Attack of the Green Laser pens....Champions League action

"Set lasers to stun boys!"

If you watched the Champions League clashes of Chelsea vs. Valencia and Dortmund vs. Marseille you would noticed a sickly green feature on the various players faces and bodies. This is not due to bad fish served at the team hotel, but childish troublemakers shining laser pens into the eyes of the players in both of the games. Having played with them myself I know how far they shine/ how painful they are if pointed into your eyes for a duration upward of 1.5 seconds. Now I don't think Dortmund's keeper Weidenfeller could blame letting Andre Ayew's goal on temporary blindness, but in the case of Solomon Kalou's groping of the ball in box, I would recommend the adverse. I might get some stick from the secret laser society  for not praising their organization, popping up in two different games across Europe. A successful achievement in the plot to annoy the piss out of players, refs and fans alike, the shenanigans  caused by laser wielding hooligans led to plenty of commentary from the match reporters, so I guess mission accomplished.  

Speaking of shenanigans: the players who participated got into the most for this round of CL action were Edison Cavani for his unparalleled forward play, notching the penalty in their match against a brittle Villarreal, and Super Mario Gomez, popping up with two pure poacher goals in the drubbing of a out of sorts Man City. Alexander Frei wasn't to shabby grabbing a brace against Man United, and Ramirez finally looks to be settling into Chelsea's midfield, showing blistering pace allowing him to catch up with his poor first touch. Honorable mentions go to Andre Ayew of Marseille, Marek Hamsik of Napoli, Frank Ribery, and Valencia's goalkeeper Diego Alves who came up with a myriad of peachy  saves defying Chelsea from taking the away win.

Team flops of this round had to be Manchester City, who as a team failed to make any impact whatsoever outside of the first five minutes. Neuer was working on his tan while Joe Hart was going bald over the slack marking that led to both goals. Mario Gomez is as in form as nature allows right now, and he came up with a masterclass in a positional sense, it's got to be that hair! The team looked like one tht has never layed in a European competition- yet the majority of the team has vast experience  playing for other teams that have. That set the adhesive that holds their team of individuals together suffered in the humidity, peeling away to expose the weak foundation that the squad is build on. They just plain and simply looked awful.

The second flop of the week Is actually a two parter, but both team wear yellow. The sub(par)marine yellow of Villarreal and the Gelb(yellow) of Dortmund. Villarreal I thought might be a surprise package in the so called group of death which includes Napoli, Munich and City, yet judging on results so far I'd reckon their hyde will be scared by whips come advancement time. They looked terrible going forward, with Nilmar lacking confidence and touch he made Nil impact on proceedings, whilst Giuseppe Rossi like the little engine that could, chugged his way to relevance, but couldn't break the deadbolt of Inler and Cannavaro. 

Dortmund played 10 times better than they did against Arsenal a fortnight ago, and all they got was a 3-0 defeat. Goetze looked lively yet he was left to forage for himself. Hummels and Subotic made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the back with a slip from Subotic leading the Marseilles first goal, and a poor back header from Hummels granting Remy the chance to run, chest and volley past Wiedenfeller in goal for the second. Like Man City, Dortmund look a team a bit overwhelmed by the task of vying in the Champions League. 

For a full summery of results and scorers hit the link. The Link 

Patience is the game, Dalgleish's the name.

mmmm…. the smell of promise, cut short like buns toasting in the oven pulled prematurely from their toasty creation, somewhat resembled  Liverpool's opener against Sunderland. All the gyp seemed justified until  Liverpool's first half dominance was quickly forgotten after being done by a top drawer volley off the boot of Sunderland's Seb Larsson. If you are to lose, that is the way to do it. I say lose even thought the final score read 1-1, but for the Anfield club it was a loss. All the excitement of the coming season and big money signings created a stir of hope and promise, that due to the result has been put on hold.  seen in the fantastic reception received by the fans  for the opening of the 2011-12 EPL season. 

