“The mainstream football media are convinced that there is a ‘new Mourinho’ at Chelsea. Although I’m inclined to agree, I’m not entirely sure who this ‘new Mourinho’ actually is. Of course, to even ask who this ‘new Mourinho’ is implies a form, a Mourinho, from whom to begin. José Mourinho was a Chelsea manager, young, Portuguese, poached from Porto after a blistering season domestically and in Europe, who was expected to grasp a small but ambitious club by the horns and haul it that final step which it couldn’t take under its previous (Italian) coach.” Run of Play
The Double
August 4, 2011Dalglish: Spending was necessary
August 4, 2011“Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish believes the club have gone about their transfer business ‘responsibly’ – even though the club have spent over £100 million since he returned as manager. Luis Suarez, Andrew Carroll, Jordan Henderson, Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam and Alexander Doni…” ESPN
Javier Pastore – El Flaco the new star in Paris
August 4, 2011
“‘He is irreverent, an ignoramus of football…he touches the ball as if he has already played in four or five World Cups.’ Of all the plaudits heaped onto the back of Javier Pastore, perhaps this endearing quote from one of the greatest legends of the game, Diego Maradona, speaks best to his unbridled potential and future as a superstar. With his record-breaking transfer from Serie A to Ligue 1, the question is whether the Argentine playmaker can live up to the hype his price tag brings.” French Football Weekly
Balotelli, Mancini & The Schizophrenia of the Manager
August 4, 2011“The brief furore surrounding Mario Balotelli’s fluffed backheel and subsequent substitution by Roberto Mancini left the public divided. Was this just the latest indication of a player on the verge of a mental breakdown or a manager over-reacting to a bit of fun in a pre-season knockabout?” Ghost Goal
Klinsmann Calls In 22 Players to Face Mexico on Aug. 10 in Philadelphia
August 4, 2011“U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has named a 22-player roster that will travel to Philadelphia in advance of the match against regional rival Mexico on Aug. 10 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The match will be the first for the former FIFA World Cup and European Championship winner at the helm of the U.S. Men’s National Team since being named head coach.” US Soccer