All posts by h79snht.top

Tottenham’s season shouldn’t be defined by the Champions League. I’ve mentioned it in the past and will continue to carry the thought that the Champions League isn’t the most important goal in football. It certainly isn’t if you’re one of the many clubs who enter but have no chance of winning. Instead, this season will be about Tottenham finally finding stability through a manager who they can attain long-term objectives with.

I get that fans have a connection with the European nights and that Tottenham especially would love to rediscover the joys of the 2010-11 season. The fact that Europe offers that hugely beneficial financial windfall also means that fans try to make some sense of the competition helping their club to grow. But that aside, you can’t seriously argue that Tottenham are stagnating in English football.

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It wasn’t too long ago that this team were being praised as the most attractive to watch in the Premier League. The manager of that time was rightly moved on for one reason or another, and now you have a younger tactician who is willing to explore much more of the game than just simple man management. For whatever may have been said about Andre Villas-Boas at the start of the campaign, it remains a fact that Tottenham are building for the long term and it would be wholly unreasonable to expect instant results.

The Champions League would be the icing on the cake for what has been largely a good season. It’s important to analyse the smaller details that have made this season a step forward for Tottenham. The win at Old Trafford was a fantastic achievement, and Tottenham can take plenty of pride in their performance in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea. Moreover, it’s the attitude that Tottenham have displayed in plenty of the bigger games this season that suggests that they’re far from beaten before kick-off.

I will never advocate the idea that Champions League football is the only way to attract top players. It’s a myth that’s never really been true, but rather made up to force a greater spectacle in the race for a top four spot. Take a look around the clubs who competed in the Europa League this season. In fact, look at the clubs who were not entered into a European competition this season and there will be plenty who are good enough for the best teams in England. Spurs shouldn’t worry about attracting good players this summer. What they can offer is a shrewd manager who is willing to invest in youth and a long-term project that is likely to reap the benefits of many years in England’s top four.

It also would have been a great marker for Villas-Boas’ first season if he had progressed further in the Europa League, but failure to land a trophy isn’t something that will mar this season. In fact, it’s a little uncomfortable to use the word “failure.” Tottenham have a chairman who appears to be on the same page as the manager, and some of the signings made during the summer have made more and more sense as the season’s progressed. Once again, there is no great disappointment in failing to land a striker in January; Daniel Levy understands the market well and his first-choice options – and those best suited for Tottenham – are likely to be available this summer.

If Tottenham finish fifth it will still count as a positive season. What it will prove is that they’re a team who haven’t been able to establish that experience of finishing in the top four, and there really is no shame in that. Who are they up against? Three teams who have been regulars in the top four for years and a fourth club who have been bankrolled into that position. It doesn’t really need dressing up that Spurs can’t compete with that.

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But provided this summer is a positive one – and there is plenty to suggest it will be – Tottenham have enough in place to ensure they remain on the ascendency, and specifically off the back of a season which can be deemed a step in the right direction.

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Roberto Mancini believes that Liverpool’s Mario Balotelli needs to turn things around quickly or risk wasting his talent and following in the footsteps of troubled Brazilian Adriano.

The Italy international joined the Reds over the summer in a £16m move from AC Milan and was widely hailed as the man to help the club build after the loss of Luis Suarez to Barcelona.

However, ‘Balo’ is yet to find the back of the net in the Premier League for the Merseysiders – albeit he has scored in the Champions League and Capital One Cup – and has been roundly criticised for his lack of work ethic and inability to slot into Brendan Rodgers’ XI.

WANT MORE? >> Liverpool transfer news | Latest transfer news

The 24-year-old has been a divisive character through his career, with his previous spell in England with Manchester City and his time in Serie A having been blighted with off-field rumours and crazy antics.

Mancini worked with Balotelli at Inter and when at the Etihad Stadium, and the now Rossoneri coach says that he’s concerned by the forward’s lack of development and is concerned that his career may follow the path set by Adriano – who has fallen from grace thanks to a series of off-field issues:

“I have not heard from Mario since we worked together at Manchester City.” He is quoted by Goal.

“He was still a kid when we were together at Inter. He would do anything I asked him and he also behaved well at City. It has all gone downward a bit since he left City. I thought he would do well at Milan but it didn’t happen.

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“Mario is at risk of following the same path as Adriano. I hope that he wakes up one morning and realises that he is wasting everything.”

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According to Diario Gol, Arsenal and Liverpool have supposedly contacted Dani Ceballos’ agent in an attempt to organise a move for the promising Spanish midfielder.

The 21-year-old enjoyed a fruitful spell at Real Betis that earned him his move to Real Madrid, yet the Spaniard has only made six La Liga appearances for the champions this season.

The story so far

Despite favouring a summer move to Real Madrid over Catalan giants, Barcelona, Ceballos’ career with the Los Blancos is failing to develop as he would have hoped for.

