South Korea: K-League Classic, Title Shootout on Sunday

On Sunday, a K-League Classic Champion will be crowned, but it remains to be seen who that will be. Ulsan Hyundai take a two point lead into the game against Pohang Steelers and they know that a draw will be sufficient for them to win the league.

The big surprise in the UEFA Champions League.

It is very rare that a Champions League campaign doesn't produce a shock or a surprise in the competition. Since the famous Jose Mourinho Porto side of 2004, almost year in year out there has been a team to surprise all in the competition. Whether it be Liverpool's shock in Istanbul against AC Milan in 2005, Arsenal in 2006, Liverpool again in 2007, Chelsea in 2008. It's hard to deny that in 2009 arguably the two best teams on the planet contested the final in Rome where ultimately Lionel Messi stole the show in a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester United. Jose Mourinho clocked up his second Champions League title in 2010 coming from nowhere to beat Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich side in Real Madrid's Bernabau. 2011 seen Schalke and Manuel Neuer reach the semi final's against Manchester United when the German's weren't expected to get out of the group. 2012 seen Chelsea win the Champions League finally in Munich and 2013 seen Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund side take Europe by storm. So that just leave's 2014.....Who will that be?

Domenico Berardi: Player Profile

19 year-old Domenico Berardi of Sassuolo is one of the most talked about players in Serie A this season. His goal-scoring exploits have attracted attention from a host of clubs all over Europe.

Joining Sassuolo as a 16 year-old, he showed his potential very early on, with great movement and ability on the ball. He is left-footed but can play with both feet, he doesn't lack power or confidence. He is the main penalty-taker on the team, which proves how cool he is under pressure especially as a young player.

Vitesse Arnhem – Shrewd or Abuse?

Eredivisie has grown into the great crèche of European football, with the top clubs taking the opportunity to send their finest gems out to Holland for the finishing school of a top player. With Barcelona taking up the opportunity to send several academy graduates off to the flat land of Holland and experience the technique and class of Dutch football, Isaac Cuenca one of the latest to make the trip North East from Spain to join Ajax on loan after failing to nail down a place at the Catalan club. The falling of European prevalence for Eredivisie has seen Holland shift to a development centre for others, from the great Ajax side that seems a lifetime away given the level of performance from Dutch sides in this century.

Positions available with Football News Network

As many of you are well aware, The Football News Network is continuously growing at the minute. Our site is currently clocking up more than 200 views daily thanks to many members of our team already. 

At the minute we have eight league's being covered by our team as part of the Football News Network, which are all labelled in our site. The work load is increasing and is becoming more enjoyable, and that's why we are looking for admins and bloggers to help contribute to the Football News Network team.

By early next week we will have two more accounts to add to the site including MLS and North American coverage and Asian football coverage that will covering 8 of Asia's top leagues and will be brought to you with the same care and dedication as already is being shown on the other accounts.

Currently we have two posts we want filled:

• An Admin role for @FNN_LaLiga
• An Admin role for @FNN_Bundesliga

Both these roles are open to any one with a keen interest in either league. The work that must need to be done is simple but crucial.

1. Run the admin account keeping all you account followers up to date with the latest news, scores and major talking points from that league. 
2. Provide blogs for the site. No limit is set on blogs, however we would request one of around minimum 150 words to be sent weekly for it to become published on the site.
3. Interact with fans - answering questions or issue podcasts if you wish to do so.

Currently we have signed up for advertisement conditions with google and other companies, and pending the success of our site income may be received in the near future. If you wish to apply for a role either tweet the site or send an email to shaneburns2@yahoo.ie.

*Entries close Friday 7th December*

Dutch Football - The Truly Beautiful Game.

 The Eredivisie may not be regarded as the strongest league in Europe, but its impact upon the world game is still sensational. The state of Dutch football may not be at the magical heights of Cryuff’s days and the total football revolution, but a national team that reached a world cup final hardly reflects the strength of the Eredivisie – with the finance available to most around Europe proving to have the clout to belittle Dutch strength in elite European competition.

