Monthly Archives: February 2013

Special Feature: Sports Stars And Their Bling

  By O-Posts Team | February 28, 2013 - 20:13 | , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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The sports industry is massive, and where sports stars go their money tends to follow. Billions of dollars is spent each year by the world’s sporting superstars on everything from furniture to Fois Gras. Basketball, rugby, soccer and baseball stars all have one thing in common: luxury is the only way to go.

The sporting elite live in the world’s most desirable locations and drive the world’s most desirable automobiles, arguably living the world’s most desirable lifestyle. It’s common for these sporting sensations to be wearing designer clothes that are draped in modern jewellery, although antique watches are often found in Sydney and elsewhere.

 

The cars

Image by kelvinhu via flickr

Whether it’s David Beckham or Tiger Woods, one can expect a great deal of the successful sportsperson’s salary to be focused on his or her choice of car. Fast, exotic rides like Ferraris, Lamborghinis and even Aston Martins are very popular, with their beautiful looks and high performance allowing the driver to travel in style. Super-luxury cars are also a common choice for the modern sportsperson, as exclusivity is maintained while allowing the athlete to travel in utmost comfort.

More recently, sportspeople are choosing to modify their cars with a more Art Deco or Art Nouveau interior, adding customisability to the mix. Whether in Sydney or San Francisco, you’re bound to find a sports star driving a fancy car somewhere.

 

The house

If the rich and famous sports people of the world are renowned for one thing other than their sporting prowess, it’s likely to be their choice of home. It’s not unusual to see England’s premiership football players living in multi-million pound properties and the same goes for those competing in the USA’s NBA or NFL. Houses are often the most expensive thing people own and sports stars are no exception. However, while the average person might be contemplating a conservatory or bigger garden, it’s not hard to imagine a sports star thinking of dedicating a room to antique clocks or vintage jewellery.

When we visualise a sporting hero’s luxury pad, we tend to think of gigantic swimming pools, multi-car garages and bathrooms big enough to play baseball in. While this is hardly feasible for the normal person, successful sports stars can easily get paid millions of dollars a year. If anybody can afford to live with a collection of retro jewellery in an enormous house in somewhere exclusive such as Monaco or London’s prestigious West End, it’s the sports stars of the world.

 

The jewellery

Cars have to be left in car parks, and according to my travel guide you can’t take your house with you as you journey around. If you’re a sports star with an eight figure bank balance, how do you ensure you’re making a statement about your wealth wherever you are? Some people wear hugely expensive earrings, rings or maybe even a bracelet. The most common option, however, is to wear beautiful, classic time pieces that reflect personality and flair. Vintage watches and jewellery are especially fashionable in 2013, with March set to see people buying retro jewellery in record numbers.

Of all of the world’s watches, the ones that carry the biggest prices are made by hand in Switzerland: Breitling, Rolex and Patek Philippe are just three of the most famous luxury timepiece brand. One of the most attractive aspects of a vintage timepiece, like vintage engagement rings, is the story behind the item.

Vintage jewellery has a specific story behind it which can be discovered by the owner, transforming a special watch or piece of jewellery into a priceless one. It’s this exclusive and expensive appeal which draws sports stars in their thousands to luxury timepieces, and for Rolex watches in Sydney in particular.

 

Too much money!?

The lavish lifestyle of the world famous sportsperson is routinely criticised. Some people will always make the argument that, at the heart of all of this ‘bling’, there is an athlete desperate to show off. While this may or not be the case, the world’s sports stars do it in style.

Exotic supercars, Hollywood mansions and iconic watches are all weapons in the modern sports star’s arsenal in the hunt for sponsorship and branding deals, so maybe we can’t blame them after all. Either way, world famous sporting heroes are some of the richest people in the world and love or hate their excessive spending they’re not going anywhere soon!

 

Featured images:

 

This article was written by Misty Angel on behalf of Kalmar Antiques. Kalmar Antiques specialize in antique jewellery with a wide range of antique rolex watches and also many other well known brands. Misty is a cat lover and she loves to run and is also an avid watch collector herself.

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David De Gea: Homecoming yields a coming of age for United’s scrutinized custodian

  By O-Posts Team | February 28, 2013 - 18:33 | , ,
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The scene is the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is the 5th minute, and the blushes of all in connection with Manchester United are saved by a man who is the subject of daily witch hunts by his adopted country’s media. David De Gea continued to make world-class saves throughout the night, and but for Ronaldo’s superfluous header would have been awarded man of the match, in the city where he first made his name.

Added significance comes from the fact that, as a former Atletico Madrid ‘keeper and fan, he was establishing himself further in the world game, in the cauldron and at the expense of the enemy.

This is ‘like water of a ducks back’ to quote Manchester United goalkeeping coach Eric Steele. Much like United’s other formative Eric’s – Harrison and Cantona– Steele has been instrumental in the young Spaniard’s development and adjustment in England.

So much so, in fact, that Steele was quick and proud to point out that De Gea’s language lessons had come in such a way that young David was quite able and ready to answer some of the questions aimed at him by the English journalists.

