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

LEAVE NOW ARSENE! IT'S FOR YOUR OWN GOOD!

Arsene Who? That was the headline that covered the London Evening Standard on October 1, 1996 after Arsenal signed Arsene Wenger. Now it’s Wenger Out everywhere you go.  A relative unknown upon his arrival on British shores, despite his successes with Monaco in previous stints. His arrival though heralded a change in the British approach to football. He brought along with him, a fresh and attractive brand of football that condemned the tag of ‘Boring, Boring Arsenal' to the past. Also with him, came a recruitment policy that involved an awareness of the untapped markets throughout Europe (especially France). A transformation in player fitness and maximizing potential while playing football sent from the Gods was his niche and nobody could do it better than Le Professeur. He was the wind of change that Arsenal and English football needed and very soon everyone was following suit.

Wenger also brought success on the pitch with the Gunners with four FA Premier League trophies, four FA Cup wins and four Community Shield wins with a double in the 1997-98 season and the Invincibles tag in the 2004 after going a season unbeaten in the League. A golden period no doubt for Wenger and Arsenal. He was miles ahead of everyone and just like the hare in Aesop's fable , ' The Tortoise and the Hare', Le Prof slowed down, took a sort of a break and everyone caught up with him and most of them even got better than him. A sign of things to come. A sign that he should leave while things were rosy. 

Since 2004, the Gunners adopted a mediocre approach of some sort as they became content with successive fourth place finishes and eliminations at the Round of 16 in the Champions League. The old magic was still there as he has been able to unearth talents across Europe but they have all come to naught. They had their best chance of winning the Premier League but the seemingly fragile mentality that Wenger hid for so long was transferred to his players and allowed Leicester City to surprise us all and claim the League. 

The last few years has seen Arsenal become the laughingstock of England and Wenger is the clown that leads this band of weak and spineless bunch. It is safe to say the times caught up with him and his stubbornness from a tactical viewpoint and a somewhat delayed reaction in transfers is of his own doing and its time he left while he still has some dignity left. 

Time has never been anyone's friend as it has a way of making people forget your best while focusing on your worst. Wenger had the chance to escape this fate but chose to face time for another two years but only weeks into the new season, it appears he's still the same old 'once-good-but now-mediocre' legend who would prefer to lose it all than quit while he has something to hold on to. 

Arsene Wenger is by far been the greatest manager in the history of Arsenal and deserves to be remembered for his successes.. so long as he leaves now! Despite the pettiness of time, it will still give you a choice to define who you are and what you'll be remembered for. 

Over to you Le Professeur.

GOALS, EXCITEMENT, SURPRISES AND MORE! WHAT WE LEARNT FROM DAY 1 OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE

The 2017/18 Premier League season is underway and fans were treated to an entertaining weekend all over the world.

If we were to judge based on preseason results and transfer dealings, then the overriding feeling before kick-off would have been that top sides would get off to a flying start. But this is the top flight of English football and things are never so simple.

On a weekend where the reigning champions Chelsea were humbled at home by Burnley, while the favorites showed us their title credentials and Liverpool was Liverpool, 

here's few things we learnt from the Premier League on Match Day 1

1. Arsenal may not win the trophy but will have a big say in who wins it 

The Gunners started the Premier League at home with a nail biting but exciting seven goal thriller with Leicester.

The game showed us that should Arsenal be able to steer clear of injuries and all the unnecessary off the pitch issues that usually plague them, they will be a deciding factor in finding this season's winner. With a potent front line and a back line that looks ready to collapse at any point in the season, we can expect the Gunners to be themselves by having a shot at the trophy in the first half of the season and capitulate midway and try to salvage it at the end. Unless they delve into the transfer market and strengthen some defensive positions, expect Wenger and his men to be kingmakers this season.

 2. New Season, Same Old Liverpool

Usually the Premier League is unpredictable but it has one constant: Liverpool! There's the usual hype and furor about their transfer dealings and performances in the off season , the inability to transfer the performances to the season consistently and then the tag "Robin Hood".

