Last night the England U21s crashed out of what appeared to be South Africa 2010 #2.
In the Euro U21s England showed we had failed to learn from England’s disastrous World Cup campaign last summer.
Many of the same problems we had in South Africa showed in our performances in Denmark. Previously people have blamed poor passing, poor close control, poor management and the list goes on. But what can really be to blame for almost 45 years without a competition win?
Most people reading this are probably thinking, “Poor coaching in grass roots football!” or “Bad passing!”. I think otherwise.
Let us look back at the 2006 World Cup for a second. Looking at our squad I think we had by far the best in the world. Frank Lampard was at his peak, Michael Owen was scoring goals and Joe Cole was actually fit, so why didn’t we win? We have had a team of individuals ever since we last won the World Cup.
In the 2006 F.A Cup final Steven Gerrard was superb, at the time it was probably one of the best performances by an individual ever. Soon after he travelled to join the England squad, and somehow he had hardly any impact on the World Cup whatsoever. That is just one example of England’s individuals.
The UEFA Champions League is often referred to as “the most prestigious club competition in the world”. I would even argue the quality of football in the Champions League surpasses that of the World Cup.
So why do the likes of Frank Lampard, John Terry and Peter Crouch succeed at the highest level and fail in the World Cup?
Most of England’s players are used to being their club’s star player, but unfortunately having a team of stars does not mean having a star team. In fact it means quite the opposite. While Spain have a team ethic that in most peoples’ opinion works, the Spanish players seem to have a belief that they are only as good as the player next to them. This results in passing football and everybody getting a chance to prove what they can do.
But England’s players tend to go it alone and the only way to win against the likes of Spain is team play. Arsenal proved this in their home leg vs. Barcelona in the Champions League last year.
So if England want to succeed they will have to rely on the Jack Wilshere’s of this world, in other words players who appreciate you only get from the team what you give to it.
Written by Thomas Munson
News and reviews of the Sporting World
Monday, 20 June 2011
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Abramovich Managerial Headache
As Roman Abramovich’s search for a new manager continues, it might be worth taking a look at who the prime candidates are to take over the helm at the good ship Chelsea.
First and foremost is the current Turkey boss, Guus Hiddink. The fans love him, he has an established friendship with the owner, and he has already proven himself at the club.
In Hiddink’s brief caretaker role in 2009 he led them to an F.A Cup win and third place in the Premier League. In addition, his team were unlucky to miss out on an appearance in the Champions League final.
Clearly, in Hiddink’s six-month spell at Chelsea he showed that his knack for managerial success was as strong with the Blues as it has been pretty much everywhere else in his career.
Hiddink is so far and away the favourite that it would be pointless even considering anyone else for the position if it was not for the salient point that he is still under contract with Turkish F.A, who are unwilling to let him go.
However, noises made in recent weeks suggest that the Turkish F.A might be open to negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and could reluctantly part company with Hiddink should they receive fair compensation.
Should Chelsea miss out on nabbing their man, they could turn their gaze towards Spain. Despite winning the Copa Del Rey, Jose Mourinho has a fairly frosty relationship with the powers-that-be at Real Madrid.
There have been rumours, though nothing concrete, that the ‘Special One’ has a release clause in his contract in the region of €25m, whereby if another club paid the compensation he would be free to leave Real Madrid. This is just speculation, but if there is any club that could afford such an outlay it is Chelsea.
In Chelsea’s current situation, Abramovich might look to the man who brought the Blues their first title in 50 years, a man who would in all probability relish the chance to finish what he started by winning Champions League at the club.
Nonetheless, Mourinho is still an outside shot. His position at Real Madrid, though rocky over the course of the season, has been strengthened by the departure of director Jorge Valdano, and he will certainly have foremost in his mind the wrestling of the La Liga title away from the imperious Barcelona.
It would not be entirely surprising if he rejoined Chelsea, but it seems unlikely at this particular point in time.
Finally, the bargain basement option. Having recently quit as manager of Fulham, Mark Hughes is freely available and has experience of higher echelon management at Manchester City.
Should Chelsea fail in their attempts to drag Hiddink and/or Mourinho away from their current contracts, he may represent their only choice. There is absolutely no way that Abramovich will even consider letting his team start the season managerless, therefore it is possible, though incredibly unlikely, that he may opt for Mark Hughes as a sort of ‘interim’ coach while waiting for Hiddink/Mourinho to become available.
VERDICT: Hiddink. Absolutely nailed on. Turkey receive generous compensation, Chelsea get their man. Everybody wins.
Written by Sebastian Clare
First and foremost is the current Turkey boss, Guus Hiddink. The fans love him, he has an established friendship with the owner, and he has already proven himself at the club.
In Hiddink’s brief caretaker role in 2009 he led them to an F.A Cup win and third place in the Premier League. In addition, his team were unlucky to miss out on an appearance in the Champions League final.
