success. He has delivered and continues to deliver."

OK, that's enough about Ferguson. O'Neill is unique in the upper echelon of English football in his adherence to a domestic template. This is not about believing absolutely in English virtues but in following a line of thinking that respects the league in which he works. Were he in Italy the core would be Italian, German in Germany and so on. That his captain today, Stiliyan Petrov, is Bulgarian, does not contradict the broad sweep of O'Neill's rationale. Neither does the inclusion of John Carew or Carlos Cuéllar. The thrust of the Villa proposition is carried by James Milner, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Stewart Downing, Emile Heskey, Stephen Warnock, Luke Young and so on.

"I do feel that the heartbeat of the football club should be (the nationality of) the league that you are playing in, the core of this team is fundamentally English. That does not mean that I hold everything by it. At Celtic I had a group of Swedes that loved it to death."

O'Neill is half way through his fourth year at Villa Park. According to some his reliance on a traditional English structure does not stop at birth certificates. After their recent meeting Arsenal aesthete Arsène Wenger reached for the long ball stick with which to beat O'Neill. Wenger rarely sees virtues in the opposition when they get the better of his team. His stylistic hauteur gets right up O'Neill's nose. Perceptions, one might say, have yet to catch up with the evolving brand of adventure O'Neill is orchestrating.

"The stats showed that we played three more long balls than they (Arsenal) did in the game. I had a wee smile when Bacari Sagna hoofed it 80 yards up the pitch in the first few minutes against Sunderland. I get irritated. I should have remembered that he said Manchester United were anti-football."

Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester City will never be bigger than United

2010-02-21T01:09:00.002Z

Sir Alex Ferguson has taken a dig at "noisy neighbours" Manchester City by comparing them to the wealthily backed Sunderland side of the 1950s, who wound up being relegated. The Manchester United manager, talking in an exclusive interview to relaunch this morning's Observer, referenced Sunderland's post-war nickname of 'the Bank of England club' – and the fact that they lost their top-flight place in 1958.

Asked about the impact of City's purchase by the Abu Dhabi United Group, Ferguson said: "It has increased that competitive element between the fans and the media, no doubt about it. The decibel level went up in the last two games [the Carling Cup semi-final ties last month]. We have to get used to it, have to do something about it and accept the challenge. There's nothing wrong with having a challenge. We have to do what we're good at and hope it's good enough."

The Scot added: "[Manchester City] is a club with so much wealth they could buy every player in the world, but can they buy a team, can they buy a Manchester United spirit? I don't expect City to be bigger than us, I really don't, even with all that money. The problem with having all that money is that you buy indiscriminately. Sunderland, in the 1950s, the Bank of England team – relegated. I wouldn't wish relegation on City."

Ferguson also addressed his own club's ownership, saying that while he understood supporters' concerns and respected their right to hold forth on the state of the club under the Glazer family, he had always found the American owners supportive. "I'm never against protest," he said. "I've been brought up in protest all my life. I was involved in the [Govan shipyards] apprentices' strike of 1961 ... It's everyone's right, there's no doubt about that."

But he added: "My problem with it, being manager of Manchester United, is that I've got owners who have never caused me any bother. Any time I've asked for money they've given it to us ... The debt has concerned a lot of people. David Gill [the club's chief executive] has had a lot of chats with the staff to settle them down, to assure them everything's fine. As far as I'm concerned, I bought [Chris] Smalling for big money [£10m for the Fulham centre-back]. So for me, life goes on. As I say, the Glazers have been fine with me, I've never had any problem."

Arsène Wenger's will to win on his own terms is leading to mediocrity

2010-02-09T20:43:00.001Z

Arsène Wenger has always followed his own path, but he is leading Arsenal into mediocrity. A largely justified reputation as a visionary distracts people from noticing the most basic flaws in the team. With 25 Premier League games completed, the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge means they have conceded 30 goals. That equals the worst defensive performance Wenger has presided over since his arrival in the autumn of 1996.

Statistics of that sort are far from bloodless, and Arsenal have been wounded. Never before in the history of the Premier League have they lost all four of their encounters with Chelsea and Manchester United. The Old Trafford defeat may have been undeserved, but there is no quibbling with the aggregate score. Arsenal must be dazed after the 10-2 thumping from Carlo Ancelotti and Sir Alex Ferguson's teams.

In a practical sense, nothing grave has befallen the club. Arsenal are very likely to qualify for next season's Champions League and their current interest in the competition is genuine. They are favourites to get the better of Porto in the last-16 tie that starts next week. The real harm is done to fans, who are starting to feel undernourished on a diet of idealism, and, less gravely, to neutrals who would prefer to see more than just a pair of contenders for the Premier League title.

Two seasons ago Arsenal topped the table at this juncture and appeared reasonably well-equipped. There was to be terrible misfortune in Eduardo da Silva's broken leg at Birmingham City in February 2008. He had notched a dozen goals in that campaign, but has understandably had less impact since his return. He, however, was not to be the only person whose loss would be felt. Jens Lehmann and Gilberto Silva left at the end of that campaign.

It may have been time for them to go, even if the Brazilian was still capable of commanding a place in his national team when England were beaten three months ago, but they have not been replaced satisfactorily. Manuel Almunia has none of the command that Lehmann exuded, and seems to spread unease in the defence. Where holding midfielders are concerned, Arsenal now have no experienced candidates. United and Chelsea have been permitted to notch goals on the break in successive weekends.

The club needs to find a starting point, but Wenger has been disdainful of lesser prizes that might actually be alluring to supporters. Arsenal virtually inflict FA Cup defeats on themselves, and a lightweight selection went out at Stoke City last month. This policy is intended to conserve energy for more important challenges, but getting knocked out does appear to be dispiriting. Since leaving the Britannia Stadium, Arsenal have not won in three games.

Those matches have been particularly tough, but the pattern is also familiar. In 2008, Wenger sent out a weakened line-up against United in the FA Cup and watched as they were crushed 4-0. Injuries were a factor but some of the absentees faced Milan four days later. If Wenger had been writing off the FA Cup it proved to be an error as he helped United to develop the momentum that ultimately took them past the then leaders, Arsenal, in the league.

It is traditional and often fair to point to Arsenal's lack of means, particularly while they concentrate on paying off the cost of the Emirates, but there are limitations, too, that are self-imposed and idiosyncratic. The deals that saw Kolo Touré and Emmanuel Adebayor move to Manchester City for a total of £41m was extraordinarily good business for Arsenal and that unanticipated sum was a windfall. The money, all the same, was not used to bring in the centre‑forward who was so badly needed.

There was plenty of time to act since they left Arsenal when over a month of the transfer window remained. Wenger then spoke of wishing to bring in a striker in January, but no business was done. Though the manager was on a demanding mission, it is for his ingenuity and knowledge that he is employed. Sympathy for the harm done by the loss of Robin van Persie to ankle trouble in November is tempered by the recognition that Wenger knew the Dutchman was injury prone.

Arsenal remain the most idiosyncratic of Europe's major clubs. Wenger, with his intelligence and commitment to streamlined football, has endowed them with a status they never enjoyed before but there are days, too, when it seems that success will only be accepted on his pure and personal terms.

Ferguson starts mind games with Ancelotti

2010-02-06T11:43:00.001Z

Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday blew the dust off his self-written manual on how to win the Premier League, thumbed through the well-used pages, stopped at the chapter called "Mind Games" and put them to work ahead of today's encounter with Portsmouth.

Ferguson stated that he was not even aware that title rivals Chelsea were playing against Hull City on Tuesday evening in their game in hand over United, only learning of the 1-1 result after watching his son Darren's Preston North End side lose 4-1 at home to Barnsley.

If that is true, it is an incredible oversight from a man as meticulous as Ferguson. The chances are that it is an attempt by the United manager to portray himself as so comfortable and almost blasé about the title run-in that nobody else matters and a win today would send United back to the Premier League summit, at least until Chelsea play Arsenal tomorrow. "You know, I didn't realise they [Chelsea] were playing," he smiled.

"I thought they were playing on the Wednesday. I was at a game and left with five minutes to go and on the radio it said it was still one-each at Hull. I thought it was the next day so it was a wee surprise for me."

Success for United in the post-Christmas period and Ferguson's willingness to sow the seeds of mental unease in his opponents go hand in hand. They picked up 58 points from an available 66 from Boxing Day and onwards last season, 47 from 60 in the 2007-08 season and 42 from 57 in 2006-07 and as those years all ended in title success, Ferguson is keen for his team to maintain that tradition.

"Historically, we have always grasped the nettle at this time of the year," Ferguson said. "The players realise there is something at stake and we can't afford inconsistency.

"Teams will drop points in every run-in, but we are experienced and know that if you're going to drop more than the rest you're going to lose the League. Our aim is to try to be as consistent as we can, and produce the kind of performances we did on Sunday [against Arsenal] and that will take us very close. Each game towards the finish becomes more important and it doesn't matter who it is, we want three points from every one now.

"Whatever games we have got left, if we win most of them we have a good chance and Portsmouth comes into that category so it's a big game for us."

Man City aim for friendlier rivalry with United

2010-01-30T14:07:00.001Z

Manchester City's Arab owners want to co-exist with Manchester United in a spirit of rivalry mirroring Milan and Internazionale's, with new manager Roberto Mancini so confident of his future beyond this summer, that he is seeking to buy a property in the city.

Mancini has been assured that his job is not dependent on reaching the 70-point target which predecessor Mark Hughes agreed to at a board meeting last August and the Arabs' impressions of the Italian five weeks into his Eastlands career are – results aside – that he is more willing to communicate directly with them and keener to take on the more sizeable backroom staff befitting a club with City's aspirations.

Mancini was manager of Inter and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyanbin Zayed Al Nahyan's representatives are particularly taken with the footballing environment he left behind in Milan. They want to redefine their aspiration as one of perpetual rivalry with United, rather than one necessarily built on seeking permanently to topple the Premier League champions to become the "No 1" side in the city. Abu Dhabi hosts the Fifa Club World Cup for a second successive year and the Arabs are understood to be excited by the idea of United being in the Emiracy to compete for the trophy.

The notion of co-existence did not entirely fit with the words of chief executive Garry Cook at the Mad Hatter in New York, though the Arabs' sense is that Cook was left exposed when he was being partisan at a City-supporting bar. Consideration is being given to whether more staff are needed to prevent a repeat of the outcome in which Cook's speech was secretly recorded, though his determination to be at the grass roots may simply mean he has to be more circumspect.

City retain hopes of securing the £5m signature of England Under-21 winger Adam Johnson from Middlesbrough, despite Boro manager Gordon Strachan's reluctance. The pursuit of Roma central defender Marco Motta is not over either, though developments in Italy saw the deal stall earlier this week.

Wayne Rooney's passion cannot mask signs of Manchester United decline

2010-01-21T14:02:00.001Z

Manchester United still have admirers in high places. Roberto Mancini, once the successful manager of Internazionale, showed them every respect on Tuesday night. His policy, for the most part, was one of mere containment, yet it worked well enough to leave his Manchester City side with a 2-1 lead to take into the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.Innumerable teams have felt compelled merely to try to get in United's way. Over the years, they have usually been trampled by Sir Alex Ferguson's

players. The visitors did run all over City once again but the only real harm was to the dignity of Mancini's players. United may have scored, but the opposition's goalkeeper, Shay Given, was asked simply to be his usual impressive self and had no need to be superhuman.

United need nobody to tell them about the fallibility stealing over their squad. They have now endured seven defeats in all competitions and there are a lot of stiff challenges still. This campaign is, all the same, an odd one since the team is definitely not in desperate straits.

It would be no shock if they recovered to eliminate City in the second leg. For that matter, they have a close-up view of the pinnacle of the Premier League, since they are only a point behind the new leaders, Arsenal.

The Champions League did not cause them all that much distress either, even if Besiktas beat them at Old Trafford. The gap between English and Italian football is probably narrowing, but United will expect to wriggle past Milan in the last 16 tie next month.

United must primarily be concerned about the medium and long-term prospects. Nobody has to tell Ferguson that key men are getting old. On Tuesday, Gary Neville had to confine his provocative gesturing to the sidelines, since he was an unused substitute. Paul Scholes, 35, was not introduced until the 88th minute and Ryan Giggs, 36, looked ageless in the autumn and may have other sprightly spells to come, but his impact was limited at Eastlands even if he was in position to knock home the opener. Edwin van der Sar, 39, had nothing to apologise for, but the veteran understandably does not dominate the goalmouth.

Ferguson may well have had it in mind to engineer a transition, but Ben Foster was undone when he had to justify his sound reputation by standing between the posts for United week after week. The manager is having some trouble in accomplishing what he has achieved memorably in the past, the reconstruction of the squad.

Some additions such as Anderson have still to convince and he was at fault when Carlos Tevez, with his second goal of the night, scored the winner against United. Apart from that, renewing the squad is a thorny topic in this financial climate.

United followers, understandably, rage against the Glazers and the various means they can deploy to extract money from the club. Unless the takeover had been conducted by a bidder of immeasurable means, as Sheikh Mansour sometimes seems to be at City, the owner of United was bound to a target of understandable rage.

The Glazers are not endearing, but having completed the takeover for £800m in 2005 at the delirious heights of the Premier League's fashionability, they will not be stopped now from striving to make sense of that benefit. A splurge on signings would only make sense if it was calculated that the disaffection of fans was liable to be even more costly. It would take a great deal more distress before Ferguson turned into some rogue manager who gave a coded endorsement to would-be insurrectionists. The very idea is inconceivable. Ferguson's emphasis will be on winning and it is not at all outlandish to visualise the Premier League trophy remaining in his grasp.

There was a piquancy about Tevez's goals, but few people had quibbled when United did not exercise the £25m option of retaining the Argentinian in 2008. He had almost seemed to try too hard, omitting in the process to show his flair. The manager would not have guessed then that he would have to take a chance on a Michael Owen who had . a limited impact at Newcastle UnitedFerguson will explain that he has merely refused to pay outlandish prices of late, but he is left with a squad that, while capable, is in gradual decline. United badly need to see Rio Ferdinand returning to the line-up, but at the centre-half's age a back condition will probably have to be managed anxiously rather than cured. Amid the various difficulties in the squad, Wayne Rooney had the industry on Tuesday of a man determined to make do for every deficiency.

That level of technique and desire is precious. Should Rooney be injured, jaded or disillusioned, United's niggling problems could turn into agonies of despair.

How the Glazer family have milked debt-ridden United for millions

2010-01-12T20:13:00.002Z

Lurking in the full, heart-sinking detail of the Glazer family's proposal to borrow £500m, a partial replacement for the £700m debts their takeover has loaded on to Manchester United, is a page documenting the millions United have paid out to the family members themselves. None of the Glazers appear to have taken a salary out of the club since that May 2005 takeover, which United fans bitterly opposed and which has since cost the club more than £325m in interest.

In those three and half years, ticket prices have almost doubled at Old Trafford, where previously they were restrained to cater for the regulars at the Lou Macari Fish Bar, as well as the prawn sandwich consumers.

The MU Finance plc prospectus, launched in the City yesterday, sets out the fortune the Glazer family have reaped from the club they borrowed £540m to buy. From 1 July 2006, in five separate payments, a round total of £10m was paid in "management and administration fees" to companies affiliated to the Glazers. Under the new bond issue, the family is entitled to be paid up to £6m by United in management and administration fees.

On 30 June last year, United entered into a consultancy agreement with SLP Partners, "a company related to certain of our ultimate shareholders", to pay up to £2.9m. On top of that, on 19 December 2008, each of Malcolm Glazer's five sons and one daughter, all of whom are directors of Red Football Limited, each personally borrowed about £1.66m from the club, a total of £10m.

Added together, the management fees, consultancy agreement maximum and the £10m the six family members actually borrowed from United make a total of £22.9m paid to the family and their affiliated companies in three and a half years.

No explanation was offered yesterday for these fees, or for why the Glazer family felt the need to borrow £10m from Manchester United. The Glazer family's official spokesman, who is responsible for discussing United's financial affairs, declined to comment.

Duncan Drasdo, chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust, was more forthright. "Now we know that as well as their takeover imposing a huge debt on the club, and the massive interest payments United have to service each year out of the club's ticket and other income, the Glazer family have paid themselves many millions of pounds personally," he said. "The tide is turning at Old Trafford as fans see how much the takeover has cost, the increased ticket prices and the failure to invest in the team despite £81m received from selling Cristiano Ronaldo. We do not want the Glazers to refinance the massive debts they have brought to the club — we want them to go."

The accounts released yesterday were for just one company, Red Football Limited, in the thicket the Glazers have built around the Old Trafford crock of gold. The figures showed the net interest for the year to 30 June 2009, on the £514.5m debts loaded on to that company, was £42m. That, then, soaked up more than half the galactic fee Real Madrid are scheduled to pay for Ronaldo. Another United company records the £175m also owed to hedge funds, at 14.25% interest — a charge in 2008-09 of £25m.

Sir Alex Ferguson said last week that the Ronaldo money is available to him, and he had "absolutely no issue at all with the club's finances". Yet the £81m took United from a thumping, multimillion-pound loss it would have recorded, into the £26m profit being highlighted to the City yesterday.

It is, quite simply, impossible to sustain the argument, to intelligent supporters stumping up their hard-earned cash for tickets at ever-increasing prices, that the £700m borrowings the Glazers have imposed, and £67m of interest payable last year, is having no impact.

City sources were saying yesterday that United's sheer size, income and dedicated following makes the bond issue an attractive enough offer – despite the "high degree of risk", including a possible fall in success, decline in crowds and uncertainty over who will replace Ferguson.

The fees to be earned by the bankers and professionals who have made this all possible is £15m. By the end of it, the Glazer family may be able to replace £500m they have borrowed with a different £500m borrowed on slightly less terror-inducing terms. But Manchester United, formerly the proud, rich, football behemoth of the Premier League, will still be laden with the extraordinary debts of a takeover which nobody wanted, except for seven members of a family in Florida, and their very well-paid advisers.

Will Manchester United's Gary Neville be missed?

2010-01-07T13:14:00.002Z

Neville, like Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, has played his entire career for Manchester United after coming through the youth system. But unlike that venerated duo, Neville remains wildly unpopular with many fans around the countryside, particularly on Merseyside.

His most famous quote – "I can't stand Liverpool, I can't stand Liverpool people, I can't stand anything to do with them," – cemented his reputation as United's chief Scouse-baiter, a role he has revelled in. His attitude towards Manchester City is similarly partisan, and while many United fans love him for it, others have found Neville's more aggressive pronouncements as slightly cringeworthy coming for a player from a nice family in Bury.

When Neville does retire, he will do so as one of the most decorated players in the history of English football, having won 16 major honours, including two Champions Leagues. He has also won 85 England caps and played in three World Cup finals.

But did his position as a United player – and his close relationship with David Beckham – advance his cause ahead of more deserving players? And has his attitude only incited more bad blood between rival players and supporters?

Or do you think football needs more Gary Nevilles – one-club men who wear their heart on their sleeves – and less "robots"?

Source: Telegraph

Liverpool fans have genuine cause for optimism in 2010

2010-01-05T18:58:00.001Z

It seems that 2010 has started just as 2009 ended for Liverpool - engulfed in gloom and foreboding.

The FA Cup draw at Reading was deemed to be yet another disappointing result, and apparently in keeping with the trend that saw them slip down the Premier League and out of the Champions League before Christmas.

Disappointing that is, until Manchester United's tie against Leeds, which highlighted that the Cup is always a devilishly tricky competition in which to assume that superior resources will always guarantee progress.

In fact, the draw at Reading wasn't such a bad result at all. OK, Liverpool didn't play particularly well, but they emerged relatively unscathed, still in the draw for the next round where they will have a home tie should they win the replay at Anfield.

Which is a roundabout way of saying that all is not doom and gloom at the club, no matter what the more cynical commentators may suggest.

Of course, not one fan will be happy with the position Liverpool currently find themselves in, and most will be angry that their dream at the start of the season of a title-winning campaign will not come to fruition for another year.

But look beyond that temporary dip in form and fortune - and for all the big four clubs, it is always temporary, given the resources they can command - and there are distinctly encouraging signs that 2010 may not be such a bad year at Anfield after all.

The reason for my optimism is simple. Liverpool have finally got direction in their boardroom, and with it a plan to get the new stadium built that will generate the funds to underwrite future success.

Don't believe me? Well, the Chief Executive of Liverpool City council revealed only last week - by accident it seems - that the investment is almost sorted for the ground to be be built, and the work could get underway by the end of the year. And he will know, because he has to give consent for it.

The club has a new MD in Christian Purslow who has an impressive track record in finance and investment, and he also has a close, and key, relationship with the banks.

Already, Liverpool are a very different operation commercially than they were even 12 months ago, and he has put into place a blueprint that will take the club forward, with or without the American owners.

By the end of this season, debt will have been reduced significantly, and partners found to help the construction of the new stadium to get underway.

Hicks and Gillett may well be gone by then, but if they are not, then their stake in the club will certainly have been diluted and their influence on the future much less significant.

Purslow and his commercial team have been quietly working behind the scenes to bring in new investment, to get agreement with the owners and the banks over the stadium build, and my understanding is that it is almost in place, so expect an announcement soon.

And when Liverpool do start to build a new ground, then the fans who have been crying out for a rich sugar daddy to come and bail them out may just discover that they don't necessarily need that particular scenario any more.

On the surface, Manchester City's situation would seem attractive to any supporter. Who wouldn't want a wealthy benefactor to write apparently unlimited cheques?

But what happens when he gets bored, as Roman Abramovich seems to have done at Chelsea? The money dries up, and the financial problems kick in. If he decides he's had his fun and leaves completely, then what happens next?

Perhaps the best model to base a successful football club on, is that operated by Barcelona, and - to a lesser extent - Manchester United. Certainly United before the Glazers, and their massive debts.

The likes of Liverpool and United have such a massive global fan base that they can sustain their own success without the need for a sugar daddy, so long as they are run properly at boardroom level.

Christ, United have incredible debts at the moment, but are still favourites for the title, and are still one of only four clubs who, probably, can win the Champions League this season.

For Liverpool to be in the same position, they need to get their ground built, and they need the right direction at the top.

They have got the latter now, because it is obvious that Purslow is calling the shots at Anfield, and the Americans are finally falling into line behind him. And it seems he knows what he is doing.

When they get the latter - allowing them to access dramatically increased revenue streams - then they will be as financially viable as any team in the Premier League.

While that may all seem like a distant dream, it isn't. It could - and should - happen this year, and if it does, then it will give real cause for Liverpool fans to celebrate, no matter what is happening on the pitch right now.

David Beckham has paid the price for leaving Manchester United in search of global fame

2009-12-22T23:19:00.002Z

The memories will come surging back for David Beckham when he steps down from the AC Milan team coach outside Old Trafford at 6.15pm on March 10 and waves to the hundreds of Manchester United supporters who gather early to see the stars.Beckham will nod to familiar faces, those stewards and club staff who have inhabited this famous stadium for decades. Like him, they are lifelong United fans. Unlike him, they could never imagine not being here. At 7.35pm, Beckham will return to the tunnel, encountering fellow-alumni from United's starlet-filled 1992 FA Youth Cup-winning team. The cameras will linger on the handshakes and words of greeting between Beckham and Paul Scholes and Gary Neville. Friends reunited.

As he marches towards the pitch, stepping out into this grand arena to a tumultuous welcome, Beckham may be tempted to glance across and note the still sinewy figure lost in concentration about the task ahead, oblivious to all the pomp and ceremony. It will be Ryan Giggs, the captain of that remarkable 1992 side, the player Beckham bought his first car off (a £6,000 Ford Escort). Giggs will be staring intently ahead, preparing himself for the challenge as he has for the past 19 years.

Beckham will notice that age has not withered Giggs, barring a distinguished dash of grey around the temples, rather befitting his statesman's position in the game. The physique remains whippet-lean and, when the game springs into life, Giggs' desire for the ball, for attacking and for victory will be as strong as Beckham remembered it.

It is in this moment, as the Stretford End sings "Giggs, Giggs will tear you apart again'' that Beckham may fully realise the magnitude of the decision he took in 2003, swapping the red of United for the white of Real Madrid. Perhaps he had to go. A tension gripped the dressing-room. Sir Alex Ferguson had grown concerned over the player's celebrity lifestyle in the wake of his marriage to Victoria Adams, aka Posh Spice.

In truth, Beckham's dedication to his vocation was never in question.

Assigned to shadow the couple as they went out for a meal, one reporter checked with a restaurant what they had consumed. Their choices were fish (no sauce) and mineral water (still). Not much of a scoop. Not even of ice cream.

Beckham kept himself incredibly fit and never complained about being dropped. When called upon by Ferguson in the Champions League against, of all people, Madrid, he responded with a bravura cameo display, almost nicking the tie for United. But the parting of the ways was imminent.

Madrid's siren call was irresistible. The glamour of the Bernabeu is undeniable and Beckham has always been drawn to glamour. Financially, the transfer lifted him to another level. Brand Beckham would be enhanced globally.

And yet. As play gets under way at Old Trafford on March 10, United's old No 7 may look at the ageless No 11 and think of what he's missed out on.

