Managers Are Not Stable

As the pressure plies on the so professed Special One, the debate if he's yet to get another P45 remains. When Fergie was at helm Man United were probably the last team that keeps their manager over a long time. But with the sacking of their last two managers of Moyes and LVG which disappointed me, Football is at a downward slope, in any job just not management there needs to be time and stability how's the one do well if there's no time? The sacking culture in football is a joke no one is Jesus Christ that they can do wonders in such a short space of time. Managers need at least 3 seasons to work their magic, how does a team grow if the players have managers to managers coming and going? You may say my team Arsenal have kept Wenger for 20 years but for half his reign he's done poorly. He's had his time this is a bad example of keeping someone on who doesn't know what they're doing. As the beautiful game is a game of opinions, I have stated mine and I think it's time the sacking culture is abolished!

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Quit The Tiki Taka and Get Back To Row Z

                                            
Tiki taka football the term where its means short passing and fluid movement which means extravagant football. As a football purist I love it when this type of football is executed well like an apple in a pigs mouth. But when it's not, stupid and comical goals are conceded like you saw in the Chelsea and Man U game last night and Josh Stones giving away the Southampton's goal yesterday. Pep is adamant that his defense and keeper play it from the back, but if you don't have ball playing defense it'll never work like you saw the disaster that happened as the football great went back to the Nou Camp, his old stomping ground earlier last week. As a defender my self I can not play the ball from the back for crap, that's why I hoof the ball to the gates of heaven. Managers are putting too much emphasis of playing beautiful football instead playing ugly to save their skins. This is one thing where Guardiola is struggling the English league is not a walk in the park like the Spanish or German league is, you don't have much time on the ball to be doing passa passa football. My stance is footballers should go back to the old school ways and clear it!!!!!!!

What Next For Wenger?

What eulogy do you give one of the best managers of all time, that every publication, pundit and anyone connected with Arsenal have given him? Yes I've been on his back and I'm in #TeamWengerOut and always be, in recent years since I started this blog. But even me a very pessimistic Arsenal fan has to give The Professor his dues he's changed Arsenal from an ordinary & underachieving English football team, to a household name around the world, he's revolutionized football from the diets to training players and turning unknown players to world beaters. Yes 20 years at the helm buts his last 10 years hasn't mirrored his first which is why Monsuer Wenger should call it a day and not renew his contract.  

As shocking as this may sound Wenger is not and maybe will not be on level, with Mourinho or Ferguson why??? These guys have made and re-branded teams, they know how to keep their best player & replace them and have fixed on their mistakes which Wenger has failed to do season after season as of late. I can never take away what he has done for my team he made my childhood a golden era in football. But like I said we cant fill the cracks with delusion. Like many have said Wenger makes the decision at the end of the day and for his benefit and benefit of the club that he leaves. Wenger can't take this team forward, and that's been clear to see with the last ten years, yes we are on cloud 9 at the moment but this club is still short of quality of a team that can win the league and dominate Europe which has eluded his CV since the start of his reign in 1996.

Once again I'm congratulating Arsene on his 20 years. Where managers are coming and going then people change their underwear. What he's done is amazing but we can't live of past glories football is a results industry and winning trophies it's not about what you did decades ago. Many tout him for the England job which will be a backwards step for the FA, as I agree with many that English should stick with English, or a country of a particular nation should stick with a coach from their nation, but that's for another blog. They say a legend is as good as his last game, tactically, man management and player wise Wenger lost his mojo years back and I doubt he can compete with Mourinho's, Conte's and Pep's of this world.

Nostalgia

There was some optimism for once at the Emirates this weekend as we watched the clock go back as the legends of yester year destroyed the AC Milan legends and this is the team that had the likes of Veiri and Maldini, not to bad ehhh?? Only how I would kill to have this sort of quality at the club the Henry's, the Seaman's the Pire's of the world taking a game by the neck of its scruff. Back to back silverware which this current team cannot compare to.