Clearly, in Hiddink’s six-month spell at Chelsea he showed that his knack for managerial success was as strong with the Blues as it has been pretty much everywhere else in his career.
Hiddink is so far and away the favourite that it would be pointless even considering anyone else for the position if it was not for the salient point that he is still under contract with Turkish F.A, who are unwilling to let him go.
However, noises made in recent weeks suggest that the Turkish F.A might be open to negotiations with the Stamford Bridge outfit, and could reluctantly part company with Hiddink should they receive fair compensation.
Should Chelsea miss out on nabbing their man, they could turn their gaze towards Spain. Despite winning the Copa Del Rey, Jose Mourinho has a fairly frosty relationship with the powers-that-be at Real Madrid.
There have been rumours, though nothing concrete, that the ‘Special One’ has a release clause in his contract in the region of €25m, whereby if another club paid the compensation he would be free to leave Real Madrid. This is just speculation, but if there is any club that could afford such an outlay it is Chelsea.
In Chelsea’s current situation, Abramovich might look to the man who brought the Blues their first title in 50 years, a man who would in all probability relish the chance to finish what he started by winning Champions League at the club.
Nonetheless, Mourinho is still an outside shot. His position at Real Madrid, though rocky over the course of the season, has been strengthened by the departure of director Jorge Valdano, and he will certainly have foremost in his mind the wrestling of the La Liga title away from the imperious Barcelona.
It would not be entirely surprising if he rejoined Chelsea, but it seems unlikely at this particular point in time.
Finally, the bargain basement option. Having recently quit as manager of Fulham, Mark Hughes is freely available and has experience of higher echelon management at Manchester City.
Should Chelsea fail in their attempts to drag Hiddink and/or Mourinho away from their current contracts, he may represent their only choice. There is absolutely no way that Abramovich will even consider letting his team start the season managerless, therefore it is possible, though incredibly unlikely, that he may opt for Mark Hughes as a sort of ‘interim’ coach while waiting for Hiddink/Mourinho to become available.
VERDICT: Hiddink. Absolutely nailed on. Turkey receive generous compensation, Chelsea get their man. Everybody wins.
Written by Sebastian Clare
Monday, 23 May 2011
QPR Chase Relegation Stars
Neil Warnock’s Championship winning team, QPR, are looking to secure their Premier League safety next season by acquiring some star players from West Ham, Birmingham City and Blackpool.
QPR is surprisingly one of the richest clubs in English football and have £50m to spend this summer.
P.F.A player of the year, Scott Parker, and Charlie Adam, Mathew Upson and Ben Foster are believed to be on Warnock’s shortlist.
Even though QPR looked like a Premier League team in the Championship, such was their dominance, it is becoming harder and harder to stay in England’s top league, in fact West Ham would have stayed up last season with the amount of points they had this season despite finishing bottom.
It seems likely that QPR will take advantage of West Ham’s relegation and there financial predicament by chasing the Hammer’s key players.
West Ham might need to offload their star players as a result of relegation, in the 2012/2013 season the Hammers may be moving to the Olympic Stadium and spend money reconstructing parts of it.
The East London club could ask for up to £15m for the midfield general Scott Parker; while Scott Parker has not expressed a desire (yet) to leave West Ham it seems more than likely the Hammers will have to sell him in order to balance the books.
Championship player of the year, Adel Taarabt, will probably maintain his place in midfield. I am sure the Moroccan will be wanting Warnock to sign players of higher calibre for Taarabt to create chances for.
Birmingham’s star man, Zigic, who played a key role in Birmingham’s Carling Cup final success may also be moving to QPR in search of more Premier League football.
However I am sure QPR’s players and fans will enjoy the taste of a long awaited Premier League season.
Written by Thomas Munson
QPR is surprisingly one of the richest clubs in English football and have £50m to spend this summer.
P.F.A player of the year, Scott Parker, and Charlie Adam, Mathew Upson and Ben Foster are believed to be on Warnock’s shortlist.
Even though QPR looked like a Premier League team in the Championship, such was their dominance, it is becoming harder and harder to stay in England’s top league, in fact West Ham would have stayed up last season with the amount of points they had this season despite finishing bottom.
It seems likely that QPR will take advantage of West Ham’s relegation and there financial predicament by chasing the Hammer’s key players.
West Ham might need to offload their star players as a result of relegation, in the 2012/2013 season the Hammers may be moving to the Olympic Stadium and spend money reconstructing parts of it.
The East London club could ask for up to £15m for the midfield general Scott Parker; while Scott Parker has not expressed a desire (yet) to leave West Ham it seems more than likely the Hammers will have to sell him in order to balance the books.
Championship player of the year, Adel Taarabt, will probably maintain his place in midfield. I am sure the Moroccan will be wanting Warnock to sign players of higher calibre for Taarabt to create chances for.
