And that was the season that was. Nine months of chaos, shocks, egomania and unpredicitability – and that was just Mario Balotelli! Yes, the 2011-2012 season turned out to be a memorable one. Not just in England – but elsewhere too.
Well, I’m sure most of you witnessed the good, the bad and the downright ugly (not looking at anyone in particular, Joey Barton!) at the Etihad stadium as Manchester City won the Premier League in the most dramatic fashion in the history of the English game. Yes, even more so than 1989. It was like a Hollywood movie. Even Paul Merson nearly went into cardiac arrest live on Sky Sports News. Unforgettable – especially if you’re from the blue half of Manchester.
In Italy, Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi played their last games for Juventus and AC Milan respectively. Both players scored in the final day of the season (Inzaghi, incredibly, was ONside), but it was Juve that were already crowned champions of Serie A after an unbeaten season. It was an incredible season in Italy with players such as Fabrizio Miccoli, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo and Edinson Cavani playing our of their skin all season. Don’t be surprised if Cavani, the Uruguayan at Napoli, is being eyed up by Roberto Mancini or Roman Abramovich as we speak.
As reported last month, Holland’s Eredivisie was wide open as there was four points between the top six teams by mid-April. But it was Ajax who claimed the title. Their second consecutive title – both under manager Frank De Boer. But it’s not all settled at the bottom end of the table. The brilliantly named VVV-Venlo currently find themselves in the relegation play-offs, facing Helmond Sport this week.
Like Ajax, Borussia Dortmund find themselves with their second consecutive Bundesliga title win just ahead of Champions League finalists Bayern Munich. Jürgen Klopp’s side must have been quite worried having lost the Bundesliga player of the year last year, Nuri Şahin, to Real Madrid. But luckily, thanks to the brilliance of players such as wonderkid Mario Götze, Die Borussen marched on for another title. Note: – keep your eye on Götze playing for Germany in this summer’s Euros.
So that was 2011-2012. What about next season? Will King Kenny still be at Anfield? Will Tito Vilanova flop as new Barcelona coach? Who will shine in Euro 2012, prompting massive money transfers? Will Mario Balotelli still be going to take-aways at 1am in Manchester city centre? Which ageing stars will seek a final big payday in the MLS? And will Joey Barton calm down?
Still – we got the Champions League final on Saturday coming. Gulp! See my preview later on in the week. In the meantime, hit me up on Twitter with your thoughts (@robsmithireland)
Ten years ago Man City were playing in the second tier of English football, constantly taunted by their rivals Manchester United. Today, the blue half of Manchester can tell the red half to zip it, as victory against Q.P.R. will ensure their first Premier League trophy – their first top flight trophy since 1968.
Of course, QPR will not be merely sitting back with nothing to play for – their entire season for next year completely depends on the result at the Etihad stadium this afternoon. They are two points outside the relegation zone and will be looking for a victory to absolutely guarantee a place in the 2012-13 Premier League. Oh no, it certainly shan’t be an easy ride for City today. Of course, City needn’t worry about the result – so long as Sunderland do them a favour by beating Man United. It’s all to play for in England today.
City won't fall at this stage of the season...will they?
Elsewhere in Europe, Juventus have already been crowned champions of Italy, juat ahead of AC Milan (breaking Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s eight consecutive league titles with 5 different clubs). Hopefully we can see The Old Lady do more damage in next season’s Champions League than what’s been seen in the past few years.
Finally in Spain, Real Madrid have won La Liga, pipping Barcelona to the post. It is Los Blancos’ record 32nd La Liga title and yet another trophy in the ever-expanding cabinet of The Special One. No Pep Guardiola for Barça next season though as he’ll be replaced by Tito Vilanova – and he knows The Special One very, very well.
What’s your predictions on today’s games in England? Will City clinch it? Or will United come back? Leave a comment or hit me up on Twitter (@robsmithireland)
Saipan – there is a name no Irish footy-loving person will forget. I’m sure half of us couldn’t point the island out on a map, but we sure won’t forget the name. Of course, it’s ten years this month, since the infamous public quarrel between Ireland captain Roy Keane and then-manager Mick McCarthy just before the 2002 World Cup in Japan & South Korea.
A decade ago it all kicked off. Keane took issue with the training ground’s conditions, the travel arrangements (which made the players sit in second class seats on flights, while FAI officials sat in first class), strategy, expectations, diet as well as McCarthy’s competence.
