It’s one thing to watch your team play badly, but having to watch them in what can only be described as a major fashion faux pas is just unforgiveable. From clashing colours, to odd pictures and animal-esque designs (yes I’m being deadly serious), football isn’t quite the beautiful game when it comes to designing kits. It appears from my ‘research’ that the 1990’s and Mexico’s keeper Jorge Campos are the main culprits for offending our eyes week in week out, without even so much as an apology. Put some of these on a canvas and we would be comparing them to Picasso’s masterpieces, but on a football pitch on a Saturday afternoon at 3pm, and the game is lost before a ball is even kicked.
To sum up the horrors I have seen, even David Beckham would struggle for sex appeal in these…oh who are we kidding? The guy would easily pull off Tiger stripes.
Click on Stade de Francais to see the worst 20 kits of our time
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So it’s this time again. Fabio Capello’s squad for the upcoming Montenegro match came under the spotlight, as would be expected following The World Cup performance. Bolton’s 33 year old Kevin Davies won the battle for the media’s attention, after a call up for the first time in his career. But it was another premiership star that turned my head.
Joe Cole. One of England’s most technically gifted players. Back where he very much should be. With Davies, his inclusion was a surprise as it’s felt he no longer has the legs for international competition. But the shock with Cole is that he seems to be so far out of Capello’s plans. Right or wrong, he doesn’t seem one of the England bosses favourites. But why? He got fewer minutes than Paul the Octopus at The World Cup, has rarely started under Capello, and is further down the pecking order than Aaron Lennon and Theo Walcott. Correct me if I’m wrong, but he’s never let England down and has always performed to a good level with his club side. And that’s club sides which include Chelsea and Liverpool.
This is a player that has won Premierships, FA Cups, played in Europe and has over 50 caps for England. A short walk down the Kings Road on a match day last season shows evidence that Chelsea fans wanted Cole to stay. Behind John Terry and Frank Lampard, he was one of their own. When it became clear Cole wanted out, you only have to look who came calling. Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and Liverpool were all linked, with the latter prevailing for the race to his signature. A player being linked with those clubs is surely worthy of a few more minutes on the Wembley turf.
It’s suggested that the key to success in the international game, is using the ball intelligently. Germany, Spain, Brazil, and certain Holland players all do this. As does Joe Cole when called upon. Was it just me shouting for Cole to enter the fray numerous times in South Africa? I’d be surprised if it was. In fact I know I wasn’t. As John Terry said in his somewhat controversial press conference “I personally think that him and Wayne are the only two in the side who can really open things up and be the key to breaking down defences”. Of course he shouldn’t have said it, but maybe he had a point.
Going back to his technique. I don’t believe many England players can compete alongside Spanish or Brazilian stars when it comes to technique. Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand, and yes Joe Cole, are the only potential candidates from our shores. I encourage any doubters to watch his goal against Sweden on the 20th of June 2006. A volley which very few could pull off. Especially under the Worlds eye. And just for the record, Cole got man of the match in that game.
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I don’t personally know Capello or Cole. What goes on behind closed doors may be to Capello’s dislike, which is why Cole doesn’t play. Fair enough. But Joe Cole on a football pitch is without doubt a major asset to England, and how many of The 2010 World Cup squad can we say that about?
To remain or not to remain. That is the question. Theo Walcott has been at Arsenal a long time now and whilst still only being 22, he is certainly one of the Gunners more experienced heads in their quest for fourth place this campaign. A frustrating talent, Walcott’s inconsistencies have continued to deceive his adorning Arsenal public this term. Time is certainly flying by. Has Walcott’s clock ticked too far?
The well-spoken winger is currently enjoying a campaign free from injury and has been a constant fixture on the right flank for the Gunners. Arsene Wenger clearly trusts the player whom he groomed for many years as the natural successor to Thierry Henry. But with Henry back at the club this January, does this indeed represent the lack of impact made by the prodigy in the time elapsed. In short, yes.
Wenger recently spoke about team mate Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and modern football being in a state of ‘immediacy’ whereby great things are expected of young talents in a short space of time. Walcott has had years.
Whilst remaining to be one of the Premier League’s fastest players, Walcott continues to run with his head down, careering into the full back as opposed to getting beyond them and firing a cross in to the box. Whilst it must be accepted that Arsenal’s game is to play neat passes into feet around the box, many more chances could be created simply if Walcott got his head up and looked.