Anzhi Makhachkala – Cash And Corruption

After establishing just 22 years ago in 1991, the current state of Anzhi Makhachkala is a remarkable achievement. After being purchased in January 2011 by billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, the club has gained sufficient funds to generate big name signings such as Cameroonian hitman Samuel Eto’o from Internazionale and even in the managerial position, experienced Guus Hiddink took charge in February 2012.The club was founded by a man named Magomed-Sultan Magomedov, and took part in it’s first season in the Dagestan League. Then after the dissolution of The Soviet Union the club entered The Russian Second Division in 1992. They eventually gained promotion to the top tier of Russian football in 1999, before facing relegation in 2002. They reached the Russian Cup Final for the first time in their history in 2001, losing to Lokomotiv Moscow on penalties. They returned back to the big time in 2010 and a year later reached a high with huge new investors which offered to back the club’s financial solidarity.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Ballon D’or in Waiting

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is one of the most fascinating and headline making personalities in football – the towering Swede is never found lacking of confidence, can you blame him with the records he holds? A magical footballer at his best who has perhaps suffered for his persistence in jet-setting between what seems like every club under the sun, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a unique individual, football aside he is a character that the game would be worse off without – then add his style and magnificent footballing quality to that and we have quite a character.

Champions League Preview: Wednesday November 27th

Here's a look to this Wednesday's Champions League fixtures throughout Europe. Some mouth watering ties throughout the continent tonight

The facts and figures behind Manchester City's rumoured interest

Day in day out, Manchester City continue to be mentioned with name after name in the press. In the last couple of weeks, continuously the club have been mentioned with four names. Asmir Begovic of Stoke, Iker Casillas of Real Madrid, Lionel Messi of Barcelona, and former Manchester United player Paul Pogba. With the deep pockets of owner Sheikh Mansour the club have been continuously linked with some of the world's top stars since his purchase of the club from Taskin  Shinawatra in 2008.

Champion League Preview: Tuesday November 26th

Here's a look ahead to Tuesday's Champions League game five fixtures:

England: Premier League Review

What a weekend of PremierLeague Football. It all started off at Lunchtime on Saturday as one of the most entertaining Merseyside Derbies in years produced 6 goals and great excitement, while it ended with Cardiff's late goal against Manchester United to deny the Red Devils all three points.

Serie A: Weekend Round-Up

Juventus have gone top of Serie A after the weekends action after beating Livorno 2-0 on Saturday, while Roma could only draw 0-0 with Cagliari on Monday night in Rome.

Juventus, with goals from Llorente and Tevez are beginning to ease into form as their new striker partnership find their feet. Llorente, who wasn't fit at the start of the season, has really found life in Italy to his liking now and himself and Tevez are linking up very well in the last few games. Hopefully for Juve more goals will flow, especially with important Champions League games to come.

Milan In Crisis

Milan are officially in crisis. Another poor result against Genoa, a 1-1 draw at home against 10 men. Genoa had to play with 10 men for almost an hour after Thomas Manfredini was sent off for a foul which led to a penalty, which was then missed by Mario Balotelli. Ballotelli, who had never missed a penalty prior to one against Napoli in September, has now missed two. He just doesn't seem himself this season while playing for Milan. Whether it's problems with coach Allegri, or whether he misses El Shaarawy or even if it's that the players around him aren't good enough, I don't know. But something is definatley up. His demeanor on the field is poor.

Zenit shocked at home

Luciano Spalletti's Zenit St. Petersburg were shocked at home, beaten 2-0 by Rostov in the Russian Premier League. Zenit, the league leaders by 3 points had a great opportunity to open up a gap on the teams below them as they all play each other this weekend. However, a lacklustre performance has now given those teams a chance to tie Zenit at the top of the table.

