BARCELONA’S AWAY STRUGGLES SHOWS HOW THE TEAM HASN’T RECOVERED YET FROM THE ROME AND ANFIELD DEBACLES.

FC Barcelona’s uninspiring away form this season has left much to be desired and called into question Ernesto Valverde’s capacity and tactical nous as the head coach of the Catalan based club.

In no way is this breaking news, that many Cules globally have lost faith in the Spaniard’s method. After the Rome capitulation two seasons ago, there has been a general sense of insecurity with regards to the Former Bilbao manager’s style of play, the predictability of his side and the lack of free-flowing beautiful soccer accustomed with Barca. Against Roma in 2018, it was Kostas Manolas piercing a sword through the hearts of many Barca fans worldwide with the third goal, a sucker punch, which in subsequent years will be telling on how Ernesto’s version of Barcelona will be addressed. The Bottlers? 

The fact is, Roma knocking FC Barcelona out of the Champions League in the Quarter-finals could be forgiven because it’s the Champions League and surprises like these are simply inevitable. Maybe, Roma’s 3-0 comeback to exit Barca from the CL despite being oddly strange, could still be forgiven. But for many, what can’t be pardoned is a repeat of the same scenario a year later against Liverpool. Valverde to blame entirely? 

In Rome, it was Kostas Manolas heading home the corner to make it 3-0 on the scoresheet and initiating a series of crises that would unfold in the same competition a year later. Indeed, Divock Origi didn’t disappoint and what had been scripted already in the Greek books would finally be fulfilled when he converted from Trent Alexander-Arnold's quickly taken corner-kick to make it 4-0 to complete the comeback. Two corners in two years straight, completing two extraordinary comebacks. “Once bitten, twice shy”, but twice bitten how many times shy? 

Currently, there’s a strange feeling that this Barca side haven’t recovered from these shocking comebacks over the last two years. And this season’s poor away form has all the more emphasized this belief. Over the weekend, Nemanja Radoja’s beautiful strike handed Los Cules their third La Liga defeat. In shocking perspective, Barca lost only three La Liga games in the last campaign. They have lost 3 now from 11 games played.

At Nou Camp, FC Barcelona have been incredibly rampant and in good form as opposed to how uninspiring they have been away from home. A 5-1 thrashing of Valladolid and an emphatic 4-0 win over Sevilla in the last two Nou Camp games are what makes us believe the team doesn’t need a drastic overhaul. The cracks are still there for all to see and this time have been showcased much earlier. This might be Valverde’s last season in charge, but he needs to learn how to goad a reaction from his men in decisive away games.

Credited to Bright Nana Antwi

TOTTENHAM'S TAILSPIN, POCHETTINO'S PUZZLE

What next? Where next? Who next? The question ardent Spurs fans would be asking themselves as the Seagulls ruthlessly plucked away at them. After a week of utter humiliation, Pochettino faces his most arduous task as he seeks to identify the bogeys that knocked the usually vibrant Spurs team into a tailspin.

A seemingly successful season last season papered over what was a seemingly normal 2019 for Spurs as they blinded the world with their moxie but unfortunately, the statistics revealed the malaise that has been hidden. Since the turn of the year, Spurs have played forty-one (41) games in all competitions which have produced 19 wins, 7 draws and 17 defeats while scoring sixty-nine (69) goals and conceding fifty-four (54) in return.

So, what has gone wrong and what can be done? For starters, Pochettino has to be the man to solve this puzzle as he has been all year long. it is not an understatement to say his coaching has saved Spurs all year hence giving him the boot will be doing the team more harm than good. His 2019 has been dogged by rumors that centered around Real Madrid while managing a team without signings and absence of key players at points in the season. Despite all these near catastrophes, he managed to lead Spurs into the group stage of the Champions League. All these setbacks and strenuous circumstances led Poch to channel his inner innovator as he navigated successfully to the Champions League Final. 

The start of the season has been a nightmare that has culminated with humiliations at the hands of Bayern and Brighton, as well as the loss of Club captain Hugo Lloris for an extended period. This international break and season will require some more soul searching as he seeks to realign and push towards a major title for Spurs.  

 

Pochettino has to come up with a tactic or system that will confound the Premier League. A system that will maximize the full potential of the players at his disposal. It doesn't necessarily have to be a new formation, just a slight tweak in his existing one. Similar to the one that made Kieran Trippier a focal point in the offense and later creating an “Air Raid” style offense that bypassed the midfield altogether. Also, he must find a way to incorporate the threat of Lucas Moura into his side as he has shown he holds the key to a shift in system.

Upgrading the current personnel by signing new players or promoting from the youth set-up to gradually phase out the old guard in defense, and midfield while planning the future of the attack. Included in this should be the sale of under performers and players with uncertain futures. The likes of Eriksen, Alderweireld and Aurier should have their futures sorted out as soon as the January window as two of them reach the end of their contracts. 

Making a splash in the transfer window by making a marquee signing as seen in the pursuit of Dybala

should rejuvenate the side and give Spurs a fear factor among clubs in the Premier League and Europe.

He seems to have the board on his side but not the players and that might be a problem. Getting to the players can make this transitional period bearable for the coach, players and the fans. Not to say there is a problem but a gradual unrest has been seeping into the club especially among the senior players and this can lead to a full-blown mutiny and jeopardize the club. 

As a football purist, it is disheartening to see one of the game's brilliant minds in a sorry state but it is time the board and the players drag the downhearted yet genius figure of Pochettino for some time as he tinkers and get his team back at a cruising altitude.

WOLVES DEVOUR PEP, LIVERPOOL WITH A BLOODY LEAD. THE REDS YEAR OF RETURN?

