#if you need an Italian club to support…AC MILAN!!!

[yudgefudge]

MATE

I JUST CHECKED THE ITALIAN LEAGUE'S PLAYERS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, WHY THE BLOODY HELL IS LEANDRO PAREDEAS AND HIS MILLENNIAL LOOKING TEAMMATE HOT???

-🇬🇧, the Brighton supporter (I have their symbol on my trousers)

“MILLENIAL LOOKING TEAMMATE��

if so then you are right. Dybala and Paredes are very hot™️, anon. I’m glad you have discovered them. Welcome to l’Italia!!!

[jiejie-eonni-onee-sama]

My only one...

For the adorable @yourstory-teller​ ⚽❤️

Hope you’ll enjoy!

Sitting at the counter of a trendy bar in Rio of Janeiro, (Y/N) was drinking her cocktail, staring into space.

The young woman felt alone and empty of energy. Once again, her boyfriend had abandoned her to go out and party with his friends.

At the same time, when your name is Lucas Paqueta, and you are a star of the Brazilian team, you like to party with your teammates, surrounded by pretty girls.

She sighed, looking at the bottom of her glass: it was bound to happen, sooner or later. Lucas would eventually ditch her and have fun with some curvy bimbo.

That was the case: just looking at him, laughing out loud with Neymar and Thiago Silva, two sexy women sitting close to him, making sensual faces.

(Y/N) wanted to scream with rage: what did these bitches have that she didn't?

They were only interested in Lucas because he was a rising star of the Seleçao.

The young woman found herself missing the old Lucas Paqueta. 

The one she had met when she accompanied a friend, Matilda, to see her boyfriend, Frederico, play football.

As she went to greet him, he introduced her to his best friend:

"(Y/N), this is Lucas Paqueta. Remember his name well: he will be famous one day!"

"Don't exaggerate!" replied Lucas, elbowing his teammate.

The young woman remembered when their eyes met: it was like feeling thousands of butterflies flying in her stomach. She had found him irresistible with his mischievous look, tousled black hair and charming smile.

After that, they met regularly as friends before evolving into a romantic relationship.

He was the perfect boyfriend: funny, passionate, tender, cuddly, and attentive. 

(Y/N) loved spending time with him, even though his football career interfered with their relationship.

But she accepted this life because she knew Lucas needed to reach his dream: to become a professional player and join the national team.

So when he left his training club CR Flamengo for the Italian club AC Milan, she followed him without hesitation to support him.

At every stage of his career, she was there to support him.

She was in the stands at every game he played.

She shouted at every goal he scored and at every victory.

She reassured and consoled him when he suffered defeat or doubted his abilities.

(Y/N) could boast that she was one of those who didn't stay with her football boyfriends for the glory.

She was there, in good times and bad, and this is where it gets her.

If only she could stand up and tell those bitches to piss off someone else.

But she remained paralysed, petrified with shame: what would Lucas say when he saw her acting like this? He would think she was hysterical!

However, it was out of the question to give in!

As her aunt Dorotéa, a feminist activist and unabashed seductress, would say:

"My dear, if you want a man to focus only on you, play ignorant. Pretend you're not interested in him, and you'll see he'll come right back!"

It was not an unpleasant idea, after all.

So she got up from her chair and walked towards the exit with a proud step, ignoring the stares of the other customers.

(Y/N) went outside to get some fresh air, admiring the falling evening.

Outside, people enjoyed the weather and partied on the beach.

The music rose into the air to the laughter and joyful shouts of the people on the beach.

The festive atmosphere attracted (Y/N), who walked towards the beach and approached a group of dancers.

One of the girls in the group saw her coming and smiled at her:

"Hi! Do you want to come?"

"If you don't mind..."

"Not at all! The more, the merrier! Come on, let's get your groove on!"

Enthusiastically, (Y/N) mingled with the dancers and let herself go to the rhythm of the music.

The young woman felt free as if her torments had just flown away. 

Carried away by the party, she went wild on the dance floor, not caring what others thought of her.

The other dancers were impressed by the newcomer's innate talent: this girl had an inner fire waiting to burst forth. And they were going to help her!

One of the dancers signalled to the DJ to play Ojos Asi by Shakira and asked (Y/N):

"Ready for a dance battle?"

"You bet I am!" replied (Y/N), under the applause.

Under the encouragement and applause, (Y/N) and the dancer clashed to the rhythm of the music, letting their bodies express themselves.

The young woman was one with the music, letting Shakira's voice direct her gestures and undulate her hips.

She added a few funk dance moves: she remembered seeing Lucas dancing like this when he celebrated his goals.

These darings made the happiness of the other dancers, who applauded wildly.

But what (Y/N) did not know was that other spectators had joined the crowd.

"Wow! I didn't know your girlfriend danced like that!" Neymar exclaimed.

"She's got talent, that's for sure!" remarked Marquinhos.

"Lucas, you lucky bastard! You're dating a beautiful, smart, funny, adorable girl who can dance! Do you see how blessed you are?" asked Richarlinson.

"Of course, I know!"

"In that case, you should have let it be known sooner!" quipped Thiago Silva.

"What are you talking about?"

"Lucas, I wonder if you are blind: since we went to that bar, you've let her down. (Y/N) has been trying desperately to get your attention, but with both bitches who tried to flirt with you, it was impossible! If you had seen the look she gave them: it looked like she wanted to kill them on the spot!"

"Wait: are you telling me she's jealous?" 

"I'm afraid so. But I understand (Y/N): if I were her, I wouldn't be happy to see girls trying to seduce my boyfriend in front of me!"

Lucas couldn't believe it.

"That's why she left!"

"You got it all figured out. Now if I were you, I'd do anything to make your girl understand that she's the only woman in my eyes. And I'll do that ASAP if you know what I mean..."

Lucas didn't take long to find an idea, as the song stopped and the dancers clapped (Y/N).

Her adversary came to shake her hand:

"I've seen some talented dancers, but you are different. It seems like dancing is part of your life."

He gave her a charming smile.

"My name is Jorge. And you?"

"(Y/N)."

"Wow: the name is as pretty as the dancer."

The young woman blushed with pleasure: she won't deny that she loved hearing compliments.

"I agree: her first name is as beautiful as her! But It is not the only thing that makes her exceptional!"

(Y/N) turned around and saw her boyfriend walking towards her:

"Lucas?"

The other people were surprised to see a Seleçao star among them.

As for Lucas, he was determined to show Jorge that (Y/N) was already taken and ready to prove to his lover that she was for him.

“You would know that she is not only the most beautiful woman in Brazil: (Y/N) is a kind, funny, passionate, cheerful, smiling, loyal and sincere girl. Every man from Brazil would fight for the chance to share his life!"

"And why are you telling me all this?" asked Jorge, annoyed.

Lucas put a protective arm around (Y/N)'s shoulders.

"Because I happen to be the luckiest man in Brazil, and this wonderful (Y/N) is my girlfriend."

He heard cries of surprise in the assembly.

Satisfied with its effect, Lucas said:

"Now, my darling and I have a romantic evening together! Good evening to all... Ah! And keep dancing: you have talent!"

The couple walked away to the surprised looks of the audience.

Lucas and (Y/N) walked down the street, the arm of the footballer still wrapped around the shoulders of the young woman.

After a few minutes of walking, Lucas said:

"You are a beautiful dancer!"

"Thanks, that's sweet," replied (Y/N), blushing.

"And what I said earlier about you, I meant it!"

"Yes, I know."

The footballer stopped his walk and turned, fixing his gaze on his girlfriend:

"Then in that case, you don't have to be jealous of the other girls!"

"Me, jealous? What are you talking about?"

Her boyfriend confessed, embarrassed:

"The guys told me that you glared at the girls while they talked to me. I didn't pay any attention to it, and it's my fault: I should have noticed that it hurt you. Otherwise, you would never have left!"

(Y/N) looked down and replied:

"I'll be honest: I couldn't stand seeing those bitches making eyes at you anymore. Because it reminds me of my biggest fear."

"But what are you so afraid of?"

The young woman sighed:

"Since you became a public darling, all of Brazil knows you. You have many admirers, and many women would go out with you. And I'm afraid that one day I, the kid from Flamengo, won't be good enough for you and you'll leave me for a hottie."

After this confession, (Y/N) was mortified: but why did she tell this to Lucas? He would think she was crazy!

But instead, the football player took her in his arms and said:

"Why would I want to trade the woman I love for another? The girls who come on to me don't know me as you do. They're interested in fame, whereas you've always been there, in good times and bad. I don't want anyone else but you, (Y/N), and no woman can match you."

A wide smile lit up the young woman's face as she embraced her boyfriend:

"Eu te amo, Lucas."

"Eu te amo, (Y/N)."

Then Lucas took (Y/N)'s hand and said:

"Come on: the evening is not over!"

"Where are we going?"

"Trust me: we're going to have fun!"

The night was young, and the lovers had some time to catch up...

💝💝💝💝

A few days later.

On her way home from work, (Y/N) felt that something was different. She didn't know what, but her instincts weren't wrong.

She was surprised to see a delicious meal on the kitchen table.

At the same time, Lucas made his entrance:

"Hi, honey. How was your day?"

"Fine, thanks. How was yours? Did you finish training early?"

"Yes, we finished unusually early. Which gave me time to get everything ready for you!"

"I'm flattered."

"Wait, this isn't over. Here, read this!" said the footballer, holding out a sheet of paper.

Intrigued, the young woman took the sheet, unfolded it and read its contents:

This is a one-week voucher allowing you to have your wishes fulfilled. Ask for anything you want, I'll pamper you!

At the originality of this surprise, (Y/N) burst out laughing:

"Unbelievable! You are going to spoil me for a whole week! And to what do I owe this honour?"

Lucas kissed her neck:

"You do a lot for me, so it's only fair that I return the favour!"

He smiled:

"So, what can I do to make you happy, beautiful?"

(Y/N) pretended to think:

"I do have an idea in mind, and I feel you'll like it!"

As their lips sealed in a passionate kiss, (Y/N) had no more doubts: she was the only one in Lucas' eyes, as he was the only one in her eyes. And that was priceless...

Thanks for reading! 

I hope you enjoyed this story!

Please, feel free to request!

Take care of you! 😍😘💕

[ildirigente]

My 2 cents on the Bonucci-Caldara swap deal + Higuain

First off: This was written approximately 1 hour after Romeo Agresti’s tweet. So bear with me. This has to go down as one of the most bizarre deals in my time supporting Juventus. I can’t wrap my head around it to be honest. I know all about the financial aspect of transfers and how amortization works. That’s yesterday’s news. BUT, AC Milan had pretty much zero leverage going into these negotiations, and we’re basically bailing them out. It was their captain who wanted to leave, not Juventus who desperately needed him back. And yet, the Milano club walk away winners despite Juventus holding all the cards.

What the actual f*ck are we doing here? This ‘CL at all costs’ mode is making me sick. The short-term quest for gold in Europe can’t come at the expense of the future. If Juventus sets one foot wrong next season it can have serious implications on the following seasons ahead. Don’t get me wrong: Juventus are most likely going to do great 2018/19, but when you turn something into an unhealthy obsession the margin of error becomes smaller and the fall so much harder. There has to be a balance. The signing of Ronaldo made me so excited and now? I don’t know.

I think one of the driving forces behind this move, apart from Bonucci of course, was Caldara’s agent. Giuseppe Riso has been presenting our management with alternative roads away from Juve for quite some time. He doesn’t want to see Caldara as merely an understudy to the more regular features in the starting XI. Besides that I’m sure he’s looking out for himself in the normal greedy-agent-type-of-way. First and foremost though, it reeks of a weak mentality when you’re not even ready to put up a fight. Both agent and player need to grow some balls - look no further than Mattia... Perin. Instead he (Calda)ra...n away like a little chicken.

I don’t get why someone in Caldara’s shoes would opt for a club in chaos and with an unknown future. Why not stick around at one of the best run clubs in the world for a year and then take stock of the situation. What’s the rush? Barzagli is retiring at the end of the season, Chiellini has recurring injury problems and so had Benatia before joining Juventus. Anyway, screw Caldara. The ONLY one I feel truly sorry for is Higuain. But in Gonzalo’s case it was a necessary evil to offload him considering how much his numbers weigh on Juventus’ budget (no pun intended).

Well played, Leonardo Nascimento de Araújo. Now go after Darmian, Gagliardini/Pellegrini/Barella, Chiesa and former president Berlusconi’s dream of an all Italian side is slowly becoming a reality. (I know about FFP guys.) Meanwhile, Juventus is turning into a legion of foreign imports and ex-Italian internationals - or soon to be - mixed up with a couple of promising young guns. However, I would swap Donnarumma, Caldara, Romagnoli and Cutrone for Perin, Rugani, Spinazzola and Bernardeschi all day of the week. Yes, Juventus overall have a far superior squad to Milan. I am aware.

So... Depending on when the clubs make it official, this will be the second presentation in a couple of weeks for Caldara? Really looking forward seeing his toothless smile in front of the cameras. It was nice knowing you the whole 3 minutes you were at the club. Oh, how I hate modern football. If I would hold football players and clubs to the same standards as I do in everyday life, I would have been done with this circus a long time ago. Football is like opium to the people. No matter how we are treated (not talking about the Bonucci-Caldara thing now), we stay loyal until the very end. Fino alla fine, right? I’m not saying my club, or football in general, owes me anything. But sometimes I feel like I’m witnessing a car crash and I just can’t stop watching. Out of old habits.

Oh well, at least we got the tax evasion-guy. This is going to be so much fun! No, I really mean it. Cheer up, SMS or Paul Pogba is next.

PS. This transfer window has officially gone bonkers.

[tkmedia]