Not one, but two big Moscow Derbies this weekend

Two of the most volatile fixtures in the Russian Premier League, Spartak Moscow travelling CSKA this Saturday is arguably the biggest match in the Russian Premier League this weekend, will be played in the Khinki Stadium. Spartak go into the clash with neighbours CSKA having one the previous clash 3-0 last season. Meanwhile across the city, Dinamo and Lokomotiv will also be challenging this weekend for bragging rights.

A look ahead to Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur

One of the biggest clashes this weekend in the Barclay's Premier League will occur at Manchester City's Eithad stadium where City will take on Andre Villas-Boas' Tottenham side. A battle of the two biggest spenders this summer will clash at a ground where Tottenham have failed to pick up a single point since Peter Crouch's goal almost four years ago guaranteed Champions League football for the first time in Tottenham's history.

Italy: Hellas Verona v Chievo Verona

This weekend the Verona Derby,  or the 'Derby Della Scala' as it is known, will take place in the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi, as Hellas Verona host Chievo Verona in Serie A. This will be just the 11th Derby between the sides, and it's very even, 4 wins apiece and 2 draws.

England: Everton v Liverpool

This weekends Merseyside Derby kicks off at lunchtime on Saturday as Everton play host to Liverpool in what should be a cracker. Both teams are in really good form, with only three points separating them in the league table. Liverpool have an opportunity to leapfrog Arsenal and go top of the Premier League if only for a short time, while Everton can join Liverpool on 23 points with a win. 'The Derby' as it is know locally, is probably the only one in World Football where there is no fan segregation as so many family and friends support both clubs, and it's not uncommon to see them sitting together and cheering on their respective clubs.

Who'll surprise all and star in Brazil?

Many of the greatest players that have ever lived have enjoyed success at no greater stage than the FIFA World Cup, and next year's competition may prove to be very similar. Icons who have played on the worlds biggest stage have taken the opportunity with open arms. From Ferenc Puskas' rise to fame with the Hungarian national team during the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, Sir Geoff Hurst's display in front of his home crowd at Wembley in 1966 or maybe Diego Maradona's dreamy performances during Mexico 1986 have made these players icon figures in the world of Football. Next year's world cup maybe no different, especially in terms of youth. Like Michael Owen for England in France 1998 Brazil will prove to be an amazing opportunity for most of the world's most talented youngsters to proclaim their talent amongst thee very best in the game today. Will some of these youth stars go under the radar and rise to the top?

Germany: Borussia Dortmund v Bayern Munich Match Preview

It's first against second in the Bundesliga on Saturday as Champions Bayern travel to the Westfalenstadion to take on Dortmund. The home side have somewhat of a defensive crisis coming into this game as Hummels, Schmelzer and Subotic will all miss out through injury, while Polish right-back Lukasz Piszczek is only just returning from a long lay-off. How they are going to set up defensively will be interesting. Probably a back four of Durm, Kirch, Papastathopoulos, and Piszczek is the best they can hope for. After losing their last game at Wolfsburg, they will need to bounce back here if they don't want to fall 7 points behind Bayern.

Scottish Giants Celtic sign Holmbert Fridjonsson

 Celtic today signed Iceland youth International Holmbert Fridjonsson from Icelandic team Fran. The 20 year-old, who is 6ft 3inches tall has scored 13 goals in 45 games for Fran. He officially joins up with the  Scottish Champions on January 1st. He is excellent in the air, as you would expect from a player of his height, and technically good with his feet and is quite physical, an attribute you would think will be important in the Scottish game. The Icelandic league has just finished so he will take a short break before joining up with his new team-mates

Published by @gersloveofsport   20 November

Pogba to leave Juventus?

Its being reported this morning by givemesport that Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and even Chelsea could make a January bid for Juve's extremely talented midfielder. Pogba, who last night helped his countrymen qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals in Brazil is hot propery right now. Only a few weeks ago Juve coach Antonio Conte conceded that if a huge bid came in for the young Frenchman, Juve would have to consider it, especially in these economic times. Could Pogba be about to return to the Premier League? Keep it here to find out.

