The David Moyes Replacement: The Contenders

Even though it was beginning to feel a little inevitable, the news that David Moyes has been sacked as Manchester United manager was still a shock to the system. This is the same Manchester United who haven't had a new coach for 26 years, will now have their third head coach in 12 months and probably their fourth by the summer.

Whether David Moyes was given enough time, money or quality to properly complete the job he was hired to do is another question, but in most Manchester United fans worst case scenario's, 7th and 23 points behind Liverpool at the top of the table would have taken some real imagination to envisage last June.

Even if Sir Alex Ferguson's final title run last season was perhaps more a testament to the great man's ability to squeeze results out of teams with his own two hands than the quality on the pitch, Manchester United are still better than where they are right now.

So, we move to the contenders. They say it's best to follow the guy who follows the best act, and in the managerial merry-go-round Moyes will have done his successor a favour, giving fans another comparison apart from just the memory of one of the greatest British managers of all time to live up to. "At least it's not Moyes" gives the new guy at least 6 months to get his ideas across.

So, in order of perceived (bookmakers) likelihood, lets take a look at the contenders:

Bookmakers favourite: Louie Van Gaal


A staunch disciplinarian with the locker room presence of a frightening headteacher, Van Gaal brings pedigree as well as a stern approach that should get some additional work ethic from United's lackadaisical players.

Pros: Proven winner - seven titles in four countries including the Champions League. Has the Dutch connection with Robin Van Persie that should keep the Dutchman happy.

Cons: Has a tendency to fall out with players, media, be outspoken and unpopular among fans. Will either be a lightning rod for the players or further exacerbate the tension in Manchester. Players historically take time to learn his methods.

Verdict: Proven winner but loud, angry and outspoken - sounds familiar, doesn't it United fans? Van Gaal may not bring the beautiful game to Old Trafford right away, but with his track record he's a surer bet than Moyes was.

Suitability: 7/10

Fans Favourite: Jurgen Klopp


The smiling, bubbly German has earned his place as the darling of the European football press with his imitable character, exciting Borussia Dortmund sides and youth development. His hand in taking the German side to a set of league titles and the Champions League final despite Bayern's historic stranglehold over the Bundesliga has been incredibly impressive.

Pros: Will instantly win hearts and minds, brings a charisma to the job somewhat lost under David Moyes. Promotes youth, could tempt Dortmund star Marco Reus to come with him.

Cons: Has no history of dealing with a large budget, never coached outside Germany.

Verdict: It's easy to see why Klopp is the fans's choice for the job. His work in Germany has been remarkable and his ability to promote youth-driven, fast paced football is a huge plus for a club like Manchester United. If he's available, makes perfect sense.

Suitability: 8/10

The outside bet: Diego Simeone



The hard-nosed Argentinian has been the architect behind the Atleti side that has had a miracle season - in the semi-finals of the Champions League and competing for the La Liga title despite losing Falcao in summer. Tough, abrasive and tactically excellent, Simeone would be a much-needed shock to United's system.

Pros: Will not take liberties with players, excellent motivator that will provide a real work-ethic to an ailing club.

Cons: Has never coached a "big" club, underdog tactics may not translate to a larger side.

Suitability: 7/10

Final Verdict: 

It really depends on what Manchester United want next. All three coaches offer unique approaches and will come from tenures at clubs that have brought trophies, but looking at three prime contenders, Jurgen Klopp seems to match up best with United's philosophies and may be the modern European coach that Manchester United need going forward. However, if Jurgen Klopp keeps to his word and stays in Dortmund this summer, Simeone would be an intriguing appointment.

Andrea Pirlo: "I think therefore I play" - A Review

There's always an air of disappointment that accompanies reading an autobiography. To revel in your heroes success before revealing the machinations behind thrilling victories occasionally have the effect of pulling the curtain up from behind "The Phantom Of The Opera" to reveal a small bearded man operating a lever system.

Sometimes, the mystery is better than the truth.

This is somewhat emphasized in sporting autobiographies. Never known for their literary prowess, hearing tales of physical, emotional batterings spoken through the writings of a footballer is often a redundant exercise.

Football is a spectator sport, one to be watched rather than recorded in writing. Hard analysis can be found aplenty when typed by professional fingers, but even among experts the ability to place a clear image in a readers head, one with a vividness that does justice to the sporting romance portrayed is a skill possessed by very few.

