It’s an often repeated sentiment that the World Cup and the Champions League only really come alive after the group stages. Once the initial excitement subsides, it’s best to wait until the phoney wars are over and the true drama of the knockout stages commences. This year’s Champions League may be a rare exception though. […]
Real Madrid
Chelsea must heed past lessons before signing Higuain permanently
Chelsea have signed on loan one of the most prolific strikers in European football in recent years. A finisher who has, to date, scored 268 goals over the course of a career that has seen him play for some of the most famous clubs in the world: River Plate, Real Madrid, Juventus and AC Milan. […]
Recent performances highlight folly of extending Mourinho’s contract
Even at the time it raised a few eyebrows. Jose Mourinho was only 19 months into a three-year contract at Manchester United when they offered him a new deal. During his first season and a half, Mourinho had won the EFL Cup and the Europa League, but few United fans celebrated the agreement that would […]
Zidane’s exit heightens uncertainty over Bale’s future
After reminding fickle Real Madrid fans of his match-winning ability in the Champions League final, Gareth Bale spoke of his frustration after the game about the lack of playing time he has received this season. In spite of all the success he has enjoyed in the Spanish capital, a week ago it looked more likely than […]
Will Bale prove the sceptics wrong?
At the start of the season a friend predicted Gareth Bale would score over 30 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. Everyone scoffed, and as the first person to hear this assertion, I bet £10 that he wouldn’t accomplish the feat. As Bale initially struggled for match fitness and a position in the […]
Schalke interest a backward step for Benitez
It looks increasingly likely that Jose Mourinho will return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season and replace interim manager Rafa Benitez. The Special One may be renowned for his sky-high levels of self-confidence, but the faith he has in his own abilities is matched by the Spaniard. Upon taking the Chelsea […]