Published by @gersloveofsport. 20 November

Isco/Aguero swap deal.

According to Sport Direct News today, Real Madrid are ready to test the resolve of both Manchester City and Manuel Pellegrini with a bid of cash + Isco for the purchase of star man Sergio Aguero. The Argentine has been on the radar of Real Madrid since his majestic performances for Real's bitter city rivals.

Axel Witsel England bound?

Axel Witsel announced yesterday that his desire is to leave Russian giants, Zenit St. Petersburg and play for one of the top clubs in the English Premier League. The Belgian who made the move to rich Zenit in August 2012 for a staggering €40 million, signing a five year deal.

An ever present in the Belgian national team, the 24 year old expressed his wish to play for a major club in England.
"Indeed, I hope a big club comes for me", he told Belgian paper Nieuwsblade

Witsel has impressed during his time in Russia with his tough tackling and no nonsense style,but has caused trouble within the Champions League last year where during a match with Standard Leige he broke Marcin Wasilewski's leg with a careless challenge.

A move to the Premier League seems on the cards especially with half of his national side playing in England's top league, would he be a good signing for one of the top eight in England? A move to Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City. With Chelsea and City's wealth and desire to strength in the centre of midfield, do the rest stand much of a chance of landing the Belgian?

Lets see.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Barca or Juve?

Just where is Marc-Andre Ter Stegen going to end up? It has been widely reported that he will join Barcelona at the end of the season, but no confirmation has been given by either side. Then yesterday Juventus were reported to be given the go-ahead to sign the talented keeper to replace the legend that is Gianluigi Buffon. Is this just a ploy to get an improved offer from Barcelona or have Barca given up on Ter Stegen. Thibaut Courtois is also on Barca's radar, the Atletico keeper has been getting rave reviews in Spain over the past couple of seasons, and as his loan spell ends at the end of the season, Courtois doesn't see himself becoming a bench warmer at Chelsea. It's interesting times in this goalkeeper saga. 

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen

Published by @gersloveofsport.  19 November

MLS: David Beckham joins up with LeBron James

Two of the worlds biggest sports stars have teamed up for talks on potentially bringing an MLS franchise to Miami. Beckham 38, and James 28, are reportedly in preliminary discussions along with Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.
James, a 2-Time NBA Champion, already has an ownership stake in English Premier League club Liverpool with Fenway Sports Group.

Beckham, who has won League titles with Manchester United, Real Madrid, PSG, along with the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2012, apparently has an option to acquire an MLS franchise  at a discounted rate of around $25m, but that it expires at the end of this year. 

This news along with news of the Manchester City backed franchise in New York is very much welcomed by everyone involved in the game in  America.

With the MLS making huge strides over the last few years, it cannot be stressed enough how important it could be.

Published by @gersloveofsport  19 November

Lazio target Salzburg's Martin Hinteregger

Red Bull Salzburg's Martin Hinteregger is being targeted by Seie A side Lazio in January. He has also been watched by Machester United and Arsenal from England's Premier League according to Talksport. The 21 year old centre-back has a contract that ties him to Salzburg until 2018. He has appeared for the Austrian youth teams on 24 occasions. Juventus have had an interest in him previously but it now seems that Lazio are in pole position.

Is Lionel Messi really ready to swap sunny Spain for Soriano?

As we brought to you yesterday, talks between family members of Lionel Messi and Manchester City have been in touch within the last year regarding a move for the Argentine star to the Etihad.

Further reports have come out this morning from @City_Watch, an account bringing together news from Manchester City from a youth level right up to the senior team, that talks between City CEO, Txiki Begiristain, and Lionel's father, Jorge.

The man of the moment
SOURCE: Independent.co.uk

The report also states that City's representatives have met with super agents Jorge Mendes, most famous for being the agent of Jose Mourinho and Radamel Falcao, and also Pini Zahavi to discuss the possible move. One of those meetings has been also rumoured to be centered upon Spanish play-maker Andres Iniesta during the summer of 2012.

