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Why Manchester United should break the bank to sign Aymeric Laporte

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Manchester United have been linked with Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte for the last 12 months, but nothing has materialised from the speculation. But with the Red Devils being tipped to sell Marcos Rojo, while makeshift defender Daley Blind has at times been unconvincing in his new role, the Red Devils are going to be in need of a new face to bolster their backline and Laporte would be perfect for Louis van Gaal’s men.

The Bilbao centre-back has made six La Liga appearances this season, averaging a tackle or interception every 16 minutes, while having made 25 clearances as well as winning 64% of his aerial duels. Laporte is just 21 years of age, but has been a regular in the backline for the last two campaigns. He’s made more than 115 appearances for the Basque club, and looks set to make a big-money move to further his international career.

Both Spain and France want the promising defender, and Laporte will be thinking about his chances of playing in next summer’s European Championships with both nations. While he’s playing regular football in Spain, he’s sure to make either final squad for the tournament, but could see his stock rise if he’s performing for a side of the stature of Manchester United. Barcelona have also been linked with the youngster’s services, with reports suggesting a £35M bid will be lodged.

United have a void in the backline that could be perfectly solved by Laporte. Chris Smalling is a regular fixture in the defence, but he needs a regular partner who could form a formidable playing relationship for the next few years. There aren’t any better 21-year-old centre-backs than the French U21 international, but the competition for his services could make United’s task a lot harder to sign their coveted target.

Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo are the other defensive options Manchester United have alongside Smalling, but midfield Blind has been operating in a deeper role, and his form has been hot and cold as a result. Laporte boasts excessive pace, is uncompromising in the tackle, and very composed in possession. He’s highly combative, and has incredible timing with his challenges. Sometimes his commitment to the tackle can see him picking up cheap yellow cards, but at his age he has real potential.

With so much experience at such a young age, Laporte is one of the best possible young defenders to mould. He looks worth every penny of £35M, but can United fight off Barcelona for his services?

Serge Aurier playing a starring role in Paris Saint Germain’s bright start to the season

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Paris Saint-Germain are enjoying a fantastic start to the new French Ligue 1 season, and the incredible form of right-back Serge Aurier has been one of many factors. The 22-year-old has been a standout start for the Blues, and his stock is rising to new heights every week. Aurier signed from Toulouse on a permanent deal this summer with the reputation of being a highly-attacking fullback who can create goals, as well a showcasing a real combative nature to his defending.

He suffered an injury-hit debut season at the Parc des Princes, making just 12 league starts for the champions. Despite the sporadic game time for Paris Saint-Germain in 2014/15, Aurier showed the supporters what to expect in the coming years. He was outstanding for his former side Toulouse, and had a lot of interest in his services when news broke of his availability. Arsenal were one side who came close to securing his services, but PSG won the race.

Arsenal’s loss is certainly PSG’s gain too, with Aurier having been on fire in 2015/16. He’s made seven league appearances this season, averaging a tackle or interception every 12 minutes, while creating a chance per game on average, as well as attempting almost two dribbles a game. Aurier has a penchant to beat his opposite marker out wide to get into a crossing position.

Boasting excessive pace, composure in possession and high levels of industry, the Ivorian is a perfect modern-day fullback. Still only young, he’s sure to generate interest from the elite European sides if he can continue such form in the league and Europe this season. Teammate Thiago Silva has lavished the talented fullback with praise, and believes Aurier has already developed in a short space of time.

“Physically he’s very strong and technically I think he’s developed a lot this year. I think Serge and a lot of players in this team have a lot of confidence at the moment and that’s why we’ve had a very good start to the season,” said Silva. The 22-year-old is looking an inspired signing, and manager Laurent Blanc revealed how keen the club were to make the defender theirs last year.

Aurier has made a real name for himself this season, and will be attracting more interest from the best sides in Europe as things stand. Fewer fullbacks can boast such attacking quality and defensive attributes, and considering PSG paid just £7M for the right-back, he’s been a steal for the Parisians.

Can David Moyes turn struggling Real Sociedad around this season?

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Manager David Moyes isn’t enjoying the best start to the season with Real Sociedad. It’s the Scot’s first full campaign in charge, but the Basque club are languishing in the lower reaches of the table early on, and have Atletico Madrid up next in the division. Real have struggled for goals, which in turn has seen them struggling for points, and Moyes could well be considering his future if things fail to improve. The decision could be made for him if Sociedad can’t haul themselves from the lower reaches in the coming weeks, and another sacking would a terrible way to end his time in Spain.

The former Everton and Manchester United boss enjoyed a strong debut campaign with the Basque outfit, more than ensuring of their survival in the Spanish La Liga, but he’s failed to build on such success in 2015/16. Sociedad have arguable been too focused on defending which has taken away from their attacking threat. Moyes’ side have failed to score in four of their seven games already, and have kept the same among of clean sheets. Currently 16th in the La Liga table, the Txuriurdins have picked up only one win this season, and only two players have managed to get on the scoresheet in the squad so far.

In his first campaign at the Anoeta Stadium, Moyes managed to get goals from the likes of Carlos Vela which proved crucial in their pursuit for survival. The Mexican has failed to score this season so far. Real Sociedad weren’t ever prolific in front of goal, and instead relied upon their defensive qualities, but when the same problems are arising that led to Moyes being appointed in the first place, supporters will start to lose patience in the Scot. Despite having such a wealth of creativity in the side, industry and defensive contribution has been the main objective in games.

