Amid speculation surrounding his future at the Parc des Princes, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Yohan Cabaye recently admitted he would be interested in renewing acquaintances with his former manager Alan Pardew, who is now in charge of Crystal Palace, should the London club make a genuine approach this summer.
The French international, 29, left Newcastle in January 2014, which at the time ended a three-year association with then-manager Alan Pardew. But his time with the Parisians hasn’t gone to plan, with Cabaye being on the periphery throughout. He’s had stiff competition for places, with the likes of Marco Verratti, Adrien Rabiot, Blaise Matuidi, and Thiago Motta all getting game time in the middle of the park.
As a result, Cabaye is considering his options elsewhere, and would consider dropping down to play for Crystal Palace, with the chance of playing under Alan Pardew again being the reason he’s considering it. On the rumours, he said: “It went very well with (Pardew last time). If I have to make that decision, it will be a pleasure to see my old coach. I enjoy it with him and he does a great job.
A lack of playing time has the French deep-lying playmaker considering an exit, despite having won back-to-back titles, with Cabaye making only 13 starts in the division. He’s not happy about being on the periphery at the club, and has a big decision to make this summer.
“I am in a situation today where I am not getting the game time that I was hoping for. The important thing is that I will think carefully and make the best decision. We will see how it evolves in the coming weeks,” he added.
Crystal Palace operate on a modest budget, but are looking to become a long-term consolidating Premier League side. The Londoners have a strong squad in the division, and making positive additions – such as Cabaye – will ensure they are always moving forward. Manager Alan Pardew has enjoyed a fantastic first season at the club, but knows standing still in the transfer market will see the side go backwards, so he’ll be scouring the market for talent.
Yohan Cabaye is a player who will provide creativity and ball retention to the midfield, and he showed in his last season with Newcastle that he also has an eye for goal. There are many clubs interested in his signature this summer, but will it really be Crystal Palace that win the race to sign him?
Italian Serie A underachievers AC Milan are making movements this summer to restore the club back to its former glory. Milan finished the season 10th in the league table, which is their lowest position in the division for 18 years. As a result, chief executive Adriano Galliani has been proactive in trying to bring back former stars who enjoyed previous success at the San Siro in a bid to turn things around next season.
One of their biggest targets was snagging former player and manager Carlo Ancelotti, who won a Serie A title, two Champions Leagues, and five other trophies in his coaching tenure at the club between 2001 & 2009. He enjoyed great success as a player in the past too, and is a fan favourite due to his trophy-laden career at the San Siro as a player & manager.
Ancelotti was available this summer after being sacked by Real Madrid following a trophyless campaign, and was subsequently headhunted by Galliani almost immediately. However, the Italian coach politely turned down their approach, and plans to take a short break from football before deciding his next move.
AC Milan have been forced to watch former managers enjoy major success elsewhere, with Ancelotti having won league titles with Chelsea & PSG, and winning the Champions League with Real Madrid. Ex-boss Massimiliano Allegri won the Serie A title a year after leaving Milan for Juventus, and is highly unlikely to return as a result.
So if Milan couldn’t get a former successful manager, they would opt for one of their most influential players of their recent past who is still at the top of his game – Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Paris Saint-Germain. The Swedish international, 33, is in the last year of his contract, and is reportedly a target for Milan. He played at the San Siro for two seasons, and helped the Italians win the Serie A title in 2010/11.
With the Rossoneri reportedly to offer the ageing Ibrahimovic a lucrative three-year deal, they stand a chance of getting their man. PSG might look to cash in on a player they thought they would take a big financial hit on due to his age, so a deal could be in the offing this summer. Nevertheless, AC Milan’s actions early this summer has made it clear of their objectives for next season. They want to return as a top-four side, and want to challenge for major honours again as soon as possible.
Jurgen Klopp’s agent Marc Kosicke has set tongues wagging in the Premier League after revealing his highly sought-after client could well join a club in England’s top-flight when he returns from a sabbatical. Klopp recently left Borussia Dortmund following a disappointing campaign on all fronts, citing that he was no longer the man to take the club forward. He announced that he would take a short break from the game, but considers the Premier League as a potential destination upon his return.
“The Premier League is very exciting, and we do not only think about the top four because there are some other great clubs below them. It is always all about the challenge (not the financial benefits or lucrative transfer kitty). He has the great ability to develop things. If he goes into a stadium, feels the energy and thinks that he can make a difference here, this could be more attractive to him than going with the big deals and aim for the treble,” said Kosice.
However, one stumbling block could well be the process of transfers and contract talks. Klopp is notoriously against speaking with other people’s representatives, and leaves such negotiations to the relevant authorities. In Germany, that’s made possible, but the English game often has agents speaking directly with the manager of the respective club, and Kosice added that it might be the one reason Klopp might avoid the Premier League.
“I am not sure the profile of the job could work. In Germany there is a clear separation between manager and sporting director and I think in principle this is very good. Jurgen does not like to speak to players’ agents or to carry out a transfer. So we have to see which is the most useful arrangement,” he said.