Last weekend, where the title race of the top 5 European Leagues shaped up, it was Liverpool who were extraordinarily shaping their destinies. Gradually orienting their ship towards the promised land, a destination that seems unreachable, perhaps unthinkable, simply because it's been 30 years traveling without finally arriving. Biblically, 10 more years to go Reds, but could Klopp's divine team ultimately rewrite the scripts?

Could this be the season? The season of return, where the Reds could actually end their 30-year-wait for the Premier League title. What better way could they have possibly dreamt of starting any Premier League season?

A quick glance at the PL table, and in an unusual fashion, Liverpool lead unsurprisingly, but astonishingly with 8 points after just 8 games having won all 8 matches, BLOODY! This is the Premier League, arguably the best league in the World, and Liverpool are such a supreme team this season, it feels like the chasing lot aren't quite on the level to compete. To be specific, their closest rival, Manchester City, sit second on the league table, with 16 points from 8 games. Evidently, 8 points separating the two teams, and in an exaggerated sense, 8 more points plus the difference (8 points separating both clubs) results in the Sky Blues' total point tally,16, after 8 games played, incredible!

However, let's not get ahead of our ourselves, Pep's men are a formidable side, and rightly so having earned that right. "THE FORMIDABLES" they were called after amassing an unprecedented four trophies in England just the season ago. A devastating 2-0 loss to Wolves at their own backyard, which in normal sense, isn't truly normal, shouldn't be a basis for which this team is doubted. They remain an incredible side and even more so, after a similar and familiar case last season, triggered their beast mode, as they overcame a 7-point deficit to narrowly clinch the league title from Liverpool.

Klopp's men know it best, Manchester City is a wounded Lion now, and this condition most likely makes them dangerous. The feeling of bottling a 7-point lead last season remains fresh in memory, and their unflinching desire to finally end the wait for the PL title is ever dominant. For now, it's 30 more games to play and 90 points to earn.

The season is still young, and Liverpool's recent past might have taught them a thing or two on how to take the lead and never look back. 1990 has been long, 2020 should be born. This 2019/20 season might just be it!

Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

LIONEL MESSI'S RETURN MAKES SEVILLA'S WINLESS STREAK AT THE NOU CAMP UNLIKELY TO END.

On Sunday night, a rejuvenated Barca side will welcome sixth placed Sevilla at the Nou Camp in a game that promises to be keenly contested.

Despite both teams going into Sunday's clash with identical points,13, the standings reveal the slight chasm between these clubs, with Barcelona at 4th on the League table with a goal difference of six and Sevilla 6th, with a goal difference of three. Ironically, Los Hispalenses boast of a better defence having conceded 7 in 7 games to Barca's 10 in 7 games somewhat highlighting the ability of the Catalan club's front men to bang in the goals despite spells in which key cogs like Luis Suarez, Dembele and team captain Lionel Messi have had to battle with minor injuries.

On Wednesday, midweek, against Serie A league leaders, Inter Milan in the Champions League, Luis Suarez's double and an inspiring Lionel Messi performance ensured that, FC Barcelona were able to claw their way back from a goal down to ultimately register their first CL win after two games in the 2019/20 season having had to settle for a stalemate at Signal Iduna.

Noticeably, a slow start against Inter which has actually been the case for Valverde's men all season, meant they had to win the game the hard way, with a goal down against a Conte inspired team that were defensively solid with a flat 3-5-2 shape. At half time Inter led which was soon going to change after the break, when the sheer brilliance of Luis Suarez in the final third in the second half, demonstrated how demoralising this Barca side have been at home for so many years in the CL.

A fortress it was midweek, a fortress it will be for Sevilla this Sunday as Lionel Messi's return all the more rightly suggest Barca might make it four wins in their last four games, a win-streak that the team badly yearns for at the moment after huge struggles initially in the season.

However, despite Barca's immense superiority at the Nou Camp, this new Sevilla team under the tutelage of Julen Lopetegui could well eye for an end to their bizzare winless run at the Nou Camp. Granted, Sevilla haven't won at the Nou Camp for years, and to heighten the difficulty, the return of Dembele and Messi, yet it still would be utterly ridiculous to write them off. A "work-in-progress", a perfect description for this Julen Lopetegui's side, perhaps, exhibited after a show of pure quality last weekend in an engrossing nail-biter against Real Sociedad that ended 3-2 in their favour marking arguably the best La Liga game yet this season.

Four wins in their last six games shouldn't be bad for a potential top four candidate. The trip to Nou Camp may refreshen ill memories on the the path of the former Real Madrid boss, Lopetegui, whose side lost 5-1 in a clasico to ultimately end his reign as head coach of Los Blancos.

At Nou Camp and with Lionel Messi's return, Sevilla faces an uphill battle as they aim to cause an upset.

Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

Weekend Insanity Index

Weekend's over and back to work! Boooriiing! Like Garfield, we all hate Mondays (or most of us). Till now! Your Weekend Insanity Index looks at the top 3 crazy (and unexpected) events on the football scene over the past weekend and scores them over an Insanity index of 5.

1. Manchester City 8-0 Watford 

Oh dear , look what Norwich did! Pep and his men roared back with an absolute romp. Taking no prisoners as Watford came to the Etihad to take eight bloody goals with 5 coming in the first 20 minutes.  Scary thing is Pep didn't start with his preferred starting XI (does he even have one?) !
1959 was the last time Watford conceded 8 goals; how crazy is that ?
Insanity Score : 5/5

2. Arsenal 3-2 Aston Villa

 
Madness! Absolute Madness I tell you! That Arsenal team has no business playing defense, they just can't (stares angrily at David Luiz and Maitland-Niles) ! These saps (except Aubameyang) from North London provide good entertainment value almost every weekend and this weekend was no different! Here's what made this game insane:
-Arsenal a goal and a man down at the break.
- Arsenal concede right after levelling it.
-Aubameyang with a late winner !