 Though the season is young, The Reds showed signs of these in another goal-fest on Matchday 1 against Watford. Yes, there was the enforced and "semi-enforced" absences of Coutinho and Lallana but with the kind of squad Klopp has at his disposal, this should not be an excuse. A failure to improve in defence and goalkeeping will counteract all the work in attack. There is still time this season for Klopp to improve his and Liverpool's fortunes from "Next Year Will Be Our Year" to "This is Our Year".

3. Signs of Second Season Syndrome for Conte

After a title winning season in his maiden season in England, Antonio Conte has been anything but happy in the lead up to his second season.

With a somewhat unsatisfactory transfer campaign and the apparent lack of squad depth, it looks like the second season demons that plagued Ancelotti and Mourinho (in his second spell) are back and part of the blame lies squarely at his doorstep. His shocking treatment of Diego Costa, an apparent lack of communication between the board and himself (Matic sale) and his tactical rigidness (so far) all make up a recipe for disaster and this is imminent! With the improvements made by title rivals, a lack of depth and a grueling season ahead, it is safe to say Chelsea won’t be winning anything neither will they be defending anything. It might be the end of Conte’s stint at the Bridge. Failure to invest in the squad and a tweak in tactics will mean the ''Second Season Syndrome'' strikes and the London Bridge falls down.

4. Mourinho building Chelsea 2.0 at Old Trafford

Jose Mourinho is building another solid side with Manchester United and Chelsea may have given him the final piece. United’s signings seem to have gelled well but the addition of Nemanja Matic has all but solidified the side and given the team freedom to be fluid while occasionally joining the attack. With a burly target man with the form of Lukaku , pacy wingers at his side, creative midfielders behind him and pivot of Matic and Pogba not forgetting a solid backline and a world class goalkeeper, Mou has all the ingredients to create title winning juggernaut at the Theater of Dreams. Watch Out England, Jose is Coming.

WHAT WE LEARNT FROM AFCON 2017 DAY 2

After a somewhat uninteresting start to the 2017 African Cup Of Nations which saw 12 goals in 8 games (five draws and three wins), day 2 produced some cracking displays with somewhat of a goal glut (20 goals). Here is what we learnt after day 2 of AFCON 2017.

The Teranga Lions are The Real Favorites 

Senegal showed that the victory over Tunisia in the first game was no fluke and followed it up with another impressive victory over an exciting Zimbabwe outfit, even managing to outplay them with the only statistic they failed to dominate being the foul count. This victory not only cemented their place in the quarterfinals but also has confirmed the pre-tournament tag as favorites. The team has been near complete but Sadio Mane has been the standout performer with two goals in two games so far. A run to the final is obviously in their sights and with such performances after two games it is hard to look beyond Senegal among the current crop as the favorites.

Aubameyang Cannot Do It All Alone for Gabon.

The host nation Gabon has been exciting but have been indecisive and their goal count is testament to that (2 goals in 2 games). Their goals have come from Borussia Dortmund marksman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang but it hasn't been enough to secure progress (at the time of writing). In the event of Gabon qualifying for the next African Cup Of Nations tournament in Cameroon, the Panthers must rise up to the occasion and relieve the pressure off Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Algeria are the flops of the tournament already

The Fennecs after two games have been underwhelming after two match days and are on the brink of elimination. Algeria came into this tournament as favorites and have in their ranks, the current African Player of the Year in Riyad Mahrez. He has a high quality supporting cast. He has already scored 2 goals in the tournament but the team in general has contrived to fail. Africa's top nation is already the Flop Nation of the Tournament.

One Goal Project Will Not Be Enough If The Black Stars Do Not Improve.

