Monthly Archives: December 2015

Has Leicester City’s bubble burst?

Posted on by
Reply

Claudio-Ranieri1-700x367

Premier League Leicester City suffered defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing Day weekend, allowing  third-placed Manchester City to cut the deficit to just three points, while gifting Arsenal the chance to go top on Saturday night. The Gunners lost their game which meant Leicester remained at the summit, but all eyes will be on the Midlands club as to how they respond after losing their first league outing since September.

Ironically it was Arsenal who were the only side to have beaten the Foxes in their first 17 games prior to the Liverpool meeting, but Leicester manager Claudio Ranieri now has a home tie against Manchester City to prepare for on Tuesday. The visitors are coming off the back of a 4-1 win over Sunderland so they will be in better shape to pick up a result.

Following the game, manager Claudio Ranieri admitted his side had lost to the better team but still remained optimistic. One worry will have been the Foxes’ star performers Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez beingbrought off in the second-half due to fatigue and a fever. “Both were tired and Vardy played with a fever and I didn’t want to give him more minutes,” said Ranieri following the match.

The two forwards have been key to Leicester City’s surprise lofty position in the Premier League this season, and without them the Midlands outfit could struggle to carry the same attacking threat. Ranieri has tried to remain level-headed about Leicester’s chances of success, but will be wary of how damaging it could be to lose consecutive outings should Man City take all three points next week.

He was forced to concede that Liverpool were much stronger than Leicester on the day, and now has to try to beat a Man City side boasting stellar talent such as Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Yaya Toure. “I think we knew very well it was a tough match. Liverpool started very well to press us. After, maybe we started too late to play our football and attack, but well done to Liverpool. Yes, the better team won, they deserved it with that they showed around the match. But it is okay. Sooner or later we must lose but that’s okay, now we have to clean and restart,” said Ranieri.

Leicester City remain top of the Premier League table after 18 games, but could their bubble be about to burst with Man City to come next week?

Memphis Depay once again below-par for Manchester United

Posted on by
Reply

memphisdepay

Manchester United winger Memphis Depay was disappointing in his side’s 2-0 defeat against Stoke City on the Boxing Day weekend, and could well be counting down the days until he exits Old Trafford if things fail to improve. The Dutch international conceded a goal coming directly from his error, and was hauled off at half-time after showcasing very little going forward.

Depay’s most notable contribution was a short headed back-pass to his goalkeeper that failed to find its intended target, being capitalised upon by Glen Johnson who fed Bojan with a square pass to give Stoke the lead. United’s winger offered little else in the 45 minutes, having no effect in the final third, while strugglingto defend his lines.

His early substitution was a particular insult for the youngster, but performance levels have been poor all season. Depay was meant to be a marquee signing  set to inject the side of pace and goals, but he’s been surplus given his drought in the Premier League. Van Gaal just hasn’t been able to get the best from the winger, and it’s clear there’s been some discord among the dressing room.

Two goals scored in 14 Premier League games isn’t the type of return £30M was supposed to get Manchester United, and the Red Devils are likely to make changes in January to bolster their struggling attack. United have scored one or less goals in seven of their last nine outings, and Depay has been cold pretty much all campaign. He’s been criticised ofbeing arrogant and has been continually criticised by his manager, so what will become of his this season?

Depay has shown very little quality in recent weeks and looks to be struggling for confidence. He was oustanding in the Dutch Eredivisie for his former side PSVEindhoven, but hasn’t come close to relicating such performances. Van Gaal’s organised style has been blamed as he’s not being allowedtoo much creative freedom. His young age would suggest he has years ahead of him to mature and develop, but he’s over-confidence appears to be having a negative effect.

Back in October, manager Louis van Gaal warned the player than he would be shown the exit door if he continued to underperform, citing that Depay wasn’t adhering to his instructions on the pitch. The Dutchman has found himself dropped at times as a result of his poor form, and a pathetic 45-minute showing against Stoke City highlighted exactly why.