Sociedad have just six points from a possible 21 this season, and have only picked up three La Liga victories in their last 17 games. It’s a record that Moyes needs to turn around as soon as possible before the club hierarchy replicate their treatment of his predecessor Jagoba Arrasate. Moyes is being linked with a host of jobs in the Premier League, and rumours are further fuelled by Sociedad’s failure in La Liga. Various reports are linking the 52-year-old with a move Aston Villa, but he still has a job to do in Spain.

Can Moyes turn things around at the Anoeta Stadium?

L’Italia chiude con una vittoria e rilancia la sua candidatura tra le pretendenti all’Europeo

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10 partite, 24 punti, 7 vittorie, 3 pareggi, 16 gol segnati ,7 subiti, imbattuta e in testa al gruppo.  Questo il bilancio finale dell’Italia nel girone di qualificazione agli Europei, che chiude come meglio non poteva  superando per 2-1 in rimonta la Norvegia.  Gli azzurri sono stati autori di una prestazione gagliarda, confermando quanto di buono avevano fatto vedere in Azerbajan: andati sotto nel primo tempo ad opera della rete messa a segno da Tettey, sono riusciti a reagire nella ripresa, ribaltando il risultato con le reti di Florenzi e Pelle.

Le due recenti vittorie costituiscono un’iniezione di fiducia per gli uomini di Conte, che erano finiti al centro delle polemiche per le prestazioni sottotono delle precedenti partite.  L’Italia non ha espresso un gioco spettacolare, ma è stata compatta, ordinata e ha mostrato carattere. Le note più positive provengono da Florenzi, mattatore dell’incontro con un gol ed un assist e da Eder, che sta diventando sempre di più un elemento imprescindibile per la Nazionale. Forte delle buona prestazione, il ct Conte si è mostrato fiducioso per il futuro: “ All’Europeo nessun traguardo ci sarà precluso. Anche se non partiamo favoriti, saremo un problema per tutti. Io dico comunque che un tecnico viene valutato per i risultati, e invece dovrebbe contare anche il lavoro svolto”. Ripercorrendo indietro il film della qualificazione, infine, Conte rivela che “il momento più difficile è stato prima della trasferta in Bulgaria. Ci sono state tante situazioni non semplici e non belle, a cominciare dall’infortunio-non infortunio di Marchisio. Ma le difficoltà mi hanno temprato: alla fine, probabilmente, avevo bisogno di passare un periodo così burrascoso”.

Accanto al gioco che lievita di partita in partita, nella cattiveria agonistica, nella determinazione, nella carica che Conte trasmette ai suoi giocatori affondano le radici di un pragmatico ottimismo per Francia 2016, dove l’Italia non sarà testa di serie per l’astruso meccanismo escogitato dai cervelloni Uefa. Ma non importa. Per arrivare sino in fondo bisognerà eliminare le più forti. Se i club lasceranno lavorare in pace il ct e la pianteranno di ostacolarne il cammino, in giugno l’Italia ci farà divertire..

 

Will Arsene Wenger leave Arsenal in 2017?

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dropped a big hint that he would be leaving the club and ending his long tenure at the Emirates Stadium at the end of his current contract in 2017. The successful French coach gave a press conference ahead of this weekend clash against Watford that suggested he would be calling time on his reign in London. Wenger has been in charge for 19 years, but has suffered intense criticism over the last decade for the club’s failure to win major trophies. But with consecutive FA Cups under his belt, he believes Arsenal will be in great shape for his eventual successor.

“I am resolute to commit absolutely until the last day of my contract to bring back big success to this club, and leave as well one day in a position where it can do even better. That is for me very important, that I leave the club in the shape that the guy who comes after me can do better. The responsibility on my shoulders is much bigger, I know what it means for people. I know how sad people are when we don’t do well, I know how sad people are when we lose a game,” he said.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp was being tipped to replace Arsene Wenger at the Arsenal helm, as well as Pep Guardiola, given the latter’s penchant for attractive, attacking football that Arsenal have produced under Wenger all these years. Arsenal are enjoying a good start to the new season, sitting just two points adrift of Manchester City in the table early on, but results in the Champions League and years of failed title bids have supporters wanting him out even sooner.

Now 65, the former AS Monaco coach conceded a new manager could do a better job than Arsenal in the future with the lucrative resources and much stronger squad at their disposal, and now he’s tasked with future-proofing the side to ensure they can stay competitive in the Premier League and Europe. Talented youngsters such as Hector Bellerin, Gabriel, Calum Chambers, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have all been given plenty of game time for the Arsenal first-team, while Chuba Akpom looks a promising talent waiting in the wings.

And with the likes of Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez still having plenty of years to go in their career, the Arsenal side should remain very strong after Wenger leaves. His contract with the Gunners in up at the end of next season, but will the long-serving boss really be out the door in 2017?

Can Wilfried Bony finally prove his worth for Manchester City?

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Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony has endured a difficult time at the Etihad Stadium following his pricey move from Swansea City, but he’s adamant he can play a key role in the side following news that first-choice striker Sergio Aguero will be out of action for two months through injury.

Bony, 26, move to Manchester City for close to £25M in January this year, but has only scored two goals in 16 Premier League appearances since. The Ivorian has struggled with his own injury woes during his short time with the Sky Blues, but will now be thrown back into the side to replace Aguero until the South American returns.

“It’s never good when your team-mates are injured but that’s the way football goes sometimes. Now I need to take things game by game and work hard. I have to take my chance and score goals for the team – that’s why I am here,” Bony said.

The talented striker certainly showed from his time at Swansea City and former side Vitesse that he has a fantastic eye for goal, but never being fully fit has definitely hampered his performances in a Man City shirt, and Bony conceded that he needs to shake off past injuries and find his form again.

