It was only the other week we reported that Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane was signing a contract extension until 2020. But just a matter of days later, Zidane is facing a very uncertain future. Football is a fickle business where one week you are king and the next in line for the boot, but the signs have been poor for awhile despite the man at the helm guiding Los Blancos to a successful defence of their Champions League title and a 33rd La Liga title just eight months ago. However, eight months in football is an eternity and now Zidane has found himself in the arduous … [Read more...]
Zidane Signs Until 2020
Despite many suggesting the Real Madrid hierarchy have been a little unsettled of late with Los Blancos trailing arch rivals Barcelona by sixteen points at the half way stage in the league, head coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed to press last night after his sides 2-2 Copa Del Rey draw that he has signed a contract extension until 2020. "It's signed, I'm enjoying what I do every day, because that's the way it is. I can't imagine myself as a coach in two, three years, because things are not like that. I know how it goes, nothing more, even with this contract it does not change anything." … [Read more...]
La Liga Self Destructs as Barcelona Wrap up the Title
As Dani Carvajal saw red and Lionel Messi slammed in the resulting penalty to put Barce 2-0 up at the Bernabeu, you could see the whole of Spain outside of Catalonia’s shoulders slump and raise the white flag. Aleix Vidal added a third in injury-time to leave Zinedine Zidane’s men to face the baying home support as his side slipped to fourteen points behind their great rivals with the season not even at the half way stage. Catastrophe This week has been a catastrophe for Barcelona’s rivals but a triumph for the Blaugrana as the quartet of Atletico Madrid, Valencia, Real Madrid and … [Read more...]
Spain fifth favourites for the World Cup ahead of qualifying clash with Italy
La Furia Roja or the Red Fury’s (for those like myself less au-fait with the Spanish language) dominance of World and European football may have been on the decline for a number of years since their 2012 European Championship title, but in the race to Russia, Spain are just edging nemesis Italy in the hunt for an automatic qualifying spot. As it stands, Spain and Italy are locked on 16 points together in first and second, however, largely thanks to Spain’s 8-0 drubbing of Liechtenstein in the opening qualifier, Julien Lopetegui’s men hold a +4-goal advantage over their Italian rivals as the … [Read more...]
Stoke City Striker Target To Join La Liga Club
Stoke City's search for a new striker has been dealt a blow with one of their targets reportedly set to sign for a La Liga club. The Potters are looking for a new striker to lead the line in the Premier League this season, with Mark Hughes having been linked with a move for Independiente del Valle forward Jose Angulo, whose goals recently fired the club to the Copa Libertadores final. Angulo's agent Matias Lipman told the Guardian last month: "So far Stoke and Monaco have shown an interest but I’m sure when the Copa Libertadores final game is played there will be other Premier League … [Read more...]
Probable Barcelona Lineup vs Arsenal: Busquets and Rakitic return to the lineup
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London Date: 23/02/2016 Kick-off: 07:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM EST Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is the player who usually starts for Barcelona during the cup competitions and the goalkeeper is certain to feature against Arsenal this weekend as well. ter Stegen has usually found it easy so far, just like claiming a code on Betminded this season in the cup against arguably weaker opposition but one can be sure that he will be put to the test on Tuesday night against a dangerous Arsenal attack. Defence Jeremy Mathieu featured for Barcelona in central defence … [Read more...]
Arsenal vs Barcelona: Preview, Predicted Lineups and Prediction
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London Date: 23/02/2016 Kick-off: 07:45 PM GMT / 2:45 PM EST Match Arsenal News Arsenal have enjoyed a decent season so far and remain in the hunt for honours in the Premier League, FA Cup as well as the Champions League. However as recent history tells us, Arsenal tend to struggle during this particular stage of the campaign and it will be interesting to see how the Gunners acquit themselves this season. In arguably the biggest game for Arsenal during the current campaign so far, they prepare to square off against Barcelona at the Emirates Stadium in the … [Read more...]
34-year old striker perfect for Manchester United
Former Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta has stated his belief that Athletic Bilbao striker Aritz Aduriz would be perfect for Premier League giants Manchester United. Despite being 34 years old, Aritz Aduriz is one of the most prolific strikers in Europe this season after managing an impressive 25 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions and he is certainly proving that age is no barrier in producing top performances at the highest level. A player of a large stature and keen eye for goal, Aduriz is leading Athletic’s hopes of qualifying for Europe and the veteran has earned a … [Read more...]
Liverpool interested in 19-year old Spanish sensation
Liverpool are monitoring Osasuna midfielder Mikel Merino, as suggested by the HITC. While Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is in urgent need to sign a new striker before the end of the January transfer window, the German boss has not put a blind eye on his job of building for the future as well at Anfield. As a result, Klopp moved very quickly to secure the services of Serbian youngster Marko Grujic earlier on during the January transfer window and now the 48-year old is said to be monitoring another talented midfielder in the form of Mikel Merino. As suggested by HITC, Klopp has been … [Read more...]
Newcastle United to conclude busy window by signing Brazilian and Argentine international
Newcastle United are looking to cap off their productive January transfer window with the signings of Guilherme Siqueira and Lucas Orban, according to reports from the Daily Mail. Newcastle United have certainly made a huge impact in the January transfer window so far after splashing the cash the secure to services of the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Andros Townsend and Henri Saivet. Despite the splurge, Newcastle are not yet done with their business this month as manager Steve McClaren is looking to strengthen his backline. Bringing in a new left back is the priority for McClaren and now … [Read more...]