Monthly Archives: February 2015

When will an Italian Serie A side win the Champions League again?

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With the Champions League returning later this month, Juventus defender Stephane Lichtsteiner recently admitted his dream of winning the prestigious European competition with the Serie A holders, saying: “I want to continue to win here. It’s in the DNA of Juventus, and we have a big dream: to win the Champions League. We need to play with more tenacity and malice, and I agree you can always improve. We have been doing very well, we have conceded few goals and created a lot, but in the Champions League, you cannot make mistakes.”

The Old Lady are the only Serie A side still left in the competition after the group stages, and the decline of Italy’s best in Europe has been apparent in the last few years. There was no Serie A side in the Champions League after the second round in 2013/14, and Juventus were Italy’s only representative in the 2012/13 quarter-finals.

The last time an Italian Serie A side won the Champions League was Inter Milan in 2009/10, managed by Jose Mourinho. Since then, no Italian club have made it further than the quarters. This season, the only other Italian side in the competition, AS Roma, were knocked out in the groups, with CSKA Moscow, Manchester City and Bayern Munich for competition.

The Serie A was once the most feared leagues, where the best players would reside, and from where the most Champions League winners would come from. Between 1989 – 1996, four of the eight Champions League finals were won by an Italian club. And between 1992 – 2005, an Italian representative made 10 of the 14 Champions League finals. Since then, only AC Milan (2006/07) and Inter Milan (2009/10) have won the competition, let alone make the final.

So once again, the Bianconeri carry the hopes of a nation in the Champions League. Despite having won the last three Serie A titles, while currently sitting top of the pack this season, Juve have only made it to the quarter-finals of the competition in the last decade. They are the undisputed kings of Italy, but just haven’t been able to translate that in Europe, despite boasting world-class talent such as Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal in their midfield.

Juventus face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League second round later this month. Their Bundesliga opponents are currently in a relegation battle in Germany, but are still being tipped to many to see past the Italians over two legs. If Juve are eliminated, it’s Italy’s last hope in Europe’s top competition for another season, but if not now, then when will a Serie A side win the Champions League again?

Hull City defeat the end for Paul Lambert at Aston Villa

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Aston Villa dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this season after losing 2-0 away to fellow strugglers Hull City. It was Villa’s four consecutive league defeat, and the eighth game of their last 10 that they have failed to score in. The Midlands club have gradually been dropping down the table week after week since December, and recent form has seen the majority of supporters turn indefinitely on the manager.

Fans were seen lofting banners with “Lambert Out” during the game, and they could well receive their wish in the coming months. Lambert’s post-match interview had the air of a defeated man who had little left to give. The task to keep the club in the Premier League has never been harder, as they are enduring the worst form since the Scot arrived at Villa Park.

“The dressing room is as flat as you’ll probably get it, the way they’re feeling. You’ve got to go into the next game and win it. You can’t feel sorry for yourself. We’ve got to keep battling away and keep our heads up. We’re certainly in a fight. You have to keep going and keep being positive. There’s a lot of football to be played,” said Lambert following the Hull City defeat.

There was an element of luck with how Hull City scored both goals to earn three points over the Villans, but the table doesn’t lie, and this season Aston Villa have been one of the weaker sides in the division. There’s enough time to get themselves out of the drop zone, but Lambert’s future was another story.

He found himself in a similar predicament as Alan Pardew did during his time at Newcastle, where supporters wanted the manager gone from the club regardless of the outcome to the campaign. The Aston Villa boss signed a four-year-deal earlier in the season to many fans’ surprise, but his current position was untenable after another disappointing result to a relegation-threatened opponent.

Defeats to the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea can be excused if the club are still picking up points against the teams around them in the table, but Aston Villa have lost to Hull City, Leicester City and West Brom in the last two months. A five-game losing streak isn’t even the worst of the season, but a lack of goals, and little indication of improvement have been enough to signal the end for Lambert.

Was Pearson sacked and re-hired?

