It’s been yet another drastic, season defining week at Arsenal football club. In an eerily similar manner to the previous campaign the Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup at the hands of Sunderland after seeing their Champions League dreams dashed following a thumping from AC Milan. The same arguments have cropped up once again with boss Arsene Wenger bearing the brunt of fans frustration over his reluctance to strengthen the playing squad in the transfer window.
A dressing room filled with too many average players and youngsters lacking in first team experience has hindered Arsenal’s chances of ending their confidence sapping seven-year trophy drought. Attendances are down at the Emirates Stadium and supporters are becoming restless. Essentially the wheels are coming off with their great rivals now taking up the mantle as the number one team in North London.
With that weighing on their minds the board have decided to act declaring that Wenger will have a £55 million summer war chest to rebuild the squad and return the Gunners to their former glories. An abundance of names had been bandied about during the January transfer window with some of Europe’s top talents linked with the Gunners showing they still have the pulling power to attract big names.
Despite Wenger’s reluctance to dip his toes into the transfer market during the winter it’s expected that he will overhaul his squad once the season ends. Who the Frenchman has on his hit-list remains to be seen but one thing is for sure it will be an exciting summer of speculation for Arsenal fans.
Here are TEN players Arsenal should sign in the summer
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It seems to be all the range nowadays to have a go at English Football’s governing body. Whether it be for the non use of technology, quality of refereeing or the latest issue, the national side’s management post.
Almost a month ago Fabio Capello walked out on the England set-up following the Terry-gate scandal, and since then the FA have been taking a rather relaxed approach to filling the now vacant position. Tottenham chief Harry Redknapp seems to be odds on favourite to take the hot seat, however the FA, to public knowledge, have yet to make an official approach, leaving the issue a little up-in-the-air.
This method hasn’t gained much credit from the on looking fans and media, yet it could perhaps be a positive way to go about things, as the FA must respect Spurs and ensure they make the correct appointment.
Redknapp has taken charge of five matches since the link with the role, achieving positive results in just two, (3-1 win against Stevenage and 5-0 triumph over Newcastle) which points to a distraction from the job at hand. It can be argued that if the FA were to name him as the future manager, he would know exactly where he stood, yet with a string of tough fixtures on the horizon, such as Everton away, Stoke, Chelsea and the resurgent Sunderland, the fallout of accepting the job and a possible string of poor results would be catastrophic. To leave the issue in the background keeps ‘Arry’s loyalty, in the public eye at least, with Spurs and their current quest to secure Champions League football after an impressive season thus far. Although a section of the White Hart Lane support are all too aware that their manager would find it borderline impossible to turn down the call of his country, until there is concrete evidence, it must be assumed that he has the professionalism to be 100% committed the North Londoners cause.
[ad_pod id=’dfp-mpu’ align=’right’]
As well as the issues faced at Tottenham, there remains another problem, just how much could Redknapp do in a permanent role from now until the kick-off in Poland/Ukraine? The answer, very little. As a manager in the top-flight of English football, it’s not as if Redknapp isn’t privy to witnessing over 90% of the potential talent pool of the EURO 2012 squad, quite often having to tackle various potential players on a weekly basis. This gives him the ability to analyse their strengths and weaknesses, so in the event of taking the job he would already have an idea of who he felt necessary to take along. As Spurs manager, he also has vast experience in working with many players in and around the England set-up, with the likes of Scott Parker, Jermain Defoe, Kyle Walker, Aaron Lennon and Michael Dawson all being regulars on his team-sheet. A knowledge of these men and a continued spell working with them can only further build the relationships, and with Walker, Dawson and Parker being possible key squad members, this could be a useful opportunity.
Besides this in a permanent role, the next England manager will have a minimal amount of fixtures in which to work with his squad, as only Norway and Belgium await the Three Lions. Even though preparation can only be of benefit, such a small amount of scheduled games cannot really change anything, and the knowledge of players from watching previous national matches could be enough to go upon.