Needless to say, the arguments between manager and player were full on (Keane apparently told McCarthy “I didn’t rate you as a player, I don’t rate you as a manager, and I don’t rate you as a person…the only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country”). Keane was sent home by McCarthy, the nation was divided about who was to blame (especially after the RTÉ television interview) and Ireland somehow didn’t win the World Cup. C’est la vie.
Even though the two men have since publicly made up, the incident has long gone but the memory hasn’t. Nevertheless, onward we go as our Boys in Green embark on yet another major tournament as we travel to Poland and Ukraine for Euro 2012. Luckily any argument between manager Giovanni Trapattoni and captain Robbie Keane could get lost in translation (unless Manuela Spinelli is knocking about). No repeat of 2002. Once-per-lifetime is enough for any Ireland fan.
I spent the past week on my honeymoon, and in my company throughout the entire time (apart from my new wife of course) was a copy of Barça: The Making of The Greatest Team In The World by football journalist Graham Hunter. I’ve read many great football books – this is easily one of the best.
In the book, the author focuses takes us back to the ideological birth of this side in the Cruyff era, as well as taking an in depth look at the likes of Messi, Xavi, Iniesta as well, of course, Pep Guardiola. It’s extremely well researched and even has some revelations – such as how some of the powers that be at Barça tried to lure The Special One to the Catalan club. Can you imagine such a thing now? I can’t recommend this book enough to you – no matter who you support, it’s an incredible insight to the workings of a big club.
The good news for all football buffs is that Graham Hunter is coming to Dublin to discuss the book and all related matters this week in the Kylemore Cafe, Level 1, St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre at 7.30pm on Friday 11th May. Tickets cost €6 and and a complimentary glass of wine. Not a bad deal. Email green@hughesbooks.com to reserve your ticket or call 01 478 3060.
The FA announced on their website, that they have made an approach to West Brom to make Roy Hodgson the next England manager. Yes – Roy Hodgson – not ‘Arry Redknapp. Here is the statement in full:
West Bromwich Albion have today granted permission for The FA to speak with Roy Hodgson regarding the position of England Manager.
This follows an approach from FA Chairman David Bernstein to West Bromwich Albion Chairman Jeremy Peace.
David Bernstein said: “I’m grateful to Jeremy and all at West Bromwich Albion for their co-operation in allowing us to approach Roy, who I have since spoken with. Roy is the only manager we have approached and we remain on course to make an appointment within the timescale we set-out soon after Fabio Capello’s departure. Further conversations will now take place with Roy and my Club England colleagues before any further announcements can be made.”
The 64-year old’s contract at WBA expires on 30 June, negating the need to pay his club any compensation. That would not have been the case with Redknapp – who was highly speculated by the press to fill the role. He would have cost the FA upwards of £8m to secure from Spurs. Was money the motivation for the FA to chase Hodgson instead of the hugely popular ‘Arry? Possibly.
However, it’s not the first time the FA have looked at Hogdson for the England job. In 2000, he was one of three candidates for the role. Eventually it was won by Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Hodgson may not be the most popular choice amongst England fans, but he is a no-nonsense coach with a great mind for the game. An old school manager that lists Inter Milan, Liverpool, Fulham, Udinese, Blackburn, Switzerland and Finland to name but a few on his managerial CV.
England to win the Euros? Il Trap will never allow it.
And then there were four: Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Four really powerful teams – any one of which is more than capable of winning the tournament.
Tonight, José “The Special One” Mourinho’s Real Madrid side face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Despite the Germans’ goalless draw against Mainz at the weekend, striker Mario Gomez said that Real Madrid “shouldn’t get too complacent. Everything changes for this one. The stadium will burn on Tuesday.” And in typical fashion, The Special One’s response was “I am sure UEFA will have extra firemen at the ready”. Funny.
On the pitch, the two sides will go all out blazing at one another. Both sides typically play a 4-2-3-1 formation and Bayern’s Mario Gomez, Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben will go head to head with Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Angel Di Maria and German international Mesut Ozil. Interesting tie indeed. My prediciton: home win.
Stamford Bridge is the venue for the other semi final where Chelsea play holders Barcelona. Everyone associated with the London side will know that over both legs, Chelsea will have to be really on top of their game. Andrés Iniesta left Chelsea heartbroken three years ago when his stoppage-time strike earned Barca a 1-1 draw in London and saw the Catalan side progress through to the Champions League final instead of the Blues on away goals. Chelsea will now be seeking revenge over Pep Guardiola’s men. This tie will prove to be an extremely tough test for both sides. Can Barcelona break London hearts again? Or can Di Matteo’s men get their much-sought-after revenge? My prediciton: away win.