Ghana's Black Stars have done all they have to do, win games and qualify to the next stage with a game in hand. But have they been impressive? Not at all. After exhibiting some high quality stuff in the first half of their games against Uganda and Mali, the second half of both games have been anything but impressive often sitting back content with one goal as they did in Angola in 2010. So far, the opposition have not been up to the standard needed to trouble the Black Stars. With potential opponents such as Ivory Coast, Morocco and The Democratic Republic of Congo who are of a different breed to what Ghana have faced there is the need for improvement in all sectors.

WHAT WE LEARNT FROM AFCON 2017 DAY 1

The first day of the 2017 African Cup Of Nations came to an end last night and I pick out a few things that we learned in the first 8 games.

Quality Of Pitches Affecting Quality Of Play
The African Cup Of Nations is Africa's biggest footballing fiesta. A chance for the top nations along with their best players as well as the unknown quantities to showcase their talents to the continent and the world. There has been the promise of high level of play but the pitch has hindered that so far.
It no doubt adds to the thrills and spills in the games but with parts of the pitch coming off after every shot and the odd bounce that deceives the goalkeepers and with the risk of injury at anytime as the pitch wears off, the quality is somewhat diluted. Both home based and foreign based players have been put at an obvious disadvantage. Goals have been at a premium with 12 goals in 8 games played, as opposed to 13 in 2015, 19 in 2013 and 15 in 2012.
This is Africa's biggest international tournament and with the caliber of players on display CAF can ensure it produces high quality games by making sure hosts have the ability to provide world class pitches.

No Beauty, Just Beasts
Apart from the game between Zimbabwe and Algeria, the tournament has been filled with "hard games" during which most teams are content to fight for the ball rather than try to put them in the back of the net till the game is in its dying embers where they exhibit some high level football. It is no doubt that African football is characterized by the physicality but the high number of foreign based players should alleviate this with some silky smooth football. After all, what is a Beast without a Beauty.

Big Guns Fail To Show Up
8 and a half games (at time of writing) into the tournament and the favorites have contrived to underwhelm giving the underdogs some creditable draws. Nations such as Cote D'Ivoire, Morocco and Egypt have no goals between them in matches where they were expected to win with minimum fuss considering the quality of players in their ranks. Ghana won their game but struggled to get going against a well drilled and motivated Ugandan side whereas Algeria drew with a determined Zimbabwean outfit. This leaves us with Senegal who won albeit not convincingly but managed to show a bit of class. Mahrez has so far been the outstanding player in the tournament but he has a supporting cast that can marvel the continent and the world. Others such as Ayew, Gyan, Zaha, Salah, Ramadan Sobhi among others must stand up and show why their nations are considered favorites.

UNITED CORNER: What Manchester United Must Do To Be Great Again.

When Jose Mourinho signed for Manchester United last summer, it was seen as a chance at restoring his battered pride and reputation. His dealings in the transfer market involved he making some shrewd and astute signings not forgetting expensive. United's early season form implied the transformation from Van Gaal's brand of hypnotic football to a more direct and clinical team. Or so we thought.

With a stop start season with their best run so far coming in August where they picked all points available in the league. A topsy-turvy season with twelve games in the league has yielded 19 points, their worst return since the 2004/05 season after the draw with Arsenal. His form in Europe has not been as encouraging as he has lost all his games away from home. His only 100% record has come in the English Football League Cup.

A closer look at performances indicate Mourinho is having tactical difficulties merging his old and new players into a characteristic Mourinho unit. Reports from Carrington indicate a 'cold and distant' approach to training which have yielded some embarrassing results this season. The form of some key men at the Theater Of Dreams have been extremely poor and appalling causing the team to depend on the individuals to get results.

All these and more are not the usual Mourinho approach to the game. He has the job of his dreams but he appears to be in some nightmare of some sort. The usual swagger and arrogance associated with Jose and his teams has disappeared with apparent glimpses every once in a while. The United top dogs must see Mourinho as the protagonist of the dark arts and give him the support he needs to jump start United's season. There has been financial support but that has been it. A little more of executive support in the Mourinho ways will set him free off his shackles of being the gentleman-ly character United want at the helm of affairs.