Chris Waddle criticised the England international back in 2010 stating
“I’ve never seen him develop. He just doesn’t understand the game for me – where to be running, when to run inside a full-back”.
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What seems to be more frustrating for Gunners fans is that Theo seems to go on a good run of form, for example at Carrow Road where he linked up with Robin Van Persie fantastically, and then goes missing in two or three games prior to a productive game. Following snippets of brilliance over the years and an ability to strike more often against Chelsea, Walcott has proved amongst the most frustrating of talents.
Many Walcott fans believed it was lift off in his career following his hat-trick for England in Zagreb but it is difficult to measure how far he has come in the time since.
A good finisher; Walcott far too often finds himself isolated on the touchline, only to be substituted for the likes of Andrey Arshavin three quarters of a way through a game. Theo himself would admit that he’d like to improve on just six Premier League strikes this season. He remains to be a likeable member of the Arsenal squad with chants of ‘Theo, Theo’ often radiating from the terraces, but this seems to be more in hope rather than expectation. It is all in too short supply from a player whose impact could be devastating if he mastered his final ball productivity.
It seems apparent that the likes of Gareth Bale and Ashley Young have improved tenfold in the same period of time as Walcott has had, but with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain now in the first-team reckoning, Walcott’s future first-team place may not be guaranteed, although England continue to select him for the senior squad.
Walcott has publicly voiced his desire to play up front for Arsenal in the past, but with Robin Van Persie’s form and indeed Walcott’s inconsistencies it is likely that such a wish will again fall upon deaf ears. A far greater contribution is needed in what is proving to be a gruelling roller coaster ride of a campaign for Arsenal, and Walcott’s tendencies to coast through games with little contribution is proving far too tedious.
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It may take more than a final whistle clap to the fans to truly appease the Gunners faithful on Walcott whom many Arsenal fans still think has the ability to become part of the clubs all-time folklore.
But with needs must this campaign, patience is certainly at a minimum. If Arsenal fans accept the role of timekeeper, they will find that Walcott’s best form is yet to arrive. Time to let go? Only time will tell.
Should Walcott be given more time or are you also frustrated with his inconsistencies? Follow me @ http://twitter.com/Taylor_Will1989
Bolton Wanderers manager Owen Coyle insists a couple of recent disappointing results does not mean their season has been a failure.Bolton fans were left deflated by the comprehensive 5-0 FA Cup semi-final defeat their side suffered at the hands of Stoke City at Wembley two weekends ago.
Although they bounced back in the Premier League with a fine 2-1 win over Arsenal, Bolton went down 3-0 at Fulham in midweek.
But they travel to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday looking for the best possible end to the campaign.
“Our motivation is to finish the season as strongly as we can,” Coyle said on Friday.
“I never thought about getting into Europe, I just want to improve Bolton Wanderers from one season to the next.”
“I am flattered people thought we might qualify for Europe because we were favourites for relegation when I came into this job.”
“We were in the bottom three and for people to say we would do so well shows how much progress this club has made, having spent very little money.”
“There are huge clubs below us in the table who have spent over 20 million pounds so we are pleased with how the season has gone.”
“We now have to finish the season strongly then look for areas we can improve.”
Bolton will be shorn of a few players at Blackburn, but Coyle has done his best to patch up the side.
Those who are fit to play will know local bragging rights are at stake in this Lancashire derby.
“It’s fair to say that we will be short of numbers but the ones that are fit and available will be doing everything in their power to win a local derby,” he said.
“Mark Davies will have a scan on his ankle. He had a few problems last season but this year he had been doing ever so well, up until he turned it late on at Birmingham.”
“He hasn’t been right since and hasn’t felt quite 100 percent. We want to get to the bottom of it and nip it in the bud so that it is sorted out properly. Hopefully it won’t be too bad.”
“Unfortunately, Daniel Sturridge wasn’t quite fit for Fulham but he has responded to treatment – he will be touch and go. We don’t do anything detrimental to Daniel and we need to show consideration to his parent club Chelsea who have loaned him to us.”
“We have to do what is right by everybody. Yes we want him fit and available because he has been sensational for us, but we need to look at the bigger picture.”
