The World Cup playoff game between the United States and Costa Rica on March 22, 2013 was especially memorable. Played in the middle of a storm in Colorado, the game was the closest thing to blizzard soccer fans had seen in a while.

For 90 minutes, players had to contend with an increasingly torrential downpour of wet, white flakes. Afterwards, the severity of the conditions had millions of soccer enthusiasts wondering: should play in such treacherous conditions really be allowed?

Why continue?

World Cup games are obviously the most important in the sport and can be difficult to reschedule. When a team and its fans have already traveled thousands of miles for the game, canceling is something that needs to be avoided at all costs. In addition, postponing the game may mean players won’t get enough rest before their next round.

In this particular game, it didn’t look like the weather would cooperate any time soon. If the game hadn’t been played that night, it wouldn’t have been for quite awhile.

Is it safe?

In spite of tight tournament schedules and pending forecasts, the safety of the players should be the number one consideration when choosing to continue a game. Looking back, was it really safe to continue a game in the middle of a blizzard?

In defending their decision to continue play, refs said the players hadn’t been sliding on the snow very much. While this may be true, any soccer player will tell you injuries don’t necessarily happen during slides.

These players were cold, wet, and covered in so much snow that they could run it through an EDI water purification system and use it to hydrate themselves. In these conditions, even the slightest misstep can cause an injury. If nothing else, the players’ immune systems were lowered by the weather.

Who should make the call?

If the game has already started, refs make the final call as to whether it will continue. However, is this fair? Shouldn’t the league, coaches and players have more of a say in whether conditions are safe?

It hasn’t always been the case that players earned hundreds of thousands each week, however. In actual fact, some players were earning the equivalent of £228 each week back in the 1900s, the same as what many full-time workers in the “real world” earn today.

This infographic, created by equipment retailer The Soccer Store, shows just how times have changed, from the early days of £4 per week right up to the £200,000-a-week contract signed by Carlos Tevez in 2009.

Written and created by Matt Rawlings

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattRawlings46

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

It’s been coming; we were just too afraid to admit it. After Wigan’s FA Cup heroics at the weekend, there was a possibility that they could perform the ‘Great Escape’ that they have managed in past seasons, and in fashionable style, too.

It looked like survival was on the cards after some impressive wins and vital draws, although where I think it was lost was after the FA Cup semi-final victory against Millwall. Since that game, they lost to Manchester City, West Ham and Swansea, whilst picking up a point against Tottenham and a win at West Brom. Against Swansea you felt that they were running on pure emotion, and perhaps it was just a season too far for the Latics.

They’ve left a rather big gap in the Barclays Premier League and it is a shame that they’ve dropped down to the Championship after seven years in the top-flight. I reckon that they have the credentials to come back up within their first season, or definitely the second. I do believe however that it all depends on which players decide to stay and of course whether their manager, Roberto Martinez, stays at the DW Stadium.

Since David Moyes has taken over at Old Trafford to replace the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson, Martinez has been linked with the Everton job. It wouldn’t surprise me if he was lured to Everton and I’m sure he could do a brilliant job there. Martinez will want to remain a Premier League manager, I’m sure of it.

And at the upper half of the table..

The result that sent them down – a 4-1 loss to Arsenal – ensured that the Gunners can clinch the Champions League spot if they win on the last day of the season, and Tottenham need a win to clinch the spot, as long as Arsenal draw or lose away at Newcastle. It will make for an exciting spectacle on the last day of the season, and these are what makes the Premier League rich in excitement.

Tottenham kept up with Arsenal after Adebayor netted the winner from close-range. Up the other end of the table, Di Canio’s Sunderland drew at home to Southampton, and the Italian has done what was needed to be done. They’ve looked fresher since the change and at times joyous to watch, especially in the Tyne wear derby.

Another change in the Premier League has happened at former Premier League Champions Manchester City. On the same date that Sergio ‘Aguerooooo’ scored that infamous injury time winner to steal the title off United, City sacked Roberto Mancini. The decision had been brewing for some time, and I believe that the FA Cup loss to Wigan may have tipped the decision that was eventually made, although I feel that had he won the cup, it still might not have saved his job.

Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini is rumoured to be the leading candidate for the notorious job. Whether the former Real Madrid man can lead City to the success that they all crave is another thing. It’s no easy club to manage.

I’d love to see Mourinho take control of the dugout at Etihad, but that may end up just being a distant dream. Time will tell, but it didn’t seem to have an effect on the side as City stormed to a 2-0 victory at relegated Reading with Brian Kidd in charge after Mancini’s assistant, David Platt, stepped down.

David Moyes, whom I mentioned earlier, waved goodbye to the faithful at Goodison Park with the perfect send-off, beating West Ham United 2-0. It was an encouraging performance too.

Elsewhere..

Norwich ensured survival at the weekend with a telling 4-0 victory against Steve Clark’s West Brom, who have eased off the pace since survival was confirmed. I’m pleased that Norwich haveensured Premier League football for another campaign as they have an English manager in charge. I’ll support any English boss and wish them success.

Newcastle beat lowly QPR to beat the drop when a short Bosingwa ball tricked its way back to ‘keeper Robert Green, and his punt up field found Gouffran who tapped in to hand the three points to the visitors.

Daniel Sturridge netted an impressive hat-trick, his first in senior football, to beat Martin Jol’s Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage. The pick of the bunch was a sublime lob which found the bottom corner, similar to the goal he scored during the 2012 London Olympics for Team GB.

I’m looking forward to what the final day has in store in terms of the Champions League spot. But we all know that there will be far less drama than what we have experienced on the last day before.

David Beckham holds the Olympic Flame as it arrives at RNAS Culdrose near Helston on May 18, 2012 in Cornwall, England. (Getty Images)

“Old Time, the greatest and longest established spinner of all…his factory is a secret place, his work is noiseless, and his hands are mutes” said Charles Dickens, referring to the commodity of age as an almost haunting process.

There is definitely a chill about the air in 2013, the defining generation of the Premier League era is edging itself to the door. Michael Owen and Jamie Carragher both wave goodbye on Sunday, as does Paul Scholes, accompanied by his manager, who ends his 26-year stint in charge of Manchester United with a game against West Bromwich Albion.

Scholes’ exit leaves Ryan Giggs as the one remaining “Fergie Fledglings”, the one-man contradiction to the words of Dickens, as this week, over in Paris, David Beckham has also announced he is to remove himself from football’s A-list.

His news was inevitably accompanied by numerous replays of his half-way line goal against Wimbledon, as well as that free-kick against Greece that sent a sharp tingle down the most insensitive of spines as it curved into the net, sending England to the 2002 World Cup.

The perspective of ageing can be found in that particular trawl back through the archives as Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand will be the only two survivors from that 2-2 draw, twelve years on, heading back to the drudgery of pre-season in the late-summer.

As football moves on to a brave new era, there was an opportunity to dwell on Beckham’s fine, if not fantastic career. With 6 Premier League titles, a Champions League, league titles in Spain and France and a series of trophies from his time in the United States, Beckham can certainly walk away with a glimmering trophy cabinet, however there has to be a tinge of regret accompanying the nostalgia as he looks back through a career that spanned two decades.

Nearly all of Sir Alex Ferguson’s class of the mid-90s have left Manchester United effusively, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt when first team opportunities stemmed out of reach, Gary Neville when chronic injuries hit and Scholes when father-time has eventually reared his head. That is of course, all but Giggs, who is still soldiering on at the ripe old age of 39, and Beckham, who bucked the trend, leaving United shrouded in controversy and dispute.

Ferguson did not mean to kick that infamous boot at Beckham in the aftermath of a 2003 FA Cup tie against Arsenal, yet it provided the perfect illustration to accompany Beckham’s acrimonious exit to Real Madrid that summer. Beckham had developed “this fashion thing” according to Ferguson, causing him to witness his “transition into a different person”.

In the run up to the World Cup of 2002, after that meeting with Greece, Beckham suffered a foot injury in a challenge with Argentinean Aldo Duscher and the media fanfare began to take pace, almost into insanity, as it rushed Beckham into Sven Goran Eriksson’s plans for Japan and Korea.

Despite his “redemption” against Argentina in Sapporo, Beckham cut an unfit figure, jumping out of a challenge against Brazil in the quarter-finals in the build-up to Rivaldo’s equaliser. Yet England’s presence on the global stage without their captain was simply unthinkable, he had to be there, broken metatarsal or not. “Brand Beckham” had launched and for Manchester United it became too much. “His life changed when he met his wife” Ferguson once said.

Together with his wife, former Spice Girl Victoria Adams, and advisor Stuart Fuller, a behemoth of a marketing campaign was forged. Beckham perfume and clothing ranges were all exposed to the world as he moved to Spain and then the United States, but his dedication to the sport he loved never let up despite the ultra sums of money he was making alongside his on-pitch exploits.

Initially phased out from Real Madrid’s squad by Fabio Capello after his move to the MLS became public, he fought his way back in to the Italian’s thinking to help secure the Spanish title in 2007. Steve McClaren dropped him from his England revolution when he succeeded Sven Goran-Eriksson in 2007 but he was back a year later, lasting until an Achilles injury ruled him out of the 2010 World Cup.

All this came after he fought his way back from the vitriolic low he slumped to after being shown a red card for a faint kick on Diego Simeone at the France ’98 World Cup. Beckham’s persistence and refusal to give-in was peerless.

He filled his off-season in America by moving on loan to AC Milan, Carlo Ancelotti voicing huge support for his relentless professionalism. From lining a tyre on the frame of the goal after training at Manchester United’s old facility at the Cliff and trying repeatedly to bend a free-kick through it, right the way to popping up at Paris St Germain at the age of 38 for one final shot at the big time, Beckham was the footballer who vehemently refused to betray his natural instincts of sheer endeavour and devotion.

It was that ruthless pursuit of excellence that transformed him into one of the very best during the late 90s, early 2000s, which he lit up with his trademark array of spectacular goals and wonderful passes that were consistently inch-perfect. Football’s evolution into the culture of celebrity engrossed him however and Manchester United seemed to be aware of his transformation into the poster boy of this new age of ultra-capitalism at the top of the game.

Despite the 115 caps for England, despite the numerous cups he has won since his exit from Old Trafford, despite the phenomenal work-rate and flawless image he resiliently strived to demonstrate, Beckham’s career wasn’t what it should have been, that should be the most saddening eulogy to an otherwise incredible career.

Written by Adam Gray

Perhaps the most startling aspect of Roberto Mancini’s sacking as Manchester City manager on Monday evening was the speed of it, coming just over 48 hours after the Qatari owners watched their side produce a sluggish display in defeat to Wigan in the FA Cup final.

Rumours that the Eastlands hierarchy held a lack of faith in Mancini’s reign had been circulating in the build-up to the final, in tandem with City’s relinquishing of the Premier League title back to neighbours Manchester United, and the bubbling prospect of Mancini’s overhauling had almost over-shadowed City’s presence at Saturday’s showpiece event.

A fine Wigan performance subjected Manchester City to a trophy-less campaign and it proved to be the final scene in Mancini’s eventful three and a half year act in English football. The lack of success proved to have had little affect on the thinking of his employers, however, hinting that as Khaldoon Al Mubarak, the City chairman, stood alongside his manager to convey the Wembley pitch in the build-up to Saturday’s kick-off, he was well-drilled in the Italian manager’s fate.

Having woke up on Saturday to intensified speculation that Manuel Pellegrini, the Qatari owner’s reported choice to succeed Mancini, was on his way in, City fans were vocal in their support of the manager at Wembley. Many also lined the streets of Manchester on Tuesday to remind the outgoing manager the high regard he was held amongst City fans who watched him deliver their first league championship in 44 years. A managerial sacking after a season which delivered a second-place league finish and a runners-up spot in the FA Cup seemed not to sit well with a fan-base still familiar with the trips to Grimsby and Stockport that illustrated the era of mundane failure at the turn of the millennium.