De Gea, it transpired, only answered two questions in English, but thankfully managed to deliver a goalkeeping Q & A of his own, displaying agility and talent beyond his 22 years, delivering a tour de force against Champions League opponents Real Madrid that leaves the reports of the arrival of a replacement in the summer of 2013 – particularly Stoke City’s Asmir Begovic and Victor Valdes of Barcelona – with little foundation.

Furthermore, he displayed the type of performance that should keep the underperforming Anders Lindegaard out of the side for a few weeks at least. After the Dane’s nightmare performances at Reading and Norwich this season, manager Sir Alex Ferguson will be glad to know that the boy he bought to replace the legendary Edwin Van der Sar is finally beginning to become a man, and show doubting journalists and opposition fans what United’s £19million outlay has afforded them.

Certainly, his setbacks since moving to England have seen him pilloried whilst other, more experienced ‘keepers are faltering in a similar fashion. Prime examples of this are Pepe Reina and Wojciech Szczesny, who have made mistakes in a similar fashion to United’s current custodian – which have arguably been more costly to Liverpool and Arsenal’s seasons than De Gea’s at Manchester United this term – and yet they remain untouched by blame, despite each costing their club precious silverware in recent weeks.

United’s De Gea, in contrast, is pushing for team of the year place in England and, should a Champions League run of meaning and merit present itself, Europe. His displays have seen him courted by both Real Madrid and Barcelona, who are both having goalkeeping troubles at present. Iker Casillas, the man whom De Gea could replace for club and country, is out of favour despite injury with Jose Mourinho, and Victor Valdes is considered surplus to requirements by Barcelona.

Yet, with the jury for the young Spaniard still firmly out on the matter in England, one feels that humble pie in this case is best served with trophies. His heroics have already afforded the 19-times English champions a 12-point lead in the Barclays Premier league, showing that he is starting to fulfill the potential that was identified by Atletico Madrid in promoting him ahead of former wunderkind Sergio Asenjo to first team action.

De Gea’s stats for United since the beginning of the season don’t make for fantastic reading: Just 5 clean sheets in 18 games, making 68 saves in the process. Yet, this is made impressive by the fact that Nemanja Vidic has been recovering from an injury – Vidic being the chief diverter of aerial threats in United’s back line. This has led to a significant upturn in shots and crosses faced, and hence goals conceded, should give the young goalkeeper’s doubters food for thought, instead of spitting their meals to lambast him with only a half- baked argument.

Finally, this could be the season that United’s hunt their next great keeper in the mould of Schmeichel and Van der Sar, comes to an end. United seem to possess a young player of considerable ability and admirable temperament who could well be a key figure in United’s long term future, both domestically and in European competition. Now, all United need is for this young man of so much promise to disarm those of little faith with the medals and trophies befitting a player of the Spaniard’s ilk.

As the saying goes: ‘Form is temporary, class is permanent.’

 

Written by Hamish Dwyer

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Roberto Mancini: Tough-minded Italian under constant media scrutiny

  By O-Posts Team | February 27, 2013 - 19:44 | , ,
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The greatest football managers are often interesting characters bordering on the eccentric and have great self-belief which is no great surprise as you must need skin like elephant hide to survive the barrage of criticism and abuse that football bosses inevitably suffer.

Mancini may have thought that working in England would be less pressurised than his life in the cauldron that is Italian football but if he did he will be changing his mind now. The pressure is on and despite his excellent track record and what he has achieved at Manchester City, Mancini is now the target of much criticism and his job is under threat.

 

History

Mancini was a player of some distinction making 566 appearances for Sampdoria and winning the Serie A title, four Coppa Italias, the Cup Winners Cup and 36 caps for Italy before managing Fiorentina and Lazio to Coppa Italia victory. He then moved on to manage the mighty Inter Milan to three Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia victories before being fired and replaced by that ultimate football ego José Mourinho.

You would think that the success he achieved at Inter would have made Mancini’s position secure but the club’s chairman clearly had a lack of loyalty and gratitude to rival Chelsea’s Roman Abramovich and that is really saying something!

 

Early Promise

Mancini was clearly destined to be a manager as even when a player at Sampdoria he regularly gave the team talks and was part of the selection committee that chose Sven Goren Eriksson as manager. David Platt, now his assistant at Manchester City, recalls that when he was playing for Bari against Sampdoria he was blatantly asked by Mancini if he would leave Bari to join Sampdoria even though Mancini was only a player himself at the time.

Mancini was no stranger to throwing his weight around either and did not like his position being threatened. He allegedly picked fights with both Trevor Francis and Liam Brady when they played at Sampdoria and was described by Argentinian legend Juan Sebastian Veron as “not an easy person”. Mancini is clearly a tough cookie and he needed to be to take on the managerial position at Manchester City.

 

Manchester City

After spending some years in the lower leagues Manchester City had been purchased by the Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008 and become one of the richest clubs on the planet. With a huge financial investment the new owners were looking for success and in 2009 turned to Roberto Mancini to get it for them.

It must have seemed like a dream opportunity to join a club with such riches and huge support and in 2012 Mancini led them to the glory of the Premiership title with the season culminating in one of the most dramatic final games imaginable. City needed to win to secure the title and were losing 2-1 with just 2 minutes of added time left. Two goals in those two minutes secured the most incredible and unlikely victory.