Barcelona are believed to be well aware of City's attempts to lure their star asset away from the Nou Camp and have since taken an aggressive stance to former players and now City board members Feran Soriano and Txiki Begiristain.

Maybe this one isn't just another tabloid rumour?

Club Focus on Serie A New Boys Sassuolo

 In Nothern Italy, in Reggio Emilia, the region of Emilia-Romagna, Sassuolo is an Industrial town which specializes in Ceramic tiles. 80% of Italian ceramic tiles are produced there. It is also host to a Serie A football team.

Unione Sportiva Sassuolo Calcio SRL, to give it it's full name, was founded in 1922 and for the most part bounced around in the lower reaches of the Italian Football pyramid until 2006 when they got promoted to Serie C. It only took 2 more years to gain another promotion, this time to Serie B in 2008. A couple of years of heartbreaking failures in the playoffs followed but eventually they reached the promised land of Serie A in the summer of 2013 under the guidance of coach Eusebio Di Francesco.

So for the first time in Sassuolo's history they began life in the top flight of Italian football in August of this year when they travelled to Turin to take on the home side Torino. Unfortunately they suffered a 2-0 defeat. Four successive defeats at the start of the season including a 7-0 thrashing at home to Inter Milan and things were looking very bleak. 

However, a midweek away fixture against early pacesetters Napoli changed their whole season around. A 1-1 draw in Naples, with a goal from 22 year old Simone Zaza, who is part-owned by Juventus and everything changed. Another draw with Lazio followed. Then, on the 20th of October Sassuolo had their very first Serie A victory, a home win over Bologna by 2 goals to 1. Goals from 19 year old striker Domenico Berardi and Antonio Floro Flores gave the Serie A newcomers an historic victory. Since then an amazing match in Genoa saw Sassuolo emerge victorious by 4 goals to 3 over Sampdoria, quickly followed by a 1-1 draw with league leaders Roma. After a very slow start Sassuolo began to find their feet in Serie A. 

The inclusion of both youngsters, Simone Zaza and Domenico Berardi up front has injected much needed pace and enthusiasm. 3 goals from Zaza and 6 from Berardi, ably assisted by Floro Flores who has chipped in with 3 more have given them a threat in front of goal and they will be a match for all teams. 

Some shrewd loan signings have also aided them, notably Reto Zeigler, Diego Farias, Ezequiel Schelotto, Domenico Berardi and Antonio Floro Flores. Berardi has impressed so much that he will move to Juventus at the end of the season. 

So far so good for Sassuolo in their first season, can they keep it going and cement their place at the top table? Only time will tell, but they've got off to a very good start.

Domenico Berardi





Published by @gersloveofsport   18 November

Superstars to super club?

According to reports this morning, super agents and brokers are trying to piece together a move and package for superstar Lionel Messi to join Manchester City in a World Record deal. The move could see the four time world player of the year swap Catalonia for wet and windy Manchester. 
The deal could turn out to be one of if not the biggest transfers in recent time.

Could he emulate what compatriot Diego Maradona achieved with Napoli in the late 1980s?

Also, Sergio Ramos' contract situation has Manchester City and PSG on red alert after the Spaniards demands aren't being meet by the Real Madrid hierarchy. The World Cup winner whose become somewhat of a legend during his time at Real Madrid is believed to be keen on move away should the "right opportunity arise"'  for wet and windy Manchester. 
The deal could turn out to be one of if not the biggest transfers in recent time.

Could he emulate what compatriot Diego Maradona achieved with Napoli in the late 1980s?

