Malaga manager Manuel Pellegrini looks to be heading to the Premier League next season following a meeting between the Jesus Martinez, the Chilean's agent, and Txiki Begiristain, Manchester City's director of football. Pellegrini has expressed his desire to leave in subtle comments throughout the season, keen to avoid causing offence to Malaga fans and players whilst continuing their push for the top four, but has become increasingly frustrated at the ongoing problems with wage payments. After leading Malaga to minutes of a Champions League semi-final, Pellegrini will be a much sought after … [Read more...]
Amazing Abidal set to start at the Allianz Arena
Éric Abidal is set to start tonight's Champions League semi-final clash for F.C. Barcelona against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Germany. A defensive injury crisis at the Catalan club has thrust the Frenchman back into Tito Vilanova's plans much sooner than expected. Injuries to captain Carles Puyol and Javier Mascherano, along with the lack of European playing time at the heart of defence of Marc Bartra and Alex Song has placed Abidal, with his wealth of experience, at the forefront of the coaching staff's thoughts. … [Read more...]
The Battle against the Drop – who will stay up?
It has become a yearly occurrence for the bottom of Spain's premier division to take us until the final day to find out who has the privilege of hosting Real Madrid and Barcelona again in the next campaign, usually providing much greater excitement than the title race. This year is no different as Barcelona have all but sealed the league championship from Real Madrid, boasting a massive 13 point gap, whilst at the foot of the table six teams are battling for another season in the top flight. Athletic Bilbao are just about safe by our predictions so the three relegation spots are most likely to … [Read more...]
Malaga must face reality after death of Champions League dream
Last Tuesday’s Champions League exit at the hands of Borussia Dortmund will stick long in the memory of Malaga fans. Not only was the result a harsh reflection on a great team effort by the Andalusians but also it could mark the start of this team’s decline. The comments by president Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani that the 3-2 defeat was down to “racism” have given the fans something to distract them in the aftermath but once the hum-drum of the league kick backs in then it will be time to take stock of what the future might hold. … [Read more...]
Does LFP need to reformat its premier division?
La Liga has two representatives in the UEFA Champion’s League semi-finals and an all-Spanish final might occur for the second time in the competition’s history. However, this, we argue, does not reflect the superiority of the Liga BBVA as a whole… ‘Two-horse race’ is often the most common description of the La Liga title race, which, even to those of us who defend the league, appears to be undeniable in recent years. … [Read more...]