In the first half Liverpool  looked to have jet- heeled enthusiasm, spraying passes around and  retaining possession well.  Luis Suarez looked to have not skipped a beat on the back of his fantastic half season for Liverpool, and a Copa America, earning a penalty which he thrashed over the bar. However this was quickly forgotten when he nodded in a cross at the front post  from fellow new-boy Charlie Adam, to make it 1-0. Newboy's Charlie Adam, and Jordan Henderson - playing against old side- looked good in the first period, and in collaboration with Lucas bossed the likes of Lee Cattermole and young Jack Colback. Taking into account the abundance of midfielders at Dalgleish's disposal, bringing on the likes of Raul Miereles in the 2nd-half should provide sustained midfield domination for the whole 90, but Sunderland clawed their way back in to contention.

As the whistle sounded for the break, Liverpool had felt that they should have been at least 2 to the good,  after a mazy run from Downing, saw him cut onto his left but his shot riffeld of the crossbar. On the whole Downing was docile in the game, but the added width was an improvement, and the balls into the box from Downing and Adam look to pay dividends in the future. 

The impotence in Liverpool's play subsided, and the crowds fanfare dwindled as their grip on the game loosened. Sunderland still struggled to trouble Reina in goal, until a ferocious volley changed this and Seb Larsson finished in fantastic style, hitting it first-time at the back post. Reina had no chance, as the Swede who signed on a free from Birmingham scored on his debut. This was the last significant chance for either side as the game petered out towards its climax. 

Liverpool should feel as though the game was theirs to take, with a  massive home support behind them, and the excitement of what could be in the upcoming season. We all recognize that the Dalgleish dynasty will take time to build, but  an opening fixture win was necessary. You cannot pull much form the first match but the doubters will voice their opinion using this as proof that a top-4 finish will not be in the cards for the Merseyside club

Promising features:

Newest signing of the bunch Jose Enrique  was cast into the fire, after only completing one full training session with the club, making his debut against Sunderland. The Spaniard had a  decent game, getting caught out a couple of times, but overall slotted in quite well with Liverpool's back- line.  Had limited forward forays but linked up well with midfield anchors and Downing on the wing. 

Suarez looked up to his old shenanigans, thought his energy levels drained towards the end of the match, fitting of the amount of football he has played this summer.

Andy Carroll, though predominately anonymous,  linked decently, with on-running players. Ferdinand, had him in his pocket for most of the game, but his ability to find space to get  his ponytailed head on the ball was un-canny. 

Troublesome features:

With the return of Steven Gerrard looming like a ominous shadow, Dalgleish has to find where to play the no. 8.  Will he play him behind Carroll,   pushing  Suarez out onto the wing? Will he start him in the place of Henderson? Will he have deeper role next to Lucas. The uncertainty is worrisome, but a player of Gerrards stature must play, even thought during his Injury last season Liverpool played some of their best football. 

Conceding goals was a feature in their pre-season fixtures, and although it took a piece of brilliant skill to undo them Saturday, the threat is still there. Young Flannigan had a difficult game in the right-back spot beaten to easily by  Ji-Dong Won and Larsson.

Patience is Key for Dalgleish and Co. and like said in his post match interview, more is expected of his players. His new signings will take time to settle into the idiosyncrasies of Anfield, and when the team faces Arsenal next weekend it should be on. 

See more at www.worldfootballdaily.com

Fullham 2011-12 season preview

This post kicks of my EPL team previews for the 2011-12 season. They will be done in no particular order, just by which club suits my mood that day. 

Today: Fulham

Last year finished: 8th

Fulham have made a large stride away from mediocrity this summer by ousting Mark Hughes, and wrapping up manager  Martin Jol. Making his return to the Premier League after a coaching spell with Hamburg. Fulham fans look-on in hope and expectation that the former Spurs boss can bring them back into Europa League contention. He is a charismatic figure, a real fan favorite,  which is much needed after the departure of the sullen Hughes. It's hard to believe that Fulham, real mid-table mediocrity, was competing in the Europa League final not to long ago! A talented unit, who under Manager Roy Hodgson played out of their skin. Jol will look to recapture such inspirational play, and I would bet that he will be successful in creating that cohesive unit once again 

Transfers: Fulham have seen more players leave the club than join. Jol seems to be building for the future through signing of younger foreign talent, an eye for such talent is know to be one of his better qualities.

