It’s a critical time in Maurizio Sarri’s brief Chelsea career. Humbling losses to Bournemouth, Manchester City and United have created the feeling that the sack is imminent. One of the key things to come from his recent post-match debriefs, was the admittance that he wasn’t motivating his players. This is enough to get alarm bells ringing. Motivation is the oil… Read more »
It’s the aftermath of Cardiff City’s vital win against Bournemouth. And Cherries boss Eddie Howe looks completely flat. His team haven’t been able to handle Cardiff’s intensity; desire and will. They have not only lost the game physically. They have lost it emotionally too. But none of this is surprising. Yesterday would probably have been Emiliano Sala’s debut for Cardiff…. Read more »
It’s an afternoon of high drama at the New Den, as Millwall put Everton out of the FA Cup. Three set-piece goals expose the Merseysider’s achilles heel, and pile the pressure on Marco Silva. It’s still January and Everton have conceded fourteen set -piece goals this season. Making the heart of the penalty-box a critical target for opposition strategists. One… Read more »
It’s a week after the infamous Leeds United / Derby County spygate sage. And Marcelo Bielsa has called a press conference. Speculation mounts that Bielsa is about to resign on a point of principle. But it’s nothing of the sort. For ninety minutes the Argentine lays bare the reasons why he likes to find ways to observe his opponents in… Read more »
It’s the first leg of the Caraboa Cup semi final, and Manchester City are putting Burton Albion to the sword. Four nil up at half time, the match and a place at Wembley is already secured. Time to rest a few players. Play at a slower tempo. Control the game with plenty to spare. But Pep Guardiola is having none… Read more »
it’s the Thursday night Premier League showdown. And it’s Liverpool’s big opportunity to stretch their lead at the top of the table. But to do so they have to overcome a Manchester City team who have no intention of lying down and handing over their title. It’s a ferocious encounter with nothing left in the dressing room. But it’s City’s… Read more »
It’s one of the most unseemly sights in football. A penalty has been awarded. Instead of the designated penalty taker picking up the ball and walking calmly and confidently to the spot, a melee breaks out. Another player has decided that he fancies it. And starts grabbing the ball off his team-mate. Players have to intervene to sort it out…. Read more »
He came to prominence at the 1998 Open. His fourth place finish as an amateur, alerting the golfing world to his emerging talent. Nineteen years later, Justin Rose returns to Royal Birkdale, Still without an Open title to his name. Ahead of the event, Justin is talking about the innocence he had in 1998. And his desire for a return… Read more »
It’s been a turbulent week at Leicester City. The sacking of Claudio Ranieri, has led to much comment and analysis as to the rights and wrongs of that controversial decision. Greedy players; Impulsive owners all incurring the wrath of the football industry, as the games favourite uncle is perceived to be hard done by. Without being inside the Leicester camp,… Read more »
It’s every managers dream. Where your players have blind faith in you as a leader. They trust in you. They feed off your man-management and emotional energy. They will go the extra mile for you. When the player – manager stars are aligned like this then everything is possible. And this is the dynamic that Antonio Conte has created at… Read more »