“Gretar Steinsson is a big doubt. He has jarred his knee and at this moment I would say that it will be highly unlikely he will play at Blackburn. But he is the type of lad to play through the pain barrier, so we will wait until the last moment and take it from there.”
Defender Sam Ricketts (Achilles) and midfielders Sean Davis and Stuart Holden (both knee) will definitely not play.
Shortly after winning an unprecedented treble with Internazionale the self-proclaimed ‘special one,’ Jose Mourinho took charge of Real Madrid. Following two trophyless seasons at the Bernabeu, the club dismissed Manuel Pellegrini and brought in a manager to match their galactico players. Before his move was sealed, Mourinho targeted a “grand slam” of Spanish, Italian and English league titles, a feat yet to be achieved by a manager or player. Having made an indifferent league start, has the former Chelsea manager already indicated where his next challenge lies? He declared an interest in coaching the Portuguese national team for their two Euro 2012 qualifiers next month. Will a man whose ambition and ego are unrivalled take to the international stage next?
Madrid flaunted their ample check book again this summer but not to the dramatic effect of the previous year. Nonetheless Mourinho signed Germany’s Mesut Ozil and Sami Khedira as well as Ricardo Carvalho and Angel Di Maria. Last week Sir Alex Ferguson said of his task, “The Real Madrid job is the hardest challenge in Jose’s career. I’ve spoken to Jose a couple of times and he is not managing a normal football club.” His words were prescient as the Portuguese tactician has already faced criticism for his cautious yet clinical brand of football. Thus far his star-studded side have played five, winning three and drawing two. In his first game as manager the team lost Cristiano Ronaldo to injury and drew to Mallorca. Whistles from the home crowd blemished their 1-0 victory over Osasuna. Los Blancos sit comfortably in fourth place, however, one point behind behind Barcelona who he will attempt to dethrone as league champions.
Regardless of contrasting football beliefs between the manager and the supporters, his short tenure at the club so far has been overshadowed by a story linking him to the Portuguese national job, albeit temporarily. After dismissing Carlos Queiroz the Portuguese Football Federation approached Mourinho about the prospect of presiding over two impending qualifiers against Denmark and Iceland. The functioning workaholic was purportedly interested in the offer. “I don’t understand why Real will not let me coach Portugal when I have almost nothing to do in Madrid.” There will be no La Liga fixtures during the forthcoming international break. A frank exchange with the club’s general director, Jorge Valdano presumably ensued as Mourinho has since acknowledged that the interim role was not feasible.
Nevertheless this intriguing episode has alerted bookmakers as to where Mourinho will go next. International glory would undoubtedly allow him to realise his dream of being the world’s most successful football manager. His current target is to bestow Real Madrid with a record tenth European Cup and to become the first tactician to win the Champions League with three different clubs. It is worth noting that Chelsea fired him for failing in this regard and Massimo Moratti considered doing the same after his first season at the San Siro. Patience was a virtue for the Milanese club and the same quality may be required at Madrid, especially after warning that he is, “not Harry Potter.”
If he can conquer this challenge and not falter in his ambitions there is surely only one destination left for him, international management. Similarly Carlo Ancelotti has stated that his one unfulfilled ambition in football is to manage an African team at the World Cup. Two noteworthy former Real Madrid managers, Fabio Capello and Vicente del Bosque took to the international arena with mixed effect in recent times. Few would bet against Mourinho following that illustrious route.
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Ramires has been something of a revelation at Stamford Bridge, with the Brazilian already establishing himself as a driving force in the centre of Chelsea’s midfield.
The club’s official betting partner, 188BET, is offering all Chelsea FC fans the chance to chat live with Ramires.
Chelsea FC’s Brazilian international midfielder will be taking over 188BET’s Twitter account to answer fans’ questions during a special live interview on Thursday 2nd February 2012.
Ramires joined Chelsea FC in 2010 from Benfica and has already clocked up almost 50 appearances for the club, forming a strong midfield partnership with the likes of Meireles and Lampard. He has scored six goals for Chelsea, including the club’s goal of the season award last year for his strike against Manchester City at Stamford bridge, and also has 27 international caps with his native Brazil to his name.