The statement which accompanied Mancini’s removal did mention that “he had failed to achieve on of its targets for the year”, hinting at the lack of silverware, but the meat of the parting prose came in identifying his successor as somebody who would “ensure a more holistic approach to all aspects of football at the club”.

A summer in which Mancini was restricted in the transfer market, adding just Scott Sinclair, Jack Rodwell, Javi Garcia and Matija Nastasic to his championship-winning squad, whilst their city neighbours got significantly stronger with the acquisitions of Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie, saw the Italian blame the board for his struggles to defend that title. From then on, there was a suspicion the writing was on the wall.

Frayed relationships have appeared not to have eased as the naturally abrasive and polemic Mancini has also publicly criticised his squad on numerous occasions, as well as entertaining the circus of lunacy accompanying Mario Balotelli, before he was left with little choice but to jettison the young Italian back to Milan in January. Communication problems with the board seem to have passed beyond the point of repair as City have produced a laborious struggle on the field.

Whilst Mancini wrestled with his volatile nature and an unsettled squad, Sir Alex Ferguson managed to keep a tight reign on his despite the bitter failure of the preceding campaign and was fully-focused on retrieving the title, becoming his 13th of the Premier League era. The importance of maintaining an almost-autocratic reign on a club to ensure long-term success has been emphasised by Ferguson’s recent retirement, and it is something City are looking to replicate, starting with the ousting of their quarrelsome coach.

It seems like Pellegrini, the Chilean coach of La Liga club Malaga, does seem to be Manchester City’s preferred choice to take over, as news of his talks with the clubs has emerged in the aftermath of Mancini’s passing. The 59 year old has built his reputation as a superb tactician during his time in Spain with Villarreal, who he guided to a Champions League semi-final in 2006, as well as a second place league finish in the midst of the Real Madrid, Barcelona duopoly in 2008, and now Malaga, whom he led to the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history last season.

The rise of the Andalusian club has been heavily funded by the riches of Sheikh Al Thani, though the financial turbulence caused by the benefactor’s possible withdrawal in the summer, that sparked the sale of Santi Cazorla, Joris Mathijsen and Salomon Rondon as well as Nacho Monreal in January,  has failed to significantly hinder Pellegrini, who has kept the club in the hunt for another Champions League qualification (though UEFA rulings have barred the club from competing in Europe next year due to financial irregularities) and came within seconds of eliminating finalists Borussia Dortmund from the quarter-final stage of this year’s competition.

The mitigating presence of the rich owner can be excused when it is considered Pellegrini was forced to spend nothing in the summer but has still churned out a year of relative success. Yet, critics will point to his trophy-less year at Real Madrid, when he was backed to the tune of £200 million by president Florentino Perez, signing the quadrant of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Xabi Alonso, as a foreboding aspect of Pellegrini’s arrival in Manchester, though one should expect less interference from the Qatari ownership in contrast to Perez, who prohibited Pellegrini from picking Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben and refused to speak to his coach when he did. The relationship with his president was further skewed by the decision to pick Gonzalo Higuain ahead of the £30 million signing Karim Benzema.

Despite the counter-productive political battle with Perez and the board, Pellegrini led Madrid to a 96 point finish, a club record, but finished runner-up to a Barcelona side the Chilean referred to as the “best Barcelona in history”. Bemoaning the reckless Galactico philosophy of Madrid on his way out, Pellegrini was duly sacked after just one year, but it is rather harsh to overlook the context, which has caused the coach to be without any silverware outside of his native South America. Mancini has dictated that City should look to somebody who offers far more than just results, and Pellegrini ticks that box.

The way in which Pellegrini has kept his side motivated in this season’s La Liga despite the prospect of no European football for next year has shown his ability to keep tight control over his players, whilst the impressive form of Javier Saviola, Julio Baptista and Joaquin, all players previously discarded on the continent, suggests the extent of what he can force out of stretched resources. His record in Europe is also already more attractive than Mancini’s, whose limitations were exposed most drastically on the continent with two group stage exits during his spell at Eastlands.

With an FA Cup win and a Premier League title to his name from his time in England, there was possibly enough to draw a valid argument for Mancini to be given another year in charge of Manchester City, though the owners have chosen to dispense with the manager who struggled to grasp the aspects of football coaching other than simply getting results.

Pellegrini’s trophy cabinet is bare, but that should be irrespective to his possible succession, a manager’s validity should go deeper than that, something that City’s owners have shown their appreciation of.

Written by Adam Gray

Despite his small frame, the majestic genius was so good he rarely ever put a foot wrong. How can you begin to acknowledge his contributions to Manchester United‘s history. He picked up his 11th League winners medal on Sunday. The very same day that will represent his last ever as a a footballer at Old Trafford. He was injured for much of the year, but when he played at the start of the season, he was almost impeccable (bar his mistimed tackles).

The peak of his performance came in the 3-2 loss to Spurs at the Theatre last year where he attempted a mind boggling 144 passes only in the 2nd half. It was quite simply  astounding. The masterclass midfielder has dominated matches aplenty with his exceptional and unique skill and technique. Eyebrows were raised when he decided to clean up his old boots and get back on the pitch he sorely missed for the seven months he was out.

I, for one, was upset that his last ever game as an esteemed professional would be that excruciating defeat to Barcelona in the UCL final at the new Wembley. Even though I was slightly excited by the way six players of the Blaugrana fought for his jersey, it wasn’t at all gratifying. It was relieving when he decided to give playing for Manchester United one final shot. I didn’t bother what the aftermath of his return would be.

All that mattered was that one of my all time favourite footballers was back. Not many can come out of retirement and still have a great impact on affairs. Paul Scholes was one of the select few. A  great master cannot suddenly become a student however long the hiatus could ever be. It was an effortless return to action in January 2011 and from then on, we were treated to some of the most scintillating performances ever seen.

He sparked the Manchester United revival the previous season and if not for some moments of madness, it would have ended in glory until Aguero broke our hearts on the last day of the season. He didn’t retire because he was aware that Manchester United don’t back down when the battle is at its fiercest.

The 13th Premier League and 20th English topflight crown was sealed in April and thus, it meant the grand old magician could have his swansong at Old Trafford entrenched in exaltation and splendour. Rio Ferdinand made sure he bowed out in style when he sent in an unstoppable cracker past the Swansea goalie in the 87th minute to gift our beloved Manchester United the win. It was written in the stars. A tad better than the sendoff two years prior and a much greater feeling of satisfaction and serenity.

When the World’s greatest ever footballer sings your praise, you know you are truly special. The exemplary and sometimes annoying Edson Arantes (PELE) was in awe of Paul Scholes. The Brazilian all time great was of the opinion that if the man affectionately called ‘SATNAV’ had been his teammate, he definitely would have scored more than the 1200+ goals he managed in his peerless career to date. Zinedine Zidane singled out Paul as the most difficult opponent he has ever faced. That says it all.

Other legitimate Legends like Thierry Henry, Luis Figo, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, etc have done their fair share of eulogies too. It is no mistake that Bobby Charlton calls the retiring great his favourite  footballer who epitomises the spirit of Manchester United and everything about the Beautiful Game. Another England great and a not too bad pass master, Glenn Hoddle extolled his sterling qualities, tagging him the jewel in the crown and unarguably one of the best footballers of his generation. Perhaps the finest of his age.

Paul Scholes is one of the very best of any generation. He could fit into any team in any era. Despite receiving 97 yellow cards in the premier league, only on four occasions did he actually get sent off. His challenges were sometimes criminal, but largely thrown overboard and exaggerated by a large section of the media.

It was Sven-Goran Eriksson (nicknamed Svennis) that denied England fans and the country itself the opportunity to see Scholesy in prime form. He retired at 29 because he was abandoned on the left wing in favour of Lampard and Gerrard who can never ever match his explosiveness and knack for finding the right man. Scholes is and will forever be incomparable on and off the pitch. Many attempts to get him back playing for the Three Lions hit a brick wall and rightly so. He was discarded like rotten potato..You can’t eat your fiesta and have it.

It isn’t just his on-the-pitch exploits that sets him apart. Scholes is one of the most humble and down to earth footballers of all time. Never one for the razzmatazz of the game nor for the celebrity lifestyle. A pure family person who drives home straight after training or any football match, avoiding interviews and what have you. You rarely come across a player with the complete package.

Here you have one of the world’s greatest ever players who prefers his football and family to fame and recognition and embraces glory rather than popularity. Despite all these, his excellent contributions to the game we love so much made him so famous and well loved. Take away his erratic rashness and uncompromising tackles and you have an almost spotless career filled with collective titles and personal accolades.

Hasta la vista the best decision-maker in world football. The man who could pass from Manchester to Massachusetts with consummate ease. We obviously would not mind a third foray. Although, John McEnroe’s famous rant to the chair umpires of yore in his playing days must spring up…….’YOU CANNOT BE SERIOUS’

On the move: The Frenchman has one year on his contract and has been linked with a move away from Emirates. (Getty Images)

In recent years, Arsenal have been lucky enough to have a line of very good right-backs in their ranks. From the English bite of Lee Dixon to the undying passion of Lauren to the total commitment of Bacary Sagna, the right side of defence has never been a problematic position for Arsenal for quite some time. Sadly though, with Sagna’s contract up in the summer of 2014, and with no sign of a new offer on the table, he could be heading to pastures new at some point this summer.

Sagna has been a great servant to the club for six years since he joined from French club Auxerre in 2007. His energy, determination and talent have made him a huge asset, but with two leg breaks in the 2011-12 season, he has unfortunately lost his energy and ability to boss the right side of the pitch as effectively as he once could.

While he may not be the player he was, he is an experienced member of the squad and knows the club inside out – proved when he referred to Spurs as ‘the enemy’ after beating them 5-2 in the 2011-12 season.

Furthermore, he can fill in at centre-back if needed and is capable of putting in a shift at right-back. Should this not happen, though, which looks increasing likely, he has to be replaced well. Some have suggested simply promoting Hector Bellerin to the first team squad and letting Carl Jenkinson take over as first choice right-back. While both are highly-rated at the club, neither one is completely ready to step into the Frenchman’s shoes. An experienced professional is needed to guide these two young, talented defenders.

So who to replace Sagna with? His successor must be a rock-solid defender as himself and has to have enough experience to immediately slot in as first-choice right-back with no problems or adjustment time. A strong attacking side of his game would also be welcome, although being solid defensively must be the priority.

My number one choice to fill the gap Sagna will likely leave would be Micah Richards of Manchester City. He is perfect for this role. He is at the right age, has Premier League experience, is English so would fit in with the club’s British core and has already won trophies in England. Although I think it is unlikely Manchester City would part with such a brilliant player.

Lukas Piszczek of Borussia Dortmund is another option but he recently signed a contract extension until 2017 and Dortmund will not want to sell another one of their key players so that is also a long shot.

Angel Rangel is an option, he was mentioned last summer and has had a very good second season in the Premier League with Swansea and could want to make the step up to a bigger club, but would he opt against playing European football with Swansea next season?

Whoever Arsene chooses to be Sagna’s replacement, he should be up to the task of taking over from a player who has repeatedly been chosen in the PFA team of the year and is as consistent as Bac has been for the last 6 years.

Written by Charlie Smith

Roberto Mancini and Vincent Kompany look dejected in defeat after the FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Wigan Athletic at Wembley Stadium on May 11, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

The sacking of Roberto Mancini has raised many an eyebrow these past 24 hours as to why exactly he was sacked. Are we the new Chelsea or Real Madrid? Do our owners know nothing about football? Of course not.