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On Sunday evening reports from various sources suggested Leicester City had sacked manager Nigel Pearson. But hours later, conflicting stories came from the City camp that previous rumours about Pearson’s position were incorrect. The club even released a statement denying the sacking of the 51-year-old, but the wording of message to the fans suggested there was more to the story than a mistranslation.

“Leicester City Football Club would like to clarify its position relative to its manager, Nigel Pearson. Contrary to media speculation on Sunday evening, Nigel remains the Club’s First Team Manager. Reports to the contrary are inaccurate and without foundation. Nigel, his staff and the first team squad are entirely focused on Tuesday night’s trip to Arsenal and our continued efforts to secure our position in the Barclays Premier League,” said the statement.

Hardly denying that Pearson could have been sacked on Sunday, and reinstated following talks or a change of heart by the club, something Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker alluded to on Twitter, saying: “If I was (a fountain of knowledge) I’d tell you that (Nigel Pearson) was sacked by one of the owners’ family and reinstated by another, but then I’m not.”

It’s been a troublesome Premier League campaign for Leicester City and Nigel Pearson, with the Foxes having lost 15 of their 24 games played. They sit bottom of the table as a result of their poor form, and most recently lost a relegation six-pointer against Crystal Palace.

The City boss was involved in an altercation with Palace midfielder James McCarthur, which show the manager wrestling and tugging on the shirt of the Scot. When asked about why he reacted heavily, Pearson replied: “Because he said something to me. I don’t have to reveal anything, do I? I’m more than capable of looking after myself. There’s no problem with the player.

Earlier this season Pearson was given a touchline ban and fine for telling a Leicester supporter to “f*** off and die,” so he’s certainly not short of controversy.

It seemed as if the owners had washed their hands of Pearson following yet another loss and incident further tarnishing the club’s name, which led to a sacking by one of the Thai family. A u-turn was then alleged to have occurred which saw Leicester release the statement denying any sacking.

“If I have got things to say I will say it in the appropriate manner to the appropriate people. I don’t think I’ve been in a position where I speak too openly about what goes on in internal workings. I’ve always had a good working relationship with the owners and I’m sure I will moving forward. You are never going to have a situation at any football club where things are entirely going the way you want all the time,” said Pearson on Monday.

Almost an admission that talks between him and the hierarchy didn’t go well, while hinting towards the prospect of a sacking too, but what really did happen on Sunday at Leicester City?

Wolfsburg resurgence suggests Bundesliga title is not wrapped up as first thought

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The German Bundesliga title previously looked sewn up by Bayern Munich earlier on in the season, but wealthy Wolfsburg have hit some incredible form over the last few months to become Bayern’s only genuine competition for the league crown at the business end to the campaign.

Bayern, managed by Pep Guardiola, are back-to-back Bundesliga title winners, and found themselves 11 points clear of second place after the last round of league games in 2014. But Wolfsburg have narrowed the deficit since then, beating the holders after the winter break, while extending their unbeaten run to eight games.

The German giants have spent in the January transfer window on attacking talent, and it seems to be having the desired effect so far. Wolfsburg won the Bundesliga title in 2008/09, but that remains their only top-four finish in more than 15 years.

Current head coach Dieter Hecking has been in charge for three years, in which time he’s finished 11th in his first season (2012/13) and 5th last season (2013/14). Many felt the German Bundesliga had lost all excitement due to Bayern’s dominance, but Wolfsburg could well cause the biggest shock of the European leagues by toppling the back-to-back winners.

Wolfsburg 4-1 win against Bayern in January sent shockwaves through Europe, and was the first defeat Guardiola‘s men had suffered in the league all season. The Wolves are a growing team considerably benefiting from financial intervention, and are starting to believe the title is now a two-horse race.

The Bayern manager is certainly feeling Wolfsburg breathing down his neck, and recently said: “Wolfsburg will be our biggest rivals (for the Bundesliga title). I have no doubt about it that they are our main challengers.”