The only missing was Mings-El Ghazi 2.0
Absolute wringer of a match. Most entertaining league for a reason

Oh before I forget #EmeryOut
Insanity Score: 4/5

3. Granada 2-0 Barcelona 

This is a bit of a strange one for all involved. Granted Messi didn't start the game but its Barca and everybody expects them to win. Not! Barca have been dreadful on their travels since they got back from Anfield last April winning nothing in 7 games. With arguably the best youngster in football in Ansu Fati, Griezmann, Messi, Suarez and De Jong, Barca managed a single shot on target all game ! How insane is that ?
Insanity Score: 3.5/5

Honorable Mention: Sevilla 0-1 Real Madrid
Thibaut Courtois kept a clean sheet! Yes this is real. Real Madrid and Thibaut Courtois have kept their first clean sheet since February. What's crazy about this, they did it at  a ground they haven't won at in 4 years, against a Sevilla team that came into the game as the league leaders.
Insanity Score: 3/5

Quite an insane weekend. Expect more and add your insane moments and comments in the comments box.

FC BARCELONA SIGN GRIEZMANN TO ADD TO THEIR PLETHORA OF ATTACKING TALENTS, BUT COULD THIS ULTIMATELY END A FIVE-YEAR WAIT FOR THE CL TROPHY ?

It's official, Barça completes the signing of Antoine Griezmann. After several days of Josep Bartomeu trying to negotiate a fee with Atletico Madrid had gone south, finally the Catalan club have paid the €120m buyout clause to release the French World Cup winner from Atletico Madrid. 

Now, the Griezmann signing has been completed after so many months of uncertainty around the 28-year-old French. An acquisition by FC Barcelona that further makes for a jaw-dropping attacking depth in their ranks. Now there's Messi, Suarez, Dembele, Coutinho and then Griezmann. A formidable attack so it seems. Perhaps one of the best if not the best group of striking force you would find anywhere in the world. 

Judging from each players individual qualities, goal-scoring would be the least of problems that would be of immediate concern. But a quick reminder, just last season, following the Anfield debacle and capitulation, questions were asked about the ineptitude of the attacking line of Barça to register just a single goal that would have eventually ended the tie. Despite the fact that Barça were without the services of Dembele due to injury, none of Messi, Suarez and Coutinho managed to find the back of the net. Would the story have been any different had Dembele featured ? Maybe yes, maybe not. 

The Griezmann signing gives a clear indication that the Barça attack still needs improving. Yes, Coutinho hasn't lived up to the billing and his form last season was nothing to write home about drawing lots of criticisms from Cules. Also, Dembele has had to battle with injuries every now and then painfully restricting his momentum, consistency and confidence. But in view of this, would the arrival of Antoine Griezmann solve Barca's moment of collapse in decisive CL games that renders their attacking front toothless and out of sort as happened in Rome and Anfield ? Clearly, the French forward was acquired not to win yet another LaLiga title or regain success in Copa Del Rey, but to help bring back the ever eluding Champions League trophy back to Nou Camp since 2015. 
And with Lionel Messi in his early 30's and in the latter part of his career a little help would do. The former Real Sociedad man lifting some amount of workload off Messi's shoulders. 

In another perspective, the two most painful exits suffered by Barça in their CL history has come under the tutelage of Ernesto Valverde. The Barça coach seems to have parted ways with the tiki-taka and possession based style associated with the Catalan club and introduced a now "conservative approach style" that has evidently garnered back-to-back La Liga titles but failing to yield the same output in the Championship League. With all these said, it makes one wonder if just an addition of one more attacking delight could be the solution or that a new manager with a more daring approach who can revive the Barça way of play could actually do the trick.

De Jong was announced earlier in the week, now Antoine Griezmann follows. Maybe in the coming days Neymar might as well join, but whether the arrival of Griezmann and other key signings can ultimately end Barca's five-year wait for the Champions League trophy remains to be seen. 

For Cules, it's fingers crossed.

Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

KLOPP'S LIVERPOOL ARE THE KINGS OF EUROPE

Liverpool defeated Tottenham 2-0 in the finals to clinch their 6th Champions League title, their first CL title since 2005 and also their first trophy under Jurgen Klopp's tutelage.

An emotional night for Klopp and his Liverpool side. Alas, Jurgen Klopp has finally won a trophy with this unbelievable bunch of mentally resolute players. This is a team that has character, fortitude and impeccable believe. This is a team that deserves a title, the Champions League for that matter. Forget the Premier League, Liverpool are the Kings of Europe.

Having failed to win the Premier League albeit amassing an incredible 97 point-tally, the Reds didn't despair. Maybe they should have, considering the fact that at one point in time they led City with 7 points in the league. Was it fate flirting with Liverpool and somewhat reminding them they haven't won the English title for 30 years ? Was it fate signalling to the Red family that perhaps Jurgen Klopp looks good and perfectly fits the "runners up" costume having lost his last 6 finals ? What was it then ? Amassing 97 points in the Premier League is no joke. This point-tally should have won them the title, but for Pep's City, being just an inch better.

After surrendering their 7-point lead to City in the Premier League, it seemed as if this remarkable Liverpool side would end another season without a trophy, without a reward for their excellence. Manchester City looked possessed and hellbent on lifting a second PL title on the trot. The League was slipping away and their only hope of silverware was the Champions League. Liverpool were in the semis, a tie with the competitions favourite, Barcelona, further aggravating the difficulty. This was a tough test. In the first-leg, Barça came into the game as Spanish Champions beating Levante four days prior to clinch the title.