Yes there are issues such as John Terry and Rio Ferdinand which will have to be addressed, but looking on Redknapp could choose his course of action and act swiftly if given the role. Backroom staff could be another problem, but with the FA having created the saga there could surely be little opposition to drafting in new members.
The FA are right to respect Tottenham’s plans by playing softly-softly. A lack of preparation is by no means ideal, but having made a rod for their own back it’s too late to act rash. Harry can still gain the necessary knowledge for his probable tenure with the national side while keeping Spurs on track.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
What are your thoughts? Join the debate by commenting, or follow @Alex_Hams on Twitter
Tottenham attacker Rafael van der Vaart has stated that he is hopeful that Emmanuel Adebayor will stay at White Hart Lane after the season ends.
The Togolese marksman has been on loan in north London from Manchester City this season, but his future is somewhat unclear due to seemingly unmatchable wage demands.
Van der Vaart has hailed Adebayor’s influence at Tottenham and admitted that he hopes the African striker stays with the club.
“He is a great player for us, works his socks off and we love him here,” the Netherlands international told the London Evening Standard.
“He played for Real Madrid, Arsenal and City and I was surprised he came but I hope he stays.
“He is a top striker, one of the best I’ve played with. I played with Ruud van Nistelrooy; (with Real Madrid and Holland) he was fantastic.
“Normally strikers wait for their chances and score but he [Adebayor] is working and even when he doesn’t score he is still important for the team and that’s what makes him a big man for us.
“Last season I had a good understanding with Peter Crouch but with him it’s even better. He is tall, strong and also is not selfish,” Van der Vaart concluded.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
I would like to start this blog by saying a big thank you to David Connelly, Bartosz Bialkowski and Radhi Jaidi amongst others who, as I predicted in my last article, were released by the club after their contracts expired.
Jaidi remains at the club in an ambassadorial role and he will help to raise the clubs profile in Africa, as well as obviously looking out for the next generation of talented footballers to emerge from that continent.
As for Connelly and Bialkowski, both served the club well over a number of years, and indeed Connelly’s goals at the tail end of the 2010-11 season, helped the club fend off the challenge of a dogged Huddersfield side to gain promotion from League One. Plus he carried that form over into the next season with his goals helping to cement our place at the top of the table, and setting us on course for back to back promotions.
As a Saints fan it has come as no surprise that the recently released relegation odds see us as second favourites for relegation next season, despite the fact that no new signings have been made by the club and the new season is more than two months away. Only Reading have shorter odds on relegation, and there is an obvious bias towards London clubs for some reason, as West Ham who only managed to scrape promotion through the playoffs, are listed as fifth favourites.
Additionally, Norwich, who actually finished last season in 12th place in the Premier League, are shorter odds than both the newly promoted Hammers and Queens Park Rangers, a team that only survived on the last day thanks to Bolton’s luckless result at Stoke City.
Of course, the bookies are looking to avoid paying out large sums of money and more money is going to be taken on newly promoted clubs going straight back down, but in recent seasons, the three relegated clubs have more often than not been clubs who have been in the top flight continuously for more than one season.
Saints fans are used to being labelled as “relegation fodder”; after all, we were usually the bookies favourites for the drop, year on year, when we were last doing battle in English football’s top flight. In fact, if my memory serves me right, the only time we weren’t tipped for the drop was the 2004-05 season, when we were actually relegated.
With reports of a transfer offer for Burnley striker Jay Rodriguez being bandied about, one that is in the range of £6 million; which would smash the previous club record on a single fee of the £4 million we shelled out for Rory Delap (yeah £4 million for Delap!), we may well see an influx of big money signings as we look to consolidate next season.
Talking of next season, the club this week released its season ticket prices for our first foray into Premier League football for seven years, and the 30% increase comes as no real surprise.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
What is a shock is the £50 admin fee for using the clubs instalment plan, in addition to the 25% payment that needs to be made upfront, with the balance paid off over only five months. I think this is going to put a lot of people off the idea of getting a season ticket, if they have not already got one.