Spending £24M to sign Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle was a statement of intent from a side who aren’t settling on just a top-four finish this season. Bayern have dropped points in two of their three games played since the winter break, so hardly spectacular, while their title rivals go from strength to strength in contrast. Bayern and Wolfsburg have nearly identical home form this season. The latter have played a game more and have amassed an extra point, while both are still unbeaten in front of their own fans. It’s the Wolves’ away performances that have seen them with ground to make up on Bayern.

One win from their last four away games highlights their problems, but a win in their next away game to Bayer Leverkusen would be a huge statement of intent. The German Bundesliga title race is far from over this season thanks to Wolfsburg resurgence, but could they go all the way?

What can Chelsea fans expect from new arrival Juan Cuadrado?

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Chelsea recently completed a deal with Italian Serie A side Fiorentina to sign winger Juan Cuadrado for around £24M. The 26-year-old signed a four year deal, and comes in as Andre Schurrle was sold to German Bundesliga giants Wolfsburg. But what can the Chelsea supporters expect to see from their newest arrival?

Cuadrado impressed in the 2014 World Cup with Colombia, scoring and assisting five goals in as many games in the competition, which led to interest rising his signature in the summer transfer window. He came off the back of an incredible campaign in the Serie A, scoring 11 goals and making five assists, and was regarded as one of the best wide men in the league at the time.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho identified the position he felt the Blues needed strengthening in to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title and challenging in the Champions League, but Cuadrado hasn’t joined to sit on the bench.

The newest arrival is a highly creative player, much more so than William and Schurrle, but he is also a player in the Mourinho mould when it comes to work rate.  The 26-year-old can play as a wing-back, so he won’t neglect his defensive duties, which means he will be a big-game player.

It won’t be long before Cuadrado is knocking on the door for a starting role in the side, which puts Willian under pressure to perform to stay in the team, but Chelsea have real quality on both flanks following the signing.

The Colombian has excessive pace and is tricky going forward. He was difficult to contain in the World Cup, and his attacking style should set the Premier League alight too. But in addition to the technical ability and skills he possesses, he’s also engrained in the South American work ethic, and provides defensive stability on the right hand side too.

If Cuadrado can replicate his Serie A performances for the second-half of the current Premier League season, Chelsea will have their hands on a cracking talent, reaching the prime age of his career. Considering they made a net spend of just £2M, using the majority of funds from the sale of Schurrle, Chelsea have been shrewd in the market with Cuadrado’s signing. The Colombian joined the Londoners off the back of an incredible 18 months for club and country, and could well help Mourinho’s men to the Premier League title.

Paul Pogba, most expensive central midfielder in history?

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With two Serie A titles (12/13 & 13/14), two Italian Supercoppa trophies (2012 & 2013), a U20 World Cup trophy & Golden Ball award (both 2013), a European Golden Boy award (2013), and a FIFA World Cup Best Young Player (2014) award under his belt by the age of 21, Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is being tipped for greatness.

Possessing an impressive CV at a young age, the Frenchman’s stock continues to rise almost week after week. Despite playing for the best football team in the Italian Serie A, Pogba’s agent is still tipping him for a lucrative move to an elite European club, citing a nine figure valuation.

“I want the club that buys him to believe in him and be willing to pay for him. If Paul leaves Juventus, it is for the absolute top. If you cannot take Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, you can only go for Paul. If someone wants him, the market situation could see him go for more than 100million Euros,” said the Frenchman’s representative Mino Raiola.

The most expensive central midfielder is Zinedine Zidane, ironically a Frenchman who moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for around £46M. However, such a figure could be comfortably eclipsed by Pogba given his current rise to prominence, should he ever consider leaving the Old Lady.

Pogba has already made 22 caps for his country, and could well have over a decade of service still to offer Les Blues, which could see him challenging the all-time top appearance-maker Lilian Thuram (142 caps). The former Manchester United man is a box-to-box midfielder, more proficient attacking than defending, while possessing quick feet to get himself out of sticky situations, and the strong physique to stand up to big opposition.

He’s dazzled up the Italian Serie A since his arrival, and has played a key role in the Juve side during one of its most successful ever periods in terms of domestic trophies. This season, Pogba has scored six goals in 17 league starts, creating 25 chances and making 58 successful dribbles. The Frenchman has made over 110 appearances for Juve already, with one of his most recent seeing him net the winning goal against Napoli, to earn Juve their first win at the Stadio San Paolo in 14 years.