1. Mario Götze. How has he not been snapped up already? An enormously hot prospect with speed that makes Theo Walcott look like a pensioner, play-making abilities that Zizou would be proud of, and has the best creativity in the Bundesliga since…well…possibly ever. Only last March, Götze renenwed his contract with Borussia Dortmund, making any potential tranfer that bit more expensive. The likes of Chelsea or City could afford him, but in my opinion it should be Arsene Wenger chasing up the 19-year old. It would be his best signing since Thierry Henry. Big words, I know.
Hot prospect Mario Götze playing for Dortmund
2. Fernando Llorente. An extremely prolific World Cup-winning striker. A typical number 9. Llorente was actually born Fernando Llorente Torres. And like his namesake, a move to a massive English club could see his career step up yet another gear (forget about Torres’ present Chelsea form). The question remains – which English club could he fit into? No doubt he could be the most ideal partner with Andy Carroll and Stevie G at Liverpool. But could they afford the 27-year old? Well, they did pay a lot for Carroll…
Llorente: a classic no. 9
3. Alessandro Del Piero. Relax – hear me out. Del Piero is currently in his last season with Juventus, the club he’s been at since 1993. From June 1st he will be able to move to a new club on a free transfer and his wages will be reduced significantly due to his age. But – he can still do it. He’s playing a blinder for Juve this season. He’s certainly one of the best 37-year olds I’ve seen perform at the highest level. And he’s also made no secret of his fondness of certain aspects of English life such as the local music and TV shows (Oasis are his favourite band and apparently he loves Jonathon Ross). Maybe he’d like to try live there for one year and play for someone like Villa or Fulham? Who knows…
Where next for Del Piero? England?
4. Eden Hazard. 21-year old Belgian midfielder and team-mate of Joe Cole at French side Lille. Mind you, Hazard is Lille’s best player by a long way. In Belgium, he is often compared to national hero Enzo Scifo. One of his main attributes is his cool and calm demeanor on the field and his ability to be dispossessed. His close control skills have dubbed many in France and Belgium to nickname him “the little Messi”. A move to the Premier League will see his career jump to the next level like it did for Juan Mata. In fact, he’d fit in well alongside Mata – just a thought, Mr Abramovich.
Hazard: Belgian wonder won't be at Lille forever
5. Daniele De Rossi. It’d be difficult to lure him away from Roma. But if he was to leave the Giallorossi, the only place where he’d succeed would be in England, in my humble opinion. It’s the style of football De Rossi loves and I don’t see it being as effective in, say – La Liga or the Bundesliga. He’s currently the highest paid player at Roma with a wage of €6.5 million per year. This may put off some Premier League clubs – but I’d be surprised if Roberto Mancini doesnt have the 28-year old in his sights.
De Rossi's style of play could work wonders in England
Who else do you think would be a great addition to the English Premier League? Leave a comment or hit me up on Twitter @robsmithireland
Man City‘s season certainly looks over. After the sky blues’ weekend defeat to Arsenal, their hopes of shutting the red half of Manchester up don’t look good – even though Roberto Mancini, in all fairness to him, still refuses to give up. But it would take an enormously spectacular slip-up from Man United to throw it all away now. Those who have a keen eye on the English league will be focussed on who may get a Champions League spot (Newcastle United or Tottenham will be battling this out with Arsenal for that 3rd spot). But in other leagues, things are slightly more tense for the top prize.
In Italy’s Serie A, title holders AC Milan are just holding onto first place ahead of rivals Juventus with just two points in the difference. But Juve have a game in hand. That game in hand is against Lazio – who themselves will be fighting to remain in their current 3rd place. There’s six league games left in Italy. Will Milan be crowned champions once more? Or will Juve add yet another Serie A title to their trophy cabinet? Or will it be someone else? It’s certainly going to go the distance anyway.
A month or so ago, you wouldn’t have been crazy to back Real Madrid to become La Liga champions in Spain. Eleven points clear at one stage, José Mourinho’s men had to simply not slip up. Three draws in Madrid’s last five games alone witnessed rivals Barcelona sneak up behind them rapidly. As of right now there is one point in it – yet Madrid have a game in hand. In ten days time, both teams face each other in the Camp Nou. That night could decide the title. A draw will mount the tension even more. The dual between Pep Guardiola and The Special One is at it’s tightest.