Individual match day tickets are going to be divided into three categories depending on the attractiveness of the opposition, although the prices have yet to be announced. However, you can bet your bottom dollar that St Mary’s is bouncing ahead of an exciting year for everyone at the club.
Nearly three months ago, Wayne Rooney tweeted about how he found it amusing that the Touré brothers had reached the African Cup of Nations Final and lost. Unsurprisingly, this tweet resurfaced yesterday as Yaya Touré scored the goals which look to have all but secure a first Premier League title for Manchester City.
The Ivorian’s contribution was significant on Sunday as it was in the Manchester derby just over a week ago. This time he had two goals to show for his efforts too – his first a delightful low curling strike was followed by a second five minutes time, a poke from close range. Much is made of his enormous price tag but Manchester City fans won’t mind at all, given the terrific first season he’s had at the club.
Goal of the Weekend
Clint Dempsey has been having his best season in the Premier League to date. He grabbed his 17th goal of the campaign at the weekend to help Fulham to a 2-1 win against Sunderland. The American has been pivotal to the Cottagers securing their third top 10 finish in the last four years.
His goal at the weekend wasn’t too bad either. After Mahamadou Diarra was fouled 25 yards from goal, Clint Dempsey stepped up and thumped a free-kick past Simon Mignolet. It could turn out to be his final goal at Craven Cottage but if so, it was a fantastic way to bow out in West London.
Performance of the Weekend
The Premier League this season hasn’t adhered to a script but then again, when has football ever done so? Still, Norwich City were perhaps not credited enough for their display at the Emirates on Saturday with the majority of focus, as you’d expect on Arsenal’s failure to win. The Canaries though demonstrated great resilience in their 3-3 draw.
The most impressive aspect was to be found in their second equaliser. You could have attached little blame to Norwich had they wilted after van Persie’s put Arsenal into the lead. Steve Morison’s goal showed the spirit which Paul Lambert has managed to instil at Norwich. It’s going to be interesting to see how Norfolk outfit fare in the Premier League next season but as long as Lambert’s still the manager, there’s no reason why the Canaries can’t survive again in the top flight.
Quote of the Weekend
The final few days of the season are usually spruced up by fans with a bit of fancy dress. So it’s all the more encouraging hearing a manager telling his club’s supporters to get involved.
After his side’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United, Brendan Rodgers had the following message for Swans supporters prior to next week’s encounter against Liverpool:
“I’m going to ask all the fans on that day if they can wear, as a tribute to ourselves and Elvis Presley, as many Elvis Presley costumes…because when we got promoted the bookies said there was a greater chance to see Elvis Presley than for us to stay at this level.”
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Hopefully between now and then, there’ll be a little less conversation and a little more action to ensure it happens…*
*I would like to take the opportunity to apologise for anyone offended by my shameful attempt to slip Elvis Presley lyrics into my final sentence. Hope you’re not all shook… whoops, nearly did it again!
For more Premier League musings on Twitter, follow @archiert1
Last season John Berlyson said a few things on how the season would pan out, that we would break the one million pound mark, that deals would be done early and all the money from the Steve Morison to Norwich City move, would go into the team for the upcoming season.
Lions fans were left massively disappointed with signings as £1million plus signings were dreams, and the reality was Dany N’Guessen and wage thief Jordan Stewart.
This left Jackett without a main striker as top scorer, Darius Henderson would usually pick up little knocks or niggling injuries, which left us with the dynamic duo of John Marquis and Dany N’Guessen. Plus the money from the Morison deal was mostly spent on trying to make sure the Lions came into profit for the last financial year.
But this season it seems that Berylson will be keeping true to his word. He said before the end of the season, where the Lions ended up comfortably mid table, that Millwall will try to get deals done early this summer.