Nevertheless, Klopp has always been complimentary about the Premier League, and would certainly be a coveted man by many sides locking now a coach of his stellar reputation. Winning two Bundesliga titles and taking Dortmund to the Champions League final is no mean feat, and an example of what he can do to a side when given time.
There will many a lot of clubs keen on Klopp when he makes his availability know to the masses, but will it be the English Premier League that he goes to next? He has plenty of years to go in his coaching career, and will use his sabbatical to weight up all his options. Premier League teams always presented him with a tactical challenge in games, and he’s since grown very fond of the English top flight.
Barcelona striker Luis Suarez capped a fantastic debut season with the club by scoring a crucial goal against Juventus in the Champions League final earlier this month. His effort put Luis Enrique’s men back into the lead at the time, and eventually helped the Spaniards seal their fourth European crown in nine years.
No other European outfit have dominated the competition like Barcelona in that time, and their triumph also sealed a historic treble (La Liga, Copa Del Rey, Champions League), while further justifying Suarez’s move from Liverpool last summer. Many questioned if he could play alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Neymar in the attack this season, and the Uruguayan has blown any critics away.
Luis Suarez, 28, set the club back around £75M in the 2014 summer transfer window, but has proven his worth by scoring and creating 42 goals in 37 appearances in the three aforementioned major competitions this season. He’s provided moments of magic, but more incredibly has been willing to sacrifice his own role for the sake of the team.
At former side Liverpool, the prolific striker was the fulcrum of the team, and was given the ball at the earliest opportunity. At Barcelona, Suarez often makes dummy runs, and creates chances for others to help the side to glory. In fact, in his last eight games, he’s made more assists (8) than goals (6), and has been a real hit with his teammates and coaching staff.
“When we thought about Luis Suarez and considered him we knew about his great qualities and figures (goals and assists) but we had our doubts in that we did not know whether he would adapt. But I think we can say he is one of the best players we signed and it was a good decision to trust him. We paid a lot of money for him but he has shown great hunger to win trophies,” said Barcelona manager Luis Enrique.
Barcelona’s gamble on Luis Suarez has more than paid off, but it would be a near impossible task to replicate the last season. No side have ever retained the Champions League, but naturally as holders they are the favourites to repeat the feat. Barcelona do boast the squad to achieve back-to-back wins, and providing Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar can have an injury-free 2015/16, their European dominance could well be reinforced next season. They have the best strike-force in the world, and potentially of all time given what they’ve achieved so far. Suarez has proven to be £75M well spent.
Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has once again been speculated about at the end of the season, with the Frenchman being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United. He’s never made a public desire to leave, nor even hinted to the media about any discontentment, but still the rumours link him with a host of other clubs.
Signed from French giants Olympique Lyonnais for €40M in 2009, Karim Benzema has proven to be worth every penny for the Spaniards. He’s regarded by many as one of the 10 best natural centre-forwards in world football, and has plenty of years still ahead of him. He’s a regular for Real Madrid, and compliments their attack brilliantly due to his unselfish play.
Benzema can be utilised as a target man at times, with his technical and physical attributes meaning he can bring others into play. He has the ability to create chances for his teammates, and will also make the darting runs into the six-yard box to finish off chances himself. Real Madrid even sold a top striker and brilliant secondary option in Gonzalo Higuain to make Benzema their undisputed striker for the foreseeable future. That shows how much confidence they have in his ability.
And with over 130 goals scored in around 280 games for Real Madrid, their faith has been justified. Benzema has won two Copa Del Reys (2010/11 & 2013/14), one Champions League (2013/14), one La Liga title (2011/12), and three other trophies during his time at the club. His agent had to relay the obvious in refuting any talk of an exit this summer too.
“I haven’t met with any club in London. Not with United and not with anyone else. We haven’t held talks with anyone other than Real Madrid. What is Karim going to do in Manchester? He’s happy in Madrid. He doesn’t want to leave. Benzema would only leave if Real Madrid told him he was surplus to requirements, because he isn’t going to leave of his own accord. Karim wants to see out his contract. He wants to retire at Real Madrid,” said the player’s representative.
Real Madrid supporters have had no doubt that Karim Benzema would leave the club, and there’s no better replacement available for Real Madrid to sign either. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero has been mentioned as a potential transfer target, but he doesn’t provide the same attributes as Benzema as a loan striker due to the mass difference in physique.
Do Real have the perfect striker for their style? Will they find anyone better than Benzema?
After a disappointing 2014-15 campaign, Real Madrid parted ways with head coach Carlo Ancelotti and appointed former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as his successor. The club have struggled for the majority of this season and failed to win a trophy as Barcelona dominated Spanish football, claiming a second treble in six seasons. However, Real fans should remain positive about their chances next season under Benitez. The Spaniard led Liverpool to the Champions League crown in 2005, as well as winning the UEFA Cup / Europa League with both Valencia and Chelsea.