In spite of the fact that Liverpool played with unparalleled verve and gusto, the results hardly reflected the performance. 3-0 the scoreboard read, Liverpool's valiant display proving to be a dead loss. The tie was nearly over. A reaction was needed in the second-leg, a response of great magnitude was yearned for by the fans. But this was Barça, this wasn't going to get any easier, especially when the team was without Mo Salah and Firmino, two of their feared trident. Jurgen Klopp knew this, he had vowed some years back, in 2015, to deliver at least a trophy within his initial four years. This was his fourth season, still without silverware, with the PL and CL looking close to impossible to attain.

Then what followed next at Anfield was madness !! Liverpool had overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit to edge Barça out with a 4-3 aggregate scoreline. Liverpool's fourth goal by Divock Origi sent the Anfield crowd into delirium, as if they had just won the  Champions League, it was a scene defined by pure ecstasy and simply orgasmic. Liverpool had done the impossible, onward they match to the finals ! Now it was Tottenham, a team the Reds had defeated twice already this season in the Premier League. If the mighty Barcelona couldn't quench the fire in Liverpool, certainly not Tottenham [with all due respect to Spurs].

Then the "Kingslayer", Divock Origi, showing up again in the Champions League finals, with a sublime left-footed shot to extend Liverpool's lead to two, ultimately handing Klopp his first ever title with Liverpool. The celebrations were wild and loud, the team from Merseyside had just won their 6th CL title, Origi had once again come on to do the trick. All this while Jurgen remained in the zone, until the final whistle. His display of emotions were indescribable. He had said it, and he had done it !


This Liverpool team will go down as one of the best in the clubs history, 97 points in the Premier League, with the Champions League triumph epitomizing such great achievement. The former Dortmund manager has built a great team, he has given this side a new lease of life. Hopefully, an era can be built.

From dreamers to achievers, Liverpool are the new Kings of Europe !

Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL- PREVIEW.

Liverpool take on Tottenham in a blockbuster Uefa Champions League final-showdown at Wanda Metropolitano. An all-English final, Liverpool's second successive CL appearance, Tottenham's first ever in the clubs history.

A long, hectic and tedious journey for both teams who had to defy quite a number of odds to come this far. Drama, suspense and breathtaking footballing display by each passing match-day. In general, enormous show of quality and sheer will have verily defined this season's CL.

Ridiculous comebacks have reigned supreme. Not just Cristiano's majestic hat-trick in Turin against Atletico, not just Manchester United's absurd 3-1 win at Parc Des Princes, not just Liverpool's unbelievably spirited show at Anfield that ripped Messi's Barça apart, but also Tottenham's astounding second-half display at Amsterdam that saw them turn the tie on its head. The European defending Champions, Real Madrid, were also victims of such enigmatic comebacks, when a ruthless and youthfully exuberant Ajax side dazzled at Santiago Bernabeu.

Indeed, this season's CL has been one characterised by constant mystery. So many unpredictability in its peak form, so much drama that left some coaches in a quandary. Yes, Diego Simeone against Juve in Turin, also Santiago Solari at home versus Ajax, then Ernesto Valverde at Anfield. The Champions League has been in every bit entertaining, captivating, amusing and certainly riveting.

Now the finals, Liverpool versus Tottenham, two teams that know each other through and through. This season, both teams have battled it out twice in the Premier League. In each game, the team from Merseyside triumphing. Firstly, a 2-1 win at Wembley, then a dramatic 2-1 win again at Anfield, a nail-biter, a completely engrossing game. Maybe psychologically, Liverpool would have an edge over Tottenham if the two wins this campaign is anything to go by. Maybe not. Champions League finals aren't like league games, are not like any other game, it has its own puzzle and mystery.

Last season, Liverpool were in the CL finals, and a 4-1 battering by Real Madrid ensured their campaign ended trophy-less. Perhaps, Liverpool have gone back to the drawing board and done their homework. Another successive CL final defeat would be calamitous, especially when they narrowly missed out on the Premier League title to the mighty Manchester City, and especially when this incredible Merseyside team would go another season barren, without a trophy. This team deserves better, this team deserve a title.

For Tottenham, what a great achievement to be in the CL finals! This was not meant to happen, but has happened. An Inter win against PSV in the group stages at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza would have ultimately ended Tottenham's CL aspirations, but then again fate ensued. Then again, Tottenham progressed at the expense of Ajax, when the Dutch Champions had earlier won the first-leg 1-0 at Wembley and led also 2-0 in the first-half at Amsterdam. Spurs with an unbelievable spirited second-half, produced a scintillating comeback. On aggregate it read 3-3, by the away goal-rule, Spurs with a job well done !

On Saturday, an English team would be crowned European Champions for the first time since Chelsea in 2012. Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino would fiercely contest for the European throne, and if there's something we have learnt at all this season in the CL, we know this final would be glueing and simply mysterious.

 Don't ever miss this final !


Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

THE PLAGUES: CHELSEA VERSION

After another difficult and wildly inconsistent season, Chelsea has a lot to look back on. They've made the Europa Finals, they made the Carabao Cup finals on one hand and on the other hand, limped out of the champions league and have played a majority of the season like a bunch of semi pros trying to perfect the art passing (which has already been done), just like the guys next door. They too have not been spared by the plagues that hit the big teams this season.

PLAGUE 1: INSANE SARRI

Einstein said, 'Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results'. Either Sarri didn't get the message, or he smoked it all away with his brilliance.
Sarri came to England to mesmerize it with Jorginho and Sarriball. He has failed so far in two respects. He charmed us for 10 games (or so) and made Jorginho look bad. His style has no substance and is as useful and effective as Steven Gerrard's plans to topple Celtics from the pinnacle of Scottish football. It doesn't win but he's still sticking to it. He's addicted to it like Tony Montana and gave him and Chelsea fans a high that was short lived. Now, this is taking Chelsea down a path of mediocrity and dourness that has only been seen over at Old Trafford and this will lead to his demise as the Chelsea boss.  In short, Sarri and his winless Sarriball has dogged Chelsea all season. His refusal to get a plan B makes it worse. Defeats to Wolves, Bournemouth and a demoralising 6-0 loss to City (How are you guys holding up?) among many other disappointing a dour performances have hindered what looked like a winning season.