Man Utd need Ndidi, and a solution to the Haaland problem…

Your mails don’t have to be about Man Utd but keep them coming anyway. Send mails to theeditor@football365.com… Haaland sorted Erling Haaland to Chelsea? Simple! Dortmund want to keep him for another year. Chelsea want to pay up now to avoid a bidding war next summer when Haaland’s release clause kicks in. There’s a simple solution! Why don’t Chelsea give them £100 this summer to buy him but then loan him back to Dortmund for the upcoming season. Dortmund get what they want and Chelsea get what they want. Bing! Bang! Bosh! Thanks. Tim (CFC) Ireland Varane and Sancho not enough As happy I am at Manchester United signing Varane – with weeks left in the transfer window no less – I still don’t believe there will be a massive difference. Unless a top class defensive midfielder is signed, it will be more of the same… flattering to deceive. Varane is used to be playing with top level defensive midfielders both at Real and for France. I wonder how shocked he’ll be when he has McFred infront of him running around looking busy but not actually defending anything. With Leicester signing Soumare you’d think they are already ready for Ndidi leaving. Perhaps we could test the waters? I also would not mind Kessie from AC Milan who i watched run our midfield over two legs. Just keep Declan Rice away from Old Trafford. Longsight Lad F365 Says: Ole can’t go balls out with Varane alone The Pogba conundrum A lot of people have surmised that Paul Pogba has played well in multiple teams, such as Juve and France, or he has only played well when supported by high class talents. Some may say that the quality on offer in Italy is not as good, or perhaps the quality when he was there. Some may say that next to Kante, any midfielder will look better. So let’s break it down. Truth goes first. Pogba left England at a young age and went to Juventus. He joined the Italian champions, who would win the title in each of his four seasons. This is where the Real/Mythical Pogba was born. All action midfielder, very dynamic, given a license to roam and capable of a nice thunderbastard. Here, he flourished. This is true. During his career representing France, he has lost the Euro 2016 final at home to Portugal, and won the 2018 world cup vs Croatia. For France, he has looked almost as dangerous as he did for Juve, despite playing in a more tactically disciplined role. He is tasked with pulling the strings and sending those long balls for Mbappe, Griezmann and Dembele to chase. His first 3 games of the Euro’s showed exactly what he is capable of. This is true. At United, he doesn’t appear to be the Real/Mythical Pogba, why? Like most things, the proof lies in the details. At Juve, he had the honor of having the leadership and skills of Buffon in nets, a back three of Chiellini, Bonucci & Barzagli, flanked by Lichsteiner and Alex Sandro, with the mercurial Pirlo in front of them to protect. Alongside Pogba, were the box-to-box abilities of Vidal/Marchisio. This gave Pogba an outrageous amount of protection, while at the same time allowing him to be the man to dribble forward with the ball, take that long shot, attempt those long passes, safe in the knowledge he has an army of experienced defenders behind him. It made him worth 85M. Now, for France he does not appear to be as dynamic or dangerous, but not one bit less necessary for the team. With the previously mentioned three, and others, Pogba does not need to make the runs forward he would normally do at Juve. He is instead tasked with using his passing range and carrying the ball forward. It has evidently worked and it has evidently not. He has won the WC, His mistake cost them in the last Euro’s. For protection here, he has Lloris in nets, Varane and Kimpembe/Umtiti at CB with Hernandez and Pavard at fullback(Two defenders who can play CB) and he would partner with Kante and Matuidi(World cup winners) or just Kante( Euros). United in this time has not come close to either team’s level of quality when it comes to adequate protection for a player like Pogba. He has never had a midfield partner to the standard of Pirlo/Vidal/Kante and he has not had the quality of experience at the back either to match Chielini/Bonucci/Varane. This year may be different. If United could sign, let’s say, Ndidi. Pogba would have an experienced goalkeeper, experienced quality CB’s and fullbacks, midfield partners who have the discipline to protect him and forwards who will move into the spaces necessary. However, PSG would be the better choice for him. He has the quality goalkeeper in Donnarumma, a back three of Ramos, Marquinhos and Kimpembe. Bernat and Hakimi at fullback are great options. Gini can be their Vidal, Veratti can be their Pirlo. Add in the forwards, Neymar, Mbappe and Icardi, and you have a team that can more than match the ability of his successful Juve side. This all leaves us with the feeling of why? Why create all of this for just him? Well, you have to watch him to understand. Those first three games for France at the Euro’s. That run of form after Mourinho was sacked, where he scored and assisted 8 in 5 games. At his best he is an unstoppable machine capable of the delicate, and the dangerous. All you need to do is to listen to pro’s talk about playing against him to get it, and then watch his highlights for your eyes to get it too. That said, he is also such a liability, and this is why I would prefer to see him in that PSG team. United should use those funds to replace him with a solid CDM and a dynamic midfield passer, a la Scholes. He is a liability because he has often had brain farts at major moments, in major games. His giving away and taking of penalties record is horrible. Like at this Euros, when you take away the box-to-box partner he needed for the WC, even just Kante can’t save you, and he made Danny Drinkwater a 35M Midfielder. He does the magic many cannot, But in a team where Bruno is our main performer, there is not much space for the luxuries of Paul Pogba. You will get the screamer, and then be turned into a screamer, for his efforts. Calvino Rashford’s decision Can’t say I agree with JB. Rashford definitely looks like he’s been carrying an injury for some time to me. As for saying that if it was actually something wrong, you’d just get it fixed… it would be nice if it was that clean cut, but that’s just not how surgery works. I don’t know exactly what the nature of Rashford’s injury is, or what the surgical solution is, but the surgery could have a less than ideal success rate, it could only be a partial solution, it could leave the recipient with permanent (but lesser) pain in the affected area, surgery may only offer a temporary solution to an inherent problem that will eventually recur… There are plenty of reasons why a young guy may want to reflect on a choice between managing an injury versus going under the knife, or the exact timing of the surgery. But really, why is it such a big deal if the club was less than truthful in order to protect the player? Maybe it is made up and the issue is a sensitive one that the player doesn’t want widely known – like the early days of Darren Fletcher’s ulcerative colitis, or a mental health issue… Or maybe they are just making it up to alleviate pressure around bad form; sounds a perfectly valid tactic to me… what, if anything, is wrong with him isn’t really anyone’s business but his and his employer’s. Why don’t the press call them out on their BS? Probably because it isn’t newsworthy… Andy (MUFC) Wednesday’s PM Mailbox: How did a ‘useless PE teacher’ sign Varane? Lamela was a ‘liability’ and… Straw grasping Biscuit Dave – do you work in PR or marketing? There’s some wonderful creative framing going on in your description of United’s key players this morning. Listen, I get United are delighted to have finally signed a defender who looks competent in all areas of play rather than just a selected few, but to describe him as ‘the most successful centre back under 30’ is clearly heavily caveated so as to avoid anyone who didn’t hoover up Champions League medals at Real for most of the last decade, and even then you have to limit the age range so as to exclude his way more successful defensive partner. England’s best centre-back? John Stones is clearly why you’ve switched from ‘most successful’ to (a very subjective) ‘best’. John Stones might occasionally drop a bollock, but Maguire is always slow and one-footed. I know who I’d rather have. And to finish, a wonderful combo designed so as to exclude any striker under the age of about 29, yet not position Cavani behind of any of those he’s being compared to – ‘one of the best centre forwards in Europe over the last 10 years.’ Yeah, he’s been one of the best over that timeframe, but you’d probably find few outside of Salford who’d rate him above the other obvious names in that bracket such as Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Muller or Benzema. Even the intro to the group of players includes ‘(on paper)’. Absolute joyous and meaningless nonsense, and why I love the Mailbox. Jonny (on paper, one of the best bearded players over 6 foot tall between the ages of 42-45 in my street) Dance …Oh Biscuit Dave, I just have no idea how Ole gets these players to sign for the club with the highest wage bill in the country. Maybe he sent them a VHS of the time he did that tap in. And as for best English centre back, I think Joe Gomez (PL, CL) might have a word with Maguire(…….). United are back at the big boy table now. No more playing for nil nils or bragging rights when the leagues already lost. Ole has to do what only a small handful of managers have ever done and beat Pep in the league. No excuses now. Not injuries, not VAR, not playing on Thursdays after Christmas. He’s been spending like Man United, he needs to win like Man United. That means the league. United fans would do well to let their team do the talking on the pitch this season. Next year has to be their year. Anything else would be a failure for them. Alex, South London Ole: the good, the bad, and the ugly The Good: Ole took over a toxic situation from a toxic man in Mourinho. He was seen as a short term option to raise morale and see out the season. He nailed it, so much so, United gave him the job full time. I was concerned about this as Pochetino seemed like the better option. But I am not Ed Woodward, so I just had to sit back and hope for the best. What I did know was that we had a former player in the hot seat, we had a manager that fully understood what a successful United is, and the importance of sticking to the United way- Fast, attacking football, with local youths reperesting the club. It is a manager who has won trophies as a manager( Albeit in Norway, that said, his side were not favourites) From the get-go, you could tell the players where in a more comfortable environment, and happier for it. The results were not bad and by the end of his first full season, we had finished in the top 3, and reached 3 semi-finals. Last season we went a step further in both regards, finishing second in the league and reaching the Europa final. Despite a loss in the final, progress was definitely made. He has improved players as well. Greenwood has come on leaps, the best we have seen from Pogba has been on his watch. He added Maguire and AWB to make a sh*t defence solid, and he has them consistently getting high ratings without it really being noticed. His transfers have been the best since Fergie has left. He signs players that we need, but who also appear to have the right mental capacity to be a United player. Maguire, Fernandes, AWB, Varane, Sancho- These are all amazing players, but more importantly, the types of players we have needed and missed out on/Never went for. Tactically, he has beaten the best, and last season’s sensational comebacks should be seen as proof of this, instead of it being another ‘luck’ stick to beat him with. The Bad: I feel bad saying bad things about him, but then when I think about it, there is not much bad to him. He is nice and friendly, he doesn’t abuse, belittle or blame his players. You could say that tactically, he is maybe not as seasoned as your Mourninho’s or Pochettino’s, and he does not appear to have a preferred system such as Pep or Klopp. But Pep aside, not one of them was successful last year. You could say his use of substitutes can improve, as we learned in the lost final. We also learned in that game that, on occasion, he can be like a deer in the headlights when the opposition is delivering a masterclass. His interviews- this is where I think most people get their feeling for Ole, from. He just doesn’t scream anything, it’s never really emotional, engaging, or inspirational. He does not say anything truly wild or thought provoking. He just….is. The Ugly: The ugly I find is in his presence, so many are frustrated. It’s like your ex dating some really nice guy. You don’t want to like him, and he has given you no reason not to, but you still do. I don’t even think a trophy would do it, unless it is the league, and in a convincing way. But already people are saying he should win the league with this team, so we will see. He took over United in a similar way to that of Klopp at Liverpool. He achieved better success in his first full season than Klopp did in his. His second full season ended up in a losing european final(Albeit the Champions league for Liverpool) and a higher league finish than Liverpool. He is currently on an upward trajectory that should be seen as highly positive, yet, perhaps because he doesn’t have a thrilling tactical system and perhaps a slight lack of ‘Charisma’, he is being seen as lucky or unfit for purpose. Luckily, the United board does not. Calvino (His spending is about on par with Klopp in that time too)

Rule changes Three rule changes to improve “The Game”. 1. Stop the clock when the ball is out of play (e.g., throw ins, corners, subs, goal kicks). Simple…removes doubt, rewards playing. No stoppage time and reduce the 90 minute game time if needs be. Probably advanced by many others before me, but let’s ease into this. 2. Introduce sin bins. We need a card between the yellow and red (e.g., orange). The reason players “take one for the team” (e.g., yellow card with little time left to play), is because the balance between reward and punishment is…unbalanced. “Tactical fouls” go against good play/skill and are only supported by idiot hipsters (e.g., “Chiellini on Saka, is brilliant defending”. Nah, it’s cheating). Deliver the punishment within the game the crime occurred, and create jeopardy for cheaters. 3. Make VAR reviews the decision of managers or captains. I think most people want good skill and fairness, not decision making perfection/porn – they are different and the latter does not exist…as far as I’m aware. No fan wants to “cheat” their way to a win (think Henry handball against Ireland, Lampard’s phantom goal against Germany or Maradona’s handball), particularly in a significant game. But do we really care that a marginal offside or free-kick occurred 2 minutes before a goal? I don’t…get on with it, play on, tackle, defend. Use the tennis review model (i.e., 2 reviews per set and you keep them if you get your review right) to remove the obvious and impactful mistakes, but don’t make a video referee the central character in a game of physical skill. If you like decision based dramas, go and watch A Few Good Men. Dissecting grey areas is dull, futile and comes at the cost of the overall shape and integrity of the game. If Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan, or Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle is less likely with VAR, then remove it until you have something that doesn’t make it so (N.B., I am a football not Liverpool fan). Last thing… We are all controlled by others…ultimately high finance, PR, and Government, in some shape, form or collaboration. Moments of joy are few and far between. I don’t think we should allow The Man to place himself in front of one of the few moments of uncontrived joy left…put that power in the hands of your “elected” managers and captains, make it part of the game…and most importantly deliver fairness not officiousness. Nick (not The Man) P.s. Imagine Wenger/Mourinho/Fergie/ arguing they thought the ref had a bad game after they called 2 decisions wrong themselves… Already seems worth it. Non-perfect perfect goals Adding to Paul from Brussels mail about perfect goals that come out of left field where there looks to be no chance to score, my favourites are the goals from players that rarely get close but suddenly spot an opportunity. When they score there is this look of bewilderment followed by sheer joy, it’s the pure fun you have playing as a kid. As I am biased, check out Makelele’s goal against Spurs. Not only a great goal but he just stood still for a split second before realising he’d actually scored, and the reaction from the rest of the team says it all. Blue Chelsea Blue Read the full article

[narisa]

Italian Soccer - The Rise of AC Milan

More images have emerged in of a planned stadium, which would be the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan football teams. Last week, AC Milan and Inter Milan released new details on their plans to build a new stadium and new entertainment and sports complex, with the players having submitted a detailed preparatory report for the planning permission to the Municipality of Milan. The club has also submitted copies of their credit agreement with the government of Milan. The project is expected to cost between sixty and seventy million Euros and is expected to start in the middle of next year. The stadium is expected to be finished by the end of the next season. football player  

Last week, the Milanese authorities approved the plans for a new stadium in San Siro but this is not the end of the project. Another stadium in Milan is expected to be built outside the city in the outskirts. This stadium is supposed to be part of the bid to host the next World Cup in soccer. The location for this stadium is yet to be decided upon, so it is unlikely that a final decision will be made any time soon. San Siro was the original name of the stadium, which was meant to be constructed for the AC but that was changed due to political reasons. The current name is proposed to be in keeping with the history of the town, which is named after the medieval city of the same name.

AC Milan plays at the San Siro since the nineteen eighties and it was due to this reason that the ultras supporters chose to chant slogans such as "iva santana live" (I'm born again). It is believed that these words originated when AC Milan was playing a match against arch enemy Inter Milan in the nineteen eighties. Due to this rivalry many Italian football fans consider any form of competition as a danger to their national team and to their religion. The ultras are also known for throwing bananas at opposing players and even at the referee when he is not working properly. So you can imagine how big an issue this is for AC Milan and its coach Roberto Carlos.

So many people feel that the recent scuffles between AC Milan and Inter should be a wakeup call to the Italian football system. They say that there are a lot of issues within the team, which need to be addressed before tournaments like the European finals and the World cup. There is also much talk about corruption within the leagues, which is said to cost clubs hundreds of millions of Euros in transfers. This is probably true in the lower leagues but not so much in the top tier. As regards the season leading trophies, AC Milan has already won the league title and looks certain to retain it in the coming seasons.

AC Milan is the big favourite to win the Treble and this season looks like it may be the first time that the club has done so. Some have suggested that Inter Milan may be relegated before the have some big matches against defending champions Chelsea, Benfica, CS Freja and probably Roma as well and although AC Milan looks the part and has already qualified from their group, they face tough fixtures against the title contenders and Real Madrid, who have looked good lately.

If AC Milan wins this season's championship, they will become the first Italian team to do so since the birth of the sport in 1900 and this will be a huge boost for Italian football. Due to being the host of the Olympic Games back in 2021, the San Siro has changed a lot since the previous administration left and it looks like the new regime is doing a great job. Other clubs are also investing in improving their stadia and facilities, as well as having modernized stadiums with better artificial pitches. But the question still remains. Is the new generation of Italian football great enough to challenge the giants of Real Madrid, AC Milan or Manchester United?

[thebluesideofmyworld]

The Gift - A Solangelo One-Shot

Summary: In which Will wanted to show that even though he might not know a lot about it, it didn't mean that he didn't care (Some sort of a continuation/sequel of another one-shot: ‘My Kind of Football, Your Kind of Football’ but can still be read separately)

(Word Count: 2700 words || Rating: Teen and Up Audiences || Read on AO3)

Instead of sitting in the Apollo table today when they were having lunch, Nico and Will decided to sit on the Hades table. It didn’t seem to be an issue any longer anyway for Chiron. Especially in this time of the year, when the one left in the cabin were just the all-year round campers.

Will was eyeing the way Nico studied his plate.

“Just eat it, Nico.”

“Will, is it just me or the amount of this …green stuff here,” he said, poking some lettuce on his plate with his fork. “Suddenly they just kind of… strangely increased?” he asked, lifting his head up to shoot a slightly accusing look at Will.

“What do you mean?” Will said, trying to put on his best innocent look.

“I am pretty sure that when I left to get some drink, I didn’t have this much of leaves on my plate.”

“It’s vegetables, Nico! Not leaves!”

“Will-“

“Nico!” Chiara Benvenuti’s voice made the two of them turned their head. Chiara was walking towards them, holding a tray with her food and drink on it. Damien White walked just one step behind her, slightly smiling.

“Chiara!” Nico waved at her. “Ready for Friday?”

Chiara put her tray on the table. “You bet I will. I just hope that Spain fucked up so we had better chance to win the group.”

“I know, right?” Nico threw his hands in the air dramatically. The two Italians started to speak in Italian, along with some rapid hand gestures.

“Fascinating, huh?” Damien said. He apparently took a seat next to Will when he was too busy watching Nico and Chiara in amazement.

“Huh?” Will turned his head to look at Damien. “Yeah. It’s just… Fascinating.”

Of course, Damien did not need to know that Nico talking Italian like that made him look even more attractive for Will.

Something that Nico said last weekend when they were at Will’s house flashed in Will’s mind. Will turned his head back to Damien.

“Are they talking about.. that…” Will moved his hand in vague circles, trying to remember the exact words that Nico said. “Uh… derby? Something about… Milan?”

“Oh, the Milan Derby?”

“Yes! Yes! That’s the one!” Will nodded.

Damien tilted his head a bit to the left, eyeing the piece of meatballs in his fork.

“Nahh…. I don’t think so,” he said, and ate his meatball. “I am pretty sure that they are talking about the World Cup Qualifier.”

“Oh,” Will nodded, even though he wasn’t really sure that he got it. “Okay.”

“The derby is next week. Now, that would be interesting,” Damien said.

Will chuckled. “Yeah, Nico and me, we watched a game of Nico’s team playing last weekend. But honestly, it’s more like I was watching him watching the game.”

Damien laughed. “Did he scream to the players?”

“Not always. Only like, for ninety percent of the game.”

“Chiara is also like that. I need to make sure that she won’t have anything that she can throw at the laptop whenever we are watching a game.”

“Nico said he couldn’t watch the game anymore after his team conceded a second goal, but he kept on watching anyway.”

Damien snorted. “Did he say he hates his team after the game?”

“Chiara does it too?”

“Oh, you bet she does. But whenever anyone said anything bad about her team, she could barely hold herself from decapitating them.”

Will glanced at Chiara, who was shaking her head furiously at something that Nico just said. He looked back at Damien.

“Yeah. I can definitely see that. I am pretty sure Nico is the same way.”

“Chiara is feeling good about that upcoming derby, though. Inter is indeed, doing quite well at the moment.”

Will’s brows furrow down as some creases formed between them. “Inter?”

“Her team. Inter Milan.”

“Oh! And… Like… it’s the…rival team of Nico’s team?”

Damien nodded. “Yep. Nico is AC Milan.”

“Yeah. I kind of remember that one.”

“I think that Inter is third at the table now. And Milan is like… Fifth? Or is it sixth now?”

Will stared at Damien for a moment as he continued eating.

“I didn’t know you’re in to soccer.”

Damien looked up at Will. “What? Me?”

Will nodded.

Damien shrugged his shoulder. “Well, not really. I mean, before Chiara and I started dating, I knew next to nothing about soccer.”