I may be nostalgic but can you blame me? The squad is bare as it is, we don't know if our best players will turn up or not and Wenger is loaning our key players who Man City were willing to pay 45 million for some time ago. I honestly believe Wenger as I've said time and time again has lost his touch and its time for him to go I'm tired of his stupid excuses and deluded interviews about paying 600 staff, the team lack leaders and the board don't care as long as their pockets are full.  

How I would love to have a player like Kanu, Pires or Wright in our squad, players that will win you silverware, players who care for the club instead of what filter to use on their Instagram posts. Only one can wonder as Arsenal are the new Roma's, Liverpool's and Newcastles of this world, just another European sleeping giant. 

2016/2017 Season - The New Dawn

Never has there been so much anticipation and excitement to a new season such as this one, with mega transfers and having 7-8 of the top 10 coaches in world football all in the English league. Leicester may have shocked the world in winning the title last season.

 Mourinho and Pep will take to the battle as their fued boils over to the battle of Manchester, Pogba the best central midfielder in club football right now, is looking to reunite at Old Trafford  where this is unfinished business. This season looks like the league will go down to wire with probably 6 or 7 teams chasing for it. Every team has added depth to their squads. With even a tense battle with relegation and who ends up in Europe will be hard to tell.

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride that will unfold for the next 10 months as the curtain raises, as the best league kicks off this weekend, so many questions, so many star players on show and so many top managers looking to mark a stamp on their already impressive CV's look to dominate England. This will be the best show piece soap opera gold can't even afford to buy so get your pop corn, be ready to go through the motions because this roller coaster ride called the Premiere League will be one hell of journey.

Words by Ayo Balogun

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North London Will Reign White Again

Yes I'm not going crazy I said it, Tottenham can be the main driving force in North London. Yes we may have finished over them just by luck in the last campaign, but I slyly believe the whites will be the better team in the North come next may or years to come. With  Mauricio Pochettino putting a stamp to his managerial stance with youth and great dealings in the window I can see Spurs finishing over Arsenal very soon.

Spurs in both league games last season were the better teams, yes we did get over them in League Cup, but the Micky Mouse cup counts for nothing. With Harry Kane, Delle Alli and a defense that is as tight as any in the league the only way is up for Spurs. With great dealing in the market with Wanyama whose a fantastic midfielder on his day and Ajax man Janseen whose one of the hottest forwards in Europe. Tottenham have a capable squad of challenging for Europe and title contenders.

Now the young team has experienced the humiliation at the end of last season where they handed Leicester the league on a plate. They will learn and only get better and with  players like Prirchard, Sun and Dier and transfer of star studded European names don't sleep on Spurs.

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Euro 2016 Review

In a tournament that had so much build up but gave little, this years summer tournament was a competition of the underdog, grit and great defending. Not a competition that will go down in the folklore but it will be the competition that Ronaldo, Bale and Greizemen stamped their mark as one of the best in the world and shoe in's for the Ballon D'or.

As it was a very well hyped tournament where the best offensive players were looking to be the leading lights. Very few lit up the competition but Greizmen, Bale and Nani who had a up and down club career really were danger men of the tourniquet. My hats of to Portugal who really were never convincing through out the whole Euro 2016 who became the victors, prove you don't need to play the best football to win silverware, over the resolute defending and Ronaldo's great leadership just goes to show, team spirit, fantastic leadership and hard work will take you far in football.

The new tournament was meant to make the competition more exciting and give smaller nations a chance. But for me and many neutrals. The new format was as inspiring as watching paint dry, too many teams came to defend being content that a 3rd place will take them through, which made the football negative. But also gave many nations like Iceland and Wales who were teams of the tournament a great tourniquet. I just hope the World Cup has a better showpiece and is more entertaining.

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Euro 16 Presdictions

                                               

As we are days away from the hottest tournament of the summer. Here is my prediction on who will be the winners, dark horses and how England will fare in this summers Euro's.