Notable Signings:

John Arne Riise from Roma, brings the Norwegian hammer back to the EPL, which is a welcomed sight to many. This talented player spent many years at Liverpool and now can implement his bombarding style in West London. Unfortunately of Arne, he will not be playing along side brother Bjorn- also at club- as he has been loaned to Sheffield United. 

Gael Kakuta remains on loan from Chelsea, a player who is still young, but has much to prove. With regular spot at Chelsea not in the cards, the young French-man has been sent down the road a bit, to get some valuable experience. Brilliant in flashes but needs to be more consistent and impose himself on proceedings more.

Signing of  Palermo youngster Pajtim Kasami  is a perfect example of Jol's eye for young talent, as the Swiss Midfielder looks to have a bright future at age 19.

Notable Departures:

Kagisho Dikagacoi has joined Crystal Palace on Loan,

Much maligned John Pantsil has signed for Leicester City on a free, after too many lapses in concentration forced his stock to plummet among Fullham fans.

American Eddie Johnson has been loaned to Preston North-End which saddens me deeply, as another American gets sent to a lower division, making viewing the player that much harder for American audiences.

Key to Success:

Clint Dempsey! call me a nationalist, but the tricky American gets around the park, creates space and can score fantastic and clutch goals - just look at the winner against Juventus in the Europe League. For Fulham to succeed Clint needs to be on song and have a healthy striker to link up with. 

When all is said, and done:

Fulham does not quite make it to a Europe League spot, which is ok because they are building, but give Aston Villa a run for the 7th spot, but end up 8th like last year.

Is Javier Pastore worth 50 million Euros?

With Chelsea's continual  frustration in securing Luka Modric from Tottenham, they have turned their efforts to Argentinean midfielder and Palermo maestro, Javier Pastore. A plight that looks not to be in vein, as Pastore looks to move to a bigger club, with west London looking the destination. With the recent injury to Michael Essien, rendering him out of commission till mid-season, the Blues are looking to add some steel to their midfield. In Pastore's case it's silk. Chelsea's new boss AVB (AndreVillas- Boas) insisting he wants to work with the players already at his disposal, though some new blood in their aging midfield might help in their challenge for the title. 50 Million Euros is a heavy sum for a player that is only 22, and a player that just in the Copa America struggled to get into Argentina's first team. To answer this question you just have to look at Liverpool's signing of Andy Carroll.


Carroll was bought primarily on potential, and was over-payed for immensely, for being a British home-grown player. Carroll went for 35 million pounds making him one of the most expensive English player's of all time. Given that he is somewhat unproven, and the price payed, Chelsea's bid for Pastore seems quite a sensible one. If Chelsea secure  his John Hancock, they will be receiving a young, yet vastly more proven player than Carroll. On the other hand I often feel that Pastore is better suited to the Italian game, with a slower build up and being generally less bullish that the EPL. This also applies to the Spanish game, as Real Madrid had been linked with the player this summer, but then again who hasn't? According to Palermo's vice president Guglielmo Micciche, their are only three teams that are contending for his signature, Chelsea being the front-runners.

With Chelsea's renewed midfield pursuit, they terminate the charade they have been put through trying to sign Luka Modric. Pastore is the better option of the two, who are similar in many ways, not in stature, but play. Both silky midfielders who can really ping a pass, who like to come deep and gather the ball from the back and distribute. Both make darting runs into the box, playing others in or scoring themselves. Modric's goal return last year was not close to Pastore's, yet he makes Tottenham's engine run. Harry Redknapp has stayed firm on not selling Modric, but maybe that's to Chelsea's benefit?

Balotelli Hotdog's, gets benched.

Mario Balotelli's attempt at a audacious back-heel represents what's wrong with these friendlies.

In The World Football Challenge match of Manchester City vs. LA Galaxy, misunderstood Italian International Mario Balotelli attempts a circus-like kick, in which he fails miserably, ending in him being subbed and scolded for his actions. Akin to the reaction's of his team mates I am astounded at his decision making??? Ever since he has emerged as an Internationally known player, Balotelli has evoked many emotions among fans, players and managers, most of all shock. Their is NO denying, he has incredible natural talent especially for his age, but the same couldn't be said about his behavior. No one seems to understand him. Is it a troubled life, I couldn't say? But what he has exposed today is that these friendlies aren't helping anyone. 