The players must become display some tactical flexibility as the new manager seeks to find a system that will make United great again. With a squad such as his, there should be no shortage of quality and this should allow Mourinho to experiment and try out varied systems. The onus lies on the manager to create a winning team but the team has to have the drive to be winners, something that retired along with Sir Alex Ferguson. It is up to the players to give the manager a selection headache; something Mourinho has not had since he took the helm at Old Trafford. Rooney and co. must get out their prolonged slumps and give Old Trafford the fear factor, Mourinho special again and United great once more.

From a manegerial perspective, some quarters of the footballing world have labelled Mourinho a tactical dinosaur and his refusal to move away from his favored 4-2-3-1 and 4-5-1 formations give credence to this opinion. Times have changed and these systems may have been effective for him in the past but a bit of innovation and tweaking every once in a while is one of the ingredients to make him a tough nut to crack again. Antonio Conte's tweaks this season have created one of the league's top teams in the early parts of the season. Switching from 4-1-4-1 to 4-2-4 then to 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 and finally 3-4-3 have given Chelsea a more varied approach to play and keep opponents guessing. Klopp's Liverpool have started 12 games with 4 different systems and so has Pep Guardiola at City. The importance of tactical variation and tweaks cannot be stressed enough and Mou must adopt these to get himself and United back to the top of English football.

With about 12 games in the league and 16 overall Mourinho has time to become The 'Special One' again and United have time to be great again but they have to be quick for time and tide, wait for no man.

TRANSFER ANALYSIS: LIVERPOOL

Anfield last season was quite a frustrating place to be last season according to most Reds. Hovering around the top half and mid table area. Failing to close out games and at times psychological frailties from players were a constant feature. The arrival of Jürgen Klopp improved The Reds as seen in their run to the League Cup and Europa League finals though they lost both games. Klopp's colourful press conferences have also helped alleviate the apparent doom that that was characteristic of the Rodgers era (barring their near miss in 2013/2014). Liverpool started the summer on a good note by extending the contract of The Normal One by another six seasons and without the distraction of European competition, Klopp has the chance to take Liverpool back up. Only if the right moves are made this summer.


ARRIVALS


JOEL MATIP

The Cameroonian defender finally joined the Reds on a free after agreeing to terms with The Reds and may have made a seamless transition into the side and English football in general with some assured performances in pre-season. As impressive as he has been, judging a player based on pre-season is a dicey affair as most sides may not be at full strength or in Liverpool's case, of a lower standard (no disrespect to Tranmere Rovers, Fleetwood Town and Wigan Athletic). His arrival will bring some youthfulness to an ageing and depleted Reds' backline. He also poses a threat in the air and helps add another dimension to Liverpool's style of play. He has age on his side and has the abilities to succeed in a potentially new-look Liverpool side. A very good signing for the Reds on the surface but it's only pre-season.

SADIO MANE

Liverpool was at the beginning of the summer, at their poaching best as they raided their favourite hunting grounds in recent times and came out with Sadio Mane. The Senegal wide man arrived at Anfield with an essive record forged across two seasons at St. Mary's. After getting his man, Klopp revealed he had had his eye on Mane since 2012 and nearly signed him for Dortmund. Mane with his speed and directness as well as versatility will fit into Klopp's high pressing style of play. Also, his willingness to drop deep will make him a fan favourite with most Kopites. Mane in spite of all his talent and abilities has shown to inconsistent at most times as seen in his four-month scoreless run last season although he is known to score in bursts. This may be worrying for Klopp but he is known to get the best out of players. With hefty transfer fee, pressure will be on him to perform but based on pre-season performances he looks to have dispelled such fears. Fans and rivals alike will be on hand to assess him as the season progresses. Over to you, Man-e.