Since Beckham took up his globe-trotting, first with Madrid and now with this strange time-share arrangement between Milan and LA Galaxy, Giggs has collected another Champions League trophy, three more Premier League titles, one FA Cup, two League Cups, three Community Shields and a Fifa Club World Cup. The Welsh winger is the current PFA Player of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

Beckham has also been honoured by Auntie's viewers, back in 2001 following that unforgettable goal against Greece at Old Trafford, but his haul post-United is singularly modest. After four years with Madrid, he eventually won La Liga. His recall by Fabio Capello against Real Sociedad on Feb 10 2007 undoubtedly gave Real impetus, pushing them closer to Barcelona.

Yet the trophy was secured only in the final game against Mallorca when Beckham was removed and Jose Antonio Reyes sent on to rescue Real.

Only the churlish would forget the 2003 Spanish Super Cup and the 2009 MLS Western Conference title, hardly heavyweight but baubles nonetheless.

Otherwise the trophy trail has gone cold for Beckham since turning his back on United. He has gained millions more in wealth, not to mention eight more tattoos, but nothing compared to the sporting riches Giggs has amassed.

So for all the joy that Beckham understandably feels at the thought of running out on Old Trafford's famous pitch again, Giggs stands as a reminder that the grass is not always greener. This is no style-versus-substance debate. Beckham has enough talent and commitment. He simply chose a different path to Giggs, the wrong one if his ambition was more glory.

Giggs also endured tricky times at Old Trafford but never had Beckham's wander-lust. He fought for his place, won over the terrace critics, remodelled his game intelligently and is now a national treasure.

In an era when television can make anyone famous for 15 minutes, Giggs' constancy is even more special. So whither Beckham? Is the man from Hollywood simply disappearing down sunset boulevard? He will be a bit-part player for England in the summer.

Having shown a capacity for writing his own headlines, particularly in the early years, Beckham will desperately want to script an Indian summer to his club career.

First, he must force his way into the Milan team. If Andrea Pirlo is untouchable as the deep-lying tempo-setter in Leonardo's three-man midfield, then the loan-star from LA must compete with Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrosini. Each will respond vigorously to the Englishman's challenge.

With Ronaldinho or Clarence Seedorf providing the central attacking thrust towards Alexandre Pato and Marco Borriello, there seems no room for Beckham further forward either. Now that would be embarrassing: Beckham emerging from the tunnel, waving to the United supporters and then heading for the bench as Giggs continues on to the field, continues rolling back the years.

Liverpool a club divided under Rafael Benitez

2009-12-15T22:08:00.001Z

Rafael Benítez's reign at Liverpool has seen the Anfield club split into those who support the Spanish manager, and those who have lost faith in him.

Their faith tested, their belief exposed and their dogma unravelled, Liverpool’s owners, directors, staff, players and fans find themselves for the first time in more than two years united as one, driven on to their knees in prayer.

“It is going to be a grind between now and May,” said Jamie Carragher, epitome of the concrete certainty imbued in the club over five years by manager Rafael Benítez and shattered in less than five weeks, “but we have got to stick together, get through it and, as I’m doing, pray to God that at the end of the season there will be something worthwhile for what we’ve gone through.”

Even the almighty, though, might shy away from trying to unify the fractured, battered and bruised morass at Anfield. From boardroom to stands, from dressing room to directors’ box, few managers in football divide opinion as completely as Benítez.

There are those who would back the mastermind behind the miracle of Istanbul to the hilt, the Rafaelites, and those who see the studious, perfectionist, wilful enigma as myth, a man who has never truly adapted his style to the peculiar demands of the English game in pursuit of the holiest of grails which has eluded Liverpool for 20 long years.

It is a schism which has paralysed the club. Anfield is consumed by inertia, condemned to six months with nothing to play for, nothing to pray for, but an end to its purgatory, and the solitude of summer.

THE RAFAELITES

Owners
The fracture at Liverpool stems from the rift between the club’s owners. Tom Hicks and George Gillett agree on little or nothing, and so dysfunctional is their relationship that one’s actions guarantee an equal and opposite reaction from the other.

Despite teething problems in their relationship — it was comments from Hicks that triggered Benítez’s famous repetition of his job being to “focus on coaching and training my team” — it is the Texan who remains firmly entrenched behind the Spaniard.

Hicks, once viewed as the greater of two evils by Liverpool’s fans, has earned some leeway with a succession of statements backing the manager and his position is not likely to change.

Boardroom
The stalemate between Hicks and Gillett spreads to the boardroom, which is where any decision on Benítez’s long-term future would be made. Liverpool’s board is comprised of Hicks, his son Tom Jnr, Gillett and his son Foster, Christian Purslow, the managing director, and Ian Ayre, the club’s commercial director.

It is a balance which all but guarantees no majority decision is possible, unless Liverpool’s form and league position should nosedive so spectacularly that no other option were available. Benítez has played off both the Hicks and Gillett factions with the consummate ease of the skilled politician, knowing he can always count on the support of one side.

Players
Only two of Liverpool’s senior squad were not brought to Anfield by Benítez — even Jay Spearing, the young midfielder, was promoted to the senior team under his supervision — and it is not surprising that the vast majority of the players remain loyal.

Even among those ranks, though, Benítez faces problems. Javier Mascherano remains unsettled in England for personal reasons, while Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena have both made public their dissatisfaction with bit-part roles in a World Cup year.

Fans
Even those fans who had begun to question Benítez’s abilities had fallen silent after Liverpool’s stunning recovery to run Manchester United to the wire in last season’s title race.

Much of that patience, though, has ebbed away, despite a significant proportion of Liverpool’s support believing Benítez cannot be judged by the standards which are set for him.

He has spent only what he has brought in through sales since the summer of 2007, Liverpool boast just the fifth highest wage bill in the league, and yet he is expected to keep pace with some of the world’s richest clubs.

The Spaniard, it is suggested, is doing as well as any of the handful of managers designated his superiors would in the same circumstances.

THE ANTI-RAFAELITES

Owners Benítez insists publicly that his relations with both of his American overlords remain cordial, but it is believed the saga over Jürgen Klinsmann – who was touted as a possible replacement – led to the irretrievable breakdown of his relationship with Gillett.

It was Gillett who, most recently, spoke out in support of the manager, but a conversation the Colorado-based businessman held with a representative of Spirit of Shankly, the fans’ group, and heard by The Daily Telegraph, in which Gillett laid the blame for all footballing failures squarely at Benítez’s door, offers a more realistic assessment of the situation.

Boardroom
While the board’s paralysis provides Benítez’s greatest strength, it could also be said to be his greatest weakness. The Spaniard can never enjoy the full support of the club while one half of the body which controls his future remains aligned against him.

His only refuge, then, may be in the stark financial reality of his dismissal. He would be due at least £5 million if Liverpool did decide to sack him, but that would most likely be trebled should he pursue a lawsuit, as he did at Valencia, or decide not to work in the foreseeable future. The fact that succeeding him, at a club laden with debt even if Purslow can secure a £100 million cash injection for a 25 per cent stake, is the sharpest of double-edged swords.

Players
Benítez’s remarks after the defeat to Aston Villa at Anfield earlier this season - that his senior players needed to accept more responsibility - were not welcomed in some quarters, while the decision to allow Xabi Alonso to leave created a rift within the camp.

It is often cited that Benítez is a poor man-manager, incapable of putting an arm around the shoulder of his players, and he is described in some quarters as “cold”. That may be unfair, but his treatment of players like Andriy Voronin — tasked with leading the line in a crucial Champions League tie with Lyon but cast aside since — indicate how ruthless Benítez can be.

Fans
Benítez has faced more vocal criticism this season than at any other point during his Anfield tenure, with an increasing number of fans seemingly convinced that he is not the man to return the club to the pinnacle of English football.

His substitutions, on more than one occasion, have been jeered — most noticeably when removing Yossi Benayoun — while the team have been booed from the pitch after disappointing results at home to Aston Villa and Birmingham.

His results, this season, provide the most damning assessment, though: this is a squad he constructed, bolstered by expensive players seen as little more than detritus by many, and he must therefore take responsibility for its failings.

Lionel Messi: A rare talent

2009-12-01T21:49:00.001Z

When Pep Guardiola took over from Frank Rijkaard at Barcelona 18 months ago, Lionel Messi's favourite local steakhouse in the city's affluent Sarria-Sant Gervasi neighbourhood was right at the top of his 'to do' list.

The rookie coach was under no illusions about the size of the task in front of him and the numerous issues he needed to sort out, with Messi's fitness being at the top of his agenda.

Since then, Barca have won a sublime clean sweep of trophies and the diminutive Argentinian has developed from a highly-skilled one-trick pony into the world's finest and most influential player, culminating in his receipt of the coveted Ballon d'Or prize awarded to the European player of the year.

Under the increasingly laid-back Rijkaard there had grown an element of player power that Guardiola knew was cancerous.

The lack of professionalism and indiscipline of talented talismen Ronaldinho and Deco had spread dangerously, ultimately ripping apart Rijkaard's much-revered Camp Nou dynasty and threatening to do more lasting damage to their Argentinian superstar.

The shy, homely Messi had naturally sought comfort in the bosom of his two team-mates and sub-consciously drifted into the clique and away from the rest of the squad.

Guardiola, in his first senior managerial position, got rid of the ringleaders almost immediately. Both Ronaldinho and Deco were offloaded to AC Milan and Chelsea respectively for cut-price fees.

The Catalan coach, schooled under former Barca boss Johan Cruyff, was quick to make his mark as a strict disciplinarian, imposing fines and punishments for even the slightest infringement of a new code of conduct designed to right the wrongs so regularly committed under Rijkaard.

With his old mates out of the picture, Messi was 'rebuilt' under Guardiola, who forced him to interact more with all of his team-mates, to think like a leader on and off the field and to improve himself physically.

Because while the humble boy from Rosario did not share Ronaldinho and Deco's reported penchant for nightclubbing until the early hours, he did share the questionable physique which had become the trio's trademark.

Incredibly fussy about his food since childhood, Messi had somehow spent his career under Rijkaard - a period during which he emerged from the youth system to the pinnacle of the game - dining almost exclusively on steak and cola at his local Argentinian restaurant.

Unfortunately for the modest little 'Las Cuartetas' steakhouse - a favourite with South American players from both Barca and city rivals Espanyol - Guardiola's ascension to first-team coach put a serious dent in their profits.

Some of those impressed with Guardiola's magnificent first year in charge joked that weaning Messi off his unhealthy diet has been his biggest achievement.

Indeed, the change in coach coincided with Messi's improved physical condition and best season to date as the Catalans won an unprecedented treble of league, cup and Champions League.

Messi was already the finest dribbler in the game when Guardiola arrived, capable of awe-inspiring runs not seen since the days of his hero Diego Maradona. But as the cracks emerged in Rijkaard's once-mighty side, question marks arose about the little Argentinian's all-round game.

While the twinkle toes took the plaudits and the amazing solo efforts proved as crucial as they were brilliant, observant commentators were left to question his abilities beyond that.

Too often his passing was wayward, his vision seemingly extending only as far as the ball in front of him. His crosses were too infrequent and too inaccurate. His shooting was poor, with the vast majority of his goals scored from close range in one-on-one situations. His right foot was non-existent.

Harsh criticism, perhaps. After all, he was close to being the best player in the world despite these supposed inadequacies.

But Guardiola's arrival and obsessive attention to detail has helped Messi overtake Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's finest.

His improved condition has led to his first largely injury-free season last year. His new-found tactical awareness has enabled him to flourish in the playmaker role, roaming wherever necessary to combine incredible dribbling technique with a more tangible creative spark.

In the 2007-08 UEFA Champions League semi-final against Manchester United, Messi's performance perfectly encapsulated the problems under Rijkaard. While Barca dominated possession and he wowed Old Trafford with his effervescence on the ball, the Catalans were ultimately toothless and limped out feebly with a 1-0 aggregate defeat.

The sides met again in May, this time in the Champions League final, this time with the 'new' Messi. And the little marvel duly capped a fine season with the second goal as Guardiola's team outclassed United on the night to complete their historic treble.

Now, in winning the prestigious Ballon d'Or, Messi has been given the accolade his talent so clearly deserves. And there's little doubt where he will go to celebrate when he gets home.

Luck Finally Changes For Rafa Benitez

2009-11-29T19:57:00.001Z

Rafa Benitez could have been forgiven in recent weeks for wondering whether he had run over a black cat or two. Liverpool have had plenty of luck this season, and most of it has been bad.

But if the Spaniard has had just cause to bemoan his side's ill-fortune - their injury crisis, dubious red cards, beach-ball interventions - he can surely have no issue with Lady Luck this afternoon as the Reds overcame a spirited, but ultimately ill-fated, Everton side.

On a day when Henry Winkler - aka The Fonz - was in town, it was always likely to be cool heads which prevailed in the November wind and rain at Goodison Park, and in the end it proved the case. The Reds kept their shape, their composure, and their heads, but boy did they ride their luck.

That is not to say there was no marked improvement in the Reds' performance, there was. The defence picked up its first Premier League clean sheet on the road this season, with Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina in particular shining. Everton are a tough team to play against, and Liverpool coped admirably.

In midfield Lucas Leiva recovered from an inauspicious start to turn in a stellar display alongside the back-to-his-best Javier Mascherano, whilst Dirk Kuyt ended his eight-game scoring drought in the best possible manner, wrapping up the points late on with a poacher's effort. The relief in the Dutchman's celebration was transparent.

Mascherano's opener, deflected heftily off the boot of Joseph Yobo, was the first sign that Liverpool's luck was turning. The Argentine's speculative effort was heading well wide before striking the Nigerian, and David Moyes was left cursing two disallowed goals for Jo before half-time - although both decisions were correct.

Everton clearly had a game plan to bombard Liverpool aerially. The presence and power of Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini was exploited to the full, as blue shirts launched ball after ball into a crowded Reds box.

But despite the pressure, and it was constant, Carragher & Co stood firm. There were some lapses - a free header afforded to Cahill which forced Reina into a magnificent double-save from the Australian and Fellaini - but for a change Liverpool got away with them. It hasn't happened in recent weeks.

At the other end, the Reds always looked likely to grab a second, without ever applying any sort of concerted pressure. Steven Gerrard endured an off-day as Everton's fans went to town on the Liverpool captain, whilst David Ngog was well shackled by Yobo and Sylvain Distin.

But when your luck is in, it is really in. Albert Riera had been on the field for just two minutes when his skimming low strike was pushed out by Tim Howard straight to the lurking Kuyt, who made no mistake. It was tough on Everton, but Liverpool cared not.

The win, of course, has further ramifications for both sides. Everton now sit just three points, and two places, above the drop zone, and need a change in fortune quickly.

Liverpool meanwhile, kept their promise to bounce back from their Champions League exit in midweek. The win, coupled with draws for Aston Villa, Manchester City and Tottenham, propels them firmly back into the race for a top-four position.

Rafa Benitez has already said this week that he is "one hundred per cent sure" that Liverpool can finish fourth this season. With Lady Luck back in her red shirt, it would be wise to listen to the Spaniard.

Exit leaves Benitez to beg, sell or borrow in January

2009-11-25T10:05:00.004Z

After the elimination, the calculations. The timing for Liverpool of an exit from the tournament that has defined them during Rafael Benitez's tenure is dreadful, as the club prepare to step up efforts in the next six months to sell a 25 per cent share of the business in return for a £100m cash injection.

That process is under way – there are interested parties – but the "sell" to prospective investors is that Liverpool are among Europe's elite, the footballing equivalent to a FTSE blue-chip company. Europa League football doesn't do much for that particular brand image.

A run through to the latter stages of the Champions League would of course have brought huge riches, but the short-term financial consequences of Fiorentina's result in Stadio Artemio Franchi are actually quite bearable. Liverpool had budgeted only to progress as far as the last 16 in the Champions League this season, and the club calculated the lost earnings of not making it that far at around £2.6m. If Liverpool play three two-leg ties in the Europa League campaign next spring, they would expect to earn around £3m and therefore be £400,000 ahead of their budgeted European earnings for this season.

So the junior trophy does have its benefits, as Werder Bremen discovered last season, by earning more money by winning the Uefa Cup than Bayern Munich did in reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.

But last night's turn of events can only damage Benitez when it comes to the substantial investment in players he needs. With Liverpool carrying debts of £250m, and with the stalled stadium project in need of another £400m, there will be little transfer market activity around Anfield in January – loan deals to reinforce in defence and for a back-up striker are likely – and Benitez is probably looking at a zero net spend in the summer.

It also leaves him to face what always looked like the real battle once Liverpool's draw in Lyons left the Spaniard needing a "miracle": a top-four finish to restore Liverpool's credibility and their place in the continental elite. Though the conservative business model being put before prospective investors is understood to budget for a fifth place for Liverpool in the Premier League, even the baseline estimate of not making the Champions League for the first time since the 2003-04 season is put at £8m-10m by the club. And then there is the symbolic significance of, say, Manchester City, eclipsing them.

Liverpool's slide has come at a time of genuine optimism around Anfield that a solution to the fundamental source of the club's brittle financial state – the global financial crisis and its effect on Tom Hicks and George Gillett, who had to pay back a further £60m to their lenders last summer – is at hand. The new managing director Christian Purslow has also helped cease the civil war between Hicks and George Gillett and is leading the search for one or more equity holders, which the Americans signed up to as part of the refinancing of their loans last summer.

If investors do arrive, then Liverpool will be in a position to kickstart plans to get the stadium built. The vastly improved match-day revenues would mean Liverpool could then compete financially.

But the nightmare scenario is no deal being struck with new partners. Everton's unsuccessful search for a new owner has revealed that the "middle market" is not buoyant, which is why Liverpool know they must remain blue chip. It is also why the battle for fourth place, which recommences at Goodison on Sunday is the real one. Little wonder Jamie Carragher said that the significance of Liverpool's evening here was to "get confidence and get the team playing well again because we've got a big game at the weekend against Everton". Carragher might not be a financier but, not for the first time where his beloved club is concerned, he's the one who knows the score.

European returns: What Reds could win

The prize money for reaching:

Last 16 Champions League £2.7m, Europa League £270,000.

Quarter-finals Champions League £2.9m, Europa League £319,000.

Semi-finals Champions League £3.6m, Europa League £558,000.

Final Champions League £4.6m, Europa League £1.77m.

Winners Champions League £8m, Europa League £2.65m.

This list does not include television revenue

Kaka: Real Madrid was the right choice

2009-11-15T15:13:00.001Z

Kaka has admitted that he has no regrets about not joining Manchester City after going on to secure a transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer.

The Brazilian star was the subject of a €100 million bid from the Premier League's nouveau riche side, but rejected the chance to move to Eastlands in January.

While reports suggested that AC Milan's willingness to listen to City's offer hurt their relationship with Kaka, the Brazilian is now delighted to be plying his trade in Spain.

Real Madrid paid €67 million to land their man after Florentino Perez resumed control at the Santiago Bernabeu and the player is happy with his choice.

"Do I regret not moving to Manchester City? No. I am happy with what I have chosen in my life," he told reporters after Brazil's win against England.

"I've spoken a lot to Robinho and he is very happy there and Manchester City have bought a lot of quality players.

"But now I am with Real Madrid and very happy with the choice I made. I have no regrets with my decision."

Rafa Benitez is victim of a witch-hunt against foreign managers

2009-11-07T19:24:00.002Z

Last autumn it was the turn of Juande Ramos to be burnt at the stake.

Well, Avram Grant's corpse had been licked clean, so we needed a new heretic. By Christmas Phil Scolari was sitting on the ducking school. Come the summer, when Arsene Wenger sold two stars to Manchester City, he was dragged into the stocks. And now Rafa Benitez lays on the rack, flames licking around his tootsies.

That's a recent history of managerial witch-hunts at the top of the Premier League, and few would shed a tear for the highly-paid men involved.

But spot the link. They're all foreign. A co-incidence? Maybe. But did you hear the one about the Englishman, the Irishman and the Welshman?

Let me fill you in. Harry Redknapp, Martin O'Neill and Mark Hughes spent the summer flashing the cash at big clubs and went into the season as the men most likely to break into the top four.

Things started well and plaudits and flattery flowed. But then mediocrity set in as they fell behind Stoke, Burnley and Bolton in the form table.

Taken over the last six Premier League games the top four are the same top four these three men were supposed to be breaking up (Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool). Hughes's Manchester City are 11th with seven points, Redknapp's Spurs are 13th with seven points and O'Neill's Aston Villa lie a lamentable 16th on six points. Yet the calls for burning stakes and ducking stools are not audible. Not a peep of criticism is in the air.

In the past three transfer windows Hughes has spent almost £200 million. Harry Redknapp's bench is littered with £10 million-plus signings. And Martin O'Neill is now into his fourth season at a very well-funded Aston Villa, but has made as much impression on English football as a wet bottom-belch in a tornado.

Yet the Englishman, the Irishman and the Welshman, escape any censure for a dismal slump in form. Were they foreigners, you can guarantee that by now, the usual suspects would be asking questions about their suitability to hack it in the cut-and-thrust of English football.

I'm not saying all three deserve to be pilloried. Hughes earns a wide berth because he's been ordered to assimilate too many big talents too quickly and Redknapp because he's only a year into his job.

But O'Neill? Aston Villa's league form throughout this year has been pitiful, yet he remains the Harry Houdini of criticism.

He's had as many seasons at Villa as Claudio Ranieri had at Chelsea. A foreigner ridiculed as a flawed, under-performing Tinkerman. But Ranieri's record of wining 53% of his games, finishing Premier League runners-up, reaching an FA Cup Final and Champions League semi-final, trounces O'Neill's record of winning only 40% of his games and achieving nothing.

The point is, we are far more critical of foreign managers than our own. We dislike them for taking our own men's jobs, are suspicious of their pedigree and methods, give far more scrutiny to any foreign players they sign, and far less credit for their achievements. In short we want them to fail.

And when the pressure is on, unlike the 'Arrys and Martins they don't have the loyalty of ex-pros to fall back on, or the protection of pundits they've shared TV couches with.

The motto is, if you want a manager who escapes a depressing and destabilising witch-hunt, get yourself a Brit or an Irishman.

The rider being, that unless his name is Alex Ferguson, chances are, he'll win you sod all.

Antonio Valencia emerging from Cristiano Ronaldo's shadow at Man United

2009-11-04T11:42:00.001Z

Three down, 23 to go. That may be a harsh challenge for Antonio Valencia at Manchester United, but having walked through the door at Old Trafford just as Cristiano Ronaldo was heading the other way, the Ecuadorian will never escape the comparisons.

Sixteen games into his United career and the £17m summer signing from Wigan took his goals tally to three with the injury-time equaliser against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

The more impressive statistic is that the goal was Valencia’s third in five games. It shows he is beginning to adjust to life at United, despite the shadow cast by Ronaldo.

Sir Alex Ferguson has insisted often enough that Ronaldo is, and will continue to be, irreplaceable. Sixty-eight goals in his final two seasons at the club – the second of which was delayed for almost two months by an ankle injury – just underlines the impossible task facing whichever poor soul is asked to fill Ronaldo’s old right-wing spot at United.

Nani has tried and failed, Ji-sung Park offers ninety minutes of energy, but little attacking threat, while Gabriel Obertan is no more than three games into his United career.

Just try for a minute to erase the Ronaldo era and imagine it never happened. Who would Valencia then be measured against in terms of his progress?

David Beckham perhaps? Andrei Kanchelskis? Whoever you choose as the yardstick, the challenge is not quite so great as matching Ronaldo.

Beckham’s work-rate, peerless crossing and ability from set-pieces put ‘Goldenballs’ in a league of his own before Real Madrid came calling in 2003.

Kanchelskis was a lethal winger with blistering pace and an incredible ability to convert chances in front of goal. His hat-trick in a 5-0 demolition of Manchester City in 1994 encapsulated his quality and his controversial departure for Everton in 1995 was mourned by thousands of United supporters.

One thing that is obvious is that Valencia has a list of illustrious predecessors at United. But having initially appeared cowed and inhibited during his early outings for Ferguson’s team, Valencia is now growing into the role.

He is forming an understanding with full-backs Gary Neville and John O’Shea down the right and his crossing has improved markedly in the space of three months.

Valencia is brave, he has genuine strength and the confidence generated by his first goal for United – against Bolton last month – has lifted him onto another level.

The 24-year-old managed just seven goals in three seasons with Wigan, but he is almost halfway to that total at United. He even ‘did a Ronaldo’ by rescuing United with a spectacular late equaliser against CSKA.

But don’t compare him to Ronaldo. Don’t compare him to Beckham or Kanchelskis either. He is developing quickly in a United shirt and there is a sense that he is well on the way to making his own name at Old Trafford.

Fernando Torres beats Ferdinand for speed to lift Anfield gloom

2009-10-25T23:06:00.002Z

An eternal fascination of games between elite clubs is that sometimes they come down to a duel between two world-class players. For all the sound and fury here, Liverpool and Manchester were prised apart when Fernando Torres went mano e mano with Rio Ferdinand and blasted a goal that blew away the depression settling over Anfield.

Bringing El Niño to Merseyside was the best piece of business Rafael Benítez is ever likely to conduct. Not that joy ever shows on the martinet's face. After Torres had beaten Ferdinand for speed and strength to breach Edwin van der Sar's goal in the 65th minute Benítez merely flicked his hand to convey a tactical signal to another Liverpool player and then glanced at his watch, perhaps to make sure he had turned it back an hour. This austere, dispassionate response concealed the scale of Torres's contribution to the manager's survival campaign in the wake of four consecutive defeats.