This has already been proved with the signing of goalie Maik Taylor, the extension of the contract of Josh Wright and recently two deals in a week which saw the signings of Scott Malone and Chris Taylor. Early signings will only help with the team for the upcoming campaign plus the Lions will not have to have a signing frenzy on transfer deadline day like In 2010, ironically the three signings brought in on transfer deadline day, would not be considered as part of the starting 11.
Berlyson also said before the Lions second season in the championship, that money would be spent before the start of the season. This really didn’t happen as the majority of signings were free transfers. Whereas before the start of this season money was already spent, a £750k rumoured price tag was spent on Scott Malone by the Lions from AFC Bournemouth, a player who has been scouted many times by Jackett. Malone became Millwall’s Third signing from the Cherries in as many years, like having our own feeder club.
Berylson may not have been so willing to spend this time last year, ironically due to Kenny Jackett’s success. KJ got the Lions promoted and then flirted with the play-offs in concetutive seasons, on one of the smallest budgets in the division.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
But then Berylson still gave Jackett a limited budget as Millwall came into the dreaded “second season syndrome” season. The Lions struggled until January, where money was given to spend, which help sign, now starters, Shane Lowry and Andy Keogh. Jackett may have been a miracle worker in League One, but maybe not so much in the Championship.
It seems now that Berylson understands how much needs to be spent to be competitive in the Championship and will now back the team with more transfer funds. Kenny has done wonders with a limited budget, but with the backing of the board behind him? Watch out top six, Millwall are coming.
Another English campaign at a major international tournament has left a sour taste in the mouths of fans across the nation. As always an immediate autopsy has commenced to see where all the problems lie. But the fact is that the Three Lions did not perform well in a single game at the tournament, playing a far too rigid, predictable and overly-defensive style of football. Despite only playing in two of the four games, Wayne Rooney has come in for some criticised for his lack of impact in the Italy game with former manager Fabio Capello suggesting that only Sir Alex Ferguson can get him firing.
Rooney had previously suggested that communication in the camp was better with an Englishman in charge and after England were eliminated on penalties by Capello’s native Italy, he had a dig at the 26-year-old. According to The Sun, he said:
“After seeing the latest game, I think Rooney only understands Scottish. That’s because he only plays well in Manchester, where Sir Alex Ferguson speaks Scottish.”
Indeed Rooney had been in fantastic form for Manchester United in the season just past. He scored 27 league goals and eight in other competitions in what was his most prolific season for the Red Devils. Had Manchester City failed in their dramatic late comeback against Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season, Rooney’s winner against Sunderland would have also handed United the Premier League title.
Such form only served to increase the expectations on him to perform at Euro 2012, despite being banned for the first two games. Against Ukraine he looked off the pace and struggled to get involved in the game. Yet he still provided the difference as he nodded in the game’s only goal to put England through top of their group. It is a hallmark of great players that they always manage to make an impact even when they are having an off day.
Yet that trait abandoned him in the quarter-final. He was completely ineffectual throughout the 120 minutes as he spent large parts of the match chasing shadows across the pitch with the Azzurri dominating possession. England rarely got forward and therefore Rooney was unable to make an impact where he has often proved so deadly.
The striker has been criticised heavily but in all fairness the entire team performed well within themselves. The problem was that in Roy Hodgson’s rigid 4-4-2 formation, Rooney was expected to drop back into midfield and pick up Andrea Pirlo. That should not be asked of the team’s most prolific player. He should have been allowed to push on the last man with an extra midfielder coming into the side to provide more competition in the middle of the park.
It was different duty to that which he is used to at Manchester United. If he drops back at Old Trafford, he does so on his own terms and in order to pick up the ball not to mark another player. In actual fact, Rooney got into one of England’s best scoring positions and but for Ignazio Abate’s boot he could have troubled Buffon with a decent header.