The 13-time Champions League winners are expected to be active in the transfer window this summer and, with a couple of signings, should challenge Barcelona’s supremacy in La Liga and Europe’s elite club competition. In fact, when this article was produced, betfair were offering 5/1 on Benitez’s side to extend their record and earn another title.
Real are preparing for a busy transfer window, with the club expecting to bring a number of players to the Santiago Bernabeu this summer. Manchester United’s David de Gea, who has been linked with a move to Madrid for the majority of the season, has reportedly told the Old Trafford side that he wishes to move to his native land and join the Spanish giants. The 24-year-old is arguably the best goalkeeper in the world and, with Iker Casillas pushing 35 years old, it would make sense for Madrid to bring De Gea in now and allow him some time to adjust back to the Spanish game.
Furthermore, Real may bring in another striker this summer as they bid to compete with Barcelona’s phenomenal trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. The evergreen Cristiano Ronaldo remains a focal point of Madrid’s attack, while Gareth Bale has struggled to make a major impact during his second season in Spain. They possess one of the most talented midfield units in world football but do lack an ‘out-and-out’ striker at times. It would be no surprise to see the 13-time Champions League winners dip into the market as they attempt to narrow the gap between themselves and Barcelona. Some supporters have resorted to drastic measures and voiced their frustration at Bale by trying to attack his car after leaving a game. A short clip of the incident can be seen below.
On the other hand, Real Madrid are ruthless and are likely to axe a few players this summer – especially if they bring quality talent into the club. Portugal international Fabio Coentrao may be one of those who leave the Bernabeu this summer, particularly as fellow left-back Marcelo appears to have nailed down the position. Karim Benzema has been linked with a summer move to Manchester United and may be labelled as one of Real’s most expendable players.
The Frenchman has insisted that he will remain at the club but, at 27 years old, Real may decide that there is a better – and younger – option out there. Alexandre Lacazette has been phenomenal for Lyon this season and remains one of the most sought after players in Europe right now and, although Benzema remains a potent threat in attack, the Madrid forward has struggled with injury problems this season and it may be the right time to bring a fresh, young striker into the club. It wouldn’t be a huge shock to see Benzema playing his football elsewhere at the start of next year. Saying that, the striker’s agent has revealed that there is no chance he will be leaving the club this summer.
Benitez is a shrewd tactician and has shown that he is more than capable of outwitting some of the best managers in the game. The 55-year-old struggled in Italy during his time at Napoli and Inter Milan, but performed admirably during his time as interim head coach of Chelsea – winning the Europa League and securing Champions League football. Benitez is meticulous and rarely gets his tactics wrong in the big games – one of his most impressive traits. He has an excellent record in European competitions – winning the UEFA Cup with Valencia in 2004, the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005 and the Europa League with Chelsea in 2013.
In fact, the Spaniard is arguably the perfect candidate to take the leadership of Real. The European giants have always focussed on the Champions League as their main priority and the club will be hopeful that Benitez’s tactical nous can see them reach the latter stages once again. Carlo Ancelotti was criticised heavily for his tactics during the semi-final clashes with Juventus as Madrid were caught out defensively after adopting an extremely positive approach in the first leg. A tactically astute manager, such as Benitez, may not have made that mistake.
Most importantly, Madrid possess a squad that is accustomed to challenging for trophies and their players will be hungry to regain their crown and claim another European Cup triumph. With the likes of Sergio Ramos, Luke Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo, Real have match winners all over the field and are more than capable of emerging victorious in the competition in 12 months’ time. It appears as though the club will manage to secure the signature of goalkeeper De Gea – especially as Manchester United have already lined up a move for Tottenham shot-stopper Hugo Lloris - and this will be a huge scalp in their bid for glory next season. Furthermore, if they can also add a few other squad players, Real will be well set to push for another Champions League crown next season.
Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris recently admitted his desire to be back playing in the Champions League, which has raised speculation on where his future lies this summer. The French international has been linked with a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils eyeing up replacements for Real Madrid-bound ‘keeper David De Gea, and Lloris appears keen to play for a side that can give him European football at the top level.
“For any player you need to play at the highest level to improve yourself to help your national team to improve. I think every player wants to play in the Champions League because it is the highest level. We work for that and I hope to play Champions League football again. At the moment, De Gea is still Manchester United keeper so I have no need to talk about that,” he said on the speculation.
Lloris is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and is being considered by United manager Louis van Gaal as a good option in De Gea’s departure. The latter looks set to join Real Madrid this summer, as ageing shot-stopper Iker Casillas has somewhat run his course with his boyhood club.
De Gea has been outstanding in the Premier League, and admitted his own future is uncertain. Van Gaal reiterated the ambiguity surrounded the Spaniard, and admitted before the season ended that the club were looking for new goalkeepers as a precaution. With United still looking some distance from being title-winners or European heavyweights again, the 24-year-old could be lured to join the 2014 Champions League winners.