Yet there is a heady sigh that can often accompany sporting books of this nature. One (perhaps unnaturally) expects to be able so tangibly read the passion emanating from the autobiography of a Roy Keane or a Steven Gerrard that it burns red on the page. The cacophony of simple sentences that follow almost sully the image, like a Mona Lisa in a dull, unwashed frame.

It is then, with a deep pleasure to read a biography that is written with the characteristics that a reader would expect from a particular player. "I think therefore I play" by Andrea Pirlo does just that.

Pirlo is the thinking man's football player, a testament to an almost lost art of grace and calm that is a rare sight among his uber-athletic peers. As a result the midfielder looks almost frozen in time, slowing the game to a pace more suited to him, seemingly oblivious (or perhaps impervious) to the trends enveloping in the game around him.

Pirlo's now famous facial hair (which despite first appearing in 2012 feels like it has always been present) emphasizes his image of experience, the groomed veteran looking more scholarly that sporting.

His prose echoes with wit, short sentences interjected with snide comments that so neatly fit with his clever movements on the pitch. Cutting remarks about peers ("We were 4-1 up so the chance of us losing were as likely as Gattuso completing an Art Degree") are interspersed with a metaphoric view of his own ability ("After all, Dolly will never just be an ordinary sheep").

The stories you'd heard before, detailing his exit from Milan in 2011 to Silvio Berlusconi blocking his move to Chelsea in 2009 and even Real Madrid, and Italy's World Cup victory.

But what you didn't have before was the way in which Andrea told you the tale, weaving with humour like one of his famous free-kicks (a notable example was where he calls a case pulled by Adriano Galliani from under the table during negotiations as "just as well hidden as Monica Lewinsky under Bill Clinton's desk in the Oval Office.")

The simplicity of Pirlo's writing style keeps the anecdotes lively, short sentences zipping along like a well-placed pass.

In review, the book was everything I hoped, because it was nothing like I feared.

No-one, (at least not me) expected Pirlo's book to be a thesis with a more expansive vocabulary than his passing range, but it was nevertheless pleasant to read a book from a sportsperson that for once, didn't leave me unsatisfied.

Rating: 4/5








 

Milan's 4th win in a row leaves potential of arrow pointing up for Seedorf's Rossoneri

In the build up to Milan's late-March win over Lazio, rumours were rife.

After a galling loss to Roberto Donadoni's Parma, where four goals were sent past a typically hapless Milan defence, many were wondering what the difference was between the cast-off Massimiliano Allegri and his shiny new Dutch successor.

With all the promises of Seedorf's charisma turning around the sinking Milan ship and directing it toward the treasure island of European qualification, four straight losses followed including an embarrassing 4-1 loss to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid that ended the Rossoneri's European adventure.

"This is not a team," former Milan coach raged Arrigo Sacchi raged following the loss.

The criticism didn't end there.

Club hero Paolo Maldini told Gazzetta dello Sport that Milan director Adriano Galliani felt "omnipotent" while the decline of one of the more graceful and respected European giants left him with a "mixture of anger and disappointment."

His sentiment was shared by fans and pundits alike, which seemed to be mirrored by the increasingly desperate members of the club's board.

Milan dropped out of the top 10 in the Serie A league table and whispers that Seedorf could be ousted after just two months on the sideline at San Siro were growing louder.

As the Milan players lined up to take on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that the match against the Roman side and the following one against Fiorentina would be Seedorf's last two games to save his job. Mauro Tassotti, long-time assistant coach would takeover for the rest of the season before Filippo Inzaghi, Cesare Prandelli or Roberto Donadoni - somewhat appropriately considering it was his Parma that so convincingly downed Milan - would be the next man up.

While the hiring of a rookie coach over another one would appear vastly redundant - perhaps the bringing in of an experienced tactician would've been the best idea to begin with.

That idea however appears, for now at least, to be in the rear-view mirror. The reason for that is that since Italian dailies screamed of unrest, Seedorf has led his squad to four successive victories in Serie A that now leave Milan eighth, level with high flying Torino and just a three points away from the Parma side that so convincingly beat them in mid-March.