PLAGUE 2: EDEN HAZARD

Now wait! Before you crucify me and label me a heretic or a guy who knows nothing about what he talks about, hear me out. Hazard has been marvellous this season chalking up some career numbers. Simultaneously, he has hindered Chelsea because he wasn't sure he wanted to be there. You can't fault him for that. He doesn't want to be there but he wants to be a god in their  eyes. He plays when he wants to (to get that move) and when he feels it won't yield anything, he simply doesn't show up. His refusal to commit to a new deal coupled with vague comments about his future shows where his commitments and psyche lie.
Now crucify me !

The Jekyll and Hyde nature of Chelsea's season has been fun to watch as a neutral and this is as a result of their own creation.
Get back to the top Blues, we can't have some sleeping giants wake up and get back up there.

For the sake of Humanity
And for the Love Of The Game.

THE PLAGUES: MANCHESTER UNITED VERSION

In a recent conversation with a random football lover on public transport, he asked me to name the greatest clubs of my lifetime and naturally I started off with Real Madrid, AC Milan, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Celtic. He had a look of bewilderment as he muttered 'Manchester United?' and ended the  conversation. His reaction got me  wondering. I initially thought he's crazy and started watching football in 2006. Maybe he was not one for history but to disregard Manchester United as one of the greatest clubs was just saddening. I remained in deep thought while wondering what made him respond that way and had a bit of an epiphany! He must've been scarred by the recent history of  United. A period characterised by various plagues that have devastated The Theatre of Dreams and made it a nightmare of mediocrity!

PLAGUE 1: THE BOARD

The sorry combination of Edward Woodward and The Glazer Family as the leaders of Manchester United has been a nightmare for all concerned. Some might argue they have raked in enough money but the club is in debt, and the team is a mess. They have absolutely no idea as to how to run the club and seem to make decisions impulsively. 

Openly refusing to back managers in the transfer market as well while throwing away huge sums in gut wrenching deals to sign and resign players who have absolutely no business wearing a United kit! 

PLAGUE 2: JOSE MOURINHO AND OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER

Where do i start with this pair ? Chronologically of  course! Jose Mourinho got his dream job of managing the Red Devils (quite late) and led them to some success but never won the hearts of fans. His abrasive and seige mentality to football did not help in an era where footballers are more diva than man! Some appalling transfers coupled with mind numbing and ineffective football set the club back on a number of levels. His approach made him few friends and his replacement has been no better despite appearing to be the antidote to the venom Mourinho left at Carrington. He started well and like a charismatic yet brainless general, had the players on his side. As soon as the players realised his tactical limitations, they bailed out on him. You can't blame him but yet still we blame him. He showed a future that did not exist and got the job. A husband who appeared as an angel in the courting phase and became a demon after the wedding. Basically, United replaced a Ruthless yet Effective General with a Norwegian Gideon Pillow. 

PLAGUE 3: PAUL POGBA & DAVID DE GEA.

If Manchester United has been plagued, then Paul Pogba is the cause! He's the flea that carried the strain that has infected some otherwise weak and over hyped players. Sounds quite harsh to single him out but for a player who has not been good as he's made to seem and causing so much havoc, I'm being nice. Fans would gladly point out that this has been a career season for Pogba as he's put out some solid numbers but for him to attack his critics and give a flimsy excuse on how Messi and Ronaldo have altered the landscape is just mediocre. His venomous and ineffective ways infected some members of the squad and produced some horrendous displays. Truth is he's never been good enough and is nothing more than a Dabbing Mulumbu (no disrespect to Youssouf Mulumbu). 

David De Gea. A hero. Previously the light at the end of the tunnel, but now a bit of curse. De Gea has been the top player at United for some time now but has been tripped and fallen into abject the mediocrity that has engulfed United. His issues seem to be more of the psychological nature as his apparent inability to make the move to his dream destination and the feeling of injustice towards he and his country men has made him a laughing stock. His poor form will do him no good as it will in no way attract his dream team. We all can't live the dream Dave so get your head in the game.

It is no secret, The Redd Devils have been afflicted but unlike the Biblical Character Job, they have to get themselves out of this one. 

They broke it, they must fix it. 

For The Love Of The Game. 

MESSI'S DOUBLE SINKS KLOPP'S LIVERPOOL.

The recently crowned Spanish champions dealt Liverpool's Champions League aspirations a telling blow after Messi's double and Suarez's opener ensured the English side traveled back home with a daunting task to overturn a 3-0 deficit next Tuesday.

As usual, as we all have become accustomed to, Messi once again was on alien-mode. In this game? Yes. In the next game ? Yes. And in every other game, yes ! During the build-up to this titanic clash, a lot was asked, about how to nullify the 31-year-old Argentine. In spite of this, stopping Lionel Messi completely was out of the question. He's simply unstoppable. For a player like him, with ridiculous abilities and skills, it's always strenuous, depressing and stressful to keep him under control especially in two high-profiled games.

In games in which slight margins and details separate both teams, Messi shows up to always decide the tie in his team's favour whenever he wants to. Wednesday night was no different, and yet again he made the impossible seem so normal. Whatever Jurgen Klopp planned on as the optimal strategy to halt Messi surely failed. Liverpool could have lost by a bigger margin had Barça been more clinical upfront. After the third goal, in the dying embers of the game, Dembele missed a sitter. Maybe a more confident Dembele would have slotted home such a glorious opportunity. And yes, Valverde's intuition to play Coutinho and Vidal ahead of Dembele and Arthur respectively really paid dividends.