Ferguson may command a greater deal of respect than Hodgson but it is not the case that he is the only man who can get the best out of Rooney. He may have struggled to replicate his club form on the international at the last two major tournaments, but both have been as part of an England squad shrouded in controversy.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The comments from Capello smack of sour grapes and Hodgson has been quick to defend Rooney’s efforts in training. But perhaps if Hodgson had played to the striker’s strengths then we could have seen a more positive side of him against Italy. He failed to act on the problems that were clear for all to see during the quarter-final. Most managers would have recognised that changes were needed to get the best out of Rooney, or his team-mates. Vicente Del Bosque showed the boldness required of a top manager when he substituted Xavi during Spain’s semi-final against Portugal.
There is no doubt that Ferguson’s influence on Rooney has been huge. He has curved his wild temper but his passion still remains. While the Scot’s ability to keep him performing must not be undermined, he is not the only reason that the striker has become a world class player. Lest we forget Rooney handed in a transfer request in 2010 that would not have done wonders for his relations with the United boss which suggests that he does not see Ferguson as the key to his ability. It is not a case of the manager getting the best from the player, but rather the tactics angled in the best interests of the team’s star.
When Roberto Di Matteo replaced Andre Villas-Boas he totally changed the way in which Chelsea went about their football. To say that his style was uncomplicated would be an understatement. Apart from the rather impressive dismantling of Tottenham and QPR, Di Matteo’s team had something of a ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality. The onus was most certainly on defence with the performances against Arsenal, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in particular standing out as impressive defensive displays.
Why then have all of Chelsea’s signings thus far been attacking? The announcement that Chelsea have finalised a deal for the Brazilian playmaker Oscar is a worrying thought for fans of other Premier League sides, especially considering the west London club have already purchased Eden Hazard, his brother Thorgan, and Marko Marin.
After having achieved so much success playing in such a conservative manner, what conclusions should we draw from the purchase of four players who offer little in the way of defensive ability?
The first thing to note would be that it is unlikely that these are the Chelsea manager’s signings. Andre Villas-Boas noted that he had little say in the transfer department and you would be surprised if Di Matteo’s involvement was any different.
Nevertheless, just because Di Matteo didn’t necessarily ask for those signings it wouldn’t mean that he couldn’t ask for defensive reinforcements.
Some will argue that Chelsea’s defence is strong enough but I beg to differ. With Jose Bosingwa gone Chelsea need a reserve right-back, and preferably a specialist full-back unlike Ivanovic.
Secondly, despite some impressive performances Chelsea need to start thinking about a long-term successor to John Terry. Yes they have Cahill and Luiz but that’s all they have. Without another right back Ivanovic cannot be asked to fill in.
You also need to consider that Chelsea should look in to the possibility of replacing Michael Essien, who is a shadow of the player he once was. Mikel had a strong end to the season but is hugely temperamental and Romeu is not quite at the level that a club like Chelsea requires. So, it’s clear that Chelsea’s penchant for young attacking players is not because it is the only area that needs addressing.
That is not to say that they shouldn’t be looking to find successors to Malouda and Lampard. It just seems strange to have bought four considering they signed Mata last summer.
Perhaps what this does signal is that Di Matteo and Chelsea are concerned that without the option of playing direct football spearheaded by Didier Drogba much more creativity is needed. And they’d be right, but Lukaku, Torres and Sturridge are still strong options for that role.
What many fans will be wondering, though, is whether these transfer moves are more than that. Is Di Matteo trying to reinvent Chelsea’s team for a second time? Instead of taking the club back to basics perhaps he is trying to turn them in to the team Villas-Boas tried to create – attacking, technically gifted, fast paced and a joy to watch. It should be remembered that in his previous managerial roles the Italian has opted for attacking rather than defensive football.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
His short spell in charge of Chelsea might indicate that, rather than being a defensive coach, he is a coach that is fully aware of the tools at his disposal and knows how to play to a team’s strengths.
Abramovich will have been pleased with the results that Di Matteo acquired last year, but perhaps he would have been less so with the manner in which it was achieved. Now that he has proved himself a winner, will he prove himself to be capable of attacking football too?