There is still a window open for a late Europa League push (although the long-term benefit of said push is yet to be determined - that's an article for a different day) which in itself is an impressive feat. Europe seemed out of the question as Milan were slipping into free-fall a month ago, but is now one of the possible outcomes that could follow the season's conclusion.

While not displaying the vibrant attacking football that was once so often associated with Milan in years gone by, the Rossoneri have created chances, converted them and - crucially considering previous defensive issues - conceded just one goal.

13 points earned in five games, second only to Roma during the same period.

For now, the arrow is pointing up for Clarence Seedorf and his Milan side.

Scudetto disappointment shouldn't overshadow Roma's historic season

Roma beat Atalanta 3-1 on Saturday night in a flurry of attacking fervor that has become common custom when watching the Giallorossi in 2013/14 season.

Gervinho tears past opponents with ease, Daniele De Rossi anchors a midfield that dominates possession and the juggernaut keeps going. Francesco Totti turns every weekend into 2001 with an array of flicks and tricks that makes you think taking a 37-year-old to the sweltering heat of the Brazilian World Cup in summer wouldn't be a bad idea and as usual, Rudi Garcia adds another win to an impressive debut season.

Roma have only lost twice all season, losses to Antonio Conte's soon-to-be historic Juventus side and Rafael Benitez's dangerous Napoli the only negatives to be found in a season that by and large, has brought almost unrelenting satisfaction to the usually weary followers of arguably Italy's most chaotic giants.

Yet, there will be a tinge of disappointment when the season ends and the inevitable Bianconeri festivities begin. Juventus's pending three-peat will be the first time the Turin side has won a trio of consecutive league titles since a quintet of Scudetti between 1931 and 1935, and will deny Roma the chance to celebrate a title that in previous years would've been almost guaranteed. To call Juventus's title a landmark achievement, especially in the context of today's hyper-competitive footballing sphere, is an understatement.

As a result, Juventus's five point stranglehold over the top of Serie A (and a game in hand to boot) has somewhat overshadowed Roma's own season, which has been notable in it's own right and in context - arguably more impressive.

Roma's achievements are plenty - their 79 points from 32 games is the most earned in that period by any Giallorossi side in Serie A history while the 19 clean sheets held by Garcia's side are more than Juventus had in the entirety of Juventus's 2012/13 title winning season.

Their goal differential (+49) is better than any in Serie A; two better than Juventus and a huge 21 goals better than next best Napoli. However, the lack of a Scudetto parade celebrating said achievement will unfortunately condemn this excellent Roma year as the unfortunate ugly sister alongside the dominating Juventus placed above them. Sadly, a casual fan would probably fail to recognize the success this season already has been for the 2nd placed side, and the point differential doesn't accurately depict the huge progression made by Roma under their coach.

Roma's season should be compared to the one had in 2012/13 to more accurately explain the quantum leap this team has made.



2012/13 was a season that began with huge optimism following the return of former coach Zdenek Zeman, who brought with him his expansive, daring, entertaining and ultimately suicidal tactics back to the Italian capital.

Nine losses in Zeman's first 23 matches in charge brought a abrupt ending to the veteran's second Roman tenure and caretaker coach Andrea Andreazzoli guided the capital club to 6th place, with the final match under his charge a disappointing Coppa Italia loss, which nearly drove Daniele De Rossi out of Italy.

Roma's final points total through 38 games in 2012/13: 62. Win/Draw/Loss record: 18/8/12. Goals For/Against: 59/45.

Now look at the same Roma statistics through 33 games, with 5 remaining to improve said record:

Points total: 79. Win/Draw/Loss Record: 24/7/2. Goals For/Against: 68/19.

Roma with five less games have 13 more points, six more wins, 10 fewer losses and despite having a distinct lack of Zeman's cigarette smoke on the Olimpico sideline - nine more goals. Somewhat unsurprisingly by the same regard, they've also conceded 26 less goals than their 2012/13 rivals.

Thanks to Walter Sabatini's terrific summer of work bringing in Kevin Strootman (contender for Serie A midfielder of the season before injury practically handed the award to Arturo Vidal), Mehdi Benatia (Serie A's best defender this season by a mile) and managing to replace 15 goal Erik Lamela with walking disappointment Gervinho and come out the winner of that transaction (with about €20m in change too), Roma are set up to contend for a few years yet.