As Benítez said later: "Eighty per cent of Fernando can make the difference." The other 20% was still in a physiotherapy room. Torres had not trained properly all week. He missed the midweek Champions League defeat against Lyon and seemed unlikely to haul himself back into action for such a frenetic and physical encounter. On the coach on the way to Anfield Benítez gambled, mindful maybe that the alternatives were Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt or David Ngog, who raised his lowly profile with his team's second, deep into added time.

Liverpool's alternative motto: Find a corner, then fight your way out. Their almost clinical need for adversity is baffling. A fifth defeat would have matched the club's worst sequence since 1953. "Playing as a team and working hard the way Liverpool do, we can beat anyone," Torres said. A player of such lavish gifts is entitled to sprinkle a bit more poetry into his post-match comments. But the foundation of all Liverpool's efforts is defiance and even Torres reflects that spirit. He can have a war with you or beat you with beauty. This volcanic derby required him to do both.

By the end arguably the world's best centre-forward could hardly stand. His body trembled with exhaustion and his eyes called out for him to be rescued. After 80 minutes he was replaced by Ngog. The ovation rocked the stadium: a sharp counterpoint to the venom directed at Michael Owen, once of this parish. "Judas, traitor, Manc," they howled, then chanted "Once a Manc, never a Red."

In such a febrile atmosphere no allowance was going to be made for the fact that Owen would have returned to Anfield on several occasions since his move to Real Madrid but was not pursued and might have finished up at Stoke or Hull had United not offered him work when his Newcastle contract expired. The denunciation of Owen in an arena where he once performed the Torres role was so fierce that Wayne Rooney made a point of consoling him as Sir Alex Ferguson's men traipsed off.

Ferguson ruminated on "the wounded animal aspect" of Liverpool's tenacious performance. "We had to win to get back in the title race," Torres beamed. For every reveller there is a victim. Somewhere deep in hostile territory Ferdinand would have been agonising over the private battle he lost when Yossi Benayoun, the closest this Liverpool squad have to a Steve McManaman, collected the ball from Kuyt and slipped it down the inside-right channel to bring Torres into combat with the England centre-half.

There was, in Ferdinand's heavy-footed response to this threat, another hint that he mistrusts his body and lacks the pace and agility to smother all forms of danger, as he can in his pomp. Torres was quicker and more robust as the two reputations came together. As Ferdinand leaned and lagged, Torres composed himself and had time to thump his shot into Van der Sar's top left-hand corner. The Kop is known for its eruptions of pleasure, belligerence, relief and this one will pass into the top-10 goal celebrations of Benítez's uneven reign.

Torres has now scored 34 goals in 35 league games at Anfield. Tormenting United's central defenders is one of his favourite pastimes. Though Ngog later put the game beyond Liverpool, there is no question that industry and organisation alone would not have brought them victory without the brilliance their £26m striker brings to the forward areas.

Frankly, without him, Liverpool are a severely diminished force. It was a measure of Benítez's desperation that he had to risk him when he "was not 100% fit". On Tuesday Steven Gerrard limped off against Lyon. Gamble failed. This time it worked. Kuyt (last weekend at Sunderland) and Ngog (against Lyon) had demonstrated the paucity of Liverpool's resources in the striking department. Whether internal politics or lack of foresight is responsible, the front of this team has been mismanaged and Liverpool's chances of sustaining this revival hang on Torres's ability to stay sound in a league that has caused him to be increasingly grumpy and querulous under the weight of incoming challenges.

He may resent the philistines who knock him about and the referees who sometimes fail to protect him but sheer force of talent always carries him to the heart of the drama, where his athleticism and grace usually do the rest.

Manchester United's poor play provoked Alan Wiley criticism, says Sir Alex Ferguson

2009-10-18T21:36:00.001+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson claims his anger at Manchester United’s performance against Sunderland two weeks ago prompted his stinging criticism of referee Alan Wiley, which has left the Scot facing an FA charge.

Ferguson accused Staffordshire official Wiley, 49, of taking thirty seconds to book players as he ‘needed a rest’ and also suggested that he was not fit enough to referee a game at Premier League level.

The United manager has since apologised publicly for his comments and a letter explaining his remarks was received by the FA on Friday.

His apology was dismissed as ‘half-hearted’ by referees’ union chief Alan Leighton and Ferguson is still facing a fine and possible touchline ban. The FA are expected to charge him with improper conduct on Monday.

But in his programme notes prior to United’s Old Trafford clash against Bolton on Saturday, Ferguson claimed that his referee rant was due to his frustration at a poor performance by his players.

Ferguson said: “We got out of jail in the final seconds for a 2-2 draw (against Sunderland) but frankly we had an off day.

“We kept going and we had a bit of luck with our late equaliser. We certainly weren’t firing on all cylinders in that game.

“Our passing was quite out of character which is perhaps why my feelings afterwards got the better of me with regard to the referee.

“I felt later that it was fair to apologise. I hope he has accepted my apology because I have always respected Alan Wiley, who is a good referee, and my remarks were not intended to be a slur on his integrity.

“By the time you read this (programme notes), I hope I shall have had the opportunity to speak to him personally after taking a break in the States.”

What exactly is the Premier League’s ‘fit and proper person’ test?

2009-10-08T19:58:00.002+01:00

The influx of foreign owners into the Football and Premier League and uncertainty over who actually owns Leeds United and Notts County, as well as doubts over Flavio Briatore’s involvement with QPR, has brought the ‘fit and proper person’ test in to focus. But what is it?

The ‘fit and proper persons test’ was first introduced in 2004 as a way of safeguarding clubs against falling in to the ownership of unscrupulous owners, with nothing in place before that time to stop those previously convicted of offences such as fraud from buying and running clubs.

Rules were established jointly between the Premier League, Football League and the Football Conference that any prospective director of a football club or someone looking to buy over 30 per cent of the club’s shares needed to satisfy.

The details of the test are myriad but the most important points forbid anyone with unspent criminal convictions relating to acts of dishonesty or someone who has taken a football club in to administration twice from taking charge of a football club.

The only person currently known to have fallen foul of the restrictions is Dennis Coleman, who as director of Rotherham United was responsible for twice taking the Yorkshire club into administration.

The exact criteria vary between the Premier League and the Football League after government pressure saw the former tighten up it’s rules while those of the latter remain in their 2004 form. However, the Football League’s chairman, Lord Mawhinney is seeking to correct this imbalance, in agreement with other interested football bodies.

The Premier League now asks members to publicly declare the names of anyone who owns over 10 per cent of the club. The Football League asks for names of owners of clubs but does not currently make them public. The Premier League also seeks assurances about where money is coming from to fund a club.

An important difference remains that the Premier League applies the test before a takeover is approved whereas the Football League garners information only after a deal has gone through.

Premier League fit and proper person test – disqualifying events in full:

A person shall be disqualified from acting as a director and no club shall be permitted to have any person acting as a director of that club if:

Either directly or indirectly he is involved in or has any power to determine or influence the management or administration of another club or Football League club

Either directly or indirectly he holds or acquires any Significant Interest in a club while he either directly or indirectly holds any interest in any class of shares of another club

He becomes prohibited by law from being a director

He is convicted on indictment of an offence set out in the Appendix 12 Schedule of Offences or he is convicted of a like offence by a competent court having jurisdiction outside England and Wales

He makes an Individual Voluntary Arrangement or becomes the subject of an Interim Bankruptcy Restriction Order, a Bankruptcy Restriction Order or a Bankruptcy Order

He is a director of a club which, while he has been a director of it, has suffered two or more unconnected events of insolvency

He has been a director of two or more clubs or clubs each of which, while he has been a director of them, has suffered an Event of Insolvency.

Schedule of offences:

Conspiracy to defraud: Criminal Justice Act 1987, section 12
Conspiracy to defraud: Common Law
Corrupt transactions with (public) agents, corruptly accepting consideration: Prevention of Corruption Act 1906, section 1
Insider dealing: Criminal Justice Act 1993, sections 52 and 61
Public servant soliciting or accepting a gift: Public Bodies (Corrupt Practices) Act 1889, section 1
Theft: Theft Act 1968, section 1
Obtaining by deception: Theft Act 1968, section 15
Obtaining a money transfer by deception: Theft Act 1968, section 15A + B
Obtaining a pecuniary advantage by deception: Theft Act 1968, section 16
False accounting: Theft Act 1968, section 17
False statements by Company Directors: Theft Act 1968, section 19
Suppression of (company) documents: Theft Act 1968, section 20
Retaining a wrongful credit: Theft Act 1968, section 24A
Obtaining services by deception: Theft Act 1978, section 1
Evasion of liability by deception: Theft Act 1978, section 2
Cheating the Public Revenue/Making false statements tending to defraud the public revenue: Common Law
Punishment for fraudulent training: Companies Act 1985, section 458
Penalty for fraudulent evasion of duty etc: Customs & Excise Management Act 1979, section 170
Fraudulent evasion of VAT: Value Added Tax Act 1994 section 72
Person subject to a Banning order (as defined) : Football (Disorder) Act 2000, Schedule 1
Forgery: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 1
Copying a false instrument : Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 2
Using a false instrument: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 3
Using a copy of a false instrument: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 4
Cheating the Public Revenue/ Making false statements tending to defraud the public revenue: Common Law
Punishment for fraudulent training: Companies Act 1985, section 458
Penalty for fraudulent evasion of duty etc: Customs & Excise Management Act 1979, section 170
Fraudulent evasion of VAT: Value Added Tax Act 1994, section 72
Person subject to a Banning order (as defined): Football (Disorder) Act 2000, Schedule 1
Forgery: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 1
Copying a false instrument: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 2
Using a false instrument: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 3
Using a copy of a false instrument: Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, section 4

Source: The Telegraph

Can Seville crash Galacticos' party at top of La Liga?

2009-10-03T23:33:00.002+01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo's scintillating start to his Real Madrid career has left the club's supporters doing some simple maths – nine goals in seven games so that's 81 for the season if he keeps up his current scoring rate.

Tomorrow's visit to Seville might serve to rein in the euphoria – Manolo Jimenez's side lie third in La Liga and are promising to gatecrash the two-team title race between Real and Barcelona.

Largely because of Ronaldo's efforts, Real Madrid are the only team in Europe's major leagues to have won all their league and Champions League games and have out-scored the rest of the continent with 24 goals. President Florentino Perez told Spain's Barcelona-supporting prime minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, as much this week as the pair were caught talking football by Spanish TV when they should have been pushing Madrid's Olympic bid.

"We are the only team in Europe to have won all our games," began Perez. "I'm not going to tell you that there is another team playing very well," responded Zapatero. "But they have drawn," said Perez. And when Zapatero fired back with, "But they play very well," Perez said: "They play well but we don't need that... this year our time has come."

It was a feisty exchange that assumes only Barcelona and Real Madrid will contest the league. However, Jimenez disagrees. "It is not just about Madrid and Barça," he said. There is a long way to go and having a World Cup at the end of it also influences things."

Seville will be hoping Ronaldo has the World Cup on his mind with the Portugal international away on qualifying duty as soon as tomorrow night's six-pointer at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium is finished.

The team that rattled four past Rangers in midweek in the Champions League will be a tough test for Ronaldo, who should overcome an ankle injury to start what, on paper, is Real's most difficult fixture of the season after the games against Barcelona.

"They are capable of losing possession," Jimenez said. "They are still a new side and the understanding is not always there but they look very well balanced. They are not playing as badly as people are saying."

Those people would be Real supporters who, despite the side's great start, are anxious to see their team match the mesmerising football produced by Barcelona, who face Almeria at home tonight. Barça sweep you off your feet, with Real Madrid it is more clinical, but Real's former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso believes the aesthetics will come with time.

He said: "As far as results go we can't ask for more but we are still working to reach a level where the play matches the result. We are not completely satisfied with how we are playing. There is plenty of room for improvement and we know it's important to not just win but to play well."

Tomorrow night three points will suffice leaving them six clear of Seville, who will have striker Alvaro Negredo out to make Real regret for letting him go in the summer. With Karim Benzema signed from Lyons, there was no room for the home-grown striker who has already scored twice in the league for his new team.

Seville have no first-choice players out injured while Madrid will give Ronaldo's ankle a late test. The Seville winger Jesus Navas said: "He is a fantastic player and it will be a shame if he cannot play." Jimenez was slightly more honest: "Sincerely, I hope he is out. Then after Sunday let him have a great season."

Spotlight on... The early-season crises at Atletico and Milan

Milan and Atletico Madrid are both expected to sack their managers this weekend if they fail to win and if Atletico fire coach Abel Resino it could even spell a surprise return to Spain for Juande Ramos.

Resino is clinging on with his side in the bottom three ahead of tonight's home game against Real Zaragoza. Jermaine Pennant should start for Zaragoza and if they take even just a point then Resino is likely to go. Atletico want the former Seville, Tottenham and Real Madrid coach Ramos, who would welcome a move back to Spain but could struggle to free himself from his CSKA Moscow contract before December. Another former Real Madrid coach, Bernd Schuster, and the one-time Spain manager Luis Aragones are other options. Both are former Atletico players and Aragones won La Liga with them in 1977 as manager. Schuster is friends with the Atletico owner, Gil Marin, and is favourite to step in if the club cannot get Ramos.

At Milan, Brazilian coach Leonardo, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in the summer, has picked up just eight points from his first six games in charge and a 1-0 defeat in the Champions League at home to Zurich has left owner Silvio Berlusconi's hand hovering over the trap-door lever. Former Netherlands coach and Milan legend Marco van Basten has been tipped to take over but another ex-player, Alessandro Costacurta, has also emerged as a serious candidate.

They're all talking about... Real Madrid's record shirt sponsorship deal

It's Florentino Perez's grand master plan – buy the world's best players and then recoup the money through increased sponsorship revenue. His critics question the viability – €258m (£236m) is a lot of advertising space – but this week Real Madrid began chipping away at their £296m debt by agreeing a new deal with current shirt sponsors Bwin for €23m (£21m) a season. The new contract runs until 2013 and represents a €6m (£5.5m) a season increase on the previous agreement because of the incorporation of Ronaldo and Kaka.

Can Chelsea make it a perfect 10 victories to start their Premier League season?

2009-09-21T20:41:00.002+01:00

Chelsea have secured a maximum 18 points from their first six games in the Premier League this season, but can they record another four before the end of October to make it a perfect 10?

W 2-1 vs Hull (h), Aug 15,
After an unbeaten pre-season which included four wins in America and lifting the Community Shield, Hull gave Chelsea a stern opening test at Stamford Bridge before Didier Drogba earned Carlo Ancelotti's side three points in injury time.

W 1-3 v Sunderland (a), Aug 18
Three days later and Chelsea are in cruise control despite Darren Bent giving the hosts an 18th minute lead. Three second-half strikes in 15 minutes handed the Londoners their second win.

W 0-2 vs Fulham (a), Aug 23
Drogba and Nicolas Anelka wrap up another dominant display as Fulham fail to garner a single strike on target, giving Chelsea their first clean sheet of the campaign.

W 3-0 v Burnley (h), Aug 29
Not even Brian 'The Beast' Jensen could stop Chelsea recording their fourth win, as Anelka continues his early season form by scoring the opener before Michael Ballack and Ashley Cole settle proceedings.

W 1-2 v Stoke City (a), Sept 12
A raucous atmosphere gave the hosts an invaluable 12th man but Chelsea still came from behind to win with another injury-time winner from Florent Malouda.

W 3-0 v Tottenham (h), Sept 20
Chelsea cruised to a club record 11th straight Premier League win in an entertaining London derby. Cole scored his second home goal in succession, Drogba finishing it off with his first goal against Spurs at home.

... and what's in store for the next four

v Wigan (a), Sept 26
Another midweek derby against QPR in the Carling Cup on Wednesday should see fit-again Joe Cole, Paulo Ferreira and Yury Zhirkov bolster Chelsea's squad for their visit to the north three days later.

v Liverpool (h), Oct 4
Chelsea's first away trip in the Champions League against Apoel Nicosia shouldn't pose too many problems for Ancelotti's first big test of the season against Rafael Benitez's side four days later.

v Aston Villa (a), Oct 17
Martin O'Neill's side are showing signs of prospering this season and will give Chelsea a thorough test at home, leaving Ancelotti with his first dropped points of the campaign.

v Blackburn (h), Oct 24
Saturday evening kick-off should see Chelsea fans celebrate on the King's Road with another three points in the bag.

Five reasons why Manchester United's season is clicking into place

2009-09-14T21:13:00.001+01:00

Manchester United have proved their defeat to Burnley was merely a blip with victories over Arsenal and Tottenham. How has their season moved into top gear?

WAYNE ROONEY:

Despite the predictions that Rooney would have to fill the Cristiano Ronaldo role at United this season, the England forward has always been much more than merely the next best thing to Ronaldo.

The 23-year-old is his own man and his early season performances have underlined his determination to make that point emphatically.

Rooney has been peerless so far this campaign and his goal at Spurs on Sunday took his league tally to five in five games.

DARREN FLETCHER:

When Fletcher was singled out as one of the main victims of Roy Keane's alleged rant about his under-performing team-mates on MUTV four years ago, the Scot's Old Trafford future appeared bleak.

The United supporters had already started to give him stick from the terraces and his captain had seemingly joined in.

But Fletcher has emerged as United's number one midfielder in recent months. Missing out on the Champions League final last season highlighted his value to the team.

Against Arsenal recently, Fletcher was immense and he is almost now doing what Keane used to in the engine room.

PAUL SCHOLES:

Scholes is 35 in November and he has already suggested that this will be his last season as a player.

But the form he has displayed so far this season has been his best for years. Anderson's arrival two years ago was supposed to signal the end for Scholes, but he continues to retain his place in the team.

His experience, wonderful passing ability and winning mentality have been key factors in United's resurgence following the defeat at Turf Moor.

BURNLEY DEFEAT:

United have a habit of steeling themselves in adversity following an unexpected defeat.

If nothing else, it gives Sir Alex Ferguson the opportunity to wield the big stick and dust off the hairdryer.

But losing at Turf Moor was a real low-point. Nothing went right on the night for United as Owen Coyle's promoted team out-fought, out-ran and ultimately defeated the champions.

Ferguson has admitted to questioning the commitment of his players after that defeat, but results since suggest that there are no problems in that department.

MAN CITY THREAT:

United always keep an eye on the results of Chelsea and Liverpool, but the emergence of Manchester City on their doorstep is providing added motivation.

In Ferguson's 23 years at Old Trafford, City have never held the whip-hand on United and the Scot has no intention of that changing.

Key figures such as Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney have spoken of the extra motivation brought about by City's attempt to crack the Big Four and, ironically, City's big ambitions are helping fuel United's own desire.

Diego Maradona still confident as Argentina fight World Cup humiliation

2009-09-08T22:09:00.001+01:00

Diego Maradona's troubled spell in charge of Argentina may end on Wednesday if his side fail to beat Paraguay – a defeat which could mean Argentina dropping out of the World Cup qualification places.

Depending on other results, a loss against Paraguay could leave Argentina in sixth place in the 10-team South American qualifying group. Going into the final two matches next month, they would then be faced with missing out on not just one of the top four spots that advance automatically, but even fifth place, which gets a play-off spot. Failure would make them the first Argentina team to miss a World Cup since 1970.

But Maradona, who predicted victory before Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Brazil, says he remains confident of success: "We'll go to Paraguay with the same confidence as always".

While Argentina possess some of the world's best talent in the strikers Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero, the sports newspaper Olé said disjointedness was the problem: "The national team doesn't play like a team, and Diego has not been able to turn this around."

Brazil lead the South American standings with 30 points, followed by Chile and Paraguay with 27 each, Argentina with 22, Colombia and Ecuador with 20, and Uruguay and Venezuela with 18. Bolivia and Peru have both been eliminated.

The Paraguay coach, Gerardo Martino, said he was not expecting an easy game. "Argentina – despite how they are playing in the qualifiers – everything about them worries me. This is a world power with a top group of players."

Paraguay drew 1-1 with Argentina in their first qualifying match in June 2008.

Brazil will be without four starters who are banned for Wednesday's match against Chile after picking up yellow cards against Argentina – Kaká, Luis Fabiano, Ramires and Lucio. The Brazil coach, Dunga, is also expected to rest Robinho, who has a thigh injury. Elano is also doubtful with an injury.

The Brazil winger Andre Silva said: "Dunga congratulated us for qualifying, but he kept all our feet on the ground because Chile is a tough game and we have to stay focused."

Premier League's big four accused of plundering Europe's finest teenagers

2009-09-06T20:09:00.002+01:00

The Premier League's big four - Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool - stand accused of plundering Europe's finest teenagers from foreign youth academies.

And one Italian club has directly accused Sir Alex Ferguson's club of 'robbing' them of their talented players.

With Chelsea banned from signing players until 2011 after being found guilty of inducing 15-year-old Gael Kakuta to break his contract with French side Lens, clubs in Holland as well as Italy have joined the chorus of condemnation at the tactics used by Premier League clubs to recruit youngsters.

UEFA president Michel Platini is in talks with the European Commission, hoping to introduce a ban on the transfer of players under the age of 18 by 2011. But it will be too late for Empoli director Giuseppe Vitale, whose teenage stars Alberto Massacci, 16, and Manuel Pucciarelli, 18, joined United last month. Vitale said:

'We are not happy. Manchester United do this kind of thing a lot because they know our regulations in Italy, whereby we cannot put our youth players on lucrative contracts. They didn't speak to us about our players. It is not right and they know it is not right.

'Platini must change the law so that when a big club come in and try to rob - and that is the right word, rob - us of our players, they must pay us a decent amount of money.'

Roma director Bruno Conti, whose club lost 16-year-old David Petrucci to United last year, said:

'United are still behaving in this way. It is not sport and it is no way for Sir Alex Ferguson, one of the game's great leaders, to conduct himself.

'We invest a lot in these young players in both time, education and money. The law still allows them to do that but Michel Platini is already in talks with the Italian FA to look at ways to eliminate this.'

AZ Alkmaar president Dirk Scheringa, whose club have lost 17-year-old Vincent Weijl to Liverpool and Oguzhan Ozyakup, 15, to Arsenal, said:

'Morally, it is a terrible thing that the biggest talents were taken from us like that.'

Scheringa has called for the rules to be changed after admitting that Liverpool and Arsenal haven't broken the current ones.

Elsewhere, however, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been accused of losing interest in the club's youth academy, which has produced players such as Micah Richards, Michael Johnson and Daniel Sturridge.

One regular visitor said: 'It feels to some that Mark Hughes and his coaches are not showing as much interest in the academy, which is strange because it has been so successful.

'He has changed a lot of the coaches. Parents are wondering now if Manchester City is the best place for their kids.'

Source: Dailymail

Man Utd haven't spent the Ronaldo money on players, so where has it gone?

2009-09-03T21:49:00.002+01:00

Sir Alex Ferguson has not replaced Ronaldo, so perhaps United fans should expect the Old Trafford toilets to get a makeover.

Manchester United fans not wholly convinced by their team's performances, balance and strength in depth so far this season can take comfort from the explanations provided throughout the summer, that Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to spend little of the £80m received for Cristiano Ronaldo has nothing to do with the massive debts loaded on the club.

As the transfer window closed, Sir Alex Ferguson stayed true to his resolution, that he is happy with his squad, the market is overpriced and, perhaps most oddly, that in the whole of world football, the players are simply not there with the skill and psychological equipment worthy of a Manchester United squad number. In a summer of perpetual rumour, the only player United confirmed Ferguson genuinely did want was Karim Benzema, and after the French striker was swept up in Real Madrid's trolley dash round the Pannini sticker album, Ferguson did not look for another.

So United head for the heart of the season having replaced Ronaldo, who scored 25 goals last year in all competitions, and Carlos Tevez, who scored 15 while regularly being held in reserve, with Michael Owen, signed on a free after stumbling through 10 goals in a wretched flail against Newcastle's impending relegation. Ferguson is clearly confident that £17m spent on Luis Antonio Valencia (three goals for Wigan last year) will prove a prudent investment while Gabriel Obertan, the 20 year old French striker who played just eight league matches for champions Bordeaux and went on loan to mid-table Lorient, has been tracked as one for the future.

Throughout the summer, while Ferguson was emphasising his disdain for a market in which Real, with borrowed euros, and Manchester City, with Abu Dhabi oil riches, were the most substantial spenders, United's owners wanted it to be known that they had not banked the Ronaldo money to help deal with the debt.

The accounts for the thicket of Manchester United companies, which begin with a football club based in Stretford and ultimately lodge the Glazer family's ownership in the low tax, Las Vegas, roulette wheel US State of Nevada, were most recently filed for the year to June 2008. They showed the club £699m in debt to banks and hedge funds, three years after the Glazers borrowed £525m to finance their 2005 takeover. The interest payable in just three years after that, by a club always previously debt-free, has been a barely believable £263m.

That is money from fans, TV and other commercial income which could have been put to all manner of better uses. Yet even with the massive interest paid out, the debt the Glazers originally loaded on to United has continued to climb, because the most expensive borrowing, from hedge funds at 14.25% interest a year, has not actually been paid, but "rolls up" and is added to the total amount owed.