You would think that this achievement would have installed Mancini as a hero and secured his position for some time to come but less than one season later there is talk of him being fired as City have failed to match the heights of 2012. You have to wonder what a man has to do to keep his job but with Roberto Di Matteo being fired by Chelsea after winning the holy grail of the Champions League it would appear that no manager is ever safe.

 

Character

Roberto Mancini is certainly a unique character with his own way of doing things and a great deal of personal style. He is renowned for sporting a scarf in his club’s colours on match days and is always dressed to perfection. Often see in the Hugo Boss shop in Manchester he must be delighted that the club are now in partnership with the fashion brand and providing City’s official club suits.

He is probably not so delighted about the fact that the media and some of the fans are now firmly on his back and his job clearly under threat.

 

Image License: Creative Commons image source

 

Sally Stacey is a life-long football fan who follows the fortunes of players and managers closely. Read more on Sally’s Google+ page.

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Dante: Better late than never for Bayern’s man with the radical afro

  By O-Posts Team | February 27, 2013 - 18:41 | , , , ,
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It’s hard to fathom that many football fans would have known about Dante Bonfim Costa Santos before this season. Aged 29, the workmanlike centre back made his international debut in a full strength Brazil side that went down 2-1 to England on 6th February after nine years of plying his trade happily under the radar across Western Europe. However after biding his time Dante is earning plaudits and reaping rewards this season as he stars in Bayern Munich’s solid defensive unit.

After seven years of moving across the football world in teams in Brazil, Belgium and France, Dante joined Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2009 from Standard Liege. It was at ‘Gladbach that the 6′ 2″ centre half started to realise his full potential, and he was part of the side that miraculously avoid relegation in 2011. With Die Fohlen, he played in front of a promising young Marc-André Ter Stegen, whilst Marco Reus was also a team mate.

However, Dante probably won’t have even dreamt about starting Champions League games with Arsenal two years on. In his time at the club the centre back adjusted to the Bundesliga comfortably, but Gladbach’s seasons were too often spent teetering above the bottom three, or even in it, and pastures new beckoned for Dante.

It became apparent in the 2012 champions league final against Chelsea that Bayern were low on numbers in the back four. Anatoliy Tymoschuk started at centre back alongside Jerome, in what turned out to be an epic climax to a wonderful tournament. Bayern manager Jupp Heynckes saw the need for reinforcements in his defence, and Dante was one of a few new recruits at the Allianz Arena in the transfer window. Accompanied by more prestigious signings Mario Mandzukic and Javi Martinez, but by no means overshadowed by them. Not by anyone.

When he arrived, Dante might have been expecting to be used as backup to Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber and Daniel van Buyten but that certainly hasn’t been the case. Bayern have played 23 games so far in the Bundesliga and Dante has started every single one. His contribution is highlighted by FCB’s supreme defensive record; played 23, conceded eight. One wouldn’t dare take any credit away from the immovable object that is Manuel Neuer but his defenders, in particular Dante, must be doing something right.

Such impressive form earned the man from Salvador a just reward as Luiz Felipe Scolari called him up to Brazil’s squad for the game against England. His discipline has been impressive, too. Only 26 fouls in those 23 games showing that the 29 year old is not only solid but safe. He is also a new fans’ favourite, and supporters of FCB are often seen sporting wigs resembling the radical hairstyle of the Brazilian.

So, at the age of 29 Dante is firmly establishing himself as one of the form defenders in Europe, starring for one of the best clubs in the world and earning a place in a Brazil team starting to re-establish itself amongst the international powers. If Heynckes can lead Bayern to glory then it’ll be in no small part down to the work of the centre back signed for, a seemingly mere, €4.7 million.

The man with the afro is peaking late but it looks as if he could be one of the stars of the Bundesliga for a few years yet.

 

Written by Richard Burn

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DFB Pokal Preview: Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund

  By O-Posts Team | February 27, 2013 - 18:16 | , , , , ,
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The Allianz Arena co-landlords are on a roll at the moment. 2013 has been flawless for them. Every match in all competitions has been won and dominated. Many goals have been scored and only a few conceded. Former player, Lukas Podolski, was the first player to score against the Bavarians in 2013 and that was on the 19th of February.

At the weekend, a ruthless Roten army opened fire on Werder Bremen and the result was a 6-1 mauling of Thomas Schaaf’s side. Despite resting regulars like Mandzukic, Schweinsteiger, Alaba, Kroos, Van Buyten and Muller, those that came in did a great job. Even Arjen Robben has found himself among the substitutes in the last 2 months. Such is the fantastic quality that the outgoing Jupp Heynckes has at his disposal.

Last season’s top scorer, Mario Gomez started the Bremen match and scored 2 goals. The German striker is currently being kept out of the starting 11 by a very impressive Mario Mandzukic who has weighed in with 15 Bundesliga goals amongst others this term.

Borussia Dortmund took European football more seriously than the German league this season it seems. Topping a group consisting of Real Madrid, Ajax and Manchester City with an incredible record of 4 wins and 2 draws. Both draws could have been wins if not for Mario Balotelli of MCFC and Ozil of Real Madrid whose last gasp interventions prevented a 100% record for Die Borusen. The League campaign has been regrettable and bad for the defending champions.