Does Memphis Depay still have a future at Manchester United?

I flop della serie A

Posted on by
Reply

rsz_1url

Con la pausa invernale è tempo di fare un primo bilancio della stagione 2015-16. Tanti campioni hanno brillato, ma molti hanno deluso le aspettative. Andiamo a vedere da vicino i flop di questa prima parte di stagione, schierando un 3-4-3 da incubo.

DIEGO LOPEZ: Partito con i galloni dl titolare dopo l’ottima stagione disputata lo scorso anno, l’ex portiere del Real Madrid si è smarrito quest’anno, perdendo il posto ai danni del giovanissimo Donnarumma. Un bel flop soprattutto per i fantacalcisti che non avevano considerato l’idea di comprare il terzo portiere del Milan.

MAURICIO: La difesa della Lazio è stata da incubo (26 goal subiti) e il centrale portoghese ne rappresenta l’emblema.  Sempre impacciato e in ritardo, Mauricio ha collezionato cartellini rossi e prestazioni disarmanti, facendo rimpiangere De Vrij.

DE SCIGLIO:  Che fine ha fatto il talentuoso terzino che sgroppava sulla fascia? Da un po’ di stagioni se ne sono perse le tracce e anche quest’anno De Sciglio ha avuto più bassi che alti scivolando indietro nelle gerarchie di Mihajlovic.

RUDIGER: Il centrale tedesco ne ha combinate di tutti i colori, ma Garcia è costretto a dargli fiducia in attesa del recupero completo di Castan.  I suoi errori individuali sono costati tantissimi punti alla Roma.

FELIPE ANDERSON: Da sorpresa a flop il passo è breve: il brasiliano della Lazio si è smarrito, ha perso fiducia nei suoi mezzi ed a forza di prestazioni sottotono ha assaporato persino la panchina.  Pioli ha un disperato bisogno delle sue giocate per risollevare la squadra.

HERNANES:  Doveva essere il nuovo trequartista su cui impostare il 4-3-1-2. Invece, poche partite sono bastate ad Allegri per escluderlo e tornare al 3-5-2. Condizionato da un infortunio nella parte finale per dell’anno, difficilmente riuscirà a ritrovare spazio negli undici titolari.

KONDOGBIA: Presentato come il colpo dell’anno, per adesso il centrocampista francese acquistato per 30 milioni dal Monaco ha fatto vedere ben poco.  Non ancora integratosi a pieno negli schemi di Mancini, è finito spesso in panchina.

HONDA:  Tanto decisivo nell’avvio della scorsa stagione (6 gol nelle prime 7 partite), quando deludente in questa. Mihajlovic non gli ha ancora trovato una posizione: mai decisivo nonostante le tante occasioni, quasi sempre al di sotto della sufficienza.

ITURBE: Gli infortuni di Salah e Gervinho gli hanno offerto un grandissima chance che l’argentino ha buttato via a suon di prestazioni deludenti. L’ambiente è esausto di lui destinato a ritrovarsi al Bournemouth dove giocherà la seconda parte di stagione.

DZEKO: Il centravanti che doveva risolvere i problemi in attacco della Roma non ha brillato. Solo 3 reti (tra cui 2 su rigore) sono un bottino misero per un giocatore dal suo pedigree. L’espulsione con il Genoa manifesta anche un suo certo nervosismo.

MORATA: Eclissato dall’ascesa di Dybala, il talento spagnolo non ha convinto in questa prima parte di stagione dove Allegri lo ha relegato al ruolo di vice Mandzukic.

Gli obiettivi delle big nel calciomercato

Posted on by
Reply

calciomercato

Con la Serie A ferma per la sosta Natalizia, tutte le attenzioni principali sono rivolte alla sessione di calciomercato invernale che prenderà ufficialmente il via il prossimo 4 gennaio. Andiamo a vedere da vicino le mosse delle big.