“A lot of crazy things have happened since I joined City and I’ve been ruled out with injury three or four times so it’s been hard to find any rhythm playing one or two games here and there. It’s been the worst spell of my career without question – in the past five years I’d never missed more than two games in a row and at Swansea I only missed a handful of matches,” he added.

However, Bony remains confident he can showcase why Manchester City paid £25M to secure his services at a time where they still had the likes of Edin Dzeko, Stevan Jovetic and Alvaro Negredo on the books. The powerful striker is expected to lead the line for the Sky Blues against newly-promoted AFC Bournemouth this weekend, and could well get himself back among the goals against the struggling Cherries at the Etihad.

“It’s not been the best time for me and it has been very frustrating, but hopefully the City fans will now see the new Bony,” he concluded. Two goals in 16 league games isn’t a tally the Ivorian will be proud of, but can he turn things around this weekend?

Victor Valdes “must leave” Manchester United in January

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Gines Carvajal, agent of Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes, revealed his client will be looking to exit Old Trafford when the January transfer window opens this season, but is unsure of where he next destination lies – nor can he guarantee a permanent move for the disgruntled 33-year-old.

“He needs to go to a place he feels is right for him. He won’t be coming to Spain, unless he decides otherwise. It is obvious he must leave in January and we will try to make sure he’s happy and feels comfortable. He had the option of coming to Valencia in the summer and did not want to,” said Carvajal.

Valdes has been frozen out of the Manchester United first-team after manager Louis van Gaal alleged the Spaniard had refused to play for the reserves, and further reports have suggested the ex-Barcelona shot-stopper has to train on his own at times completely separate to the rest of the squads.

It’s a sad state of affairs for Valdes, and as a result he’s desperate to get out as soon as possible. While seemingly ruling out a move back to Spain, there could well be a number of English clubs interested in his services. The goalkeeper’s high wages could be an issue, however, unless a loan deal could be hashed out given the reported interest.

Newcastle could be in need of Valdes with first-choice Tim Krul having suffered a season-ending injury. Even Chelsea could consider him, with the side having signed veteran ‘keeper Marco Amelia as cover for Petr Cech in Thibaut Courtois’ ongoing absence. Valdes will just be desperate to be back playing, with his last league appearance coming in May.

Valdes’ contract is up at the end of the current season, but the treatment by manager Louis van Gaal is forcing him out the door even earlier. Given the Spaniard has won every major trophy with Barcelona, while earning plaudits and personal honours in his career, he’s sure to have interest in his services this campaign.

The 33-year-old made just three league appearances in a Manchester United, spending the majority of time in the reserves even after fully recovering from his long knee injury. He was bench duty for United’s FA Cup campaign last season, and in the second-half of the previous Premier League term too, but stands little chance of a reprieve after falling out with Van Gaal.

Victor Valdes and agent Gines Carvajal will be hoping some concrete interest starts to develop in time for a swift January move away.

Cristiano’s contract conundrum

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Cristiano Ronaldo this week received his fourth Golden Boot, the award given to the leading scorer in Europe, and in an interview to mark the achievement spoke of his desire to retire at Real Madrid, and his intention to play for ‘five or six more years.’ His comments are being presented as a declaration of loyalty to Los Blancos, but there may be more to it than that.

In the interview, conducted with Madrid-based daily newspaper Marca – not un-coincidentally one of the organisations that makes up the European Sports Media association that oversees the honour – Ronaldo spoke warmly of life at Santiago Bernabeu. “I want to win more. I still feel good, I’m young. I’m 30 and I want to play for five or six years,” he said, adding: “I know it is getting more difficult but in my head I think it’s possible. I want to win and I’m at the best club in the world.”

They’re sentiments to warm the heart of any Madrid fan – and maybe calm the nerves after repeated links with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United. It may not be so simple, though, as Ronaldo had more to say on his future. “Obviously I have a contract until I’m 33 and as I’ve said many times my dream is to finish here at Madrid because I feel good, I feel useful, and I want to continue,” he added. A contract with three more years to run for a player who admits he plans on playing twice that long? Someone may be angling for a new deal.

Ronaldo stresses his desire to stay at Madrid and to continue to be successful, but at some point the difference in the time left on his contract and the time he has left as a player will have to be settled. If Ronaldo really is to retire at the Bernabeu, and do so on the timeline he has laid out, something will have to give. The Portugal captain’s last renewal as a long, drawn-out affair, and he didn’t have the leverage of being Madrid’s all-time top scorer to call on then, either.

That deal was signed in September 2013 but it was discussed in the British and Spanish Press for months, with AS, also based in Madrid, claiming in January that year that Ronaldo wouldn’t re-sign. He eventually did, of course, but the situation today has echoes of two years ago. Ronaldo didn’t want money, the story went – he wanted support and recognition, and if Madrid weren’t going to give it to him then maybe United or PSG would. And they surely still would – United welcoming back a former hero, PSG sending a message to the rest of football.

Ronaldo, his representative Jorge Mendes – who has strong links to the French club – and Madrid and their President, Florentino Perez, know that too. After a glittering ceremony to mark his ascension to the top of the Madrid scoring charts and another as he added more gilded footwear to his collection, will there be a third soon as Ronaldo puts pen-to-paper on one final, eye-wateringly large contract? And if so, will it be held in Madrid, Manchester or Paris?