“Just like me, I guess.”

Damien chuckled. “Yeah,” he said, and stopped to drink from his cup. “But you know, since soccer is something that Chiara is so fond of, I started to find out more about it.”

Will raised an eyebrow at him. “You did?”

“Uh huh,” Damien nodded. “I mean, just look at them!” He gestured to the Italians who were still deep in their conversation. “Don’t you just love it? How they talked about it so passionately?”

Will stared at the sight in front of him. The way Nico’s eyes looked brighter. Nico was not usually big on facial expression. But right now, his face was painted with expressions that came from his eyes, the quirks of his eyebrows, the twitching of her lips, and all those hand movements as if Nico was also talking through those gestures he was making. His cheeks were even slightly tinted with bright colors. There was just something so different about Nico. He looked more vibrant, more alive.

Will turned his head to Damien.

“Yeah,” he said, nodding with a small fond smile on his face. “I think I know what you mean.”

***

“So,” Will said as he and Nico were walking together out of the dining pavilion. “You and Chiara… have a game to watch this Friday?”

Nico nodded. “Yeah. For World Cup Qualification,” he said. “Italy will play against Macedonia.”

He sighed and ran a hand over his head. “Oh gods, I hope they win. They really need to win this time. That game with Spain was a disaster.”

Will nodded, making a quick mental note to learn more about this World Cup thing. He vaguely remembered that it was a big thing in soccer that happened every like…4 years or something?

“Is your favorite player going to play?” Will asked.

“Of course. I don’t think we a better option for a goalkeeper other than Buffon himself.”

Buffon. Will added that name to the what-to-learn list.

“So…he’s like…playing for your team?”

Nico looked up to glance at Will.

“Buffon? Oh… no.. Unfortunately, no. But Buffon is like… one of the legends in Italian football world. You can support whatever team you want, but Buffon is that one player that everyone loves. That’s just the basic rule.”

Basic rule in football: liking this Gigi Buffon guy. Noted.

“So, who’s your favorite team from your team then?”

“Bonaventura,” Nico said without losing a breath. “Giacomo Bonaventura.”

Gods, Will was so tempted to make Nico list the whole squad of his team just to hear Nico pronouncing those Italian names. His accent sounded even more prominent and just… hot.

“Oh,” Will said. “So… Like… He scores lots of goals?”

Nico snorted. “He doesn’t, actually. But scoring goals is not the only thing that makes a player a good one.”

“Really?”

Nico nodded. “Yeah. Bonaventura is a midfielder. Instead of scoring the goals, he’s the one who…” Nico pulled out his hands that were hidden in his pockets, and started moving them in the air. “He’s the one creating the chances. The one conducting the game in the field. I like him because... he has this vision, you know?” He said, glancing at Will. “He could see where you should pass the ball, he creates the space.”

Will was not really sure that he actually understood about it. But he for sure was enjoying the way Nico’s face lit up.

“So… Like... He’s your favorite player from your team?”

Nico nodded. “And.. Well.. Please don’t tell Chiara about this, but there is another player that I also like.”

Will chuckled. “And I must not tell Chiara because this guy played for her team, I suppose?”

Nico huffed. “No. That was not the case. So… This guy…. Silva? The David one. David Silva. Because we also have Silva now in my team but it’s Andre Silva and he’s also good. And come to think about it, even in the club where he’s playing now? City? There is another Silva there but it’s Bernardo Silva. I saw him play and he also looks promising. But it’s David that I am talking about now.”

Will added this quite confusing information to his mental list. He needed to look up more information about all of these Silvas guys. Apparently there were three different Silva?

“What about him?”

Nico’s lips stretched into a thin line “I think I supposed to hate him because… Well, he’s playing for Spain, and he was the first one who scored against Italy in the EURO 2012 final.”

Nico paused and when he continued. “An event that I … kind of missed, you know?”

Oh yeah, Will thought. It must be around the time when Nico was stuck in The Lotus Hotel.

Nico sighed again. “But… I mean, I love the way he played. And now there was this rumor that Milan wanted to buy him and gods I really wish it’s true! I want him to play for my team so bad! It’s going to be amazing to have him!”

“But he’s not playing for your team, right?”

Nico had a small frown as he shook his head. “Unfortunately, no.”

Will ruffled Nico’s hair and laughed. “Let’s just hope that the rumor is true, then.”

Nico let out another sigh. “Anyway,” he said. “I’ll see you at dinner?”

“Sure thing, babe.” Will leaned down to press a quick kiss on his cheek. “Have fun with the kids!”

Will watched as Nico made his way to the training ground, where he was in charge to teach the younger demigods some sword fighting techniques. When Nico disappeared from his sight, Will slid his hands into his pocket and turned around. His shift in The Infirmary was in 30 minutes, so he still had time to make a quick trip to The Camp Store. He was pretty sure that the Stolls would not have what he wanted in their stock of stuff. But hopefully, a few additional dollars could do the tricks.

***

Will grinned at Nico when the Italian opened the door of his cabin. Nico raised his eyebrows. “Will? You’re early.”

“What? You don’t like my surprise visit?”

Nico blushed a little as he shook his head. “No. It’s just…Unexpected.”

Will leaned down to kiss Nico’s forehead. “That’s the idea of a surprise visit.”

Nico rolled his eyes, but the corner of his lips tugged up into a small smile as he tiptoed to kiss Will’s cheek.

“Come on in,” he said, stepping aside to let Will walk into his cabin. Will turned on his heels once he stepped in. He grinned at Nico who just closed the door.

Nico stared at him, looking half-amused, half-confused.

“What?” he asked. “And what is it that you have behind you?”

Will’s grin slung an arm over Nico’s shoulder, while keeping the hand that held the package on his back.

“I have something for you,” Will said, sing-songly as he guided Nico to his bed.

Nico chuckled but complied as Will pushed him to sit down on the bed. Will sat next to him, still grinning.

“What?” Nico asked again.

Will’s grin turned into a soft smile as he pulled his hand from his back, and giving the brown-paper package that he’s been holding to Nico.

“Here,” he said. “I… I hope you like it.”

Nico raised an eyebrow as he took the package from Will. He glanced up at Will, then looked back at the package. “What is it?” he said. He squeezed the package a little, like he was trying to feel what it was that was hidden behind the brown paper.

“Well,” Will shrugged his shoulders. “Open it.”

Will watched carefully as Nico carefully tore the upper part of the package. He could feel his heart beat slightly faster as Nico pulled the stuff inside. And once the thing came to sight, he held his breath, waiting for Nico’s reaction.

Nico gasped. He looked up at Will. Then he looked again at the black and red shirt in his hand, still wrapped in a transparent plastic bag. Then he quickly opened the plastic wrap and, unfold the shirt.

“Gods! This is really beautiful!” he said as he held up the AC Milan’s jersey in his hand, admiring it.

“Look at the back,” Will said.

Nico quickly did what he said. He drew a sharp breath as he saw the number 5 and the word Bonaventura, printed out neatly in big white letters at the back of the shirt.

“You got me his shirt!” Nico said, half-squealing, still holding up the shirt. “GODS, WILL!!!”

“Do you like it?”

Nico pulled his hands down so he could meet his eyes. His eyes were twinkling and his cheeks were in this bright colors, and his smile was one of the brightest that Will had ever seen.

“Will… I LOVE IT!” Nico said, and threw himself at Will as he put his arms around Will. “I LOVE IT I LOVE IT I LOVE IT!” he said, and kissed Will’s cheek.

He pulled back a little and his smile was so bright and beautiful, Will’s heart skipped a beat just to see it.

“This, is the best gift, from the best boyfriend!” Nico said, and pressed a kiss on Will’s lips.

“Thank you so much!” he said, snuggling himself against Will,

Will laughed and ruffled Nico’s hair.

“Wait. I have another surprise for you,” Will said.

Nico inhaled sharply as he pulled back from Will. He stared at Will, mouth slightly opened. “What? There’s more?”

“Yeah,” Will said, nodding.

“What?”

Will pulled his sweater up, taking it off to reveal the shirt that he was wearing.

It was a Milan shirt, exactly the same as what he just gave Nico.

Nico gasped.

“Whose name you got on the back?” Nico asked as he grabbed Will’s shoulder and turned him a bit. Nico made a funny little noise when he saw that Will also had Bonaventura’s name and number on the back.

“Will!” he said, turning his boyfriend back to face him, and quickly wrapped his arms again around Will.

“THANK YOU THIS IS JUST AWESOME!” he said, voice half-muffled as he was still pressing his face against Will’s chest.

“Thank you!” he said again as he looked up at Will, an expression of delight painted all over his face. He pressed another kiss to Will’s lips.

“You-,” he said, then press a kiss on Will’s left cheek.

“Are-“ - A kiss on Will’s nose

“The best-“ a kiss on Wills’ right cheek.

“Boyfriend-“ a kiss on Will’s lips.

“EVER!” A kiss on Will’s nose.

Will laughed. He ran his hand up and down Nico’s back as Nico snuggled against him.

“I’m happy that you like it,” Will said, and kissed the top of Nico’s head.

“I love it. And I love you. So much.” Nico said, pulled back a bit so he could meet Will’s eyes. He pressed another kiss on Will’s cheek.

“Thank you so much, Will.” Nico said as he rested the side of his head on Will’s chest.

“You’re welcome, babe,” Will said.

For a while, they said nothing, just sharing the warmth through their cuddling.

“So,” Will said after a while. “Ready for next week’s game? Against that other team?”

Nico grinned as he angled his neck to look up at Will. “So…so… ready!”

“Good. Make sure you wear that shirt on,” Will winked at him.

Nico laughed, and even his laughter sounded brighter than usual. Then he placed a hand on Will’s chest. There was an almost impish smile on his lips as he looked up at Will, his dark eyes glinted.

“And let me tell you something, Will,” he paused, then shifted so he could whisper at Will. “You look so damn good in a football shirt.”

***

Author’s Notes:

Comments and feedbacks are always welcomed :). Tell me what you think about this.

Thank you for reading :)

[expatimes]

What happened to football in 2020 – and what is next?

Empty football stadiums resound with their histories, argues Uruguayan historian and football fanatic Eduardo Galeano: “There is nothing less empty than an empty stadium. There is nothing less mute than stands bereft of spectators,” he writes.

His maxim has been tested repeatedly across the world this year, as football has been poleaxed by the pandemic.

“COVID has massively affected every aspect of football; from how the game is played, to how it is watched – with no fans, or restricted numbers – to the economics of the game,” journalist and author James Montague told Al Jazeera.

As COVID-19 spread rapidly in early 2020, nearly every professional league around the world was suspended.

Fans who were used to organising their lives around the regular rhythm and rituals of football matches were left with the option of rewatching old games or watching the likes of FC Slutsk take on FC Smolevichi-Sti in the Belarus Super League, the only European league to play on by late March.

Euro 2020 – with its particularly pre-pandemic friendly format of 12 host cities across the continent – was postponed to 2021, as was the Copa America.

Empty seats are seen in the stands prior to the German first division Bundesliga football match in Dortmund, western Germany

“It’s been a big x-ray and it’s been a big wake up call,” said sportswriter, broadcaster and academic David Goldblatt.

“On the one hand, the deep and profound importance of football to innumerable numbers of people and its reliance as a spectacle and a social phenomenon on a real human crowd, interacting with the thing on the pitch,” he told Al Jazeera.

“And then of course it’s revealed all the madness of the business model, at the level of individual clubs and in the game as a whole.”

FIFA estimates that COVID-19 is likely to cost football $14bn this year – about one-third of its value. It has posed an existential threat to many clubs often already floundering under debt and mismanagement amid wider inequality.

Even some of the world’s richest clubs have deferred salaries and payments, taken on huge loans, asked players to take pay cuts and furloughed or laid off staff – Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil even offered to save the club’s mascot Gunnersaurus from redundancy.

Andrew Warshaw, chief correspondent at Inside World Football, told Al Jazeera smaller clubs who rely on matchday revenue have suffered most. Many clubs and entire leagues facing the prospect of collapse have been forced to seek bailouts.

“The biggest problem is really in the lower leagues and non-league football, because these clubs are struggling even to exist. They don’t have the TV revenue to fall back on,” he said.

The Olympic Stadium in Caracas is seen with empty stands due to the coronavirus pandemic, taken before the start of the closed-door 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifier football match between Venezuela and Chile

Empty stands

Reservations over the safety and wisdom of playing on during a pandemic were generally overruled by the brutal truth that the sport could not afford to forfeit the colossal broadcast revenues at stake.

While some countries cancelled their seasons, many leagues and competitions returned in May or June to play in empty stadiums – under strict testing and distancing protocols.

Liverpool saw out their first league title victory in 30 years playing in empty grounds. Continental club competitions returned in abbreviated formats – Bayern Munich won a Champions League that was packed into a couple of weeks in August.

Matches without fans – what the Germans call “Geisterspiele” (or ghost games) – played out to eerie soundscapes; whether from the cries of players made audible amid an ambient hum of absent fans or the artificial crowd noises added by broadcasters that jarred with shots of empty seats and often failed to compute with the messiness of real matches.

Montague says tensions between the idea of football clubs as institutions rooted in local communities and their status as globalised brands have been brought into even sharper relief this year – and the longer restrictions are in place, the greater the threat to fan culture.

“At the beginning of the pandemic I thought: it’s terrible how fans aren’t there but it’s also showing how important fans are – not just to the atmosphere, but also to the business model of football,” Montague said.

“But as it’s gone on, you start to see how people who run clubs, who run organisations in football see the need to exploit this window of opportunity to try to push through the reforms that would never have been possible before.”

Some clubs and officials – including Real Madrid’s President Florentino Perez – appeared increasingly determined to push for an elite breakaway European super league during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, English Premier League clubs in October rejected the controversial Project Big Picture plan devised by Manchester United and Liverpool, which had proposed more revenue and a financial rescue package for lower league clubs in exchange for the concentration of power among English football’s elite.

Playing on

The pandemic has often produced erratic football matches and wild score-lines, as well as more penalties and goals in many leagues.

Aston Villa beat reigning champions Liverpool 8-2, Bayern Munich humbled Barcelona by the same score in their Champions League quarter-final – leading to a thoroughly disgruntled Lionel Messi. Arsenal could not win a league match for almost two months.

“I think the fact that fans have not been able to attend home games, and the lack of pressure of having to perform in front of a packed audience, has led actually to free-flowing football by most clubs, and that’s why you’re getting these strange, bizarre results every other week,” said Warshaw.

Research by the Institute of Labor Economics found that in many leagues home advantage prevailed but was often less marked in empty stadiums and that referees awarded fewer yellow cards to away teams.

Many players tested positive for COVID-19 – including Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mohamed Salah – and picked up injuries amid a congested fixture list.

AC Milan’s Swedish forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic already played a lot pre-COVID, but having to squeeze all these games into such a short space of time is bound to have an impact on players’ physical and mental wellbeing,” Warshaw said.

Women’s football has also taken a huge hit, with many leagues cancelled in 2020. In a report on COVID-19 published in November, the global players’ union Fifpro found that in 26 percent of surveyed countries women’s clubs were not included in the return to play protocols.

Fifpro General Secretary Jonas Baer-Hoffmann said wage cuts, job losses and a lack of support meant there was a “real danger that progress towards gender equality in parts of world football will be set back years”.

Meanwhile, debates over altered offside and handball rules, as well as the application of the VAR (video assistant referee) technology system, have become noticeably more acrimonious this year, Montague said.

“Having more people watching in front of televisions and screens is exacerbating that problem somewhat I think,” he said.

There were some heart-warming football stories this year; Japanese football legend “King Kazu” aka Kazuyoshi Miura, 53, set a new record in September when he became the oldest starter in the history of the country’s elite division. Celtic player Ryan Christie was overcome with emotion in an interview after Scotland qualified for its first major tournament since 1998.

And, while athlete activism is nothing new, footballers in 2020 have increasingly spoken out on political, social, and environmental issues. “This is on a scale, depth and reach that is really unprecedented,” Goldblatt said.

Footballers joined a FIFA and World Health Organization campaign against domestic violence during lockdowns. Many players repeatedly demonstrated support for the racial justice movement Black Lives Matter.

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has become a powerful force for social activism in the UK against hunger – twice forcing the British government to back down and reverse its policy over free school meals – as well as promoting reading and literacy.

Barcelona’s Antoine Griezmann cut his ties with Chinese telecommunications company Huawei over its alleged role in the surveillance of the persecuted Uighur Muslim minority.

But of course it has also been a year of profound loss in the football world.

Iraqi football legend Ahmad Radhi died after contracting COVID-19.

In 2020 the world also mourned the deaths of legendary Italian striker Paolo Rossi, former Liverpool manager Gérard Houllier, England’s 1966 World Cup winners Jack Charlton and Nobby Stiles, and Argentine great Diego Maradona.

Diego Maradona, then Argentina’s coach, waves to supporters prior the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match Argentina vs. Germany in Cape Town, South Africa

Looking ahead

Fans began returning to many stadiums across the world in the latter months of the year until surging infections and mutant strains emptied many stands again in December.

“ human cost – physically, mentally, and financially – is going to linger long after vaccines are rolled out worldwide,” Warshaw said.

Meanwhile, other trends loom on the horizon.