INTER:  Mancini ha chiesto alla dirigenza un regista di centrocampo e un attaccante esterno.  Dal Marsiglia dovrebbe arrivare Lassana Diarra (ex Real Madrid), mentre più difficile è la strada per acquistare un ala d’attacco. Piace moltissimo Candreva, ma Lotito per meno di 30 milioni di euro non lo vende. L’alternativa si chiama Lavezzi, l’argentino è in scadenza di contratto con il PSG e non ha intenzione di rinnovare, ma difficilmente il club parigino lo lascerà partire a gennaio.

JUVENTUS: Anche i bianconeri sono sull’argentino del PSG, ma la loro priorità resta un centrocampista dai piedi buoni. Bocciato Hernanes, piace molto Gundogan  del Borussia Dortmund che potrebbe essere ceduto a gennaio. L’alternativa si chiama Banega, finito ai margini con il Siviglia. Più defilate le opzioni che portano a Soriano della Sampdoria e a Cataldi della Lazio.  Qualora Caceres dovesse partire, i bianconeri proveranno l’assalto a Vrsaljko.

NAPOLI: De Laurentis ha infiammato il mercato promettendo l’arrivo di due giocatori. La priorità è il centrocampo dove serve un cambio ad Hamsik. Si sogna Vecino della Fiorentina, che Sari ha già allenato lo scorso anno ad Empoli, ma i viola hanno sparato alto chiedendo 15 milioni.  Per questo si sono riallacciati i rapporti con Kramer, centrocampista del Bayer Leverkusen, già trattato dal Napoli ai tempi di Benitez. Più defilati Poli del Milan, Herrera del Porto e Henriksen dell’Az Alkmaar.

FIORENTINA: Il primo obiettivo dei viola è rinforzare la difesa  e tra i diversi nomi l’arrivo dell’argentino Lisandro Lopez dal porto sembra quello più probabile. La trattativa è stata impostata sulla base del prestito con obbligo di riscatto (fissato a 8 mln).  In caso non dovesse andare in porto, le alternative sono rappresentate d Fazio del Tottenham o Rose del Lione, mentre a centrocampo piace De Roon dell’Atalanta. Capitolo Rossi: il Nazionale azzurro vuole giocare e sembra destinato alla Sampdoria, per sostituirlo si fanno i nomi di Bernard e del Papu Gomez.

ROMA:  Ceduto Iturbe al Bournemouth in prestito con diritto di riscatto a 22 milioni, i giallorossi stanno lavorando per cercare il sostituto. Piace Perotti del Genoa, già cercato in estate, ma vista la situazione precaria del Grifone, difficilmente Preziosi lo lascerà partire. Urgono rinforzi anche in difesa, dove Rudiger non ha pienamente convinto. Il nome nuovo è Kolasinac dello Shalke 04.

Chelsea Eye Hot Shot Teixeira in January Raid

Posted on by
Reply

Alex-Teixeira

If the Daily Star is to be believed, Chelsea have had a £30m bid for Brazilian goal machine Alex Teixeira verbally accepted by his present employer Shakhtar Donetsk, with the move set to be completed early in January.

The 25-year-old has been in fine goalscoring form so far this term, and with 22 league goals to his name has managed to contribute more strikes than the entire Chelsea team put together.

What is perhaps the most eye-catching aspect of Teixeira’s performances has been the fact that he is deployed as an attacking midfielder, and as we know any midfield player who has an eye for gal is worth their weight in gold.

Creativity has been rather a sore spot for the Blues this term with Oscar, Willian and Eden Hazard all lacking in confidence and the smiles that were so effervescent on their faces during their title-winning campaign of 2014/15 replaced with a scowl.

And goals have been an issue too: Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Falcao have contributed just a single Premier League strike between them.

So the signing of Teixeira is timely for a host of reasons, and the Brazilian should be in place in time for Chelsea under new boss Guus Hiddink to launch an assault on the top half of the table. Whether he can adapt to the hustle and bustle of England’s top flight quickly, given that he has spent five years in the rather more sedate Ukrainian League is anybody’s guess.