Tottenham are resigned to losing on of their best players, given how much they have underachieved in the Premier League over the last few years. They lost a Capital One Cup final against Chelsea earlier in the year, and such struggles in Europe are unlikely to convince players of Lloris’ standard to stay at White Hart Lane.
Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino hasn’t been lining up any replacements for the French goalkeeper this summer, but did manage to tie the 28-year-old down to a long-term deal last year. It means the Londoners have the ball in their court over his future, as they aren’t being held to ransom over demand, nor are they rushed for time in having to let him go.
The former Lyon goalkeeper is now eyeing success at the highest level in the game, so will that see him joining Manchester United this summer?
Barcelona midfielder Xavi’s last game for the club saw him winning the Champions League final against Juventus at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. Let alone the victory sealing an incredible treble (La Liga, Copa Del Rey, Champions League), it was the fourth European cup triumph in his career with the Catalan giants, and cemented himself as the most decorated player in the history of Spanish football.
The 35-year-old was the quintessential one-club man, perfectly engrained in Barcelona’s philosophy, and playing a pivotal role in their trophy success down the years. He’s leaving to join Qatari side Al Sadd this summer, and leaves behind a legacy in Spain that is unlikely to be matched. Considered to be one of the best passers the game has ever seen, the Spanish international exits the Nou Camp with eight league titles, six Supercopa de Espanas, four Champions Leagues, three Copa Del Reys, two UEFA Super Cups, and two FIFA World Club Cups – taking his tally of trophies to 25.
Xavi has also dominated international football, winning the European Championships (2008 & 2012), and FIFA World Cup (2010), while having been awarded a spate of personal honours down the years. A regular name in the Team of the Year awards, while having won a Bronze in the Ballon d’Or, Xavi was deemed the best of the best. A deep-lying playmaker, proficient at ball retention, his job on the pitch sounds simple enough, but the veterans outstanding creativity and consistent set him apart from the rest.
Few players could make as many passes per game as Xavi did, nor would so many find their target. The Spaniard often is compared to the likes of Andrea Pirlo (Italy & Juventus) and former player Paul Scholes (England & Man Utd), but is held in higher esteem due to hi s unwavering quality in some of the best seasonal squads football has ever seen.
Despite dictating the middle of the park in the majority of games played, Xavi perhaps didn’t score or create as many goals as a player of his ability should. His tactical discipline meant he would avoid giving away possession with high-risk passes, and instead would leave such attacking duties to the forwards in the team. Because of this, Xavi has become a legend when talking about the best players providing ball retention, and the ones who player who most epitomised the Spanish & Barcelona way of football. He’s the most decorated player in Spanish history, and what a way to make his time with Barcelona than to win the treble.
After long-serving Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp announced he would be leaving the club this summer, the club were quick to make Thomas Tuchel his successor.
The 41-year-old managed Klopp’s former side Mainz a year after his departure, and is now somewhat repeating the feat at the Westfalenstadion. He was tipped to replace Klopp almost immediately after the latter’s exit, and pundits alike had Tuchel down to be the next man at the Dortmund helm, but he’s largely unknown outside of Germany, so who is Tuchel?
Another modern-day coach with little football experience as a player, Thomas Tuchel has been in management for the last eight years. He boasted a 50% win ratio in his first job at Augsburg (2007/08), and was just shy of a 40% win ratio in his five years with Mainz (2009 – 2014). He led Mainz to the Europa League last season, following a lofty finish in 2013/14, and was initially refused an exit to join Dortmund this summer.
Tuchel was taking charge of a side that had yo-you’d between the top two divisions in the past, but helped stabilise the club, turning them into a strong Bundesliga outfit. It’s of little surprise they didn’t want to let him go, but credentials that will excited Dortmund supporters too. Klopp will be a tough act to follow, but his success boasts plenty of experience, and has turned two sides around in the Bundesliga already in his young career.
As a senior professional, his playing career was only six years, ending due to a knee injury suffered in 1998. He joined Stuttgart as a coach two years later, and eventually found himself as Mainz as a development coach, working his way up the ladder to be promoted first-team manager following their 2009 promotion.
He has no major trophies to his name yet as a manager, but at Dortmund he could well enjoy a trophy-laden spell if he can get his philosophy across to the players. His predecessor won an unprecedented two Bundesliga titles, and three domestic cups, so the pressure is on Tuchel to try and bridge the gap to rivals Bayern Munich, while fending off the likes Wolfsburg and Borussia Monchengladbach, two sides who are enjoying a resurgence in the Bundesliga.
Tuchel may not be well known outside of Germany, but his name is said in high esteem alongside Klopp’s for his work with Mainz when he replaced his fellow native, and he’ll be hoping for another successful spell this time with Dortmund.
Barcelona emerged victorious against Juventus in the Champions League final this weekend, which saw the Catalans seal an impressive treble (La Liga, Copa Del Rey, Champions League) in manager Luis Enrique’s first season at the club. Goals from Ivan Rakitic, Luis Suarez and Neymar were enough to ensure Barcelona ended their four-year wait for European silverware, and it caps an impressive revival for a side who were much maligned only a year ago.