In Seoul on the United's pre-season tour, the Glazer family's spokesman stressed to the accompanying media that United, Ferguson included, did, despite all that, have £60m to spend. Even though United lost £44.8m last year, because of the £69m interest payable, the spokesman pointed to the club's booming turnover, and operating profit, to say the money was there if Ferguson chose to spend it.

"The manager has a significant amount of money to invest if he wants to," the spokesman, Tehsin Nayani, said. "The delay [in signing anybody] is because the manager has not been able to locate the players that he believes fit the Manchester United mindset.

"We are talking about a net amount of about £60m, and that is cash that can be reinvested in the squad, doing up the toilets or new carpets."

The transfer market may, as Ferguson complains, be inflated, although City have seen it as a buyer's summer, with some players available at fair enough prices because many clubs are in a financial squeeze. At Old Trafford, though, the argument has held: Ferguson has simply not wanted any more players for his squad even though all that money was available to him, and the Glazers have not insisted on banking it to fend off the vast debts with which they loaded the club.

Protesting United fans have been told from the beginning that they are being financially naïve and illiterate to think that hundreds of millions of pounds of debt, to pay for a takeover none of them wanted, will have any actual effect on their club. The Glazers have been able to point to three Premier League titles won since they arrived, and the 2008 European Champions League trophy, as strong evidence for the argument that nobody should worry about the debt.

Now, with Ronaldo and Tevez departed, and the blessed Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs scampering towards their sunsets, we can only keep taking the owners at their word, because there is no way of seeing where the £80m Ronaldo money has actually gone. As the transfer window has closed without much of the spare £60m reinvested in the squad, United fans know what to look excitedly out for: a wondrous new experience in the Old Trafford toilets, or some of the plushest carpets in world football.

Source: Guardian

Interview with Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-08-29T14:00:00.001+01:00

Cristiano Ronaldo speaks about the parting words he received from Sir Alex Ferguson – and the mood in the camp at Real Madrid.

Q. Are you happy with the move?

A. Yes. I feel like I have come home. Coming from Portugal means I have felt close to Spain all my life. I speak the language; I know the mentality, the culture and the playing style. So this is just as good as going back to Portugal to play, and Real Madrid is one of the greatest clubs in history.

Q. Does it hurt that you left United on a low note, after losing the Champions League final?

A. It does still bother me that we lost that game. You have to respect Barcelona because they won three big titles last season and that says a lot about their strength, but I don't think they were better than us. They were just more efficient when they got their chances.

Q. What did Sir Alex Ferguson say the last time you saw him?

A. He said "congratulations". I think he knew it was the right time for me to move on and I think he acknowledged that I needed to go. He joked with me and told me that with all the offensive players at Real Madrid, I'd end up playing as a central defender. That was just his way of saying "good luck, son". I did not get a chance to say goodbye to the fans but I hope they know that I enjoyed every moment at Old Trafford and would like to thank them for their support.

Q. What do you remember of your unveiling at the Bernabeu? It was nice and low-key wasn't it?

A. It was a crazy day, one I will never forget... There were already a lot of fans outside the hotel so I knew there would be a lot at the stadium, but I didn't expect the place to be full. That amazed me: 80,000 people who all came just to see me? It felt like I was a rock star and I felt humbled by it.

Q. What do you make of Florentino Perez's new project?

A. We all know it will be difficult for us – every time we take a wrong step or lose a match we know that the press will slaughter us and bring up how much we all cost...

Q. Where do you fit into this new team?

A. I don't know for sure but it's important to say that I don't think I will have a more important role than others. I don't think the coach looks at who are the most expensive players, he only thinks about putting the best team together and I hope to be a part of that.

Q. What's your priority this season, La Liga or the Champions League?

A. I want to win them both, win everything. Why choose one? I have won the champions league with Manchester United and I still believe that it is the biggest tournament there is to win in all club competitions.

Q. How do you cope with fame?

A. Luckily it has been a change for the better. I am very privileged. I have a better house, nice cars and everything I need. But the most important is still the support from my family and the people closest to me. The money does not change my ambitions, character or mentality. I still have the passion for football.

Q. Do you ever wonder what you would be doing if you weren't a footballer?

A. A lot of my childhood friends also dreamed about being a footballer, but they also had a lot of other dreams for their future. They wanted to be firefighters, policemen, doctors... The only thing I ever wanted was to become a footballer. That is why I never asked my parents for other gifts when I was a boy, only things for football.

Extracted from an interview in the current issue of Sport magazine

Champions League draw: how it works

2009-08-26T20:58:00.001+01:00

Following the completion of Wednesday’s play-off matches, the 32 clubs who will take part in the Champions League group stages this season will have been completed - made up of the 22 who have qualified automatically and the 10 who have come through the various rounds.

Uefa, the competition’s organisers, stress that the seedings for the four different pots from which the teams will be drawn (eight clubs in each pot) will not be decided until Thursday morning, after the final matches.

However, based on the co-efficients - the success of national associations and teams over recent seasons - it’s possible to, without being exactly sure, estimate which clubs will be allocated to which pots.

However, this is, it must be stressed, subject to change.

What will not alter are the No 1 seeds - the reigning champions Barcelona, who defeated Manchester United last May.

Indeed, there is a rich Spanish flavour to this year’s competition, not least because the final, on May 22 2010, taking place on a Saturday, having shifted from the traditional Wednesday, will be at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid.

Below Barcelona hover the English trio of Chelsea, Liverpool and United, reflecting the power and threat of the Premier League, supplemented by Arsenal, should they qualify.

The 32 clubs will be divided into four different pots with, therefore, eight teams in each pot to make up the eight different groups labelled A-H of four teams.

The top two qualify to the knock-out rounds, the third-placed goes into the Europa League.

All four English teams will be in Pot One, reflecting the six teams with the best ranking based on their previous performances in the Uefa competitions.

Also in that pot are another Spanish club, Seville, plus AC Milan and Bayern Munich. If Arsenal fail, Lyon will move up.

None of these Pot One clubs can face each other but all will be eyeing Pot Two which contains two of the most dangerous opponents they could possibly meet and will want to avoid - namely Jose Mourinho’s Inter Milan and, perhaps even more threateningly, Real Madrid. That’s Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema et al.

Given that clubs from the same association cannot be drawn against each other in the group stages it means there are only six clubs that can face Real Madrid - and four of those are English. The chances of a meeting are dangerously high while another club due to be in Pot Two, Juventus, will also pose a threat.

Rangers are in Pot Three, but could have moved up a seeding if play-off results had gone their way, while danger lurks with Atletico Madrid, who overcame Panathinaikos on Tuesday, Marseilles and Bordeaux while the most formidable opponent in Pot Four, and perhaps the one every club wants to avoid the most, are undoubtedly the German champions Wolfsburg.

They are one of six clubs - AZ Alkmaar, Zurich, Debrecen (the lowest ranked), Rubin Kazan and Unirea Urziceni are the others - who have reached the group stages for the first time.

The latter three are somewhat unknown quantities while the English clubs will want to avoid potentially tricky trips to Russia and Romania.

The draw takes place ahead of Friday night’s Super Cup match between Barcelona and Shakhtar Donetsk in Monaco.

Also decided will be the results of Uefa’s Club Football Awards with several Premier League players on the various short-lists including two Englishmen, Steven Gerrard and John Terry.

These are likely to be the pots to which clubs are allocated (based on Uefa co-efficients but, it must be stressed, unconfirmed until later on Thursday and subject to change).

Pot One:

Barcelona
Liverpool
Chelsea
Manchester United
AC Milan
Arsenal (subject to result against Celtic)
Seville
Bayern Munich

Pot Two:

Lyon
Inter Milan
Real Madrid
CSKA Moscow
Porto
Sporting Lisbon (subject to result against Fiorentina)
AZ Alkmaar
Juventus

Pot Three:

Atletico Madrid
Rangers
OlympiaKos (subject to result against FC Sheriff).
Marseille
Dynamo Kiev
Stuttgart (subject to result against Politehnica Timisoara).
Bordeaux
Besiktas

Pot Four:

Copenhagen (subject to result against Apoel Nicosia)
Debrecen
Wolfsburg
Standard Liege
Maccabi Haifa
FC Zurich
Rubin Kazan
Unirea Urziceni

Dates:

Match Day One (15/ 16 Sept) 2 v 3 and 4 v 1
Match Day Two (29/ 30 Sept) 1 v 2 and 3 v 4
Match Day Three (20/ 21 Oct) 3 v 1 and 2 v 4
Match day Four (3/ 4 Nov) 1 v 3 and 4 v 2
Match Day Five (24/ 25 Nov) 3 v 2 and 1 v 4
Match day Six (8/9 Dec) 2 v 1 and 4 v 3

* This is also subject to change to ensure that clubs from the same country play on separate days.

Premier League season guide 2009-10 - Chelsea

2009-08-11T20:57:00.002+01:00

The club

Party manifesto

"To roll out a robust, world-class leisure-based model going forward, put an end to boom and bust - balancing the books (by 2010! © P Kenyon), while guaranteeing funding for the (galácticos') wealth service - and restore our international standing. In short, it's the Champions League, stupid!"

Fat cats or hard times

Despite the global financial meltdown, Roman Abramovich is desperate to spend an obscene amount of money on a galáctico to avoid being left behind in the international pissing contest by Real Madrid and Man City. Unfortunately, all the good ones appear to have gone.

Their idea of dreamland

Owner: Victory in the European Cup final (ideally annually) by an avalanche of goals (possibly including a Roy Race hat-trick). Millions across the globe salute the sagacity, beneficence and good looks of R Abramovich.

Manager: Whatever you say, sir.

The table doesn't lie

After dropping to third place for the first time under Russian ownership, improvement is a must. Form under Guus Hiddink shows Chelsea remain serious contenders but a lack of big-name signings hints at stagnation. Ask John Terry.

If they had three wishes

1 Jose Mourinho

2 Guus Hiddink

3 Collection box for Burnley fans to deposit their small change before entering Stamford Bridge.

What a typical fan says

"Refereeing decisions even themselves out over the course of a season. Yeah, right!"

The players

New kid in town Daniel Sturridge

Chelsea's revenge on City for swiping Robinho may prove to be very sweet if the 19-year-old striker fulfils his promise. English and potentially lethal.

English passion v foreign flair

John Terry and Frank Lampard have long been the meat and potatoes amid the cordon bleu canapés and, with Ashley Cole and the returning Joe Cole, that's a third of the England team.

Watch out for

Tony Dorigo lookalike Yuri Zhirkov, who arrived from CSKA Moscow for a mere £18m to a collective shrug. Nevertheless, he had a good Euro 2008, can operate all along the left flank and is more than just a token Russian.

Unsung hero

Raw-boned Branislav Ivanovic wins few marks for artistic impression but the Serb, Nemanja Vidic's international partner, sealed a place in Chelsea hearts with his two goals at Anfield in the Champions League quarter-final.

Do not match the ambition of ...

Didier Drogba has been on the brink of leaving since the day he arrived. A big man in the dressing room and, to his detractors, a big baby on the pitch, his live TV rant means he sits out the first three European games. It's a blimmin' disgrace!

Most likely to date Danielle Lloyd

Ashley Cole says he "crossed into the world of showbiz" with his marriage to Britain's favourite toilet-assistant-thumping, talent-show judge. A date with the orange-skinned one would surely equal freakshowbiz.

National treasure

Chelsea seem to have discovered they had a talent on their hands only after Michael Mancienne, who could have played for the Seychelles, was called up to the England squad before making his Blues debut. Despite an iffy Under-21 tournament, the defender is one to watch.

The manager

Carlo Ancelotti

Put your medals on the table

Won the Scudetto and Coppa Italia with Milan, but for the reason why the Brillo-pad-topped chubster was hired look no further than those two European Cups.

What's his style?

Has tended to adapt his style to the players available. Says Chelsea are a "physical team" who need a more creative dimension. Fielded a diamond midfield in pre-season with Lampard at the tip.

Will almost certainly complain about ...

Being asked if he is the new Special One, or, as he says, "His Specialness Mourinho".

If they want to get ahead they would wear a ...

US Marine Corps' helmet

An effective machine that prefers to steamroller its way to victory and ask questions later as it sings its customary annual marching song: 'We don't know but we've been told, Champions League trophy is made of gold. We don't know but we've heard a shout, Win it this year or the manager's out. Yet again.' To be repeated next summer.

The numbers game

Years of hurt Zero

Last major trophy FA Cup 2009

Title odds 2-1

Relegation odds 1,000-1

Last season

Champions League Semis

FA Cup Winners

Carling Cup 4th round

League discipline Yellow 50 Red 2

Top scorer Anelka (19)

Fair play league 4th

Points per game

against top four 0.67

against the rest 2.47

Premier League season guide 2009-10 - Arsenal

2009-08-11T20:35:00.003+01:00

The club

Party manifesto

"The Emirates super-state believes in free movement of skilled teenage labour, a sustainable approach to recycling the ball somewhere near the halfway line and benevolent dictatorship by an increasingly grumpy Frenchman in a blue coat."

Fat cats or hard times

Yet to buy into the new billionairism, so dependent on the silent hordes at bijou Islington residence. Jabba the Hut body double and main shareholder Alisher 'Keys' Usmanov has other ideas.

Their idea of dreamland

The theory: elastic-limbed graduates of the North London School of the Cushioned Backheel learn to reproduce Total Wengerball at will and kick-start era of futuristic European dominance. The reality: Kieran Gibbs falling over.

The table doesn't lie

Fourth and a Champions League semi-final looks like a decent season, but no trophies since 2005 has begun to grate. If the Belgian defender Thomas Vermaelen settles, the squad already looks stronger.

If they had three wishes

1 World-class Patrick Vieira-style (circa 1998) midfielder discovered having kickabout outside Holloway Road branch of Chicken Cottage

2 Fifa decrees points to be awarded for artistic merit and ability to play intricate double-shimmy wall-pass

3 Real Madrid, Manchester City and other moneyed bullies continue not realising how good Andrey Arshavin is.

What a typical fan says

"Mmmm the prosciutto & sage chicken skewers with roast pepper aioli are divine. Where's everyone going?... The second half of what?"

The players

New kid in town Thomas Vermaelen

The left-footed Belgian arrived for £10.4m from Ajax, where he was captain last season, and is expected to slot straight into central defence.

English passion v foreign flair

Wenger preaches the pan-global melting pot, hence 11 different nationalities in the team at the end of last season. But there are stirrings of something else: feisty British bulldogs Kieran Gibbs, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere could all play big roles this year.

Watch out for

Carlos Vela: the best thing to come out of Mexico since guacamole. Left-footed, wonderfully balanced and a scorer of spectacular goals – like a young Robbie Fowler only without the clothes peg on his nose.

Unsung hero

His foot keeps falling off. His knees are held together with hairy string. But Robin van Persie still scored 21 times last season and is a goal-every-other-start merchant. Interplay with Arshavin will be key.

Do not match the ambition of...

Recent superstar-feeder-club status has begun to sit uneasily. Cesc Fábregas keeps being 'mistranslated', waffling about Barcelona in the Spanish press. William Gallas always appears to be on the verge of bursting into tears.

Most likely to date Danielle Lloyd

Nicklas Bendtner had his drunken nightclub-exit upskirt moment last season. But he's not like that really. Although, Henri Lansbury does list at least a thousand very thin orange women among his Facebook friends.

National treasure

Wilshere, the best young English player anywhere. Has trickery, vision and hunger. A bit of a lab experiment, too: the first Englishman to go right through academy to first team under Wenger. More please. We want more of these. At least 10 more.

The manager

Arsène Wenger

Put your medals on the table

Invented broccoli and yoga in his first season, won the Double in his second and had the Invincibles in 2003–04. Arsenal's most gong-laden manager.

What's his style?

Puritanical vision of homogenised supra-national excellence. ie: jet-heeled Eritrean teenagers constructing dizzying 17-pass move that ends in goal-kick.

Will almost certainly complain about...

Media. Team losing. Team being clogged. Media reports of his team being clogged while losing.

If they want to get ahead they could wear a...

Fascinator

Flimsy but eye-catching, revolutionary spin on conventional classic. Often worn by congregation at weddings but very rarely by those who end the campaign with silverware and champagne-fuelled consummation. Offers no protection from rain, cold, sleet and other assorted rough northern elements but looks good while it lasts.

Premier League season guide 2009-10 - Liverpool

2009-08-11T20:23:00.004+01:00

The club

Party manifesto

"We live by the principles of The Great Leader, Bill Shankly: 'The socialism I believe in is everyone working for each other, everyone having a share of the rewards. It's the way I see football, the way I see life.' It encapsulates a club with left-wing values in a famously left-wing city. They hold to this day. Now, let's pay off this week's interest on that humungous leveraged loan with the profits from all these replica shirt sales in Asia ..."

Fat cats or hard times

The loan taken out by George and Tom, the Two Stooges, to purchase the club put Liverpool deep in the red. But not so deep that they can't afford to spend nearly £20m on a full-back who was repeatedly skinned by the Kazakhstan winger back in June.

Their idea of dreamland

It's all about the league. Unless you're Rafa Benítez, who wants another European Cup even more than his wife Montse wants another wristwatch gift as a result.

The table doesn't lie

Second behind Manchester United who they beat at Anfield and at Old Trafford, was arguably Liverpool's best performance in the league in nearly two decades. Yet after a raft of 0-0 draws it was a real opportunity missed. This year the title's a genuine possibility - though their last second place, under Gérard Houllier, was followed by several seasons of anti-climax.

If they had three wishes

1 Winning the league

2 Winning the league thanks to a Michael Owen own goal

3 Winning the league thanks to a Michael Owen own goal three seasons in a row.

What a typical fan says

"In Rafa we trust. Until we're 2-0 down and he brings on Lucas for Gerrard."

The players

New kid in town Glen Johnson

Finally signed for his 'boyhood club' after establishing himself as England's right-back in his Pompey years. Cost £17m and played his first game filling in at left-back.

English passion v foreign flair

As you'd expect of Rafa's Real Mersey, there's a heavy sprinkling of Spanish-speaking sparkle. But the captain, Steven Gerrard, and the real captain Jamie Carragher make sure English values are represented. By running around looking annoyed and depressed.

Watch out for

Emilano Insua's time spent away with Argentina's kids at some pointless Fifa jamboree coincided with a slump in January. A ball-playing full-back, he's a much better prospect than Andrea Dossena, the funniest man to emerge on the Liverpool left since Alexei Sayle.

Unsung hero

The Kop wondered whether Yossi Benayoun was simply a facsimile of the frustrating Luis García, only with a poorer first touch and an even worse decision-making process. But the Israeli's improvement last season was immense, chipping in with numerous crucial goals and assists.

Do not match the ambition of ...

Javier Mascherano. Barcelona have turned the head of a player perfectly happy to drape himself over the West Ham chaise longue a couple of seasons ago.

Most likely to date Danielle Lloyd

Perpetual substitute Ryan Babel has plenty of time on his hands, if his rap video - "No caviar for us, Surinamers eat chicken" - is anything to go by. La Lloyd would doubtless prefer the former.

National treasure

Box-to-box midfielder Jay Spearing might fill in for Javier Mascherano, providing Lucas is boiled down for glue, as must surely be the plan. He's tipped to go all the way to the top. Or at least play for England.

The manager

Rafael Benítez

Put your medals on the table

Spanish titles, cups, the Uefa Cup and the spoils from that night in Istanbul. There's only one thing missing ... the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

What's his style?

Famously defensive, though last season he opened out more than he was given credit for. But can he unlock the bus parked in front of goal by the so-called smaller sides?

Will almost certainly complain about...

Sir Alex Ferguson. Rafa's dossier is a work in progress and Ferguson retaliated by suggesting Benítez is "disturbed".

If they want to get ahead they could wear a ...

Stetson

Loved by brash Texans and featured in a pre-eminent primetime success of the 70s and 80s, its aficionados still have a tendency to throw their weight about on the European stage but are now more familiar at home as a dressing-up box staple for those still enacting long-lost battles. As worn by men with Desperate Dan facial hair and featured in the Good, the Bad and the Ugly or the history of the past 19 seasons as it is also known.

The numbers game

Years of hurt Three

Last major trophy FA Cup 2006

Title odds 11-4

Relegation odds 1,000-1

Last season

Champions League Quarters

FA Cup 4th round

Carling Cup 4th round

League discipline Yellow 50 Red 0

Top scorer Gerrard (16)

Fair play league 2nd

Points per game

against top four 2.33

against the rest 2.25

Premier League season guide 2009-10 - Manchester United

2009-08-11T14:59:00.003+01:00

The club

Party manifesto

"British jobs for Brazilian teenagers. 0% interest on debts over £600m. Free chewing-gum for all. No Argentinians allowed in the country."

Fat cats or hard times

United are run by the leprechauns with the pot of gold. Except the pot is on HP and the plan to pay the rates is going up the wall.

Their idea of dreamland

Winning the title to go 19-18 ahead of Liverpool; Rafael Benítez and Steven Gerrard falling out irrevocably over how to pronounce the word "fact"; Carlos Tevez getting injured and, unable to exercise, ballooning to 25 stone by Christmas.

The table doesn't lie

Won the title despite not getting out of second gear. The loss of Cristiano Ronaldo might leave them light on goals, but the defence is the greatest in the club's history. In an alternative universe they are managed by George Graham, and they have cured insomnia.

If they had three wishes

1 Liverpool to get relegated

2 Michael Owen to score the winner at Anfield to clinch the title and relegate Liverpool before kissing the badge and flicking a V at the Kop

3 Electric cars, bio fuels and wind farms make oil production redundant, thus bankrupting Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed al-Nahyan.

What a typical fan says

"Doom! Barcelona tore us a new one in Rome, and we have replaced the world's best player with a geriatrico and a Wigan winger. Liverpool are nailed on for the title. We'll do well to finish in the top four ..."

The players

New kid in town Michael Owen

Prolific in pre-season, United's free transfer from Newcastle is back in his native North-west and keen to make up for lost time.

English passion v foreign flair

Sir Alex Ferguson's sides have always had a strong British and Irish core, and there are nine England internationals at the club. But in his dotage he seems to have developed a Brazilian fetish, a sentence that must be open to no ambiguity whatsoever.

Watch out for

French Under-21 winger Gabriel Obertan will hope to carry on the proud Gallic tradition at Old Trafford. If he is half as successful as William Prunier, Fabien Barthez and David Bellion, he'll be the worst signing in the history of football.

Unsung hero

Un-sung Park. Not so much for his indefatigability and technical prowess, but because without him Nani would play 20 games a season more than he does.

Do not match the ambition of ...

Nani, the world's best young winger who is the natural successor to Cristiano Ronaldo and who makes and scores goals with one devastating sweep of his immaculate right foot. And then he wakes up.

Most likely to date Danielle Lloyd

Being an older-looking 17-year-old than even Benjamin Button helps Federico Macheda get into nightclubs, and his love of the fairer sex has been amply covered on MyFaceTwitter. His limited English ensures he won't know the meaning of the phrase "best to go ugly early".

National treasure

When he isn't keeping the first aid couch warm for his, er, namesake Michael, Owen Hargreaves is an irresistible force: a fusion of unshakeable mental strength and formidable athleticism. England's chance of beating the Spanish favourites without him next summer is almost non-existent.

The manager

Sir Alex Ferguson

Put your medals on the table

That would be like Ron Jeremy slipping his hands behind his head in the shower: Ferguson has won 31 trophies in 35 years.

What's his style?

Has returned to the love of his sporting life, 4-4-1-1, after a zesty fling with 4-3-3. Has a new obsession with concentration, a word he uses almost as much as "youse".

Will almost certainly complain about ...

The BBC; the injustice of having to play an away league game within a month of a European fixture; the BBC; Rafael Benítez's lack of respect; the BBC.

If they want to get ahead they could wear a ...

Crown

Worn by those with a sense of entitlement and regal bearing who take the spoils they earn as a birthright. Rather grand, whenever any upstart criticises them they ought to bear in mind their importance to the tourist trade. Recently shown to be twinned with the Emperor's New Clothes during a European state visit, it remains in place despite a double hit from a plundering Spanish Armada.

The numbers game

Years of hurt Zero

Last major trophy Premier League; Carling Cup; Club World Cup 2008-09

Title odds 2-1

Relegation odds 1,000-1

Last season

Champions League Final

FA Cup Semis

Carling Cup Winners

League discipline Yellow 58 Red 3

Top scorer Ronaldo (18)

Fair play league =14th

Points per game

against top four 1.83

against the rest 2.67

Iberian power shift provides the Real riposte to Premier League self-regard

2009-06-14T20:59:00.002+01:00

It began when Spain beat Germany – then Barcelona humbled United, Berlusconi succumbed to greed and Ronaldo boarded the gravy train.

Moguls are hereby invited to fund a five-a-side between our Premier League and Spain's La Liga to determine the balance of power. Their line-up now: Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi.

Ours: Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard and Cesc Fábregas. And two of those are Spanish. Maybe put Rio Ferdinand in there instead of Fábregas, because we'll need a defender, or five. Sorry, bad idea. We ought to play Spain at roadworks instead. Or Wags.