Finally, football fans should keep one eye on Holland’s Eredivisie. There is only four points between the top six teams. Imagine if that happened in the Premier League? Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, AZ, FC Twente and Heerenveen are all in it. With six games left, I for one will be watching how this one plays out. In Dutch football, anything can happen sometimes. Literally anything…
Ajax & PSV: just two of six clubs looking for Holland's big prize
Well, the mid-week Champions League footie was good, wasn’ it? But look at the forthcoming fixture list for the semi finals. Barcelona v Chelsea – a difficult one for Chelsea who needn’t be reminded of the events when the two sides last met in the Champions League semi final 2nd leg at the Bridge back in 2009. The Londoners are out for revenge against the mighty Barça side. The other one, Bayern Munich v Real Madrid, is historically one of the most tense duels on the European stage – scandals, controversies and carnage have been on the menu in previous ties. An El Clásico final? Quite the thought, eh?
Another el clásico/fight, anyone?
Speaking about European competitions, how good have Athletic Bilbao been in the Europa League? Amazing to watch, aren’t they? They are making Thursday nights enormously worthwhile, footie-wise. They’ve tossed a little-known team called Manchester United out of the competition, have a date booked against FC Barcelona in the Copa Del Rey final and currently lie in 7th place in La Liga with an eye to hopefully make it into the top four and into a Champions League play-off spot. Surely they can’t….can they?
Bilbao - the Basque Brazil
Elsewhere in the beautiful game this week, reports from Italy suggest that Mario Balotelli‘s former club Inter Milan may possibly be interested in taking the Man City nutter back to San Siro. I can hear Noel Gallagher screaming in the distance as I type: “Noooooooooo”. Also, Football El Mundo also bids farewell to the former Italy, Lazio, New York Cosmos and Swansea City striker Giorgio Chinaglia who passed away last Sunday. Here are all 50 goals from his record-breaking 1980 NASL season with the New York Cosmos – a club he joined in the prime of his career unlike stars such as Pelé and Johann Cruyff.
Is Mario to leave to blue half of Manchester for the blue half of Milan?
Six more footie-related classics spotted recently via the World wide web. Everything from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s man-crush to the the Russian striker that wants to take every one of his fans on.
1. George Best in the MLS. This goal wasn’t exactly played in a World Cup final. But it sure was a lot better than the vast majority of Pelé’s 1281 goals. I don’t know when we’ll see Keano do this stateside.
2. Ibra loves Ronaldo. The not-so-modest Zlatan Ibrahimovic can’t resist but to be star-struck when he faces his hero Ronaldo during the Milan derby. And I thought Ibra only gets star-struck when he looks in the mirror.
3. The boy’s a bit loco. You think Cantona’s kung-fu kick was nuts? Bah…that had nothing compared to when FC Shinnik forward Aleksandr Shirko decided to take on his own fans. As you do.
4. Fans never forget. Four years after Luis Figo thought he was in the clear from Barça fans after moving to Real Madrid, renowned Catalan Jimmy Jump (and friend of Football El Mundo) reminded the Portugese winger on live TV that he isn’t welcome back at Camp Nou any time soon.
5. White Hart Pain. Giving new meaning to the term “ballboy”.
6. The team of God. Boca Juniors’ La Bombonera atmosphere is insane. Even more so when Diego Maradona is around – as Gary Lineker found out during his 2006 BBC documentary on the Argentine genius.
Spot anything good on the web recently? Let me know here or hit me up on Twitter (@robsmithireland).
Seventy three minutes had passed in both Champions League ties on Tuesday and not a goal had been scored. Were APOEL going to hold the mighty Real Madrid in Europe’s biggest competition? Were Benfica going to cause Chelsea some heartache? Just seventeen more minutes. Sadly it was not meant to be – Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Madrid just then.
Sixty seconds later Salomon Kalou scored for what turned out to be Chelsea’s only goal. Madrid ended up winning 3-0. It ain’t over ’til the fat lady sings, as they say. APOEL will need extra choruses to try topple Mourinho’s men in the return leg on April 4.
Twenty-four hours later a very unusual thing happened at the San Siro – for once this season, a big night did not belong to Leo Messi. A stubborn AC Milan side frustrated Barcelona in a 0-0 draw. The Argentinian genius (and my recently crowned “best player ever”) had hit the target in each of his last nine outings for club and country but ran into a dead end in Milan. Barça coach Pep Guardiola will need to be wary of the return leg as the slightest mistake could be enough to see the European champions exit the competition.
