Friday, June 14, 2013

Lewandowski trapped as Dortmund refuse to budge

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski’s future remains the topic of fierce speculation as BVB attempt to hold onto the Poland international.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar season last time out scoring 36 times in all competitions for Dortmund to become one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Dortmund have recently insisted they will not allow the striker to move to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich this summer, although they have stopped short of ruling out at summer exit entirely.

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with Lewandowski but for the moment at least, the striker seems to be going nowhere.

Neymar & Messi under the microscope at Barcelona

Neymar’s big-money move from Santos to Barcelona will place the Brazilian under huge scrutiny according to Michael Laudrup.

The Swansea boss has explained that while Neymar has been a "great player" back home in South America, he faces an entirely different challenge in La Liga

The Brazilian has been branded as too small and thin to succeed by many, and while Laudrup says he does not want to compare Neymar with Messi, the Argentine superstar has proved that size simply does not matter. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Mourinho brings the Happy Days back to Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has given his first press conference since his return to Chelsea with the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ now declaring himself “the happy one”.

Of course much has changed since the Portuguese first arrived at Stamford Bridge, a mere nine years ago.

Mourinho has gone on to taste success in Italy with Inter, leading the Serie A side to two league titles as well as Champions League glory.

The 50-year-old then moved on to a controversial tenure at Real Madrid, winning the Liga title in 2012 but calling his last season in Spain the “worst in his career”.

And so back to the Blues, where Mourinho and the club will be hoping he can bring the happy days back to Chelsea. 

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Where the Wild Things Are

A tribute to Maurice Sendak

الفكة

Mourinho's trail of destruction in Spanish football

Andres Iniesta was scathing in his analysis of Jose Mourinho's time at Real Madrid.

"Yes he damaged Spanish football," the Barcelona midfielder said. "In general, more harm than good."

With La Liga in ruins, let's just hope the Premier League can withstand the whirlwind of carnage that is Mourinho

Sleepy

England Under-21s exit European Championships under a cloud

Stuart Pearce had high hopes for his England Under-21 side heading into the European Championships in Israel.

But after defeat in the opener against Italy, Norway dumped the Young Lions out of the tournament, beating them 3-1 on Saturday.

Prior to the game, Pearce had suggested the heat in Israel may prove to be an advantage for England.

"That's good for us," he said. "The Norwegians haven't seen the sun for eight months!" 

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Arshavin & Gallas lead way as Premier League rejects run wild & free

Andrey Arshavin, William Gallas and Florent Malouda were among the names on the Premier League's list of released players which was revealed on Friday.

All will be looking for new clubs this summer, and while some may still have something to offer to the Premier League, others could be plying their trade abroad next term.