He will be online at 1:30pm on Thursday 2nd February and will answer a selection of fans’ questions live via 188BET’s Twitter feed. To take part, all Blues fans have to do is log on to Twitter, follow ‘@188BET’ and submit their questions by tweeting ‘@188BET’ along with the hashtag: #askRamires.
So whether you want to know how Ramires thinks Chelsea FC will do in 2012, who the best dressed in the squad is or perhaps even if he has a special party trick, get online on Thursday and ask him your questions!
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Here at Football FanCast we’ll also be talking to Ramires with the help of a translator, so post your questions in the comments section below and we’ll pick out some of the best…
Portuguese giants Porto and Benfica will head into the return leg of their respective Europa League semi-finals in commanding positions.Porto striker Falcao bagged four goals in his side’s emphatic come-from-behind 5-1 win over Villarreal in the Europa League semi-final first-leg on Thursday, while Benfica will take a slight advantage into the second leg against Braga after they edged their compatriots 2-1 at the Estadio da Luz.
Falcao’s four-goal haul helped Liga Sagres champions Porto build an unassailable lead as it looks to lift its first continental trophy since Jose Mourinho steered the side to Champions League glory in 2003/04.
But it was the Spaniards who drew first blood at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, giving them what looked to be an important away goal heading into the return leg.
Yellow Submarines midfielder Cani’s headed effort went beyond the reach of Porto goalkeeper Helton on the stroke of half-time, sparking celebrations from the visiting fans.
But Andre Villas-Boas’ men responded shortly after the break.
Falcao raced onto a Fredy Guarin through-ball and was fouled in the box by Villarreal glovesman Diego Lopez.
He dusted himself off to dispatch the ensuing penalty, making the score 1-1.
The Portuguese side grabbed the lead in the 61st minute as Guarin headed in a rebound after initially striking the post.
Falcao then doubled the advantage when he applied the finish to Hulk’s cut-back, before the Colombian added his third for the night with a bullet header in the 75th minute.
Porto then stretched their advantage in the final minute of regular time, with Falcao nodding in his fourth to make the score 5-1. Falcao’s performance will only add more value to his price tag, with the highly rated frontman now boasting 15 goals in 12 Europa League appearances this term.
A little further south in Lisbon, an all-Portuguese affair saw Benfica collect a 2-1 lead over surprise package Braga, who had eliminated former European champions Liverpool in the last stage.
Jardel’s opened the scoring in the 50th minute for the home side after stabbing in a Oscar Cardozo’s rebounded header from close range, but his goal was cancelled out shortly after by Braga’s Vandinho.
The Brazilian headed in from the edge of the penalty area with after connecting with former Newcastle United midfielder Hugo Viana’s cross.
Paraguayan striker Cardozo, however, restored the lead when he spun a delicious free-kick into the top right-hand corner of Artur’s goal.
The corresponding Europa League legs will be played next Thursday.
Bolton boss Owen Coyle has responded to critical comments from Arsene Wenger by suggesting his Arsenal counterpart is two-faced.
Coyle saw his side beaten 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium last weekend but revealed his surprise at hearing criticism from Wenger a few days after the match.
Wenger claimed Paul Robinson's tackle on Abou Diaby which went unpunished by the referee was a clear red card.
The Gunners boss went on to suggest that his players are too often the victims of overly-aggressive tackling.
"Pot and kettle are the words that come to mind. I sent Arsene a text after the game to apologise for missing him and he sent me a text saying we were a very good team," explained Coyle.
"I understand if people say things after games when a player gets injured. We all do that. I have no problem people having things to say. But if I am there, say it to my face.
"Maybe Arsenal know they were in a really tough game and that is a compliment.
"I could say Kieran Gibbs should have been booked and then sent off for going into the back of Kevin Davies.
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"If we want to harp back, look at the tackle on Mark Davies by William Gallas last season.
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he may be in the market for a new striker in the January transfer window, but only at the right price.
The Gunners will have to make do without Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh in the new year as they travel to compete in the Africa Cup of Nations, and the French coach has revealed that he may look for a cost-effective replacement.
“We lose players like Chamakh and Gervinho to the Africa Cup of Nations so hopefully, touch wood, we do not get any injuries to our strikers,” he told reporters.
“But if an opportunity turns up in that department then we will buy.