European teams flock to the US summer training, the pay-out and for global brand expansion.  For the MLS: teams get to lock horns with the best in the world, hopefully gaining invaluable experience, not to mention selling large amounts of tickets in the process. Good deal? in theory...but what Balotelli has exposed, in combination with Man United's 7 goals against the Sounders, serves the question: Are these friendlies helping or hindering the game in this this country.


Attracting these world powerhouses puts American butts in seats, but when fans see their team get annihilated  7-0, what is that doing to progress the game. Results like this makes me wonder (if I was a new fan), why should I waste my time watching a mediocre league, supporting a mediocre team, in that mediocre league, when the talent elsewhere operates on a totally different level. The talent gap is made apparent, and today it turned disrespectful with Balotelli besmirching the competition, then shrugging his shoulders. Do the math.

2011-12 Arsenal Home Jersey+Launch Video

I like how Alex Song says " I think Arsenal are the best club in the world."hmmmm...maybe you'll get a bonus out of that one. Maybe using elements from crest's of the past will help them re-kindle that winning mentality they had once??? Looks nice tho.

Why An Italian Team Won't Win The Champions League In A Decade.

Inter Milan's Champion's League Win 2010.

          It hasn't been that long since a team from the Italian Serie A won the Champion's League. Inter Milan won it in 2010 after defeating the mighty Barcelona in the semi's and  Bayern Munich in the final.  Inter had a fantastic team that year, and an even more fantastic coach Jose Mourinho. This was a great year for Italian soccer in that aspect, but I don't see this happening again for a while.  This isn't due to the fact that there's not a stand- out team in Italy capable of dominating other teams in Europe, but in truth their isn't. This decline is due more to the internal workings of their domestic game. For one: the domestic game is rank with corruption and scandal. John Tague from the Independent explained it best by saying," This is a nation where the largest selling daily newspaper is dedicated almost entirely to football; where its former ruling party is named after a football chant; and where its former Prime Minister owns one of the league's most famous clubs." In my life time my knowledge of this corruption dates back  to the forced-relegation of Juventus in 2006, but I have read that it dates back to the 1920's. This scandal involving Juve was know as Calciopoli. This word is a spin off on the saying "Tangentopoli" or "Bribesville," often used to describe Italy's corrupt government. The "Calcio " in Calciopoli means football in Italian, pertaining it to recorded telephone conversations linking managers from Juventus and other Italian clubs to referee organizations, suggesting the clubs where  rigging matches. The  punishments in result of this varied between the teams implicated, but Juventus, the league winners, ended up the worst with the stripping of their title. 

You may wonder why this would impact a one-off game when any team, Italian or not could win on the day. True, off the field matters may not effect players in a game but, can have serious effects on how a club is run and is set up. This could be do to a lack of tactical nonce, philosophy of play or cases when official's of a club,  who know nothing of playing football, only running a club force managers into making decisions that see them profit in someway. Anyone of these reasons can explain why Italian teams have been performing poorly in the Europe. Don't get me wrong there're strong Italian teams, capable of beating any world powerhouse, but the chances of this happening are slimming. This is because Italy lost their  fourth Champions League spot, due to German teams performing better in the latter stages of the Champion's League competition.  This goes into effect for the 2012-13 season insuring only the top 3 teams in Italy will qualify for the competition.

Beyond the scandal and shrinking European prowess what's killing Italian football the most is the stadiums. They're simply not good enough. They are outdated, in need of renovation since the last time they hosted a major tournament, the World Cup in 1990. Many have running tracks around the pitch, putting fans farther away from the action than stadiums without. Attendance's are among the worst in Europe, clearly seen on t.v. with numerous empty seats, creating a flat atmosphere. Imagine introducing someone to Serie A, who is new to the game, sitting them down and having them see a vacated stadium. They want to see passion and atmosphere, that's what gets fans into the game and increases growth and interest, but if fans in Italy don't show up to games why should you make the effort? Building of new/ renovating and expanding old ones would increase attendances and atmosphere.

Italy flounders at the World Cup South Africa 2010.