Winners

The usual suspects will be the favorites of  this summers tournament, France have a dangerous squad with many options going forward and defensively, and we all know that come tournament time Germany have their heads screwed on as they are the current world champions so if they show up I see them as straight finalists. Spain who were dominant in world football in the last decade could get their swagger back, Del Bosque may have axed some key players but Spain have many jewels to their big crown as they produce quality players year in and year out. I see these 3 teams in the Semi's and being hot prospects in Euro 16.

Dark Horses 

For me Portugal and Belgium who have been producing talents in an abundance for the past seasons, can be the shock team of the tournament as well as Roy Hodgson's England who have the best strike forces in the competition. Rooney may be in decline and has converted into a midfielder but we all know what he is capable off when in the zone he's England's top scorer for a reason, Vardy fired Leicester to the championship and Harry Kane is a natural goal scorer as well as the talented Sturridge. These 3 if their heads are in the game will cause a team handfuls but knowing their histories, it could repeat in all 3 just having average and underachieving tournaments.

How will England fair up? 

With Hodgson leaving out many good players such as Drinkwater, Defoe and Townsend. This is probably the best attacking squad I've seen options wise, for many years. If Hodgson can pick the right formation and utilize Vardy and Kane England will be a problem. I can see them in the quarters or semi's. Defensively questions will be asked as Stones, Cahill have had bad seasons and some of the goal conceded in the friendlies leading up to the tournament, but Smalling has come of age this season I think the back line is quite solid, They have good chance if they focus full backs wise I like Walker, Rose and Bertrand who have had good seasons and all can go forward. This could be their biggest chance.

Euro 16 could be as good as the last World Cup I see many goals, and not too many shocks. Here are my predictions this summers competition.

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The Wish That Man U Fans Will Regret

LVG was relieved of his duties this morning as Manchester United's manager, as it may not come as shock to the football world, United supporters got their wish that will turn sour. I for one is a fan of Van Gaal his CV speaks for himself and his record speaks for it's self. He's  been given time everyone where he's gone where he's managed great sides. I think yet again Manchester United a club that I though had morals that stick by their managers are going backwards just like they did by sacking Moyes in 2014.

He lead his team to an FA cup, yes they didn't qualify for the Champions League, but I think Vaan Gaal has worked well under pressure, he's had 14 injuries and yet brought through some exciting youngsters like Lingarrd, Fonsu Mensah, Varela and man of the moment Rashford. United should've let the Dutchman see out his contract and pave the way for Giggs to take over, who seems his on his way out of Old Traffiord along with Van Gaal and his backroom staff too.

With the Special One as the bookies favorite to lead the Red Devils next season, this appointment will not be a good move going forward. Man United are a club that thrive on stability and longevity as Sir Alex, Matt Busby were there for a long  time. We all know Mourinho get's bored and will leave eventually, he will certainty bring trophies and might bring back the glory days. But you cant stop and start like many clubs do but it doesn't surprise me anymore as United have lost the plot and are following fashion in not giving managers time and sacking them. Another reason why I'm against Mourimho is that he doesn't develop youths, is his tenure at many clubs he's coached, how many youths has he let go and let rot in the reserves? This will be a bad move as I'm fearing for the futures of the next, potential class of 92 who could take the footballing world by storm, but could be ruined and sent to others teams where potential could just be thrown in the bin. As its re-occurrence with the Portuguese tactician.

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Hodgson Picks Squad For Euro's

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), Fraser Forster (Southampton), Tom Heaton (Burnley).

Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Everton), Kyle Walker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ryan Bertrand (Southampton), Danny Rose (Tottenham Hotspur), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool).

Midfielders: Dele Alli (Tottenham Hotspur), Ross Barkley (Everton), Fabian Delph (Manchester City), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Andros Townsend (Newcastle United), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal).