De Gea ready to take Casillas’ crown

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David De Gea said after his show-stealing performance in Spain’s Euro 2016 qualifying win over Ukraine that he wanted Vicente Del Bosque to have a difficult choice when deciding who would be La Roja’s goalkeeper in France next year. Captain Iker Casillas is the competition, the Manchester United custodian has at least succeeded in giving the Coach something to think about.

It’s not only De Gea’s astonishing display in Kiev that pushes him neck-and-neck with the incumbent, though, and Del Bosque was never going to make his decision based on one 90 minute outing, even if De Gea was credited with anything between six and 10 outstanding saves by the Spanish Press. De Gea has proven he can adapt, having left La Liga in 2011 for the Premier League, struggled at first and then become one of the finest goalkeepers in England, and he’s proven his character too. Rather than sulk at not getting his summer move to Real Madrid, De Gea has, after returning to Louis van Gaal’s team, been as impressive as ever.

He faces an uphill battle on the international scene, however, and not only because Casillas is his country’s most successful player – his claim to the gloves isn’t entirely based on past success. The veteran Casillas has looked the part since leaving Madrid for Porto – ironically because he was about to be replaced at Santiago Bernabeu by De Gea, or so the ultimately failed plan went – and Del Bosque tends to pick on form and reputation, but not in equal measure.

More than once a player’s stature has counted for more than their contribution, and Casillas’ time on the Madrid bench in 2013-14 is the clearest example. Del Bosque stood by Casillas then even as Diego Lopez took the gloves in La Liga, leaving Casillas to play in the Champions League and the Copa Del Rey. In Del Bosque’s defence, Casillas captained Madrid to success in both tournaments and set a record for minutes without conceding in the Champions League, so it’s not as if he was completely out of touch.

Casillas and 10 others is a formula Del Bosque has followed throughout his time in charge of the national team and it has been an immensely successful one. But it can’t go on forever, and Spain’s most recent tournament experience led to calls for changes. Experienced pair Xavi Hernandez and Xabi Alonso retired after the World Cup 2014 debacle, forcing Del Bosque into anointing successors. Casillas didn’t, so De Gea remains on the fringes – but for how long?

Has anything really changed with AC Milan this season?

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Following an impressive tenure with Sampdoria, manager Siniša Mihajlović was brought in at the San Siro as AC Milan’s new manager this summer, and he was tasked with many responsibilities turn the club’s fortunes around. The Serbian was required to rid the Rossoneri of their indiscipline, to cut their wage bill, to eliminate the toxic characters in the dressing room, and to quell the individual errors causing the Italians to concede so many goals. However, such change was never going to be immediate after his arrival, and Milan are enduring real toils early on in the season that suggests nothing has changed.

This campaign, Milan are 11th in the Serie A after seven games. They have lost consecutive games in the division, and only two other clubs have suffered more defeats than the fallen giants. Carpi are the only team to have conceded more goals than AC Milan this season, while Genoa and Atalanta are the only Serie A outfits to have been given more red cards. It’s perhaps not surprising the Rosseneri have committed the third-most fouls in the division so far, and errors continue to half any progress.

AC Milan have struggled to retain possession in games, meaning they’re enduring a constant stream of attacks for the large part. They play with a very open formation that provides little protection in the wide areas, and have hardly been putting up a fight in some games. Defeat to Genoa last month was marred with a red card, while they followed up the one loss with a 4-0 defeat against Napoli. Milan’s struggles in the Serie A in the last couple of seasons has seen them finishing 8th and 10th respectively, but Mihajlović was seen as the man to turn things around.

The Serbian manager enjoyed a respectful two-year spell with Sampdoria, and such work with an underdog side – coupled with experienced gained from managing Bologna, Catania, Fiorentina and Serbia – was seen as the perfect audition to wash out the negative aspects of the Milan side. He’s currently suffering the same problems as his predecessors, but can he start to clear the negative mist hanging over the club this season?

“I’m serene and convinced that we’ll emerge from this moment. I called the president (Silvio Berlusconi) because it’s only right that we talk after every game. We’ve done that right from the start so it’s nothing out of the ordinary. We talked about football and a few other things. It was a constructive talk in which we spoke and reasoned about the problems and what needs to be done. We talk on a daily basis, discussing the problems and how to resolve them,” said Mihajlovic.

Could Borussia Dortmund’s Ilkay Gundogan Follow Jurgen Klopp to Liverpool?

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Despite playing down talk of a mid-season transfer spree with Liverpool, new manager Jurgen Klopp will have a host of targets in mind to strengthen the playing squad. The Reds have real potential in certain areas, but are lacking quality in the midfield which could be why they continue to fall short in the Premier League.

It’s common to see a new manager bring at least one of their former players when joining a new club, and it’s taken little time for rumours to arise about Klopp selecting standout stars from ex-club Borussia Dortmund in an attempt to put his early stamp on the Merseysiders. He’s expected to be given lucrative funds to lure players in, so next summer could see a wholesale changes.

But while BVB duo Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are being viewed as the solution to the Reds’ attacking woes, the real deficiency is in the middle of the park – something Klopp could rectify with Dortmund‘s Ilkay Gundogan, a player who has been on the radar of Liverpool’s for some time. His influence in the Dortmund side has been telling, and he could have a really positive influence in the Liverpool midfield if he can be convinced to make the switch.

The German international, 24, has transformed into one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga during his three years at the Westfalenstadion. A creative and composed box-to-box talent, Gundogan was perfectly engrained in Klopp’s high-pressing and fast counter-attacking philosophy at Dortmund, and he’ll want real aficionados of the style to help the existing Liverpool players.