Mikel Arteta ensured Arsenal ended a turbulent week on a high note, scoring a late winner to inflict yet another defeat on rock bottom QPR.
Consecutive defeats to Norwich and Schalke set the tone for the clubs annual general meeting on Thursday that saw supporters question the Gunners hierarchy over their ambitions for the future.
But that was all forgotten as Arteta poked home six minutes from time to break the resistance of Mark Hughes’ well drilled Rangers side, who had Stephen M’Bia sent off in the second half, and propel the hosts in the top four.
Much of the pre-game discussion centred around Jack Wilshere’s inclusion in the starting lineup and he played 67 minutes on his first start in 17 months after his comeback from injury.
Wilshere’s first touch was greeted with cheers by the home support and he stung the palms of Julio Cesar with a fierce 20-yard drive just after Aaron Ramsey had looped a header over the bar.
The visitors posed a significant threat down the right side, with the pace of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jose Boswinga giving full back Andre Santos a difficult afternoon, but they failed to fully test Vito Mannone during the first half.
Opposite number Cesar was the far busier of the goalkeepers, pulling off a number of fine saves to maintain parity for his side frustrate the Gunners.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ultimately the turning point in the match came when M’Bia was shown a second yellow card with 10 minutes remaining after stupidly kicking out at Thomas Vermaelen. QPR unravelled after that and Arteta took advantage to stab the ball home from close range after hitting the bar to break the deadlock.
Esteban Granero and Jamie Mackie spurned two excellent chances to bring the R’s level in injury time as they made it nine games without a Premier League win this season.
Many have tried and many have failed to take on the master of mind games Sir Alex Ferguson. It’s a dangerous game to play, just ask Kevin Keegan and Rafael Benitez.
Keegan’s ‘I would love it’ rant all but conceded the title to United in 1996, whilst Benitez was in charge of a Liverpool team top of the table before he started ‘talking about facts’ and Ferguson ended up claiming another title.
Then along came Roberto Mancini, who last season you could argue became the first man to triumph over Fergie in the battle of the mind games. As his team continued to pick up points and close the gap on United, Mancini took all the pressure off his players and piled it onto the shoulders of United, claiming his team ‘were not favourites’ and United had ‘easy games.’ All said in a calm and methodical manner, with a face that suggested he had been spending his time at Arsene Wengers poker school in Govan.
Of course City ended up winning the title, and one of the abiding memories of an incredible season was Ferguson and Mancini’s touchline bust up during the second half of what was essentially the title decider at Eastlands. The image of Ferguson’s face red with rage shouting expletives at the Italian, will be one that could be defining. Mancini held his own, made his point and then calmly swanned back to the dugout with hands in pockets. He had clearly got under Fergies skin, and ended up coming out on top.
What is interesting about Mancini’s approach, is that he has never gone after Ferguson directly in the way Benitez or Keegan did. He has kept his distance, ensuring he doesn’t personally provoke the United boss. If he did, you feel there would be no way back, as Mancini is aware Ferguson has been the master for decades. There is no doubt Fergie has plenty more tricks up his sleeve, and is just biding his time to make his move.
However Mancini has started this season where he left off his title winning campaign, by playing down City’s title chances in a bid to take the pressure off his own players and pile it on to United.
“I was serious last week when I said United where favourites” he said nonchalantly. He had previously stated his multi-million pound team of superstars were “maybe in second third or fourth position” when it comes down to the favourites for the Premier League title.
Mancini has expressed his dissatisfaction at City’s lack of activity in the transfer market, but it is hard to see where they could actually improve? Is this all just a cover up to take the pressure off his side? Another centre back is seen as the priority, and the remaining days of the transfer window will give a clearer indication to City’s potential to retain their title this season.
With the mind games beginning before the season had even kicked off, you can be sure it will be an enthralling battle once more. The way Mancini played it last season indicates the Italian could be the successor to Fergie as the new master of the mind game.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.