Birmingham’s star man, Zigic, who played a key role in Birmingham’s Carling Cup final success may also be moving to QPR in search of more Premier League football.
However I am sure QPR’s players and fans will enjoy the taste of a long awaited Premier League season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Middlesbrough Set To Cut £7m From Wage Budget
Middlesbrough have tried everything to get back into the Premier League since being relegated in 2009, they have tried spending money, doing nothing and appointing new managers, however the Yorkshire club still occupy England’s second division.
With attendances getting lower by the year and parachute payments nearing their end Middlesbrough have decided to cut their wage bill. At the moment the club are spending approximately £17m per year on wages which is by far the highest in the Championship.
The Middlesbrough owner, Steve Gibson, has admitted he is disappointed with this season, especially when he invested a great deal of money into the club. In the summer of 2010 Middlesbrough signed Kris Boyd, Nick Bailey, Stephen McManus, Kevin Thomson, Tarmo Kink, Andrew Halliday, Scott McDonald and Maximillian Haas. The total of these transfers were around £6m, a big investment for a Championship club. In today’s market that is actually pretty cheap, however the signings have increased Middlesbrough’s annual wage bill by £4.5m.
One of the players who may have to leave as a result of Middlesbrough’s financial difficulties is the Scottish international, Kris Boyd. The ex-Rangers star moved on loan to Nottingham Forest in March and may move their permanently.
Middlesbrough’s financial state is unsustainable for a Championship club, their revenue has gone down dramatically since relegation but spending would appear to have increased.
BORO have this morning confirmed that Willo Flood and Maxi Haas will leave the club this summer, while Andrew Davies is expected to return to Stoke City after his loan spell at the Riverside. With the wage cuts taking place it has become clear that if Middlesbrough want another shot at Premier League football they will have to rely on up and coming youngsters rather than big money names.
Written by Thomas Munson
With attendances getting lower by the year and parachute payments nearing their end Middlesbrough have decided to cut their wage bill. At the moment the club are spending approximately £17m per year on wages which is by far the highest in the Championship.
The Middlesbrough owner, Steve Gibson, has admitted he is disappointed with this season, especially when he invested a great deal of money into the club. In the summer of 2010 Middlesbrough signed Kris Boyd, Nick Bailey, Stephen McManus, Kevin Thomson, Tarmo Kink, Andrew Halliday, Scott McDonald and Maximillian Haas. The total of these transfers were around £6m, a big investment for a Championship club. In today’s market that is actually pretty cheap, however the signings have increased Middlesbrough’s annual wage bill by £4.5m.
One of the players who may have to leave as a result of Middlesbrough’s financial difficulties is the Scottish international, Kris Boyd. The ex-Rangers star moved on loan to Nottingham Forest in March and may move their permanently.
Middlesbrough’s financial state is unsustainable for a Championship club, their revenue has gone down dramatically since relegation but spending would appear to have increased.
BORO have this morning confirmed that Willo Flood and Maxi Haas will leave the club this summer, while Andrew Davies is expected to return to Stoke City after his loan spell at the Riverside. With the wage cuts taking place it has become clear that if Middlesbrough want another shot at Premier League football they will have to rely on up and coming youngsters rather than big money names.
Written by Thomas Munson
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Nottingham Forest Face Swansea In Play-Offs
On Thursday night, the first round of Championship play-offs get under way. Nottingham Forest will host Swansea.
Despite Forest’s poor performance against Blackpool in the play-offs last year the midlands team still look confident.
Forest manager, Billy Davies, has claimed that their defeat to Blackpool last year is not in their minds and that Forest are a different animal this year. “We all know what the play-offs are like- they are a lottery.” said Davies. “It is luck, it’s refereeing decisions and if you get the breaks you can get there. We won’t think about last year and take nothing away from Blackpool- they deserve an awful lot of credit for what they did and what they have done.”
When the press asked Brendan Rodgers, the Swansea manager, whether he will take a different approach to the play-offs he replied, “No, we will just continue with no pressure. Monday we will be back preparing.” he added “I just need to keep taking the pressure off the players because of how we play, trying to make 600, 700, 800 passes a game, you have to be confident and you have to want the ball. Thankfully I have players who do that. We play how we train and we’ll continue to train how we have been and focus on these two play-off games”
Swansea’s cool attitude may play in their favour as Nottingham Forest are bound to feel under pressure after their 6-4 play-off defeat last season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Despite Forest’s poor performance against Blackpool in the play-offs last year the midlands team still look confident.
Forest manager, Billy Davies, has claimed that their defeat to Blackpool last year is not in their minds and that Forest are a different animal this year. “We all know what the play-offs are like- they are a lottery.” said Davies. “It is luck, it’s refereeing decisions and if you get the breaks you can get there. We won’t think about last year and take nothing away from Blackpool- they deserve an awful lot of credit for what they did and what they have done.”