Irrespective of the fact that Messi decided the game, Ernesto Valverde had his tactics spot on. His conservative approach was what allowed Barça to be rock solid at the back which made it difficult for Liverpool's front men to cause any havoc. After an even and well matched first-half, Liverpool started the second-half on the front foot, strongly and looked likely to restore parity by each passing moment. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane worked brilliantly on the flanks and looked menacing anytime they were in possession. The Merseyside team in fact pinned the home team deep in their own half and incessantly mounted pressure and attacks one after the other. Barca's defense never crumbled, succumbed or capitulated. Lenglet and Pique's partnership was just a delight, with their telepathy giving an impression as if they had played for years. Both were well composed and neatly timed each tackle. Ter Stegen also was superb. He made some great saves which kept Liverpool at bay especially in the second-half until the magical Messi decided to kill the contest. Enough was enough. His great awareness was exhibited as he converted Suarez's rebound off the post. Soon his second of the night followed. A free-kick so far away, almost impossible to convert, against a top-notch world-class Alisson who has already 20 clean-sheets in the Premier League if not more. Messi never really cared about the distance, he knows his abilities. He knows he has magic in his boots. Then he converted, highly demonic and unreal. Just unbelievable. The world was left in deep stupefaction. A technique just out of this world. The power, the speed, the accuracy. Full venom !

Everything about that goal summarized how great Messi has been all these years. Yes all these 12 years, maybe 15 years. He's changed the scripts in football and reinvented new ones. Isn't this what great players do ? Isn't he the best ever ? Isn't this magic ? How can you stop Messi ? How can u stop magic from happening ? That divine free-kick his 8th of the 2018/19 campaign, his personal best in any season. He has 12 UCL goals, he's also top scorer and assist leader in La Liga with 34 and 13 respectively. On Saturday against Levante in La Liga he came off the bench to clinch the title for Barça. After his promise to the Camp Nou faithfuls initially in the season, it looks as if he will deliver the Champions League too. The Copa Del Rey as well to complete the treble.

Where would Barça be without Messi ? With him they can believe, have no fear and are an unbelievable force.

Messi will spearhead this Barça team on Tuesday when they visit Liverpool at Anfield. Knowing Liverpool need four goals without response to qualify, an away goal from Barça will evidently end the contest.

As a Cule, embrace yourself for more magic, because Messi isn't done yet.

Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

MESSI'S BARÇA PROGRESSES TO THE SEMIS, RONALDO'S JUVE STUNNED.

A never ending debate, Messi or Ronaldo ? Across the globe, these two extraordinary footballers have had opinions divided. The Argentine, likened to his fellow countryman, Maradona, both with artistry devilish skills, some say "magic". Messi's small stature aids his center of gravity, enhancing his ability to also twist and turn defenders at will.

 Also, the ability to closely control the ball even at top speed, mesmerizing with every single touch, dancing past top level professional defenders like no ones business. So pleasing and easy to the eye, so simplistic. He's a genius and makes you wonder if those professional footballers he comes up against aren't good enough or well skilled or simply can't stop his magic from happening.

On the other side, the Portuguese, Cristiano Ronaldo, well known for his astounding desire to push himself to the limit, to go places and to conquer. First in Portugal, then England, next Spain and now in Italy with Juventus. Ronaldo always in the state of flux, always on the move and wanting for newer challenges.

A man for the big occasions. He relishes such occasions and as well thrives in it, in the limelight too, newspapers as well, he just loves it. So many times his teammates relied on his goals, so many times the former Real Madrid forward came to the party. Just like the Atletico comeback, a divine hat-trick only he can score under such great pressure and intense condition. A saviour for his team at the same time a serial killer, he just eliminates the opposition and shreds their dreams also.

On Tuesday night, both great players played and as usual both scored

                                         
Lionel Messi with a brace, his first goal so supreme and simply Messi-like. He registered his name on the scoresheet twice in the opening 20 minutes to kill the contest. After the Argentine's second of the night, the Quarter-finals was all but decided. Manchester United were ruffled, in fact tamed by no one else but the master, the genius Messi, when initially the Red Devils threatened on few occasions just 3 minutes into the game. The away team were energetic, attacked incessantly and as well played with purpose earlier on in the game. Whiles the team from England were on a mission to unnerve and stun the home team, the little magician, Messi, strode quietly into United's defense also on a mission, observing their vulnerabilities.

In fullness of time, Messi noticed one, pounced on Ashley Young's untidy clearance, then nutmegged Fred who lost his balance, found more space and clinically slotted home the opener effortlessly. Few minutes later, he added yet another goal, his 10th of the 2018/19 UCL campaign and United's hope of a comeback was dead in the waters. An emphatic 4-0 aggregate pummeling, ensured Barça broke the jinx of failing to qualify for the semis of the CL three years running.

In Italy, Juventus' only goal came from the maestro, Cristiano Ronaldo, as they surrendered a 1nil lead. The 34-year-old was the only Juventus player to find the back of the net over two games against Ajax. In each leg, he scored first, two identical headers. Unlike Barça, Juve failed to match their opponents boot for boot and never looked like posing any serious menace in both games. Of course, Cristiano remained Juve's only threat, but his two goals weren't enough to fire the Old ladies past a dazzling Ajax side. The Bianconeri lost 3-2 on aggregate, a scoreline so flattering. It could have been much worse with such dismal and lackluster performance from the Italian Champions.

Congratulations to Ajax, they played with guts and cojones having no phobia and qualms whatsoever. They treated Juventus like a piece of cake with an astonishing teamwork. The Old Ladies were schooled the Cruyffain way by Ajax as if to remind the team from Turin that Ronaldo alone can't win games all by himself always, it's a team sport !

Now there's only Messi, but no Ronaldo in the semis. Perhaps the world wouldn't witness yet another thunderbolt of a CL final between the two most decorated players of this era. Their ages wouldn't permit. Maybe next season, maybe not. But for now, this blockbuster remains a dream !


Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

MANCHESTER CITY ON COURSE FOR A HISTORIC QUADRUPLE.

With only two months left of competitive football, with no international breaks to halt momentums, the Sky Blues would hope their talented squad full of depth can propel them to a historic season. Having bagged the Carabao Cup already in February, Pep Guardiola's men are still in contention to clinch the Premier League, Champions League as well as the FA Cup.

Manchester City remain the only club across Europe's top five leagues vying for all four major titles, the quadruple.

Never in the history of English football has any team managed to be highly dominant and fortifying amassing all four titles in a single season. Not the great Sir Alex Ferguson's 1999 United team that swept aside the big guns en route to a remarkable treble. Not Arsene Wenger's invincible Arsenal side that never faced the chill wind of league defeats. Not even the great Liverpool team of the late 70's led by Bob Paisley who guided his side to back-to-back European Cups(now UCL). The list goes on and on yet no divine team pops-up as quadruple-winners.

To start with, maybe the laboriousness of such supreme achievement is underrated. Further, another rationale might be clubs prioritizing certain trophies in a realistic sense and not just going for all but at the end nothing. In another dimension, lack of squad depth and injuries might be the basis why quadruple looks almost impossible to attain, somewhat veridical.

When the supreme Manchester United team of 1999 amassed the historic treble, they only missed out on the EFL Cup, losing 3-1 to eventual winners Tottenham in the Quarter-finals. The Red Devils have been the closest team to have almost managed a quadruple in a single season, with a treble to show up for, in a season that arguably was the best ever in the clubs history.

A few weeks ago, when Kevin De Bruyne was quizzed about City's quadruple hopes, the Belgian claimed it would be "almost impossible" for the Sky Blues to manage such a magnificent feat, Pep Guardiola emphasising the difficulty too.  A response that eases off pressure on the English champions, perhaps also, lowering the high expectations of City fans.

Just a decade ago, when Pep Guardiola begun his managerial career at Barcelona, he won the treble in his maiden season going on to win six (6) titles in the 2009 year. A sextuple, never happened in the game before. Not in the days of old had any coach managed to win every single trophy in a particular calendar year, especially in their first managerial season. The current City manager once led Barcelona to 14 out of 19 trophies marking an era in which the Blaugrana were assertive, dominant and ruthless, reinvigorating a brand of football which won many applause and admiration.

Ten years later, having matured as a coach and having had a great deal of experience now finds himself with a City side who are almost as dominant as his Barça. In as much as the 48-year-old Spaniard is of the idea that the quadruple claims from the media is ridiculous, he is the man that oversaw a club that devoured and were utterly domineering in an era, the 2009 Barça sextuple-winning team. He has the magic, he just might be able to make history, clinch the quadruple that seems to have ever escaped the very best English teams.

The Premier League for now looks unlikely to be decided any time soon until the very end, a spirited Liverpool side that seems to have self-belief and will, never looking like stumbling or faltering, in fact playing with unparalleled verve, giving the Cityzens a run for their money.

Also, a nail-biter Champions League clash with Tottenham in the Quarter-finals. An onerous venture that further puts City through their paces as a team dubbed as quadruple-winners. An FA Cup final against a stubborn Watford in mid-May, every single trophy of utmost importance.

The former Bayern Munich manager would try every trick in the book to win it all. A quadruple for Pep Guardiola's City, might as well establish them as one of the greatest English side to have marked an era. Certainly, Pep Guardiola would be undeniably regarded highly, in the topmost echelons, as high as Sir Alex Ferguson.


Credited to Bright N. B. Antwi

THE CHELSEA CONUNDRUM: SARRIBALL

Since the turn of the century, football has evolved. An evolution influenced by men, men unlike others. Geniuses. Grandmaster of tactics, men like Johann Cruyff, Arrigo Sacchi, Carlo Ancelotti, Josep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp, Antonio Conte and a host of others. These men have perfected football in this age on their own terms. Tactically. 

The focus here is Maurizio Sarri. The Flawed Genius from Naples. The creator of Sarriball (or Sarrismo). A footballing philosophy that places emphasis on attack and high pressing contrary to the Old age Italian way of The Catenaccio. A philosophy that has been tried with Empoli, Napoli and now Chelsea. Like the famed chess master, Gary Kasparov, Sarri has created a system which revolves around a regista, his queen.. Or should I say Jorginho. In moving from Naples to London, he took along his favorite piece and it was bliss in the beginning till it started getting away from them. Sarriball became dull and stagnant. It was like Louis Van Gaal was in charge instead of Sarri. Pointless passes that led to  nothing. What led to this?

SARRI’S INSANITY

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. As revolutionary as Sarriball is, it is not perfect and has not won any trophies! Zilch with Empoli, Napoli and it looks like its not winning anything with Chelsea! It has gotten close but never. Yet Sarri persists with it. You cannot fault him for that for you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. Sarri must be flexible and provide variants of Sarriball to keep it efficient and effective!
He should take a leaf out of Pep’s book and create variations of the winning formula to ensure he wins something before he retires.
Not so genius after all.

JORGINHO

If a chain is said to be as strong as its weakest link, same can be said for Sarriball. Sarriball is as good as Jorginho and whenever he has a bad game, the system fails. The failings of Sarriball are Jorginho's and Sarri's fault. They are both one dimensional. Jorginho is also slow and is not strong enough hence is easily harried off the ball. Poor Jorge!

THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

If Sarrismo is art, then Sarri must be Van Gogh! An artist whose work is not appreciated because he finds himself in a system filled with few like minded geniuses like himself and more doodlers. The Premier League is great in its own right due to the competitive nature but when it comes to aesthetics, the Sarrismo Revolution cannot take place where football is more physical and filled with bullies. It started so well but alas..