In such a corrupt country,where everyone is just looking for the payoff, it makes me wonder how they can focus on growing the game internally. The answer can be seen at youth levels and the National team. It hasn't been so long since Italy won a World Cup which was in 2006, same year as the Calciopoli scandal. This was a high for Italian soccer but since then the team has struggled to bring up young talent, relying too heavily on the old guard of Pirlo, Del Piero, Cannavaro and Iaquinta. All fantastic players, but their time has come and past.  These players have been in the International set-up for years and have done well, but new talent is needed. This was most apparent last summer at the World Cup in South Africa where they absolutely capitulated not even progressing form their group. Recently coach Cesare Prandelli  has brought new faces into the mix like  Domenico Criscito, Claudio Marchisio, Giampaolo Pazzini and American born forward Giuseppe Rossi. Players who will be  integral in the success of the  Italian National Team for years to come, but I still ask for more. The fact is the youth in Italy don't get a shot at the senior squad. According to report on theoffside.com, their are only 18 players playing in Serie A that are getting regular first team action, after going through all the youth levels with that team. That's astounding! The best example of how the system seems to function in Italy can be seen in the case of Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco known as the "Atomic Ant, for his short stature (5'4) and his sublime dribbling skills,is considered by myself and other pundits to be the future of Italian football. As an attacking midfielder he has been billed as a replacement for Andrea Pirlo, occupying the same play-making role, pinging passes and controlling the tempo. Not given a shot a Juve he was loaned out to Empoli and then Parma, who he signed for permanently just last year. It is not abnormal for a young player, Giovinco now 24, to be loaned out to another club to gain first team experience, but when  Alberto Aquilani was called back to Liverpool it left Juve with one less attacking midfielder. In response they go out and sign another player, instead of having kept a promising, youthful player that they could slot right into the first team. The player they signed is oddly enough Andrea Pirlo. The youth doesn't get a chance to play the game at the highest level, therefore their development suffers.

If you combined all these reasons you have why I don't think we will have a Italian Club Champion for 10 or so years.1.) Game embroiled in scandal  2.) Have one less Champions League spot, so one less team competing in the competition. 3.) Being seemingly opposed  to giving youth a chance, poor transfer policies, outdated style of play and set up, suffering national team 4.)Partly-filled stadiums possibly due to an uninterested public, making for poor, growth debilitating spectacles. 5.) Mediocre teams preforming poorly in Europe. Growing the footballing philosophy takes a while, and Italy's is crying out for renovations. What the future will hold,,, I don't know, but I will bet you on my nana's life that an italian team will not be lifting the trophy with the big ears any time soon.

LA Galaxy 1:4 Real Madrid, World Football Challenge

                   Some highlights from Real Madrid's intergalactic performance over LA.

On Cristiano's goal, keeper should not be beaten at that angle. Making him look better than he is.

Nifty footwork tho.

What you looking at... Whitbread?

Only if Norwich City was Sandwich City because they would have a defender with a fitting name supporting the meat of their team. This man is American defender Zak Whitbread, playing for newly promoted EPL side Norwich City. I must claim I am ignorant in my knowledge of him and his skill set, but the fact he plays abroad rings a bell and makes me wonder...is he National Team potential? He is a former Liverpool youth and US under 20 defender who has been trudging around the lower leagues of England for a while playing at Millwall and Norwich. On 16 March 2011, he was called to the USMNT camp prior to there friendly with Argentina but he was sustaining a niggeling an injury, preventing him from making the squad. So keep your eye on him for next year, which won't be to hard considering he will be gracing the Premier League. Everyone likes a little Whitbread...especially with some tunafish.

Here's a promotional video of Norwich City showcasing their new kit, and their Italian stile(style).

Man U vs. New England Revolution 4-1 @ World Football Challenge.

The combination leading up to Ji-Sung Park's goal made New England's defense look like it was swiss cheese. Man U 4-1 New England Revolution.

Sneijder for Scholes....Manchester United agree to 35.2 million pounds for Wesley Sneijder.