Winning the last two championships must have taken its toll on the players and the loss of Shinji Kagawa who has been their best player of the last two seasons must have been too hard to take and the vacuum too large to fill. The Japanese has since signed for Manchester United, although he hasn’t found his best form since his arrival. Marco Reus, once a foul, left the Borussia Park and Gladbach to pitch tent with the double champions of Germany.

The Germany international whose 18 goals propelled Lucien Favre’s men to fourth position and a place in the UCL qualifying rounds, decided to seek pastures new. It wasn’t a bad decision. His 11 goals and superlative displays in all competitions this season have been crucial to the Dortmund cause. His return to the Park last weekend was not fruitful as his former club put paid to Dortmund’s very slim hopes of catching an impeccable Bayern side in the race for the Bundesliga crown.

Rolls Reus as he is fondly called, has linked up well with another aspiring great, Mario Gotze. The best show of their link-up play came two weeks ago against Frankfurt. Reus scored a fabulous hat-trick thanks largely to Gotze’s sagacity. The draw v Gladbach made it virtually impossible for Dortmund to ever catch a relentless and trophy hungry Bayern Munich who are now 17 points clear of the chasing pack. Sincerely, the Bundesliga should be handed over to them, even though there are still some games remaining to play. Anything other than a Bayern ribbon on the Bundesliga trophy would be melodramatic.

Fohlen Legend, Jupp Heynckes is determined to retire in grand style. After painfully losing 3 titles last season (two to tomorrow’s opponents), the Bayern Munich managers who is set to be replaced by Pep Gaurdiola next season, has set his sights on another treble winning chance. The Bundesliga title is a wrap it most likely seems.

The Pokal was lost to Dortmund in Berlin last season. The performance was shabby and very unlike Bayern. The 5-2 drubbing laid down a marker. FC Hollywood want to make amends. The revenge mission will not be complete this season if Bayern don’t put Dortmund in their place. Mainz and Hannover have both been served their respective revenge meals in the German top flight already.

Dortmund avoided it in the league clash which ended 1-1. Die Roten however defeated their nearest challengers 2-1 in the German Super cup in August of last year, thanks to goals from Mandzukic and Muller. Lewandowski’s goal ended up as only a consolation.

Coach Jurgen Klopp has said in the past that the Bavarians bring out the best in him. His coaching resume has been beefed up in the last couple of months. His impact in Europe has brought him more admirers than critics. He’s currently one of the most sought after tacticians in world football. To lure him away from the Signal Iduna would be very difficult, but not impossible. This match will be taken seriously by the man touted to take over from Joachim Loew as manager of die Nationalelf. The Bundesliga race has been lost realistically, so it remains the UCL and the Pokal.

He will be hurt that Bayern are set to reclaim the German title, but he’ll be more pissed if they also take the Pokal away from his team. The central defensive partnership of Subotic and Hummels have performed extremely well when both are fit. Marcel Schmelzer is arguably the best left back in the German League and the attacking quartet of Kuba-Gotze-Reus-and arrow head, Lewandowski, need no introduction. Compared to the Bayern frontline, they have a strong case.

Goalkeepers Neuer and Roman Weidenfeller have been in good form since the start of the season. Germany’s No 1 goalie has allowed only Poldi and Kev de Bruyne to score past him since the turn of the year. The Bayern rearguard can do no wrong at the moment. the Dante marshaled backline simply hate to concede.

While Reus chose Dortmund over Bayern, Uli and KHR consoled themselves with the purchase of towering defender Dante Costa Santos from the Borussia Park for a meager 4.7 million euros. One of the bargain buys of all time. The Brazilian has started every Bundesliga game so far and it is thanks to him that die Roten have been so brilliant at defending this season.

His performances haven’t gone unnoticed Internationally. New Selecao manager, Luis Felipe Scolari aka Big Phil called him up for the friendly v England. He went on to earn his 1st cap in the 2-1 loss at the new Wembley to commemorate the English Football Association’s 150 years of existence.

Klopp has repeatedly backed his goalkeeper for a national call-up which has fallen on deaf ears ever since. Rene Adler of Hamburg who was No1 three years ago until he unfortunately got injured, has been called up instead following fine performances for HSV.

 

 Probable Lineups

Bayern: Neuer, Lahm, Dante, Van Buyten, Alaba, Martinez, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Robben, Muller, Mandzukic

Dortmund: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer, Gundogan, Kehl/Bender, Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus, Lewandowski.

 

The six players rested for Bayern at the weekend are all expected to return for this crunch game. Meanwhile Franck Ribery is suspended after his dismissal in earlier rounds. Arjen Robben has been chosen to replace him. Gomez has to sit on the bench yet again as the other Mario returns to the starting 11.

For Dortmund, The return of Lewandowski is a timely boost for die schwarzgelben. Hummels who limped out of the Gladbach match is fit for this one. Kuba Blaszczykowski is match fit too and will feature. The returning Nuri Sahin hasn’t featured as he would have envisaged.

The on-loan Real Madrid midfielder who came back to his former home after unhappy spells at the Bernabeu and Anfield, is finding it difficult to break into this talent/quality laden Dortmund team. His thought? ‘I should never have left’.

The match between Germany’s two biggest clubs will be a great show case of talent and greatness. The two teams that produced more than half of the players called up by the national team management in their recent friendly v France lurk horns tonight. Happy viewing.