The reasoning behind the Mancini departure expressed by the club is that they needed to develop a ‘holistic’ approach. Mancini certainly has not been holistic at City. He often criticised the board members such as Brian Marwood and even City’s PR Vicky Kloss. Regardless of whether they have actually done a bad job or not, in criticising these members of the board, Mancini makes City look weak and therefore makes the image of the club look bad.

If he has a problem with these members of City’s boardroom and PR he should speak with them quietly and individually, rather than publicly shaming them. It’s embarrassing for our club.

Mancini also seemed to have lost the faith of the players, I don’t know when this happened, but performances like the one against Wigan have occurred far too frequently throughout our season. Games like the Aston Villa (Capital One Cup) game, the Borussia Dortmund away game and the dismal away game against Southampton spring to mind.

Clearly, Mancini seemed to be unable to inspire and motivate his players to the extent by which he should have been doing. It is the manager’s job after all, to motivate and bring the best out of his players. For the last few months, even stretching back sometimes into last season, Mancini has failed to do that.  Mancini’s constant failure in Europe – albeit having only a couple of cracks at it – also comes to mind.

We couldn’t get past an average Dynamo Kyiv or Sporting Lisbon side in the UEFA Europa League and we failed, despite our “Group of Deaths”, to get out of the Champions League Group Stages two seasons running. For our board with their aspirations of City being as good as Bayern are now, or Barcelona were just a few seasons ago, this is just simply not good enough. Real Madrid should have been beaten by City twice in the Champions League, they were there for the taking, and we didn’t do that.

Performances matter to our board as much as results do. Claiming a 2nd place in the Premier League whilst being FA Cup Runners Up may have been good enough for Mancini, had the team looked like a world-class side frequently this season. The game against United away and the first 65 minutes against Chelsea aside, I don’t think City have looked anything like world-class this season.

The board has wielded the axe now, in order to make sure next season is a much better season on and off the pitch. Manuel Pellegrini, the man in line to take his job, has many of the traits City may be looking for. He has been known to be a man of principle, one who will not criticise the board, and he will take a more “holistic” approach to Manchester City Football Club.

He has stayed at Malaga despite the numerous crises throughout this season. He has dragged a side, who sold most of their best players last summer, to 6th in the Spanish La Liga and very nearly to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, barring two offside goals in added time from Borussia Dortmund. He did the same with Villarreal in 2006, lifting them from obscurity to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

In his one season managerial stint with Real Madrid, Pellegrini was deprived of his wishes as coach and forced to work with players given to him by Florentino Perez. Whilst Pellegrini wanted to keep Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben, Perez sold them and bought Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Kaka. Pellegrini had seen Robben and Sneijder integral to his plans and even though Pellegrini did get one of the world’s best players in Cristiano Ronaldo, he failed to convince Perez to get the defensive players he wanted.

Manuel Pellegrini of Malaga has been heavily tipped to take over. (Getty Images)

A famous quote by Pellegrini at the time; “It’s no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don’t have a pianist”, meaning that Perez was obsessed with buying attacking players, rather than the players he actually needed. However, in that season Pellegrini got Real Madrid’s highest ever points total of 96 points. He was second, only to the greatest ever Barcelona side of 2010, who amassed 99 points. Consequently, Pellegrini was sacked, as is Real Madrid’s hostile approach to managers.

Mancini is still loved by most of the City faithful, me included, for what he achieved during his 3 and a half year stint. Despite the dismal way Mancini has been treated and sacked in the last week of his tenure, it should be remembered that the board, including ex-Barca chiefs Txiki Begiristain and Ferran Soriano will have thought Mancini’s job through extensively and won’t have made any rash decision. City were in an impossible position on Monday, in that if they hadn’t sacked him, they would have been slated as “classless” for allowing a dead man walking to carry on his job.

However, as they did sack him, they were branded as “classless” for the way Mancini was sacked, it was a no-win situation. Nevertheless at City, Pellegrini will be given time to develop and integrate his ideas into the City side. Pellegrini has repeatedly said that the idea of playing entertaining football is non-negotiable and so expect a much more exciting, early 2011-12 season like, City next season.

Don’t worry if Pellegrini hasn’t won any major trophies in Europe, he hasn’t had the proper platform to be able to. At City, he will get just that.

Written by Henry Francis

Fans light flares during the Russian Premier League match between PFC CSKA Moscow and FC Spartak Moscow at the Luzhniki Stadium on April 21, 2013 in Moscow, Russia. (Getty Images)

It may be the biggest country on earth, but one of the most, if not the most, controversial. Russia has a long and dark association with corruption, and it’s an issue that is not showing any signs of going away.

From Vladimir Putin’s blatant rigging of public elections, to being one of the few capitalist countries with no freedom of speech, the country is never far away from causing heated debate. But in sporting terms, the corruption is becoming ever more and more evident.

This season’s Russian Premier League has been overshadowed by some of the worst refereeing that has been seen for a long time, and even for Russian standards, the referring has been exceptionally poor. And the recent Russian Cup semi-final match between Zenit St. Petersburg vs. Anzhi Makhachkalaha highlighted all the problems that Russia faces if it is really going to make it as a world footballing superpower.

With the game taking place in Saint Petersburg, Zenit were the clear favourites to advance to the final, where CSKA Moscow laid in wait. Zenit didn’t waste any time in trying to live up to their pre-match tags, attacking right from the first whistle.

While the score after the first half was 0-0 nothing looked too suspicious despite Zenit failing to score, but there was already a feeling it just wasn’t going to be their day. Hulk rattled the crossbar with a rasping long range drive, and Vladimir Gabulov was working miracles in the Anzhi goal, fending off numerous shots as Zenit laid siege to the Anzhi goal.

In the second half though, the script was torn up. Samuel Eto’o slotted home a 20-yard drive into the low left hand corner and with that, Anzhi held on and claimed their second place in the Russian Cup final in their relatively short history, and leaving Zenit with the probability of being left without a trophy for the first time since 2009.

Why Anzhi won though, is quite clear to everyone who watched the game with open eyes. For me personally, this match was the most clearly fixed for a very long time. Look a bit more into the politics of the whole situation though, and everything starts to become clearer.

The Cup final this year will take place in Terek’s relatively new arena in Grozny, and with the game taking place in the Chechen capital, it was pretty obvious why it was decided that Anzhi would be in the final before the semi-finals took place.

If Zenit had progressed to the final, not too many fans would have been able to make the trip to Grozny from Saint Petersburg, and a final that involved CSKA and Zenit wouldn’t had of attracted too many football fans in Grozny to buy a ticket either. But with Anzhi in the final, it’s a totally different story. Dagestan and Chechnya are two of the most troubled places in the world let alone in Russia, but they support each other.

At games of Anzhi or Terek, you can always spot a banner in support of the other teams in these southern Russian regions, and with Anzhi competing in this final, the stadium is sure to be pretty full. Anzhi fans can make the short trip over to Chechnya without many problems, and Terek fans will be out in force.

And of course, how great this will look for the Russian football union! A packed out stadium for the Cup final, it’s the image they really want to project out to the rest of the footballing world. Can you imagine what sort of terrible image would had been portrayed of football in Russia if the stadium would have been half empty with only CSKA and Zenit competing?

Sergey Karasev, the referee for the day, didn’t do a good job of hiding all this however. For Anzhi’s winning goal, no less than two clear fouls were committed leading up to the goal, which included Eto’o taking out Zenit defender Nicolas Lombaerts before unleashing his shot.

Russian fans display a giant banner in the stands. (Getty Images)

It didn’t stop there, as throughout the game clear fouls against Zenit players were just not given, leaving everyone in a state of disbelief, and Saint Petersburg’s new star man Hulk couldn’t hide his feelings against Karasev after the game, allegedly smashing down the door to the referee’s changing rooms.

Although with Hulk, his reputation does go somewhat before him. Needing just the smallest of contact to throw himself to the floor, he himself has been the centre of many controversial decisions which unlike this match, have gone Zenit’s way.

Corruption is Russia’s middle name, and you start to understand more and more just why many top footballers are seriously reluctant about making the move east. Hulk himself has been the subject of rumours for the upcoming summer transfer window, and if I was Hulk myself, I would be making a quick exit. The worst thing about the whole thing though, is that the Russian football union don’t realise how they are restricting themselves.

Russia is now one of the most powerful footballing countries in the world, and it isn’t just because of the money. The country continues to produce talent of the highest calibre, potential that is being wasted and overshadowed by the selfishness and just plain cheating by Muscovites in particular. Moscow is the corruption capital of the world, and not just in political terms. The Russian football union is controlled by corrupt Muscovites, and it is only becoming even worse and worse.

The only hope is that finally, someone from somewhere will highlight these problems and at least start to eradicate them. Russia possesses more potential than most countries, but the people with the power seem determined in ruining their own country in turn for their own selfish greed.

And for football fans, it’s not the nicest of situations when you full well know, that you’re watching a game that has had its result predetermined in an office with dodgy crooks well before the game took place.

But to be left with your pride, is more important than anything.

A central midfielder in the classic Argentine “Number 5″ mould, Claudio Yacob has caught the eye in English football and has been one of the bargain signings of this current 2012/13 season.

Background:

Claudio Yacob, born in Carcarañá in the Santa Fe province of Argentina, began his football career at Boca Juniors’ famed youth academy at the age of 12, but had to return to his family due to homesickness.

After a short break from football, he proceeded to join the academy of Racing Club de Avellaneda. Dubbed “La Flaca” upon joining Racing due to his shoulder-length hair and thin body, Yacob’s talent was evident, and he was part of a crop of Racing youngsters – including the likes of Atalanta livewire Maximiliano Moralez and current Argentina international goalkeeper Sergio Romero – dubbed “La Sexta Especial”. Progressing through Racing’s youth ranks, Yacob made his 1st-team debut in an away defeat to Club Atletico Banfield in November 2006.

After impressing at the 1st-team level, Yacob was called up to represent Argentina at the South American U20 Youth Championship and FIFA U20 World Cup, both held in 2007. Yacob asserted his credentials as another promising “Number 5″ at the U20 World Cup, playing 6 matches and scoring once in Argentina’s triumphant campaign. After a period of steady development in Racing’s 1st-team, Yacob was made captain at the ripe old age of 21, before the start of the 2008/09 Primera Division season in Argentina.

While Racing ended that season’s Apertura in 14th place, they did much better in the Clausura – finishing 5th. The same inconsistency followed in the following seasons, high or above average placing in one half and a below average finish in the other.

The high point in Yacob’s time at Racing came in the 2011 Apertura, with La Flaca leading Racing to 2nd place. Another good moment in 2011 was Yacob’s first goal for La Albiceleste in a 2-2 draw with Ecuador. Sadly, it was to be downhill after the Apertura.

Into the 2012 Clausura, Yacob’s involvement in a controversial incident – swapping shorts with his friend (an Independiente player) – in the Clasico de Avellaneda meant that he never featured for Racing again. While that will sound ridiculous to most fans, we have to note the intensity that exists in South American derby matches.

“I swapped shorts with a friend who played for the other team. But it wasn’t a big deal. It’s just that in Argentina [a derby match] means that it’s your biggest enemy and you shouldn’t exchange, a bit like with Aston Villa and Albion here. The press made it into a problem.” – Claudio Yacob on the “incident”

Despite a sour end to his time at Racing, the ex-captain of Racing probably couldn’t have predicted how well he’d do after joining English Premier League outfit West Bromwich Albion. After 7 goals and more than a century of appearances at 1st-team level and 3 international caps, Yacob left Racing Club with no hard feelings against them. He was ready to test himself on the big stage.