After a trophyless campaign under former manager Gerardo Martino, the club opted to bring back an ex-player-turned-manager in an attempt to recreate the trophy-laded Pep Guardiola era between 2008 and 2012. Luis Enrique, who is a year older than his old teammate, played with Pep for five years at the Nou Camp, and is fully engrained in the Barcelona philosophy. His return could hardly have gone better.
They took the lead just minutes into the final against Juventus, with Ivan Rakitic coolly steering a square pass into the back of the net, following a free-flowing move involving Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Neymar and Andres Iniesta. The new arrival could hardly miss, and capped off a dream debut campaign after moving from Sevilla the previous summer.
Juventus had their chances to level the game in the first-half, but went into the break behind. Barcelona’ lapses at the back almost guarnateed a goal for the Italians at some part in the game, and it was proven right with Alvaro Morata capitalising on slack passing to score an equaliser in the 55th minute. The ex-Real Madrid striker was threatening all evening, but made no mistake from a rebounded effort that bounced into his path.
However, Barcelona weren’t to be denied. The Spaniards always looked threatening going forward with such a world-class attacking trio providing the goals, and it was one of the deadly trio that put the favourites ahead once more. After Lionel Messi had a low drives parried away, Luis Suarez finished the rebound to make it 2-1.
Juventus pressed for another equaliser, and came close in the second-half, with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter-Stegen looking fallible from balls into the box from out wide. But they didn’t make their chances count, and their pursuit for a leveller saw them short in numbers at the back, and the Old Lady were very susceptible to a Barcelona counter on many occasions.
Right at the death, a breakaway from the Spanish club wrapped things up. Neymar finished past Gianluigi Buffon following a swift counter-attack, and Barcelona celebrated their second treble in five years.
Recently appointed the new head coach of Championship promotion-chasers Derby County, Paul Clement will have never felt such high expectations on his shoulders to deliver in his first management role. His impressive CV sees him boasting experience many could only dream of, and now he has the chance to showcase his worth as a No.1.
The 43-year old has been linked with almost ever Premier League top outside of the top-four, but so little was known about him in the football world. Clement has never managed a side in a solo capacity, but started coaching at the age of 23, and has enjoyed success in the 20 years that have followed. By his own admission, he now feels he’s ready to succeed on his own, and has a the right club in which to achieve his goals.
As for credentials, Clement was the No.2 for former Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, winning the Champions League and Copa Del Rey in his two years in Spain. He spent a year with the Italian boss at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012/13 too, which saw the French Ligue 1 side win the title, and success has followed his all through his career so far.
He started in a professional role with Chelsea back in 1996, working with the academy in developing talent. Long-serving captain John Terry made his debut for the club two years later, and was one of the first people to send congratulations following his appointment to Derby. Clement has a stellar reputation among his peers in the game, and many believe he will have a successful career in management given the vast amount of high quality coaches he’s worked with.
The Rams could hardly have appointed a more qualified coach, and the Englishman is still only 43. He takes charge of a side that finished in the Championship playoffs in 2013/14, and finished 8th in the league the following season. His sole objective is to lead the side to the Premier League, but he has inherited a strong squad of players to deliver.
Paul Clement has enjoyed successful spells at the highest possible level, but does have experience in the Football League, working with Fulham and Blackburn Rovers for a year respectively at each club in his career. Many are expecting him to take Derby County back to the Premier League in his debut season, which puts pressure on his shoulders from the start. But many have given him high praise for his work in football, so can Clement could well succeed in management?
Manchester City and England midfielder James Milner has agreed a deal to sign for Liverpool when his contract with the Sky Blues expires this summer, but many are questioning his motives behind the move. Reports have suggested manager Brendan Rodgers offered an astronomical amount of money to lure Milner to Merseyside, while the players has hinted it was down to playing time in his favourite position.
Milner was getting games with the former Premier League champions on a regular basis, and was consistently adding to his CV during a trophy-laden five years at the Etihad. He heavily featured in every season, and had ousted Samir Nasri and Jesus Navas in 2014/15 on merit. The midfielder worked hard to become a key player in the City side, and his manager Manuel Pellegrini was desperate to keep him past the summer.
However, he’s opted to leave for a side currently suffering greatly on the pitch, and a side who have won just one League Cup in the last nine years. It doesn’t quite add up, but Liverpool have signed a player who could better their fortunes on the pitch. Milner is very versatile, and is likely to be operating in a host of positions for the Reds next season.
He could be a wide midfielder in the manager’s 3-4-3 formation, or he could operate through the middle in their 4-3-3 style. Rodgers has a decision to make about how he will use Milner, but it’s clear he wants a hard-working side who will grind out results. Previously, Liverpool were all about style under the former Swansea boss, but his job is now on the line, and he’s turning to substance to pick up results.