 

Written by Ohiskaka Eboreime

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Arsenal: Is a top two finish out of the Gunners’ reach?

  By O-Posts Team | February 26, 2013 - 20:41 | , , , ,
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Many Arsenal fans are already categorizing this season as one of the team’s biggest flops yet as the red side of London has just recently been knocked out of the FA Cup by Championship side Blackburn and are seemingly glaring at a last 16 exit out of the UEFA Champions league – but Arsene Wenger still has his hopes set high as he is determined that his team can realistically finish in the top 2 in the English Premier League.

The North London side have had some suppressing knock outs in their two domestic cups while their third and final hope at winning a trophy hangs on the edge as the Gunner’s look to redeem their 3-1 thumping against Bayern Munich on the 13th of March.

Arsene Wenger has been constantly under fire over his team’s performance this season but the French Professor proclaims he is assertive that his side can convincingly make the top 2 behind Manchester United – but confesses it will be an uphill battle.

“I’m not sure it will only be a fight with Tottenham,” he said of a prospective fight for fourth place.

“I’m not sure the other places are not reachable. Chelsea are just ahead and even Manchester City is not out of reach. It could be a tight fight until the end.”

The Arsenal veteran is also crumbling to unceasing pressure to spend big during the summer break. Arsenal has announced they are sitting on a cash reserve of £123.3 million and Gooners are begging for the Professor to buy quality players that can definitely promise some silverware in the 2013/14 season.

Fans are frustrated about Arsene’s procrastination during transfer windows and are beseeching him to purchase big named and big money signings. After Arsenal suffered a massive blow of losing Robin Van Persie to rivals Manchester United, the Gunners seemed to have dropped in confidence but Chairman Peter Hill-Wood thinks otherwise.

‘Let me be quite clear that our intention is to keep our best players and recruit new talent to make us stronger,’ Hill-Wood stated.

‘Although we were disappointed to see Robin van Persie leave, we have taken steps to secure our best players going forward and have recently signed Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Kieran Gibbs, Aaron Ramsey, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Carl Jenkinson to new long-term contracts.’

The Chairman also said: ‘Our ability to compete at the top of the game here and in Europe is underpinned by our financial performance which gives the club strength and independence.

‘Our desire is to make everyone connected with Arsenal proud of the club. We know that comes through winning trophies but also through the way we do things and that will remain our constant guide.’

Arsenal has just narrowly defeated Aston Villa 2-1 to close in on bitter opponents Chelsea and Tottenham. Arsenal remains 4 points behind Tottenham, who are in third, and 2 points behind the former Champions of Europe who sit in fourth. With Everton now sitting 5 points below the Gunners, Arsene firmly believes that second or third is theirs to take if the team can gain more confidence and play until the final whistle.

“We continued to play until the last second of the game and we will continue to do that until the end of the season. Recently in the Premier League we have not conceded too many. But I think we have to improve a little bit the number of goals we are scoring because in recent games we created a lot of chances but didn’t take advantage.”

“Right now, confidence is our best friend and a lack of confidence is our worst enemy. Both of them are very fragile.

“We were nervous [against Villa] because we had absolutely to win. We had hit twice the wall in one week.”

Within the game itself, Arsene Wenger might convey more respect than almost any other manager surrounding him. He is a figure of great pride when it comes to his club and his image instantly lifts the prominence of Arsenal. Especially before the crucial derby this weekend, fans must be reminded how influential the Professor has been to the club and that never in his reign as he led Arsenal to finish below Tottenham.

Although sometimes fans fail to understand his motives, Gooners must place their trust in the hands of Arsene – and yes, that means you Piers Morgan.

So, what do we all think? Is a top 2/3 finish in Arsenal’s sight? Or is Arsene on something he shouldn’t be?

 

*All quotes from www.arsenal.com *

 

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

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Atletico Madrid: Simeone leads the Rojiblanco forward

  By O-Posts Team | February 26, 2013 - 17:18 | , ,
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From the outside everything about Spanish football is dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid. This fact is backed up by the Championship records over the years, but followers of the game in Spain are only too well aware of the other quality teams in the league.

It is almost ten years since Valencia dared to disrupt the duopoly by winning the League Championship and have since figured consistently in the Champions League. Last season Athletic Bilbao caught everyone’s imagination with a fantastic Europa League campaign and this year another has truly emerged. With 13 games remaining Atletico Madrid, led by Argentine Diego Simeone, occupy second place.

Following on from their European success last season when Simeone took charge midway through he showed indications that he was capable of transforming the side. With a squad featuring Thibaut Courtois, Radamel Falcao and Arda Turan, to name but a few, it was felt the side could improve under the Argentine’s influence. In Falcao, the manager had a proven world class goal scorer and his aim was to provide him with enough ammunition whilst also tightening up the defence.

The proof of Simeone’s management expertise can be seen in Falcao’s return so far this season. The Colombian has currently scored 26 goals in 27 games and has confirmed his status as the best all round striker in the world. What has been interesting though is that Falcao has had many of his other duties and responsibilities rescinded; he no longer needs to press as frequently as he did initially last season. Simeone has clearly identified that his striker needs to be free to utilise his wonderful attacking prowess.