Gundogan is highly industrious, and operates at the heart of the midfield. He could eventually be playing alongside the likes of Jordan Henderson and Emre Can in the future, and such a trio in the Liverpools midfield would look a lot more menacing to their opposition. Under Klopp, Gundogan showcased a good eye for goal, and an even better eye for a pass, so he’d surely take little time to adapt in England.

The 24-year-old’s attributes aren’t just limited to his proficiency going forward, however, with the former Nurnberg man providing adequate protection in the middle of the park, averaging a tackle or interception every 24 minutes. He shares a lot of similarities to Jordan Henderson in terms of his playing style, but the speed of his play and tactical awareness are unparalleled.

Klopp is sure to enquire about his services when the January transfer window nears, or at the end of his first season, as Gundogan is a player who could really turn Liverpool’s fortunes around.

La rapida risalita di Napoli e Lazio

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Erano partite malissimo, ma hanno avuta la forza di rialzarsi e ora sono pronte per disputare una stagione da protagoniste. Stiamo parlando di Napoli e Lazio, squadre accumunate da un’inguaribile tendenza agli alti e bassi e dal dover convivere in un ambiente caldissimo, dove le contestazioni sono all’ordine del giorno.

Il Napoli per lasciarsi alle spalle la deludente stagione passata, in cui gli era sfuggito il terzo posto proprio nello scontro diretto con la Lazio, ha scelto di inaugurare un nuovo ciclo con Sarri in panchina. L’allenatore toscano è stato accolto dalla piazza con grande scetticismo: appena 4000 abbonamenti staccati, frutto anche di una campagna acquisti che lasciava presagire al ridimensionamento. L’inizio di stagione sembrava dar adito al malumore dei tifosi  con la miseria di soli due punti raccolti nelle prime tre partite. Poi, guarda caso proprio nella partita con casalinga con la Lazio, la svolta: Sarri passa dal 4-3-1-2 al  4-3-3 e il Napoli vince con un assordante 5-0.  Da lì gli azzurri si sono trasformati in una macchina da goal: vittoria per 2-1 con la Juventus e nuovo clamoroso successo per 0-4, stavolta ai danni del Milan.  Tra le note più positive, l’esplosione di Insigne che ha realizzato già 5 reti in campionato e la ritrovata verve di Higuain, anche lui con 5 gol messi a segno.

La stagione della Lazio era, se vogliamo, iniziata anche peggio:  alla sconfitta in Supercoppa con la Juventus ha fatto seguito l’eliminazione nei playoff per accedere in Champions League, malgrado i biancocelesti avessero vinto l’andata per 1-0. La società è finita sotto accusa per il mancato acquisto di un attaccante di valore dopo gli infortuni di Klose e Djordjevic, con Matri arrivato solo nell’ultimo giorno di mercato quando i giochi erano già fatti.  L’imbarazzante sconfitta con il Napoli sembrava  la classica goccia che fa traboccare il vaso,  invece da lì gli uomini di Pioli sono stati bravi a ricompattarsi e a ripartire, centrando  3 vittorie consecutive che hanno issato i biancocelesti al terzo posto in campionato. Fondamentale per la risalita della Lazio, il recupero di Biglia e l’esplosione di Keita, in attesa che Felipe Anderson ritrovi lo smalto della passata stagione.

La Serie A può dunque rallegrarsi per aver ritrovato due protagoniste, che pur se difficilmente potranno lottare per lo scudetto,  giocano un calcio divertente e sono in grado di dar fastidio a tutte le big.

¿Nuno vete ya o Nuno quédate?

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El Valencia no está pasando por uno de sus mejores momentos: errores en el juego, carencia de gol, mala imagen, algunos resultados imperdonables… Esto ha propiciado que ya hayan sonado los primeros pitos en Mestalla y aparecido las primeras críticas al entrenador. En Valencia ya resuenan canticos de «Nuno vete ya» y que comienzan a ser habituales. Pero, ¿son acaso justos?

Por ahora, en la Liga se mantiene en una posición intermedia. Vislumbra Europa de cerca pero se ha dejado atrás muchos puntos importantes y apurado demasiado ante rivales a priori muy inferiores. A esto hay que añadirle la mala imagen que está dejando, la falta de gol y los terribles fallos defensivos. Un equipo que cuenta entre sus filas con atacantes de la talla de Negredo, Rodrigo, Alcacer, Piatti o Santi Mina no puede permitirse anotar tan solo 4 goles en 7 jornadas. En las filas de atrás, el conjunto Ché tampoco anda fino, aunque las lesiones han permitido que el cuarto guardameta (sí, el cuarto), Jaume Domènech, cuajase grandes actuaciones y salvase encuentros importantes con sus paradas.

En Champions se mantiene con bastantes opciones de superar la fase de grupos, pero la derrota ante el Zenit en Mestalla no gustó nada a los aficionados. Es por eso que las críticas ya se han hecho notar y se le exige un cambio de aptitud al equipo. Las culpas, como siempre, van principalmente dirigidas al entrenador.

¿Pero son justas esas reprimendas a Nuno? Nuno debutó la temporada pasada, por aquel entonces cogió las riendas de un equipo que tras varios años estaba fuera de Europa. El cambio de mentalidad devolvió la ilusión y mejoró notablemente el juego, como premio se alcanzó la Champions League. Quizá esta temporada no haya empezado con el mejor pie, pero de momento los resultados no son tan malos como los pintan y se mantiene al pie del cañón.