Liverpool could be losing the likes of Raheem Sterling this summer, who is a player tough to replace. Milner can provide good distribution from wider areas, but he doesn’t beat his opposite marker in games, and has been used more to nullify the threat of the opponent. His influence grew at Manchester City, however, and Milner became a regular start on the wing. Steven Gerrard’s impending exit could also be a motivation to sign an industrious midfielder.
Pellegrini has made his feelings public about Milner, and how much he wants the Englishman to stay at Manchester City, so why did he make the move? He will be making only five extra league starts in the season, without any guarantee of trophy success at the end of it. Could the ex-Aston Villa man regret the move to Anfield?
New Real Madrid manager Rafael Benitez admitted the Spanish club are showing an interest in Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling, saying: “We admire Raheem, that’s no secret – but he is not one of our players so I can’t really comment on him.” It comes as a surprise that Real are so keen given the vast array of attacking talent they have in the squad, so why do they want Sterling?
With Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, James Rodriguez, and Isco as options in the wider areas, Real are overstocked in the position. Sterling would struggle to get a game with such stellar talent ahead of them, and his record in the Premier League suggests he’s still some distance from matching the scoring antics of the likes of Ronaldo and Bale most notably.
Real Madrid are desperate to become a force in the Spanish La Liga again, with the European heavyweights having struggled to win titles for many years. Once again, they finished behind Barcelona in the standings, and such failure cost the job of former manager Carlo Ancelotti. Benitez has been brought in to try and replicate his past league-winning antics of over a decade ago with Valencia, and could make the Liverpool forward his first signing.
Last season, Sterling struggled for form due to positional shifts enforced by manager Brendan Rodgers. The 20-year-old scored seven Premier League goals, and made as many assists, but was outshone by the likes of Philippe Coutinho in the side, and supporters seem non-plussed if he was to leave this summer after the contract talks having stalled.
Liverpool are likely to want an upwards up £40M for the England international, which Real would have no problem paying. But they have little room for the youngster, unless they are planning a sale of one of their wide men. Gareth Bale was lured to the Spanish La Liga in the summer of 2013, signing from Tottenham for a world record £85M fee, and Real have a long history of poaching English-based talent.
Sterling has already publicly admitted in an unsanctioned interview that he wants to join a side challenging on all four fronts, suggesting that his ambitious nature has seen him stall talks on a £100K-a-week contract. The Santiago Bernabeu would certainly be a destination he would consider if initial interest turned into something official this summer, but why the Spanish giants would spend so much on the youngster is still unknown. The supporters would consider Sterling an underwhelming addition compared to the names they are used to in the last decade and more.
AS Roma finished the 2014/15 season second in the Italian Serie A, overcoming a poor league form in the late Winter months, and fending off the resurgence of SS Lazio in the run-in too, but ultimately securing a runners-up medal is of little consolation due to their consistent failure to win the title.
The Wolves last lifted the league crown in 2000/01, finishing ahead of the likes of Juventus (2nd), Lazio (3rd), Parma (4th), Inter (5th) and Milan (6th). But since then, they haven’t managed to replicate the glory says in the Serie A, and are now a side most recognised for how many runners-up medals they’ve earned down the years.
Since wining the title, AS Roma have finished runners-up on eight occasions from the 14 seasons that followed. Manager Fabio Capello was the last man to deliver domestic honours, and the Italian giants have appointed 11 head coaches to no avail since. Such consistent failure to top the table could well be attributed to a mental inferiority to the opposition, as Roma have come close many times, but have fallen short when the pressure has been on.
This season would certainly give evidence to the prosecution, as Roma suffered dropped points in eight of nine games played between January and March. It effectively saw them throwing away any chance of toppling the dominant Juventus, and had supporters worrying that Roma would miss out on Champions League football too.
But the Serie A side finished the season somewhat strongly, winning four of their last six league games to match their final position of the previous campaign. Current manager Rudi Garcia faced pressure earlier in the season when Roma were struggling for wins, and his future is still in the air as a result. He was brought in to win the title, as he did with former side Lille, but has fallen short of the mark in two seasons at the Stadio Olimpico.
There are a lot of players who could be departing from the side this summer too, such as Ashley Cole (aged 34), Seydou Keita (35), Maicon (33), Morgan De Sanctis (38) and Federico Balzaretti (33). Roma would need a rebuild, which could see them struggle to start the next season strongly from the off. Totti is the last survivor of their 2001 title-winning side, and he’ll be desperate to win the league crown again before he hangs up his boots. When will the perennial runners-up win the Serie A title again?
German Bundesliga club Hamburg emerged victorious from a Promotion/Relegation playoff clash against promotion hopefuls Karlsruhe (2. Bundesliga) on Monday to ensure of their top-flight status for another year, while sealing their legacy as the only club in the division to have never been relegated.
Karlsruher and Hamburg drew 1-1 in their first-legged clash at the Imtech Arena, and away goals did play in the second leg, so failure to score in the reverse fixture would see Hamburg relegated to the second tier of German football.