At the other end of the pitch the Argentine has used all his defensive know how to make Atletico the meanest defensive unit in the league. The future of Thibaut Courtois will be something very high on Simeone’s list of business this summer as the Belgian keeper has once again been in supreme form. With Godin and Miranda marshalling the centre of defence, they have been excellent as a side who defend as a unit.

Simeone and Falcao.... key reasons in the Rojiblanco's upturn in fortunes.

Simeone and Falcao…. key reasons in the Rojiblanco’s upturn in fortunes.

Another important factor in Simeone’s successes so far this season has been their impeccable home record. Thus far they have won all 13 of their games at the Vicente Calderon and have conceded a miserly six goals. It is a record that every club would envy having and is always a solid platform in which to launch your season. Making your home ground a fortress has always been a vital component in all successful sides throughout the years and enhances the player’s confidence as a direct result.

There has been sufficient speculation in Spain to suggest it could prove to be tricky to retain Simeone’s services this summer after impressing so much thus far. However, having represented the club during his playing days too there is clearly an affiliation with the club that might prove hard to break.

There is no doubt that the Argentine has ambitions of challenging for major honours and retaining both himself and Falcao would represent a huge statement of intent for Atletico.

 

Written by Andy Hunter

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Match Preview: El Clasico – Part 2

  By O-Posts Team | February 26, 2013 - 15:49 | , , ,
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Los Merengues face a season defining week starting from tonight. Three very important matches today, on Saturday and next week Tuesday are must wins if they stand any chance of claiming at least one title this campaign.

One could argue that the Spanish League is a foregone conclusion given Barcelona’s healthy lead over their most illustrious rivals. But as they say, it is never over until it is over. Real Madrid aren’t even 2nd on the La Liga table. They sit third and a massive 16 points behind the Catalan giants. El Cholo Simeone’s Colchoneros sit 2nd, four points ahead of their city rivals and 12 behind the 21 time La Liga champions.

Today isn’t about the League and its twists and turns. It is the Copa Del Rey semi-final second leg and Barcelona hold the slender advantage haven scored an away goal and conceded one at the Bernabeu.

With the match evenly poised at 1-1, Real Madrid will fancy their chances of beating the Blaugrana on their soil. Jose Mourinho was at his best when throwing verbal tirades at opponents yesterday citing Bacelona’s obsession with referees and their holier than thou attitude in footballing parlance.

Jordi Roura was critical of the appointment of Alberto Undiano Mallecano as referee fro the marquee match-up for the mere fact that he presided over Barcelona’s loss in the 11 Copa Del Rey final v the Blancos.

The stand in coach of the Catalans was of the opinion that Undiano left too many Madrid challenges unattended to in that Mestalla decider. One of the most flimsy excuses you’ll get in a long time. The Portuguese tactician who is no stranger to verbal exchanges, wasted no time in giving the League leaders a dress down.

In truth, Barcelona and Real ‘s whitewash of their own failings has become like a broken record. Both clubs who have won so many titles between them, are becoming disgraceful and infuriating to the football public at the same time.

The focus on things other than football has become a bore and the institutions which were once revered have almost become a laughing stock all over the world. Perhaps, both club Presidents can find a way around these shameful representations.

Back to the game. Barcelona warmed up for this spectacle with a come-from-behind 2-1 win v Sevilla at the Nou Camp. After Albert Botia, a former Camp Nou servant, put the Andalusians ahead, Barca had to wait until the second half for David Villa and who else but Messi to take the lead and eventually win the match.

Not what they envisaged, but they got out of a slippery situation to record the much needed win which was important after what went down at the San Siro in midweek. Real Madrid had to face relegation threatened Deportivo La Coruna at the Riazor which remains the only ground Cristiano Ronaldo has yet to register a goal since his arrival from Manchester United three and a half ago.

Depor were pumped up for this and it was no surprise how they started the match. Veteran master, Juan Carlos Valeron ran a makeshift (if am allowed to call it that) Real Madrid midfield of Modric and Essien ragged. Riki Sanchez Soto (a former Madrid youth/reserve team product) scored a peach of a goal at the other end, although Diego Lopez ought to have done better at his near post. Real Madrid tried all they could to equalize all to no avail.

It was in the 2nd half that the ‘Whites’ made their supremacy count. The introduction  of Khedira, Ozil and CR7 motivated those left on the pitch and eventually, a Ricky Kaka beauty set the tone for a tense finale. Kaka was again on hand to feed CR7 who unselfishly laid it on for Pipita Higuain to apply the simplest of finishes for not only RM’s winner, but his 100th La Liga goal in 179 appearances for the capital club. It was also the Argentine’s 10th goal of a disappointing season for himself and the club.

Tonight is another atmosphere entirely. A purely different and more important game situation. If not for anything, for the rivalry that exists between both clubs. The Catalans rested Xavi, Fabregas, Busquets -who won the Catalan footballer of the year, and Pedro Rodriguez who is no stranger to the big occasion and is the only player to score in six different tournaments in one year for one club.

Leo Messi is yet to score a Copa Del Rey (CDR) goal for Barca v Madrid and failed to find the net in the 1st leg. He however set Fabregas up for  the team’s only goal. El Guaje (Villa) will hope for a starting berth after impressing on his return to the starting 11 on Saturday. That looks increasingly unlikely if Barca decide to place Iniesta on the wings as has been done more often than not.