Self-abasing critiques of

Real Madrid's capture of Ronaldo for £80m will be fired at from high horses by the Premier League's implacable marketers. To some on the debt mountain, it comes as a personal affront to be told that vast worldwide TV deals are not the sole measure of excellence.Let's start by conceding that Manchester United v

Arsenal or Liverpool will not be next season's must-see game in the Far East or Africa. That honour passes on a gilded platter (if indeed it was not already in Spanish hands) to El gran clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, which will feature all of the virtuosos in my La Liga quintet to face the Premier League's famous five.

Could the opening exchange between Spain's leviathans in 2009-10 be the most coveted ticket in club football's history? The synergy is that Real have broken the bank for the past two winners of Fifa World Player of the Year in a summer when Barça's sparkling Champions League-winning side have earned comparisons with Johan Cruyff's Dream Team of the early 1990s.

To be clear, Spain are European champions and house the best club side in the world. Their two great footballing metropolises are home to the world's three best players: Ronaldo, Kaká and Messi, as well as one of the best central midfield pairings the game has seen, in Xavi and Iniesta. La Liga is also the residence for Argentina's other lustrous young talent, Sergio Agüero, not to mention David Villa. On loan, in a sense, to the Premier League are Torres, Fábregas, Xabi Alonso and Pepe Reina: all probable members of a Spain squad who ought to be favourites for next summer's World Cup in South Africa.

Not all of this is a romantic riposte to Premier League self-regard. Nothing could exceed the vulgarity of Florentino Pérez being re-elected as Real Madrid president and then summoning £136m from sources unknown to add two of the world's three most celebrated players to a side who lost 4-0 to Liverpool at Anfield and 6-2 at home to Barça.

Galácticos II are a stark counterpoint to Barça's more noble culture of talent cultivation. But does the latest Pérez splurge prompt you to reject the trip to the pub on a Saturday night in favour of Barça v Real in HD? Sure it does. Now is the time to start that wine cellar. Uefa's Michel Platini has finally trained his guns away from England to call the Ronaldo fee a "serious challenge to the idea of fair play", but let's see how many join his picket line outside the Bernabéu or Camp Nou when the clásico kicks off.

Power has shifted dramatically and irresistibly to Iberia. It started when Spain beat Germany in Vienna 12 months ago, continued when Barcelona humbled United in Rome and assumed the look of a fait accompli when Silvio Berlusconi surrendered to greed in selling Milan's best player for a world-record fee and a fax churned out at Manchester confirming the unavoidable. To hold someone you cherish against their will is demeaning to the one doing the holding. This time, there was an £80m reward for letting go.

George Weah, meanwhile, is still the only former world player of the year to come to an English club. Ronaldo was already here when he claimed that prize. Weah played 11 times for Chelsea and seven for Manchester City. Otherwise there is a litany of nonpareils who declined the opportunity: the original Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Luís Figo, Zinedine Zidane and Kaká.

There's more. Fifa's gong has passed 10 times to Barcelona or Real Madrid players and 10 times to representatives of Italian clubs. The Premier League's tally is one: the Portuguese Ronaldo.

There are countervailing gains. A retaliatory snatch squad may bring back Lyon's Karim Benzema or Bayern Munich's Franck Ribéry. We still have Torres, and Rooney may now finally come in from the cold to play through the centre for United. England are 10 points clear in World Cup qualifying. But the sprinkling of British football writers who left to live and work in Spain no longer feel like William Boot, if they ever did. Each morning, on the sun-buttered terrace, they must be shouting: "Scoop!"

Premier League Young Player Of The Year 2008-09

2009-05-26T23:38:00.002+01:00

Nominations

Jonny Evans (Manchester United)

Manchester United's concession-free accumulation at the turn of the year was achieved with a rearguard that was seemingly ever-changing. Evans deputised for Rio Ferdinand and, like the stand-in skipper, the Northern Ireland international was unfazed on the occasions he was asked to perform. He was cool, composed, assured in the tackle and Sir Alex Ferguson's decision to deny Evans a transfer - short or long-term - last summer appeared to be vindicated. The Scot stayed true to his word of providing the blossoming defender with first-team football. A breakthrough season for Jonny, yet the mark of his true potential will be tested next year, as he will be asked to replicate - and emulate - this season's success.

Aaron Lennon (Tottenham Hotspur)

After such a dismal start to Spurs' Premier League campaign, part of their rejuvenation can be attributed to the meritorious form of pacey wide-boy Aaron Lennon. The finely-fashioned eyebrow-cut Englishman has oft been criticised for lacking end product, but during the concluding half of the league campaign, his crossing began to improve, as did his decision-making. His burgeoning ability has relegated David Bentley to being third-choice right winger for the north London outfit, and the diminutive England hopeful has even been rewarded with a bumper five-year contract.

Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa)

Like his club, Gabriel Agbonlahor began the season in fine form, but petered-out as soon as May could be seen looming nearer from the horizon. Gabriel scored eight goals in ten games, and even grabbed a hat-trick against Manchester City on the opening day. Much of the Villans' forward impetus can be levelled at the motions of Agbonlahor and Ashley Young, but perhaps appearances in England shirts are yet to be made concrete due to their inability to add the string of consistency to their talented bows.

Stephen Ireland (Manchester City)

What Steven Gerrard is to Liverpool, Stephen Ireland can be for Manchester City. When he plays well, his club plays well. The arrival of British record buy Robinho was seen as the catalyst for great things to erupt at Eastlands, but it is homegrown talent Ireland who this season grabbed the plaudits for his heroics in a sky-blue jersey. If the 22-year-old was English, then the hype around him would be relentless. Mark Hughes has reiterated his affection for Ireland's skills on multiple occasions and said recently, "He is an example to every one of the players in the squad."

Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Fellaini's signature was worth £15 million last summer, and many quarters questioned David Moyes' sanity. After a protracted period in which the Merseysiders made little splash in the transfer market, the Glaswegian kept his cards close to his chest and made what could turn out to be one of the signings of the season as Fellaini looks to complete the Toffees' midfield puzzle. His only question mark is his lust for yellow. It is a rare fixture in which Fellaini goes uncarded, his stray-elbows are an unwelcome addition to his game, but his legitimate steely nature and imposing disposition is something that could have opposition sides quaking for years to come.

Winner

Goal.com Young Player of the Year: Stephen Ireland

Premier League Team Of The Season 2008-09

2009-05-18T20:53:00.003+01:00

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Edwin van der Sar (Manchester United) - Maybe other goalkeepers made more saves - more outstanding saves, even - but the bottom line is drawn by his outstanding clean-sheet record and reliability through the duration of the season - and it could be his last as a first-team regular. Schwarzer and Reina can count themselves slightly unfortunate.

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth) - He broke through into Fabio Capello's England squad and was a consistent source of quality in a struggling Portsmouth side, both going forward and at the back, so much so that he has attracted fleeting interest from both Manchester United and , if you believe what you read.

Brede Hangeland (Fulham) - An outstanding performer all season for a club that built their entire success story of the season on solid defending. Hangeland is now a target of Arsenal, allegedly, and many expect him to move on to a big club in the summer. A towering defender of great discipline and power - a real find from Roy Hodgson.

Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United) - Many people's pick for the Player of the Year, though he missed out in getting either the players' or the writers' vote (but got the players' and fans' vote at the Man Utd club awards). He was the star in United's incredible back line all season, and bar a Liverpool-inspired blip, was at his powerful and impervious best throughout the Red Devils' title-winning campaign.

Leighton Baines (Everton) - Had stiff competition from Patrice Evra and Fabio Aurelio, but had unerring consistency in his first full season of action for the Toffees. Was a rock down his flank in both a defensive and offensive capacity and just one of many of David Moyes' men to produce an extraordinarily consistent season.

Wilson Palacios (Wigan Athletic & Tottenham Hotspur) - The best way to judge Palacios' impact this season is in the form of both Wigan and Spurs when he was in their team. He had an outstanding first half of the season with the Latics, running the midfield single-handedly at times, and ended up commanding £14 million from Spurs, a highly debated fee he has gone a long way towards justifying by starring in the Lilywhites' move out of the drop-zone and into the top half of the table.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool) - In many ways, Xabi has been the architect of all that has improved about the Reds this season - most notably, their style of play, facilitated by his ability to control the game. He was almost sold to Juventus last summer, and is now reportedly being watched by Real Madrid. Rafael Benitez would be a fool to let him go.

Stephen Ireland (Manchester City) - In a season of signings and speculation at Eastlands, it has been a one-club man, a youngster, who has been the star player. More consistent than Robinho and more influential than, say, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ireland's range of all-round ability and boundless energy has been the embodiment of what little was right with City this season.

Steven Gerrard (Liverpool) - Under stiff competition from you-know-who (that's Frank Lampard, if you didn't), the Football Writers' Association's Player of the Year makes the team for the goals, assists and all-round terror-inspiring he has done in his roaming role in the hole behind the striker for the Reds all season. He has had a campaign full of trademark Gerrard moments - grit, goals, but unfortunately for him, no ultimate glory.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) - This is being judged as the season that England's prodigal son has finally come good - but still not as the goalscorer extraordinaire the public so crave. Rooney has yet again been shoehorned into wing roles and whatever else, but has improved his passing and crossing while doing so and become more prolific in front of goal, squandering far fewer chances than before. On top of that, his form for England has been ominous, with the 2010 World Cup now edging ever closer...

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United) - So he's scored half as many goals as he did last season, yet he's still top of the Prem charts, a big-game banker domestically and particularly in Europe, and really, not a lot is going wrong for the Portuguese international. The pace, the power and the precision have all been in effect throughout the campaign, both up front and on the wing. Madrid are still on the watch, his future is still subject to speculation, but for now, we can but admire his continued ambition to succeed and the ease with which he makes it a reality.

Worst Premier League Team Of The Season 2008-09

2009-05-16T21:20:00.003+01:00

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper

Craig Gordon (Sunderland) A £9 million signing by Roy Keane, Gordon is one of the remnants of the Irishman's lavish transfer market approach. The overspend is brought to clarity when one considers that more trust has been placed in £500,000 man Marton Fulop this season. His ability is not in question – he's forced his way back into the fold on several occasions – but mentally the Scot does not appear to be cut out for the top level.

Defence

Hayden Mullins (Portsmouth) The right-back/holding midfielder has become something of a scapegoat for the Portsmouth fans since arriving from West Ham United in January. Many already felt he was overrated at Upton Park in any case, and the very fact that managerial failure Tony Adams signed him says a lot.

Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle United) It wouldn't be a Newcastle team without one prolifically error prone defender failing to hold things together. That dubious honour has fallen to Coloccini this term, although the rest of the rearguard are hardly infallible. He was exceptional at Deportivo La Coruna, so he's not a poor player, but he doesn't have the attributes to perform in the Premier League.

Richard Dunne (Manchester City) The stopper was sent off on the last day of last season, leading to a 8-1 thumping at the hands of Middlesbrough. Many wondered if he was the right man to skipper City into a new era, and I don't think he's silenced those doubters. Although he's perpetually been City's Player of the Year in recent times, he now sits uneasily alongside a new breed of Citizen.

Mikael Silvestre (Arsenal) What looked like a reasonably sensible squad signing on paper was exposed as folly as injuries hit the Gunners' defensive pool. Former Manchester United back-up player Silvestre wound up playing in some massive games, and made some massive errors. The north London side needed a cool veteran head, not a headless chicken in the box.

Midfield

Nani (Manchester United) Massive things were expected of the Portuguese starlet after a very promising first season at the Theatre of Dreams. Nani, though, with his poor decision making and his over-the-top dribbling, can only go down as a second-season flop. Next term will be make or break, and I certainly wouldn't put money on him making much headway based on his (albeit infrequent) showings this season.

Deco (Chelsea) - Although it may seem strange to put a world class player into a 'worst' XI, Deco has managed to damage his reputation, perhaps irreparably, at Stamford Bridge. It appears as though he stopped playing as soon as the winter came along, with injuries and reported behind-the-scenes tension cancelling out his stunning start. He'll be mockingly known as Felipe Scolari's golden boy for some time yet; part of a Portuguese-Brazilian revolution that never quite happened.

Nicky Butt (Newcastle United) - Sorry, Newcastle, but it really has been a dismal period in your recent history. A lot of the men in Black & White aren't up to scratch, yet Butt is an experienced player in this league and could have offered much more. His ball retention has been poor, his attacking forays disappointing and his tackling wild at times.

Stewart Downing (Middlesbrough) When you've had a full campaign – playing primarily in an attacking capacity and taking your share of set-pieces – yet register no goals and an assists tally countable on one hand, then you've had a poor season. Downing is likely to leave the Riverside this summer and, in truth, I can't see what reported suitors like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur want with him. Aston Villa's Gareth Barry has shown that you don't necessarily have to waste nearly ten months just because you feel you deserve better.

Attack

Ryan Babel (Liverpool) - At 22-years-old I don't think the Dutchman can be classed as as a potential superstar any longer. From where most of us are sitting – be it Anfield or the more peaceful pastures of neutrality – he appears to have failed to make the breakthrough. More grating than anything else is is lack of effort at times, and he generally seems to be regressing.

Roque Santa Cruz (Blackburn Rovers) More second-season blues were to be found at Ewood Park, where the Paraguayan forward clearly didn't want to be. Although he's had injury problems, I'd guess that the Rovers faithful would rather have taken Manchester City's money for him in hindsight.

NOT Included: Dimitar Berbatov (Manchester United) I have a feeling that many would include the Bulgarian in their line-up, but he's too classy to be seen dead here, despite his comical price-tag.

So, what happens next to Manchester United striker Tevez?

2009-05-12T21:26:00.001+01:00

Just remind us, who owns Carlos Tevez?

A group of investors, with Kia Joorabchian as their trusted front man.

He spots the talents, mainly in South America, advises on value, makes the deals and negotiates the sell-ons to clubs. He’s the ringmaster and has a very close relationship with Tevez and his family.

How much is the player worth?

The asking price is anything upwards of £25million. There is a credit crunch, you know.

Who gets the money?

Joorabchian and his investors share the profit. They originally signed Tevez from Argentinian side Boca Juniors, for around £12m. Since then, he has won a host of South American trophies (three times South American Footballer of the Year), an Olympic gold, a Champions League and a Premier League title, among other trophies. He is on course to become the most decorated Argentinian footballer of all time.

Worth it then?

Not if you’re Manchester United, it seems. But there are lots of others ready to break the bank. The bidding starts soon.

Such as?

Liverpool and Manchester City lead the way. Everton and Spurs can dream and Joorabchian flew from the Manchester derby to Milan versus Juventus at the weekend.

Milan like the look of Tevez the terrier, but he wants to stay in England. With the right club.

How about another loan?

It’s not allowed. The Premier League have changed their rules and third-party ownership is outlawed. So that rules out United negotiating a fresh short-term deal. Or anyone else.

What about his wages?

The going rate. Around £100,000 a week should do the trick and a four-year deal is the most likely outcome. For that, you get a ready-made all-action hero.

When does all this happen?

His deal with United runs out in June. He has been free to negotiate with other clubs since January, but has said he wanted to concentrate on reaching the end of the season. Now, let battle commence.

Is Sir Alex Ferguson the greatest manager in club football history?

2009-05-07T21:17:00.002+01:00

Why are we asking this now?

Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United reached their second successive European Cup final on Tuesday, sweeping aside Arsenal 4-1 on aggregate. They have already won the Carling Cup and world club championship this season and are heading for their third successive Premier League title.

Under Ferguson, who took over in 1986, United have enjoyed the most successful run in the history of English football, winning 10 League titles. On the international stage United have won the European Cup twice already under Ferguson. He has also led them to the World Club Championship twice, the European Cup Winners' Cup once and the Uefa Super Cup once. Ferguson also enjoyed success with his previous club, a European Cup-winners' Cup among the trophies he won with Aberdeen.

How does that compare with other British managers?

Nobody comes close in terms of the number of trophies. However, the European Cup is the ultimate prize in club football and Ferguson still lags behind Bob Paisley's three European Cups with Liverpool in 1977, 1978 and 1981. Paisley, who also won six League titles, achieved his success at a time when you had to be your country's champion team (or the holders) to enter the European Cup, whereas today up to four teams from one country can take part.

Jock Stein was the first British manager to win the European Cup, with Celtic in 1967. Stein also won 10 Scottish League titles. One of Ferguson's predecessors at Old Trafford, Matt Busby, was the first manager to lead an English club to Europe's greatest prize, in 1968. Busby also won the League title five times.

Brian Clough lifted the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest and led both Forest and Derby County, each of them "unfashionable" clubs, to the league title. Bill Shankly won three League titles with Liverpool but retired without a European Cup to his name.

Do any managers with foreign clubs come close?

In terms of achievements with one club, no. Miguel Munoz, Real Madrid's manager from 1960-1974, comes closest to Ferguson's achievements, having won nine League championships and two European Cups. Nereo Rocco, Arrigo Sacchi and Carlo Ancelotti all won two European Cups with Milan, Helenio Herrera did the same with Internazionale and Vicente Del Bosque and Bela Guttman won the trophy twice with Real Madrid and Benfica respectively.

Ernst Happel led Feyenoord and Hamburg to the European Cup and won league titles in four different countries. Ottmar Hitzfeld won European Cups with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

But can you measure greatness just in terms of trophies won?

No, both circumstances and the manner in which success is achieved clearly have to be taken into account. Busby, for example, assembled one brilliant team in the 1950s only to see it destroyed in the Munich air crash, which nearly claimed his own life. He then rebuilt the side to conquer Europe in 1968.

Other managers have also had a greater impact in terms of the style of their teams. Mario Zagallo coached arguably the greatest side of all time, Brazil's 1970 World Cup winners, while the Dutchman Rinus Michels invented "total football", a fluid style based on passing and movement that revolutionised the game in the 1970s. He was named coach of the 20th century by Fifa, world football's governing body.

However, while Ferguson may not have reinvented the game, his teams have always played entertaining football in the best United traditions, based around supremely talented players like Eric Cantona, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Doesn't United's financial muscle put Ferguson at a huge advanatage?

United's resources and reputation undoubtedly help them to recruit the best players, particularly British talent. Rio Ferdinand cost £29m from Leeds, Rooney £20m from Everton and Owen Hargreaves £17m from Bayern Munich. The club's reputation also helps when signing juniors. A boy from the East End of London might be an unlikely recruit, but Old Trafford was the only place a young David Beckham wanted to be.

Other managers have achieved success on more limited resources, notably Clough. But Ferguson has turned many a budding young player into an international superstar (Cristiano Ronaldo cost just £7.7m from Sporting Lisbon) and has not been afraid to sign older players, like Edwin van der Sar and Laurent Blanc.

So has Ferguson set out to encourage British rather than foreign talent?

United usually have more British players in their side than their rivals. Ferguson has taken particular pride in the club's home-bred juniors. Beckham, Giggs, Paul Scholes, the Neville brothers, Wes Brown, John O'Shea and Darren Fletcher, to name just a few, all came up through the Old Trafford ranks.

How important is the manager to a team's success?

While today's leading clubs have all the advantages that money can buy, man management has been made harder by player power. With their enormous wages and greater freedom to change clubs, modern players can wield huge influence. Ferguson has managed to keep players happy despite the fact that, with such a large squad, some inevitably spend lengthy periods on the sidelines.

Ferguson insists on high standards and in his early years successfully broke a drinking culture at the club. He is very protective. He stood by Roy Keane and Eric Cantona during off-the-pitch crises and kept a young Ryan Giggs out of the spotlight. He is also not averse to creating an "us and them" atmosphere, convincing players they need to stick together. He is a past master at using the media to his advantage. Liverpool's Rafa Benitez was the latest rival to attempt unsuccessfully to wage a war of words against him.

So how has Ferguson achieved what he has?

He had a moderately successful playing career and managed East Stirling and St Mirren before going to Aberdeen. In November 1986 he replaced Ron Atkinson at United, a club which at that time seemed permanently in the shadow of Busby.

After three years with little success, the 1990 FA Cup victory proved a turning point. The league title returned to Old Trafford three seasons later for the first time in 26 years and European Cup was finally captured in 1999.

Always ready to criticise referees and to question the football authorities, Ferguson has been a formidable figure. He has no time for the cult of celebrity – which was probably why he was happy to let Beckham leave – and lets nothing get in the way of his over-riding goal: winning football matches.

How long will he go on?

Ferguson has survived upheavals off the pitch, most notably the takeover of the club by the Glazer family. At one stage he talked of retirement, but at 67 he is enjoying more success than ever. United fans will be hoping he carries on for a good few years yet. It was always said that replacing Busby was an impossible job, but who on earth could succeed Ferguson?

Can anyone challenge the United boss's supremacy?

Yes...

* Give any decent manager the resources that Ferguson has had and they would be successful.

* For all his attempts at lifting the biggest prize, the European Cup, he has won it only twice.

* Ferguson has benefited from a generation of great players produced by United's youth system.

No...

* Others might enjoy temporary success but none can match his consistency over 23 years at Old Trafford.

* No other football boss manages people as well as Ferguson, who always retains his authority.

* He wins without compromising his or United's beliefs in attacking and entertaining football.

AC Milan Coach Ancelotti Continues To Deny Chelsea Move

2009-05-06T21:18:00.001+01:00

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to deny reports he will be the successor to Guus Hiddink at Chelsea next season. The tactician was asked by the press if he will be in London at the start of 2009-10.

"How's my English? I still only speak Italian," was Ancelotti's response to Sky, denying the press stories.

'Carletto' was in London to witness the second-leg of the Champions League semi-final between Arsenal and Manchester United, where the Red Devils walked away 3-1 winners. He commented on the performance of alleged Milan transfer target Emmanuel Adebayor.

"He struggled, like all of Arsenal," suggested the Italian. "I don't think [Arsene] Wenger's team should be judged by this game."

Ancelotti has a high profile match of his own coming up as the Rossoneri host Juventus on Sunday evening.

Championship Team of the Year

2009-04-27T21:12:00.001+01:00

Prolific striker Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, winger Michael Kightly and defender Richard Stearman make the side, while Swansea, Cardiff and Coventry contribute two players each.

Coventry goalkeeper Keiren Westwood earns his place for an impressive season with Chris Coleman’s side, who have relied on his performances to keep them out of the relegation picture.

Westwood’s City team-mate Daniel Fox takes the left-back spot, and while Sheffield United’s Kyle Naughton is named at right-back.

Stearman, Wolves’ England Under-21 international, was named alongside Cardiff’s Roger Johnson in the centre of defence. Stearman formed an excellent partnership with Michael Mancienne during the Chelsea’s defender’s loan stay at Molineux, and the pair could be reunited at in Stuart Pearce’s squad for this summer European Championships.

Kightly, Wolves’ most creative player, was an automatic selection in the midfield and will be one to watch in the Premier League next season.

Reading’s Stephen Hunt, who was already made an impact at the highest level, was also included while Jordi Gomez, of Swansea, and Cardiff’s Joe Ledley fly the Welsh flag.

Ledley is perhaps the most highly-rated player in the Championship, and will be the subject of interest this summer if Cardiff are not promoted.

In attack, Ebanks-Blake, the Championship’s leading scorer, is partnered by Jason Scotland, the powerful Swansea forward who has also broken the 20-goal barrier.

Championship Team of the Year: Keiren Westwood (Coventry), Daniel Fox (Coventry), Richard Stearman (Wolves), Roger Johnson (Cardiff), Kyle Naughton (Sheffield United), Michael Kightly (Wolves), Jordi Gomez (Swansea), Joe Ledley (Cardiff), Stephen Hunt (Reading), Jason Scotland (Swansea), Sylvan Ebanks-Blake (Wolves).

EPL Team of the Week: Round 33

2009-04-20T23:56:00.002+01:00

BEST XI

Formation: 4-5-1

Goalkeeper

Mark Schwarzer (Fulham)
Was on guard to foil Middlesbrough's best efforts on a day that was stand-up for glovesman up and down the country. Saved a Tuncay header well, and managed to get his mitts to a Downing strike.

Defence

Danny Collins (Sunderland)
Put in a sturdy shift for Sunderland, was sound at the rearguard, and just when the side needed something to happen, he was there to play a key part in the club's claims for three points by assisting Cisse.

Nedum Onuoha (Manchester City)
Put in a sound shift at the back and popped up to capitalise on good service to grab City's second.

Younes Kaboul (Portsmouth)
Is filling in and doing a solid job wherever Paul Hart asks him to play. Was utilised at right back to accommodate Johnson playing further afield, and impressed in the process.

James Tomkins (West Ham United)
What is it with the academy at the Boleyn Ground? Could Tomkins be a further talented graduate to add to the already growing list of stars to originate from east London training grounds? He's got his name twice on Goal.com's Team of the Week in recent times, so the omens bode well for the kid.

Midfield

Mark Noble (West Ham United)
Is continuing to impress under diminutive manager Gianfranco Zola. Had a good box-to-boxing game from the central areas and was the Hammers' driving force. Will no doubt, along with a few other Irons members, be the focus of transfer speculation over the coming months.

Stephen Ireland (Manchester City)
Why this player is only nominated for the PFA Young Player of the Year award is beyond me, especially when he has had a greater season than at least half of those listed in the adult section.

Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham Hotspur)
Held the middle of the park well for Tottenham, and unleashed a flurry of dangerous looking long-range shots. Passed well.

Glen Johnson (Portsmouth)
A tactical re-shift in Paul Hart's thinking has ensured that the roaming Glen Johnson has been pushed further up-field, where he relentlessly tormented Jussi Jaaskelainen.

