Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso has denied reports that Chelsea had approached him about a move to west London. The Madrid string-puller's contract was into its final six months, but he has ended speculation by signing a new contract that will keep the 32 year old at the Bernabeu for at least another two years. Alonso signed from Liverpool in 2009 for a fee of £30m and has since become a regular in a central midfied position, despite stiff competition. He has made 140 appearances for Los Blancos, scoring four goals in the process. His true value, however, lies in his ability to break up … [Read more...]
Juan Mata To Move From Chelsea To Atletico
Rumours continue to circulate that the mercurial Chelsea midfielder Juan Mata is set to sign for Atletico Madrid. Mata is still hugely popular among the Chelsea fans but he is becoming an increasingly peripheral, and agitated, figure at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho likes players who work hard and he has reportedly criticised Mata for not tracking back enough and not making enough runs. Mata was substituted on New Year's Day during a game against Southampton and he made no attempt to hide his disgust at the decision. Mourinho insists that Mata is not for sale but we all know that there can … [Read more...]
Manchester United v Real Madrid preview
After two clásicos in a little under a week, the pressure doesn't relent for Los Blancos with their Champions League return against Manchester United at Old Trafford this evening. With the 1st leg having ended 1-1 at the Bernabeu, one would expect it to be an open game with everything to play for. However, with so much at risk it could well turn into a cagey affair with neither side wishing to take the initiative and play an expansive game. Both will likely set-up with formations that are designed to soak up pressure and break quickly on the counter-attack. … [Read more...]
Could Laudrup take over the Bernabeu Hotseat?
Having defeated their greatest rivals on Tuesday, you would be forgiven for thinking that everything was rosy at the Bernabeu and Spain’s self proclaimed greatest club would be celebrating victory. However, the win came in the Copa del Rey and doubts still weigh heavy amongst the Madrid faithful and the special one, or only one as he has re-christened himself, has seen his stock diminish at the capital club. More so in a year when Florentino Pérez wishes to prevail at the polls and have himself re-elected as Madrid President, yet finds his side having been beaten 5 times in the league and 16 … [Read more...]
El Clasico, let the battle commence
Tonight sees the renewal of hostilities between the big two in Spain, el clásico, between Futbol Club Barcelona and Real Madrid Club de Fútbol. Many in the country itself believe that they are the two biggest clubs in the world, many more around the world would find it hard to disagree. Vicente del Bosque, Spain's National Coach and a former Real Madrid player and coach, yesterday received a medal of honour from the autonomous community of Castille and Leon for his services to the game. The great man himself couldn't split the big two and only hopes for a match that will promote the high … [Read more...]
Jose would be welcomed back at the Bridge
He oozes charisma, he's full of confidence and if the young 'hipsters' have a say, he also has 'swag'. Jose Mourinho is Roman Abramovich's ideal manager. Still to this day he probably regrets giving him the boot and it's fair to say Chelsea have never looked like the same force despite the trophies since the 'Special one' left. Pep Guardiola's is the supposed successor to the 'hardest job in football' after Rafa's done the dirty work but he would have been implemented straight away if he wasn't committed to staying on his break in New York. Despite this, it's hard to imagine if Mourinho comes … [Read more...]