“A big story of 2021 will also be Brexit, and how that affects the Premier League,” said Montague, “and how much of a benefit there is going to be for other big clubs in Europe who can take advantage of the chaos.”

From January 1, 2021, all foreign players in the UK will be subject to a points based threshold, and British clubs will no longer be able to sign foreign players below the age of 18.

Goldblatt, meanwhile, pointed out that the pandemic is linked to environmental factors and the climate crisis, which will have increasingly stark implications for football and which the sport has to address now.

His research has found that the stadiums of 23 of the 92 English Football League clubs will experience partial or total flooding by 2050.

“Grimsby Town better take up water polo ASAP,” he said.

Goldblatt says football – as a sport of comebacks, shock victories, and deep cultural and political reach – generates collective hope and can play a vital role in climate activism.

“Maybe I am being too corny, but hope is a precious commodity. I don’t actually experience it in most of my life, spiritually or politically. But I do in football.”

#sport Read full article: https://expatimes.com/?p=16236&feed_id=26000 #coronaviruspandemic #europe #football #news #sports #unitedkingdom

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Moise Kean: How did Everton land deal for superstar youngster?

New Post has been published on https://thebiafrastar.com/moise-kean-how-did-everton-land-deal-for-superstar-youngster/

Moise Kean: How did Everton land deal for superstar youngster?

Moise Kean’s arrival at Everton was one of the standout deals of the transfer window

Everton’s signing of Italy’s brilliant teenage striker Moise Kean from Juventus was one of the surprise deals of the transfer window.

Kean, 19, emerged as one of Europe’s top young attacking talents in Serie A last season, showing enough promise to be given his full international debut by manager Roberto Mancini in November 2018.

Juventus’ decision to sell Kean prompted surprise and anger among many of the club’s supporters – while Everton’s ability to close out the move was regarded as a major coup for the Merseysiders and director of football Marcel Brands.

This is how the Toffees secured the signature of one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and why former PSV director of football Brands is central to an effective recruitment process.

How the deal was done

Kean had been on the radar of the well-connected Brands, along with many others, for 18 months and Everton formulated plans for a loan deal in January, a window the Dutchman rarely likes to get involved in unless the circumstances and the players are special. Kean was one of those exceptions.

Juventus, with Serie A and Champions League commitments, were not receptive to any such deal, while in the remaining months of the season Kean’s profile rose dramatically on the strength of his performances and, sadly, when he was subjected to racist abuse during Juventus’ game in Cagliari in April.

This led to concerns behind the scenes at Goodison that a move for Kean, which was at the forefront of Brands’ plans, would now be more difficult. In March, he made his first start for the national side, scoring in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Finland, which Italy won 2-0. The goal meant he became his country’s youngest goalscorer, at just 19 years and 23 days, since Bruno Nicole in 1958.

Everton, however, remained convinced a deal could be done and all the pieces fell perfectly into place.

Brands and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright have a good working relationship with super-agent Mino Raiola, who represents Kean, while a changing of the guard at Juventus opened the door for a move.

Maurizio Sarri replaced Massimiliano Allegri, who was a mentor to the youngster, with Sarri’s personal favourite Gonzalo Higuain returning to Juve after loan spells at AC Milan and Chelsea. Kean was being pushed down the pecking order.

Higuain joined an attacking force led by Cristiano Ronaldo and complemented by Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Douglas Costa and others.

Italian journalist Stefano Boldrini, London correspondent for Italian daily Gazetta dello Sport, told BBC Sport: “The story of Kean surprised a lot of people in Italy because at the end of last season he was very good. He scored for Juventus and he scored for Italy.

“But with Sarri and the Allegri departure, a lot of things changed in Juventus. The younger Kean had to move.

Moise Kean played 16 Serie A games for Juventus (five starts) and scored seven goals

“We spoke to Roberto Mancini and he said it is a pity younger Italian players do not find places and have to move. He said he is sure Everton will be a good experience because Everton is a well-organised, ambitious club who wants to get back into the big European competitions so it may be a good experience.”

Everton also took advantage of what could be called Juve’s ‘in the moment’ mentality which means they demand instant results rather than count on too many works in progress, such as Kean.

Juve also needed to recoup money after heavy outlay on fees and salaries on the likes of Ronaldo and, this summer, Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax and Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal.

Raiola, who also negotiated the De Ligt deal, knows he can work with Brands and Kenwright and regarded Everton as the ideal club for Kean to get regular football, not guaranteed at Juventus and perhaps not by other clubs who may have taken an interest such as Inter Milan, Arsenal and Manchester United.

This all enabled Everton to strike a deal which resembles a real bargain at £27m with add-ons that will leave any potential final fee just short of £30m.

The final flourish was added when Everton were able to seal the deal without the buy-back clause Juve would have preferred.

Everton’s personal touch

Everton director of football Brands brings the personal touch to his transfer dealings, believing it can make the difference when closing out the sort of deals that are his trademark – namely young, emerging talent that can serve a club well and retain serious sell-on value.

In other words, Moise Kean.

It was a key factor in convincing Kean that Goodison Park was the place for him.

The approach was perfectly illustrated on the day Kean signed for Everton in the presence of his mother, who was handed a personalised Everton shirt by Brands as he told her: “We will take care of your son.”

Joep Schreuder, leading presenter with Dutch state broadcaster NOS, told BBC Sport: “This deal for Moise Kean is typical of Marcel Brands.

“He talks to the wives of the players, to the family. He knows everything – and I mean everything. If Kean has a nephew he will know about him.

“Marcel knows the hard world of money but gives it a personal touch. It is his way of persuading and convincing players to come. He plays the family card. He will know everything about the mother, the father, the family, their circumstances.”

Kean has revealed how impressed he was on first meeting with Brands – and it is his attention to detail that proved key in persuading the young Italian and others that Everton is a club on a new footing and the perfect platform for the next stage of a career.

Of course finance plays a big part, but the Kean deal and others were based on a personal presentation given to each prospective signing on how Everton see them working within the squad, analysis of the player, performance statistics, strengths and capabilities, different systems and styles they may be expected to play.

When Everton agreed a deal with Manchester City for Fabian Delph, Brands went to the England midfield man’s house to deliver his pitch and presentation.

Kean felt this additional detail demonstrated how much Everton wanted him, how much homework had been done and how they mapped out his future. Brands made it clear to Kean he was a desired investment and not simply a commodity.

Brands used this approach while sporting director at PSV, persuading the in-demand Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano to leave Pachuca for the Dutch club in the summer of 2017. It was a deal six months in the making, including two visits to the player and his family.

Lozano, who helped win the league title in his first season when Brands was still at the club, is now moving to Napoli in a 42m euros deal.

The Brands touch worked on Lozano and it worked on Kean.

Everton also have a three-tier care system for players once they have signed to ensure they have no off-field distractions, so Kean will even have details such as a National Insurance number, mobile phone, car and housing options all dealt with by designated members of staff.

Brands, who has formed a shrewd negotiating partnership with chairman Kenwright, put the full force of his package in front of Kean and completed what may prove to be a transfer of real significance for Everton.

The Brands factor

The 57-year-old Dutchman arrived from PSV in May 2018, replacing Steve Walsh as director of football after his disastrous spell. Such has been his impact that he was appointed to Everton’s board seven months after his arrival and placed in charge of overall football strategy at the club.

Marcel Brands told Moise Kean’s mother: “We will look after your son”

Kean’s acquisition has his imprint all over it – a young player ripe for development placed in the hands of the manager, in this case Marco Silva, to apply the polish.

It is a strategy that has served him well, such as when he acquired the young Georginio Wijnaldum from Feyenoord at PSV in 2011 and when he brought the tyro Mousa Dembele from Willem II to AZ Alkmaar in 2006, the former Spurs midfield man playing a key role in their unlikely Eredivisie title triumph three years later.

“He has an unbelievable knowledge of world football and this Kean deal shows everything about Marcel Brands to me,” Schreuder added.

“He is adaptable and creative – remember he did so many smart deals with not so much money at AZ and PSV. He is never lazy and he is so well-connected.

“Marcel is a correct guy with good manners. He talks to families but he can also take coffee with agents such as Raiola and the owners of the big clubs in the world.

“He has signed Kean and it will not be his last like this. He can do other types of deals too.

“Let’s say there is a player who is not in a good way at a big club, then Marcel Brands will try to persuade him that there can be new life in football, new fun, that his wife will be happy and then maybe in two years you might move on but first give us two years at Everton. “

Brands has given Everton’s transfer strategy the new dimension of a man at the helm whose name means something when he calls the big clubs and agents, an area where Walsh struggled.

Everton have now done three deals with Barcelona for Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes and also negotiated smartly with Juventus to sign Kean.

How big is Everton’s coup?

Kean has already generated real excitement at Everton, particularly with his explosive cameo as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Watford.

Former Everton winger and BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin saw a lot of Kean last season – and believes his former club have engineered what could be the best piece of business this summer.

Moise Kean career stats Team Appearances Goals Verona 20 4 Juventus 21 7 Everton 2 0 Italy 3 2

He told BBC Sport: “I can see this being the deal of the season. When I look at the players who have been bought, say like Joelinton at £40m to Newcastle, Kean is miles ahead and the price is cheaper.

“Kean is also much younger. I was staggered by the relatively low price Everton have paid and also thought an Arsenal or a Chelsea might try to get him as well.”

He added: “I’m not shocked Everton got him. I just thought they would have to spend a lot more. Three, four or five years down the line he could become an Everton great. He has such potential.

“He has work-rate, match intelligence. I love him as a player and told quite a lot of people about him.

“I don’t really go on about that many players. I remember telling people to go and get Virgil van Dijk when he was at Celtic, Kieran Tierney from Celtic. There are very few you think are a no-brainer but, if you have watched Kean often enough, he is. I think this could be a fantastic deal at an incredible price.”

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The 50 Greatest Football Managers of All Time

For ten weeks, we at 90min ranked the top 50 greatest managers of all time. 

In those weeks, we at 90min published 100 articles on these managers, wrote the guts of 100,000,000,000 words (roughly) on these managers, and told some of the most incredible stories in the beautiful game’s history. 

So now, here is a rather long list detailing every single one of these managers’ storied careers. 

50) Marcelo Bielsa

By Ben Carter

Taking influence from Rinus Michels’ totaalvoetbal, as well as Argentine pioneers César Luis Menotti and Carlos Bilardo, Marcelo Bielsa is still to this day one of the most well-renowned managers in football history.

That’s come not only as a result of his tactics on the pitch, but Bielsa’s antics off it too. Legend has it he once pulled a grenade out and threatened to pull the pin when he was confronted by a group of Newell’s Old Boys ultras at his house.

Marcelo Bielsa: El Loco’s Journey From Argentina to Footballing Immortality in Europe

Marcelo Bielsa: The Argentina Manager’s All-Time Best XI

49) Vic Buckingham

By Jack Spedding

The greatest manager you’ve probably never heard of. The Londoner was a true pioneer of total football and a key factor in a rise of the great Johan Cruyff.

Buckingham is renowned as lauded as a hero on the continent, but his ideologies came too early for a stubborn English fan base who thought it was their way or the highway.

Vic Buckingham: How an Englishman Discovered Johan Cruyff & Pioneered Total Football

Vic Buckingham: The English Manager’s All-Time Best XI

48) Claudio Ranieri

By Toby Cudworth

One of the most charismatic managers in the history of the game, Claudio Ranieri will forever be remembered as the man who achieved the impossible with Leicester. Favourite for relegation going into the 2015/16 season, a change of emphasis, mood and direction at the club, led by Ranieri, soon transformed the Foxes into fairytale title contenders as the Premier League’s big boys endured a dramatic fall from grace. 

Once regarded as a loveable tinkerman, Ranieri’s title win changed the landscape of English football forever – making the Italian one of the greatest managers of all time.

Claudio Ranieri: A Ridiculed Tinkerman Who Masterminded One of Football’s Greatest Ever Achievements

Claudio Ranieri: The Tinkerman’s All-Time Best XI

47) Bill Nicholson

By Jude Summerfield

Nicholson was responsible for Tottenham having any kind of golden age. His immense man-management played a major role in transforming Spurs from a team languishing sixth from the bottom in the First Division into title winners less than three years later. Winning eight major trophies in his 16-year managerial spell, including a double in 1960/61, Nicholson is rightly heralded as ‘Mr Tottenham’, his soul and ethos still prevalent at the club this day.

Bill Nicholson: Mr Tottenham Hotspur, the First Double Winning Manager of the 20th Century

Bill Nicholson: The Tottenham Legend’s All-Time Best XI

46) Sven-Goran Eriksson

By Chris Deeley

Do you start with Lazio, and the impossible Scudetto? With his England spell – the most successful of the 21st century until Gareth Southgate turned up with his waistcoat and winning smile? With seven trophies in three and a half years in Italy? 

No. You start; you must start, you’re contractually obliged to start, with the shagging. Whatever it was about the Swede – charm, smooth lines, a whopper whose legend has never been told – his greatest cultural impact will remain his astonishing way with women. 

The man looked like a nerdy Mr Burns. His life should’ve been impossible…and yet.

Sven-Goran Eriksson: The Scudetto Winning Shagger Who Never Solved the Lampard-Gerrard Conundrum

Sven-Goran Eriksson: The Former Lazio Manager’s All Time Best XI

45) Sir Alf Ramsey

By Wilf Dutton

By those he knew best, Sir Alf Ramsey was regularly described as somewhere between an ‘enigma’ and a ‘lone wolf’, a fact he was publicly proud of. “I should be hard difficult to get to know,” he said in an ESPN documentary. Maybe so. But he was also known, both in his playing and coaching career, as ‘The General’.

So, enigmatic and a wholehearted leader of men – check. But he was also a pioneering tactician, with his ‘Wingless Wonders’, and an ardent disciplinarian, who emitted pure professionalism with every breath. That sounds about right for the only English manager ever to lift the World Cup, right?

Sir Alf Ramsey: The Man Behind the ‘Wingless Wonders’ & England’s Sole World Cup Triumph

Sir Alf Ramsey: The World Cup Winer’s All Time Best XI

44) Antonio Conte

By Toby Cudworth

Winner of domestic league titles in both Italy and England, there is no doubting the credentials of current Inter manager Antonio Conte. The former heartbeat of Italy’s midfield has worked with some of the best players to grace the modern game, but his success owes much to his reinventing of the 3-5-2 wheel. 

Charged with reviving Juventus’ fortunes after the Calciopoli scandal, Conte led La Vecchia Signora to three consecutive Serie A titles – before impressing his philosophy upon an arguably average Chelsea side, winning the Premier League in his first year in charge.

Antonio Conte: An Astute Tactician Whose Perfectionist Philosophy Reinvented the 3-5-2 Wheel

Antonio Conte: The Fiery Italian’s All-Time Best XI

43) Sir Kenny Dalglish

By Ed Alexander

King Kenny will forever rule the hearts of Liverpool supporters. Sure, his record of 169 goals in 502 appearances as the Reds’ go-to forward made him a beloved figure at Anfield, as did his 13 years of loyal service. And yes, the three First Division titles – plus a trio of domestic cups – that he delivered whilst coaching the side were mightily well received amongst fans. 

However, it was his stoic, brave, inspiring leadership in the wake of the Hillsborough disaster that make Dalglish a genuine legend on Merseyside. The Scot also enjoyed success at Blackburn Rovers and Celtic – via an ill-fated stint at Newcastle United – but Anfield is undoubtedly his spiritual home.

Kenny Dalglish: The Beacon of Light in Liverpool’s Darkest Hour

Kenny Dalglish: The King of Anfield’s All-Time Best XI

42) Massimiliano Allegri

By Jude Summerfield

Antonio Conte laid the foundations for Massimiliano Allegri, but the levels he took Juventus to during his five-year spell in Turin could not have been predicted prior to his arrival. However, success at AC Milan did hint at greater triumphs down the line, and Allegri realised that with an incredible five Serie A titles in a row. 

The Champions League proved illusive, but the Italian giants are in immaculate shape to win Europe’s most coveted club competition sooner rather than later thanks to Allegri.

Massimiliano Allegri: The Masterful Tactician Who Won Serie A Five Times in a Row

Massimiliano Allegri: The Six-Time Serie A Winner’s All-Time Best XI

41) Sir Bobby Robson

By Will Imbo

Sir Bobby Robson is arguably the most revered and fondly remembered manager in English football history. He came within a whisker of winning the World Cup with England in 1990, and enjoyed incredible success with the likes of Ipswich Town, Barcelona and Porto. But that’s not the reason he’s so highly regarded.

For Robson was also so much more than a football manager. He was a warm and kind soul, a mentor, an entertainer, a trailblazer, a fighter – a legend. Few people have ever had the impact he made on so many people in the world of sports, nor the success he enjoyed at so many different clubs in numerous countries.

Make no mistake – we will never see the likes of Sir Bobby Robson again.

Sir Bobby Robson: A Footballing Colossus Whose Fighting Spirit Ensured an Immortal Legacy

Sir Bobby Robson: The Legendary Fighter’s All-Time Best XI

40) Luis Aragones

By Chris Deeley

The most important manager in the history of the Spanish national team and one of Atleti’s all-time greats, the 30+ year gap between Aragones’ first major title and his last speak of a coach who was able to tweak and reinvent himself with an innate tactical understanding. He made Fernando Torres into Fernando Torres.

