Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Real Madrid claim La Decima

Real Madrid finally claimed La Decima with a 4-1 win over Atletico Madrid in Lisbon.

Diego Simeone’s men came within a whisker of denying their city rivals Champions League glory with Real needing a 93rd minute header from Sergio Ramos to take the game into extra-time.

Los Blancos then ran away with the game in the second period with Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo sealing a 4-1 victory and a 10th European Cup.
Sunday, 25 May 2014 10:34

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Youthful Pochettino emerges as Spurs' No.1 target

With Tim Sherwood has been a dead man walking practically since he took over at Tottenham, the north London club have been actively seeking a new manager throughout much of 2014 and may finally have found their man.

After talks with the legendary Louis van Gaal, who moved to Manchester United, and rumored interest in Napoli boss Rafa Benitez, it is perhaps a surprising candidate who has become the frontrunner for the White Hart Lane hot-seat: Mauricio Pochettino.

Spurs are set to officially announce the Argentine's appointment this week after he beat off all other, more experienced competition. The north Londoners had sounded out Benitez, as well as Ajax's Frank de Boer, but were most impressed by Pochettino, who will be handed a £3million-a-year deal.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014 11:00

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Ronaldo back in Lisbon for Decima dream

Saturday night marks Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Lisbon for Real Madrid's Champions League showdown against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese superstar's career trajectory has seemingly been waiting for this moment as Madrid home in on their 10th European Cup triumph and the Estadio da Luz can expect to see the 28-year-old at the peak of his powers.

He is considered 100 per cent fit for the final meaning it is just a matter of whether one of football's ultimate big-game players turns up on the night.
Saturday, 24 May 2014 12:10

Injured Suarez in race to be fit for World Cup

Uruguay face an anxious wait after Luis Suarez underwent surgery on his knee on Thursday. The Liverpool forward now faces a race against time to return to full fitness before La Celeste kick off their campaign in Brazil.

Placed in England's group, there will be plenty of Three Lions fans hoping the 27-year-old returns at slightly below par. Nobody wants to see one of the world's best players miss a World Cup but...you know.

Still, Suarez has until June 14 to prove his fitness to Oscar Tabarez and join the likes of Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan at the head of Uruguay's attack.
Friday, 23 May 2014 12:46

Eto'o hits back at 'puppet' Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been on the receiving end of another verbal blow from Samuel Eto'o, as the Cameroon international attacked suggestions he was too old for top-level football andlabelled the Portuguese coach a "puppet".

In an outburst that suggests Eto'o is unlikely to be extending his stay at Stamford Bridge, the 33-year-old insisted he was still physically fit and eyeing appearances at another two World Cups despite Mourinho's disparaging claims to the contrary.

Eto'o's latest stinging comment comes after he dubbed the former Real Madrid manager a "fool" for decrying his age - and even suggesting he is older than he claims to be - as the pair continue to slug it out in public.
Thursday, 22 May 2014 16:50

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Van Gaal and Enrique start their rescue missions

Monday saw big changes at the top of two of Europe's biggest clubs as Manchester United appointed Louis van Gaal their new manager and Barcelona replaced Tata Martino with Luis Enrique.

Both new men have a significant amount of work to do. United endured their worst season of the Premier League era under David Moyes, who was sacked just 10 months into a six-year contract in April.

Barcelona, meanwhile, lost legendary former manager Tito Vilanova to throat cancer, unpopular president Sandro Rosell to the Neymar contract scandal and both La Liga and the Champions League to Atletico Madrid.

For United, Van Gaal is a proven winner with his own distinctive philosophy who has shown a talent for developing young players and playing expansive, attacking football.

Barcelona hope Enrique, another former La Masia graduate, can provide a return to the dominant passing style refined under Pep Guardiola and Vilanova and the unprecedented level of success which it brought about.

Only time will tell if either man has the right tools for the job, but there promises to be plenty of drama along the way.
Tuesday, 20 May 2014 12:18

FA Cup win is the most precious moment of Wenger’s career

Arsene Wenger’s men ended the drought of several years of not winning a trophy by beating Hull City in the FA Cup 2014 final 3-2 after a dramatic match.
Wenger told the press  ”This was more important than all the others,” he said “We have twice won the double, but were not under pressure then like we were today.” quoting from Goal.com.
Wenger also signed a new contract with Arsenal to continue his journey with the team and to build a new era with the club.

Monday, May 19, 2014

Drogba ponders next step after leaving Galatasaray

Didier Drogba has announced he will leave Galatasaray at the conclusion of his 18-month contract.

The Chelsea legend joined the Turkish club back in January 2013, after a short spell with Shanghai Shenhua, but has decided not to extend his stay with the side who finished second in the Super Lig table.

Drogba will now ponder the next step of his career with the 36-year-old potentially weighing up a move back to Stamford Bridge in a non-playing capacity. Where will the Ivorian end up after the World Cup?
Monday, 19 May 2014 12:30


Sunday, May 18, 2014

Atletico title win a fitting tribute to Aragones

Atletico Madrid secured an incredible Spanish league title on Saturday after holding Barcelona to a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou.

It has been a remarkable season for Diego Simeone's side, who also face rivals Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 24.

But the new league champions have also endured heartache this season, after Luis Aragones - the club's all-time top goalscorer and former head coach - died in February aged 75.

Simeone was quick to acknowledge Aragones after the game.

"Today is one of the best days in the history of Atleti," Simeone said afterwards. "To be champions in Barcelona against a team like this, the champions of all in recent years.

"I'm sure Luis Aragones was defending for us in the second half."
Sunday, 18 May 2014 12:30