Hay que mejorar aspectos como la puntería de cara a puerta o corregir ciertos errores defensivos, desde luego, pero un par de partidos buenos podrían devolverle a lo más alto. Además, el equipo se mantiene unido y es, en esencia, el bloque que logró el enorme éxito la campaña pasada. Nuno debería contar con el apoyo de la afición valencianista y sería una equivocación que rodase su cabeza. Se merece un voto de confianza extra, los resultados y el juego llegarán tarde o temprano. Por tanto, Mestalla debería sustituir el cada vez más famoso «Nuno vete ya» y corear al unísono cánticos como «Nuno quédate». Valencia le debe mucho a Nuno.

El plan Nolito gana enteros

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nolito

El Barcelona tiene una de las delanteras más peligrosas de todo el planeta. La MSN, integrada por Messi, Suárez y Neymar, es sinónimo de gol; pero, ¿y si fallan o no juegan estos futbolistas? Lucho necesita un recambio de garantías y su equipo técnico lleva semanas buscando al que podrían ser el elegido.

La marcha de Pedro al Chelsea sigue escociendo al equipo y la lesión de Rafinha para el resto de la temporada ha terminado de trastocar todos los planes del entrenador. Los canteranos Sandro y Munir no responden al mismo nivel y hay que buscar una alternativa efectiva, un plan B de éxito. Mientras tanto, la FIFA hace oídos sordos ante la cautelar. De modo que cualquier posible lesión o sanción terminaría por romper el esquema de juego de Luis Enrique, o una simple rotación (ya que estas jornadas los titulares están acumulando demasiados minutos obligados por todas las lesiones) agotaría sus opciones.

Todo ello refuerza la necesidad de fichar un delantero, un goleador nato pero que a priori salga desde el banquillo. Y aquí entra en juego Nolito, el delantero del Celta que está cuajando una temporada espectacular. El año pasado dio muchos goles al equipo gallego y su proyección va en aumento. Ya hubo contactos en verano, pero ahora la convocatoria de la Selección realza su valor y no evita que un club como el Barça continúe fijándose en él.

Lucho conoce perfectamente a Nolito de sus etapas anteriores como entrenador en el Barcelona B y en el Celta de Vigo. Además, ha alabado públicamente y en más de una ocasión su potencial, e incluso recalcado que para él este futbolista es como su hijo.

De fichar podría hacerlo cuanto antes, es decir, en el mercado de invierno. Por aquel entonces la sanción de la FIFA ya habría terminado y podría jugar en el equipo culé. Su cláusula de rescisión no es demasiado elevada y seguro que el delantero quiere regresar a la que fue su casa y al equipo donde se forjó como futbolista.

No obstante, de fichar debe tener en cuenta que su rol sería secundario y siempre a la sobra de la MSN. Pedrito, un jugador con un potencial y características similares, se marchó del Barça por ese mismo motivo. Y el hecho de no jugar cuando la Eurocopa está tan cerca y la llamada de del Bosque por fin se ha hecho realidad, podría implicar tirar por tierra mucho de lo conseguido hasta ahora.

La crisi senza fine del Milan

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mihajlovic

Quella che doveva essere la stagione del riscatto si sta  rivelando una nuova stagione da incubo per il Milan. I rossoneri occupano infatti tristemente l’undicesima posizione in classifica frutto  di 3 vittorie e ben 4 sconfitte, tra cui l’eclatante tonfo casalingo con il Napoli nell’ultima giornata.

La campagna acquisti, con il Milan tornato protagonista dopo anni di vacche magre avevano riaccesso l’entusiasmo dei tifosi, invece non e’ cambiato nulla. Anzi, fermandosi alla fredda analisi dei numeri il confronto è impietoso anche con il primo Milan di Inzaghi che, rispetto a quello di Miha, aveva più punti in classifica (14 contro 9), segnava il doppio (16 contro 8) e subiva di meno (10 contro 13).

Mihajolovic, reduce da una stagione  esaltante con la Sampdoria, non ha saputo al momento trasmettere il suo carisma alla squadra, che appare compassata, poco compatta e sfiduciata.  Ad un attacco stellare, grazie agli acquisti di Bacca, Luiz Adriano e di un ritrovato Balotelli, fa da contraltare un centrocampo con poca qualita’ e una difesa alla sbando. Sotto accusa e’ finita la campagna acquisti e in particolare gli acquisti di Bertolacci e Romagnoli dalla Roma per oltre 50 milioni di euro. Il primo e’ un onesto lavoratore del centrocampo, privo delle doti necessarie per far fare il salto di qualita’ alla squadra, tant’e’ che Mihajlovic ha dovuto ripescare Montolivo per dare piu’ fluidita’ alla manovra a centrocampo. Il secondo e’ un giovane difensore di belle speranze, ma si e’ dimostrato ancora acerbo per guidare la retroguardia rossonera.

A tutto questo si aggiunge il caos societario: l’accordo con il tycoon thailandese Bee Taechaubol per la cessione del 48% delle quote azionarie per il Milan non e’ stato ancora ratificato. Anzi nel corso dei mesi si sono registrati quattro slittamenti del closing. L’ultimo a fine settembre.  Sull’operazione inizia ad aleggiare un’aria di scetticismo dopo strette di mano a favore di fotografi e inchini davanti agli hotel. I soldi dei finanziatori di Bee finiranno in pancia a Fininvest ma è chiaro che un accordo fatto e finito in estate avrebbe portato a condividere anche le spese di mercato, al momento invece tutte a carico della holding di famiglia.

Il campionato e’ appena iniziato e il Milan ha l’obbligo morale di rscattarsi.  Serve pero’ un’immediata inversione di rotta per evitare l’ennesima stagione deludente.