He saw David Villa and helped craft him into Spain’s greatest ever striker. He was also, notably, a bit racist. His comments about Thierry Henry early in his Spain tenure went down in history – and if it feels gratuitous to mention it in every profile of him? Well, we wouldn’t have to if he hadn’t said racist things.

Luis Aragones: Spain’s Most Important Manager, the Atleti Rock and the Modern Father of Tiki-Taka

Luis Aragones: Spain’s Most Important Manager’s All-Time Best XI

39) Herbert Chapman

By Ross Kennerley

Naturally, throughout the development of a sport, there will be figures whose roles in its progression will be classed a true innovators. However, when the topic of ‘innovators’ is mentioned, it would be a crime to have Herbert Chapman’s name not in the discussions. His methods and tactics were revolutionary, and not only did he outsmart the rest of English football with the creation of his own ‘W-M’ formation, he led two sides to unparalleled success. 

Firstly with Huddersfield and then with a mid-table Arsenal, Chapman rewrote the handbook on football management. Implementing previously unseen training techniques and taking on more responsibility than those before him, he set the astronomically high benchmark for what a professional coach in England needed to be.

Herbert Chapman: One of Football’s Great Innovators & Mastermind Behind the ‘W-M’ Formation

Herbert Chapman: The Yorkshire Tactician’s All-Time Best XI

38) Carlos Alberto Parreira

By Tom Gott

No manager has ever understood international football quite like Carlos Alberto Parreira, and his record six appearances at the World Cup proves it. The motivational Brazilian often took on near-impossible jobs, in an attempt to bring the world together over a mutual love of football.

Leading the likes of South Africa, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates was never going to be easy, but Parreira was solely responsible for some of the greatest moments in the sporting history of each nation.

However, the crowning moment of his career came in charge of Brazil, as Parreira led the Selecao to glory in the 1994 World Cup.

Carlos Alberto Parreira: The International Specialist Who Never Shied Away From a Challenge

Carlos Alberto Parreira: The World Cup Hero’s All-Time Best XI

37) Franz Beckenbauer

By Robbie Copeland

Der Kaiser is best remembered for his glittering playing career, but he achieved more in his 12-year management spell than most will in a lifetime. His larger than life personality and organised style drilled Germany into becoming World Cup winners in 1990 and he would later lead Bayern Munich to domestic and European glory.

Franz Beckenbauer: The German Giant Whose Playing Career Overshadowed His Managerial Genius

Franz Beckenbauer: Der Kaiser’s All-Time Best XI

36) Viktor Maslov

By Tal Robinson 

Viktor Maslov’s name has become one of the lesser known footnotes of football history, however his brilliance can still be seen to this day. The 4-4-2 formation that he pioneered is still in wide use, and his pressing tactics continue to shine in the best teams around the world. Maslov was one of the fathers of modern tactical thinking, and his influence should be celebrated and known by every football fan who loves the game.

Viktor Maslov: Soviet Pioneer of the 4-4-2 & the Innovator of Pressing

Viktor Maslov: Dedushka’s All-Time Best XI

35) Rafael Benitez

By Toby Cudworth

There are few managers over the past 35 years who have been able to break Barcelona and Real Madrid’s stranglehold of La Liga. Radomir Antic, Diego Simeone and Javier Irureta each achieved the feat once, but only one man has had the guile, wisdom and tactical knowledge to defeat Spain’s heavyweight duo twice in that time – the grossly underappreciated Rafa Benitez. 

A future Champions League winner for Liverpool, the Spaniard is famous for his methodical and pragmatic approach to management, as well as the ability to raise the games of all those who play under his stewardship.

Rafa Benitez: The Conquerer of La Liga Who Masterminded That Comeback in Istanbul

Rafa Benitez: The Likeable Spaniard’s All-Time Best XI

34) Zinedine Zidane

By Jamie Clarke

Zidane has had comfortably the shortest career to date of any manager on the list and that is a testament to the impact he has made on the game in such a short spell. Under Zizou in 2017, Real Madrid became the first club to retain the Champions League in 27 years. 

One year later, the Frenchman became the first manager *ever* to win three consecutive European Cups with the same club – a feat we may never see repeated again. Now back at the club with whom he has had such success, Zidane will hope to add to his legend.

Zinedine Zidane: Cataloguing the Frenchman’s Transition From Midfield Magician to Managerial Maestro

Zinedine Zidane: The French Magician’s All-Time Best XI

33) Luiz Felipe Scolari 

By Jamie Clarke

Scolari is perhaps the most Hollywood movie-worthy manager on the list because in the Brazilian, you would usually get one of two extremes. The outstanding or the appalling – though more often the former than the latter. 

Much of his success can be credited to his enigmatic style, with his ability to inspire his players proving to be as important as his tactical prowess. As a manager he was by no means a remedy for all ills, but when his methods worked, they worked brilliantly and his World Cup triumph with Brazil in 2002 is evidence of this.

Luiz Felipe Scolari: How the Enigmatic ‘Big Phil’ Succeeded as Much as He Failed on the Big Stage

Luiz Felipe Scolari: Picking Big Phil’s All-Time Best XI

32) Jupp Heynckes

By Jack Spedding 

The mastermind behind Bayern Munich’s 2013 treble winning side, arguably the most complete European club outfit of the 21st century.

The German was relentless in his pursuit of tactical perfection, and his methods have been universally praised by almost every great player he has managed in his illustrious career.

Jupp Heynckes: The Legendary Manager Who Masterminded ‘the Greatest Bayern Side Ever’

Jupp Heynckes: The German Master Tactician’s All-Time Best XI

31) Vicente Del Bosque

By Andrew Headspeath

While Del Bosque’s style and tactics will never be poured over like Arrigo Sacchi, Jose Mourinho or Pep Guardiola, he was a master of the most human elements of football. He made his players feel happy, trusted and confident. He facilitated an environment where they could be at their best together, with little room for ego and pressure. Tiki-taka, after all, was as much about the team over the individual as anything else.

Del Bosque won everything worth winning and it never looked particularly difficult. He was a subtle, master conductor of the greatest orchestras, always keeping the focus on his delighted performers, shunning any spotlight of his own. 

Vicente del Bosque: The Unluckiest Manager in the World Who Led Spain to Immortality

Vicente del Bosque: The Moustachioed Mister’s All-Time Best XI

30) Arsene Wenger

By Toby Cudworth

Arsenal are a club steeped in history and traditional, but one man has become synonymous with everything they stand for over the last two decades. That man is Arsene Wenger. At the helm for 22 years, Wenger redefined and reinvigorated the Gunners by introducing a slick, attacking brand of football, whilst demonstrating great knowledge of the transfer market to bring in talented youngsters who he would transition into world class players. 

Winner of the league and cup double on two occasions, the Frenchman then achieved the unthinkable – becoming ‘Invincible’ as Arsenal went the entire 2003/04 Premier League campaign unbeaten.

Arsene Wenger: A Pioneering Who Became Invincible at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger: The Legendary Arsenal Manager’s All-Time Best XI

29) Udo Lattek 

By Tom Gott

Remembered as perhaps the finest manager in Bundesliga history, Udo Lattek knew nothing other than winning. During his career, Lattek managed an incredible eight league titles, leading both Bayern Munich and Borussia Monchengladbach to domestic glory.

His intellectual and motivational approach to management often left many questioning his credentials, but wherever Lattek went, success tended to follow.

It wasn’t just league success which made Lattek so great, as he even etched his name into European folklore as well. He won the 1974 European Cup with Bayern, the 1979 UEFA Cup with Gladbach, and the 1982 European Cup Winners Cup with Barcelona, making him one of just two men to lift all three – and the only to do so with three different clubs.

Udo Lattek: The Bundesliga Icon Who Shattered European Records

Udo Lattek: The Inspirational Leader’s All-Time Best XI

28) Jock Stein

By Robbie Copeland

When Stein took over Celtic in 1965 they were at one of their lowest ever ebbs. Within two years they were European champions and by the time he left to take over Scotland 12 years later they had won the league 10 times under in his tenure. Yet perhaps his greatest accomplishment is the influence he had over Sir Alex Ferguson, his international assistant, who describes him as the greatest ever.

Jock Stein: The Man Who Guided Celtic to Historic Heights & Mentored Sir Alex Ferguson

Jock Stein: Big Jock’s All-Time Best XI

27) Vittorio Pozzo

By Jack Gallagher

Vittorio Pozzo is one of the greatest managers of all time because he is the only manager in history to win two consecutive FIFA World Cups.

That’s pretty good. Maybe too good to be 27th on this list…until you hear about the accusations of match-fixing – Benito Mussolini’s influence on the outcome of World Cup games – and a certain Nazi salute incident in 1938…

…Then maybe Pozzo’s ranking makes a bit more sense. 

Vittorio Pozzo: Metodo, Mussolini, Meazza & the Difficult Memory of a Two-Time World Cup Winner

Vittorio Pozzo: Il Vecchio Maestro’s All-Time Best XI

26) Jurgen Klopp

By Andrew Headspeath

One of the very best coaches, working right now, Jurgen Klopp has been so successful due to his knack for taking talents and squeezing something extra out of them that no-one else even knew was there.

He ended Bayern’s Bundesliga dominance (for a while anyways), brought Liverpool back to the very top of the European game, and has made every player he’s ever worked with better. A true modern great.

Jurgen Klopp: The Early Years at Mainz 05 Where He Sealed His ‘Greatest Achievement’

Jurgen Klopp: Mr Heavy Metal Football’s All-Time Best XI

25) Mario Zagallo 

By Ross Kennerley

It became the bane of Brazilian football. A mission to somehow get a one of the most talented group of footballers the world has ever seen all singing from the same hymn sheet. One would argue that moulding the likes of Pele, Tostao, Rivellino and Jairzinho into a formidable force is more a joy than and assignment, but it had yet to crafted successfully. Mario Zagallo did that. 

And, not only did he thrive under that pressure, he blossomed in it, with the 1970 Brazil World Cup team often revered as the greatest of all time. ‘Jogo Bonito’ was forged under his guidance, and Brazil as we know it owe a significant degree of gratitude to the habitual World Cup winner. Two triumphs as a player and two as a manager, Zagallo is the World Cup.

Mario Zagallo: Habitual World Cup Winner & Sculptor of Brazil’s Joga Bonito Era

Mario Zagallo: Velho Lobo’s All-Time Best XI

24) Bela Guttmann

By Chris Deeley

You always know you’ve made it in life when you’ve got an entire curse named after you. That’s when you’re a ‘someone’. True to Guttmann’s words – or alleged words, it’s always hard to tell whether these sort of perfectly fitting lines are apocryphal or not – Benfica haven’t won a single European Cup in the 50+ years since they refused to give him an improved contract. 

Bela Guttmann. Two-time European Cup winner, Holocaust survivor, man who nailed dead rats to management’s doors, qualified dance instructor. Nomad. Gamechanger.

Bela Guttmann: The Dance Instructor Who Changed Football Forever (and Managed…Just Everyone)

Bela Guttmann: The Proto-Mourinho’s All-Time Best XI

23) Valeriy Lobanovski

By Jack Spedding

Second only to Sir Alex Ferguson in terms of managerial trophy collections, the former Soviet scientist was the first trailblazer when it came to sports science and bringing in the idea that the team is the star, not the individual.

With the exception of Lev Yashin, there may not be a name more synonymous with Soviet football than Lobanovskyi, who created the dominant Dynamo Kiev side of the late 20th century, and he is considered a national icon in Ukraine.

Valeriy Lobanovskyi: The Scientist Who Dominated Football in the Soviet Union

Valeriy Lobanovskyi: The Soviet Scientist’s All-Time Best XI

22) Louis van Gaal

By Jamie Spencer

Louis van Gaal had the honour of managing four of the most famous clubs in history during his career – Ajax, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United – and he won trophies with all of them.

The Dutchman has famously fallen out with plenty of people over the years, but his greatest strength was his faith in young talent. So many modern legends, including Clarence Seedorf, Patrick Kluivert, Xavi, Carles Puyol Andres Iniesta, made their senior debut under Van Gaal, while he proved so influential for others like Frank de Boer, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Muller.

Louis van Gaal: The Stubborn Master Who Won 15 Major Trophies at 4 of the World’s Greatest Clubs

Louis van Gaal: The Mercurial & Enigmatic Dutch Master’s All-Time Best XI

21) Otto Rehhagel 

By Jamie Spencer

With a career split into two distinct chunks, Otto Rehhagel was the great German coach humiliated in his own country by failure at Bayern Munich, who went on to transform Greece into the most unlikely European champions in history.

Rehhagel made his name in Germany in the 1980s and early 1990s when he guided Werder Bremen to two Bundesliga titles, two DFB Pokals and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup. He turned Kaiserslautern into national champions after his Bayern disaster, but it was with Greece where his greatest achievement came – stealing the show with pragmatic brilliance at Euro 2004.

Otto Rehhagel: The ‘King’ Who Turned 150/1 Greek Outsiders into Champions of Europe

Otto Rehhagel: The ‘King’ Who Conquered Europe’s All-Time Best XI

20) Tele Santana

By Tom Gott

When you think of Brazilian football, chances are you will think of joga bonito – ‘the beautiful game’. Whilst Tele Santana did not found this movement, his time with Brazil was certainly behind its rise to prominence.

During his two separate spells with the Selecao, Santana may not have won any silverware, but he is credited with forming some of the greatest international sides in history. His 1986 side were fantastic, but his 1982 squad was something else. His love for attacking football quickly infected the nation, and Brazil still pride themselves on their free-flowing attack to this day.

Even at club level, Santana helped transform Sao Paulo into one of the world’s finest teams, winning back-to-back Intercontinental Cups in 1993 and 1994.

Tele Santana: The ‘Joga Bonito’ Icon Who Helped Brazil Rediscover Their Love of Football

Tele Santana: The Attack-Minded Superstar’s All-Time Best XI

19) Bill Shankly 

By Robbie Copeland

Put simply, Liverpool would not have the domestic or European legacy they herald today without the remarkable rebuilding process they underwent in Shankly’s 16 years at Anfield. 

His enthusiasm for the job and belief in the club restored an average second division side to the top flight and won the league three times before stepping down, leaving his long-term assistant Bob Paisley to take Liverpool into the next step of their evolution in the 70s.

Bill Shankly: The Innovative Motivator Who Rebuilt Liverpool From the Ground Up

Bill Shankly: The Liverpool Godfather’s All-Time Best XI

18) Ottmar Hitzfeld

By Ross Kennerley

It’s a title bestowed upon you that is achieved through no less than total dedication, loyalty and a burning desire to give your heart and soul to the cause. Ottmar Hitzfeld earned legendary status, not once, but twice, with the two biggest clubs in German football. 

Firstly at Borussia Dortmund and then Bayern Munch, the man’s supreme marshalling of his troops ultimately meant he obliterated all the competition on a march towards the upper echelons of German football. Brushing aside those in his way, he won everything with Die Borussen, before eventually repeating the feat in Bavaria. On a one-way trajectory towards Bundesliga royalty, Hitzfeld now stands in a league of his own.

Ottmar Hitzfeld: The Manager Who Won Absolutely Everything at Germany’s 2 Biggest Clubs

Ottmar Hitzfeld: Der General Who Dominated Germany’s All-Time Best XI

17) Miguel Munoz 

By Andrew Headspeath

In the history of the best club there has ever been, Miguel Muñoz is quite probably Real Madrid’s best ever manager.

The former European Cup-winning player navigated what should have been a perilous transitional period to transform the ageing Galacticos of Ferenc Puskas and Alfredo Di Stefano into the youthful Ye-Ye’s (named after the Beatles chorus in She Loves You) of Amancio and Pirri, while keeping them at the very apex of Spanish and world football. 

Miguel Muñoz: The Man Who Told Alfredo Di Stefano to F*ck Off & Led the Ye-Ye’s to European Glory

Miguel Muñoz: Real Madrid’s Greatest Ever Manager’s All-Time Best XI

16) Fabio Capello

By Ben Carter

A far cry from how his most recent spells as a manager will be remembered, Fabio Capello not only helped to create one of Italian football’s best-ever teams but he also helped to make Calcio exactly what it is today.

Capello brought tremendous success to AC Milan – even more so than Arrigo Sacchi – while also lifting silverware almost everywhere he went across Europe.

Fabio Capello: Italy’s Cosmopolitan Disciplinarian Who Built on a Generation-Defining AC Milan

Fabio Capello: The Serial Serie A Winner’s All-Time Best XI

15) Brian Clough

By Ed Alexander

Arrogant, disrespectful, obnoxious…Clough had many insults levelled at him. The issue is, ‘Old Big Head’ didn’t care in the slightest. In his own words, he was the best manager in the business; his time at Nottingham Forest suggests he may well be right. 

He won the First Division with Derby County in 1972, though no silverware came Clough’s way when coaching Hartlepool United, nor Brighton. It was worse at Leeds United, where – without the aid of trusty assistant Peter Taylor – the Yorkshireman was sacked after just 44 days. Clough then redeemed himself as he got Forest promoted to the top-flight. On their return, he took them to a maiden English crown. And then he secured back-to-back European Cups, the only side from these shores to ever achieve such a feat.