“The reason I didn’t play again was because I didn’t want to renew the contract because I was not happy with what they were offering. But Racing will always be in my heart because it was my first professional club.” – Claudio Yacob on his Racing departure.

Claudio Yacob’s maturity and leadership qualities stood him in good stead for a move to Europe.

Step up – West Bromwich Albion:

After impressing on trial, during the Baggies’ pre-season training camp in Malmo, Claudio Yacob was signed on a Bosman free on 24th July 2012. He was a virtual unknown to the his new team-mates and manager. WBA goalkeeper Ben Foster had never heard of him, while Steve Clarke had never watched him play before. However, giving Yacob his favoured number 5 shirt says it all about the important role he had in manager Steve Clarke’s plans for the coming season.

“I saw Albion playing when I was living in Argentina, even before I knew I was going to sign. And then, when I knew about the interest, I found out more. What I really like is that it is an old club with a lot of history.” – Claudio Yacob’s interest in WBA.

“He is an Argentina international with a real desire to prove himself in the Premier League” – WBA manager Steve Clarke upon signing Claudio Yacob

“I’m really pleased we’ve been able to recruit a player of Claudio’s calibre. He’s been a one-club man in Argentina up to now, having broken into Racing’s first team at 17 and being appointed as their captain while still in his teens. To achieve that at Argentina’s third or fourth biggest club, and then break into the national team with the wealth of talent his country have to choose from, is no mean feat.” – WBA Sporting Director Dan Ashworth on his new signing.

After a man-of-the-match performance in a shock 3-0 home win over Liverpool on the 2012/13 campaign’s opening weekend, Yacob hasn’t looked back. After consistently impressive displays in the Premier League, with the exception of an inconsistent 3-game spell when Mulumbu was out, Yacob won the award for West Brom’s Player Of The Month for March 2013.

Again, he spoke like the team-player he is – “I’m really happy with this award – it is my first here and very important to me. But most of all I want us to finish as high as possible and get used to being one of the top teams in the league.”

Having gone on to form a strong midfield partnership with Youssouf Mulumbu, the tenacious Argentine has been one of of the key players in the Baggies’ brilliant season and a top half finish looks likely, with 2 league match days remaining.

Overview:

(Statistics from WhoScored.com – “minimum appearances”. Accurate as of May 13th)

181cm tall and weighing 77kg, Claudio Yacob is of a decent size for a holding/defensive midfielder. What first stands out about his game is his game-reading ability and tenacity.

Though he’s not one for the “flashy” long-range “Hollywood pass”, Yacob is technically proficient on the ball. The Argentine’s 87.5% passing accuracy, placed 34th in the league, is only 0.6% lower than Michael Carrick’s 88.1% and is better than the likes of Arsenal star Jack Wilshere, Yacob’s midfield partner Youssouf Mulumbu, Manchester City’s Gareth Barry and Newcastle’s Cheick Tiote.

Strong in the tackle, Yacob can sometimes be too aggressive, which is evident in his joint-4th highest yellow card count thus far – 7. That said, Yacob has good tackling ability and, at 3.6 tackles per game, is placed 6th in WhoScored’s list. That’s a higher figure than the likes of Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Tottenham duo Sandro & Ramires, Newcastle dynamo Yohan Cabaye and Chelsea’s “Blue Kenyan” Ramires.

Other than being good in the tackle, players in Yacob’s preferred defensive midfield position need to have good game-reading ability – i.e the ability to make timely interceptions. While the tenacious Baggie has shown flashes of being a good interceptor, that is something he does need to work on.

At 1.5 per game, he’s currently placed 96th on WhoScored’s “interceptions” list. That value is on par with the likes of Nigerian international John Obi Mikel and the aforementioned Barry and Dembele, as well as being slightly better than Spain international Javi Garcia, Liverpool stalwart & captain Steven Gerrard and West Ham star Mohamed Diame.

However, Yacob should improve on his interceptions over the course of next season, as he’ll have one season’s experience in English football under his belt.

On the bright side, Yacob isn’t easily beaten in 1-on-1 situations, with that occurring on an average of only once per match.

“Claudio’s a typical Argentinian No 5. In his homeland, that is someone who breaks up play and keeps the ball.” – WBA Manager Steve Clarke on Yacob.

Yacob’s game-reading ability and selflessness allows West Brom’s fullbacks to get forward and join the attack. Yacob shifts slightly over to either flank when a fullback pushes forward, so as to provide cover against a potential counter-attack from the opposition. The added security at the back has given his team-mates more confidence in attack.

On the whole, Yacob plays a key role at the Hawthorns, being both a key screen in front of the defence and also a link in the transition from defence to attack after WBA have regained possession.

With his adeptness at short passing, Yacob is able to hold the ball and start attacks by effectively releasing the ball to his athletic central midfield partner Mulumbu or his more attack-minded team-mates – James Morrison, Chris Brunt & Graham Dorrans, to name a few.

International objectives:

Yacob’s next target will be to get himself in Argentina Head Coach Alejandro Sabella’s plans for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Playing in England has certainly boosted Yacob’s visibility.

Conversely, the competition for the holding midfield spots in Sabella’s 4-2-3-1 system is stellar – such as Valencia playmaker Ever Banega, Argentina’s ex-captain Javier Mascherano, the enigmatic Fernando Gago and veteran Pablo Guiñazú. Sabella might look at a formation change as the Albiceleste defence has had problems.

Long story short – Claudio Yacob needs to focus on his club football and at least replicate his performances of this season. Do that and he’ll have no regrets. Do that, and he might get a seat on the flight to Brazil next year.

“It’s a difficult job to get into the Argentina side but he can do it if he produces performances consistently.” – WBA Manager Steve Clarke on Yacob’s international prospects.

Look to the future at West Brom:

Where his future at the Hawthorns is concerned, La Flaca has been talked about as a possible future captain at the Midlands outfit. He has shown that he has leadership qualities, as seen in his time at Racing, and he’ll gradually assert himself (in a good way) in the squad as each week passes.

“I can see sometimes in training that he’s really wanting to say some things and he can’t quite communicate that at the moment, but he is working really hard at his English and I think within six months he will be able to get his ideas over a lot better. I do think there is a possibility of a future captain there. Having been captain of Racing Club, I think he’s got ideas and leadership qualities about him that will progress even more when his English becomes even better.” – WBA Assistant Manager Kevin Keen on Yacob’s prospects.

Transfer front:

With his Spanish roots, he wouldn’t count as a non-EU player. That makes him an attractive target for European clubs who are looking for a holding midfielder, as the Argentine wouldn’t take up a non-EU spot on the squad list. Valued at €4.5m on Transfermarkt, at the time of writing, that would be a probable transfer fee interested clubs would have to pay.

That said, the precarious financial situation in most major European leagues, coupled with the bumper new Premier League TV deal (which takes effect in 2013/14), makes it unlikely that most interested parties will meet the Baggies’ demands. Financially, WBA do not need to sell.

“I just think I’m doing my job. It’s easy to play for the Albion because I’m happy and I’m at home here.” – Claudio Yacob’s opinion on WBA.

Quite clearly, Claudio Yacob is happy to play for West Brom. However, the opportunity to play Champions League football is sure to entice Yacob to leave The Hawthorns. The Argentine has been linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, who will be in the Champions League next season (2013/14).

Furthermore, Atletico’s Head Coach, Diego Simeone has built up such strong foundations at the Vicente Calderon that Atletico are likely to be a fixture in La Liga’s UCL spots for at least the foreseeable future. There’s another angle to this link. Diego Simeone has managed Yacob before, when the former had managerial spells at Racing in 2006 & 2011.

With Yacob’s aforementioned hopes of wearing the Albiceleste colours in next year’s World Cup, a move to Atletico Madrid and the prestigious stage of the Champions League will definitely increase his chances.

If Los Colchoneros do indeed formalise their interest in La Flaca, no one can begrudge him making a step up.

Regardless of whether he stays, Claudio Yacob has been a bargain buy for the Baggies.

“Claudio joins us with a great CV and is a terrific passer of the ball. He’s a holding central midfielder who sits in front of the back four and controls the play. Claudio’s also good at breaking things up. I believe he will be a great asset for us.” – Steve Clarke couldn’t have been more right.

Written by Mark Ooi

Everton Manager David Moyes has been confirmed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor. Getty Images)

Since Sir Alex Ferguson shocked the world of football by announcing his retirement on Wednesday morning, there has been little ambiguity as to whom Manchester United wanted to succeed their most successful manager. A day later, with people still coming to terms of the prospect of a Ferguson-less Old Trafford for the first time in 26 years, it is David Moyes who has been confirmed as the heir to arguably the most daunting job in the game.

Jose Mourinho, winner of two Champions League titles and serial champion, was mooted as he winds to the end of his time at Real Madrid, but the only man seemingly in the running was Moyes, the 50-year-old whose only silverware in fifteen years of management remains a Division 2 title with Preston at the turn of the century.

It is full testament to the conviction Manchester United have in Moyes. They have backed him with a six-year contract and the emphatic endorsement of Ferguson, who said the board were “unanimous” in their decision to choose his fellow Scot.

It almost seems like a paradox to describe the most successful club in England, one who has just reached a tally of 20 league titles, appointing a man with scarce experience of managing at Champions League and no trophies to show for his ten years with Everton as a logical decision. But when his record is ebbed away, it becomes just that.

Irrespective of his record, United wanted a man who could fit seamlessly into the fabric and tradition of the club whilst showing a willingness to churn out the same sort of longevity that Ferguson has set the barometer for. In Moyes they will get those traits, as well as a man who demands respect, preaches discipline and places an emphasis on financial prudence and the promotion of young talent. It is those latter two characteristics that have contributed to top ten finishes in all but 2 of his ten years at Goodison Park with a net spend of just £800,000 over the past five years.

It is these factors that have contributed to the make-up of the Glasgow-born manager which has become so appealing to Ferguson and the Manchester United board. They want continuity, loyalty and a strong work-ethic and they will find that in abundance in their new manager; such is his diligence and dedication that he travelled from Everton’s training ground whilst heavily linked with a new job on Wednesday, all the way to London to scout Chelsea in their match with Tottenham. Like Ferguson, he remains remarkably driven by a wonderful enthusiasm for the game and an unrelenting will to win.

As he settles down to take on his new post, one that he is certain to receive the utmost backing in from the corridors of Old Trafford. Moyes will be exposed to more resources and inevitably higher expectation. He has shown enough in his decade in Merseyside, especially with his recent astute business with the likes of Leighton Baines, Phil Jagielka, Sylvian Distin, Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas, to suggest he will be perfectly comfortable in handling the demands of both.

His track record in bringing through the likes of Wayne Rooney and now Ross Barkley, Seamus Coleman and Leon Osman from the Everton youth set-up bodes well for adapting to the inevitable expectation of utilising the next generation at Old Trafford. From the emergence of Ryan Giggs right through to the era of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, Ferguson’s handprint on youth development is clearly marked and he will be looking for his successor to nurture the next generation of Nick Powell and Wilfried Zaha.

Whereas Mourinho, for all of his trophy-laden years, has been barbed with criticism for ignoring the Castilla during his time in Madrid, Moyes will show no reluctance in investing faith in the young.

For a reign as historic as Ferguson’s, supporters would have been right to demand a big name to come in and succeed it, but it remains remarkably short-sighted to refer to Moyes’ aerial as underwhelming based own his lack of success.

AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi took a gamble on Arrigo Sacchi, the European Cup winning pioneer of Italian football, whilst he managed Parma in first Serie C1 and then Serie B, Arsenal took Arsene Wenger from Grampus 8 in Japan, Antonio Conte arrived at Juventus from Siena and Pep Guardiola hadn’t managed at senior level before trampling all in his wake at Barcelona. Jurgen Klopp, now flavour of the month at Borussia Dortmund, was relegated with Mainz before he was allowed to turn the Champions League finalists into the envy of Europe.

Previous records become an irrelevance when the right character, not necessarily the right manager, becomes available. Manchester United have chosen to look at the person behind the man who is charged with delivering results and found somebody of trustworthiness, integrity and value in the same mould as the 71-year-old coach many say can’t be replaced.

That could well be true, but Moyes deserves a mighty good shot at it.

It’s been nine years since Sir Alex Ferguson was left to rue talk of his retirement disrupting the side enough to finish third, his equal-worst finish as a Premier League boss during a managerial spell that has now reached 26 years. After winning a 13th league title, Manchester United’s 20th in total, it appears the Scot has finally decided to call it quits on a remarkable odyssey that is unlikely to be repeated again, at any level of football management.

It is difficult to mark the retirement of Ferguson without using claims of exaggeration but such is the mark of the man who has won 38 trophies since arriving at Old Trafford that they are simply unavoidable. It is not sensationalist to claim not only Manchester United, but English football as a whole, will be rocked by the impending departure of a manager who has surpassed a whole generation in charge at the very top level. After the final game of the season at West Bromwich Albion, his 1,500th game in charge of Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson will retire.

But then again, it is near-impossible to dwell on the abdication of the 71 year old without reaching for the tray of superlatives to describe his work, in transforming the mid-table club he inherited in the mid-80s to a modern-day behemoth that sets the example to the rest. Ferguson oversaw the transition into the commercial age of the Premier League, funded by the £6 million flotation on the stock exchange in the early 90s, to put the club in position for 21 years of sustained dominance. “To knock Liverpool off their f**king perch” was his aim, and it was one he achieved two years ago with United’s 19th title, overtaking their rivals’ tally of 18.

There was no greater exposé of his relentless will to win and inexorable desire than his reaction to neighbours Manchester City stealing that championship with the last kick of last season. He invested heavily in Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa and proceeded to steamroll his way to another league title by a margin of twelve points. It is this constant ability to rebuild squads, possibly 5 in total since Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce, Bryan Robson and Co. won the inaugural Premier League title back in 1992, that has been a major factor behind his enduring success and remarkable longevity.

Not only that, but every player Ferguson has seen pass through Old Trafford over the course of his dynasty has been ingrained not only in the winning culture of the club, but also the history and heritage. Bobby Charlton especially remembers the manager’s determination to teach the younger members of the club about the Munich disaster in the build-up to its 50th anniversary back in 2008.

Respect and understanding of Manchester United as an institution was hugely important to Ferguson, and once the adage of “nobody is bigger than the club” was breached, players were dispatched irrespective of reputation or standing; Jaap Stam, Ruud Van Nistelrooy, David Beckham and Roy Keane, amongst others, were all shifted on after falling on the wrong side of a manager who often appeared hideously autocratic in public, but was portrayed as being warm and effusive in private testimony. It was this balance of character that allowed him to keep a firm hand on his squad, but also keep them hungry and willing to play for him.

It was not all great of course. As with all genius that has flaw, Ferguson was no exception. His record in the transfer market was sometimes called into question with the acquisitions of Kleberson, David Bellion, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Co. whilst he could have arguably performed better on the contingent than the two Champions League trophies he has eventually had to settle for. It can be an accurate criticism that whilst Ferguson possessed the intensity of focus to guide a club to success over the course of a 38 game season, his limitations were projected brightly when it came down to tactical ingenuity. He also found competition in sharper minds domestically; Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti all triumphed over Ferguson before they were eventually toppled once he adapted.

But while many other clubs adopted a revolving door policy with managers in order to move with the times – Real Madrid have been through 25 managers during the span of Ferguson’s stint, Chelsea 17, Barcelona 13 and Bayern Munich 16 – the Manchester United manager has remained constant, moving and evolving with the game, sometimes pushing it even further and, like this year, setting the barometer even higher for others to reach.

Alex Ferguson’s retirement will be drowned in accolades, but it has to be said that it is certainly no hyperbole to say that there will be nobody of his ilk coming again in the modern game. He was supremely successful, incredibly driven and indisputably special, in a modern era when managers come and go like the rain, news of Ferguson’s passing has been seismic, there is no greater tribute than that.

Written by Adam Gray

Following the events from the 2011 Women’s World Cup which was held in Germany, the 2015 event has been shaped up as a must see experience. But the tournament and its organisers have been plagued with criticism after the announcement that five out of the six stadiums being used to hold the 52 matches have artificial turf.

If some of you reading don’t see the big deal in this decision, I will break it down for you.

Artificial turf first made an appearance at the Houston Astrodome where it was first installed in the 1960s. Ever since that day, artificial turf has caused many controversies. Many athletes have seen either a pause or the end of their careers due to injuries which have occurred on artificial turf.

Not only is the risk of injury high on artificial turf, but the turf also affects the state of play due to the synthetic texture. A U.S. study has concluded that artificial turf causes more than 40% of knee injuries rather than on natural grass, most of these including injuries to the ACL.

USWNT defender Ali Krieger suffered both an ACL and MCL tear during the CONCACAF Olympic qualifiers. Funnily enough, this injury occurred in one of the six stadiums chosen to play the 52 matches of the 2015 World Cup and yes, you guessed correct – it was also on artificial turf. The #11 was victim of a reckless tackle and due to the harshness of the fall and the way she landed, the artificial turf caused a larger impact on Krieger than if she were on natural grass.

This is a very relevant example as it shows the harsh effects of artificial turf upon football athletes. Also, the artificial turf affects the way the game is being played. Such as the ball bounces higher and irregularly, some studs often gets caught in the synthetic turfs and, depending on resources, if the ground is too hot, it can cause severe carpet burns to players.

US football star, Abby Wambach has voiced her opinions in various interviews and states her displeasure and frustration about the decision.

“For me, the first thought is disappointment,” stated the US star. “I’m feeling like this is the women’s game taking a step back.”

The Women’s World Cup, due to be held in Canada in 2015, is a little over 2 years away and US Football star Abby Wambach has declared that it is enough time to hopefully change the minds of the event’s organisers.

“There’s enough time from now until then to sort this out, to talk with FIFA, to get the right people in charge so that this doesn’t happen,” Wambach said. “We’ve worked so hard as female athletes – not only here in the United States, but internationally – to grow the game and in my opinion I think this is taking a step back. All of the men’s international players around the world would argue the same point. A lot of these guys will not play on an artificial surface because it is an injury-prone surface and I don’t blame them.”

“All we ask is to be heard. We believe this is a shame not only for the players but for the fans. The game plays differently on artificial surface, not only because of fear of injury but because it’s a different surface. You can also talk about it being a gender discrimination issue. Would they ever let the men’s World Cup be played on an artificial surface?

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes. There are standards that FIFA governs and promises to uphold. I think (a World Cup with artificial turf) would be a travesty and a nightmare for all of us.”

USWMNT’s forward Abby Wambach has voiced her opposition over FIFA’s controversial decision

FIFA had once banned the use of artificial turf but as of late, has “resurrected” its interest in the turf. Proving that the turf is within FIFA recommendations, they have allowed clubs to lay down the synthetic grass.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has even states that artificial turf is “the way of the future”.

Various petitions have been made and one made by coworker.org has already exceeded 1000 signatures. These petitions are also publicly backed by football stars such as Alex Morgan, Abby Wambach, Carli Lloyd and Sweden’s Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger.
If Thierry Henry can refuse to play on artificial surfaces, especially the one in Montreal’s Olympic Stadium, then why can’t the women also succeed?

We all know artificial turf is also a cheaper option to natural grass but surely an association such as FIFA can scrap around for money so that some of the greatest female players around the globe can compete at a tournament friendly environment. The final is also going to be held on artificial turf and this would be the first ever World Cup Final to be held on artificial turf. The question being raised by many female superstars is that if men can make the decision and have a say against artificial turf, then why can’t they?

“At the end of the day it comes down to money,” Abby Wambach has stated after the FIFA announcement. “If FIFA really wanted to have games on grass, they would; it would just cost more. They would lay the sod down for the tournament, get it to stick and if the stadiums had artificial surface prior, then you replace it with artificial surface after the tournament is done.”

“As a soccer player, we would all rather play on grass fields. My biggest concern is the injuries. It takes several weeks to recover from playing on [artificial] turf. It’s bad on your joints, not to mention all those rubber pellets. Those pellets are there to help you slide, sometimes in the grass there’s no rubber pellets and your foot can get stuck and that’s when injuries can happen. I just don’t want soccer getting to that point where everybody’s playing on artificial turf.”

Carli Lloyd has quickly backed her American counterpart as she quotes on Twitter:

“Had a nightmare that the 2015 World Cup was going to be played on turf! … Wonder if the men’s World Cup would ever be played on turf? … Always more injuries on artificial turf. Bad enough we played our 2012 Olympic qualifying games on artificial turf. Never thought about WC.”

Fans have also expressed their opinions about the weird decision for what is the biggest stage for women’s football, especially after the success the women’s game had at both the 2011 WWC and the 2012 London Olympics.

US Soccer have also set the USWNT’s next home friendly against South Korea at Gilette Stadium, which has relatively bad artificial turf, during the team’s stretch to have the decision changed. Ironic?

Written by Siobhan Pedroza

Follow Siobhan on Twitter @briefcase_wanka

You can follow O-Posts on Twitter @OPosts

When Rijkaard left his post as Barcelona manager in 2008, the recruitment of Guardiola brought glory days to the Catalan club which will live long in the memory.

On Wednesday night, all football fans from around the globe witnessed one of the most outstanding results in the past four seasons. Bavarian giants Bayern Munich not only outclassed and outplayed their opponents but they did so in humiliating fashion, beating them with an aggregate score of 7-0.

In this article O-Posts’ Ahmed Assem examines the downfall of the Catalan giants.

The Transfer Policy

Even during Guardiola’s tenure at the club, the Spanish giants’ transfer policy had been anything but shrewd. After the new manager had announced the departures of Deco, Ronaldinho and the retirement of Thuram amongst others, he signed seven players.

Those players were Seydou Keita, Pique, Pinto, Caceres, Dani Alves, Hleb and Henrique. Out of those seven, only three had a major impact.

Pinto is a back-up keeper and was initially signed as a back-up keeper, and shouldn’t be regarded as a player who was a major force behind the success of the team. Caceres was signed for €16.5m and only amassed thirteen caps for Barcelona between 2008-2011.

When Eric Abidal was ruled out of the 2009 Champions League Final through suspension, Guardiola opted for Sylvinho instead which just shows that he didn’t have faith in the Uruguayan and that a 34-year old full back was above him in the pecking order.

Hleb was signed from Arsenal with very high expectations from the Barcelona faithful, yet the Belarusian didn’t live up to those expectations and when called upon he was often erratic. Henrique, however, was a signing who never lived up to his potential and he never made a single official cap for Barcelona.

In the following season, two signings caught the headlines. Ukrainian defender Dymtro Chygrynskiy was signed from UEFA Cup champions and Ukrainian powerhouses Shakhtar Donetsk; he signed for €25m and again proved to be another unsuccessful signing. He made just twelve appearances for Barcelona, and was sold in the following summer for €15m.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was signed for €66m, the third highest fee paid ever for a player. The Swede’s time was all about controversy; one of the few high points is the goal against Pellegrini’s Real Madrid.