 

Benítez contra las cuerdas

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benzema

Rafa Benítez no es un entrenador que haya gustado mucho a la afición desde que se oficializó su relevo frente a Ancelotti. Lleva poco más de 100 días como técnico del conjunto blanco y las criticas no han hecho más que llegar. ¿O acaso se las ha buscado él solito? Varios conflictos internos en el vestuario están poniendo en jaque a los mejores jugadores de la plantilla

Ronaldo

Benítez ninguneó a CR en una rueda de prensa cuando dijo que no era el mejor futbolista que había tenido; ¡mima a tu estrella, por favor! Después se retractó de sus palabras alegando que el luso era el único indiscutible en el 11 mientras que el resto tenían que ganárselo; mal, Benítez, defender a tu estrella no quiere decir compararla con los demás jugadores ni ponerles en un plano menos importante.

Benzema

El killer Benzema está en su mejor momento de forma. ¿Por qué no exprimirlo? Es el pichichi de la Liga y ha desatascado varios encuentros. Pero el francés empieza a cansarse de que le sustituyan partido tras partido. Ya ha manifestado su descontento después de que Benítez le retirara del campo durante el derbi madrileño, cuando cuajaba buenos minutos y había anotado un gol.

Jesé

¿Qué pasa con la gran joya blanca? Algunas fuentes apuntan a un encontronazo con el técnico. Jesé pasó de salir como titular en el primer partido a tan solo disputar unos minutos basura en el resto de la temporada.

Ramos

Benítez señaló a Ramos tras el partido frente al Atlético. El capitán blanco no se ha callado: ha dicho que todos aprenden de sus errores, tanto jugadores como entrenadores, y que también se hablará de los cambios que haga el técnico. Este revés no le ha gustado a Benitez y puede que el fuego se propague en este foco.

Si a todo esto le sumamos la falta de gol, las críticas de «amarrategui», los empates contra equipos teóricamente muy inferiores o el caos táctico que está creando, queda claro que Benítez ha revolucionado el equipo y no precisamente para bien. Los resultados podían ser mejores pero de momento le salvan. Veremos por cuánto tiempo…

Bayern Munich back to their best under Pep Guardiola

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lewa

Defending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich could not have wished for a better start to the new season with the German giants winning all eight of their league games. Their most recent win was an outstanding 5-1 victory over in-form title-rivals Borussia Dortmund, and manager Pep Guardiola looks to have steadied the ship after a worrying end to last season.

Bayern struggled with results at the tail-end of 2014/15, losing three of their final four games in the league, while being eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals to eventual winners Barcelona. The Germans lost five of their last 10 games in the league and Europe last season, which fuelled rumours that Guardiola was considering his future, but a strong start to the following campaign has the smiles back again.

Guardiola is still being speculated about, however, with various sources tipping him to become the new Manchester City manager after his spell at the Allianz-Arena comes to an end. Nevertheless, Bayern’s fine start to the new season will have City supporters licking their lips at the prospect of him coming to the Etihad in the future, and as things stand the Spanish coach looks set to win his sixth league title in seven years in management.

The talented 44-year-old won three consecutive league titles with Barcelona, and could be repeating the feat in Germany now. Bayern Munich are already seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund early into the new season, and have scored 28 goals for their troubles. No side has a better defensive record than FCB in the Bundesliga, and it’s a sign of real dominance for Bayern.

Poland striker Robert Lewandowski has been at the heart of their success, scoring 12 goals in seven league games this season, while Thomas Muller is second in the scoring charts with eight goals in as many outings. Summer-signing Douglas Costa (5 assists) has also played his part in Bayern’s bright start, and the side are clicking on the pitch.

Last season, Bayern Munich finished 10 points ahead of Vfl Wolfsburg in the table, winning 25 of their 34 league games. Prior to their slump in the second-half of the campaign, Guardiola’s men had lost just once in the Bundesliga by the middle of March, and they could be on course to repeat the feat based on their results this time round. It’s clear the Reds are back to their best, and they’ll be hoping such form spills into their Champions League campaign after having fallen short in the semi-finals for the last two seasons.

Can Raheem Sterling turn his form around for club and country?

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Raheem Sterling managed to grab a goal for England in their 2-0 win against Estonia on Friday night, but his performance wasn’t up to scratch. The Manchester City forward has been short of form all season, and in England’s latest Euro 2016 qualifier he looked off the boil. Sterling was dispossessed more than twice the amount of any other player, and had the most shots off target too.

The 20-year-old was deployed in a familiar position on the left-wing but didn’t look comfortable all evening. Sterling doesn’t have good distribution, nor is he proficient at all with his weaker left foot, so his only strengths off playing in the role are cutting inside. However, when he did take up more central position in possession, the youngster was wasteful, particularly in the final third.

He created only one chance in 90 minutes, and didn’t see any of his seven crosses find a teammate. Sterling found himself out wide all too often against Estonia, who will packing the central areas with bodies to ensure England weren’t given scoring opportunities too cheaply. Their defensive structure stifled the Manchester City man, and his indifferent performance at Wembley summed up his season so far.

Sterling has scored just once for his new club after making the £50M move from Liverpool, and has gone five goals without firing in a City shirt since bagging his first in a 2-0 win against Watford in August. At Liverpool, the forward had the composure of a seasoned veteran, and cleverly worked scoring opportunities with ease, but things haven’t quite gone to plan with the Sky Blues.