Meanwhile at the Stade Velodrome, Bayern Munich took charge of their tie against Marseille with a comfortable 2-0 win. One can’t see them slipping up in the Allianz Arena.
Meanwhile, the brilliant Mario Balotelli interrupted a press conference to congratulate the new Inter Milan coach, Andrea Stramaccioni, on his appointment. As you do. Even Noel Gallagher described Balotelli an individual that “truly does not give a flying f**k about anything”. Which is accurate. He is brilliant though. Check it out here.
Today, legendary manager Brian Clough would have been 77 years of age. Football El Mundo is remembering Cloughie today. If ever there was a character in the beautiful game – he certainly was one. His incredible interviews, his famous spats with Don Revie, and exactly what he achieved in the game are why he will never be forgotten.
Of course, not to mention that we’ll remember him for some of his quotes such as:
“Beckham? His wife can’t sing and his barber can’t cut hair.”
“They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, but I wasn’t on that particular job”
“That Seaman is a handsome young man but he spends too much time looking in his mirror rather than at the ball. You can’t keep goal with hair like that. “
“I wouldn’t say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one”
“I only ever hit Roy (Keane) the once. But he got up so I couldn’t have hit him very hard”
Like I said, somewhat legendary. Check out the (partly fictional) biopic The Damned United if you haven’t seen it before – Michael Sheen’s portrayal of Cloughie is brilliant to say the least.
People say Madrid manager José Mourinho is an impressive character in the beautiful game. Well, he’s certainly no Brian Clough and never will be – Old big ‘ead truly was one in a million.
Bayern Munich‘s Bundesliga tie with Hertha Berlin at the weekend. The Bavarians are three goals up. A free kick just outside the area is given. French superstar Franck Ribery wants to take it to try completely kill off Hertha. Local hero Tony Kroos feels the same way. How did they decide who takes it? The best way possible, that’s how – a swift game of the timeless classic: paper, scissors, stone.
Kroos picked rock, Ribery chose paper. Did the Frenchman score from said freekick? No. Much ado about nothing. Still pretty legend though in my book. Watch the whole thing here.
Most of you would have seen or heard the interview with Man City striker Mario Balotelli conducted by a little-known local lad called Noel Gallagher. For those who haven’t yet seen it, enjoy the video. It’s pretty brilliant. For those who want to give it another look, enjoy the video.
By the way, and I’m just gonna throw this out there, but how about giving Noel a regular gig interviewing footballers? Statements such as “My children love you and they don’t even know who you are” are amazing in my book.
Arséne Wenger has absolutely nothing to lose. After the 4-0 hammering his Arsenal side received at the San Siro at the hands of AC Milan on February 15th last, the French boss may aswell go for it. What has he got to lose? Can the Gunners do what seems like the impossible? He must, of course, be wary of the Italian giants. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in fine form, having scored a hat-trick at the weekend and not to mention the difficult time Robinho can give the North London side. To quote Del Boy Trotter: he who dares, Arséne, he who dares.
Also on Tuesday sees Zenit St Petersburg travel to Portugal to take on Benfica. The excellent five-goal-thriller in Russia last month gives Zenit the edge, but Benfica’s domestic form and their two away goals may count for something for Jorge Jesus’ side if they go all guns blazing at Luciano Spaelletti’s men. Watching from the sidelines will be the cup-tied Andrei Arshavin, who recently returned to Zenit from Arsenal.
Tomorrow, Barcelona host Bayer Leverkusen at the Camp Nou. The German outfit’s hopes of reaching the next stage of the competition appear slim at best, given that they go into this leg trailing 3-1 from the previous encounter at the BayArena on Valentine’s Day last. But Bayer’s form is quite good – consecutive wins against Augsburg, Koln and then upsetting the mighty Bayern Munich could give Robin Dutt’s men the confidence for a massive upset in Catalonia. Pep Guardiola, of all people, will be well aware of this.
Also on Wednesday, APOEL host Lyon. The French side have only a slender 1-0 lead against the Cypriots and Ivan Jovanovic’s men will be seeking to make a historic win at the GSP Stadium in Nicosia (a place most of us Irish fans would prefer to forget after THAT game).
All in all there is some interesting ties with some more even more interesting ones next week. What’s your predictons? Let me know or hit me up on Twitter.