2011/12 proved very successful for Barcelona as they won the Champions League and La Liga. The acquisition of David Villa was decent, and the Spaniard added that energy to the dynamic attacking third. Adriano was signed from Sevilla, and the former Sevilla man can be inconsistent at times but he is ‘not bad’.

Lastly, Javier Mascherano was an interesting one. Where will he play? To this day, Mascherano is played out of position as a centre-back due to the defensive problems at Barcelona.

11/12 and 12/13 saw four big name signings arrive at the Camp Nou, and ironically the cheapest proved to be the most ‘vital’. Two of those four were Cesc Fabregas for a mammoth price of €40m and Alexis Sanchez for €26m. Did they live up to expectations? No. Alex Song was the last player recruited, from North London giants Arsenal. The Cameroonian, albeit promising, was torrid.

From the first day, any Premier League follower would know that Song doesn’t quite provide that protection in front of the back four.

Outdated Tactics

When Guardiola first implemented the tiki-taka, it was a worldwide wonder. Everyone was talking about it, but now? It is becoming rather mind-numbing to watch them play, it is like they are obsessed with possession. One reason for that is lacking a target man.

Messi never was and never will be a target man or a striker, simple. The Argentine is being used as a striker, yet he doesn’t have the physical presence and the attributes and that is a major reason why Barcelona have succumbed to several defeats this season in the Champions League.

Remember that man Samuel Eto’o? Whenever Barcelona were struggling to break a Catenaccio type defence or a condensed midfield they could drop it in to Eto’o. The Cameroonian would then re-distribute play and by moving into effective positions, he creates that hole in the back-line.

When Ibrahimovic was signed, he did arguably the same role, for example remember that goal against Real Madrid? It was from a Dani Alves cross, or the goal against Racing Santander. After the falling out with Pep, Barcelona were left with a static front line who couldn’t break down Mourinho’s Inter, which caused them to bow out of the Champions League.

When David Villa arrived, he didn’t quite play as the main ‘striker’ like the previous two. David Villa’s role was transforming a static attack to a very dynamic one. The former Valencia man used to switch with either Pedro or Messi, allowing them to find a soft-spot in defence. It was like a virus, very hard to stop.

Their movements would often mean Xavi finding a gap in defence in providing that clinical through pass in which any forward player would notch onto it. The opponent’s defensive line would think it’s offside, therefore they wouldn’t move to stop the attacking player.

Nowadays, we don’t find that as teams know how to play against them. Due to their short statures, they know they are not going to expect a cross. Therefore, teams implement Sacchi’s ideology, ‘compact defending’. The defensive line would be very tight and in front of them, providing a screen, a very condensed midfield. This will limit the effectiveness of Barcelona as they are not going to score from wide positions.

If that continues, the ‘Dream Team’ will no longer be the side they used to be. Let’s not forget that arrogance is what cost Rijkaard his job.

Written by Ahmed Assem

Follow Ahmed on Twitter @AhmedAssem97

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Bale picked up the PFA Player of the Year, Young Player of the year and the FWA Player of the Year, in what has been a prolific season in front of goal.

 After seeing his star-player achieve the individual clean sweep by picking up the PFA Player of the Year, Young Player of the year and the FWA Player of the Year, Andre-Villas Boas remained predictably calm and assured when it came to the inevitable question of Gareth Bale’s future. “I’d be extremely surprised if Bale left, because this is the assurance I have” said the Portuguese coach, “the information I have from the club is he is here to remain.”

It was an answer typical of the manager whose dealings with the media usually verge on the languid and serene. Keen not to transfer attention from the conclusion to Spurs’ season which remains immersed in the battle for Champions League qualification, Villas-Boas carefully trod around the subject, giving the most diplomatic of answers. The chairman has sorted it. Bale will remain at Spurs. There is nothing to see here apart from Bale accepting his award.

It was curious enough however to hear Villas-Boas apply the responsibility for keeping Bale to Daniel Levy, suggesting that he is under no illusion that if the club received a mammoth financial offer for the winger in the summer, the decision-making will be down to those in charge of the accounts, not the team. “It’s not up to me to judge the finances of the club; I’m the head coach, it’s the chairman’s decision.”

Such recognition and acclaim in the form of Bale’s individual awards this week will only intensify the anticipation that a sizeable bid for the winger will arrive in the summer. Both Real Madrid and Barcelona have been repeatedly linked with the 23-year-old and in the week where both club’s need for squad renovation was made so glaringly obvious in the Champions League, Bale is likely to have become a genuine target.

There could be no argument as to the validity of Bale’s awards given he has contributed 24 goals to Tottenham’s overall season and provided another 8. In the Premier League, he has been the driving force behind the club’s quest for Champions League football, his 19 strikes directly contributing to 24 of Spurs’ 62 point tally.

His versatility has been seamless, performing the attacking midfield role as well as that of a central-striker with the same unrelenting power and athleticism that has seen many full-backs dismissed from his usual left-wing home. He has burst past defenders with skill and dynamism, applying a devastating finish to his near-imperious armoury.

He can be the one man wave of momentum that tore through Aston Villa, Norwich and Newcastle, the precision passer that turned the game with Manchester City or the thunderous goal scorer of unerring accuracy and power that did for West Ham and Swansea. It is the wide range of attributes that drew comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo during his February form.

Bale celebrates his hat-trick goal during the league game against Aston Villa at Villa Park on December 26. (Getty Images)

Perhaps it was obscene and sensationalist to elevate Bale to the esteemed company of the unstoppable Madrid winger, but there is nothing strange about suggesting Bale hints at the same muscular physique and majestic ability as the Portuguese four years his senior.

There is no doubting he has entered into the same mould of player who possesses wonderful physical vigour to compliment the dexterity of his feet. “World Class” can be an over-used adjective in the modern game but it is hard to argue with the perception that Bale has the potential to join that bracket.

It is the immediate future that will go some way to dictating how far that potential will take Bale, with the prospect of again having to miss out on participation in Europe’s premier competition becoming increasingly possible as Spurs cling on to fourth spot.

Villas-Boas was unequivocal when it came to “the player remaining independent of the objective of achieving Champions League qualification or not,” but there has to be a suspicion that missing out once again on a place with Europe’s elite would weaken the bargaining power of Levy and co.

It was Zinedine Zidane who recently vocalised his opinion that Bale is the best player in the world and predicted that many top level clubs would be waiting patiently with astronomical bids designed to lure Bale away from his north London home. As the individual awards gleamed, it was a certification that Bale’s has been a campaign of the very highest standard, 53% of the Football Writer’s vote being a ringing endorsement of such notion.

Expect Spurs’ resolve to be under the toughest examination in the summer, but expect the final decision to be made in the board-room.

Playing until 39 years of age would be an achievement for most ordinary football players, let alone suffering a serious injury at that archaic age and still expecting to make a comeback. Then again, Javier Zanetti is no ordinary footballer. Or at least according to former Argentina defender Roberto Ayala, who reacted to his former teammate’s injury by allaying fears that it may force a premature conclusion. “No doubt he will come back and continue his career normally,” he said.

It says something about the resilience of the man that a possible return from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, suffered in the 14th minute of Inter’s 1-0 loss to Palermo on Sunday night, is even being mooted. “I had to change tyres after so many miles,” said Zanetti upon leaving a hospital in Pavia on Monday evening, using the pit-stop metaphor like it was nothing to an indestructible midfielder who had ticked the dial over to 1,101 professional appearances before injury struck.

It was at the very same ground two years earlier in which Zanetti had suffered breathing problems, only to insist on playing on before fainting in the dressing room after the final whistle. It looked like he may have needed an operation, but the Argentine soldiered on, leading Inter to a “mini-treble” that year of the Italian Super Cup, the Club World Cup and Coppa Italia.

They were just three medals in an illustrious career that has yielded 16 trophies with Inter during a spell  that has now meandered into an eighteenth year since moving from Banfield in 1995. His honour roll includes 5 Serie A titles, 4 Coppa Italias, 1 Champions League and 1 UEFA Cup amongst a series of minor trophies. Zanetti may not be the most decorated player in the game, but few can match his longevity and remarkable loyalty, traits that saw him win the ‘Loyalty and Critics’ choice award in 2013.

It is an astounding record of personal achievement and endurance that he has featured in 845 of the 938 matches Inter have played since Zanetti joined them in the mid-90s, registering an appearance record of 90%. Between October 2006 and April 2010, Zanetti, known endearingly as “Pupi” in his native Argentina, made a record 137 consecutive appearances, only to have the remarkable feat stopped by reaching the yellow card limit.

During Zanetti’s time in Milan, Inter have passed through 20 managers and each one has found the Argentinean’s unrelenting professionalism and continual devotion impossible to ignore. Every supposed new dawn at Internazionale over the past two decades has been characterised by Zanetti’s diligence on the right, using his experience to defend solidly as well as use his relentless energy and evergreen legs to launch lung-busting runs from his usual withdrawn positioning on the right-side. It was slightly ironic to see Zanetti’s downfall on Sunday originate from one such run, as he was shaping up to deliver a cross before his leg gave way and he was forced to signal to the bench, pain etched on his face.

Andrea Stramaccioni’s reaction was suggestive of the standing and reputation his Argentine midfielder still demands at the club. Stramaccioni, winner of the 2011 Next-Gen series as Inter’s youth coach has tried to usher in a younger generation with the likes of Ricardo Alvarez, Mateo Kovacic and Ezequiel Schelotto. Yet, Zanetti has played 40 times this season as the manager has found his wisdom and experience too important to ignore.

“To lose someone like him is an awful blow,” he said. “Because in such a difficult moment the value of someone like Zanetti to the team is incredible.”

Stramaccioni was in no disillusion about the seriousness of Zanetti’s injury and what it meant to his side, but neither was the player when it came to the prospect of making a recovery. “My career isn’t over,” said the midfielder. “My goal is to come back stronger than before and I believe I’ll overcome this too.” It was an unequivocal response to the most legitimate of doubts that this injury, ruling Zanetti out for six to eight months, just four short of his 40th birthday, just maybe, could finish him off.

That is not according him or even Ayala, who went on to say, “This injury is not going to affect anything,” when pressed about his fellow Argentine international. It maybe an outrageous claim, but there are few who would dispute the possibility of Zanetti making a return to try and overhaul Paolo Maldini’s Serie A appearance record of 647, which the Inter man stands just 45 games shy of.

It is his permanence and strength that has almost become mythological in Italian football, that concedes there will be little doubt Pupi will make the most illogical of returns.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has struggled to inspire his squad this season. (Getty Images)

This time last season, Newcastle were beating Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge to seal a fifth place finish to a superb season in the Premier League. Papiss Cisse, a £10 million January signing from Freiburg, scored both goals to move up to a total of 13 in his first 3 months in England, and all the adulation was heading towards Alan Pardew and his chief scout Graham Carr for overachieving with a sensible budget and an extensive scouting network. Cisse was a product of that, as was the likes of Yohann Cabaye, Cheick Tiote, Demba Ba, Hatem Ben Arfa and Tim Krul, the group of players who formed the spine of the Magpies’ successful season.

Tyneside was shrouded in optimism heading into the summer having narrowly missed out on Champions League football with a vibrant and cohesive side. The summer would present Alan Pardew with a chance to add to a squad that was already well-equipped and Newcastle United, a club boasting one of the biggest supports in the land, would push on with the return to European competition an added attraction to promising talent. Or so read the script.

In the summer, it became apparent that all was not rosy at St James’ Park as Pardew, although he kept hold of his highly-rated stars, was restricted by owner Mike Ashley’s financial prudence. Vurnon Anita, signed from Ajax for £8 million, was the most significant move alongside the £1.1 million spent on Gael Bigirimana from Coventry and Curtis Good from Melbourne Heart for £400,000. They were not exactly stellar names and many observers were entitled to ask where the £35 million garnered for the sale of Andy Carroll had disappeared to whilst Pardew prepared for the new season with the same squad.