The promising midfielder has only made two starts in La Liga for Madrid this season, and every single one of his Champions League appearances has been as a substitute.

It is believed that the Real Madrid man is keen to secure consistent first-team football elsewhere to continue his progression as a player.

What’s the deal?

It is reported that the La Liga champions are unwilling to allow their summer signing to depart in the forthcoming January transfer window and they would rather him leave on loan at the start of next season.

It will be interesting to see how the story develops and if Arsenal or Liverpool can alter Real Madrid’s current stance on the matter.

How good is Ceballos?

Despite only playing in six league games for the champions this term, Ceballos has scored twice – an average of a goal every three games.  He is widely recognised for his astute dribbling ability and his valuable capacity to retain possession of the ball.

In addition to his attacking qualities, Ceballos flaunts good defensive capabilities, most notably is his ability to complete tackles.

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His arrival is likely to augment the midfield of both Arsenal and Liverpool, yet perhaps he’ll be more tailored to the Gunners’ style of play.

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Arturo Vidal has played down talk of a move to Manchester United by insisting that his agent has not contacted him about a potential move.

The Red Devils chased the Chile international for most of the summer, but ultimately missed out on a rumoured late deal as Juventus held firm to keep their man.

Despite this, talk of a fresh raid when the January transfer window opens has been doing the rounds, with reports suggesting that Louis van Gaal is still desperate to add an orthodox defensive midfielder to his ranks.

WANT MORE? >> Manchester United transfer news | Latest transfer news

Yet Vidal has distanced himself from a switch by claiming that he and his family are happy in Turin and that no concrete contact with United was made during the last transfer window:

“The truth is I was relaxed and calm this summer, focusing only on my knee, I never once asked my agent or Juventus if something was happening.” He is quoted by The Express.

“I have a pact with my agent: if there is something concrete, then he alerts me. He did not alert me.

“I don’t know exactly what happened during the summer, but I doubt it was anything truly important, otherwise he would’ve warned me.

“I can only say that I am happy in Turin. I am happy, my wife loves Turin, Alonsito and the little one are happy here.

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“My family’s happiness is more important than money or anything else. At Juventus I am happy, it is my home. It’s always tough to leave your home, isn’t it?”

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It has been a miserable 15 years or so for Coventry City fans, none more so than this season where they find themselves in a relegation dog fight to avoid dropping into League Two. It has been an extremely disappointing season for the Sky Blues, which began with so much hope after starting the campaign on an even standing for the first time since relegation to League One. A return to the Ricoh Arena was supposed to bring about a change in fortunes for the club, but this could not be further than what has actually transpired.

Coventry have only won three times at home since returning to the ground and attracted a crowd of under 7,000 last time out against Scunthorpe. It is no secret that the owners are to blame for the majority of the failures in recent seasons. Losing the stadium – albeit temporally – back-to-back points deductions, no money to spend and a struggle to keep the club alive hasn’t exactly given manager Steven Pressley the best chance of succeeding. Selling key players such as Callum Wilson and Leon Clarke and the likes of Joe Murphy, Cyrus Christie plus Frank Moussa leaving was obviously out of Pressley’s hands due to the financial state of the club.

But isolating captain Carl Baker was. And in light of how well he is performing at the MK Dons, it would seem to be yet another example of poor management from the Scot. Billy Daniels’ performances since leaving would also suggest that Pressley struggles to get best out of certain players.

Daniels was a bit part player throughout his time at Coventry – showing glimpses of promise – but sold to Notts County in January. He scored on his debut and by all accounts has looked impressive during his short stint at County. Instances such as this, added to playing striker Frank Nouble on the left wing and fellow strikers Simeon Jackson and Marcus Tudgay in midfield, undermine Pressley’s management of Coventry City.

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Performances throughout the season have been extremely lacklustre – with defensive mistakes all too regular – and the midfield seemingly giving the ball away at every possible opportunity. Goals have been hard to come by and City are in the middle of a six game winless streak. With matches against Sheffield United and MK Dons to come, it is unlikely that this streak will come to an end anytime soon. The Sky Blues are currently in 20th position, one place and one point above the relegation zone.

With poor performances that have occurred all the season – including a humiliating loss to Worcester City – the possibility of Coventry City playing League Two football next season is looking increasingly more likely. It has to be said that Steven Pressley hasn’t had a successful tenure at the club, even if things have been against him. Surely his time as manager is running out with performances and results not looking like changing in the near future.

Coventry fans are the most starved of success in the whole of the country and the only team not to have finished in the top six of any division since 1970. The club haven’t finished in the top ten of any league since 2006 and only once in the past 25 years.

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It is no wonder why attendances are dropping to under 7,000 as the club have given nothing in return for loyal support. Coventry have not played at the fourth tier of English football since 1959, but 2015 could well be the year that all changes.