The Merengues were without Xabi Alonso the bandleader, Karim Benzema and teenage prodigy, Raphael Varane at the Riazor. All will be expected to return to the starting line-up. Varane was supposedly left out of the Deportivo game due to muscular issues. We all know how these clubs formulate and cook up stories just to hide the real reasons behind some decisions and actions.

The youngster from France was instrumental to Madrid’s defensive masterclass at the Bernabeu and even scored a beautiful equaliser off an Ozil assist when it was looking like another Barcelona triumph.

The two Spanish giants will slug it out tonight for the right to contest the final of the Copa. Apart from CR7 and Messi who are the usual suspects, there are great players like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, Pique, Puyol, Ozil, Alonso, Khedira, Sergio Ramos, Fabregas, Modric, etc who can decide the outcome of a match on their own. One moment of brilliance and boom, game, set and match.

The two protagonists any day are RONALDO and MESSI. The best players in the world by any standard have scored an astonishing 86 goals between them this season. The Portuguese’s record of scoring in consecutive Clasicos stopped at 6 (he couldn’t score in the 1st leg). Nevertheless, he is the main threat, the biggest and most lethal weapon of REAL MADRID. Set him loose and he hurts you deeply.

Mr Messi is just unbelievably phenomenal. The ‘flea’ has scored 38 league goals in just 25 matches this season including scoring in the last 15 La liga matches. The last time he failed to find the opposition net in league play was November 2012. Since then it has been 15 matches-25 goals.

An Ambrosini-esque performance will be needed from Alonso or Khedira or Essien to stop him from causing damage. His 17 Clasico goals is just 1 less than Alfredo Di Stefano’s record of 18 set donkey years ago. He loves the Nou Camp and is sometimes unstoppable when he gets on the famous pitch.

We anticipate a fantastic game of scintillating football tonight. Anything short of that will be way below our expectations.

Handbags, theatrics and shameful playacting have been common sights in recent Clasicos. The last two have been excellent with little or no controversies, with good football taking centre stage rather than childishness, immaturity and unprofessional behaviour among players and coaches.

 

Probable Line-ups

BARCELONA- Pinto, Alves, Puyo/Mascherano, Pique, Alba, Busquets, Xavi, Fabregas, Messi, Pedro, Iniesta

REAL MADRID- Lopez, Essien, Ramos/Pepe, Varane, Marcelo/Coentrao, Khedira, Alonso, Modric/Kaka, Ozil, CR7, Benzema.

 

The widespread rumours have been that Mourinho will employ a false ’9′ system v Barcelona (Copa), Barcelona (League) and MUFC (UCL). Whatever he does, at least 8 of the players I mentioned must start the game.

The ‘false nine’ idea is as a result of the poor performances and injury worries of his strikers this season. Compared to last season, it has been a very unfortunate campaign for the strikers at Mourinho’s disposal.

Angel Di Maria stupidly and irrationally sent himself off the other night. Sometimes, he behaves really funny. Two yellow cards in the space of 20 seconds is unacceptable even in amateur football. His moment of absolute insanity has cost him a place in Saturday’s League game v Barcelona.

‘What a farmer-’FAZENDEIRO’, according to JERRAD PETERS.

 

Written by Ohireime Eboreime

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AC Milan: The Rossoneri make point with rivals as bright future beckons

  By O-Posts Team | February 25, 2013 - 20:46 | , , ,
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There was a feeling after the final whistle went on the stalemate Milan derby in the San Siro on Sunday night that it was AC who secured the moral victory. A dominant display, only bearing the fruit of Stephen El Shaarawy’s first half strike, that was repelled only by a string of good saves by Samir Handanovic in the Inter goal, could have been construed that, had the match taken place in a boxing ring, Massimiliano Allegri’s side would have won on points.

It does indeed point to a bright future. Gone have the old guard that seemed to have been clinging on at the San Siro through sentiment only. Gattuso, Seedorf, Van Bommel, Nesta and Zambrotta have all passed while 35 year old club captain Massimo Ambrosini and 38 year old centre-half Mario Yepes have both been used sparingly. It is indicative of the age-shift that Phillipe Mexes, at the age of 30, was the oldest outfield player in Milan’s line-up that drew with Inter on Sunday.

The transition has not just been limited to the elder citizens, as Alberto Aquilani, Djamel Mesbah, Urby Emmanuelson, and Maxi Lopez had all outlasted their stay, while the high-profile exits of Alexandre Pato, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva and Antonio Cassano had threatened to subject the club to a spell of regression.

Allegri, who has managed to fend of the struggles promised by their drastic upheaval, now points to the likes of Mattia De Sciglio, Kevin Constant, M’baye Niang and the Barcelona youth product Bojan Krkic to light the way forward.

To deal with the departures, Milan bought effectively over the summer months, bringing in Zapata, Francisco Acerbi and Nigel De Jong, all for fees of around £3 million, while Giampaolo Pazzini arrived for €7 million as part as the deal taking Cassano to Inter. The Italian striker has gone on to score 10 goals.

Riccardo Montolivo, who impressed in last year’s European Championships with Italy, joined on a free together with Sulley Muntari to bolster the midfield, while Allegri also invested in the future, spending just £2 million on the talented 18 year old Niang and loaning in Bojan from Roma with an option to buy him at the end of the season.

