Caleb Cousens takes a closer look at the appointment of Luis Enrique at Barcelona and questions if he can replicate the success of Pep Guardiola. Cules are cautiously optimistic. A year of no silverware is never a good thing for a club of ’s pedigree, but when it is followed up by the sort of summer that the Blaugrana had, then maybe reinventing the club that has come to represent the beautiful game is exactly what is needed. Any comprehensive look forward has to begin by looking behind. Let’s take a quick peek at last season and then shut the…
Author: Staff Writer
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has dubbed Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal the perfect fit for legendary Sir Alex Ferguson’s enormous boots at Old Trafford. The ex-player, who is now coaching the United reserve team, described the Dutchman as having a similar ‘aura’ to Ferguson and said when he walks into the building his presence is such that you know who is boss. The 39-year-old told Manchester Evening News: “He is obviously a very in-control man. He has an aura about him. “When he walks in the building, you know who the boss is, and I think…
When we refer to players equipped for changing a game, you’d take a look at Chelsea’s squad and the likes of Eden Hazard, Cesc Fàbregas, Oscar dos Santos and Diego Costa would be the first names to spring to mind. But nonetheless, the pensioners biggest game changer could be the club’s only World Cup hero, German winner André Schürrle. Despite being on the fringes of both Chelsea’s and the Germany international set up last season, his contribution to the German Eagles was crucial to their World Cup success. With several memorable performers at this year’s World Cup, Schürrle’s contributions were overlooked. The…
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that the Serie A champions are keen to keep hold of Arturo Vidal, despite reports that he has agreed terms with Manchester United. The 27-year-old, has been strongly linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer and according to some reports has agreed personal terms in recent days, but Juventus boss Allegri has confirmed that the Italian club are still confident that the Chilean midfielder will be at the club next season. Currently on tour in Australia, where they will face an A-League All-Star team on Sunday, Allegri told reporters: “I have spoken…
Manchester United are hopeful they can complete a deal to sign Juan Cuadrado from Fiorentina. The Colombian star has been a key target for United since the end of last season as they followed Barcelona’s interest in the utility man. Currently at Fiorentina, Cuadrado looked highly likely to join the Catalan giants this summer but with Daniel Alves now expected to remain at the Camp Nou; a move has silenced somewhat. That has allowed United to swoop with Dutch boss Louis van Gaal having submitted a £32m bid over the last few days. Van Gaal sees the 26-year-old as the…
Zenit St Petersburg are preparing a £12 million bid for Manchester City midfielder Javi Garcia, according to the Daily Mail. The 27-year-old is set to open-talks with the Russian’s club manager Andre Villas Boas and City are happy to sell the midfielder. The Manchester club are looking to trim their squad meet UEFA requirements that they select 21 senior players in the Champions League, five of which must be home grown players. The midfielder has also been linked with Italian club Napoli but they are not prepared to match Zenit’s offer. Manager Manuel Pellegrini is looking to sign one more…
Manchester City face an anxious wait to discover whether midfield talisman Yaya Toure intends to compete at the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast at the start of next year. The 31-year-old is yet to decide on his international future and, if he opts against retirement, he will be the first name on the teamsheet for the tournament, which runs from January 17 to February 8. Toure has twice taken part in the competition, missing a vital chunk of the Blues’ campaigns as a result, and this week’s sale of Jack Rodwell to Sunderland means they could be left…
Queens Park Rangers are preparing a move for Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend, according to Goal.com. QPR boss Harry Redknapp believes that he can convince England international to switch London sides and thinks that he would add an extra dimension to his side for the coming season. Initial enquiries are thought to have been made, but with new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino keen to keep hold of the youngster; the likelihood of a move developing seem unlikely. The report goes ton to say that Townsend is keen to remain at White Hart Lane and fight his way back into the…
Everton defender John Stones has revealed that he would love to captain the club after signing a new and improved contract. Stones, 20, committed his long-term future to the Merseyside club earlier this month, signing a new five-year deal and he has followed up his rewarding contract by telling the club’s official website that he would ‘jump’ at the chance to be captain in the future. “I’d love to captain Everton,” said Stones. “It’s a massive dream of mine and the big name players that have done it in the past, I would love to follow in their footsteps. I’d…
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet remains confident the club will sign Liverpool striker Fabio Borini. Borini ended his loan spell with the Northern club at the end of the season and returned to Liverpool with boss Brendan Rodgers keen to use him as a back-up striker, but Sunderland boss Gus Poyet is confident that he can bring the Italian back to the Stadium of Light. Personal terms were reportedly agreed last month, but a change in Liverpool’s bid for Loic Remy saw the Italian youngster remain at Anfield for the time being. Speaking after his side’s 2-0 pre-season win over Real…