THE PLAYERS

During the peak of his Napoli days, Sarrismo was the talk of the town. Sarri had the men. The men had the mindset and the desire but at Chelsea, he seems to be lacking. Ideally, this philosophy requires a goalkeeper who is good with his feet, two defensively solid centre backs, fullbacks with a good balance of attacking and defensive ability. The fullbacks also need to have peak stamina to allow them bomb up and down the flanks. The midfield needs a regista, a box to box midfielder and an advanced playmaker. Up front, lethality and speed is required in the front men. At Napoli he had these and moving to Chelsea, meant an upgrade but that has not been the case. Most of the players are totally unsuited for these roles or they simply lack the quality to succeed in them. Sarri’s lack of a plan B does not help matters. But if he has been semi successful in Italy with players of Napoli’s ilk (no disrespect to the Napoli players), it is expected Chelsea with the relatively high quality players should prove successful but that is not the case.

Its not all doom and gloom for The Blues as Sarriball has proven to be effective and exciting. It is a bedding in period and Sarri needs time to perfect his art. Sarri must also exhibit some flexibility in his approach. After all, Rome was not built in a day.

TRANSFER REPORT: PREMIER LEAGUE

The Winter Transfer Window has been cold! No major movements or changes to the big  clubs. The others are well improving or so it seems. This piece rates and grades the activities of the  top six in the EPL.

LIVERPOOL

ARRIVALS 

Connor Randall (Rochdale, End of Loan), Ben Woodburn ( Sheffield United, End 

of Loan)

DEPARTURES 

Dominic Solanke (Bournemouth, €21million), Nathaniel Clyne (Bournemouth, Loan)

A 5 point lead and a place in the knockout stages of the Champions League is exactly where Liverpool dreamed of being some 12 months ago. On the back of some shrewd transfer activity over the last two windows, one might have to agree. An otherwise quiet window with the return of Randall and Woodburn from their respective loans adds some level of squad depth to an already deep squad. Allowing a squad player (and maybe flop) like Dominic Solanke to join Bournemouth for €21 million is some good business and should add to the team's finances. The potential returns of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gomez should be the catalyst Liverpool need to charge towards the title.
A quiet and sensible window for the Reds.
GRADE: B+

MANCHESTER CITY

ARRIVALS

Ante Palaversa ( Hadjuk Split, €4.8million), Ko Itakura ( Kawasaki Frontale, €1.10million), Anthony Càceres ( Melbourne City, End of Loan), Marlos Moreno ( Flamengo, End of Loan)

DEPARTURES

Brahim Díaz ( Real Madrid, €17million), Ante Palaversa ( Hadjuk Split, loan), Ko Itakura ( FC Groningen, loan), Anthony Càceres ( Sydney FC, Loan), Marlos Moreno ( Santos Laguna, Loan)

Relative to last winter, the Blue Half of Manchester has been quiet. Business has been the usual: arrivals and departures of young players the world over. The only significant activity has been the departure of Brahim Díaz to Real Madrid at a tidy sum. The focus now seems to be on usurping Liverpool at the summit of the table while challenging on other fronts. Expect a splash of cash this summer.
GRADE: B-

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

ARRIVALS

Nil

DEPARTURES

Moussa Dembele (GZ R&F, €12.45million), Georges-Kevin N'Koudou (Monaco, Loan)

You can't but feel sorry for Mauricio Pochettino. 2019 has started off poorly for the man. Starting the season at a disadvantage with a fatigued core and no signings, this season promised to be tough one but he managed to remain  competitive.. Till January. Injuries to key men has handicapped Spurs. The exit of Dembele though deserved should have been delayed to the end of the season. Safe to say the tag of 'Bottlers' will not be put on them for the rest of the  season, they've fought for nothing and will get nothing.
An abysmal showing by Daniel Levy and his men.
GRADE: D

ARSENAL

ARRIVALS

Denis Suarez (Barcelona, Loan)

DEPARTURES

Emile Smith-Rowe (RB Leipzig, Loan)

Arsenal will always be Arsenal.  Play beautiful football, go on an  unbeaten run of some  sort, be downright depressing, stagnate, repeat. That has been the Arsenal way for some time now. Unai Emery has been dealt a bad hand with his board informing him of no signings due to a lack of funds and has been restricted to loan deals. This approach has and will not take Arsenal back to the upper echelons of English football.
The temporal addition of Suarez will add a bit of spark but nothing spectacular from Arsenal. A let down after a  vibrant summer.
GRADE: C-

CHELSEA

ARRIVALS

Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus, €9million Loan), Christian Pulisic (Borrusia Dortmund, €64million)

DEPARTURES

Christian Pulisic (Borrusia Dortmund, Loan), Alvaro Morata (Atletico Madrid, Loan), Cesc Fabregas ( AS Monaco, Free), Victor Moses (Fenerbahce, Loan), Michy Batshuayi (Crystal Palace, Loan)

Tragic. A word that best sums up Chelsea's season and transfer activity so far. Stuck with a one dimensional revolutionary who has won nothing in 28 years of coaching. The season started so well but turned to something else. This winter window has shown no signs of improvement in the short term. Signing Pulisic is fantastic, but signing him on an expiring contract for €64million is just bad business. Bringing in an out of sorts Higuain is another fail. Letting go of valuable squad players will be detrimental to the team.
Brace yourselves Chelsea fans, you're about to get blue.
GRADE: D

MANCHESTER UNITED

ARRIVALS

Joel Pereira (Vitoria Setubal, End of Loan)

DEPARTURES

Nil

United have obviously been silent but their biggest transfer has to be the hiring of club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after the Mourinho madhouse. He has brought in a new belief and stability to the club and this has had a knock on effect on the club as the core players have expressed interest in renewing their contracts. 

A stabilizing window for a resurgent club.
GRADE: B