Oh how tight the margins in football can be at times! Falling just short of Champions League qualification the previous season has setback Sevilla significantly and threatens to derail the perennial European challengers. Losing out to Villarreal meant Europa League football last season for the Andalucians but unexpectedly the club fell at the first hurdle. There's no shame in losing to Germans Hannover but failing to grasp the financial incentives which begin at the group stage proved to be the fatal loss. Consequently the exodus began. Zokora, Sanchez, … [Read more...]
Athletic Bilbao Season Preview
The escapades of last season surely ranks as one of the greatest years in Bilbao's recent history as they watched their prodigious squad reach two major finals (Europa League & Copa del Rey) as well as challenge briefly for Champions League qualification. Alas however Los Leones failed in all three pursuits, having the carpet pulled from underneath just as glory beckoned. Pride remains the predominant keyword associated with Bilbao despite the agonising lengths the club went to in their unsuccessful efforts for victory. Born and bred Basque blooded battlers both on and off … [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...]
Real Sociedad Season Preview
Media hype and excitement has been largely focused around two or three teams in the build up to the new La Liga season and that probably suits Sociedad. In fact if it could continue for the remainder of the season then I don't imagine hearing too many complaints from Philippe Montanier as his team aim to slip beneath the radar. Levante surprised us with their determined stance last season and it appears that Sociedad are well placed to follow in their path with a vibrant squad centred around an attacking quartet which could bring many admirers. … [Read more...]