Robinho (Manchester City)
The Brazilian ended his mini-goal draught with a fine volley that followed an Ireland cross. After Manchester City's UEFA Cup exit, their qualification into Europe next season hinges on their ability to finish seventh in the Premier League. If they are to do so, then Ireland and Robinho will need to keep their form up.

Striker

Djibril Cisse (Sunderland)
The pacey Frenchman's first half header has temporarily eased the relegation burden off of the shoulders of the Black Cats, as it was his solo goal that separated Sunderland and Hull City.

EPL Team of the Week - Round 32

2009-04-13T22:12:00.002+01:00

BEST XI

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper

Brad Jones (Middlesbrough)
It was a "must-win" game for Gareth Southgate's men, and the young manager's joy was there for all to see as his side managed to give themselves a fighting chance. Jones, though, deserves some of the accolades for his ability to beat the balls away from his goal, conceding only the once.

Defence

Emiliano Insua (Liverpool)
A creative presence from the full-back spot. Contributed to the Reds' build-up play, and should cement his first-team role if he can carry on like that during the business end of the season.

Dan Agger (Liverpool)
An absolutely thunderous dribble and shot from the Danish international that would have Thor salivating all the way from Valhalla.

Ledley King (Tottenham Hotspur)
How this man doesn't train all week but is still able to put in stellar performances is beyond me. Solid display.

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke City)
Another solid performance from the ex-Manchester United academy graduate. Stoke have a real chance of Premier League survival and, in truth, their fans deserve to be in Goal.com's Team of the Week as much as any of the XI named here today. They're louder than my next door neighbour's house parties after pay-day. It wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't such a Cher addict.

Midfield

Phil Neville (Everton)
A great protector of his back-four. An unsung hero. His positional sense was like something out of a Stan Lee comic book. Worthy of all the marvel he receives. A friend of mine once said that England only ever used to bring on Phil Neville during his call-ups if they were winning, so that they could mock the opponent... a bit like Ronnie 'the Rocket' O'Sullivan potting left-handed. Well, Neville deserves recognition from Fabio Capello if he carries on like this. I tell thee.

Javier Mascherano (Liverpool)
A real box-to-boxing display from the defensive-minded midfielder. Was a sniffing-hound for the ball and would never give up the chase. The best player in his position currently? Not far off. He supplemented with the attacks, was unfortunate not to get a penalty, intercepted and tackled like a maestro. His break-up play was outstanding, and showed outrageous hustle.

Attack

Ashley Young (Aston Villa)
Drew the space for himself and tormented Alan Hibbert at right-back for Everton. Attacked his man all day long, he won corners, and contributed to countless attacks. If he could perform at this level against the big clubs (he disappeared against Jose Bosingwa who forced him into unwanted areas) then he would be unstoppable.

Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
Great delivery and ability to assist when picking out his team-mates such as Didier Drogba. Converted his penalty. Class lad.

Andrey Arshavin (Arsenal)
He is proving himself to be the signing of the winter window. He was by far the best player available at the time, and how he's changed the Gunners' fortunes around. Played a part in a trio of Arsenal's goals. An unrelenting assisting beast. He has claimed since that he is homesick. Imagine what he's going to be like when he's got all his Matryoshka dolls in London.

Striker

Fernando Torres (Liverpool)
Stunning touch on his chest to half-volley into the top corner of the net for the club's first. His second was a solid header set-up by international team-mate Xabi Alonso. Dedicated both of his goals to the 96 that lost their lives their lives during the Hillsborough Stadium disaster. Nice touch from the kid.

Ronaldo Plots Manchester United Exit

2009-03-24T12:12:00.006Z

And the tricky winger is blaming English Premier League football and the referees. I know, that sounds absurd, but it's true. Or maybe it's a smoke-screen from the Old Trafford boardroom to help soften the blow when he leaves for Spain in the summer.

Manchester United fear Cristiano Ronaldo could be driven out of England by weak refereeing in the Barclays Premier League.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson and members of the Old Trafford hierarchy had been increasingly confident of keeping the world's best player beyond the end of this season.

But what Ferguson describes as a lack of protection for his player is becoming a major concern for the English and European champions, particularly after Ronaldo clashed with referee Phil Dowd at Craven Cottage in Fulham's surprise 2-0 victory on Saturday.

The relationship between Ronaldo and leading referees appears to have disintegrated and, while United accept that the Portugal winger is partly to blame, they argue his apparent disrespect for match officials is his response to their failure to protect him.

Ferguson says the 'systematic fouling' of Ronaldo has become a popular 'tactic' in the Premier League and statistics do prove that he is fouled more than any other United player.

Now there is a real worry that the opportunity to make a summer move to Real Madrid in Spain, where referees are less tolerant of challenges, is becoming a more attractive proposition to the FIFA World Player of the Year.

Yesterday Dowd and his colleagues came under fire from Pat Crerand, a United legend long seen as a strong Ferguson ally.

In an extraordinary attack, 1968 European Cup winner Crerand slammed the current crop of senior English referees in response to the late dismissal of striker Wayne Rooney during United's defeat at the weekend.

Rooney was sent off after a second yellow card when he angrily threw the ball back towards the referee. Paul Scholes was also sent off earlier in the match for handling on the line.

'We have a situation in England at the moment where we have the worst referees God ever created,' said 70-year-old Crerand, who is employed by United's official television channel MUTV as a presenter.

'The Scholes sending- off decision, you couldn't argue with that.

'But the Rooney dismissal was a farce. United are losing, he wants to get on with the game, he picks the ball up and hurls it about 40 yards straight to team-mate Jonny Evans.

'I know the referee's in that vicinity but it landed straight at Evans's feet. And the referee sent him off.

'I think referees want to do something to be noticed and get their photo in the papers. The sending-off of Rooney got him noticed. They talk about respect in the game but referees have got to earn it.'

Rooney will not face any further disciplinary action, the FA have confirmed after Dowd stated he was not sworn at by the player. This means Rooney will be suspended for only one game, the home match against Aston Villa on April 5.

The FA will write to Rooney, however, to issue him with a formal warning about his conduct after he punched the corner flag while leaving the pitch. An FA spokesman said: 'We have clarified with Phil Dowd that there was no abuse from the player after he was dismissed.
'In relation to the incident when he punched the corner flag, the referee did not see that and we have written to Wayne Rooney reminding him of his responsibilities.'

Rooney Out To Deny Reds

2009-03-12T09:33:00.002Z

Wayne Rooney believes Manchester United can end Liverpool's title dream with victory when the two rivals meet at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Liverpool's title tilt has faltered in recent weeks after Rafa Benitez's men let slip their lead at the top of the table to fall seven points behind United.

Rooney is relishing the visit of Liverpool and admits United can wreck their old foes' chances of ending a 19-year wait for the top-flight crown.

"I think we're in pole position anyway, but we can certainly end Liverpool's chances of winning the league if we win, so we're looking forward to it," Rooney told Sky Sports News.

United remain on course for an unprecedented Quintuple this season after a 2-0 success over Inter Milan on Wednesday night secured a place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

England ace Rooney was not getting carried away by talk of lifting five trophies, but outlined the squad's desire to win everything.

He added: "We always try and win every tournament we go into at the start of the season.

"We're in all the competitions, but we know there is a long way to go in the season, and we know that we just have to keep focused and try and do the best we can."

Mourinho: I didn't snub Fergie

2009-02-25T10:36:00.002Z

I seemed to notice this as well. Right after the game Jose disappeared into a secret bunker located right under the Inter Milan dugout. Mourinho explains his exit from the San Siro below.

Jose Mourinho left the San Siro without a glance towards Sir Alex Ferguson last night but the enigmatic Portuguese denied he had blanked the Manchester United manager.

The Inter Milan coach exited his dugout without exchanging pleasantries with his opposite number at the end of the 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Champions League last-16 tie, but insisted Ferguson would not have expected anything more.

The time to come together and shake hands will be when the tie is over in a fortnight, according to the former Chelsea boss.

"My dugout is a special dugout because we have a door which gives me the chance to leave it directly," Mourinho explained.

"Yesterday I left a £300 bottle of wine in the hotel with a note saying we would meet each other after the game at Old Trafford.

"I am always close to him and we are always friends and I will be there for him after the second game."

Mourinho has not forgotten Ferguson's taste in wine from the days when they locked horns in the Premier League, but knows his side will have to be on form at Old Trafford for his post-match drink with Ferguson to be a celebratory one for the Inter coach.

"We have got to take the first chance which comes our way," he added.

"We need 100 per cent efficiency, that means the first chance we get must be a goal."

Mourinho predicts extra time and penalties could be required to separate the teams.

"When two great teams are playing, it is difficult that one of them is better for 90 minutes," he said.

"This is top-level football for me. They dominated the first half, but we dominated the second and this is football.

"I cannot say that it was a psychological problem for us in the first half - the problem was Manchester United, who played well.

"But we knew that in some moments of the game it would be hard for us.

"We were the better team in the second half and it took them until the 67th minute to get past us."

Even when United did get past the defence, they met their match in goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who made four good saves to deny Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Julio Cesar is fantastic," Mourinho said.

"He showed some great quality in the first half with two or three saves of huge importance to the team.

"He did not have much to do in the second half, but he still had the same quality and calmness and was very important for us."

A look into the life of Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan

2009-02-24T01:10:00.004Z

Jose Mourinho is without a doubt up for the Champions League match against Manchester United. The Guardian takes a closer look into the manager's interesting life at Inter Milan.

There haven't been any surprises or any problems adapting. However, I wasn't expecting the annoying little flies you get during the afternoons here at Appiano." What sounds like the Charles Darwin-style diary of a travelling naturalist in fact describes the start of Jose Mourinho's Italian journey, back in the summer of 2008 at Internazionale's training ground.

Pretty quickly, however, the natives became more of a distraction than the flies, pushing Mourinho to turn his hand to anthropology as well as football coaching in a world rather different from the one he had imagined. His first task was understanding the psychology of the natives and their newspapers. On his arrival, Mourinho believed that honest and straightforward statements, even if politically incorrect, would help him steer clear of misunderstandings and frayed nerves.

Italians who did not understand or appreciate this tactic soon made themselves heard. The director of Catania, Pietro Lo Monaco, said the Portuguese manager needed "a smack in the teeth" while many journalists and TV pundits had no sympathy for Mourinho's break with the usual day-to-day hypocrisy.

Mourinho also believed that his ironclad CV was enough to protect him from demands for "everything, now", meaning results plus spectacular football. But he soon realised his reputation could run out as fast as the credit on a mobile phone. Newspapers and TV kicked off their usual delirium, going for the huge build-up, then taking great pleasure in belittling a man who failed to "keep his promises".

Mourinho reacted with irony, but also excess. Lo Monaco's name means "the monk" in Italian; Mourinho said the only monk he had heard of was a Tibetan monk. He then demanded a fee for all the free headlines Lo Monaco was getting by talking about him. With other managers and journalists he was tougher. He crossed swords with Claudio Ranieri, a favourite target since the Italian's time at Chelsea. The Juventus manager said that unlike Mourinho he did not "need to win to be sure of what he was doing". Mourinho said that "with that mentality", Ranieri had got to 70 years of age – he is actually 60 – winning just a Super Cup, "a little cup" and that he was "too old to change".

This was a replay of his duels in England, when he accused Arsène Wenger of being "a voyeur" and said Rafael Benítez had won little: "Three years in the Premier League without a title? I think I would be out of a job." Sir Alex Ferguson, he said, had "a mean outlook on life", after the Manchester United manager had failed to apologise for suggesting Victor Baia had dived during a match against Porto.

Then, slowly, Mourinho stopped throwing fuel on the flames, partly because the Inter chairman, Massimo Moratti, convinced him that if things got too hot the team would struggle to find its identity. But Mourinho cannot be sedated. Lately he has been venting his fury at referees, slamming "strange things" taking place on the field and accusing one referee of "being afraid" to officiate in a game against Sampdoria and favouring Inter's rivals. That claim saw him sanctioned.

Mourinho has also suffered from tactical headaches. Firstly, his underestimation of the middling teams in Italian football. Secondly, his need to work with players used to the tactics and mentality – more geared to Serie A than the Champions League – of his predecessor, Roberto Mancini.

Mourinho found he was up against a number of dynamic, organised and aggressive teams who were able to train a lot more during the week than those clubs involved in Europe. Atalanta beat Inter 3–1, while Inter scraped a 1–1 home draw with Cagliari and a 10-man Genoa side held out for a 0–0 scoreline at San Siro.

Mourinho was trying to impose his philosophy of pushing up the pitch, keeping possession and speeding things up in the final 30 metres on players more comfortable with containing their opponents before delivering a knockout blow through strength and individual talent.

The problems caused by this clash of philosophies explain the impatience, frenetic behaviour and apparently irrational choices which have been displayed by Mourinho. To unpick the closed defences of opponents, particularly at San Siro, he has tried different formations, starting with his beloved 4–3–3, using two wingers, the Brazilian Mancini and Ricardo Quaresma, who were bought specifically for that role. Then there was the Brazilian-style 4–2–4, with two strikers and two wingers. Finally, Mourinho returned to Roberto Mancini's 4–4–2, with a midfield diamond.

From that moment, results have picked up. But it is not that simple – Mourinho's handiwork shines through. He has changed the way Inter move up the field, involving more of the players. That is why defenders like Maicon, Maxwell, Iván Córdoba, Walter Samuel, Nicolás Burdisso and Marco Materazzi have been scoring goals, not to mention midfielders like Patrick Vieira, Luís Figo, Sully Muntari and Dejan Stankovic. This recalls Mourinho's Chelsea, where goals were provided by John Terry, William Gallas, Michael Essien, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Add to that the form of two key players. Zlatan Ibrahimovic still scores goals – 14 so far this season – but he has also turned provider and defender. Then there is Stankovic, who has the same physique as Lampard, fulfils the same midfield duties and scores the same long-range goals.

By results alone, the Special One has already proved himself a winner. Apart from losing the first Milan derby 1–0, he has beaten Roma 4–0 away, Juventus 1–0 at home and Milan 2–1 in the return.

There is no doubt, though, that the real test comes in the Champions League tomorrow night, against Ferguson, his long time friend and foe.

The Champions League is why Moratti hired Mourinho, and it is the competition by which Inter fans will judge him.

Why Liverpool Should Fear Real Madrid

2009-02-22T21:15:00.003Z

Goal.com’s KS Leong explores the reasons why Real Madrid have every right to believe that Liverpool are afraid of them

Real Madrid vs Liverpool. You’d be forgiven for thinking we’ve reached the showpiece final of this season’s Champions League. But we’re only in the first knockout stage and sadly, one of these two European superpowers will have to depart the tournament shortly.

These two sides have amassed 14 titles between them in the history of the competition, four of which have come in the last ten years alone. Yet, the Merengues and the Merseysiders have not met once since the tournament was re-branded the UEFA Champions League. In fact, you’d have to go all the way back to the 1981 European Cup final, which the Reds won 1-0, for their last ever competitive meeting.

It’s not too surprising, though, considering both clubs have had such contrasting fortunes over time. Madrid, after winning the title three times in a span of five years between 1998 and 2002, have never come close again to making another final.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have won it once, made two finals and one semi-final in the last four years since Rafa Benitez took charge of the Anfield hot-seat back in June 2004.

You can understand then why the Spaniards – from both camps, mind you – have been so anxious to build-up the contest by voicing their strong opinions and predictions for the match. Rafael van der Vaart lit the spark when he trumpeted that Liverpool have every reason to be afraid of Madrid.

But Reds goalkeeper, Pepe Reina responded by saying there’s absolutely nothing for his side to fear. In riposte, Blancos defenders, Pepe and Sergio Ramos boomed that they were optimistic of eliminating their English rivals, who retorted with their own show of confidence from Xabi Alonso and Reina again.

On paper, it would seem that there’s nothing to choose from between these two. But upon closer inspection, perhaps Madrid are the slight favourites. Perhaps Liverpool should be afraid.

1. Red Hot At the Right Time

If this encounter were to take place two months ago, the Red Army would not have hesitated to put their money and their mortgage on their Liverpool side going through to the quarter-finals. And the Madrid faithful probably would, too.

But things have changed dramatically since the turn of the year. Never mind that Benitez’s boys have been in sputtering form or that they have been struggling for consistency, Madrid have simply been in an irresistible hot streak. Nine wins in a row (ten in their last 11 games in all competitions), 25 goals scored, 10 of which came in the last game and a half, and more satisfyingly, conceding just four times.

Los Blancos may not be playing the kind of swashbuckling football to convince bookmakers to install them as favourites to win the competition, but they are getting there; and truth of the matter is that under new coach, Juande Ramos, they know how to grind out a sufficient result. Even more importantly, they know how to keep a clean sheet, which will be extremely crucial considering a single away goal could prove the difference between going home and going to the quarter-finals.

It’s not just the team collectively who have recovered their form. Individually, the players are also back to their very best, from Iker Casillas to Fabio Cannavaro to Arjen Robben and Raul. Confidence and morale will also be a huge factor and around the Bernabeu camp, there are bucket-loads of that to go around, especially after tonight’s 6-1 demolition of Real Betis.

2. No More Injury Nightmares

Two months ago, while the English were busy contemplating calling up their bookies and putting their houses on the line, Madrid’s squad were in ruins, not unlike people’s mortgages.

Most of their players could barely string three games together without falling injured, while their key figures such as Ruud van Nistelrooy, Mahamadou Diarra, Cannavaro, Pepe, Robben were dropping off like flies one after the other. At one point, they had more first-team players in the treatment room than they had in the dressing room.

But now, once again, things have improved significantly for the nine-time European champions. For some mystical, mysterious reason, the ‘Men in White’ are not getting injured as much under Juande as they did under Bernd Schuster. Even the Dutch Porcelain, Robben, managed to reel off seven straight games before picking up the most minor of niggles while on international duty two weeks ago.

The wing-wizard, who is in imperious form, will return in time to face Liverpool, as will midfielders Wesley Sneijder and Guti. But the Blancos are generally expected to be much fresher and fitter than their counterparts. While they’ve been playing one game a week for the last two-and-a-half months, the Reds have been busying themselves with FA Cup obligations and occasional midweek outings.

In short, Madrid have played only ten competitive matches since the conclusion of the Champions League group phase, compared to Liverpool’s 13 (inclusive of their clash with Manchester City on Sunday). It doesn’t help either that Steven Gerrard is carrying an injury while Fernando Torres is struggling with fitness.

3. Juande The Cup King

The ‘White House’ could not have chosen a better candidate to replace Schuster to lead Madrid into the knock-out stage of the tournament. Juande Ramos is an expert when it comes to cup competitions and he might just be the right man to end the club’s Champions League jinx and guide them to the elusive ‘Number 10’.

In a space of just three years, the man from La Mancha won five various titles with Sevilla (two UEFA Cups, Copa del Rey, Spanish Supercopa and UEFA Super Cup) before adding another to his résumé with Tottenham Hotspur (League Cup).

In sharp contrast, Schuster, despite guiding tiny Getafe to the 2006/07 Copa del Rey final prior to his Bernabeu switch, had a dismal track record with Madrid in cup games. There was the flop in the two-legged Supercopa against Juande’s Sevilla, the embarrassing exit in the early stages of the Copa two years in a row, and of course, last season’s disappointing elimination to Roma in this very stage of the Champions League, even though his side earned the advantage – for the first time in four years – of playing the pivotal second leg at home.

4. Madrid’s ‘English Contingent’

This could very well be tagged an ‘all-Spanish clash’. There’s a very high likelihood that Liverpool could have more Spanish players on the pitch than Madrid. Well, let’s just put it this way: there will be more Spaniards on the field than there will be Englishmen, even if you count Madrid’s newly appointed Anglo-Saxon groundsman.

But that fact in itself has little significance on the game. The key element here is that the Merseysiders have a distinct edge over their opponents thanks to the heavy Spanish influence in their squad. But Madrid have their own secret weapon. They have their own English contingent… or rather, ex-Premier League contingent.

Players like Gabriel Heinze, Lassana Diarra, Julien Faubert, Robben and coach, Juande himself, all have substantial knowledge of and insight into the English game, their mentality, their subtle tricks, their strengths and weaknesses, to nullify Liverpool’s advantage. Their presence will also come in handy in the return leg at Anfield where Rafa’s side will be playing with 12 men, including the Kop.

5. Hungry Giants

Madrid’s wretched form in this competition over the past half a decade has made them extremely hungry for glory. And after watching some of their closest continental rivals such as Barcelona, Milan and Manchester United succeed over the past few years, that hunger has turned into an obsession.

While it’s one thing not to win the Champions League or go all the way to the final, it’s quite another not to have progressed past the round of 16 four seasons in succession. For a club of Madrid’s stature and history, it’s nothing short of a catastrophe.

Liverpool will no doubt have their own burning ambitions to win Europe’s top prize for a sixth time, but there’s no denying that lifting their 19th domestic crown – and their first since 1990 – has become their very own obsession. This season, they have perhaps their best chance in a long, long while to put an end to that barren spell.

But for Madrid, having already won back-to-back league honours, they have an unfathomable desire to become the very first club to reach double digits in the Champions League trophy count. And besides, with La Liga still looking a tad out of reach, although they have now cut the gap down from 12 to seven points in a space of a week, this may be their best shot of major silverware this campaign. If they can pull off the double, even better.

Who could replace Benitez if he leaves?

2009-02-20T02:00:00.003Z

Mike Maguire looks at possible replacements for Rafa Benitez should he abandon ship.

Liverpool are in the midst of what could end up as their best season in decades. They may be out of the FA Cup and League Cup, but are maintaining a genuine push for the Premier League title and will face Real Madrid next week in the last 16 of the Champions League.

And yet, Rafael Benitez's future is in serious doubt.

The Spanish manager is presently embroiled in talks over a new contract, and he has made no secret of his dissatisfaction with the slowness of the negotiation process.

Indeed, in a 'catch 22' of sorts, it is Benitez's desire to speed up the way things are done at Anfield that is causing the stall: he wants more control over transfers, but it is a privilege club co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett seem reluctant to grant.

The former Valencia coach's outspokenness on such matters has hardly helped, and he hinted in the press recently that he could leave in the summer if a deal is not struck by then - regardless of what the Reds achieve this season.

If that should be the case, who would be worthy of fashioning their own groove in the Anfield hot-seat? That is what we intend to find out. And in light of recent calls for British bosses to be given opportunities at top clubs, we've decided to focus primarily on home-grown candidates...

Martin O'Neill, Aston Villa

This man is the one most observers believe is ready to step up to a 'Big Four' job. Since taking over at Villa Park in 2006, O'Neill has transformed a relegation-threatened club into Champions League contenders - and this term, they're even an outside chance for the title.

The Ulsterman's CV reads very well indeed. In the early 1990s he took Wycombe Wanderers to the Football League for the first time in their history; they reached the old Second Division under his tenure. His Leicester City side won the League Cup twice, and they never finished outside the Premier League top ten during his reign. Then came the Celtic years, during which he re-established the Hoops as the best team in Scotland and led them into the Champions League.

Thus, with the Villans now battling for the UEFA Cup and sitting third in the league, O'Neill's credentials are there for all to see. Whether he is right for Liverpool, though, is up for debate. His recent spats with the club and Benitez over Gareth Barry aside, one must remember that he was part of the Nottingham Forest team who enjoyed a fierce rivalry with the Merseysiders during the late 1970s and '80s.

Speaking of fierce rivalries...

David Moyes, Everton

It might surprise some that the Scot had only held one managerial position - at Preston North End - before succeeding Walter Smith at Goodison Park in 2002. Not unlike O'Neill, he took a struggling side and led them back to Europe - most famously to the Champions League in 2005, beating the Reds to fourth place. The Toffees have managed a UEFA Cup spot in every season since, and they are expected to maintain that record this season.

If there is such a thing as a natural gaffer, Moyes is it. He set about attaining his coaching badges at just 22 years of age, so the vast majority of his playing career was spent preparing for life in the technical area. His exploits with a club whose results far outweigh their financial clout have impressed all and sundry, and some have even tipped him as the heir to Sir Alex Ferguson's throne at Old Trafford.

The top brass on the other side of Stanley Park, however, may hope the Glaswegian instead decides to follow in Kenny Dalglish's footsteps.

Steve Bruce, Wigan Athletic

Why are the top British candidates decidedly anti-Liverpool? As a member of the great Man United team of the mid-1990s, Bruce is another who would have to change his stripes to take the Reds' reins. Not all Kopites would be against such an appointment, though.

Football fans on Merseyside know quality when they see it, and there is an undercurrent of respect for this Manc on the coast of the Irish Sea. Only once have Benitez's men beaten a Bruce-managed side, and that came in the controversial 3-2 thriller against Wigan Athletic earlier this season.

After ending his six-year stint at Birmingham City to steer the Latics clear of relegation last term, the 48-year-old assembled a team that currently sit seventh in the Premier League standings. However, the inability to keep star performers - such as Wilson Palacios and Emile Heskey - at the JJB could drive him to a club with more spending power, should such an opportunity arise.

Sammy Lee, Liverpool (Assistant Manager)

Finally, a local lad. Lee's credentials in top-flight management may not read as well as those of the others on this list; his only job as the (little) big boss came at Bolton Wanderers, and that was a near-disastrous and short-lived stint in the wake of Sam Allardyce's exit.