Brian Clough: He Wasn’t the Best Manager in the Business, But He Was in the Top 1

Brian Clough: The Maverick Manager’s All-Time Best XI

14) Nereo Rocco

By Wilf Dutton

Italy is to football management as America is to basketball, pretty much. Which goes some way to explaining why Nereo Rocco is unlikely to be the first name uttered during a quick fire round of categories. But he should be. The great pioneer of Catenaccio – that greatly misunderstood tactical discipline – was in many ways a simple man. He enjoyed food, drink and company (usually in excess). 

But he was also a complete innovator, coaching with a ‘genius-like pragmatism’, as the great Italian journalist Gianni Brera described it. But even that could be seen to embolden the myth that his AC Milan sides were dourly defensive. Rocco was a winner, there’s no doubt, but he was also not dull in doing so. And, while you may not be that clued up on him, all of your favourite managers are and, if they coincided with his time in the game, they were probably taught a lesson or two in real time.

Nereo Rocco: ‘El Paron’, the Pioneer of Catenaccio & Forgotten Great of Italian Football

Nereo Rocco: The Milan Legend’s All-Time Best XI

13) Carlo Ancelotti

By Andrew Headspeath

‘The Diva Whisperer’, football’s great avuncular uncle, Carletto’s legacy (beyond winning a boatload of trophies) is his man-management skills.

From Milan to Madrid to Munich, it seems almost no-one has a bad word to say about Ancelotti. He is the manager the very best love to play for.

His detractors might say he has been in right place at the right time (with the right squads) but Ancelotti’s great trick is managing the highest of high profile names of the last two decades and nearly always getting the very best out of them. Having the best team on paper, as football history shows, doesn’t always guarantee success. Having Ancelotti as your manager pretty much does.

Carlo Ancelotti: Football’s Most Loveable Eyebrow in the Words of His Players

Carlo Ancelotti: The Diva Whisperer’s All-Time Best XI

12) Sir Matt Busby

By Jamie Spencer

Sir Matt Busby did nothing short of build the modern Manchester United, creating a legacy that paved the way for all of Sir Alex Ferguson’s success and one that still serves the club to this day.

Busby took over a club in 1945 that had narrowly avoided bankruptcy twice in just 43 years, where there was a new focus on developing young players at a time when it wasn’t the norm.

His ‘Busby Babes’ were revered, but from the ashes of the tragic Munich Air Disaster in 1958 rose a team that would become the first English club to win the European Cup 10 years later.

Sir Matt Busby: The Man Who Built the Modern Manchester United

Sir Matt Busby: The Legendary Scot Who Built Modern Man Utd’s All-Time Best XI

11) Marcello Lippi 

By Ben Carter

Perhaps even more important to the development of Italian football than Capello, Marcello Lippi put the groundwork in throughout the 1990s with Juventus most notably, but also punching above his weight initially at Napoli.

Lippi, with a cigar protruding from his lips, was then reaping the rewards of his work when he took over the Italian national team, ending Gli Azzurri’s 24-year wait to be crowned as world champions in 2006.

Marcello Lippi: Montecristo Cigars, Neapolitan Dreams, Scudetti in Turin & Gli Azzurri’s World Cup

Marcello Lippi: The Italian World Cup Winner’s All-Time Best XI

10) Bob Paisley

By Robbie Copeland

Shankly aimed the bow for Liverpool’s dominance throughout the 70s and 80s, but Paisley was the razor-sharp arrow that followed through and conquered all of Europe. 

He adapted Liverpool’s tactics for a new era, and although his management career lasted just nine years, he won the league six times, the European cup three, and averaged 2.2 major trophies per season – making him the second most successful manager of all time.

Bob Paisley: The Understated Tactician Who Conquered All of Europe With Liverpool

Bob Paisley: Liverpool’s Humble Genius’ All-Time Best XI

9) Jose Mourinho 

By Tom Gott

Love him or loathe him, Jose Mourinho has proven to be one of the most influential managers in football history.

After taking Europe by storm by winning the 2003/04 Champions League with Porto, Mourinho has picked up a stunning amount of silverware with Chelsea, Inter, Real Madrid and Manchester United, picking up six league titles across a ten-year spell.

Capable of masterminding a strategy to subdue even the strongest opponents, Mourinho has made a career out of constructing dominant sides, and there are few managers capable of stopping him.

Jose Mourinho: The ‘Special One’ Who Shattered Records All Over Europe

Jose Mourinho: The Legendary Portuguese Tactician’s All-Time Best XI

8) Helenio Herrera 

By Ed Alexander

Psychological warfare is so commonplace in the world of modern football that it is difficult to imagine the sport without it. Jose Mourinho, Sir Alex Ferguson and many others would like to think they are the masters of such battles, but they are all mere pretenders to Herrera’s throne. 

The eccentric Argentine-turned-Frenchman was the first to bring focus onto the mind-set of players: both his own, and those of rival clubs. Herrera was a brilliant man-manager, using motivational words and scathing attacks to help his teams fulfil their potential and unarm opponents. Without his pioneering methods, Inter would never have lifted consecutive European Cups, whilst he was similarly important to the mid-20th-century glory enjoyed by both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

Helenio Herrera: The Innovator Who Single-Handedly Changed the Beautiful Game

Helenio Herrera: The Peerless Pioneer’s All-Time Best XI

7) Ernst Happel 

By Jamie Clarke

Happel questioned everything football had taken for granted, helping him to revolutionise the game and inspire the era of ‘total football’ in the 1970s. Always willing to question his own opinions as much as anybody else’s, the rebellious Austrian was one of the first to opt for a three-man midfield in an era where the 4-2-4 formation prevailed. 

Not just an innovator, Happel was a winner too and is one of only six managers to win the European Cup with two clubs and the *only* manager to lead three different clubs to the final of the competition.

Ernst Happel: The ‘Weird Man’ Who Conquered European Football and Helped Shape the Modern Game

Ernst Happel: The Austrian Mastermind’s All-Time Best XI

6) Johan Cruyff

By Jamie Spencer

It’s not a stretch to call Johan Cruyff the single most important person in the history of football for the impact he had as a player, coach, general figurehead and pioneer.

Cruyff nurtured several of the Dutch legends of the 1980s while at Ajax and later built the ‘Dream Team’ at Barcelona that dominated Spanish football and won the European Cup in 1992, a perfect blend of home-grown talent and world class stars.

But he was so much more; a true visionary who saw the value of implementing a single way of playing at every level of a club and insisted Barcelona launch the academy that became La Masia.

Johan Cruyff: The Visionary Who Became the Most Important Man in the History of Football

Johan Cruyff: The Creator of the Barcelona Dream Team’s All-Time Best XI

5) Giovanni Trapattoni 

By Jack Gallagher

The most successful Italian manager of all time.

That says it all really. 

Trapattoni isn’t fondly remembered by Republic of Ireland fans, but Juventus fans do remember him rather fondly, for winning well, everything in the most golden of eras for La Vecchia Signora.

Giovanni Trapattoni: A Career of 2 Halves That Defined the Golden Era of Calcio at Juventus

Giovanni Trapattoni: Il Trap’s All-Time Best XI

4) Pep Guardiola 

By Jude Summerfield

La Liga winner, Bundesliga winner, and Premier League winner. There aren’t many managers nowadays who can boast that record, but Pep Guardiola can. 

From learning from Johan Cruyff to playing a major role in the development of players like Lionel Messi, David Alaba and Raheem Sterling, Guardiola has proved it’s possible to both realise a club’s lofty ambitions while simultaneously improving a core group of players. His work has changed the managerial landscape in the modern era and his standard is the one to beat.

Pep Guardiola: The Maverick Who Strolled to League Titles in Spain, Germany and England

Pep Guardiola: The Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Man City Legend’s All-Time Best XI

3) Rinus Michels

By Wilf Dutton

The most influential football manager the world has ever seen, with the greatest moniker for a sporting style that persists today: Total Football. There’s no greater legacy to leave than that. A style of football that was, and is, so lauded, it is deemed to encompass everything that’s great 

about the game. It is the game in its purest, most charming form. And Rinus Michels was the man who packaged it into the European Cup-winning, European Championship-triumphing formula it became. He was its architect, and he has influenced every other sporting edifice that has come after him.

Rinus Michels: The Most Influential Manager There Ever Was & His Total Football Legacy

Rinus Michel: The Dutch Master’s All-Time Best XI

2) Arrigo Sacchi

By Jack Gallagher

“Football is born in the brain, not in the body. Michelangelo said he painted with his mind, not with his hands. So, obviously, I need intelligent players. That was our philosophy at Milan. I didn’t want solo artists; I wanted an orchestra. The greatest compliment I received was when people said my football was like music.”

Arrigo Sacchi wanted his teams to play fluid football that made their adoring audiences gasp in awe of what they were witnessing; between 1987 and 1991, his team did just that.

The conductor of the single greatest club team the world has ever seen, Sacchi changed calcio forever by winning with beautiful football.

Arrigo Sacchi: The Game That Made the AC Milan Legend One of the Greatest Managers of All Time

Arrigo Sacchi: The AC Milan Legend’s All-Time Best XI

1) Sir Alex Ferguson

By Jamie Spencer

Manchester United simply wouldn’t be Manchester United without Sir Alex Ferguson. His exemplary record of 28 major trophies in 27 years at Old Trafford speaks for itself, on top of 10 major trophies he had earlier delivered at Aberdeen.

It famously took Fergie a little while to see his work come to life at United, but he was responsible for refocusing a club that had become lost, realigning it with the blueprint laid out by Matt Busby and making it the undisputed giant of English football once more.

More than anything else, Ferguson’s longevity made him the greatest of all time, building team after team and continuing to win and win in a way that will never be repeated.

​Sir Alex Ferguson: The Serial Winner Whose Trophy Haul Rewrote Football History

​Sir Alex Ferguson: The Manchester United Legend’s All-Time Best XI

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[asromaworld]

Strootman answers fan questions

1. Given you don’t drink coffee, what do you have for breakfast every morning?

“Good question. No, you’re right, I don’t drink coffee and they make a great breakfast here in Trigoria, so I always eat at the training ground in the morning. I usually eat yoghurt with a bit of fruit or bread and ham, turkey or chicken. That along with an orange juice.”

2. Going back in time, had you not become a footballer, what job would you have liked to have done?

“That’s a tricky one because I always wanted to be a footballer right from when I was a young kid. It’s a dream come true and it’s lucky I’m a footballer now because I don’t know what else I could have done. That’s a tough question and not one I can answer.”

3. Who did you support when you were a kid?

“Ajax. I grew up in Rotterdam and lots of my friends supported Feyenoord because they're the main team in Rotterdam but I liked Ajax. Then when I played for Sparta, I wanted to beat Ajax when I played them because that’s a different situation. But when I went to Utrecht, who have a real rivalry with Ajax, it just disappeared overnight. That’s when I stopped supporting Ajax.”

4. Who were the stars of the Ajax team when you supported them as a kid?

“Ajax have always had good players. Jari Litmanen was good. I was only five when that team won the Champions League so I don’t remember much but they had Patrick Kluivert who was great. Zlatan Ibrahimovic played there too so they’ve always had good players.”

5. What’s the best goal you’ve ever scored?

“I think the goal against Napoli was my best. It was 20 or 25 yards out, I can’t remember, but it was a big stage of the season too in front of a packed house. That was a very important moment for me.”

6. What’s been the best moment you’ve experienced in Roma colours?

“The goal against Lazio in the derby because when you score such a big goal in a special fixture like that and you see the look in the fans’ eyes, it’s incredible. I’d love to do that every week but it really was a very special moment for me. It was also my first goal at home after my injury, so it really was a very special moment for me.”

7. When you scored that goal in the derby, you came running in and basically told Edin Dzeko to get out of the way. Did you shout something in particular to him or did you just make a lot of noise?

“They asked me that in another interview but I can’t really remember to be honest. Maybe I said something in Bosnian or Italian, I don’t know. He realised immediately and luckily he left the ball for me.”

8. Do you think the title race will be closer this season between the top sides?

“I think so and you can definitely see that at this moment in time. There are lots of great sides - Napoli, Inter, AC Milan, Lazio too, us and Juve. There are lots of good teams and Juve have won the title fairly comfortably over the last five years. I think it will be tough this season but we should probably have this conversation in a few months’ time because it’s still the start of the campaign and it’s hard to discuss things like that. Let’s chat about it again in January or February and I’ll tell you whether or not that’s the case.”

9. What do you expect from the game away at Qarabag in the Champions League?

“It will be a very difficult game. They lost 6-0 at Chelsea, who are obviously a brilliant side. They’ll want to win at home, no doubt. They’ll be at home and we’ll have taken a four- or five-hour flight. They’ve made it into the Champions League and are there on merit, so they’ll want to prove to the fans that they deserve to be at that level. They’ll want to win and it will be a very tough match.”

10. Who’s the biggest character out of Alessandro Florenzi, Radja Nainggolan, Bruno Peres and Kostas Manolas?

“He nailed it, they really are the main four on that score. That’s a tough one because all four of them talk a lot, occasionally too much but hey. If I had to say one, I’d go with Manolas. He’s a top bloke but occasionally he’s hard work in the dressing room for everyone - the physios etc. But he’s a lovely bloke so we have a laugh about that.”

11. How well do you get on with Nainggolan?

We get on well, off the pitch too. But to have someone like him in your side is special. I think he’s one of the best midfielders in the world because he can do it all - attack, defend and score goals. It’s very special to always be able to play alongside him. I think he could play for any team in Europe, so we’re delighted he stayed here. I’m really he pleased he signed a new contract.”

12. What language do you speak to one another?

“It depends but usually we speak Italian to one another because it’s hard to switch during a game if you need to say something quickly. It makes more sense to say it in Italian so the others can understand too. But if you need to say something to him when no one else can hear - just to clarify I’m not talking about bitching about people behind their backs - occasionally we speak Dutch. We speak Dutch to each other in the dressing room sometimes too but 80% of the time we speak Italian.”

13. Why do you think it’s such a tough time for Dutch football?

“That’s a tricky one. It’s a tough time for Dutch football and we no longer have the world-class players we did a few years ago when we made the World Cup final. It’s a tricky spell and we have to work hard and wait for the exciting young players that are coming through now. We’ve been quite unlucky too because injuries have meant we can never pick a consistent side. It will be tough to qualify for the World Cup but we have to keep going. We must work hard as a team and sooner or later we’ll qualify for a World Cup or European championships which is very important for our fans.”

14. Did you give Florenzi any advice during his recovery from injury?

“Yes, I spoke to him regularly and he asked me the odd thing in the gym but ultimately he did it all himself. All of the massage therapists, phyisos and medics helped Florenzi out but ultimately it’s down to you. The second time is even worse but I saw he was always out there working hard on the pitch. But he’s come back in great form to produce a performance like that. I remember it took me a long time to hit top form when I returned from my injury whereas he lasted 90 minutes and immediately produced a great assist and nearly scored. We’re delighted that he’s back among us.”

15. What do you think of the Curva Sud’s support after the issues in recent seasons and now they’re back?

“Finally! That’s how the stadium has to be, with the Curva Sud. I don’t like to see the stadium without the Curva Sud. Luckily the fans kept coming anyway but the Curva Sud gives you the edge when the going gets tough because they sing all game long and they’re important. We really need their support this season.”

16. What was it like to be a part of Francesco Totti’s farewell from football?

“It was very special.”

17. Did you cry?

“I’m Dutch so I didn’t but I think I was the only one in the whole ground who didn’t cry. It was very special and people were watching all over the world. It was very special to be on the pitch and to have played alongside him for four years. There’s nothing you can say about him on the pitch but also in the dressing room and he’s still important for us. We’re pleased he’s stayed with us as director but it’s a bit odd not seeing him out there on the pitch. Now he’s in club colours in the stands but it was very special indeed.”

18. What do Rome and Roma mean to you now after all these years?

“It’s hard to explain but, as I’ve said many times, the club has supported me a lot and there have been lots of special moments here - both good times and bad. I’m back playing now and there’s nothing I can say about Roma, nor indeed about the city. Rome is a gorgeous city and if I have a couple of days off, I don’t want to go back to Holland, I always want to stay here. The weather’s lovely and it’s a great lifestyle here. Both the club and the city are special to me and they will always be.”

19. How come you never smile on the pitch?

“Never? Maybe after a goal, or not even?”

20. I seem to remember you smiling after scoring. First you get angry…

“Yeah, maybe if I score but if someone else scores I do smile.”

21. When the other guys score, you smile, whereas when you find the net, you’re just buzzing!

“No, seriously though I do occasionally smile on the pitch.”

22. Who’s meaner, you or Kolarov?

“He’s a lot meaner, you can see that from a mile off.  He has much more of a mean face than I do.”

23. Do you watch any TV series and if so what’s your favourite?

“Yes, I’m always watching Netflix. I watch Narcos, Breaking Bad and Entourage but that’s about 10 years old now. I must have seen every series three or four times.”

24. So that’s one you’d recommend because it’s less famous than the other two you mentioned?

“I watch Revenge too.”

25. So let’s recommend Entourage to those who don’t know it…

“Give it a try.”

