Another summer, another manager gone at Real Madrid.It didn't matter that the locker room wanted him to stay or that he was at the helm when the club won it's 10th Champion's League title or that he is one of the most successful and sought after managers in world football. None of that made any difference because right now, all that matters in Madrid is Florentino Perez. … [Read more...]
Modric and Bale injuries could damage Real’s season
Both Luka Modric and Gareth Bale came off injured during yesterday's 3-1 win over Malaga at the Bernabeu. Bale was the first to come off, lasting just five minutes before suffering a calf strain, whilst Modric hobbled off with knee ligament problems. It has emerged that the Croatian will miss the remainder of the season, though Bale should return after a few weeks. These injuries took the gloss off of another win that keeps Madrid hot on Barcelona's heels at the top of La Liga, and Cristiano Ronaldo's 50th goal of a stellar campaign. With Atletico Madrid coming up in the midweek Champions … [Read more...]
The double standards at Real Madrid
Gareth Bale's statistics are highly impressive for somebody who has to play second fiddle to another player. He already has ten league goals this season. The fact, he's rarely afforded opportunities to take free-kicks and penalties mean his goal tally is automatically impeded. His defensive work rate also leads me to regard him in high esteem. Does Ronaldo ever track back? The answer is no, yet nobody in Madrid seems to mind. Bale covers more blades of grass in one match than Ronaldo does in three, the statistics reinforce this. … [Read more...]
Arsenal Transfers: Illarramendi a target
Asier Illarramendi is reportedly a target for Arsenal, but the midfielder may have to wait until the summer to complete a move to the Emirates Stadium. Illarramendi has been linked with a number of clubs after struggling to break into the team this season, with Athletic Bilbao, Real Sociedad and Inter Milan leading the chase to sign him. However, Marca has today reported that Arsenal are monitoring the 24-year-old's situation, but won't be signing him until the summer. This is because Arsene Wenger is focussed on bringing in a defender rather than any other player, making steady progress in … [Read more...]
Ronaldo out with knee injury
Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Real Madrid's La Liga match against Real Sociedad on Saturday with a knee injury. Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that it isn't a problem, but concern is growing that Los Blancos could be without their free scoring talisman in the season run in. Rumours are circulating around Madrid that his injury is worse than initially thought. Every league match is of vital importance now. With only three points separating the three teams at the summit, every dropped point can make a huge difference. Real Sociedad themselves are in fine form, and are trying to chase down … [Read more...]
Pochettino Interesting Real Madrid
Surprising news is coming from the Bernabeu today. Reliable sources say that Real Madrid are considering replacing Carlo Ancelotti with Mauricio Pochettino. Managing Real Madrid is never the most stable of jobs. The manager receives huge financial support, and inherits a world class squad, but in return he has to deliver. The prize that the Real Madrid want, year after year, is not the La Liga title, but the Champions League. Ancelotti is likely to win some silverware this year. They are three points behind Atletico in the league, but in better current form despite a weekend defeat. They also … [Read more...]
Real Betis 0-0 Real Madrid
Real Madrid moved joint top of La Liga yesterday after a 5-0 demolition of rock bottom Real Betis. Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will see an ominous shadow looming as they prepare for their matches today. Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off his magnificent week with the opener, a fantastic power strike, but the greatest smile of the night was on the face of Gareth Bale. On 25 minutes he curled a perfect free kick past an unmoving Stephan Anderson in the Betis goal – his first goal in two months and his tenth for Madrid. The best is yet to come from Bale but he is showing signs of improvement. Madrid … [Read more...]
Who will be Mourinho’s successor at Real Madrid?
With José Mourinho reportedly confirming that he will leave his post at Real Madrid at the end of the season, there has been heavy speculation regarding who will replace The Special One. Here, I will take a look at 5 candidates who I believe have a chance to take over Los Blancos. … [Read more...]
Chelsea 2-1 Manchester United
Chelsea kept their domestic season alive thanks to a second-half comeback against current league leaders Manchester United at Stamford Bridge this evening. Despite taking the lead thanks to a venemous Wayne Rooney strike in the first period, Manchester United were unable to hold a one goal lead and eventually lost the tie 2-1 after second-half goals from David Luiz and Frank Lampard. The hosts made a lively start to the match and could have taken the lead early on when French international Florent Malouda came racing into the area with the ball but could only direct his shot safely within … [Read more...]
FC Copenhagen 0-2 Chelsea
Chelsea gave their Champions League hopes a massive boost this evening as they ran out 2-0 winners over FC Copenhagen thanks to two goals from Nicholas Anelka. The Blues started brightly and it didn't take long for the away side to open the scoring after a misplaced pass from ex-Chelsea midfielder Jesper Gronkjaer fell straight to Anelka's feet and he provided a cool finish past the Copenhagen keeper Johan Wiland just inside twenty minutes. As the second peiord began things worsened for the hosts and again it didn't take long for Chelsea to take the initiative and add a second goal … [Read more...]