When the press asked Brendan Rodgers, the Swansea manager, whether he will take a different approach to the play-offs he replied, “No, we will just continue with no pressure. Monday we will be back preparing.” he added “I just need to keep taking the pressure off the players because of how we play, trying to make 600, 700, 800 passes a game, you have to be confident and you have to want the ball. Thankfully I have players who do that. We play how we train and we’ll continue to train how we have been and focus on these two play-off games”
Swansea’s cool attitude may play in their favour as Nottingham Forest are bound to feel under pressure after their 6-4 play-off defeat last season.
Written by Thomas Munson
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Chelsea Treble Could Leave This Summer
Chelsea will have gone another year without the Champions League in their trophy cabinet. In 2003 Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea F.C with the intention of winning the most prestigious club competition in the world, the UEFA Champions League. The club signed some of the best young talent in the world including, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Ashley Cole and best of all Didier Drogba. It is often said those players came to the blues with one purpose, to win the Champions League. But now J.Cole has left and most of the other players in the squad are on the wrong side of 30.
Abramovich wants a younger fresher squad, a squad that can win the Champions League. Rumour has it that the Russian wants to offload some of the older players in the squad, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. If those players were to become available I am sure that there would be many interested parties. However Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could be interested in all three to help secure Champions League football at the Lane once again. It would not surprise me if Manchester City made a bid for Drogba and Terry. City have been linked with a move for Terry pretty much as soon as they were bought by Mansour Al Nahyan in 2008.
It is hard to say how much the players in question would cost, the prices for Lampard and Terry could be around £20m each while Drogba would be closer to £30m.
But no matter who goes where and how much they sell for there is sure to be fresh investment from Abramovich
Written by Thomas Munson
Abramovich wants a younger fresher squad, a squad that can win the Champions League. Rumour has it that the Russian wants to offload some of the older players in the squad, John Terry, Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard. If those players were to become available I am sure that there would be many interested parties. However Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp could be interested in all three to help secure Champions League football at the Lane once again. It would not surprise me if Manchester City made a bid for Drogba and Terry. City have been linked with a move for Terry pretty much as soon as they were bought by Mansour Al Nahyan in 2008.
It is hard to say how much the players in question would cost, the prices for Lampard and Terry could be around £20m each while Drogba would be closer to £30m.
But no matter who goes where and how much they sell for there is sure to be fresh investment from Abramovich
Written by Thomas Munson
Monday, 4 April 2011
Can Tottenham Beat Galácticos?
Tottenham Hotspur have exceeded all expectations this season, last year they qualified for the UEFA Champions League play-offs and there were a few people who thought “Champions League, you’re having a laugh.”
However Tottenham have been no joke this season; admittedly they had a rough start versus Young Boys but since then they have looked far from out of place. They beat Inter at White Hart Lane and finished ahead of them in their group.
Even Wenger thinks Spurs are in with a chance of beating Real Madrid, “It is very open” Wenger said, “Who cannot be beaten? If everything went all right, Barcelona would be out today ... if it had stayed 11 v 11, I am convinced of that. So why can't Spurs beat Madrid? Madrid has a disadvantage to play the first game at home and Spurs look to be strong at home. It is a real 50-50 tie.”
For Real the 1st leg is vital, Tottenham have turned the Lane into a European fortress so Real need to kill them off early. Fortunately for Spurs Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo could be unavailable for tomorrow’s match.
Bale could come back from injury to face Galácticos but question marks have been raised after the Welshman said “You never know [what will happen] but I have no fear about leaving the country,” he said “If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously. I left home when I was 15, if I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person.”
The question remains; will Tottenham shock us all, again?
Written by Thomas Munson
However Tottenham have been no joke this season; admittedly they had a rough start versus Young Boys but since then they have looked far from out of place. They beat Inter at White Hart Lane and finished ahead of them in their group.
Even Wenger thinks Spurs are in with a chance of beating Real Madrid, “It is very open” Wenger said, “Who cannot be beaten? If everything went all right, Barcelona would be out today ... if it had stayed 11 v 11, I am convinced of that. So why can't Spurs beat Madrid? Madrid has a disadvantage to play the first game at home and Spurs look to be strong at home. It is a real 50-50 tie.”
For Real the 1st leg is vital, Tottenham have turned the Lane into a European fortress so Real need to kill them off early. Fortunately for Spurs Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Marcelo could be unavailable for tomorrow’s match.
Bale could come back from injury to face Galácticos but question marks have been raised after the Welshman said “You never know [what will happen] but I have no fear about leaving the country,” he said “If there is a great opportunity then that has to be considered seriously. I left home when I was 15, if I leave the Premier League, learn another language and see another country then I will grow as a person.”
The question remains; will Tottenham shock us all, again?
Written by Thomas Munson
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