26. Can you cook and what’s your signature dish?

“Yes, I cook. I’m not going to say I’m a good cook! If I’m in the house on my own, I cook. If my girlfriend’s home, she does it. But occasionally I cook too.”

27. Tell us what you make? Pasta?

“Yes, pasta, chicken, vegetables...”

28. What’s your favourite Italian dish, even if someone else cooks it. Could you say hi to Chiara too?

“Hi Chiara! Pasta with garlic, oil and chilli. It’s delicious. Sadly I can’t eat it every day but it’s so good.”

29. What’s your relationship like with El Shaarawy?

“He’s a great bloke and he’s very important for us.”

[tipsoctopus]

“Ashley Williams written all over it” - Lots of Everton fans react to eye-catching transfer link

Everton are ramping up their transfer strategy during this period without football and according to Italian outfit Sportal they are interested in bringing PSG’s Thiago Silva to Goodison Park.

The experienced centre-back is coming towards the end of his career at 35 but he has a wealth of experience to show for his efforts over the years, and he could perhaps be an astute addition for the Toffees.

Carlo Ancelotti worked with him at the French club too so will be aware of his strengths and weaknesses. He could possibly adapt the team to suit him – playing a pacier defender alongside him or using him in a back three for example.

Some fans seem to be concerned at his age and declining pace, and for some he is a reminder of a flop who was signed a few years ago to play in defence – Ashley Williams.

Within 3 months we’d be calling him the Brazilian Ashley Williams

— 𝕾𝖑𝖚𝖉𝖛𝖎𝖌𝖘 🌊 (@sludvigs) March 23, 2020

This has got Ashley Williams written all over it https://t.co/nkhzYuccqy

— D-Whit (@_djwhittaker) March 23, 2020

Absolute disaster waiting to happen if this is true https://t.co/5AM8x8n6iW

— Elliot (@elliotmusa_) March 23, 2020

The careers of the two players are remarkably different, however. Silva has represented Brazil on 88 occasions and captained the national team, while also spending time at huge clubs like AC Milan – Williams, by contrast, played for Swansea for most of his career.

It is a bit of a harsh comparison to make, therefore, and some fans realise that. Many have acknowledged the leadership qualities of the PSG defender and believe he could have a tremendous influence on young players.

Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

That means he could have a positive impact on the club even if he fails to replicate his past form, and that possibility has encouraged some supporters.

Just the experience he brings to the young players, they’ll develop drastically with his guidance

— willzy91 EFC 🇦🇺 (@jarrodwills) March 23, 2020

Be good to have him around for the younger players and he’s still a top defender. Why not if it’s true

— YM13 🇨🇴 (@YeraldMina13) March 23, 2020

Leader we desperately need.

— Brend85 (@Brend851) March 23, 2020

Be boss having a leader like him 👍🏻 https://t.co/LRWTtHPzTL

— Tom (@TomGraham1878) March 23, 2020

Would snap him up in a heartbeat, this club needs a leader. https://t.co/SDsEhLocU8

— jack (@bluec0met) March 23, 2020

How much do you really know about the Farhad Moshiri era? Answer 25 simple questions below…

In other transfer news, Everton fans have been reacting to another player who has recently been linked to the club…

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[torentialtribute]

Pierluigi Casiraghi interview: Ex-Chelsea man opens up on horror injury and backs Abraham to shine

Former Chelsea striker Pierluigi Casiraghi begins a horror collision with Shaka Hislop who ended his career … and supports Tammy Abraham the Blues for the future: & # 39; He is a young boy who has closed his ears and not to criticism listens & # 39;

Pierluigi Casiraghi was one of a number of Italians signed by the Chelsea in the years & # 39; 90

After appearing on Juventus and Lazio, the horror injury killed during his football career

Casiraghi feels that Frank Lampard can lead Chelsea & # 39; without losing anything & # 39;

The former Italian youth coach feels The Nation & Youngster Will Flourish in England

By By Alvise Cagnazzo for Mailonline

Published: 11:31 BST, September 6, 2019 | Updated: 11:31 BST, September 6, 2019

Former Chelsea Striker Pierluigi Casiraghi looks ahead to the new era in club history, while Tammy Abraham is closely watched as the man to shoot Frank Lampard's side back into battle and bring glory days back to the west London

Casiraghi was one of a number of Italian import products for the Blues in the 1990s and arrived with a glowing reputation after strong spells with Lazio and Juventus

The footballing gods smiled but not on Monza-born star, who saw his Premier League career crumble because of a horror injury after a collision with West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.

The Italian was left crumpled in as Upton Park a bo tsing with Shaka Hislop destroyed his knee

Now, speaking to Sportsmail as the 2019-20 Season begins to gain momentum, Casiraghi starts frankly about the injury that still needs 10 surgeries had and gives his opinion on where his former club under Lampard is going.

& # 39; I have a great memory of On the one hand because playing for me in the Premier League has always been a dream, while on the other it was a negative experience for the fact that I had to stop playing football, & # 39, Casiraghi explains.

& # 39; For me, London and Chelsea were a dream. A very serious accident has canceled everything. & # 39;

On a cool Sunday afternoon in November 1998, Casiraghi collapsed on the grass of Upton Park, screaming in pain as he held his crumpled right knee.

Casiraghi was one of a number of Italian imports on Stamford Bridge and formed a close bond with fellow countryman Gianfranco Zola (center)

The pair was later reunited as coaches for the different youth levels of the national team

CASIRAGHI CAREER

Player

1985-89: Monza (28 goals)

1989-93: Juventus (20 goals) )

1993-98: Lazio (41 goals)

1998-00: Chelsea (1 goal)

Manager

2002-03: Monza youth

2003-04: Legnano

2006-10: Italy U21s

2014-15: Cagliari (assistant)

2015 -16: Al-Arabi (assistant)

2016-17: Birmingham (assistant)

The Italian was helped from the field on a stretcher, but an endless cycle of operation s and series in rehabilitation meant his Chelsea days were over. Four years later, Casiraghi saw his contract with Stamford Bridge being terminated and his Premier League ambitions abandoned.

& # 39; I had a four-year contract, so my intention was to win with them and score many goals. dedicated to the club, the comrades and the fans who have always been close to me, & Casiraghi outlines. & # 39; Hislop never wanted to break my knee, he had bad luck for me that day.

& # 39; An incredible physical and mental pain … but now it is useless to think about it again, because it still hurts

& # 39; Italian football has always expressed great talents and great qualities. I believe and I still believe that Italy is the country where so many talents are born.

& # 39; Chelsea had the merit and the luck to choose di Matteo, Vialli and Zola: champions of great international level. Without injury I would have scored a lot, I know for sure. & # 39;

By turning his focus away from dark times and to more current events, Casiraghi feels that today's Chelsea finally has the freedom to play without any pressure, with a reconstruction project in progress with the guidance of Lampard.

Casiraghi believes that Chelsea will flower under Lampard and back Tammy Abraham (right)

& # 39; Lampard had a great opportunity. He will play his cards without losing anything and I am sure he will succeed in imposing himself, he loves young players and this makes him honorable. & # 39;

Casiraghi, typically number 9 in his career, feels that the player who now wears the shirt at Stamford Bridge has the potential to do great things regardless of recent criticism.

& # 39; [Tammy] Abraham started really well, he has talent and quality, so I hope he will complete the championship at this level.

& # 39; [He is] A young boy who has to close his ears and not listen to criticism. To grow, you must make mistakes and he must have the right to do it. & # 39;

Italian youth Moise Kean and Patrick Cutrone are the future, faith Casiraghi

After hanging up his boots, Casiraghi channeled his expertise in coaching, and quickly connected with good friend and former teammate Gianfranco Zola in the Italian youth line-up.

Casiraghi believes that Italian young talent has an eye for talent Moise Kean and Patrick Cutrone have made the right choice for the English top flight with Everton and Wolves respectively.

& # 39; The best championship is now the Premier [League] but it is also true that Kean and Cutrone are from Serie A.

& # 39; We are talking about two major purchases by Everton and Wolves, we are talking about two players who can easily represent the future of the Italian national team. & # 39;

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Christian Eriksen: I was the black sheep at Spurs

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Christian Eriksen: I was the black sheep at Spurs

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Christian Eriksen on leaving Tottenham for Inter Milan

Christian Eriksen says he was “the black sheep” at Tottenham for being “very honest” over running his contract down at the club.

Denmark midfielder Eriksen joined Inter Milan for £16.9m last month, ending six and a half years with Spurs.

The 27-year-old’s admission he wanted to leave in the aftermath of the Champions League final defeat by Liverpool led some fans to turn on him.

“I did get the blame for a lot of stuff, for being the bad guy,” he said.

His contract at Spurs had been set to expire this summer.

By the time Inter boss Antonio Conte offered an exit route, Eriksen says he had grown tired of the speculation about his future and weary of the finger-pointing from the stands.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Eriksen outlined his frustrations. In addition, he explained why he feels the treatment he received came because he wanted to be honest, the excitement he feels at joining Inter and Sunday’s derby with AC Milan at the San Siro.

Football Daily podcast: Eriksen’s Inter view and a Newcastle Cup run

Is there a sense of relief to get all the talk of your future over and get playing at a club without all the background noise?

Eriksen: “Yes. England, for the last few years, was very hectic. After what I said in the summer, it was just about ‘when is he going to leave?’ Every game it was ‘Is he leaving? Is he not leaving?’ Of course, a lot of people were speaking about it.

“Even the fans you see on the street were like ‘Thank you, goodbye and good luck’. But I was still there. It was a bit weird. In my head and for my body, it is good that I am in a new place and I can start again.”

Can you wind back to the Champions League final? That was obviously a disappointing night. (Mauricio) Pochettino raised doubts about your future. You gave the interview when you said you were thinking about a fresh challenge. The conjecture went on for weeks. Did it play on your mind? Did that bother or affect you?

“I wouldn’t say it affected me. In England, when your contract is shorter, it is like you have to leave now. You are gone. In the end I played about 30 games that were like goodbye games. It was like ‘this might be his last game’, ‘this might be his last game’. It kept rolling.

“In my head I was ready to try something new but felt if nothing came, I was still ready to play for my place. I was not a different player in that sense. But I was in and out of the team. However, even if I had a four-year contract, this season would have been difficult after the Champions League final.”

Eriksen made 305 appearances for Tottenham, scoring 69 times and played in the 2019 Champions League final, which Spurs lost 2-0 to Liverpool

It seemed the problems Tottenham had were pushed back to you and your form…

“But that is the thing. If you have a short contract, you will be the black sheep. Of course, I did the interview. I was very honest. I felt I had to be honest. I didn’t want to hide like a lot of players do. Everyone is different. I was honest. I wanted to say it out loud.

“I did get the blame for a lot of stuff, for being the bad guy. I read I was the bad person in the changing room, that ever since I said I wanted to leave, it was no good me being there. To be honest, over the last few years, if anything came up, any player would think about leaving but I was the guy who said it publicly.”

Jose Mourinho didn’t really settle the situation down. In a very Jose way, he was nice but there was always a ‘but’. Did that affect things at all?

“No. When the window is not open, there can only be talk. There cannot be anything concrete. I think Mourinho did well. He could have said ‘he wants to leave, so he is not going to play any more’. He didn’t do that.

“After I told him where my feelings were and what I would like to do, he told me just to be happy and if I was needed I would play. I was needed in a few games where I did make a difference. It was more as an extra rather than in the starting XI of course.”

When you talk about Tottenham, it does seem to have unravelled very quickly after finishing last season on such a high…

“Yes. It did. The Champions League final was such a special moment. In the history of Tottenham, it was the first time. To be there was so nice and beautiful. But you lose and the next day it is the end of the world. That is how it goes.

“Afterwards it was difficult. People were still sad from the Champions League final when the season started. After you get a few bad results, then you go into a spiral you are not used to and it was difficult to come back up.

“But if you look at the Premier League, there is only one team that is really flying. All the others are trying to find their place, not only Tottenham. Some seasons are like that.

“The history of the last five years is of Tottenham being where they have not been before for a long time. It was not a time to end but, in a way, it just came along which was something we didn’t expect and didn’t want.”

So we get to January. When did you find out, when did you think, you would be leaving?

“Not until it got serious. In the end it comes down to what Tottenham wants to have and what Inter, or any other club, want to pay.

“In the end you are controlled by Tottenham. You are controlled by [chairman Daniel] Levy. He says yes or no. You try to be as professional as you can be and not to force anything through in any way.”

Was it always Inter Milan? There were a few clubs mentioned. Manchester United were routinely mentioned…

“For a few years but it was never really likely. We did speak to them of course and we did hear what was possible and what wasn’t possible. But, in the end, me personally, I wanted a new challenge. To stay in the Premier League would have been an easy solution.

“Of course, staying at Tottenham would also have been a solution but, for me, it just came down to wanting to try a new challenge in a new country. Once Inter came up it really wasn’t a difficult choice.”

It is amazing how many former Premier League players are here…

���Yes. And a bit of the English culture straightaway and a bit of the English language. I am not the only one who can’t understand everything in Italian. It is funny that so many players have come over – and also at the same club.

“That doesn’t happen often. I don’t know if it makes it easier. You can speak with them about where you are going to live, what kind of house you are going to look for, what has happened, what hasn’t happened. You speak more with them and you can speak the language with them.

“But it doesn’t really matter. It depends on the group you come into. So far, it is a very nice group of people and players.”

Eriksen only scored three times for Tottenham this season before he joined Inter Milan

It is an exciting time to join Inter Milan. They are challenging for the title, have got Europe are still in the Coppa Italia…

“Yes. Historically, it is not that easy to come in January. Everyone is at the same fitness level because they have trained together all season. I need to fit in with how they play and learn the different things they do.”

And this weekend, you couldn’t have a much bigger game to play in and any team with Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a bit of star quality about it…

“He brings a name with him of course. And there is (fellow Dane) Simon Kjaer. I have spoken to him, even before, when he was over here and we were speaking to Inter back then.

“He was not that far away at Atalanta. It will be the first time I have played against him so that will be fun. Hopefully we will show where we are in the league.”

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Moise Kean: How did Everton land deal for superstar youngster?

Moise Kean’s arrival at Everton was one of the standout deals of the transfer window

Everton’s signing of Italy’s brilliant teenage striker Moise Kean from Juventus was one of the surprise deals of the transfer window.

Kean, 19, emerged as one of Europe’s top young attacking talents in Serie A last season, showing enough promise to be given his full international debut by manager Roberto Mancini in November 2018.

Juventus’ decision to sell Kean prompted surprise and anger among many of the club’s supporters – while Everton’s ability to close out the move was regarded as a major coup for the Merseysiders and director of football Marcel Brands.

This is how the Toffees secured the signature of one of Europe’s brightest young talents, and why former PSV director of football Brands is central to an effective recruitment process.

How the deal was done

Kean had been on the radar of the well-connected Brands, along with many others, for 18 months and Everton formulated plans for a loan deal in January, a window the Dutchman rarely likes to get involved in unless the circumstances and the players are special. Kean was one of those exceptions.

Juventus, with Serie A and Champions League commitments, were not receptive to any such deal, while in the remaining months of the season Kean’s profile rose dramatically on the strength of his performances and, sadly, when he was subjected to racist abuse during Juventus’ game in Cagliari in April.

This led to concerns behind the scenes at Goodison that a move for Kean, which was at the forefront of Brands’ plans, would now be more difficult. In March, he made his first start for the national side, scoring in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Finland, which Italy won 2-0. The goal meant he became his country’s youngest goalscorer, at just 19 years and 23 days, since Bruno Nicole in 1958.

Everton, however, remained convinced a deal could be done and all the pieces fell perfectly into place.

Brands and Everton chairman Bill Kenwright have a good working relationship with super-agent Mino Raiola, who represents Kean, while a changing of the guard at Juventus opened the door for a move.

Maurizio Sarri replaced Massimiliano Allegri, who was a mentor to the youngster, with Sarri’s personal favourite Gonzalo Higuain returning to Juve after loan spells at AC Milan and Chelsea. Kean was being pushed down the pecking order.

Higuain joined an attacking force led by Cristiano Ronaldo and complemented by Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Douglas Costa and others.

Italian journalist Stefano Boldrini, London correspondent for Italian daily Gazetta dello Sport, told BBC Sport: “The story of Kean surprised a lot of people in Italy because at the end of last season he was very good. He scored for Juventus and he scored for Italy.

“But with Sarri and the Allegri departure, a lot of things changed in Juventus. The younger Kean had to move.

Moise Kean played 16 Serie A games for Juventus (five starts) and scored seven goals

“We spoke to Roberto Mancini and he said it is a pity younger Italian players do not find places and have to move. He said he is sure Everton will be a good experience because Everton is a well-organised, ambitious club who wants to get back into the big European competitions so it may be a good experience.”

Everton also took advantage of what could be called Juve’s ‘in the moment’ mentality which means they demand instant results rather than count on too many works in progress, such as Kean.

Juve also needed to recoup money after heavy outlay on fees and salaries on the likes of Ronaldo and, this summer, Matthijs de Ligt from Ajax and Aaron Ramsey from Arsenal.