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Harry Redknapp is still looking for that first win as QPR and his side’s first Premier League victory of the season. You would not blame some supporters for thinking it may never come at this rate.

The R’s are currently in their supposedly easier run of fixtures and it is about to get a whole lot harder for them to pick up results very soon.

Martin Jol’s Fulham travel to Loftus Road looking to secure back to back wins for the first time since September.

Fulham have too been on the decline recently and a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on Monday to take them to 20 points was a welcome relief to halt the slide.

They secured nearly double the point’s return in the first eight games of 13 compared to the next eight games of just 7 points.

Redknapp still has to contend without two of his main strikers in Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora with both out for the long term till the New Year with knee and thigh injuries.

Julio Cesar still hasn’t been able to shake off his groin injury either which is why Robert Green is expected to maintain his place in the starting XI in goal.

Fulham have a few absentees too Bryan Ruiz (hamstring) and Simon Davies (neck) remain out till at least January. Brede Hangeland made a successful return from suspension on Monday and will retain his place in the side. A last minute decision is due on Mahamadou Diarra with the midfielder needing a painkilling injection to play, so the midfielder may not be risked ahead of a busy festive period.

The Cottagers have earned an average of 0.33 points per game without Hangeland in their team. With the Norwegian in the side, they have averaged 1.54.

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The return of the influential defender could prove pivotal to a Fulham revival as it did on Monday.

Prediction: QPR 2-1 Fulham

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQaD8JBvzIc

Whilst it may seem obvious now for the Anfield faithful looking back on their 2014/15 season, it has to be said that Brendan Rodgers’ determined Liverpool side simply carry nowhere near the same level of threat without a certain Luis Suarez on board.

The Reds’ loss truly became Barcelona’s gain last summer, and as the ever formidable La Liga giants took to their domestic and European tasks almost with maximum ease last term, Liverpool certainly looked a great deal weaker in the goal-scoring department, and subsequently throughout the rest of the team.

What’s in the past firmly remains behind the plucky Merseysiders going into the 2015/16 campaign, however. Although the likes of Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert completely failed to emulate the Suarez affect at Anfield last season, the Liverpool transfer committee have seemingly tried to address such concerns across the summer transfer window.

Highly-rated Brazilian front-man Roberto Firmino has already made the switch to the Premier League club in recent weeks, yet it seems Brendan Rodgers’ Bundesliga targets simply don’t end there with Germany and Borussia Dortmund star, Marco Reus, also being looked at by the Reds this summer for a hefty fee of around £46m.

So then, do Liverpool actually have what it takes to land the skilful 26-year-old after last season’s debacles, or is a player of Reus’ overall talents simply a pipedream for Rodgers ahead of the 2015/16 campaign?

Well, from the outset such an ambitious move in the annual summer transfer window does seem a tad unrealistic in the cold light of day for a number of significant reasons. It ultimately remains quite hard to picture Reus turning out in a Liverpool shirt next season – regardless of how much Brendan Rodgers and the Anfield faithful seem to admire his ability.

It certainly comes as no surprise that Liverpool have registered an initial interest in the player himself, though. The spindly German front-man definitely has to go down as a top class forward in the modern era, as well as someone who would easily walk into most of the starting XI’s the Premier League has to offer.

With his keen eye for goal in and around the box and dangerous turn of pace and quick-feet in the final third, not to mention a formidably strong prowess in the long-shot department, Reus seemingly has a bit of everything within his overall make-up.

Yes, he’s not the strongest striker the Bundesliga has ever produced, and obviously his rather lengthy injury record would likely raise a degree of concern among the Anfield ranks should Liverpool’s interest really be genuine this summer, but ultimately Reus in a player few top class teams would turn down given the chance next season.

As the German international has recently signed a new deal with Borussia Dortmund despite Jurgen Klopp’s departure, perhaps it’s fair to say that this particular transfer rumour is one that will never truly see the light of day – especially as Liverpool can’t offer the 26-year-old the chance to play Champions League football next season

In light of Raheem Sterling’s imminent £49 million switch to Manchester City this summer, though, just maybe Brendan Rodgers now has enough incentive – and more importantly enough cash – to actually go out and definitively source a player of Reus’ quality with confidence this summer.

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Liverpool can simply throw money at the BVB man if they really want to in the run up to the 2015/16 season. Reus will also be aware of the tempting void that needs filling after Sterling finally departs Anfield for the Etihad this window, and alongside the likes of Philippe Coutinho and the newly acquired Roberto Firmino next term, Liverpool could actually find themselves heading in the right direction after all.

Such an ambitious move will invariably take a great deal of negotiating and persistence on Liverpool’s part, for Marco Reus is a player many top European clubs would like to get their hands on this summer. Rodgers simply has a massive task on his plate in convincing the German to move away from Borussia Dortmund, and getting him to tie his colours to the Anfield mast in 2015/16.