The folly of such off-season inactivity was exposed with a run of just 3 wins in the opening 14 games, a run that was coloured with the news that Ashley had decided to extend Pardew’s contract with a mammoth 8-year extension. Cabaye has made his public his struggles with the rigours of returning to domestic competition following playing for France at Euro 2012 and his campaign has been ruptured by injuries. The likes of Jonas Gutierrez and the fringe players such as Anita, Bigirimana, Gabriel Obertan and Romain Alfitano, all struggled badly for form.

The squad has also been hit by the long absences of Tiote, Krul, Ben Arfa and captain Fabriccio Coloccini, the players who provided the core to last season’s side, as well as Cisse and Gutierrez, have only been available to Pardew at the same time on just one occasion this season.

After that torrid start, Newcastle were immersed in the bottom half of the table and that is where they have remained despite Pardew’s desperate foray into the January transfer market. A dismal festive period saw a sequence of just one win in eight gave Ashley had no choice but to back his manager financially as the possibility of another relegation began to cast a nervous shadow over St James’ Park. Damagingly, Demba Ba, who had scored eleven goals in the first half of the season, headed to Chelsea following the initiation of his £8 million buy-out clause.

With the help of Carr and the money bought in from the sale of Ba, Pardew dipped into the French market to spend £20 million on Ligue 1 talent, bringing in Moussa Sissoko, Yoan Gouffran, Massaido Haidara, Mathieu Debuchy and Mapou Yanga-Mbwia. Although an immediate impact was seen with victories over Aston Villa, Chelsea, Stoke and Southampton, the desperate attempt to launch a French revolution has seemingly back-fired, with talk of discord and disunity within the squad dominating the fall-out of Saturday’s embarrassing 0-6 capitulation to Liverpool, Newcastle’s worst home defeat since 1925.

Newcastle’s Papiss Cisse is part of the huge French speaking clan upon Tyneside. (Getty Images)

The French contingent of the squad have been accused of a lack of concern about the club’s troubles and it has reportedly resulted in a dressing room split. There are fears that Newcastle are slowly losing their soul and identity as Pardew has chosen to go multi-cultural. With as many French senior players as English at Newcastle, ten each in total, it is anathema to a club that has prided itself on a close community and togetherness.

Whilst concerns over squad harmony will occupy the manager in private, there will indeed be a huge worry about the lack of fight that epitomised their defeat to Liverpool, together with their 3-0 dismantling by Sunderland in the derby two week’s before. Effort was almost non-existent as Phillipe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge led the rout, whilst there was something telling about the way Gary Neville tore at Newcastle’s defending during his stint as Sky Sports pundit on Monday night, it resembled the insipid resistance of a club heading for the Championship.

With a gap of five points shielding Newcastle from Wigan and the last relegation spot with three games remaining, it is unlikely that Ashley’s regime would oversee its second relegation in four years. But there is no escaping that the businessman will have to green-light a more active summer than last year’s if he is to recover the club from another dip into mutiny. He may even be forced to renege on the generosity of his eight-year backing to his manager that has so far failed to build on a promising debut year enough to justify such support.

For a club that held such optimism just a year ago, they are now heading into darker times once again.

Wilfried Bony and Vitesse teammates celebrate a goal during the Dutch Eredivisie match against Willem II on April 28, 2013 at the Gelredome stadium in Arnhem, The Netherlands. (Getty Images)

The Eredivisie season 12/13 is drawing to its end, and with only three games remaining, Ajax’s four-point lead seems sufficient to win them their third consecutive title. The most exciting Eredivisie title race in years is over; however the season 12/13 did bring some surprises. The most noteworthy one is Vitesse’s stable performances and indomitable form. To the surprise of most fans, Vitesse sat on a top-flight position throughout most of the season. Let us look back on their marvellous campaign.

Jordania’s wishes to turn Vitesse into the league champions were underlined by a positive transfer period. After last year’s successful campaign wherein the club finished 7th, consequently winning the right to play in the Europa League, supporters were ambitious and hopeful for an even better year. Success comes with sacrifices, due to his good performances, Alexander Buttner moved to English giants Manchester United for an amount estimated at around €5million. Vitesse needed to bolster their squad if they wanted to seriously challenge the traditional top three in the Netherlands.

Jordania is a smart director and thinks long term, instead of splashing cash, the Georgian business owner decided to put his significant network to work. His close ties with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich allowed him to loan three players from the Blues. Tomas Kalas and Patrick van Aanholt stayed for another season, and Gael Kakuta came to strengthen the wings. The squad seemed competitive on paper, but with an average age of around 22, the team was in dire need of a leader. Former club icon and captain Theo Janssen was signed from Ajax for €500k, along with experienced midfielder Simon Cziommer.

The season started quite negatively for Vitesse, after advancing to the final play-off round in the Europa League after beating Lokomotiv Plovdiv on a 7-5 aggregate score, the team faced Guus Hiddink’s FC Anzhi. Vitesse were unable to cope with the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Yuri Zhirkov, Lassana Diarra and Boussoufa – and the club from Arnhem were sent losing 4-0 on aggregate.

The start of the national campaign gave a better perspective; the first five games were converted into four wins and one draw against ADO Den Haag, resulting in a temporary first place in the Eredivisie. The away victory against Feyenoord (0-1) was utmost surprising, and an awakening call of the traditional top three that Vitesse might prove to be a potential treat in the near future. The team looked sharp and defensively very stable, only conceding two goals in the first five games. With Piet Velthuizen known as a very reliable goalkeeper and the centre back duo: Kashia and Kalas, the defensive line gave an impressive performance of four consecutive clean sheets.

Vitesse’s form would drop after their notable season start. The following six games resulted in two draws against Heracles Almelo and sc Heerenveen, three wins against FC Groningen, FC Utrecht, NAC Breda, and their first loss against AZ Alkmaar, ending their 11-match unbeaten run.

The precarious results could have been far worse, the team struggled in most matches, but it was the rise of Wilfried Bony securing most points for Vitesse. After his dramatic, yet brilliant game winner against Feyenoord, his confidence skyrocketed and the striker netted 8 goals in 5 matches, including a hat-trick against SC Heerenveen.

In the remainder of the first half of the Eredivisie season, Vitesse would earn the nickname: giant killers. After their last-minute victory against Feyenoord, on the third of November, Ajax was brushed aside in their own Amsterdam Arena! Wilfried Bony single-handedly brought down Ajax with a brace.

FC Twente were held off with a draw and a heroic 4-1 victory over neighbouring rivals N.E.C made up for their 1-2 loss against PSV. The winter break came by, and Vitesse finished fourth, 6 points behind leaders PSV. Furthermore, the club qualified for the quarterfinals in the KNVB Cup (Dutch National Cup) by demolishing amateur team ADO’10 with 10-1. Vitesse will face Ajax.

File Photo: Bony of Vitesse who has been in great form this season. (Getty Images)

Based on last season’s performances, the team progressed quite nicely, but was not considered as one of the title contenders amongst the general Eredivisie public.

Moreover Vitesse was forced to let Bony participate in the African Cup, after Sabri Lamouchi called up the strong striker to the Ivorian national team. Bony scored 16 Eredivisie goals in the first half. All critics agreed – Vitesse would drop form without Bony.

In the month of January without Bony, Vitesse would silence all of the critics. First off AZ was swept aside with a convincing 4-1 score-line, and afterwards honouring its nickname, Ajax came to Arnhem and were sent home without any points 3-2. And the month’s highlight: rivals N.E.C were defeated in their own stadium in Nijmegen 2-1.

After losing twice against Vitesse, Ajax would finally get their revenge. The two teams locked horns in the KNVB Cup, and the Dutch giant demolished Vitesse 0-4.

Vitesse, survived the month without Bony, and proved the critics wrong. Nonetheless, the notion of Bony’s skill and goal scoring drift were unquestioned. After Cote D’Ivoire got eliminated in the quarterfinals against Nigeria, Bony returned to Vitesse.

Upon return, his first following match he scored a brace and secured one point against PSV, his team again honouring their nickname of the “giant killers”. Under guidance of Bony, Vitesse went on a 7-match winning streak, wherein the bulky striker scored 14 goals in 9 matches. Rutten’s men established themselves as title contenders, however after a 3-3 draw against relegation candidates Roda JC, Vitesse dropped out of the race.

However, just last week, league leaders Ajax drew against SC Heerenveen, giving Vitesse, PSV and Feyenoord a glimmer of hope. Vitesse could shrink the gap to three points, but had a tough match up ahead. The side had to travel to Rotterdam, to face Feyenoord in the Kuip. Beforehand, winning would seem impossible, as Feyenoord maintains an impressive 24-match unbeaten run in de Kuip, furthermore troublesome news arose in the Vitesse camp.

Wilfried Bony injured himself during training, and will be unavailable during the match, alongside teenage star Marco van Ginkel. The overwhelming Feyenoord crowd and the loss of Bony proved too much to handle for Vitesse. Feyenoord defeated Vitesse 2-0.

Vitesse is now sitting comfortably in fourth position, still fighting strong for the second place and a Champions League play-0ff spot, and although the title is unrealistic, finishing on that second spot would be an extraordinary achievement, and one to be proud of.

This season, Jordania’s wish will not come true, but major steps have been taken. The general public’s laughter has ended, Vitesse managed to upset the traditional three, and most certainly in the near future, Jordania will get what he wants.

Signed on a loan deal with a permanent option, the young Brazilian with his moniker – Marquinhos – is now an in-demand starlet and highly tipped to be a future Seleção star.

Background:

Marquinhos joined Corinthians in 2002, at the age of 8, and proceeded to move up the youth ranks of the Timão over the next 10 years. Marquinhos impressed so much during his time in Corinthians’ youth ranks that he was called-up and made captain of Brazil’s U17s in the 2011 South American Under-17 Championship. With Brazil winning the South American U17 title, they qualified for the U17 FIFA World Cup that year, with Marquinhos again being handed the captaincy.

In Mexico, Brazil finished 4th, with Marquinhos playing 6 of their 7 matches and earning only 1 yellow card. After a stellar 2011, Marquinhos continued to shine in 2012. In the 2012 edition of the prestigious Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior (São Paulo Youth Football Cup), the young Brazilian added more impressive displays to his CV, culminating in a 2-1 win over Fluminense in the final. Marquinhos was clearly banging on Corinthians’ 1st-team door.

With his maturity and leadership qualities, and not forgetting his on-pitch quality, it was of no surprise that Marquinhos eventually broke into Corinthians’ 1st-team.

Breakthrough at Corinthians:

With his impressive performances at youth level, Marquinhos’s form in the aforementioned prestigious Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior proved to be the final piece in the jigsaw of proving to Corinthians 1st-team head coach Tite that he was ready for a shot in the 1st-team. A 1st-team debutant at the age of 18, Marquinhos went on to make 6 1st-team appearances in the 2012 Brasileirão, playing the full 90 minutes on 5 occasions, and providing 1 assist.

While impressive when given the chance, the youngster also showed some versatility – playing in central defence in 2 full matches and as a defensive midfielder in 3 full matches. Coach Tite was so impressed with Marquinhos that the young Brazilian, then aged 17, was on the 1st-team bench for each and every one of the knockout stage matches of Corinthians’ victorious 2012 Copa Libertadores campaign.

Within a span of 6 months, Marquinhos had become a Copa Libertadores champion and also turned 18 along the way.