It looks like it wont take Sir Alex Ferguson very long to find a replacement for the retired Paul Scholes, as the transfer fee for Inter's Wesley Sneijder was agreed today. The Ajax academy graduate has spent time  playing for Ajax first team, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and now possibly for Manchester United....not a bad resume is it? There is no denying he is one of the best midfielders in the game and with a soft spot in Man U's center of midfield, he will slot in nicely. One thing I will be interested in seeing is how he works with Wayne Rooney. Man U's number 10 likes to drop deep from his forward position, to collect the ball and spray passes around. The one he played last night at Gillette Stadium to Fabio was sublime! Rooney often plays behind Chicharito in a 4-4-1-1, a position that Sneijder operates in well also. Sneijder is very much a similar player to Rooney, less so in an attacking sense where Rooney is considered a forward, but none the less possesses similar attributes, with dynamic passing abilities and skills from a dead ball situation. Sneijder and Rooney also posses the same mental toughness and work ethic. Sneijder has been the driving force for Inter Milan and his International team Holland for years, and if the transfer goes through he will undoubtedly show that same drive and work ethic at Old Trafford next year. With the introduction of the Dutch maestro and influence in midfield for United will bring the best out of the players around him, providing more excellent service and a attacking engine. With Sir Alex stating that he wants to back competing for the Champions League, the acquisition of Sneijder looks to increase those chances 10-fold. 

Ammunition for the head of Carroll: Liverpool agrees ₤20 million for Downing

            Liverpool have agreed to accept the ₤20 million price tag for Stewart Downing reports say. The Aston Villa winger is heading to Melwood, Liverpool's training facility to discuss personal terms and receive a medical. If everything is kosher, the signing of Downing will be Liverpool's third big money signing this summer after securing Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam. All I can say is Andy Carroll will have some fantastic service to his pony-tailed head next season. Look Out!

Nah Nah Nasri

          Samir Nasri seems set to join Manchester City for ₤ 19 million and all I can say is Nasri DON'T DO IT!  Nasri joins the list of Arsenal players that have become disillusioned with the going-ons at Arsenal. He has stated that he wants to win trophies, which at the north london club, seems far from happening any time soon. Nasri has linked with a move to both Manchester clubs, United looking for a replacement for Paul Scholes due to his recent retirement. This deal with United looks to be all but over, with United chasing Wesley Sneijder from Inter Milan, City has taken up the reigns in securing the silky french midfielder. As a huge fan of Nasri I think that going to City would be a poor decision in the advancement of his career.  City beat Arsenal last season in securing 3rd place, forcing arsenal to go through a Champions League play-off. Nasri views Arsenal to be on a downward slide, with some of their talent leaving and their captain Fabregas being constantly linked with a move to Barcelona. A move to City would give him Champions league football, money, and a chance to play on a title contending team. City, with the talent they have will no doubt be strong contenders for the title, and Nasri has stated " he want's to win trophies." But with the midfield City has I ask,  will Nasri start? I think he works best playing in the center of midfield, distributing  passes and making sly runs into the box. Coach Mancini likes  to play a  4-2-31 formation with, Yaya Toure  looking really good playing in the middle of that 3; the position Nasri should occupy. If Mancini pushes Toure  back into that holding 2, Nasri would be in his natural habitat and could do well. He was used out on the wing sometimes for Arsenal, but City in that formation are way to narrow,  with Nasri wanting to come inside every chance he gets, they would be as straight as Sean Connery. If City unloads some chaff: James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Patrick Viera, Nasri could one of the first on the team sheet.  If Nasri could get his first choice position week-in week-out  at City It might be worth a shot, but the smartest decision would be to stay at Arsenal.

With the back- in- forth transfer saga of Fabregas to Barca, will end without a doubt in the Spanish international returning home. You cannot keep a player that doesn't want to play for your team. With Fabregas destined to  go, Nasri would be the focal point for Arsenal. Someone to build the team around. Arsenal may not be building to the extent that most Gunner's fans want, but with the signing of Gervinho, and the money they could get for Fabregas, they are certainly making some strides forward. Nasri is a fantastic footballer,he's young, pacey and is constantly compared to Zidane, which is whatever… but he can really lead a team with his play. With Nasri in the center, Wilshere behind him, Walcott on the right, Gervinho on the left, RVP and Chamakh up-top makes for a line-up thats hard to scoff at.  Nasri without a doubt would be captain by January if he stays at Arsenal, where at City he's another cog in the wheel, where at Arsenal, he is the Wheel.