But with a goal return of one in two for Shakhtar in a career that has spanned nearly 150 appearances is a fantastic achievement, and although he is yet to make his mark at senior international level it seems only a matter of time before Teixeira get his chance given Brazil’s ongoing woes.

So where will he fit in at Chelsea?

Well, with Eden Hazard’s experimentation in the number ten role seemingly seen as a failure, and Oscar’s worrying lack of form, it is possible that Teixeira might slip straight into that advanced role behind Diego Costa. That would enable him to get on the ball centrally in the final third of the pitch; and that could be a dangerous asset for the Blues to have at their disposal.

But it remains to be seen if Teixeira is a Jose Mourinho approved signing or one designated by Guus Hiddink or even somebody else among Chelsea’s staff. That could well determine whether Teixeira finds himself selected in the Dutchman’s starting eleven or not.

‘Dear Santa, This January Transfer Window I’d Like….’

Posted on by
Reply

santa-claus-reading-list-wallpaper

It’s that time of year when we write out letters to Father Christmas in the faint hope that we have been good enough to receive the gifts we so desire.

The onus is slightly different for football clubs; it’s not so much Christmas that they crave, more the first of January. And that’s because the ever-important transfer window opens then.

So which managers will be writing to Santa Claus in the hope of a new marquee signing or two to be dropped down their respective chimneys?

Claudio Ranieri (Leicester City)

‘Dear Santa, This January Transfer Window I’d Like….a New ‘Number Ten’

Leicester City’s incredible first half of the Premier League season has taken many pundits by surprise, and while the Foxes are far more than just a two-man team it has to be noted that with 28 goals between them, Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez have contributed 75% of their side’s strikes this term.

And so what happens if this deadly duo suffers injury or a lack of form? This will be on Ranieri’s mind, and so an additional attacking talent would certainly help his cause. With the carrot of Champions League football on offer, as well as a stacked bank balance, the Italian might just surprise some people with the prestige of his January signing(s).

Arsene Wenger (Arsenal)

‘Dear Santa, This January Transfer Window I’d Like….a New Second String Striker.’

It’s a question that must keep many a manager awake at night, and Arsene Wenger will be tossing and turning as he considers ‘what will happen if Olivier Giroud gets injured/suspended/abducted by aliens?’

The Frenchman has notched 15 of Arsenal’s 31 goals as they move ominously close to the summit of the Premier League, and it is noticeable that only eight players have netted in the league for the Gunners this term; with just Theo Walcott the only real alternative to Giroud in attack.

A reliable second-string striker, who is willing to bide his time while the Gallic number nine is in such fine fettle, is a priority for Wenger.

Louis Van Gaal (Manchester United)

‘Dear Santa, This January Transfer Window I’d Like….Crikey, I Don’t Even Know Where to Start.’

Such are Manchester United’s woes at the moment that even Father Christmas himself would struggle to deliver the amount of presents they need to revitalise their campaign. Perhaps a Jose Mourinho shaped-one would be a start….

The bad news: the Red Devils have notched fewer goals than seven of the other top ten teams in England’s top flight – which, frankly, is very un-United like. Whether it is a new personnel or a new strategy that is required will take some working out.

The good news: Despite their woes, they are just nine points behind Leicester in first and three behind their Manchester rivals in third. There could yet be time for a twist or two in this tale.

Serie A set for a dramatic 2016

Posted on by
Reply

Juventus - Napoli

Twelve months ago Roma promised a battle, but Juventus were beginning to run away at a canter. They eventually claimed the Scudetto by 17 points. It followed a similar pattern from the previous two campaigns: Juve sailing, the chasing pack floundering.

The same cannot be said about the current season. Summer upheaval at Juventus opened the door for the Serie A hopefuls, as the new-look Bianconeri took time to find their feet. Massimiliano Allegri was, at one stage, under threat. But when they did, Juve roared into contention with seven successive victories.