However, there are many factors in his favour. He's a native Liverpudlian; he knows the club inside-out, having spent 11 trophy-filled years at the club as a player; since he replaced Paco Ayestaran as Benitez's right-hand man, the team's results have picked up noticeably; and his rapport with the Spanish players and staff is excellent, thanks to his years with Osasuna.

This appointment would be a throwback to the Boot Room era at Anfield, which effectively ended when Roy Evans left in the late '90s. Many of the more senior supporters would likely welcome him to the top job, but one can't help but think that his track record - or lack thereof, perhaps - might count against him.

Jose Mourinho, Inter

The one 'foreigner' in this motley crew, and unquestionably the most qualified of all the candidates. Everyone knows what he did at Chelsea: harnessed the power of Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba & Co. to lead the Blues to back-to-back Premier League crowns, an FA Cup and a League Cup in three years.

Now in Italy, he's odds on to steer Inter to their fourth consecutive Scudetto, and yet his time in Serie A could come to an abrupt halt at season's end. His 'self-assured' attitude has put him offside with the local press, and failure to deliver the Champions League title could see him go the way of Roberto Mancini.

The Portuguese recently declared his desire to return to Stamford Bridge one day. However, in months prior, he stated that he would like to return to England - but not necessarily Chelsea. That led to speculation concerning Manchester City, United and Liverpool, where he was a top candidate to succeed Gerard Houllier before Benitez got the gig.

The Verdict

All these potential options, bar Lee, have endured some sort of feud with Rafa the gaffer or Liverpool. However, contrary to popular belief, leopards do change their spots from time to time. Matt Busby was an Anfield legend, after all...

First, the process of elimination. Lee, while all Kopites would love to see him lead the side to glory, hasn't the experience or perhaps even the capability to do the job. He's a brilliant No. 2, a great link between the manager and the players, but at the Reebok he clearly struggled to break away from that mould and establish his own persona as a manager.

Moyes is the next least likely. Face it, he's been at Everton around seven years now, and Merseyside rivalry is not as friendly as it once was. Gone are the days of the Nick Barmby and Peter Beardsley transfers - if Moyes crossed the picket-line, he'd be waking up with the severed head of a different animal on his pillow each morning.

Bruce is not quite as far-fetched, given his excellent record against the Reds, but O'Neill and Mourinho would have to be the frontrunners of this mob. And one thinks the fans would fancy the former. 'The Special One' is renowned for getting results without paying too much attention to style; the Villa boss, though, has constructed winning teams that are very good to watch. And the Kopites crave eye-pleasing yet very effective football.

However, 'MON' has never managed an elite European club. The step up is a big one, and one that many promising mid-table managers have failed to negotiate. Can he do the job, or is Mourinho the better bet?

Or should Hicks and Gillett just keep hold of Rafa Benitez while he still wants to be there?

Prediction: Who will finish in the Top 5?

2009-02-18T23:24:00.004Z

This was taken from an article written by Sportsmail, and very interesting indeed. I reckon Aston Villa will be the surprise package if they can avoid key injuries.

Sportsmail have taken a shamelessly unscientific approach (guesswork) to try and predict what we can expect in the final weeks of the season.

By our reckoning, Liverpool will finish as runners-up behind United, Chelsea will sneak third while Arsenal and Villa will only be separated on goal difference.

In the unlikely event that our predictions become reality, we could be in for a cracking end to the season.

MANCHESTER UNITED (currently on 56 points)

Feb 18 - Fulham (h)
Prediction - win
Feb 21 - Blackburn (h)
Prediction - draw
Mar 4 - Newcastle (a)
Prediction - win
Mar 14 - Liverpool (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 21 - Fulham (a)
Prediction - win
Apr 4 - Aston Villa (h)
Prediction - win
Apr 11 - Sunderland (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 18 - Wigan (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 25 - Tottenham (h)
Prediction - win
May 2 - Middlesbrough (a)
Prediction - draw
May 9 - Man City (h)
Prediction - win
May 16 - Arsenal (h)
Prediction - draw
May 24 - Hull (a)
Prediction - win
TBC - Portsmouth (h)
Prediction - win

Predicted total - 88pts (Winners)

LIVERPOOL (54pts)

Feb 22 - Man City (h)
Prediction - draw
Feb 28 - Middlesbro' (a)
Prediction - win
Mar 3 - Sunderland (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 14 - Man United (a)
Prediction - lose
Mar 22 - Aston Villa (h)
Prediction - draw
Apr 4 - Fulham (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 11 - Blackburn (h)
Prediction - win
Apr 18 - Arsenal (h)
Prediction - lose
Apr 25 - Hull (a)
Prediction - win
May 2 - Newcastle (h)
Prediction - win
May 9 - West Ham (a)
Prediction - draw
May 16 - West Brom (a)
Prediction - win
May 24 - Tottenham (h)
Prediction - win

Predicted total - 79pts (second)

ASTON VILLA (51pts)

Feb 21 - Chelsea (h)
Prediction - draw
Mar 1 - Stoke (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 4 - Man City (a)
Prediction - lose
Mar 15 - Tottenham (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 22 - Liverpool (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 4 - Man United (a)
Prediction - lose
Apr 11 - Everton (h)
Prediction - win
Apr 18 - West Ham (h)
Prediction - win
Apr 25 - Bolton (a)
Prediction - draw
May 2 - Hull (h)
Prediction - win
May 9 - Fulham (a)
Prediction - draw
May 16 - Middlesbro' (a)
Prediction - lose
May 24 - Newcastle (h)
Prediction - win

Predicted total - 73 pts (fifth on goal difference)

CHELSEA (49pts)

Feb 21 - Aston Villa (a)
Prediction - draw
Feb 28 - Wigan (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 3 - Portsmouth (a)
Prediction - win
Mar 15 - Man City (h)
Prediction - draw
Mar 21 - Tottenham (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 4 - Newcastle (a)
Prediction - win
Apr 11 - Bolton (h)
Prediction - win
Apr 18 - Everton (h)
Prediction - draw
Apr 25 - West Ham (a)
Prediction - win
May 2 - Fulham (h)
Prediction - win
May 9 - Arsenal (a)
Prediction - lose
May 16 - Blackburn (h)
Prediction - win
May 24 - Sunderland (a)
Prediction - draw

Predicted total - 75pts (third)

ARSENAL (44pts)

Feb 21 - Sunderland (h)
Prediction - win
Feb 28 - Fulham (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 3 - West Brom (a)
Prediction - draw
Mar 14 - Blackburn (h)
Prediction - win
Mar 21 - Newcastle (a)
Prediction - win
Apr 4 - Man City (h)
Prediction - draw
Apr 11 - Wigan (a)
Prediction - draw
Apr 18 - Liverpool (a)
Prediction - win
Apr 25 - Middlesbro' (h)
Prediction - win
May 2 - Portsmouth (a)
Prediction - draw
May 9 - Chelsea (h)
Prediction - win
May 16 - Man United (a)
Prediction - draw
May 24 - Stoke (h)
Prediction - win

Predicted total - 73pts (fourth on goal difference)

The man who wants to ruin Fergie's Champions League dream again

2009-02-18T02:10:00.003Z

The menacing shadows of Jose Mourinho and Inter Milan stand in the way of Manchester United and their tilt at an unprecedented five trophies in one season.
Derby manager Nigel Clough backed United’s bid to conquer all after suffering a 4-1 FA Cup defeat on Sunday but Inter later showed their own relentless power as they beat city rivals AC Milan 2-1.

Afterwards, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said: ‘If we play like this we will beat United.’

The performance bore all the hallmarks of Mourinho’s Chelsea, a muscular resilient outfit, high on confidence and self-belief.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who has only beaten Mourinho once in a dozen attempts, will see next Tuesday’s Champions League clash as his biggest challenge of the season.

United are in command at the top of the Barclays Premier League, in the last eight of the FA Cup and the Carling Cup final, with the Club World Cup already in the bag.Ferguson will warn his European champions how threats can emerge from the most unlikely places — Mourinho’s Porto knocked United out of the Champions League on their way to winning the trophy in 2004 — and if any team look capable of halting United’s bid for history it is Inter, nine points clear in Serie A chasing a fourth straight title.

They have lost only twice in the league in Mourinho’s first Italian campaign but the former Chelsea and Porto boss was hired to win Inter’s first European Cup since 1965 and he has already made two personal checks on United, who visit the San Siro for the first leg of their last-16 clash.

Ibrahimovic said: ‘He has changed our mentality a little bit. We were good when he came but he’s teaching us something new. We have become stronger and better and are hungry for the big games.’

Ibrahimovic, a player with a reputation for his difficult attitude, is thriving in the embrace of Mourinho, who used his old ploy of calling him the best player in the world. A little ego massage often worked to good effect with his favourites at Stamford Bridge.But the true test of Mourinho’s man-management skills comes in the shape of Adriano, the wayward Brazilian who rarely fails to disappoint in terms of focus and dedication.

Even Mourinho joked that a miracle might be the only answer when he sent him home to recuperate before Christmas.

Manchester United are the untouchables - admits Wenger

2009-02-17T15:59:00.001Z

Arsene Wenger once led a team of self-styled invincibles to a season without defeat, but the Frenchman has conceded that Sir Alex Ferguson's current Manchester United side could be the new "untouchables".

United sit two points clear of Liverpool with a game in hand at the Barclays Premier League summit, with Arsenal a worrying 12 points off the pace in fifth.

Wenger, whose Gunners side went unbeaten in 2003/04, is refusing to give up on having a say in the title race but admits the Red Devils are currently some distance clear of the pack.

The two-goal return of Croatia striker Eduardo after a year out in last night's 4-0 FA Cup fourth-round replay win over Cardiff gave Arsenal fans reason for cheer, but Wenger has warned that long-time rivals United will take some stopping.

"We are on a very strong run at the moment and we have promised to give everything until the last day of the season but at the moment Manchester United look untouchable," confessed the Arsenal boss.

"They are 12 points ahead of us and they have a game against Fulham which they will certainly win. If they win that they are 15 points in front and that means they need to lose five games.

"Let us say they lose one against us, that still leaves four. They still need to lose four other games, which they haven't done yet this season.

"But our basic target is to get into the Champions League and therefore the championship remains a priority."

Wenger, meanwhile, told Cardiff that the trouncing meted out to them at the Emirates could be a good thing for their promotion ambitions.

The Frenchman believes that talented Championship sides can often get sidetracked in the knockout competitions to the detriment of their league form.

"Look at the table. They are, I think, fourth with a few games in hand. For them it is better they go out of the FA Cup," he said.

"I saw it a few years ago when we battled with Sheffield United when they had (Phil) Jagielka and (Michael) Tonge in a very good team.

"There were seasons when they did very well in the FA Cup and the League Cup and in the end they always failed to come up because it was very demanding to do both.

"In the Championship there are 24 teams so there are a lot of games. This is better for them."

Bluebirds manager Dave Jones, who guided the club to last year's final, was disappointed at a performance he rated as one his side's poorest of the season.

"The fans paid good money to come and watch us and we didn't do them justice or ourselves justice," said Jones.

"Anyone who wore a yellow shirt out there can't stake a claim to anything. I'm not taking anything away from Arsenal because they sniffed that we weren't at it and went for the jugular.

"We have to learn from this and bounce back. Hopefully they will react to what has happened here."

Jones also joined in the unanimous praise for Eduardo, who earned several ovations from the crowd before leaving the field with a slight hamstring twinge.

"I'm pleased for any player that comes back from an horrendous injury like his," added Jones.

"We've all seen situations like that in football; I had an injury that finished my career as a player. "It's a long road back so it's fantastic to see a player come back like that."

The End of the Big Four’s stranglehold

2009-02-16T12:19:00.003Z

It has been a momentous week at Chelsea, and therefore for the Premier League. Not because what happens at Stamford Bridge has a direct bearing on the rest of English football, but because it does not. Chelsea are a fading force, dismissible, a louder and more lurid version of Arsenal. Suddenly there are two London teams in danger of missing a top-four finish and the Champions League place that goes with it. What has just changed in English football is that the idea of a permanent top four can no longer be taken for granted.

Since 2004, just after the rules were amended to allow four English teams through, the Premier League has supplied the same four clubs to the Champions League group stage every year. Only once in 20 attempts between them – Manchester United in 2005-06 – has any of the “Big Four” failed to make it into the knockout stages of the world’s most lucrative club competition.

Even in 2005, when Everton finished fourth, they could not negotiate the qualifying round and Liverpool, who were allowed to enter from fifth place as holders, joined the usual suspects, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, in the group stages. The same four clubs had dominated the FA Cup since 1996, until Portsmouth managed to break the stranglehold last season, and in the same period the same Big Four have supplied every footballer of the year. Chelsea may have been the last to join the party, but they had the sort of money that worried immediate rivals and, in effect, closed the door on anyone else wishing to join in. Now they look and feel vulnerable.

Consider the reasons for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s departure, for a start. All week we have been hearing about what an extraordinary club Chelsea are, because they sacked Claudio Ranieri after he had led them to a Champions League semi-final, parted company with José Mourinho after two titles in three seasons and remained unimpressed with Avram Grant, who took them to within a whisker of glory in Moscow.

Scolari’s exit – which takes Roman Abramovich’s managerial pay-offs beyond £30m – does not belong in that catalogue. The Brazilian World Cup winner was removed because Chelsea were worried about not finishing in the top four, and that marks them out as an ordinary club. As does four managers in two years. The latest one has arrived as a temp until the end of the season, which puts them dangerously close to being as ordinary as Newcastle. The two clubs both have owners who were amused by the initial publicity, but subsequently stopped attending matches amid speculation that they were reconsidering the wisdom of their investments.

Maybe Guus Hiddink is a manager Abramovich should have gone for earlier, and maybe he will bring about an immediate upturn in fortunes. There is no doubt Hiddink is a highly competent manager, yet even if he stays beyond this season he faces a tougher task than his predecessors. The money tap has been turned off, Manchester City are the silly spenders now and even better placed to attract Brazilians without Scolari as a rival, while at the same time Chelsea are top heavy with under-motivated and over-remunerated players.

Steve Clarke has been allowed to join West Ham, whose notable improvement coincides too neatly with Chelsea’s slump to avoid conclusions being drawn, and Frank Arnesen’s much-vaunted youth production line, supposedly geared up to provide a first-team player every season from next year onwards, remains a low-profile project. Manchester United have the youth, in players such as the Da Silva brothers, Jonny Evans, Danny Welbeck and Darron Gibson, and all the experience in the world in Sir Alex Ferguson. It raised a smile last week to read that Scolari at 60 was too old to take on the challenge of knocking Fergie off his perch, even if it made a certain sort of sense. Ferguson has not always been 67; he has been running United since his mid-forties and winning titles for as long as the Premier League has been in existence. That is a tough nut to crack, and all Chelsea have managed this season is to prove Ferguson correct when he suggested they were the ones with the age problem if a significant improvement was expected.

It is not all about Chelsea, though. Part of the reason the top-four cartel is breaking up is the continued pressure applied from beneath by organised, well-run clubs such as Aston Villa and Everton. Particularly Villa, who have just that bit more money than Everton and are not content to keep banging their head on a glass ceiling.

There was a time not long ago when managers such as Kevin Keegan, David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and others would moan about the impossibility of breaking into the top four and the unfairness of competing in such a handicapped event. Keegan famously said last year that the Premier League was “in danger of becoming one of the most boring but great leagues in the world”. Not now. Martin O’Neill is going for it and even Everton might have been harbouring Champions League ambitions but for their poor early-season form.

“Even with our bad start we are not out of the running,” Moyes says. “We’ll keep on going for it, that’s for sure, because I don’t think the top four is as settled as it used to be. But for giving Arsenal two points in the last minute and letting Villa claim all three points in the last second we could be above Arsenal ourselves. The margins are closer than they have been.”

Everton captain Phil Neville agrees: “It is great for the league that Everton and Villa are pushing to get into that top bracket. If you look at the clubs below the top six then there’s probably only Man City who have got a team and resources to really challenge. That would make it seven teams challenging and it can only improve the quality of the league.”

Everton have Villa back at Goodison in the FA Cup this afternoon and Moyes finds himself in the familiar position of putting out a patched-up side (Marouane Fellaini is the latest casualty) against top-four opponents. “We would have loved to have gone for Emile Heskey in January, but we couldn’t afford it,” he says. “I have every admiration for Martin O’Neill, though, he started at the bottom in England and he proved himself at the top in Scotland. He’s doing everything right, and he is turning Villa into a top-four side. He’s dragging them forward and he’s bought some very good players.”

Gabriel Agbonlahor, Aston Villa’s in-form forward, says: “The way the top four or five is working, anyone could finish anywhere. I don’t think Arsenal are out of it and don’t think Everton are. We’re just looking at trying to keep that position at the moment and if we can get higher we will.”

O’Neill is not making any promises. He hardly needs to when results speak so clearly for themselves. “The key to doing well is going on winning runs of six, seven, eight games in a row,” O’Neill said after Villa’s win at Blackburn. “That’s what the top teams do and amazingly that’s what the lads have managed here. Whether we can sustain our momentum over the next four months is obviously debatable, but we are where we are with two thirds of the season gone.”

If nothing else, Villa’s rise should ensure this will not be another season when the top four remain static by default while none of the chasing pack has sufficient drive to attack the target.

“The most competitive end of the league, the top four, is being broken up,” says Allardyce, now at Blackburn but with plenty of experience from Bolton of having to be content with sixth or seventh position. “I hope we do see a change this season. It’s healthy for the league and important for the entertainment value.”

Arsène Wenger would disagree, having already had to dig deep into his reserves of goodwill this season in a way that Scolari could not, yet it seems clear the Big Four are no longer as insulated against mixed results. When things do go wrong the pressure is both intense and unfamiliar.

So Hiddink could hardly have been handed a trickier first Premier League fixture than Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa. He will get a shock when he studies the tape of his opponents, too, for when Villa visited Stamford Bridge back in October, Chelsea’s 2-0 victory was hailed as a masterclass by the home side and a cruel lesson for O’Neill’s players in the harsh realities of life at the top of the Premier League. Still unbeaten at that point, Chelsea were being described as nailed-on favourites for the title, while Villa, who might have lost by several more goals but for a typically inspired display by Brad Friedel, were being politely told to go back home and forget about the top four. That is how much has changed in under five months.

Villa have lost only one away game since then, bizarrely at Newcastle, and have put together a magnificent sequence of seven consecutive wins on their travels. They sit two points above Chelsea and their manager is having to field questions about a title challenge. No one except Hiddink is talking about a title challenge from Chelsea, and while the new manager is fully entitled to be bullish before a ball has been kicked, his can-do optimism needs to be weighed against Scolari’s weary assertion that he had a “bureaucratic” team without flair or spontaneity. The challenge facing Chelsea is simply to restore confidence to players and spectators and preserve their top-four status. Hiddink talks a good game, but he has been brought in as a firefighter, not a miracle-worker.

Perhaps his task would better be described as preserving Chelsea’s Champions League status, since the old, set-in-stone top four is also being pressurised this season by Uefa rule changes designed to help teams from weaker leagues. The fourth team in the Premier League will still have to go through a qualifying round to reach the financial haven of the group stages, but can no longer expect an easy passage against no-hopers. Instead, those from the leading nations who finish fourth are more likely to find themselves playing each other on a knockout basis, which means only three clubs per season can rely on Champions League income.

While this may appear a subtle change, it is unsafe to assume a permanent top four will easily resolve itself into a permanent top three; nor does it necessarily follow that fourth place will become the springboard into the group stage for newcomers to the Champions League. Teams such as Aston Villa and Everton, as the latter know to their cost after their chastening experience with Villarreal in 2005, are not ideally placed to negotiate sudden-death qualifiers with tasty European opponents, while teams such as Chelsea or Liverpool have the squad size and the experience to take them in their stride. It is difficult to say with any certainty how the rule tweak will work out, but it could end up encouraging smaller teams to aim straight for the top three while allowing certain others to settle for fourth and take their chances.

Not that gatecrashing the group-stage party necessarily sets you up for a comfortable future. Apart from Everton’s abortive attempt, the most recent fingernails dug into the Champions League top table have belonged to Leeds and Newcastle, and look how they ended up. Gaining access to Champions League revenue is just the start. You still need the squad, the stadium, the support and most crucially the success next season to keep it coming. Newcastle appreciate that now, even if it might be too late for Leeds.

“Our intention is to get back on track, and I think our business plan will also be a model for a lot of Premier League clubs,” Newcastle’s hitherto silent managing director, Derek Llambias, has just said, before going on to sound a death knell for the top four as we know it. “We hope to be like Aston Villa.”

It's Now or Never

2008-12-15T20:04:00.012Z

Now is the time! Not next month, not next season, and by now I'm referring to Liverpool's title challenge this coming weekend. In recent fixtures the chasing pack have been rather kind to the team from the red half of Liverpool. And they must be kicking themselves for not taking advantage of Liverpool's failure to finish off the so called lesser teams at fortress Anfield. Just ask Arsene Wenger following last year's trophy-less season and he'll tell you over and over again, they drew too many games. The same applies to Chelsea as they pushed United all the way last season, but those seven draws at home cost them the title no doubt. Click here to see last season's review.

Liverpool must beat Arsenal this coming weekend

If Liverpool don't capitalize by beating yet another close rival it could be a very bleak Christmas for the current league leaders. Based on current performances Santa Claus won't be as forgiving and cheerful by granting them their wish to remain on top of the pile. Rafa Benitez needs to take a gamble with Fernando Torres. Does he rest his world-class match winner till after the festive season or does he risk him by playing the 'hamstrung' half-fit striker at the Emirates? Surely Gerrard can't pull his team out of the mire week in and week out.

Manchester United will struggle

I'll put my mortgage on it. After their return from the World Club Champs they will surely be exhausted which again could play into the hands of either Chelsea or Liverpool. Unfortunately for Arsenal their target this season has been re-adjusted and their sights are firmly set on fourth place. Evra has been banned for four matches, and luckily for them the cloud hanging over Rooney's head for stamping on a player recently, has been cleared by UEFA. I'm sure Fergie was sweating over this and his sleepless nights will surely see him clip those big ears of Rooney over his future conduct at the club, which in effect could have cost them a chance at defending their Champions League title. That's how important he is for them. Just look at how they failed to put the ball into the back of the net against a stubborn Tottenham Hotspurs over the past weekend.

Up against it

Christiano Ronaldo also gets off lightly for a silly lunge at Spur's Michael Dawson and again much to the relief of the Manchester United boss he's been cleared. To be honest there wasn't much in it. I might be wrong but based on some of his players actions they seem frustrated at times especially when the results are not going their way. But they need to get used to that part of the game, and quick. And Fergie also seems to be having an ongoing verbal with the media lately. His recent comments suggest that he thinks the media is out to get him.

“I am not going to discuss Wayne Rooney,” Ferguson said: “I think you press guys have created most of it and you are not getting anything from this club on Wayne Rooney. So that’s it, finished". Read the article in full here.

Chelsea will only get stronger

They have a few key injuries in Carvalho and Essien but they will be a different outfit once those two influential players are fit again. Felipe Scolari's team have also been struggling to punish the so called smaller teams at home, but then again you have to be on top of your game for each of the 38 games played over the season, as anyone can beat you on the day. Hull have proved their doubters wrong and see themselves in a for a chance to finish in the top six. Aston Villa will push United and Arsenal all the way for the last Champions' League place which will be interesting to watch.

Boo Boys

Boos at Anfield. Boos at the Emirates and Stamford Bridge. Since when? Liverpool were booed off by their loyal supporters after a goalless draw against West Ham. There was no doubt that the team from the east end of London parked their bus in front of their goals on the night. But all credit to them as Zola inspired them to yet another priceless draw against one of the top four.

A top sports journalist recently made the comment that we're entitled to do this because players are paid extra-ordinary wages, and are there to provide entertainment. I agree to a degree but it it doesn't sit nicely for those that understand that your team may have an off day now and again. Despite Liverpool remaining top of the table after the game they were still booed a by a section of the fans. It's sadly part of the modern game. Just ask Emmanuel Eboue of Arsenal who was replaced by his manager after coming on as a second-half substitute. The Emirates faithful laid into the poor guy for taking the ball off a fellow player and then recklessly giving it to the opposition.

January signings

I can't see any significant or top signings for any of the big four teams. Only Manchester City, the worlds richest club, can boast a shortlist of players that even Roman Abramovich can only dream of. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, the Man City owner with an estimated family fortune of $1trillion, is set to splash the cash and break the British transfer fee record once again, if not the world transfer fee record! This will surely make for some interesting reading come January 2009 when the transfer window opens again.

Early Days

There will never be a more suitable time for Rafa's team to bring back home the Premier League trophy where it rightfully belongs. See my season preview, which might require some re-thinking come the new year. But it's the only chance I believe they will have for a long time, because the other teams will surely re-shuffle and strengthen if they fail to leapfrog Liverpool from the summit of the Premier League this season. Roll on Sunday.

Write them off at your own peril...

2008-09-17T21:29:00.014+01:00

There is no point in over-analysing Liverpool's win over their biggest rivals. Manchester United were beaten fair and square, enough said!