Bit of Italian business: Gohkan Inler signs for Napoli

Napoli have added some steel to their midfield after last season securing a spot in  the Champions League. Gohkan Inler, the turkish born swiss international shone at Udinese last year  helping them secure fourth spot in Serie A.  As a bright star in their midfield transfer speculation was rife amongst Italy, but it was Napoli that secured his signature after a month long tug-of-war with Udinese.  This signing is a promising sign for Napoli fans after the vultures where looming to pick off their top talent after their success year last year.   Ezequiel Lavezzi, Marek Hamsik and Edison Cavani who arguably was the best player in Italy last year, where all linked with moves away from Naples. Mouths where watering...and let them salivate. After Napoli's great season last year it was inevitable that bigger clubs, with more money and more prestige would come in with deals for these marquee players. Lavezzi was and is being pursued by Manchester City, Cavani has said he is open to a move Real Madrid, and Hamsik has said that a move to AC Milan would take his game to the next level.

 Gokhan Inler will be a good signing for Napoli, and hopefully the trident of terror, (Cavani, Lavezzi, Hamsik) will stick around and try their hand in the Champions League next year, playing for the team that got them there.

Man City's stadium now Etihad stadium

Manchester City's stadium has been renamed Etihad stadium from " the City of Manchester Stadium" due to their ten-year partnership with Etihad Airways.

Malaga's Shopping Spree

I would argue that people are attracted to success. Whether this is a physical attraction or an admiration, for an individual, or an organization. If you are new to the game of soccer, and lets say you are looking to support a club. Naturally you will be drawn to where the game is played at the highest level, for it gets the most attention, and therefore it will be easier to follow it. If you grow up in Hull, you are most likely going to support Hull City, that's your hometown team, you most likely have an allegiance to that team, but for someone from America wants to support a team from Europe, with no ties to any team, they will go for the club that is best value for their time. For example If you where to wander into the game just this last year I would almost with 100% assurity say you would become a Barcelona supporter….Why? Because of the fore-mentioned reasons. They won the Champions League, won there domestic league, and has some of the best footballers in the world playing for them, most who play for the Spanish National Team, who are the reigning World Champions. You may call it hopping on the old band-wagon, but this is what people do. The best working example of  this would be Manchester City. Ever since their sugar-daddy oil sheik started pumping (pun intended) money into the squad they have been able to fund ridiculous transfer fees and wage bills, attracting top talent from around the world. After a few building years they seem to have somewhat of a cohesive unit that last season started to show what they are capable of. Next season they will be sure-fire contenders for the title. With all this excitement going on up at Eastlands, new soccer fans with no ties to Manchester are slapping down the cash to get those baby blue Silva kits, so they can parade around the pub and claim they liked City, before they where good. That is Band- wagoning. For the loyal City supporters…all I can say is, Lucky Sons of Bitches.

A similar situation is happening at Spanish club Malaga, recently bought by Qatari investor Abdullah ben Nasser Al Thani. The Andalucia  club that finished 11th last year has been busy this summer in signing experience and talent, signing  Ruud van Nistelrooy on a free transfer. A player high in miles but who score 95 goals in 150 appearances at Manchester United. Ruud will be joined at Malaga by his once international colleague and Hamburg teammate, Joris Mathijsen. Malaga have also signed Jaoquin from Valencia, an intelligent winger, who I always thought was overlooked in terms of the Spanish National team. Martin Demichelis, will join the side from Bayern Munich  as will Lyon defender Jeremy Toulalan. Out of Malagas new signings the grey haired defender (age 27) is the best pick-up, he's a level headed, intelligent tidy player, who can marshall a midfield or hold down a back-line. Left back Nacho Monreal signed for the club at a fee of € 6 million, as did Roma's Julio Baptista for €2 million, after falling down the pecking order at his last club. If you are new to the game and looking to support a team in Spain besides Barca or Real, Malaga would be a good option. It may take a few years for the squad to settle, but hold firm until Robinho shows up at the club, at which point you drop them like a bag of stones, for dark times surly lie ahead.