Monaco is the venue where two managers who were given similar tasks last year will meet to discuss how they fared. Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo managed to steer his beloved club to a maiden Champions League victory against all odds in Munich last May whilst concurrently Diego Simeone guided Atletico Madrid to an emphatic Europa League final win in Bucharest and both will be vying to win the European Super Cup on August 24th. Simeone had only been in charge since the winter break ended in late January but revitalised the club and leads them into … [Read more...]
Real Madrid Season Preview
Before we begin lets make one thing clear. Whether or not Real Madrid retain the title depends greatly on how well Barcelona will perform. It is as simple as that. Barcelona can only take back their La Liga crown based on how well Madrid play. The bafflingly simple logic of the situation mocks the overwhelming importance of the La Liga title yet it proves stunningly elementary. However strong the challenge is from one, the other must match and surpass it. … [Read more...]
Getafe Season Preview
Despite extravagant links with Dubai-based businessmen, Getafe haven't made the sort of progress they had anticipated. The Royal Emirates Group had, according to reports, agreed a deal for the club back in 2010 paving the way towards Champions League football and more for the Madrid minnows. However those hopes quickly evaporated as it became clear that the group had no intention of shovelling money into the club. Instead Getafe look on in envy at Malaga who begin their first European quest into the Champions League, heavily backed by their Qatari owners. It's a case of what might have been … [Read more...]
Cazorla set for Arsenal move thanks to some horrendous decision-making by Malaga owner Sheikh Al Thani
As a Los Boquerones aficionado it really does pain me to say it but Malaga FC are a complete and utter joke right now. After a momentus season in which they exceeded all expectations by securing Champions League football, it seemed like the sky was the limit for the Andalusian football club. With a formiddable roster of stars to boast about including, Martin Demichelis, Santi Cazorla, Joaquin, Jeremy Toulalan and many more, things were going so right for Malaga FC on the pitch yet clearly VERY wrong off of it. … [Read more...]
Zaragoza Season Preview
Of the names to have left La Romareda fans of Los Blanquillos have reasons to be both delighted and dismayed at two people who have committed to staying at Zaragoza for next season. Detested President Agapito Iglesias has refused to sell and leave the club having piled debt onto the exasperated balance sheets and made no real attempt to rid them. Thankfully however he brought in manager Manolo Jiminez who steered the club to La Liga safety in spite of the appalling circumstances and has decided to remain and avoid relegation once again. … [Read more...]
Granada Season Preview
Events surrounding Watford FC have been encapsulating during the summer break as Giampaolo Pozzo's takeover of the club kicks off. Having already fired one manager in Sean Dyche and replaced him with compatriot Gianfranco Zola it looks to be the beginning of a busy summer at Vicarage Road. As the Italian businessman's latest development roars into life another of Pozzo's ventures, Granada CF, ponder the implications of the magnate's actions and how it can work to their advantage. … [Read more...]
Deportivo La Coruna Season Preview
Depor took the Segunda title by storm last season, comfortably finishing as champions and returning to where their fans believe they belong. The club last graced La Liga just a season earlier but left the premier division a shamed side, a catastrophic mess. Financial worries had intensified and goal-shy tactics surmounted in one of the darkest days in the illustrious recent history of the Galician giants as they were relegated. … [Read more...]
Celta Vigo Season Preview
The upcoming La Liga season welcomes the return of the Galician derby between two of the division's new boys. Not since 2007 has the encounter been played in the top tier but Celta Vigo's final day draw ensured they'd meet rivals Deportivo La Coruna the following season. Unlike their west coast neighbours, who only dropped down for a single campaign, Celta gained promotion back to La Liga via the scenic route, narrowly avoiding going out of business and a further relegation from the Segunda Division. Star players were sold to balance the books and … [Read more...]
How to develop muscular power like Cristiano Ronaldo
Love him or hate him, no one can deny that Real Madrid and Portuguese international footballer Cristiano Ronaldo is an absolute marvel to watch. As well as possessing unrivalled technical ability and tactical cunning, the root of his success as an attacking midfielder comes from the sheer power he is able to produce from his legs, core and upper body allowing him to glide past players with ease and out-muscle opponents in possession. … [Read more...]
Five things we learnt about Spain at the Euros
If you haven't been living under a rock for the past twenty four hours you'd be aware of the fact that Spain have once again been crowned champions of Europe after an awe-inspiring 4-0 victory over Italy in last night's Euro 2012 final. In spite of arduous comments from the media that their 'Tiki-Taka' style of football had become boring, La Roja silenced their critics once again by retaining their European Championship under the lights of Kiev's Olympic stadium with a quite dazzling display of football. Here's five important things we learned about Spain after the successful defence of their … [Read more...]