Even Sir Alex Ferguson, who is never gracious in defeat, and for the first time in a very long time admitted that his team were simply played off the park. He even went on to say that his team had defended like a Conference team. To be fair on them I think Liverpool just wanted the victory more, and this was evident in the second half. Credit must go to Rafa Benitez and his team for overcoming the psychological barrier and instilling belief in his players. And they even managed to do this without their two best players, Gerrard and Torres.

The Ronaldo factor

And talking about playing without your best players. The prodigious winger is quite evidently their most important player, and has been sorely missed so far. Their league record so far speaks for itself. One drawn, one won and one lost. Also lost the Super Cup and they struggled against Villarreal, but only until he was unleashed you could see the impact he has on the team. Fergie was so desperate he even flew to Portugal in haste to beg St. Judas of Old Trafford to stay for just one more season. With him agreeing to stay on it might just have been Fergie's best signing. With only Berbatov signing on the final day of the transfer window United now have attacking options in abundance and the question is - how does Sir Alex fit all these star players into his team? Only he knows...

Championship form?

Liverpool are looking good even though they're not playing well. Call it winning ugly? You decide. And by saying 'good' I really mean that they're getting the results without breaking into a sweat. It could be that Rafa has them conditioned to peak at just the right time of the season, and perhaps he has learnt from the past. It's early days so I won't be making any predictions just yet. Maybe in early January we can start making our calls but as they say the league is a marathon and not a sprint.

Come the business end of the season

Will Manchester United equal Liverpool's record haul of 18 league titles? Can Arsenal sustain their current goal-scoring form? Will Aston Villa breach the top four?And will United lose to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. If they do lose they'll have lots to catch up to. It's still early days and as they say you can only really start calling anyone champions come the business end of the season.

Finally, it will only take a very brave man to write United off just yet. Are you that man?

The Season Ahead

2008-08-10T12:29:00.014+01:00

So the season kicks off in a few days time. As always it promises to bring breathtaking football from the worlds most entertaining league, no doubt. La Liga or the Serie A can't match the glamour, drama and the WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) lifestyle that comes with being a top premiership player these days.

In a previous blog, Season Review 07/08, I made some early predictions for the season ahead, and will elaborate further with regards to end of season places; trophies; the rather ambitious chasing pack; and my very own dream team.

As I've mentioned before, and will defend this to the very end, is the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson and his players can count themselves very lucky last season. Yes they won the double which is great and other teams can only sit back and admire them. But they had to sweat for it in a way they have never experienced before. Chelsea took them all the way. They won't be as lucky this time around, that's for sure. Ronaldo is out for the start of the season so let's see them prove me wrong. I felt sorry for Chelsea especially in the Champions league final but they handed it to United on a platter so it's up to them to win back both trophies. I predict an even closer finish this season with Arsenal and Liverpool more likely pushing them all the way.

Top Four

Man United - will Ronaldo still be the same player of last season? No he won't. I'm afraid it's back down to earth for most of the players. Fergie reckons that Ferdinand is the worlds best centre-half at the moment. Maybe only in his fantasy league team. With this comment he has surely placed unnecessary pressure on the man, a clear recipe for disaster. Final place prediction - 3rd, but could end up 2nd if Liverpool hand them any advantage, again.

Chelsea - a new coach, a new belief, some new players, and a bit of 'revenge' should see them pip United for the title. Why you ask? John Terry recently made mention of United's players peaking at the right time last season, and he rightfully suggests that it won't happen again as some of Fergie's players are due a slip-up which will prove costly. Final place prediction - 1st for Scolari's debut season.

Arsenal - they've lost too many experienced players to mount a serious title assault. But then again Wenger always proves his doubters wrong. Injuries plague a team that are known to play the beautiful game, and they might have to change their style somewhat to overcome lesser teams. We've seen some evidence of 'long-ball' tactics towards the end of last season which somehow paid off for the Gunners. Final place prediction - 4th seems fair, enough said.

Liverpool - its time for Rafa Benitez to deliver the league trophy which has eluded the Anfield trophy cabinet for far too long now. Will Robbie Keane be the messiah they've all been hoping for? Only time will tell. Stevie G needs to stay fit for the Merseyside giants in order for them to mount a serious challenge. But I think they will get closer this year and then finally take it the season after. They have some frighteningly good talent coming through the Liverpool youth ranks and this can only mean that they have a bright future ahead. Final place prediction - 3rd place if they don't grab 2nd from United.

Trophies

League title - Chelsea will take it, but it will be very close.
Champions League - Chelsea. Their turn for the double.
FA Cup - Liverpool to add another to their trophy cabinet.
Carling Cup - one of the chasing pack to grab the chance as United and Arsenal sadly and admittedly don't take this competition too seriously. Aston Villa or Everton.

The Chasing Pack

Aston Villa, Everton, Portsmouth and Tottenham Hotspurs are no doubt the chasing pack. I can't see any other teams breaking their grip on the UEFA cup places. Aston Villa have already made seven singings and it looks like Martin 'O Neill will get his way and hold onto Gareth Barry. Everton haven't made as many quality signings so alarm bells must be ringing at Goodison Park. Portsmouth have signed Peter Crouch and he might just form a formidable partnership with Jermaine Defoe. Spurs have made a few top signings, but have lost their attacking force in Robbie Keane, and if Berbatov leaves for Man United they will surely struggle.

My Dream Team

Reina

Bosingwa Terry Agger Evra

Bentley Gerrard Fabregas Babel

Torres Keane

That's some team and I doubt many can improve on my selections. Remember this is a personal choice so yours will differ quite considerably.

In conclusion I predict a tighter finish from the top four teams this time around. Man United had a fairytale season, and as they say "all good things must come to an end" or more worryingly for them "what goes up must come down". Just ask the famous record-breaking Liverpool teams of the 70's and 80's. Even Sir Alex Ferguson made a comment recently about the great Liverpool team's of yesteryear when making comparisons with Chelsea. Click here to read the full article. It's worth the read. So as my good friend Charlie religiously sends out Lawro's Predictions each week I endeavor to keep the blog updated with my thoughts as to how the season unfolds.

Fergie's Obsession

2008-06-20T00:22:00.003+01:00

Liverpool and Manchester United will always be England's two greatest rivals in the game, and United have a manager that instills this in his players as a matter of life and death. I do admire this from a manager but sometimes it seems a tad bit too much. He is also more importantly obsessed with overtaking Liverpool's records at all costs.

It's been a life-long obsession of his since the early days at the helm of Manchester United to wipe out the Merseyside giant's admirable record. The mention of Liverpool and their glorious history makes the man froth at the mouth, and most surely makes his blood boil each time a journalist compares his current squad, their recent success domestically and in Europe, with the likes of the Liverpool greats that once dominated the old Division One.

Here's a look at few points taken into consideration and underlines the obsession and fierce rivalry he has for the famous club in red.

Pursuit of 18 league titles and five European cups - this is understandable and is a topic he brings up each season as they etch ever so closely to it. Ferguson has delivered another 'double' for his beloved club but the time must be surely running out to catch-up in Europe. Those five stars on the Liverpool crest are not won over a few years, but rather by some great teams over the last few decades. One of his former captains in Roy Keane echo the above. He said: “So the thing is to catch up Liverpool next. They’re the target that Sir Alex Ferguson set at United when he first got the job.” Click here to read the full article.

'Resting' of players before key matches against Liverpool - is another sore point when the Manchester United midfield once dominated the England team. A few key players would often pickup a mysterious injury that would keep them out for a few days just before an England friendly. These would predictably take place just before key matches against their biggest rivals, and particularly in Liverpool's case. With a bit a of research you'll discover that the facts are out there but nobody has really picked up on it. It's often agreed that these matches are rather futile and senseless, and only increase the chances of players picking up injuries but is it club before country in Sir Alex Ferguson's case? Paul Scholes in particular would often be rested due to a niggle picked up during club training. Poor Wales suffered the same fate with Ryan Giggs being sidelined just before key qualifiers. Yes of course all managers want their best team on the field but it leaves a sour taste in the mouth if you think about it. One has to question his integrity. Scholes retiring from international football is another mystery I'd like to someday get my head around.

The Gabriel Heinze snub - is another story that springs to mind. The player publicly stated his desire to play for Liverpool. Ferguson was having nothing of it and ensured that the controversial transfer didn't take place with it eventually being decided by a bitter legal dispute in court. There was no way he would let his fiercest rivals gain the upper hand by signing a player that was named Player of the Year in his debut season at Manchester United. Heinze was bemused by Ferguson's obsessive behavior to deny his dream move. He said: "I still do not understand the real motives of United and think the whole thing set a bad example for football. "It is incredible that in the modern age - in the 21st century - there exists a situation where United will not sell to Liverpool" - he told the Daily Mail. Clearly the Argentine can't get his head around the whole debacle. Click here to read the full article.

The pursuit of wonderkid Aaron Ramsey - again a hot topic of discussion as a host of top teams were chasing the youngster dubbed the 'new Steven Gerrard'. Liverpool, Manchester, Everton and Arsenal were all reportedly lining up his signature. Alex Wenger eventually won the race much to the dislike of Ferguson. He is said to have been rather angry that one of his closest rivals has snatched Ramsey from under his nose. I'm sure he would have been even more angry if Liverpool managed to steal the show. This is just one of many fiercely fought transfer sagas as the top four clubs compete for the best talent across England and abroad.

Double Standards - again another blistering hot topic of discussion. Ferguson accused Liverpool of 'tapping up' Heinze in the transfer saga mentioned earlier. He said: "We are looking at Liverpool's whole role in this," says Fergie. "We are not letting them off with it." Clearly this is a case of double standards from the United boss. He has pursued many players and lured them to Old Trafford with the same tactics. That's most likely why FIFA has backed Real Madrid in the Ronaldo saga after Manchester United submitted a formal complaint. Click here to read the full article.

One could probably spend a lifetime collecting bits and bobs around Manchester United and Liverpool's fierce rivalry, but that is a whole new topic of discussion on it's own. Have a read at some of the funny stories around the rivalry that has taken place over the last few years. Click here.

It does however remain clear that Ferguson has been overly obsessive with his club's fiercest rivals, and why not? Long may it continue!

Season Review 07/08

2008-05-25T12:33:00.010+01:00

What a season!

Chelsea took Man United all the way in both the EPL and Champions league final, which was nerve-recking for some, but good to see for even the neutral out there. Chelsea can feel aggrieved not to have pipped Man United at CL final hurdle as they thoroughly deserved to lift 'ol big ears' for the first time in the club's history. But as they say it's anyone's game when it goes to penalties and all credit to Man United for snatching it so late.

Poor John Terry had a 'banana skin' moment - literally. But I watched him captain England versus USA and he ended up scoring the opener, and seems to be over the 'slip up' in the final.

Now on to the top 4 clubs. The focus is on the impact of the new signings, team and player performances, key points, the manager verdict and next seasons predictions.

Man United - EPL champions and UEFA CL winners

New Signings - Fergie got his spending spot-on this time around. Nani, Anderson, Tevez and Hargreaves cost millions but were worth their weight in gold at the end of the day. Good first season for all of them.

Team & Players - Well Ronaldo scored an amazing 31 league goals, take that out of the equation and things seem different somewhat but he is a world-class act and deserves each accolade. United were languishing in 16th place after just 3 games, and pundits were starting to question the new signings. But they pulled themselves together after beating Spurs 1-0 and things took off from there. Losing only 5 games along the way they also scored the most goals with 80, and only conceding 22 proving that they had the tightest defence in the league.

Key Points - The win against Spurs lifted them. Beating Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield to take them top again. Blitzing Newcastle for six. Steve Bennett spoiling a good game by sending off Liverpool's Mascherano in the 3-0 drubbing at Old Trafford. The last game and season decider in which Wigan were controversially denied a penalty, again referee Steve Bennett was in charge. It could have changed the outcome of the league but Chelsea failed to win their final match.

Manager Verdict - Seems obsessed with overtaking Liverpool's record, but then who wouldn't envy it. With an astute assistant manager in Carlos Queiroz Man United and Sir Alex Ferguson have a good custodian to eventually succeed him. He understands the game, the players, and has brought some new ideas to the team management which benefited the club no doubt. Fergie has a few years left in him but knows that he needs to re-invent the team each season and not get left behind if he wants to continue challenging for trophies again.

Next Season - Won't be as lucky this time around and the other 3 big teams will continue to strengthen and chase trophies which always makes it harder to defend, but as the great golfer Gary Players says you can only create your own luck! Ronaldo might be off to Spain in the summer as Real Madrid continue to pursue interest in the player. Who knows? I hope he doesn't as the EPL is certainly more exciting with players like him around. Fergie will most likely sell Saha and buy a new striker. Scholes and Giggs are ageing but he will hope the new batch will fit into this succession plan. Expect more cash to be splashed on defensive cover as Gary Neville nears retirement. Micah Richards, Sevilla's Daniel Alves and Fabiano, and Cardiff's wonderkid Ramsey all linked with summer transfers. Player to watch next season - young striker Danny Welbeck if he gets his chance.

Chelsea - EPL runners-up and UEFA CL runners-up

New Signings - Chelsea didn't spend that big as anticipated. A few hit-and-miss signings in Pizarro, Beletti, Sidwell, Ben Haim and Malouda. They were all brought in under Jose Mourinho's reign so it's unfair to comment. However, Avram Grant did bring in Nicholas Anelka and defender Ivanovic during the January transfer window. Anelka only managed one goal for the Chelsea so one can hardly call him an astute singing as he was often played out of position.

Team & Players - Chelsea didn't have the best of starts to the season, and along with the high expectations came the inevitable departure of the special one. Avram's first game in charge was against the eventual champions, Manchester United, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. I did mention that United were lucky and this is just one of the reasons. Chelsea lost their influential manager, Arsenal were flying high but with question marks hanging over their young players heads, and Liverpool with their boardroom spat made life much easier for United. Chelsea ambled along and deservedly pushed Man United all the way. Ballack, Terry, Lampard and Drogba were the spine that grinded out results week-in and week-out. It came down to the last game of the season but Chelsea were kicking themselves for earlier mishaps made throughout the season.

Key Points - The fortunate draw against Liverpool with a dubious penalty being awarded to them by referee Rob Styles. The departure of Jose Mourinho. Loss to Spurs in the Carling Cup final. The 1-1 draw against Wigan at Stamford Bridge gave United some breathing space. The 2-1 victory over United ensured a grand finale to the season. And of course the last game with a draw against Bolton. Unlucky at times but showed loads of character from their more senior players.

Manager Verdict - Mourinho's increasing unhappiness with not being able to dictate transfer dealings, and the owner's ever-increasing frustration with boring football meant that the gaffer would always be the first to be shown the exit door. His record before leaving was won three; drew two and lost one - not good enough for a team that cost millions. Avram Grant didn't have the best of starts but he eventually endured himself to the Chelsea fans as the team started banging in goals. Question marks around the Anelka signing and then playing him out of position. Not a bad season after all and unlucky not to be there next season.

Next Season - The owner, Roman Abramovich, will no doubt loosen the purse strings in what could possibly be a mini-revolution with players moving on, and with new players surely to be signed by the new manager who has yet to be appointed. Rumours are out that Mourinho wants Lampard, Drogba and Carvalho at Inter Milan. The club have already secured Jose Bosingwa. Other players on the transfer shortlist include Robinho, Kaka and almost every other top player across Europe so who knows. Will again push the other 3 big teams all the way and will have to settle quickly under the new manager in order to mount a serious challenge. Player to watch next season - midfield maestro Ballack although one can't tell with all the changes expected.

Arsenal - 3rd place in EPL and UEFA CL quarter-finalists

New Signings - Sagna was the only real success for Wenger this season. Unfortunately for Eduardo da Silva he suffered an horrific injury that could well have been a deciding factor for the Gunners. Wenger's policy of not signing big players most certainly played it's part in a trophy-less season at the Emirates. He also failed to strengthen in the January transfer window and has taken criticism from leading pundits who feel that he failed to mix both youth and experience in order to go all the way, and it showed.

Team & Players - Apart from Adebayor who netted an impressive 24 league goals, and Fabgregas who grabbed seven from the midfield, Arsenal just couldn't find another match-winner to help challenge for the title. After grabbing and cementing first place after just five games the expectations were very high, and it was always going to be case of maintaining championship form. The loss of Van Persie early on and the unfortunate leg break of da Silva meant that players like Flamini and Hleb stepping up to the plate now that the ever reliable Henry was no longer at the club. Gallas as captain was a disappointment. Wenger's insistence with playing Senderos as opposed to Toure at centre-back was perhaps and error in hindsight as the Gunners fell apart and surrendered top spot to Man United. Even though they only lost three games it was the 11 draws that dented their season hopes.

Key Points - The 3-1 drubbing of Spurs at White Lane. The 2-1 loss to Middlesbrough in early December. The 2-2 draw at Birmingham where the Gunners not only lost da Silva, but also their momentum. Climbing back to 2nd spot after snatching a late 3-2 win at Bolton. And lastly the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford that virtually ended their title hopes.

Manager Verdict - The rumours are out that PSG want Wenger to take the club back to their glory days. His policy of fielding youthful teams as opposed to blending the team with more experience was possibly the mistake that he will never admit. The defensive shuffle late on caused an imbalance in the team. Wenger had the chance to bring in some cover in January but instead decided to stick to the afore-mentioned policy which cost the club at the end of the day. High hopes turned to empty trophy cabinets and he will need to go back to the drawing board if he wants to re-emerge with any credit.

Next Season - Wenger needs to strengthen the midfield now that Flamini has left, and with Hleb possibly on his way to Barcelona. He also needs to find a partner up front for Adebayor as he can't carry the goal-scoring duties on his own. Perhaps big name signings could do the trick but then again that has never been Wenger's 'transfer policy'. Player to watch next season - Theo Walcott if he starts.

Liverpool - 4th place finish and UEFA CL semi-finalists

New Signings - Fernando Torres was no doubt the newcomer of the season. Babel had a few cameo performances and players like Lucas and Benayoun weighed in with a few average performances. Voronin & Itandje were sadly both flops but it was great to see young Skrtel settle into the back-four as if he has been playing there all his life.

Team & Players - The joint performances of both Gerrard & Torres was perhaps the only highlight of Liverpool's trophy-less season. They have been compared to the legendary Rush & Daglish partnership, and why not they are both truly world-class! Between them they scored and amazing 35 goals. A remarkable 24 league goals from Torres who didn't take a spot-kick the entire season. Liverpool were flying at the start of the season and deservedly occupied first spot after hitting a sorry Derby for six. The loss of Daniel Agger and Carragher during key stages of the season meant that Rafa had to look at old-horse Hyypia for cover until the impressive Skrtel arrived in January. Again Liverpool suffered under Rafa's rotation policy and the lack of depth within the squad meant he often had to pick inexperienced players such as Jack Hobbs. Their form faltered very early on and it was a point of too little too late as the Reds marched on at the business end of the season. Only four losses along the way, but 13 draws sums up a season for Liverpool as they often failed to finish off the so called smaller teams.

Key Points - The penalty awarded to Chelsea to give them a undeserved draw. Both losses against Man United certainly handed them the title. Four draws and a loss which started at the end of December and lasted until early February when Liverpool beat Sunderland 3-0. The draw at the Emirates where Liverpool fielded a virtual second-string team showed the improvement within the squad.

Manager Verdict - His first season without reaching a final means that it was a rather disappointing campaign. Football analysts fully understand the need to keep players fresh as it is no doubt a long season, but Rafa failed to settle with a winning team and formation. Once the gaffer settled on the favoured 4-3-3 formation Liverpool started showing signs of consistent form. He would need to carefully consider this approach come next season. Another frustrating aspect was leaving Crouch on the bench when the obvious tactic was to bring him on to help Torres lead the line against a stubborn defence. Only the manager knows why he makes these decisions but the fans believe in him. But he will have to deliver a title sooner or later if he wants to write his name into Liverpool's football club folklore.

Next Season - It seems as if many players will no doubt move on in the summer as Rafa clears up funds to purchase the likes of Gareth Barry & David Bentley. Crouch might be on his way if Rafa can't guarantee more games next season. Pennant, Riise and Alonso could all find new clubs if the price is right. Benitez would need to sign another world-class striker if he is serious about mounting a challenge. Hopefully the owners will back him as do the owners of Man United & Chelsea whose spending seem endless. Player to watch next season - Ryan Babel will be exciting to watch if Rafa plays him as a striker.

And end to another pulsating season! Hull, West Brom and Stoke City join the world's top drawer league. Will they manage to stay up as the big four continue to dominate? Only time will tell.

Manchester United or Chelsea?

2008-05-02T18:49:00.008+01:00

What a game at Stamford Bridge!

An 'emotional roller-coaster' is not the word one can use to describe the feelings on the night, but rather one of hope and belief as I reminisced of the glorious night in Istanbul. But this was not to be as Chelsea deservedly put Liverpool out and make history by reaching their first Champions League final. Chelsea were the better team on the night and deserve to be there. It was the Drogba show no doubt which I wasn't looking forward to, and after Benitez's mid-week comments about 'diving', and the video footage to prove this it was the perfect response from the Ivorian striker who will most likely move on in the summer, with AC Milan and Real Madrid his preferred destinations.

All accolades aside. I don't intend doing a post-match analysis on the actual game as this would certainly tend to be based on bias. So I'll prefer to analyse areas of each team and how they might pan out come May 21st for the pinnacle of Europe's top draw competition.

Vidic & Ferdinand vs. Drogba - they will no doubt be tight at the back but I'm backing Drogba to snatch a goal or capitalise on a rare mistake that might decide the match.

Man Utd midfield vs. Chelsea midfield - it's a tough one to call but again I'll say that Chelsea edge United in this area, simply because of Ballack & Lampard. United have Scholes, Anderson, Carrick and Hargreaves but they lack the Big Match Temperament factor.

Rooney, Ronaldo & Tevez vs. Terry & Carvahlo - i think United have the edge here if Rooney starts. Ronaldo goes to sleep when playing the bigger teams but this just might be his stage to perform and show his BMT!

It's going to be Chelsea and Liverpool fans all against Man United. I'm backing Chelsea to take the CL final with United already having wrapped up the EPL.

Comments to follow after the final!

United vs Liverpool - the dream final!

2008-04-30T00:50:00.008+01:00

Well done Manchester United!

A stellar performance from Fergie's boys last night. After watching the gaffer's pre-match talks with Sky News earlier in the day he seemed a tad bit uneasy when questioned about his teams chances of making it to the final. In contrast his mood seemed to have changed just before the 2nd half, and why not. After all his old workhorse and midfield magician, Paul Scholes, struck the winner in the 14th minute after the early nerves his team suffered from the Barcelona blitz. And a blitz it was in the opening exchanges as a wet pitch seemed to work against the United rushed defence and closing down tactics.

But they soon took control of things and made the Barcelona defense work hard all night. Nani and Park should have scored the second to put the tie beyond doubt, and to also settle the nerves after last season's Champions League semi-final exit. It seemed as if Barcelona would find the killer equaliser after waves of attacks from Messi and Deco. The United defence parked their team bus across the goals, and why not? These are the types of tactics teams use to reach the final. Avram Grant will be trying to do the same when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge for Wednesday's other semi-final tie. The pundits are hoping for goals galore...wishful thinking.

So on to Moscow to meet either Liverpool or Chelsea for a record all-English Champions League final. I've included my ratings for each player and with a few comments.

footieanalyst.blogspot.com Man-of-the Match - Park Ji Sung

Manchester United:

Van Der Sar - 5 - wasn't convincing
Evra - 7 - solid as ever
Brown -7 - Fergie was wise to tie him up on a new contract...and to move him to centre
Ferdinand - 6 - marshalled his defence well
Hargreaves - 6 - played out of position but stuck to his task
Carrick - 6 - not his best performance but kept things ticking over
Scholes - 6 - got the goal but not as effective
Tevez - 8 - a workhorse of note
Park-Ji Sung - 9 - didn't stop running and made life difficult for the Barcelona playmakers
Ronaldo - 6 - didn't see the ball for the first 10 min...goes missing in the big matches far too often
Nani - 6 - also worked his socks off
Silvestre (sub) - 5 - no time to make an impact
Giggs (sub) - 5 - time to hang up the boots?
Fletcher (sub) -6 - tried to encourage

Barcelona:

Valdes - 5 - see Van Der Sar
Zambrotta - 4 - got too involved with trying to man-mark or unsettle Ronaldo
Abidal - 5 - wayward crossing and wasted opportunities
Puyol - 6 - kept things together at the back for them
Milito - 6 - not his best performance but kept things tight at the back
Toure - 7 - one of their better players on the night with some good passing
Iniesta - 6 - not effective enough to cause any danger
Xavi - 6 - midfield dynamo settled in the 2nd half to push for an equaliser
Deco - 7 - had many chances and should have made them count
Messi - 8 - ran circles around United and was unlucky to not get a deserved goal
Eto - 6 - bad first touch in front of goal and lacking confidence
Henry (sub) - 6 - not the same player that left Arsenal last season, lacking match fitness
Bojan (sub) - 6 - no sufficient impact but a future star no doubt at 17
Gudjohnsen - 5 - no time to make any impact

All comments welcome.

A new beginning

2008-04-29T18:28:00.000+01:00

This is just a start of things to come...instead of sending mass emails and clogging company networks we can use a blog to post comments without any restrictions.

Comments welcome as always.

Craig - The Real Footie Analyst