Also, Sergio Ramos' contract situation has Manchester City and PSG on red alert after the Spaniards demands aren't being meet by the Real Madrid hierarchy. The World Cup winner whose become somewhat of a legend during his time at Real Madrid is believed to be keen on move away should the "right opportunity arise"' 

Lavezzi on Milan's Radar

Ezequiel Lavezzi could make a surprise return to Italy, according to Tuttosport. A January move could be on the cards as AC Milan look to make a swoop for the former Napoli striker. He signed for Paris St. Germain in 2012 but his goal scoring rate has plummeted in France and might see a move back to Italy as a way to find his form.

Atletico Madrid want Steve Mandanda

According to Spanish sports newspaper AS, Marseille's Steve Mandanda is on Atletico Madrid's wanted list to replace Thibaut Courtois if the loanee returns to Stamford Bridge at the end of his loan period. Courtois will not settle for a place on the Chelsea bench. He has already refused an extension to his contract, and would rather stay in Spain

Photo courtesy of Goal.com

Published by @gersloveofsport 17 November

Mario Mandzukic to leave Bayern for Juventus?

Reports have surfaced this morning all over the Italian press that Juventus and Bayern Munich have agreed a deal for striker Mario Mandzukic. The 27 year old Croatian feels that with the imminent arrival of Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski that he would be better off leaving at the end of the season. Both Tottenham and Real Madrid had also showed an interest in him.

Published by @gersloveofsport 17 November

Jeremy Menez to return to Serie A?

PSG midfielder Jeremy Menez could be ready to make a return to Serie A, with Juventus, Napoli and Fiorentina all having an interest in bringing him in. He has failed to make a real impact in Paris and may see a return to Italy as a chance to revive his career. He previously had a spell at Roma. The 26 year old May be interested I a a move in January 

Published by @gersloveofsport 17 November 

Erick Thohir arrives at Inter

Inter's New Boss Erick Thohir Arrives

New owner Erick Thohir arrived at Inter today as a new regime gets underway. But what can fans of the club actually expect from the new man? As with all football supporters, they hope he's going to splash the cash and bring back the glory days. But will he? There is no doubt the 43 year old Indonesian is a very shrewed businessman, but he is also a sports fan.  He is part-owner of the NBA basketball team, the Philadelpia 76'ers, and also part-owner of the MLS team, DC United and owns 2 other basketball teams in Indonesia.

Serie A Team of the Season so far

Here is my team of the season, from games that I've seen myself. Feel free to comment, or even submit your own.

1. Peep Reina ( Napoli )

2. Jonathan ( Inter )

3. Nicola Murru ( Cagliari )

4. Andrea Ranocchia ( Inter )

5. Guglielmo Stendardo ( Atalanta )

6. Paul Pogba ( Juventus )

7. Jose Callejon ( Napoli )

8. Borja Valero ( Fiorentina )

9. Giuseppe Rossi ( Fiorentina ) 

10. Andrea Pirlo ( Juventus )

11. Juan Cuadrado ( Fiorentina )

Honourable mentions;

Domenico Berardi ( Sassuolo )

German Denis ( Atalanta )

Miralem Pjanic ( Roma )

Gervinho ( Roma )

Lorenzo Insigne ( Napoli )

Jorginho ( Hellas Verona )

Luca Toni ( Hellas Verona )

Welcome Note

Just a quick hello and welcome to the newest world football organisation dedicated to providing you with up to date news from around the footballing globe. We all aim to make this as big as possible and achieve out of it whatever we can. We will be providing some of the following weekly on each league:

• Game week predictions
• Pre match  Reports 
• Post Match Reports
• Possible Interviews with Club Officials 
• Up to date transfer stories
• Weekly team and league news
• National team news
• General discussions
• Podcast's
• Quizzes

We will be always on the look out for admins and myself like the others, expect the standard of work to be as high as the other accounts. The team is fully committed to providing what's mentioned above and any future admin's will be required to provide detail and commitment that goes along with the others. Doing this is a hobby, good fun and keeps the interest in the league at a high. 

We aim to get as many people viewing the site and following on a regular basis and this is something the team is fully committed to doing. 

All the best for now,
The FNN Team.