Their poor start offered others hope. For too long the challengers have had to crane their necks to get a glimpse of Juventus. Now the pack responded.

Notably Inter. Four seasons without a title tilt, Roberto Mancini’s team lead by one point. They’ve topped the table for most of the campaign, rediscovering the defensive solidity which abandoned them in recent years. It’s led to accusations of dour, ‘ancient football’, but it has been effective. They do not have European football to contend with and are serious challengers.

And what of Roma? They were the main contenders in each of the past two seasons and again started well. That peaked with victory at Fiorentina. A winless run in the past two months threatened to derail the Giallorossi, but they are fifth and only four points adrift of Inter thanks to a morale-boosting end to 2015.

In Naples, the question was whether Maurizio Sarri could do what Rafa Benitez couldn’t, or would this be a step too far for the relatively inexperienced tactician? He and the team have responded emphatically. Napoli briefly led Serie A for the first time in 25 years and have maintained consistency lacking under the Spaniard. The goals of Gonzalo Higuain have fired them up to second.

Both Napoli and Fiorentina have been noted for their attractive styles. Nikola Kalinic has illuminated the Viola challenge with 10 goals. While he arrived to little fanfare, Paulo Sousa was hounded in some quarters for his Juventus past. Both are now strong fan favourites as Fiorentina sit level with Napoli.

It has been a thrilling campaign to date. Juve’s recent form suggests they could be the team to beat in the New Year, but it would be a brave person who picks either way. Five contenders separated by four points sees Serie A set for a thrilling finale.

Los reyes del mundo

Posted on by
Reply

Barcelona Club World Cup

El Barça no tiene techo. Ha completado un 2015 de ensueño al proclamarse campeón del Mundialito de Clubes en una final bastante más fácil de lo que a priori podía pensarse. 0-3 al River Plate y nuevo título para la sala de trofeos del Camp Nou que le corona como el mejor equipo del mundo.

El partido apenas duró 50 minutos, que fue lo que tardaron los azulgranas en poner tierra de por medio en el marcador. El resto del encuentro fue un baile de ocasiones para los hombres de Lucho; la falta de puntería suavizó el resultado, que pudo haber sido bastante más abultado.

La conexión de la MSN demuestra ser el tridente más ofensivo y que mejor se entiende del planeta y buena prueba de ello es que todos los goles salieron de sus botas. Luis Suárez fue el MVP del partido con dos tantos, Neymar cogió ritmo y se los puso en bandeja y Messi, con el gol que abrió la lata, volvió a demostrar sus credenciales para revalidar el Balón de Oro. El 0-3 endosado no fue ni mucho menos un espejismo, ya que el Barça dominó todo el encuentro. Uno de los artífices fue Busquets, quien se hizo el amo indiscutible del centro del campo y del balón.

Por su parte, el River apenas creó ocasiones. Sus jugadores se mostraron indecisos cuando no tenían la pelota y cuando lograban recuperarla no generaban muchos problemas a la meta de Claudio Bravo.

Así que el Barça completa otro año de ensueño levantando 5 títulos: Liga, Copa, Champions, Supercopa de Europa y Mundialito de Clubes. Solo han pinchado en la Supercopa de España, pero desde luego que esa pequeña falta no les exime de haber cerrado un 2015 excepcional. ¿Objetivo para 2016? Como mínimo repetir, al menos van en camino: siguen vivos en Copa y Champions, mientras que en el campeonato nacional se mantienen líderes con un partido menos (precisamente el aplazado por el Mundialito).

What Is Behind Mesut Ozil’s Career Resurgence?

Posted on by
Reply

253FB35F00000578-0-image-m-8_1422806198853

Whether you want to call it a renaissance or a mere resurgence, there can be no denying that at this moment in time Mesut Ozil is one of the hottest properties in world football.