Raiola, who also negotiated the De Ligt deal, knows he can work with Brands and Kenwright and regarded Everton as the ideal club for Kean to get regular football, not guaranteed at Juventus and perhaps not by other clubs who may have taken an interest such as Inter Milan, Arsenal and Manchester United.

This all enabled Everton to strike a deal which resembles a real bargain at £27m with add-ons that will leave any potential final fee just short of £30m.

The final flourish was added when Everton were able to seal the deal without the buy-back clause Juve would have preferred.

Everton’s personal touch

Everton director of football Brands brings the personal touch to his transfer dealings, believing it can make the difference when closing out the sort of deals that are his trademark – namely young, emerging talent that can serve a club well and retain serious sell-on value.

In other words, Moise Kean.

It was a key factor in convincing Kean that Goodison Park was the place for him.

The approach was perfectly illustrated on the day Kean signed for Everton in the presence of his mother, who was handed a personalised Everton shirt by Brands as he told her: “We will take care of your son.”

Joep Schreuder, leading presenter with Dutch state broadcaster NOS, told BBC Sport: “This deal for Moise Kean is typical of Marcel Brands.

“He talks to the wives of the players, to the family. He knows everything – and I mean everything. If Kean has a nephew he will know about him.

“Marcel knows the hard world of money but gives it a personal touch. It is his way of persuading and convincing players to come. He plays the family card. He will know everything about the mother, the father, the family, their circumstances.”

Kean has revealed how impressed he was on first meeting with Brands – and it is his attention to detail that proved key in persuading the young Italian and others that Everton is a club on a new footing and the perfect platform for the next stage of a career.

Of course finance plays a big part, but the Kean deal and others were based on a personal presentation given to each prospective signing on how Everton see them working within the squad, analysis of the player, performance statistics, strengths and capabilities, different systems and styles they may be expected to play.

When Everton agreed a deal with Manchester City for Fabian Delph, Brands went to the England midfield man’s house to deliver his pitch and presentation.

Kean felt this additional detail demonstrated how much Everton wanted him, how much homework had been done and how they mapped out his future. Brands made it clear to Kean he was a desired investment and not simply a commodity.

Brands used this approach while sporting director at PSV, persuading the in-demand Mexican attacker Hirving Lozano to leave Pachuca for the Dutch club in the summer of 2017. It was a deal six months in the making, including two visits to the player and his family.

Lozano, who helped win the league title in his first season when Brands was still at the club, is now moving to Napoli in a 42m euros deal.

The Brands touch worked on Lozano and it worked on Kean.

Everton also have a three-tier care system for players once they have signed to ensure they have no off-field distractions, so Kean will even have details such as a National Insurance number, mobile phone, car and housing options all dealt with by designated members of staff.

Brands, who has formed a shrewd negotiating partnership with chairman Kenwright, put the full force of his package in front of Kean and completed what may prove to be a transfer of real significance for Everton.

The Brands factor

The 57-year-old Dutchman arrived from PSV in May 2018, replacing Steve Walsh as director of football after his disastrous spell. Such has been his impact that he was appointed to Everton’s board seven months after his arrival and placed in charge of overall football strategy at the club.

Marcel Brands told Moise Kean’s mother: “We will look after your son”

Kean’s acquisition has his imprint all over it – a young player ripe for development placed in the hands of the manager, in this case Marco Silva, to apply the polish.

It is a strategy that has served him well, such as when he acquired the young Georginio Wijnaldum from Feyenoord at PSV in 2011 and when he brought the tyro Mousa Dembele from Willem II to AZ Alkmaar in 2006, the former Spurs midfield man playing a key role in their unlikely Eredivisie title triumph three years later.

“He has an unbelievable knowledge of world football and this Kean deal shows everything about Marcel Brands to me,” Schreuder added.

“He is adaptable and creative – remember he did so many smart deals with not so much money at AZ and PSV. He is never lazy and he is so well-connected.

“Marcel is a correct guy with good manners. He talks to families but he can also take coffee with agents such as Raiola and the owners of the big clubs in the world.

“He has signed Kean and it will not be his last like this. He can do other types of deals too.

“Let’s say there is a player who is not in a good way at a big club, then Marcel Brands will try to persuade him that there can be new life in football, new fun, that his wife will be happy and then maybe in two years you might move on but first give us two years at Everton. “

Brands has given Everton’s transfer strategy the new dimension of a man at the helm whose name means something when he calls the big clubs and agents, an area where Walsh struggled.

Everton have now done three deals with Barcelona for Lucas Digne, Yerry Mina and Andre Gomes and also negotiated smartly with Juventus to sign Kean.

How big is Everton’s coup?

Kean has already generated real excitement at Everton, particularly with his explosive cameo as a substitute in the 1-0 win against Watford.

Former Everton winger and BBC Sport pundit Pat Nevin saw a lot of Kean last season – and believes his former club have engineered what could be the best piece of business this summer.

Moise Kean career stats Team Appearances Goals Verona 20 4 Juventus 21 7 Everton 2 0 Italy 3 2

He told BBC Sport: “I can see this being the deal of the season. When I look at the players who have been bought, say like Joelinton at £40m to Newcastle, Kean is miles ahead and the price is cheaper.

“Kean is also much younger. I was staggered by the relatively low price Everton have paid and also thought an Arsenal or a Chelsea might try to get him as well.”

He added: “I’m not shocked Everton got him. I just thought they would have to spend a lot more. Three, four or five years down the line he could become an Everton great. He has such potential.

“He has work-rate, match intelligence. I love him as a player and told quite a lot of people about him.

“I don’t really go on about that many players. I remember telling people to go and get Virgil van Dijk when he was at Celtic, Kieran Tierney from Celtic. There are very few you think are a no-brainer but, if you have watched Kean often enough, he is. I think this could be a fantastic deal at an incredible price.”

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Juventus and Bonucci must forgive and forget for greater good

When Leonardo Bonucci swapped Serie A champions Juventus, where he was a mainstay and key player, last summer for a struggling AC Milan side, it raised eyebrows.

Not just with Carlo Ancelotti either.

This summer, it is an even bigger surprise to see him on the move again, this time to return to Turin and make the move back to the Allianz Stadium after just 12 months.

If Juventus signing Cristiano Ronaldo was something of a shock, this one is equally so, simply because of the history and some of the bad blood that was stoked up around Bonucci and the Old Lady during and following his exit.

“Towards the end of last season, the bond had faded between us on both sides and so it was the right thing to do to go our separate ways,” Bonucci told Milan TV upon finalising his move last summer.

Perhaps a change of scenery, even if only for a year, will refresh and revitalise things for both sides, although the Italy international’s behaviour during Juve’s 3-1 win over Milan in Turin last season likely still leaves a bitter taste.

For fair or foolish reasons, we have witnessed several players opt against celebrating a goal against their former club and in the majority of cases, it is almost cringeworthy, such as James Rodriguez refusing to take pleasure in a goal against a Real Madrid last season, a side who had deemed him not good enough and who were happy to allow him to leave on loan.

However, Bonucci was a man who spent seven trophy-laden seasons with the Bianconeri and if he had opted against rubbing a goal in the faces of teammates and fans who once adored him, it would have been understandable.

But among Juventus fans, it didn’t quite go down well that he chose to wildly celebrate his goal against them last season to equalise for the Rossoneri, although afterwards he claimed that his actions were driven by the boos and whistles he had received before and during the game.

Whatever the case, as he prepares to return to the Italian champions, he is no doubt fully aware that there are perhaps some bridges to build with supporters and there is only one way of doing that.

He must play like the Bonucci who led Juventus to titles, trophies and Champions League finals and then any bad blood which is lingering may be forgotten about, or at the very least put on the backburner.

There’s no doubt he is capable of that and for all of the issues which may surround this transfer, one thing that there is no real question mark over is the ability of the former Bari man.

You dread to wonder how the Diavolo would have fared last season without him, with his quality always in evidence and you could also point to the marked improvements as a player of Alessio Romagnoli as coming from playing alongside the 31-year-old.

In addition, if the relationship and atmosphere around Vinovo was an issue for Bonucci and one that ultimately led to his departure, it should be noted that the Juventus he comes back to is a very different one than the one he left.

The trophies have kept coming but experienced stalwarts like Gianluigi Buffon, Dani Alves, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah and Gonzalo Higuain are no longer there, while they have freshened up in other areas with the likes of Mattia Perin, Joao Cancelo, Emre Can and a certain Portuguese forward who arrived from Real Madrid.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival alone brings a different vibe and mentality to Juventus, one which is of course aimed at finally ending their wait for a Champions League crown.

To do that, you need the best players available to you and when the opportunity arose to bring back Bonucci, the Bianconeri hierarchy deserve credit for showing no pettiness or ill will and putting the team’s needs above any egos.

After all, Bonucci has twice been part of teams which have reached the final and that is without Ronaldo, who could be the final piece of the jigsaw to get them over the line.

A centre-back was also badly needed after Benedikt Howedes was moved on and Mattia Caldara swapped Turin for San Siro.

Bonucci’s presence adds strength and competitiveness to a position which needed it and which now means Massimiliano Allegri can call upon him, Giorgio Chiellini, Medhi Benatia or Daniele Rugani and gives him the chance to be more versatile with his choice of system.

It is also no great risk for the Old Lady, as it would have been to recruit a foreign talent or even a similar kind of veteran presence from within Serie A.

They know what they are getting with the Viterbo native and that is consistency, reliability and excellent performances week after week.

Things may be a little rocky at first and not everyone is going to forgive and forget so easily.

But for the good of all parties, it is the best move.

Forza Italian Football

Juventus and Bonucci must forgive and forget for greater good was originally published on 365 Football

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Arsenal: Who in Europe could replace Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal: Who in Europe could replace Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal: Who in Europe could replace Arsene Wenger?

Arsenal have started the process of finding a successor to Arsene Wenger after almost 22 years in charge of the club.

The Gunners are looking for a manager who shares Wenger’s “qualities and values”, plays “progressive, exciting football” and “gives youth a chance”, according to chief executive Ivan Gazidis.

But who in Europe is available and fulfils those criteria?

James Horncastle, Raphael Honigstein and Julien Laurens of the BBC Radio 5 live Euro Leagues Football Show give their verdicts on the leading candidates.

The Italian trio

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri, Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri and former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti

Massimiliano Allegri, 50, is currently in his fourth year with Juventus, having won the Serie A and Coppa Italia double in each of his three previous seasons, while finishing runner-up in the Champions League in 2015 and 2017.

After a career spent mainly in the lower leagues, Maurizio Sarri, 59, took over Napoli in 2015 and introduced a more attacking style while establishing them as title contenders.

Carlo Ancelotti has won domestic titles with AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich, and has also won the Champions League three times – twice with Milan and once with Real Madrid. The 58-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Bayern in September.

Horncastle: “Allegri is often linked with big Premier League jobs and has always made it clear he would like to work in England one day – a club in London would be particularly attractive. However, looking at what Gazidis has said, I’m not entirely sure Allegri fits the brief, because he is pragmatic. He will often tell his critics, ‘You can’t have caviar and champagne every day, sometimes you need a ham sandwich.’

“If you want someone who plays consistently beautiful football and can impose an identity on the team then, in Italy, I would look to Sarri. Like Pep Guardiola, he won’t compromise on his philosophy.

“He could add value to the existing Arsenal team and would not necessarily demand they spend all the money they have in the bank.

“He has a clause in his contract – if anyone is prepared to pay 8.5m euros, they can have Sarri. Napoli are trying to lock him down to a new contract – the deal on the table is 2.5m euros per year. Not just Arsenal but other clubs could make a very competitive offer that Napoli couldn’t match.”

Honigstein: “Ancelotti wouldn’t fit what Arsenal need right now, which is someone who shakes these players and says, ‘No longer fourth place or fifth place, let’s really go for it.’

“Arsenal need to get rid of that apathy, get rid of that air of complacency that has been surrounding the club for so long. Ancelotti would just perpetuate it – at Bayern he had a fitness coach who smoked.”

The young Germans

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, Hoffenheim manager Julian Nagelsmann and Schalke head coach Domenico Tedesco

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel, 44, has been linked with Arsenal but is understood to be replacing Unai Emery at Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain next season.

Julian Nagelsmann, 30, saved Hoffenheim from relegation after taking over in February 2016, before guiding them to fourth in the Bundesliga last season and the Champions League play-offs, where they were beaten by Liverpool.

Domenico Tedesco, 32, is in his first season in charge of Schalke, with the club currently second in the Bundesliga.

Honigstein: “Gazidis quite likes some of the young German coaches coming through and certainly the feeling was reciprocal when it came to Tuchel – he was very interested in the Arsenal job but he is going to PSG.

“Nagelsman and Tedesco have done fantastic work with very little money but it’s a tough sell when they have not worked for very long and haven’t worked consistently in the Champions League, if at all.

“Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have recently struggled to find coaches because the top guys are not available. I don’t see Arsenal making an appointment from the Bundesliga – there is no realistic candidate who is totally viable from Arsenal’s point of view or vice-versa. Tuchel would’ve been that guy but Arsenal missed the boat on him.”

Luis Enrique

Luis Enrique left his role as Barcelona boss last June after three years in charge

Former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Luis Enrique won the Champions League, two La Liga titles and the Copa Del Rey three times in three years while in charge of Barcelona. The 47-year-old Spaniard, who also had spells at Roma and Celta Vigo, has not worked since leaving Barcelona last June.

Laurens: “Enrique worked with Arsenal’s head of football relations Raul Sanllehi at Barcelona. Sanllehi has such a strong relationship with Enrique, it will play a part and I wouldn’t be surprised if he got the job.”

Horncastle: “Enrique is from the Barcelona school and followed, in many respects, the same path as Guardiola – he had a stint with the Barcelona B team then later became the senior coach. But it’s hard to assess what he did at the Nou Camp – he won the treble twice, but he had Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

“At Roma he tried to change the mentality away from the result to the process and playing good football, but they crashed out of Europe. He walked away, completely exhausted by the entire experience, even though the players had bought in by the end. It’s difficult for Arsenal to look at him and think he’s a sure thing.”

Honigstein: “You wonder about how Enrique comes across – he doesn’t seem to have that enthusiasm for his work. He often seemed very downtrodden, aggrieved and political – reading between the lines, Gazidis and Arsenal want someone with a more youthful, positive, dynamic aura.”

Former Gunners

Former Arsenal midfielders Mikel Arteta and Patrick Vieira have both moved into coaching through associations with Manchester City

Mikel Arteta, 36, spent five years at Arsenal and is now an assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City.

Patrick Vieira, 41, won three Premier League titles and three FA Cup trophies during nine years at the Gunners and is now head coach of New York City.

Honigstein: “Arteta has been mentioned behind the scenes a lot and he is seen as a future Arsenal coach. They could end up in a situation where some of the bigger names aren’t available or don’t quite fit and they might end up with someone like Arteta or Vieira.

“The fans would be very underwhelmed if someone like Celtic and former Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers came in. You could say the fans were very underwhelmed when Wenger came in 22 years ago, but the club need to make a bigger statement. That either comes through a blue chip manager or somebody they consider an Arsenal man – Arteta or Vieira would really galvanise the support.”

Laurens: “Arteta impressed when he was at Arsenal with how ready he was to be a coach already. It’s too early for him, so he’s not going to get it now but I wouldn’t be surprised if in the next few years, maybe after the next manager, he would come to the club. The Guardiola schooling that Arteta is getting right now would resonate a lot at Arsenal and they would like someone like Pep basically.”

What next for Wenger?

Following Arsenal’s 4-1 league victory over West Ham on Sunday, Wenger said he was unsure whether he will retire, manage elsewhere or take a director of football role.

Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein, who recruited Wenger from Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight in 1996, said “there will be no shortage of offers” and has already taken calls from people looking to get in touch with the Frenchman.

Laurens: “I don’t see him taking another club job and that’s what I’ve been told. However, a national team might interest him – a good project, not somewhere exotic where he’s going to take the money. France have got Didier Deschamps for at least another two years. Wenger would be very, very keen on the England job.

“He’s perhaps interested in something a bit bigger like a director of football job, which would be strange because how much would he interfere in what another manager is going to do with a team? There are rumours that PSG are maybe looking for that figure to be at the top of the club and they might be interested in Wenger. But I think he’s done as manager at club level.

“In France he is probably the biggest manager we’ve ever had. Although he had a short career in France, what he’s done at Arsenal – he’s one of our greatest for sure. He changed a lot about English football but he struggled to evolve when he should’ve done.

“Now when he faces managers like Jurgen Klopp and Guardiola, who are bringing in a new style of football, you can see he is behind and that’s a shame – but his legacy is amazing.”

Honigstein: “In Europe, they will remember Wenger’s legacy for changing English football, making it much more European, introducing a lot of European players to the English game, finding this hybrid between the pace and the brutality with the elegance and beauty.

“There was a time he could’ve walked into the Bayern job, but that time is long gone, because most of the interaction that European clubs and fans have had with Arsenal at Champions League level recently, you have to say his legacy has been tarnished through a succession of catastrophic defeats where a normal club would’ve fired this manager a long time ago.”

Horncastle: “I would love to see him take the Japan job. That would be fantastic, but that’s just the romantic in me.”

BBC Sport – Football ultras_FC_Barcelona

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