Where Now For Tottenham?
Posted by Gersloveofsport
Tottenham's Daniel Levy caused a stir during the week when he sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas after the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool. But with Villas-Boas now gone, who does Levy intend to turn to now?
Names mentioned early in the week were, Glenn Hoddle, Fabio Capello, Tim Sherwood and Mauricio Pochettino. With Capello just after reaching the World Cup Finals with Russia, I couldn't see him giving up the opportunity to lead them into battle in Brazil. Tim Sherwood is very much the Rookie coach, and I doubt Levy would make such a dramatic appointment. Glenn Hoddle has been out of the game a while now, and brings a fair bit of baggage with him from his England Manager days, so I can't see that happening either. Pochettino would be interesting, however he's not long in the Southampton job and whether he would give it up and start all over again with Tottenham is debatable.
The elephant in the room though, is Director or Football Franco Baldini. It's being reported in this mornings newspapers that Baldini offered to resign when Villas-Boas was sacked, but that Levy wouldn't accept it, so it looks like whoever gets the job will have to work under the former Roma Chief. It's a difficult situation for a manager, having to work with players that someone else signs for you. Andre Vlllas-Boas has claimed that he didn't want Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen or Nacir Chadli, a claim denied by Daniel Levy. Levy has stated that Villa-Boas was involved with a team of others regarding transfers, but I'd imagine if majority rules, he doesn't really have much choice but to go along with those decisions.
Other people linked with the Tottenham job this morning are Galatasaray boss, and title-winning ex-Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini, ex-Chelsea and Champions League winning manager Roberto Di Matteo and wanted-man, Basel boss Murat Yakin. Throw in ex-Manchester United player and current Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Dan Petrescu and you have quite a list of interesting names.
Mancini has just guided the Turkish Champions into the last 16 of the Champions League and has control over transfers at the club, so it may not interest him. He had a similar problem at Manchester City, with players being bought that he didn't want. But, he enjoyed his time in England and if the pull is strong you just never know.
Murat Yakin is highly coveted all over Europe, especially after beating Chelsea home and away in the UEFA Champions League. He is being touted as a replacement for Vladimir Petkovic at Lazio if they decide to make a change. He is a young manager of huge potential but the Tottenham job may just have come a bit soon for him.
Roberto Di Matteo is an interesting one. He had a wonderful playing career, with great success, most notably at Chelsea. He started his managerial career at MK Dons where he led them into the play-offs, they lost on penalties to Scunthorpe. He then moved on to West Brom, who he guided into the Premier League at his first attempt. His first season in the Premier League didn't go so well, as he was sacked in February after a poor run of results. He moved on to link up with Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea and then replaced him on an interim basis after he was sacked. Wouldn't it be quite ironic if he ended up replacing him again? While at Chelsea, Di Matteo had massive success. Winning the FA Cup at Wembley and the UEFA Champions League in Munich, beating the home team Bayern. He was sacked as Chelsea boss in November 2012.
Dan Petrescu has had a rapid rise as a coach. Starting off with Rapid Bucharest he has made great progress, moving onto Wisla Krakow, Unirea Urziceni, who he guided into the UEFA Champions League, Kuban Krasnodar in Russia, who he gained promotion to the Russian Premier League and Dynamo Moscow where he is now the head coach. Dynamo currently are forth in the Russian Premier League at the winter break, only five points off the leaders Zenit St Petersburg. He would relish the opportunity to manage in England.
That just leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Known throughout his playing career as " the baby-faced assassin " Solskjaer moved into coaching in 2008 helping the strikers at Manchester United. Then he became coach of United's reserve team. In Noember of 2010 he was appointed coach of Norweigian side Molde on a 4-year deal. In his first year as head coach he won the Norweigian Title, a feat he repeated the following year. He has become highly regarded as a coach, so much so that Aston Villa made an approach for his services before appointing current manager Paul Lambert. Solskjaer hasn't extended his contract at Molde and it is believed he wishes to make a move to English football.
To sum up, Daniel Levy has a tough choice to make. Di Matteo could be the wise choice, but Petrescu is most definitely an good up and coming coach, but will Levy take another gamble?
Tottenham's Daniel Levy caused a stir during the week when he sacked manager Andre Villas-Boas after the 5-0 defeat to Liverpool. But with Villas-Boas now gone, who does Levy intend to turn to now?
The elephant in the room though, is Director or Football Franco Baldini. It's being reported in this mornings newspapers that Baldini offered to resign when Villas-Boas was sacked, but that Levy wouldn't accept it, so it looks like whoever gets the job will have to work under the former Roma Chief. It's a difficult situation for a manager, having to work with players that someone else signs for you. Andre Vlllas-Boas has claimed that he didn't want Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen or Nacir Chadli, a claim denied by Daniel Levy. Levy has stated that Villa-Boas was involved with a team of others regarding transfers, but I'd imagine if majority rules, he doesn't really have much choice but to go along with those decisions.