For a player ridiculed last season for his inability to produce anything of note, the turnaround is quite something. He has assisted 15 of Arsenal’s Premier League goals already this term, and the German is now just six shy of the all-time season record set by fellow Gunner Thierry Henry.

He has supplied 29 goals in his whole career in the English top flight now as well, and that’s the same amount as Chelsea’s marquee man Eden Hazard; although Ozil has achieved the feat in 59 fewer appearances.

Perhaps most tellingly, Ozil has created goals against all of the sides in the division’s top six, and so the £42 million signing is finally living up to expectation when it counts.

So how has he turned his Arsenal career around? Well, perhaps the most obvious reason is that Arsene Wenger is finally playing him in his favoured number ten role, rather than shunting him out wide to facilitate for the needs of others. The fact nearly two-thirds of his assists have come from the middle third of the pitch speaks volumes.

There’s truth in the notion that Ozil has bulked up a bit too; enabling him to better cope with the physical demands of the Premier League. A specific weights and diet programme have been seen him add some guns to the guile, and no longer is the 27-year-old the target of some of the division’s more rugged performers.

He’s just coming into his peak years as a footballer at 27 too, and Wenger believes that is also a crucial factor in his fantastic start to the campaign. “He’s much more mature than he was 18 months ago, much keener to take responsibility,” he said.

“I personally believe he has developed his physical attributes, his physical commitment, you see a desire to win, you see he plays to win the game, maybe this kind of talent is exceptional and he realises he can help us in every single game.”

After joining the Gunners for a rather hefty £42 million price tag, Ozil has taken his sweet time to blossom into one of the Premier League’s most reliable creative outlets. But if he can help to fire his side to glory then he will be – prematurely at least – worth every penny.

Nerazzurri shaping as Scudetto contenders despite Christmas defeat

Posted on by
Reply

rsz_inter-perisic

They could have enjoyed a four point gap going into the winter break. A win at home against struggling Lazio would have done the trick. Rather, Inter must look over their shoulder, only a point clear of a tightly-bunched chasing pack.

It wasn’t what Roberto Mancini was hoping for. Inter had won their last three matches in all competitions, netting eight and keeping three clean sheets. But they were stunned by Antonio Candreva, who scored early and then late to cancel Mauro Icardi’s equaliser and end Lazio’s seven-round winless run.

And Mancini says his team deserved what they got. Nonetheless, he goes into the Christmas break satisfied with how the season has progressed. “We are still the leaders and in pre-season we’d have happily taken this position.”

Having sat on the outside looking in for what fans would deem far too long – they last challenged for the Scudetto in 2011 – the Nerazzurri can once more consider themselves contenders.

The initial rounds were characterised by 1-0 victories. Inter have recorded eight in fact, out of 11 wins. Mancini’s side holds the best defensive record, having conceded just 11 times. For a team whose best return in four seasons was 39 goals conceded, the wins were important to re-establish the defensive solidity highlighted during their Scudetto winning campaigns.

Their three losses were against top half clubs, including Scudetto rivals Napoli and Fiorentina. Where the Nerazzurri were last term robbed of consistency by dropping points against lower ranked clubs, they’re now stringing wins together. Only Sampdoria and Palermo from the bottom half have claimed points against them. Inter may not always be pretty, but certainly effective. Summer defensive signings Jeison Murillo and Joao Miranda, plus the goalkeeping exploits of Samir Handanovic, have been vital.

But with single-goal wins comes questions in attack. Icardi has not scored with the same regularity as last season. He’s improving and the strike versus Lazio was his seventh. Meanwhile, Stevan Jovetic started brightly but only has four goals. Rodrigo Palacio hasn’t netted. Their 23-goal tally is the lowest of the main contenders. Having rediscovered defensive solidity, improving the attacking prowess is Mancini’s next step.

Inter begin 2016 with potential banana-skins against three surprise sides – Empoli, Sassuolo and Atalanta – but being the only challenger without European competition to contend with is a huge benefit.

Lazio loss aside, the leaders look set for the long haul in the Scudetto race.