A young disabled girl from Stoke-on-Trent had her dreams of meeting her footballing hero Lionel Messi crushed last month after his club FC Barcelona went back on their word about her being able to get a picture with the Argentine superstar. … [Read more...]
Zidane to take over should Real lose tonight
Reports in Italy claim that should Carlo Ancelotti lose the Champions League Final, Zinedine Zidane will be named as the new coach of Real Madrid. Stories had been circulating in recent weeks suggesting Zidane did not have enough experience to take charge at the Bernabeu. But Milan-based daily, Gazzetta Dello Sport say this is not the case, with the final tomorrow deciding his future. This seems quite harsh on Ancelotti ( He did win the Copa Del Rey ) but then the obstacle standing in Real,s way are noisy neighbours and recently crowned La Liga champions Atletico Madrid. … [Read more...]
Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid Prediction
On Saturday Evening the streets of the Spanish capital will be on lock-down as Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid will descend on Lisbon to contest this year's Champions League Final. Real have won 2 and drawn 1 of the 4 matches they have played this season, including an impressive 5-0 aggregate win in the Copa Del Rey but I can see the final being a tighter, cagey affair. … [Read more...]
Ancelotti not right for Los Blancos claims ex Madrid president
Is Carlo Ancelotti the right man to lead Los Blancos? Not according to Ramon Calderon. "It seems to me that Ancelotti does not have the personality and charisma to lead Real Madrid" said the ex-CEO earlier this month. He went on to attack their style of play under Ancelotti saying it wasn’t 'defined' or 'organized' and that they 'concede too many goals'. In Calderon’s eyes, the hiring of Ancelotti was a mistake. … [Read more...]
Could David Luiz be off to Barcelona?
Barcelona's defensive difficulties were well documented over the summer and coach Martino is on record as saying he will reassess the situation in January, as the Catalan club look for the long-term replacement for Carles Puyol. A player they have reportedly watched closely is David Luiz of Chelsea, Luiz has been in and out of the Chelsea starting 11 this season and with the return to form of stalwart John Terry, come January the Brazillian defender could well be available. Luiz is not your typical 6' 4" Premier League centre half, he is more forward-thinking and confident on the ball and his … [Read more...]
Atletico Madrid – the Jesus Gil years
In 1987, controversial politician and businessman Jesus Gil became the club president of Atletico Madrid, running the club until his resignation in May 2003. Gil made most of his money in the construction business but also spent time in jail when in 1967 one of his buildings collapsed, killing 58 people. He was eventually released by order of dictator Francisco Franco. When Gil took over at Atletico they had not won a La Liga title for 10 years and were desperate for League success. Straight away, Gil spent heavily, bringing in a number of expensive signings including Portuguese star Paulo … [Read more...]
A difference in style
There is a huge difference between the way football is taught/coached in Spain and England and if you watch the two National teams play regularly you must agree a huge gulf exists. English football is more about strength and playing the ball forward as quickly as possible,whereas in Spain more emphasis is put on controlling the ball,playing the ball to feet and keeping possession of the ball. … [Read more...]
The demise of Racing Santander
In January 2011 a bright future looked on the horizon as Indian businessman Ahsan Ali Syed took over at the helm of Racing Santander taking an 80% stake in the club. Founder and Chairman of investment company Western Gulf Advisory Ali Syed proclaimed that Racing could challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona as a so called "Third Force" in La Liga. … [Read more...]