LORIS KARIUS

The 23 year was signed to provide some competition for Simon Mignolet and provide adequate backup. His confidence belies his age may look to replace the seemingly inconsistent Belgian if he puts in assured performances like he did for Mainz last season. He still has a lot to learn as his handling is at times suspect but he has age on his side so expect him to improve with time.

RAGNAR KLAVAN

The 30-year old Estonian is Liverpool's fifth signing in the offseason from Augsburg. He has cultivated a reputation as a hardman across his career with his tough tackling and aerial ability. He has a decent pass on him. His versatility although limited to one position is seen in his ability to play at left back. His arrival will be music to Klopp's ears as he has seen his defensive options diminish in recent weeks with departures and long term injuries. For a player with his experience and ability, his fee can be considered somewhat of a coup. The next Agger or Skrtel?

MARKO GRUJIC

A world champion at the U20 level, Grujic was a wanted man but Jurgen Klopp beat a number of sides to sign the highly rated youngster from Red Star Belgrade. Grujic has a bright future as he is able to play across the midfield. This versatility is one of the reasons Klopp made his move quickly before most clubs could get to him. He has shown glimpses of his ability in pre-season. He is a developing youngster and with Emre Can as a double pivot, the quality of the Liverpool midfield looks bright and in good hands. First team opportunities may be at a premium but the League Cup and FA Cup will give him a chance to prove his worth in Reds colours.



DEPARTURES


JORDAN IBE

After the acrimonious exit of Raheem Sterling, Jordan Ibe was touted as the man to replace Sterling. With impressive cameos in his early Liverpool days under Brendan Rogers, Klopp's arrival was supposed to speed up his development but he stagnated. The move to Bournemouth gives him a chance to improve his fortunes in a low pressure environment. The ball is in your court Jordan.

MARTIN SKRTEL

The Slovenian hardman completed his move to Turkey to end his eight and a half year association with the Reds after he was deemed surplus to requirements for next season. At just 31, the defender still has a few good years in him. A good move for all parties.


KOLO TOURE

The former Arsenal and Manchester City defender left the Kop upon the expiry of his contract and is an experienced head for teams looking for defenders on the cheap. His pace may have deserted him but his experience in the Premier League is unrivalled. A few good years left in him. Expect a short-term deal.

Fringe players like Joao Texeira and Samed Yesil have left the club in order to revive their careers after successive loans too. A significant reduction in squad size and wage bill as well.


POTENTIAL ARRIVALS & DEPARTURES

With about 82 million Euros spent so far on the market, Jürgen Klopp has indicated, he is not done with a few signings yet to come. The Red's interest in Georginio Wijnaldum is a poorly hidden secret and they look like the only suitors for the midfielder but the Reds are baulking at the asking price of 30 million Euros though rumours indicate they are negotiating a player plus cash deal.

Goalkeepers Bogdan and Ward have left the club on loan to get first-team opportunities. Rumours from England indicate Lucas Leiva and cash will tempt Newcastle to part ways with Wijnaldum.

Joe Allen is also a target for Swansea and a number of Premier League side but based on his performances in France, Liverpool will be looking to keep him.

Reports emanating from Spain indicate Atletico Madrid will turn their efforts to Divock Origi if they fail in their pursuit of Diego Costa but Klopp has made it clear the 21-year-old is not available.

The return of Danny Ings from injury is like a new signing for Klopp. The young Englishman showed glimpses his talent before injury struck and his return is vital to the Red's chances this season.

Luis Alberto, Lazar Markovic and Mario Balotelli have returned but the latter two have been told by Klopp to find new clubs as they are not part of his plans.

VERDICT

Liverpool has been quite active this summer with Klopp's signings indicating the club are looking to build for now and the future as he fuses youth with experience While addressing problem areas in the team. Also, he seems to be signing players who fit into his system rather than alter his system to suit them. The versatility and flexibility of this new look Liverpool will not make them title favorites but a return to Europe is not far from them. A few more signings needed to complete the Anfield puzzle.