Tying it all together has been Rudi Garcia, whose arrival from Lille was the best addition any Serie A side has made all season. Carlos Tevez will probably be Serie A's top scorer, but Garcia's work in transforming the chaotic, frustrating Roma side that has annually disappointed for over a decade into a title contending side is frankly astonishing.

The announcement of a new stadium that will be the club's home in 2016/17 - bringing in income that will allow Sabatini and Garcia to continue building a team capable of winning silverware all but confirms this as Roma's best season since Fabio Capello was parading a Serie A trophy atop a bus around the streets of the Italian capital in 2001.

Regardless of what Juventus have achieved, that should be remembered.

Liverpool's West Ham win makes fairytale title win real possibility

Steven Gerrard stepped up and smacked a winning penalty home yet another time in his career to send his Liverpool side home as 2-1 victors over West Ham, his second spot kick of the game.

The England captain has scored several important goals in his career, the Anfield hero possessing enough heroic moments that could equate his career highlights video on Youtube to a scene from Braveheart. And yet, the converted penalty to give Brendan Rodgers' side their ninth straight victory and give the Reds a two point lead at the top of the Premier League table could arguably be the most important (or at the very least memorable) of his career.

Because it's not surprising to see Steven Gerrard win games on his own, the sight of the midfielder coolly converting a penalty to keep his side's hopes alive has been a constant since the 33-year-old entered the hearts and minds of Premier League fans over a decade ago.

What is surprising, however, is that his goal gives Liverpool the lead in a title race no-one had them potentially winning just months ago.

Fresh from a 7th placed position at the end of the 2012-13 season, Brendan Rodgers was given a simple task: improve that place next season. A top four spot giving Liverpool a place in the Champions League for the first time since Rafael Benitez managed the side in 2009 was seen as an attainable target, but not an expected one.

Suffice to say, Rodgers and his squad have surpassed those summer predictions.

Under the former Swansea coaches tutelage, Liverpool have rocketed up the Premier League table playing a brand of football that is the most exciting Premier League fans have seen since Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo-Carlos Tevez-Wayne Rooney trio terrorized defences en route to two of United's three consecutive league titles between 2007 and 2009.

29(!!!) goal forward Luis Suarez leads a front line that pairs him with the only other striker that has more than 18 league goals in Daniel Sturridge, who has transformed his reputation from Chelsea's moody but selfish reserve striker to the most clinical English forward in the league.

Obviously Liverpool's Uruguayan star has nabbed the majority of the headlines (and rightly so) with performances reminiscent of Thierry Henry in his Arsenal Invincibles's pomp, but a glance through the league leaders side is a collection of underrated players who have all taken a step forward at the same time.

Jordan Henderson, who has been a revelation in centre of midfield for Rodgers' side leads a supporting cast of Philippe Coutinho, John Flanagan and teen winger Raheem Sterling conspiring to make a feel-good side that is playing with the same youthful exuberance on the pitch that is being displayed off it.

Rivals Manchester City can still overtake Liverpool (who sit four points above Manuel Pellegrini's side) with their two games in hand, but one of them being at Anfield mean that destiny is still firmly in Liverpool's hands.

It's an astounding turn of events that in the space of a season expectations have shifted so drastically that it would actually be rather disappointing if Liverpool didn't end up champions in late-May. However, it should always be remembered that no matter how the season ends, a heartbreaking second place is a remarkable achievement considering the financial clout shown by Arsenal, Manchester City, Chelsea and even Manchester United in the last two transfer windows in comparison to the Anfield side's relatively profligate additions during the same period.

The title would Liverpool's first in the Premier League era, their last one coming at the conclusion of the 1990 season, the last title won by Kop heroes John Barnes, Alan Hansen and Ian Rush. If that 1990 success was the last title won by a veteran collection of champions, an unlikely 2014 title would be the mirror image of that; Rodgers' thin team made up of young, exciting talent.

So the converted penalty Gerrard dispatched was important for a number of reasons for Liverpool fans. It keeps them at the top of the table (also mathematically eliminating Manchester United, which won't go unnoticed in Merseyside) and in doing so, it keeps the dream of a fairy tale title challenge alive, one that they were never supposed to be part of to begin with.