Strikers: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Jamie Vardy (Leicester City), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United).

This will be the England squad looking to take on Europe's finest in this summer's Euro's. I think its's not a great squad but it's not bad one either as many neutrals feel Hodgson left out many quality players. Yes the jury is out on young gun 18 year old Rashford, but let's be honest he will not be in the final 23, neither will Delph who has been frozen out in his debut season at City. 

The midfield is looking strong with many quality options as great as Wilshere is, he's only played like 2-3 games this season, to me this is unfair to midfielders like Carrick who may in the twighlight of his career and Mark Noble who has been a stellar player for the last 10 years for West Ham. But yet because Roy has favourites they get liberties, which I believe players should get picked on merit not because they're teachers pets. I'm glad Drinkwater is in the squad and hope he starts as he's been one of the best midfielders with Delle Alli this season. 

I think Rooney should be playing in a number 10 role and not on left of a 3 man forward line which is suggested. Many said Defoe should be in the squad, okay he's single handily saved Sunderland with his 15 goals, but like Carrick he's old and when you've got Kane, Rooney, Vardy and Sturridge there's no space for the former Tottenham and Portsmouth man. It's going to be peculiar how he uses man of the moment Alli. But I think England can go to the semis if all players are focused and with Kane or Vardy playing upfront they'll be a handful to defences as Germany were woken up to a rude awakening months ago. 

This is my my England 11 who I feel should start 

                                                                               Hart, Clyne, Cahill, Smalling, Betrand, Drink Water, Alli, Sterling, Rooney, Lallana, Kane, formation 4-5-1.

Can Leicester Win The Title Next Season?

Once again my hats are off are out to the foxes who have hit the mecca of football, what a great advert and inspiration they have been for the beautiful game. They deserved to win the title and every plaudits that have come their way. Mahrez, Kante, Vardy, Huth, Gray, Albrighton and the Leicester squad has turned the script on its head and has done what possibly be can't done in British football. We'll they be like Blackburn 1995 who won the league and next season they withered in mid table? Can they keep their heroes? And can they play up to the demands of Europe as well?

They say never say never in football. But I doubt they can do the miracles they have done this season. Pep Guardiola and Man City will invest heavily and come back, Man Utd with or with out LVG will be looking to come back and so will Chelsea. I doubt Leicester will be able to attract stellar names of world football and compete with top boys next season.

We'll be talking about this for the next 100 years, but in a season where the big guns have choked and I'm not taking anything from Leicester, lets just say the Cladio Raneiri's men took advantage and were very fortunate. Where many included my self were tipping them to fall off in January, where they didn't I commend them but when you have to compete in 4 competitions and the Man City's and Chelsea's of this world resuming back to normal I'll doubt Leicester will be able to cope next season.

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Jamie Vardy Wins FWA Gong

What a success story its been for man of the hour, Jamie Vardy it's been such a success that its going to be a Hollywood movie. It was well deserved he won the Footballers Writers player of the year award, for someone whose peaked late in his career and considering he was playing non-league football just 4 years ago with a Premiership title on it's way and looking to stake a claim for England in the Euro's this summer the world is Vardy's oyster right now.

He broke Ruud Van Nistleroy's record in scoring in 11 consecutive matches and netting 22 times in 36 games. Vardy has been one of the best forwards in the league this year, with his potent feet, pace and running in behind defenses, he's been one of the reasons why Leicester will be looking to be crowned champions sooner rather than later. This is what football is all about, this is the stuff of dreams that a big Hollywood script writer couldn't conjour up.

 After winning the prestigious award that has seen the likes of Vanistleroy, Henry, Hazard and Bale who have been previous winners, this is what the England international had to say "Thank you also to my team-mates, who are the reason I’ve been able to achieve anything.

"It’s been an amazing season for all of us at Leicester, based on the team-work not individuals, which you can see in the voting. Thanks also to the manager, all the staff and the fans for their support.