“Economically the whole environment has changed and people suffer more. The clubs will suffer more financially and it’s much more difficult.
“Maybe we will have some opportunities because we are in a good financial situation,” he concluded.
The statement goes against Wenger’s usual policy, as it has been very rare that he has dipped into the mid-season transfer market.
Gervinho’s loss in particular will be a blow to the Emirates Stadium outfit, and will consequently pile more pressure on star attacker Robin van Persie.
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Another Premiership season draws to a close, and whilst some managers will be content to have achieved the targets set at the beginning of the campaign, many more will be looking to make additions to their squads this summer following disappointing performances in the League.
Many believed Liverpool would have faired better this term than last, and although they now seem to be heading in the right direction, 2010/2011 will be a season to forget at Anfield. That said, there are several positives the club can carry in to next season as they bid to return towards the summit of the League, and here is a list of ten…
Raul Miereles:
The Portuguese midfielder joined the Reds after the World Cup as an instant replacement for the departing Javier Mascherano. The mostly tattooed Miereles was brave to join Liverpool at the time he did considering the less than warm and positive atmosphere surrounding Anfield and the prospect of living up to the heights of Mascherano. However, he has been one of the club’s best players this year, featuring in all but four of Liverpool’s League games and has scored 5.
Andy Carroll:
Although injuries meant he missed a significant number of games following his £35million move from Newcastle, Carroll will probably prove to be an important signing for Liverpool, and his two goals against Manchester City at Anfield last week have given Reds fans a glimpse of more to come form the pony-tailed giant.
Luis Suarez:
Arguably made more of an immediate impact than his new strike partner having been available for more games, Luis Suarez has already demonstrated some exciting attributes which should see him flourish in the Premier League. Of a similar build to Carlos Tevez, the Uruguayan adopts a similar style to Manchester City’s captain, underlined by a tireless work ethic, quick feet, endless skills and a sharp finish.
Martin Kelly:
Although the youngster made his debut under Rafa Benitez back in December 2008, Martin Kelly came to everyone’s attention during Liverpool’s 2-0 defeat of Chelsea at Anfield last November. Called up as a last minute replacement for Sotorios Kyrgiakos, Kelly completed the full 90 minutes and has since made another 26 appearances for the Reds this term.
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Kenny Dalglish:
Possibly the most important addition to the club this season and will be their most significant signing this summer if he signs permanent terms, Kenny Dalglish has transformed the Anfield gloom in to far-reaching optimism in just a few short months. The results have been erratic but Dalglish retains an exceptional tactical knowledge and a considerable familiarity with the club’s youth set-up, which should induce a steady stream of young talent in to the first team over the next 12 months. If he manages to guide Liverpool in to the Europa League next season, his recent tenure will be considered a remarkable success.
The removal of George Gillett and Tom Hicks:
In the two years before the Americans became Liverpool’s owners, the club had won a Champions’ League and an FA Cup. They achieved nothing during the next three years under the Gillett and Hicks authority and the feuding pair left Anfield with the team languishing in the Premier League relegation zone. The club’s new owners, Fenway Sports Group, invested heavily in the playing staff at the first opportunity last January and can be credited for appointing Dalglish as temporary manager, so for the time being at least, they are held in high regard by the Anfield faithful.
Beating Manchester United 3-1:
Not only was this victory significant in terms of Liverpool’s European qualification hopes, but a victory in any game against the club’s most aggressive adversary is always welcomed. Dirk Kuyt’s hat-trick was met with as an emphatic reaction as Javier Hernandez’s consolation was applauded sarcastically. Although this result has had little effect on United’s title challenge, it was an encouraging sign that the Reds can take in to next season.
Alberto Aquilani:
Although his first season in England was generally considered disastrous, the Italian has blossomed on loan at Juventus this campaign and several Liverpool insiders believe he will have something to offer the club next season. Aquilani has also forced his way back in to contention within the Italian national set-up having played 28 times for the Old Lady this season.
The Academy:
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Liverpool are considered to have one of the most developed and promising youth systems in the Premier League. Academy scholars have been tutored by the experienced Pep Segura, who was previously the technical director at Barcelona’s academy, and of course current manager, Kenny Dalglish, whose influence on the club’s youngsters has been invaluable over the last two years.