Carlo Ancelotti
“So Carlo Ancelotti is staying at Chelsea, for now at least, and with the club sitting top of the Premier League talk of crisis at Stamford Bridge feels slightly hysterical. Even if there was no substance to the reports — strongly denied — that Ancelotti was ready to quit on Sunday evening, though, something is going on behind the scenes, a lead that stood at five points three weeks ago has disappeared and the weakness of the squad’s structure has been exposed.” (SI)
Uneasy feeling surrounds Chelsea
November 23, 2010
Leave a Comment » | 
Chelsea, Jonathan Wilson | Tagged: Chelsea, Jonathan Wilson | 
Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Leverkusen 1-1 Bayern: similar formations, different styles, and an even game
November 23, 2010“A decent game where neither side truly hit top form. Leverkusen kept the broad 4-2-3-1 system they’ve favoured this season, making two changes – Sami Hyypia came in at the back for Stefan Reinartz, whilst Erin Derdiyok was back in place of Patrick Helmes.” (Zonal Marking)
Leave a Comment » | Football Manager, Germany | Tagged: Football Manager, Germany | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Barça-barmy press make first move in pre-Clásico media war
November 23, 2010“The big, bold notices splattered across the morning Marca in the run up to a meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona usually either bring La Liga Loca to blubbering, shuddering tears of desperation or have it clapping like a sea-lion given the chance to puke fish guts over Justin Bieber. Monday was very much the former for a tired and distressed LLL. But Tuesday sees the blog in much finer fettle and able to embrace the madness.” (FourFourTwo)
Leave a Comment » | Champions League, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid | Tagged: Champions League, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Stand Up Tall. The Rise Of Zenit St. Petersburg
November 23, 2010“Zenit St Petersburg have emerged as one of Europe’s most recognisable clubs, but it has taking a while to get here. Domm Norris charts the rise of a Russian powerhouse.” (In Bed With Maradona)
Leave a Comment » | England | Tagged: England | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Belief returns for Braga boss
November 23, 2010
Domingos Paciencia
“As far as Champions League baptisms go, they don’t come much tougher than Braga’s. The Portuguese league runners-up up were humbled 6-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates in their opening group game. Perhaps it shouldn’t have been a surprise in retrospect, with the Londoners perpetually in the competition’s final stages and the debutants’ squad assembled for less than €3 million. Yet Arsene Wenger’s men will face reinvigorated opposition when they arrive in the Minho this week looking for a point to seal qualification for the knockout rounds.” (ESPN)
Leave a Comment » | Champions League, Portugal | Tagged: Champions League, Portugal | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Sunderland 2-2 Everton: great attacking game
November 23, 2010“A topsy-turvy game that ended with a result that reflects the balance of play. Sunderland made two changes from last weekend’s shock win at Stamford Bridge: Darren Bent replaced Asamoah Gyan and Anton Ferdinand replaced Titus Bramble in straight swaps.” (Zonal Marking)
Leave a Comment » | England, Football Manager | Tagged: England, Football Manager | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
Brasileirao > Premiership
November 23, 2010“Chelsea might be in ‘crisis’, but don’t let it fool you- the Premiership title race is as inferior as ever, when compared with its South American contemporary. Welcome to IBWM, Matthew Horton.” (In Bed With Maradona)
Leave a Comment » | Brazil, Champions League | Tagged: Brazil, Champions League | Permalink
Posted by Scissors Kick