It was the hosts who were frustrating Hamburg, holding onto a 0-0 draw in their own backyard that would have been enough to see themselves promoted on aggregate at Hamburg’s expense. Reinhold Yabo then put Karlsruher ahead with little over 10 minutes to play, but Hamburg responded with Marcelo Diaz levelling the tie in injury time.
Extra time ensued, and Hamburg took the lead through Nicolai Mueller minutes from a penalty shootout to break the hearts of Karlsruhe, but to the joy of the Hamburg supporters. The Hamburg goalkeeper even saved a penalty in the final minute of the game, that will have set up a nervy finale, but ultimately it was the Dinosaurs survived, and carried on a piece of long-standing history.
No other team in German’s top division have become mainstays in the domestic league like Hamburg, but their status was in doubt as they endured a miserable campaign. They looked safe in February, winning back-to-back Bundesliga games against Paderborn and Hannover, before suffering a nine-game winless run that dragged them closer to the bottom.
But their form in the build-up to their do-or-die playoff clash was impressive, with three wins from their last five games of the Bundesliga season, which gave the entire side confidence of securing their survival against Karlsruher. It’s the second consecutive season they have been in the relegation playoffs, and will be worrying for the supporters who will be fearing the worse for the next campaign.
Since their promotion to the Bundesliga in 1963, Hamburg have never fallen out of the division. They have won the title three times, during a dominant period between the late 70s and early 80s (1978/79, 1981/82 &1982/83), but have been finishing dangerous close to the automatic drop zone in recent years, with three of their last four league finishes pitting them 15th or below. But for now the players, staff, and supporters celebrate survival.
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Referees do not really get the recognition that their career deserves. This season has signalled the end to yet another Premier League referee, with Chris Foy ending his professional career at the Etihad Stadium on the final game of the campaign in what was a comparatively straightforward game to officiate.
Despite being the tender age of 52 years old, Foy is moving to the Professional Game Match Officials Board, where he will take on a coaching role underneath fellow referring alumni Howard Webb, PGMOL’s technical director. Foy was a widely regarded officiating talent and his loss will be felt in the Premier League. But the benefit of him coaching the next generation is of far greater significance.
Foy, like many other referees, is an unsung hero. Putting up with the criticism of players is commendable, but being able to hold your head high with an angry crowd of 60,000 people screaming at you is something else. Referees are strong folk, and Foy has proven his mettle these past 21 years.
Attributes
Foy is a poker player of a referee, using a similar calculus to that of Phil Hellmuth, a 13x WSOP bracelet holder.
At first it seems illogical to even try and compare a referee with a poker star but on closer examination the similarities of both become clear.
Both men have tremendous endurance levels. Foy has to be able to keep up with the high-octane action for upwards of 120 minutes. Meanwhile, Hellmuth may be sat at the table for six or more hours. To do either requires great levels of mental and physical strength. The mental toughness of both men is hugely commendable, Foy handles his critics even better than Gareth Bale.
Moreover, especially in recent years, Foy has taken on more of an elder statesman approach to the game, much like Hellmuth, who is two years younger than the Brit. Both now use their years of experience to read players. More often than not, both men’s second guessing usually pays dividends. When Foy reads a player correctly, he is trying to ensure that he stays on the pitch and does not cause any harm to anyone. With Hellmuth, it is to stop them from hurting his purse. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers should have a word with Foy, the ref would have had Raheem Sterling signed up ages ago.
Again like the poker player, knowing when a player is bluffing, so to speak, is one of Foy’s bigger strengths. He always seemed to have an eagle eye for simulation. Hellmuth would not have won 13 WSOP bracelets had he not been skilled in the art of deception, both in thwarting it and performing it himself.
Refs and card players need to pick their battles wisely. If a ref goes in too soft with a player, it may have dire consequences. The same can be said if he is too soft. Throughout his career, Foy has made a reputation for staying level-headed on the pitch. He is very much about a crime to fit the punishment. He does not storm in, throwing his cards around, as seen by his record of 2.77 cards per game and 0.17 red cards per match.
The same idea fits Hellmuth. He cannot afford to go hounding that young kid at the bottom of the table and nor can he afford to go too soft on that same player which would allow the young pup to accrue a nice pile of chips. Both roles require you to be wise in warfare.
Although a trivial point, Foy doesn’t referee Premier League matches, he has been a respected European ref and has helped out at the International level, his adaptability is like Hellmuth, who can play various poker formats.
Career
A 21-year-old Foy started officiating back in 1983. By 1994 he had been promoted to the Football League’s list of assistant referees. He was a Premier League assistant the year after.
His first taste of actual refereeing in the professional game came in 1996. After establishing himself as a respected referee in the Football League, Foy was rewarded with a promotion to the Premier League in 2001, taking charge of an uninspiring 0-0 draw between Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic. Foy has never looked back.
Upon becoming Premier League accredited, which is a huge achievement in itself, Foy has also had his fair share of Wembley football, which means just as much to a professional referee as it does for a footballer.