After the summer of refurbishment, the season did not start well for Allegri who only managed to win 2 of his first 8 matches to leave Milan peering over their shoulder in the bottom half of Serie A. Now, things are very much on an upward curve as the Rossoneri have lost just 2 of their last 18 matches to position them third, a point ahead of Lazio and rivals Inter as the chase for the final Champions League qualification spot begins to heat up.

It is not only the league form that is cause for optimism, but their recent 2-0 win over Barcelona in the second round of the Champions League which puts them on the brink of progressing to the quarter-finals of a competition they have not won since 2007. It is these results and proficient performances that have Milan running on the ominous momentum of eight matches unbeaten since the turn of the year.

It is a side that stays true to Allegri’s 4-3-3, using the vibrant movement of Pazzini, El Shaarawy and now Mario Balotelli in attack, ahead of the combative midfield of Antonio Nocerino and Ricardo Montolivo who can win the ball back and move it forward quickly. Either Ambrosini or De Jong are appointed to anchor the midfield, offering experience in protecting a defence that has shipped just six goals in their last eight games and provided the solid foundation to the victory over Messi, Iniesta and co. last week.

The quality is not just restricted to their starting eleven as, going deeper to reserve, Allegri can call on the energy and work-rate of Ghanians Muntari and Kevin Prince Boateng, the two scorers vs Barcelona, in midfield, the versatility of Daniele Bonera and Kevin Constant in defence and the lightning pace of young M’Baye Niang when defences have been worn down late on. It is testament to the strength in depth at Allegri’s disposal that the quality of Robinho and the strong experience of Mathieu Flamini have just been afforded a handful of appearances.

With such strength in all areas of the squad, the 45 year old coach can order a high level of pressing, key to winning the ball and initiating attacks in the opponent’s half, without concern of his players tiring. Should Allegri turn to the bench, he is assured there is always quality available on it, a huge advantage in a league that now allows twelve substitutes.

It is the recent upturn in form that will have painted the long-term in a lustrous shade of red and black, the Scudetto looks out of reach this season as it head back into the hands of Juventus, but Allegri’s well-rounded squad are beginning to show the promise that it will not be long before they are competing for the championship again.

The form of 20 year old El Shaarawy, who has hit 16 goals this term, in tandem with 22 year old Balotelli, who has had the impact of 4 goals from his first 4 games since joining in January, will hint that another era of league dominance, replicating the success of the 1990′s Milan, could also be in the pipeline if the young Italian strike force can produce the future their precocious talents suggest.

If they can finish the job against Barcelona in two week’s time, perhaps the focus of finishing in the Champions League places of Serie A may shift over to actually winning the competition for the first time in six years, but Allegri will be cautious enough to keep that as a long-term aim for a job that has been under-mined by a plethora of player-changes and the most volatile of transitional periods.

It is those conclusions that all connected with the Rossoneri would have taken from the 1-1 draw with Inter on Sunday evening, that it is still a work in progress and it is beginning to power in the right direction.

For Allegri, who has recently summarised the turnaround most effectively with “we are now able to aim for targets that until recently has seemed out of reach”. After his travails of the summer, that is a remarkable achievement in itself.

 

Written by Adam Gray

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Arsene Wenger: I have never considered quitting

  By O-Posts Team | February 25, 2013 - 20:17 | , ,
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Despite speculation about his future hitting an all time high this week, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has come out fighting, saying that the thought of quitting has post has never entered his mind.

It has been well documented that Arsenal have had a poor week of course. They lost to Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the Champions League, meaning that their hopes of any silverware this season appear to be gone.

Should this prove to be the case, it will be eight seasons without a trophy, something the Arsenal fans are far from happy about. Many of them believe it is time for a change if their team are to be successful again.

Wenger has been in this situation before of course and continuing a familiar trend, he has spoken positively about his vision for the club, saying that he will not review his position until 2014 – when his latest contract expires.

Speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa, the Frenchman said: “We need to be united and strong and not be too destabilised by people who have strong opinions after one game.

“I have a contract until the end of 2014 and at the moment we are on a short-term plan. I have been here for a long time and have to consider what I want to do.

“That will be decided in 2014, not before.”

Wenger did admit that his team cannot afford many slip ups in the Premier League if they are to secure a place in the top four though. For points, as well as morale, they simply have to win at home to Aston Villa this weekend.

On this subject, Wenger continued: “We are in a position where we cannot afford to drop points. We will go into the game with a huge desire to get out the disappointments we have had.

“Apart from Manchester United, for all the other positions, I feel it’s very open. It’s just down to us now to continue to be consistent like we have been. We have to focus on continuing to get the points.”

Wenger appears to be implying that his team could finish 2nd, but at the moment this seems a long way off.

Arsenal are nine points behind Manchester City, while four points is the gap between them and North London rivals Tottenham, the team that currently occupies fourth position.

The atmosphere will be an interesting one at the Emirates this weekend, that’s for sure.

Wenger would love an early goal, a positive performance and three points to remind everyone that it isn’t all doom and gloom.

 

Written by Thomas Rooney from Footballtips.com, the number one site for all the very best tips from football matches all over the World. Follow @footballtips for the latest tips.

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