"We’re all totally focused on getting over the line in the final two weeks of the season and turning a great season into one we’ll never forget. Hopefully I can contribute to that and, if selected, carry some good form into the Euros this summer.”

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Can City Win The Champions League?

City surprised many by coming this far in Europe, where by new they would flopped and burned out, now they have the chance to salvage which has been a mediocre season and become the kings of Europe. Yes they are facing the biggest club in Madrid, but with Madrid's super Galictico team, there's holes that Kevin Du Bryne, Aguero and co can open up in Madrid defence.

City can match anyone on their day, and as I've been saying in the last years with the squad they have, they're more than capable of winning the competition and dominating club football. Yes they're more inconsistent like London transport. But when you have one of the best strikers in Aguero and midfield that has the likes of Silva, Toure, Du Bryne and Sterling nothing but trophies should be coming their way. Madrid who like City where we don't know if they're going turn up or choke have had their problems and you can't they can't rely on Ronaldo all the time, this will be a great tie for neutrals and determine City's credentials. If they can be a star studded PSG then the world is their oyster.  

Is Guardiola The Real Deal?

Say what you may about the Spanish tactician, but there will always be a debate if he is the real deal. His CV is impressive, adored by the footballing world even made Jose Mourinho look like an apprentice coach when he was at Barcelona. But can we say he's one of the greats? I've spoken with many people and the topic of Guardiola never building a team from scratch always comes up, he's always inherited great squads, and it will be the same where he takes the helm at Manchester City.

As much as we are all in awe of Pep. For me a world class manager builds from the foundation, okay in 2008 where he took charge of the Barcelona's first team and he shipped out Deco, Ronaldinho and co and brought in Pedro, Busquets from the youth, it doesn't compare to what Sir Alex did when he built around 5 teams in his 26 year stay in Old Trafford. In my honest opinion Guardiola has slightly improved teams. Like I said his history is immense and he's one of the top coaches in world football, but can he go to small team or a sleeping giant and take them to new heights like Wenger did with Arsenal, like Mourinho did with Porto, Chelsea and Inter Milan? I doubt it like it doesn't take a rocket scientist to get a team of gifted players and win trophies, but getting average players, bringing youth and signing top players to make a team gel and winning silverware is another. It'll be fascinating how he handles the Premiership but if he's not successful at the Ethiad we might just see if he's really on top of his game or will the cracks begin to show on the wall.

The Year Of Under Dog

I fell in love with football because it's like those Hollywood films where the underdog wins, where the small, unworthy outcasts is the hero. I loved it when Greece won Euro 2004, when Harry Redknapp guided Portsmouth to the FA Cup in 2008 (even though I fell asleep watching that game lol) Now we're going to witness Leicester win the league. They are the epitome that you don't need the best players in the world, and a Middle Eastern to pump billions in a club. And they emphasized that playing good football and enjoying yourselves with handwork and grit can win you the league. 

Who can leave out Tottenham, my rivals, it is painful seeing them finish on top of us but they deserved it. Mauricio Pochettino has really made a Tottenham a team with potential to fulfilling their potential. With Kane, Alli and Ericksen Spurs are one of the best in the league once they get started. He didn't spend much and used the youth system. Another reason that you don't need to spend millions to be a success. Tottenham have out done themselves. And have a brighter future ahead as well as for the club and the England team.

Last but not least who can forget West Ham? Who are in contention in Europe and are having a great cup run, Slaven Billic must be in contention for manager of the season as he's bought well, with Payet having a blinder this season and his boys really outdoing themselves. This is what the beautiful game for too long the so called top 4 has been dominating but it seems the domination has been wearing thin, with Liverpool overachieving, Arsenal slowly becoming a sleeping giant, Chelsea chopping and changing and Man United missing Fergie the small teams are taking advantage and give the big boys a run for the money. Well who says the English game is linear and cliche? Because this season has been far from it.  

Words by Ayo Balogun

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