Into the big time – AS Roma:

After catching the eye of Roma’s South American scouts, they took the gamble of signing the then 18-year-old in the summer of 2012, despite him having just 6 months of 1st-team experience in Brazil. The deal was a loan (€1.5m fee) with a €3m permanent option – with the trigger being Marquinhos making 8 1st-team appearances of 45 minutes apiece.

Barely a few weeks after his signing was formalised, Marquinhos made his 1st-team debut on 16 September 2012, playing the last 16 minutes of a 3-2 loss to Bologna. A fortnight later, the young centreback came off the bench to play an hour of a catastrophic 4-1 thrashing at the hands of defending Italian champions Juventus.

Slowly but surely cementing his spot in the Giallorossi starting XI, Marquinhos has gone on to make 23 Serie A appearances(all but 3 as a starter) and 3 in the Coppa Italia. The only thing that broke his string of 12 consecutive 1st-team appearances is a suspension from being sent off, following a late handball, in a 3-1 win over Milan just before the winter break.

Roma’s summer signing became such a crucial 1st-teamer that the club withdrew him from international duty at the South American Under-20 championship, held in January 2013.

Overview – Majestic debut season in Calcio:

An 18-year-old holding a starting spot in Serie A is most rare, let alone at a team as big as La Maggica. Marquinhos is a rare breed, such is the unforgiving nature of Calcio, what with the intense scrutiny of TV pundits on the various well-followed match review shows.

Leandro Castan, Marquinhos’ former Corinthians team-mate, has been left to fight for the other starting spot in central defence with Nicolas Burdisso. Ironically, 2012 summer signing Leandro Castan had insisted upon Roma signing Marquinhos.

In light of Roma’s much-talked-about defensive problems – a negative of Zdenek Zeman’s gung-ho offensive tactics – this season, Marquinhos has more-or-less escaped criticism, a result of the 18-year-old consistently delivering impressive performances every week. Despite still being only 18, Marquinhos has been Roma’s most important defender since cementing his starting spot in the middle of the Giallorossi defence.

At first glance, standing at 1.83 metres, the lean Marquinhos is not the most intimidating of central defenders. That said, he does win his share of aerial duels, at 2.3 per game. That figure is the best at Roma and, league-wise, is better than that of bigger names like Philippe Mexes.

Being still only 18, the Brazilian still has room for more physical growth, which can only be a good thing. However, his natural athleticism does more-or-less cover for that, as they enhance his key attributes – his maturity and game-reading ability. Marquinhos evidently has, as the saying goes, “an old head on young shoulders”.

He is currently 18th in the Serie A interceptions chart, on par with veteran Andrea Barzagli, and better than the highly-rated Facundo Roncaglia and Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro. With only 19 fouls (0.8 per game) at the time of writing, Marquinhos is currently 352nd on the “Most Fouls” chart. As with all modern day central defenders, Marquinhos is good on the ball and playing it out of defence, with an impressive 88.8% passing accuracy.

Almost every Serie A centreback would like to have Marquinhos’ statistics, which makes the fact he’s still a teenager all the more staggering.

“No Serie A player has made more last man tackles this season than the teenager (10), who leads his side for both interceptions (2.9) and aerial duels won (2.2) per game, proving that his reading of the game is at the level of a far more seasoned pro.” – Martin Laurence of WhoScored.

A look to the future:

Marquinhos has thus far shone, not just adapted, whenever he’s been pushed to the next level – youth team to 1st-team, Corinthians to Roma. This bodes well for the young Brazilian’s career prospects, as football has seen all too many a promising youngster fail to make that “next step”, rendering him unable to realise his full potential.

I’m confident that Marquinhos will not fall under the “what could’ve been” category. With his leadership qualities, maturity and talent, and not forgetting his current high performance level in such a prestigious league, long story short – the sky’s the limit for Marquinhos.

Roma are currently looking to upgrade the youngster’s current €0.8m (per year) wage to fend off interest from elsewhere. With his impressive and mature displays in his debut season in Italy, some of football’s biggest clubs are looking to sign him. Among others, FC Barcelona and Manchester City have been linked as potential new employers.

However, the Roma stopper is unlikely to leave the Stadio Olimpico any time soon. There is still much room for improvement, and staying at Roma for at least the next few years will provide the stable environment that promising youngsters like Marquinhos need to develop and, eventually, realise their potential.

Considering the ambitions of this AS Roma “project”, Marquinhos could possibly play out his peak years in the capital club.

Marquinhos told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “I am not thinking about a transfer. I owe Roma a lot for the chance they gave me.”

Whether Marquinhos eventually leaves Roma or stays for the long haul, one thing’s for sure – Marquinhos will become a Seleção star sooner rather than later. Furthermore, with his past as Brazil U17 captain, Marquinhos could eventually captain Brazil at senior level.

Over the course of this 2012/13 season, Marquinhos has proved his worth enough to be justly rated as the best young central defender in the world at the moment, alongside Real Madrid’s Raphaël Varane.

Of all the possible “breakout stars” that had been tipped to emerge in the 2012/13 Serie A season, few would’ve bet on an 18-year-old Brazilian centreback being on that list.

Marcos Aoás Corrêa is indeed a rare breed in Calcio.

Written by Mark Ooi

Follow Mark on Twitter @MarkOoiZW

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When Robin Van Persie departed the Emirates, he had only won the F.A Cup and that was 8 long years ago. The last time Arsenal fans ever saw their team celebrate a cup success (except the Emirates Cup, which is now massive for them). Tomorrow evening, the Dutchman who struck 30 league goals in the Premier League for them last season, returns as Champion of England.

That is something last achieved by the invincibles who have all jumped ship since. Arsene Wenger let his then captain leave for 24m pounds. Now he returns to his former home with 24 League goals and a winners medal (although not yet given).

The Red Devils won their 20th EPL title six days ago with a convincing 3-0 win over relegation-threatened Aston Villa. Fittingly and acting according to the written script, Robin Van Persie struck a finesse laden hat-trick in 33 minutes – the fastest in the League in nine years. The 2nd was reminiscent of the one time volley he hit against Everton at the Emirates last season.

Finally, he is a Premier League winner. Something that eluded him in his 8 years as a Gunner. Just one year as a Red Devil, he is about to hoist his maiden trophy. Man United also helped Michael Owen add a winners medal to his collection two years ago. Steven Gerrard could be next….who knows?

Arsenal come into this match on the back of 5 wins from their last six games in the League. Only Everton have taken a point off them in that spell. Nonetheless, it is the Champions who are in town. A team they haven’t done well against in recent fixtures. They won’t forget in a hurry how they got thumped 8-2 last season and 2-1 in the reverse fixture. It was 2-1 again at Old Trafford earlier this term.

Arsenal’s last win over Manchester United came in May 2011 when a sweetly struck Aaron Ramsey goal was the difference at the Emirates. A repeat of that will be appreciated by Arsene Wenger, but the scorer should be someone else. The North Londoners are going to be pumped up for this crucial game. They are locked in a London battle with Chelsea and Spurs on who gets the automatic slot for next season’s Champions League Campaign. It is a wonderful experience for those who support neither outfit. The tension- soaked affair is expected to drag on until the end of the season.

An Arsenal win tomorrow will put them in a great position to at least finish fourth if third is beyond their reach. Traditionally (at least since 2006), they always come good during the tail end of the season to end it on a high. Consolation for not fighting for the EPL title. Something they last managed to do in 2008, and eventually fizzled out when it became fierce.

Overrated Englishman, Jack Wilshere, has been hampered by injuries yet again this season. Despite his limited time on the pitch, he was surprisingly chosen as a YPOTY (Young Player Of The Year) nominee. Among the six (Hazard, Benteke, Lukaku, Bale, Welbeck and Jack), he least deserved such recognition. Even though he gets much more praise than the effort he actually puts in, he does play with his heart on his sleeve and when fit, is one of the best young players in the world. He seems ready for the big time.

A good performance tomorrow will go a long way to assuage the doubts people have about him. Santi Cazorla, perhaps one of the best midfielders of his generation and by a country mile Arsenal’s best player this season, was unfairly overlooked for the POTY award. That hasn’t deterred him one bit. The Spanish footballer hasn’t been too effective in the last couple of weeks because he has been featured on the left side of midfield where his performance will be restricted.

Arsenal’s qualification for Europe depends largely on what he does right. Starting from tomorrow, the gunners have four finals to play. To win all of them, Santi must be at the forefront of everything Arsenal do right.

Robin Van Persie is the happiest man in football right now. A hat-trick to seal Manchester United’s 13th Premier League title and his first was an excellent conclusion to a fabulous season. He will walk out of the tunnel as a Champion. The major reason why he made the move to MUFC. The 20-20 marriage has blossomed beyond his imagination. When he joined, he said the ‘little boy’ in him told him to switch allegiance. That ‘kid’ has been vindicated. He added that he chose the no. 20 shirt because he wants to help his new team claim their 20th Premiership crown. That again has been achieved. It is a dream come true for the Dutchman and everyone attached to the red army.

Despite the disappointments of elimination from the Champions League and the FA Cup, this has been celebrated like none other and May 12 will be like the last day at school for each and everyone at the club. Sir Alex Ferguson has hailed the contribution of the Dutchman this season and even likened his impact to that of King Cantona. I can’t agree more and others have concurred. 24 league goals (one for every million pound spent on him) and 8 assists have been nothing short of extraordinary.

Now he is going to walk through a guard of honour made up of his former colleagues at a club where he spent eight years, with one of the greatest managers in history as his tutor. He thoroughly deserves all that he will get tomorrow evening and as SAF said in his pre-match presser yesterday, he wouldn’t be disturbed by chants, boos and abuse from supporters who once hailed him as the best in the business. How the cookies crumble!

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ARSENAL- Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Arteta/Wilshere, Ramsey, Rosicky, Poldy, SANTI, Walcott.

Lukasz Fabianski is still nursing the rib injury he sustained three weeks ago, so Wojciech continues in goal. Oli Giroud starts his three match suspension tomorrow, while Mikel Arteta is a doubt after feeling something at Craven Cottage last weekend. If he doesn’t make it, Wilshere will sit deep, with Ramsey-Rosicky-and Cazorla ahead of him. Poldy will support Walcott in attack to make up for the absence of the Frenchman. Arsenal have shipped in 21 goals at the Emirates this season and have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 of their 16 home games already.

Their away form is better in this regard; only 14 goals conceded is the best in the Division. Arsenal have taken the least points (4) from fellow members of the top 5 this season. Others have taken at least 6 more. Arsenal were the last team to win the Premier League with 4 games to spare. Their last triumph in this competition in 03/04.

MANCHESTER UNITED- DDG, Rafa, Rio, Vidic, Buttner, Jones, Cleverley, Kagawa, Nani, RVP, Chicharito.

There will definitely be changes to the line up on Sunday. With the Title sealed last Monday, the mighty reds of Manchester will make alterations to the team. Carrick and Evans will be rested after playing through pain last time out. Cleverley hasn’t played for a while. So to haven’t Nani and Chicharito who have had limited time on the pitch. The little pea has been unfortunate this season. He has still scored 16 goals and made his presence felt. RVP could have been rested, but I feel and think Fergie will even make him captain for tomorrow’s encounter just to rub it in more and make it spicier.

Wayne Rooney has scored landmark goals for Manchester United against Arsenal. His first ever League goal was against Wenger’s men in 2002. He also hit his first for MUFC in the League against tomorrow’s opponents. His 100th in the League was also against Arsenal at the Emirates. He just loves playing against them, doesn’t he? He might be rested alongside Valencia and Evra. Anders Lindegaard is 2 games away from reaching the mandatory 10 appearances in the League to be eligible for a medal. Fergie will decide when to field him.

Ashley Young is out for the season….he will get a medal, though.

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