With Sterling arguably acting as the major catalyst within all of this, however, perhaps Liverpool fans will start to see the ball rolling sooner rather than later in regards to their club’s interest in the Reus. For now we’ll just have to watch this space it seems…

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hit back at recent criticism of club captain Steven Gerrard.

The midfielder has taken the brunt of the blame for the Reds’ recent poor Premier League performances, with some suggesting that the 32-year-old is past his best.

Rodgers has leapt to the defence of his skipper, who has scored two goals so far this term:

“He’s carried this club for nearly 13 years, and it’s about time there was more than Steven picking up the baton of responsibility for Liverpool, ” he is quoted by SkySports.

“I don’t want to focus too much on him, other than that he’s been brilliant since I arrived here. His inspiration and leadership within the team has been phenomenal.

“He might not have got the goals he would have wanted this season, but you can see how effective he’s been and the quality of his game.

“Against Spurs, his range of passing, his commitment and his drive into the box was superb.”

He also confirmed that Lucas Leiva may return to the squad for this weekend’s clash with Southampton:

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“Lucas Leiva will return to the squad, which is great news because he’s been working very, very hard and played the reserve game last week.

“He’s been training for a few weeks and looked very good, so we’ll look forward to bringing him back in.”

Liverpool are confident that Raheem Sterling will extend his current contract with the club, according to reports from ESPN.

The 17-year-old has been in fine form this Premier League season, slotting seamlessly into the Reds’ first-team despite his young age.

It was suggested last week that the winger was frustrated by his current wage and had demanded to be put a par with out-of-favour senior stars such as Jordan Henderson and Stewart Downing to stay at Anfield.

The player quickly took to Twitter to rubbish stories that he was demanding a significant pay rise and insisted that his future would be discussed after his 18th birthday.

This speculation has not worried his manager Brendan Rodgers who believes that the starlet will stay with the club:

“I think it will be pretty straightforward. Raheem himself, his representatives and his family, they know he’s at the best club he can ever be at for his development in both the short and long term.

“So that will be resolved. There won’t be an issue there.”

The Northern Irishman also declared how happy he has been with the youngster, who made his senior England debut against Sweden earlier this week:

“I have been surprised, to be honest,

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“You just never know with young players. I think the biggest thing you can do with kids is give them a chance, so long as they’re showing on a daily basis that they’re worthy of that opportunity.”

Safe standing is an understandably delicate topic in this country. There are those who are in favour of the idea due to the implementation and successes of it in other leagues around the world, and those who are firmly against the idea.

What should take place though, rather than an all-out decision in favour or against, is a dialogue between clubs, supporters and governing bodies. It’s regressive, in a way, to ignore something that could further enhance the quality of the product in this country, even if, as mentioned, it’s not the easiest topic to discuss. But despite the history of standing tiers in English football, it is far from a taboo.

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Germany are the clear front runners. Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park and its 30,000 capacity Yellow Wall stands as one of the modern game’s great wonders. It’s a spectacle that most are eager to see, even though UEFA rules restrict its full flight use during Champions League games.

But why should it be foreign, in more ways than one, to supporters in England? It doesn’t have to be widespread, as of course not every club will subscribe to standing. Naturally there will be those in the stands who will also remain against the idea and will continue to use seated tiers regardless of innovations. The point is, it shouldn’t remain a topic that drifts in and out of football discussion; it does belong in the game, and even with the tragedies that have taken place in the past, it’s not to say standing can’t be completely safe in the future.

We can talk about other nations’ implementation of safe standing and its successes, but shouldn’t we also acknowledge other realms such as music? Concerts and festivals do it regularly; it’s a natural and often necessary ingredient of the experience. Reading and Leeds festivals as well as Download can attract anywhere between 30,000 to 100,000 fans, and yet, despite tragedies that have happened in the past, notably 1988, standing with high volume attendances continue to be the norm.

Of course, the negative side of standing is so ingrained in the makeup of football in England that it will take an age for the topic to be seen as something wholly positive. The desire to discuss standing isn’t a reckless attempt to bring up the dark days of the past; no one, surely, is asking for the abandonment of safety. Unfortunately, however, standing may always be linked with the unpleasant side of the game.

What needs to be said is that being sat down doesn’t go hand-in-hand with the nature of football. Much like the case with music, it would seem abnormal to see an aggressive band on one side of the fence, only to be faced with thousands of seated and largely muted onlookers. It’s not organic and it does have a direct and negative effect on atmosphere, something that is often brought up.

Safe standing warrants a discussion at the very least. A mature, sensible and logical debate as to how it can be introduced in the way other nations have done. As a natural part of the game, it shouldn’t be ignored.

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Is it time the Premier League considered safe standing?

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