As a result of his consistent performances in the last two seasons, Pogba isn’t without interest from a host of sides, but his sale will require a large outlay due to his value to the Italian side. Thus, will the 21-year-old become the most expensive central midfielder in history?

QPR destined for the drop?

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With Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp resigning from the club on Tuesday, which has resulted in coaches Glenn Hoddle and Joe Jordan following him out the door, are the Londoners now destined to go down?

Already in a precarious position, the newly-promoted side find themselves 19th in the Premier League after 23 games, winless in their last six outings. They are the only side to not have picked up a point away from home this season, and failed to add to their squad as originally planned last month.

qpr

Redknapp cited his deteriorating physical condition as the reason for his departure, but the lack of transfer activity was said to be the nail in the coffin. Queens Park Rangers have been heavily reliant on Charlie Austin for goals this season, and have no contingency plan should the club’s to scorer suffer from injury.

As a result, it’s something Redknapp does not want attributed to him if the Hoops suffer relegation. He leaves the club just one point from safety, so he can rest safe in the knowledge that he had the Londoners in a place to remain in the top flight.

But losing two influential coaches along with the manager places a lot of pressure on owner Tony Fernandes to quickly find somebody to replace Redknapp. Former Tottenham head coach Tim Sherwood, and current QPR caretaker boss Les Ferdinand are the frontrunners to be named new Ranges manager, given their ties to London.

Fernandes cannot afford to take his time over the appointment, as ever point is important in the Premier League, and any uncertainty can have an adverse effect on the players, and in turn the results.

From gameweek one, Queens Park Rangers have been around the relegation zone, and 23 games in little has changed. While safety is just one win away, the Londoners have so far shown they are one of the weakest and most-struggling sides in the division, which is why they cannot lift themselves out of trouble for long enough.

Harry Redknapp wasn’t without his critics, and there are other managers who could be a good fit for the Hoops, but mid-season appointment can see the side spiral if the wrong name is brought in. This is crucial period for the club’s future, and Fernandes knows the seriousness of the situation.

Borussia Dortmund on the brink of collapse

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2015 has continued in similar fashion as the previous year for strugglers Borussia Dortmund as the German Bundesliga outfit were defeat 1-0 at home to Augsburg on Tuesday night. The result left BVB rooted to the foot of the table after 19 games, and following the final whistle two of the Dortmund players apologised to the angry supporters.

Borussia Dortmund celebrate

A noble gesture, yes, but the only way to appease the supporters is to win games and convince them you’re giving your all for the side. Manager Jurgen Klopp has seen his reputation shattered in the last 18 months, with Dortmund’s demise leading to speculation about his future, as well as many of the players’.

It’s worrying when a long-serving manager criticises his men for lacking the courage, but that’s exactly what Klopp said in his post-match interview. “We can be accused of anything tonight and it is all justified. Battling also means having the courage to take the right decision. We were missing that tonight.”

Many blindly assume Dortmund will be safe purely due to the strength of their squad, but there’s no guarantee they can turn things around. While only two points from safety, the table doesn’t lie. The BVB have lost the most league games this season (11), and have won the second-least (4).

Their rise to prominence is a brilliant rags-to-riches story, but the fairytale could well be over after this season. Let alone their final position in the league table, if Dortmund miss out on a Champions League place – which now looks very likely – so many players will be seeking an exit, and even the manager could call it quits too.

Arsenal are seeking out replacements for Arsene Wenger for when the Frenchman retires, and Klopp has been linked with the club for years now. As for the players, stars such as Mats Hummels and Marco Reus will be near impossible to hold on to, given the interest.

Dortmund threatened a revival this time last month, picking up two wins and a draw from four games to climb up to 13th in the table. But two points won from a possible 15 saw them right back down at the bottom again. This is a side that has won the Bundesliga title only three years ago, and a side that have finished in the top-two in each of the last four campaigns.