While his first trip to Wembley was hardly the most glamourous of fixtures – Stevenage Borough vs. Kidderminster Harriers in the final of the FA Cup Vase – it was still a great achievement and part of the paying your dues process.
In 2009, it was Foy who was trusted to rule over the League Cup final between Manchester United and Tottenham. Foy’s fitness levels really shone through as he was able to keep order for all 120 minutes.
But it was the year after where Foy picked up his highest honour in the FA Cup final. Although the match between Chelsea and Portsmouth was hardly a classic, there was a lot for the referee to do. It was a game that saw him award a penalty but fail to spot Kevin-Prince Boateng’s dangerous, World-Cup ruining challenge on Michael Ballack.
Conclusion
Much like with Howard Webb last season, Foy will be missed by fans of the Premier League. He was a recognisable face and one whom you could converse about. However, hopefully he will turn out to be an even better coach in prepping the next generation for the big time.
Steven Gerrard will also join the MLS now that the Premier League season is over. You’ll be able to enjoy playing the game throughout the summer when there aren’t any European league matches. Have fun!
Lazio defeated Napoli in a playoff for Champions League football next season. The high-flying Sky Blues surprisingly took all three points at the Stadio San Paolo at the end of May to topple Rafael Benitez’s Napoli side with the campaign coming to a close. Celebrations understandably ensued as it’s been seven years since Lazio were in the prestigious European competition, and now next season can’t come soon enough for them.
The Champions League will provide a lucrative financial incentive, and can lure players for Lazio to sign this summer. The club could well undergo a considerable transformation in the coming months to return to their former glory. For too long, the Eagles were falling short in the Italian Serie A, which meant they’d miss out on Champions League participation, but this campaign has seen a turnaround in fortunes.
Manager Stefano Polli has enjoyed a dream debut season in charge, and has gotten the best form from the most experienced players in the team. Veteran forwards Miroslav Klose (aged 36) and Stefano Mauri (35) scored 23 league goals between them, while midfielders Antonio Candreva and Marco Parolo shared 20 goals in the division.
But Polli has also worked hard in getting the best from the younger talents too, evident from the 10 goals scored and seven assists made by Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson. The Lazio boss still has plenty of work to do this summer in recruitment, as the Serie A side are an ageing team in need of fresh blood to handle the demands of European football.
The last time Lazio were in the Champions League was in 2007/08. They failed to make it past a group featuring Olympiakos, Real Madrid, and Werder Bremen, and have since only sporadically played in the Europa League. This season has seen them amass their best points tally in 15 years, and now they are looking ahead to the following campaign.
Lazio’s still have to qualify for the Champions League group stages, but they should have enough to see past any opponent they come up against. Manchester United would be the hardest opposition the Italians could face, but the rest of the competition should pose a threat. Supporters can dare reminisce back to the glory days of the early 2000s when they were a strong side in their domestic league and Europe, and next season may be the beginning of a resurgence.
Lazio have won the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1998/99) and UEFA Super Cup (1999), but they will be eyeing more prestigious European honours if they can restore their reputation in the competition.
French Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain enjoyed a successful trophy-laden season, which recently was capped off with a French Cup final win against Auxerre. The Parisians have striker Edinson Cavani to thank, with the Uruguayan’s goal sealing a four trophy of the campaign for Laurent Blanc’s side.
PSG have won the French Ligue One title, Coup de France, Coupe de la Ligue, and the Trophee des Champions. They came up short in the Champions League, with Barcelona reminding the world of their brilliance, but the players certainly don’t mind European exits if they are to enjoy a domestic dominance like this season. They have struggled at times throughout the campaign, with Olympique Lyonnais looking capable of toppling PSG in the title race in Spring, while Auxerre ran them close in the French cup final too.
But ultimately the Blues are the team to beat in France, and no side are matching them at present. Next season will present its own challenges as their squad gets one year older, but it’s a been a historic campaign for Blanc, who is hoping PSG can become a force in Europe. No side in the country have enjoyed a clean sweet of domestic honours, and its further justification that their significant financial backing has been worth it.
With three consecutive league titles under their belt, they will be able to attract almost any player they desire. Having the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva already makes PSG an attractive proposition, and they are now entering unknown territory with their success. The Parisians had won just three league titles in their entire history prior to 2012/13, but are now enjoying a dominance that could last as long as the investors want it to.
Manager Laurent Blanc may well find his phone doesn’t stop ringing either. The ambitious French coach has achieved what he set out to accomplish after taking over from Carlo Ancelotti, but he won’t be resting on any laurels. Clubs will be paying an interest into Blanc, given he’s achieved something his predecessors didn’t, and the 49-year-old won’t want to stand still in his career.
For now, however, Paris Saint-Germain can celebrate their impressive achievements. The French giants were disappointed to falter in the Champions League, as that remains the final piece of the puzzle to cement their place in history, but 2014/15 has been a domestic master class for the French giants and something no club in the country had ever done until now.