The England international isn’t getting into key areas often enough to be a threat, nor is he finding the back of the net when he does have a chance at goal. Sterling has looked low on confidence, and his poor form comes at a really bad time with City having lost the likes of Sergio Aguero and David Silva to injury. The forward’s performance was criticised by supporters on Twitter, but he may get another chance to turn things around in England’s last qualifier.

Club and country teammate Joe Hart believes the nature of his summer move could be to blame, after the youngster refused to play again for Liverpool while a move to City was in the works. Hart said: “Raheem never shows that the pressure from City or England supporters is getting to him – it’s pretty obvious when you’re around him. It was a tough time in the media and from the outside before his move but he was perfectly fine and very excited to start his new chapter at Manchester City. He has coped with it really well. He is an excellent player, a really good person. He is someone who has at least 10-15 years left in football and to set the world stage alight.”

Sterling has plenty of time this season to start firing for England and Manchester City, but can he turn his form around?

Spring final hacia la Euro

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diegocosta

España se prepara para los últimos partidos de clasificación para la Eurocopa de Francia. La Roja ha recibido varias críticas importantes en los últimos meses: el juego ya no es lo que era, se ha perdido intensidad, los pitos a Piqué… pero a pesar de ello se mantiene líder de su grupo y depende de sí misma para clasificarse. Faltan dos partidos; Luxemburgo y Ucrania marcarán el devenir de la Selección.

En cualquier caso, la lista de del Bosque está cada vez más perfilada para la probable Eurocopa. Aunque tiene novedades importantes en la última convocatoria, unas marcadas por lesiones como la de Iniesta y otras por sanción, pero sobre todo por el estado de forma de algunos futbolistas. Estos son los jugadores que más han llamado la atención por su presencia o ausencia en la lista.

Diego Costa

El hispano-brasileño no termina de cuajar con la Selección y puede que por ese motivo no vaya convocado. Es la gran apuesta fracasada del técnico charro: los goles no llegan y se acaba el crédito porque otros vienen pisando fuerte. Costa está sancionado para el partido frente a Luxemburgo, pero del Bosque ha preferido a otros delanteros en alza para jugar también frente a Ucrania. Además, el revuelo causado en la Premier no le ha gustado y Vicente se lo ha hecho saber.

Nolito

Por fin llega la hora del delantero español más en forma de la Liga. El jugador del Celta jugará un partido frente a Luxemburgo, a priori muy asequible, que puede auparle para seguir contando con la confianza del entrenador.

Thiago

Es una de las grandes novedades de la lista, puesto que regresa tras un tiempo sin contar para la Selección y tras superar su grave lesión. Thiago es un jugón y puede dar mucho de que hablar.

Bruno Soriano

El centrocampista del Villarreal atraviesa uno de los mejores momentos de su carrera deportiva y regresa a una convocatoria para aportar toda su experiencia y tratar de hacerse un hueco en el equipo. Una lesión le ha apartado a última hora en detrimento de San José, pero tendrá muchas papeletas de estar entre los elegidos para Francia si mantiene el nivel actual.

Morata

La gran joya de la cantera blanca puede ser una de las mejores soluciones ofensivas para contrarrestar la carencia de gol en los últimos encuentros. Regresa a una convocatoria tras su última ausencia, pero vuelve para quedarse.

Se han producido más lesiones que, a última hora, han obligado a que del Bosque modificara la lista del viernes. Nacho entra en lugar de Ramos por precaución, el defensa amarillo Gaspar por el joven realista Iñigo Martínez y el lateral vizcaíno Etxeita para cubrir la baja de Carvajal tras el derbi. Un guiño importante para ver nuevas caras en la Selección, algunas más jóvenes y otras más veteranas. ¿Será esta la dulce transición de la que hablaba Vicente del Bosque?

Italy a step away from France, but questions surround the Azzurri

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Italian Federation chief Carlo Tavecchio says the idea is to extend Antonio Conte’s contract beyond Euro 2016. “Obviously it depends on what he wants to do and the conditions that are created during Euro 2016,” he said. “Naturally, it is a competition we hope to win.”

Italy need just one point from their final two matches to reach France, away to Azerbaijan and against Norway. Croatia’s recent implosion saw the Azzurri go from the cusp of a three-way battle for the top spots to a position of relative comfort. A pair of 1-0 wins over Malta and Bulgaria set Conte’s side up to advance, but many questions remain.

Those results last month were part of a wider pattern. The four-time world champions have flattered to deceive throughout qualification. Only three times have they scored more than one goal, with a solitary win by more than a one-goal margin.

It’s hard to think of a polished performance during Conte’s reign. Perhaps the friendly win in his maiden outing against the Netherlands – although given the struggles of the Dutch it doesn’t exactly hold up – or the first-up qualifying win in Norway.

Should Italy get the win required to book their place amongst the 24 next June, the matter will turn to whether they have a shot at lifting the trophy. Tavecchio thinks so. Conte is known for his voracious appetite for success. It’s not in his nature to make up the numbers. He will want to win.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti called Conte the best Coach he’s worked with, a tactician who focuses in-depth on details and opponents. “This is why it takes a little while to really understand what he’s asking of us.”

A lack of Italians playing key roles for their clubs in Serie A has been a point raised in recent years, although there is a good mix of experience and exciting youth to build on. There’s Gianluigi Buffon in the former category, Verratti and Lorenzo Insigne – currently injured – amongst those in the latter. Clouds continue to hang over talented attacking duo Mario Balotelli and Giuseppe Rossi, but the pair could be included closer to Euro 2016.

It may take time for Italy to truly gel under Conte, but after a disastrous World Cup fans want to know whether it will come in time to take on the continents best.