Maybe This year will be their year after all! 

TRANSFER ANALYSIS: CHELSEA

The shrill blast of the final whistle at Stamford Bridge could not have come at a better time for Chelsea players and fans alike. An end to what has been a nightmare of a season with conflicts from various sectors of the club. The transfer season will allow Roman Abramovich to restore his beloved Chelsea back among the top dogs in the league and so has already started his business early.

ARRIVALS

ANTONIO CONTE

Stamford Bridge has been a busy place this summer with Antonio Conte being their major signing. A man tasked to lead the Chelsea troops to battle and restore them to their former greatness. He was instrumental in leading a relatively weak Italy side to the quarter-finals of the last European Championships beating highly-fancied Belgium, knocking out holders and favourites Spain as well as pushing World Champions Germany to the limit before losing on penalties. He is also a three-time Serie A winner so his pedigree is unquestionable. He brings a hardworking ethic and some fire to the Chelsea side (spark to inferno?!). He is known for his 3-5-2 setup but is known switch to a 4-4-2, 5-3-2, 4-5-1 and 4-3-3 setups to suit the opponents and the conditions in an ongoing game. Such tactical flexibility is what Chelsea will need to break down opponents and hit opponents on the break. His passion will also come to the fore in the heated clashes and get the Stamford Bridge fans behind the team during tough times.

MICHY BATSHUAYI

Nicknamed the next Drogba, Batshuayi has really big shoes to fill. His 22-goal haul for Marseille in all competitions last season was a shining light in the darkness and uncertainty that surrounded the Stade Velodrome. His willingness to move around for the ball will be a good foil for Diego Costa if he stays at the Bridge for the coming season. He also has the ability to be a good target man and hold the ball up for his teammates. His success or failure in London will depend on how well he fits into Conte's tactical setup. His price tag will put a bit of pressure on him but all in all a decent signing for the Blues.

N'GOLO KANTE

"70% of the Earth is covered by water. The other 30% is covered by Kante". Undoubtedly the best player in the Premier League last season, Chelsea seems to have finally found an heir to Claude Makelele. A tireless runner and great reader of the game not forgetting is decent tackling ability, Kante will prove to be a good foil for Fabregas . Also, his ability to intercept and break down opponents' attacks will help Chelsea when they are on the backfoot. The 25-year-old Frenchman is the personification of hard work and he teaming up with Conte is a match made in heaven.

The return of several loanees will bloat the squad but also allow Conte assess players like Cuadrado, Marin, and Chalobah among many others.

DEPARTURES

MOHAMMED SALAH

After his transfer, Momo Salah has failed to impress in London which led to successive loans at Fiorentina and Roma with the capital side taking up the option to permanently sign him. Very few will miss him as Chelsea have more than enough options for the right wing position in the form of Willian, Pedro and the returning Victor Moses. Juan Cuadrado with his versatility can seamlessly fit into that position leaving the Egyptian with no option than to leave the Bridge for 15 million Euros.

After failing to impress the coaching staff at Stamford Bridge Croatian under 19 forward Stipe Perica has joined Serie A side Udinese for 4 million Euros a move that suits both parties and reduces the names on the payroll.

The departures of flops Alexandre Pato and Falcao will reduce a seemingly bloated squad and wage bill. Nathan Aké, Tomás Kalas, and Jeremie Boga have so far left the club on loan to Bournemouth, Fulham, and Granada to get some game time and aid their development. Marco Amelia is out of contract and out of the Bridge but has expressed interest in working with Conte so we may still see him but as things stand he's a free agent.

VERDICT

 The Blues have been cautious on the market this time round as they seek to make the necessary signings to correct the problematic areas in the squad. Using one preseason game to judge the squad will be unwise as most first team players are still on a holiday. A good center back is needed to solve their defensive woes to complete a good transfer period. With the right signings, Conte with time will make Chelsea champions again.

Up to You Roman.