Roberto Di Matteo is an interesting one. He had a wonderful playing career, with great success, most notably at Chelsea. He started his managerial career at MK Dons where he led them into the play-offs, they lost on penalties to Scunthorpe. He then moved on to West Brom, who he guided into the Premier League at his first attempt. His first season in the Premier League didn't go so well, as he was sacked in February after a poor run of results. He moved on to link up with Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea and then replaced him on an interim basis after he was sacked. Wouldn't it be quite ironic if he ended up replacing him again? While at Chelsea, Di Matteo had massive success. Winning the FA Cup at Wembley and the UEFA Champions League in Munich, beating the home team Bayern. He was sacked as Chelsea boss in November 2012.
That just leaves Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Known throughout his playing career as " the baby-faced assassin " Solskjaer moved into coaching in 2008 helping the strikers at Manchester United. Then he became coach of United's reserve team. In Noember of 2010 he was appointed coach of Norweigian side Molde on a 4-year deal. In his first year as head coach he won the Norweigian Title, a feat he repeated the following year. He has become highly regarded as a coach, so much so that Aston Villa made an approach for his services before appointing current manager Paul Lambert. Solskjaer hasn't extended his contract at Molde and it is believed he wishes to make a move to English football.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham to battle it out for Inter Milan Defender.
Posted by Gersloveofsport
Inter Milan Central defender Andrea Ranocchia is on the verge of handing in a transfer request (according to givemesport).
The 25 year-old Italian International is in his fourth year at the San Siro and has been a regular in Walter Mazzarri's side. However, he has been stalling on a new contract and having been dropped last week in favour of Rolando, it appears the unsettled defender wants out in January.
All four Premier League teams are in need of a central defender, but which one could win the battle for the Italian? I think if Arsenal are prepared to break the bank for him, they would be in pole position, especially as Ranocchia wants to push for a starting World Cup place. And where better than with the leaders of the Premier League. Watch this space.
Published by @gersloveofsport
Inter Milan Central defender Andrea Ranocchia is on the verge of handing in a transfer request (according to givemesport).
What truly is, the greatest game in Premier League History?
Posted by Shane Burns.
The argument has lasted more than ten years - what truly is the greatest Premier League? Together we have collected data to review and let you decide what is the best game England's top flight division has seen since 1992. Here is our list of the top ten matches that can be claimed the greatest ever.
10) Arsenal 3-2 Man United, 09/11/1997:
A real top of the table clash at Highbury in November 1997. United were flying high come November with new signing Teddy Sheringham proving value for money for Fergie's side. Arsenal went two ahead through goals from Patrick Vieira and Nicolas Anelka before a Teddy Sheringham brace made it 2-2 prior to the half time break. Then with 7 minutes remaining, Manchester United fan David Platt fired a lopping header over Peter Schmeichel in the United net. The result gave Wenger's side the momentum turn they needed in the title race and became eventual champions later that season.
9) Liverpool 3-3 Man United, 04/01/1994
As comebacks go, Liverpool's against Manchester United in the 1993-94 season was something special.United looked on course for the three points against their fierce rivals after racing into a three-goal lead through Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs and Denis Irwin. However, a spectacular turnaround saw Liverpool pull two goals back before the break through Nigel Clough. Then, with just 11 minutes to go and with the visitors holding on, Neil 'Razor' Ruddock equalised for the hosts with a bullet header to snatch a dramatic point against Sir Alex Ferguson's stunned league champions who had won the first league title in twenty six years and the first Premier League title.
8) Norwich 4-5 Southampton, 09/04/1994
A battle at the bottom as two struggling sides took battle at Norwich's Carrow Road with the outcome becoming one the craziest in the history of Premier League. The biggest shock of all was the delay in the first goal - a full thirty minutes into the tie before former Manchester United striker Mark Robbins opened the scoring for the home side. City defender Robert Ullathorne made it 1-1 with an own goal. Midfielder Jeremy Goss, the winning goal scorer at Anfield and Bayern Munich, made it 2-1. Two goals from Chris Sutton either side of brace from Matt Le Tissier, before the Saint's legend made it 4-4. Ken Monkou won it for Alan Ball's side.
7) Tottenham 3-5 Man United, 01/10/2001
6) Arsenal 4-4 Tottenham, 29/10/2008
Harry Redknapp's second game in charge at Tottenham became a Premier League classic and well ultimately - a standard high scoring North London Derby. David Bentley's brilliant early strike put Spurs ahead, but Mikael Silvestre headed Arsenal level before half-time. William Gallas put Arsenal in front seconds after the re-start and Emmanuel Adebayor bundled home their third. Darren Bent pulled one back before Robin van Persie added Arsenal's fourth - but Jermaine Jenas's 89th-minute goal and Lennon's tap-in earned a point.
5) Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle, 03/04/1996
For years, and possibly may still remain, this could be the greatest Premier League match ever. The clash between two of England's giant heavyweights occurred with then Toon manager Kevin Keegan's side crumbling at the top of the league. Liverpool started the match as the more promising team and striker Robbie Fowler scored the first goal. Newcastle striker Les Ferdinand scored the equaliser in the tenth minute and winger David Ginola added a second for Newcastle four minutes later. Fowler scored early in the second-half to reduce Newcastle's lead but Faustino Asprilla restored their goal advantage in the 57th minute. Stan Collymore, who set up the opening goal for Liverpool, equalised for Liverpool in the 68th minute. In stoppage time, Collymore scored his second goal of the match involving a one-two with Ian Rush and John Barnes in the build up. The winner sparked jubilant scenes for Liverpool supporters at Anfield and consigned Newcastle to their second consecutive defeat in the league, reducing their chances of winning the league.
With some City fans already leaving the stadium in tears, Edin Dzeko equalised in the second of five minutes of stoppage time before Sergio Aguero scored the goal that won the title. City took the lead through Pablo Zabaleta shortly before the interval. Djibril Cisse levelled for QPR soon after the restart before the visitors lost Joey Barton when he was shown a red card against his former club following a clash with Carlos Tevez.QPR shrugged off their numerical disadvantage to reduce the Etihad to stunned silence when Jamie Mackie gave them the lead with a far-post header in the 66th minute. Dzeko rose to head the equaliser before Argentine Aguero showed great clarity of thought and composure amid the mayhem to drive into the area and beat Kenny with a powerful low finish. The Etihad was a sky-blue explosion of joy and relief in an outpouring of 44 years of frustration as Aguero wheeled his shirt above his head in celebration.
3) Portsmouth 7-4 Reading, 29/09/2007
The Premier League match between Portsmouth and Reading set a record as the highest scoring match in Premier League history. Two Benjani goals had the home side, Portsmouth, leading 2–0 before Stephen Hunt struck on the stroke of half-time and David James then gifted Dave Kitson an equaliser. Hermann Hreidarsson restored the lead before James atoned for his error by keeping out a Nicky Shorey penalty. Benjani restored the two-goal lead and Niko Kranjcar, Sean Davis and Sulley Muntari sealed victory, with Shane Long responding between that and a deflected Nicky Shorey strike was the final goal however this was also later credited as an own goal by Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell. With nine different scorers, the match also holds the record for the most goal scorers in a Premier League match, jointly held with Arsenal's 5–4 win at Tottenham in 2004–05.
2) Newcastle 4-4 Arsenal, 05/02/2011
This clash will always be remembered for the biggest comeback in Premier League history. Alan Pardew's side went 3-0 after ten minutes at St. James's Park through goals from Theo Walcott after 44 seconds, Johan Djourou and Robin Van Persie for the away side. Van Persie made it four before half time shortly before Abou Diaby got sent off for violent conduct on Joey Barton. Barton himself scored either side of a Leon Best strike for the Toon before a blistering strike from Ivorian Cheick Tiote's wonder volley made it 4-4 shortly before full time.
1) Man United 4-3 Man City, 20/09/2009
It was the 153rd Manchester derby between the two clubs and seen as the attacker to the throne of Sir Alex Ferguson. Manchester United won the game 4–3 courtesy of a late winner from Michael Owen deep into second-half injury time. Wayne Rooney opened the scoring early on, but a mistake from Ben Foster in the United goal allowed Gareth Barry to equalise for City. Two goals each from Darren Fletcher and Craig Bellamy meant that the score was 3–3 going into four minutes of injury time, before Owen secured the win for the home side in the 96th minute. The match saw the return of striker Carlos Tévez to Old Trafford after leaving United that summer. After the game, United manager Alex Ferguson described it as "probably the best derby of all time". In May 2012, the match was voted as the best of the first two decades of the Premier League in the Premier League 20 Seasons Awards.
Here's our collection, what do you think?
The facts and figures behind Manchester City's rumoured interest.
Posted by Shane Burns.
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 empty 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.Iker Casillas:
Asmir Begovic:
Lionel Messi:
Paul Pogba:
In the unlikely chance City were to sign all four of these stars, the combined fee could be a whopping €600m for these stars including fees, signing on fees, and wages. How many of these rumours will become fact come the summer of 2014?
A look ahead to Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur.
Posted by Shane Burns.
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.
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| Lloris colliding with Belgian Lukaku during the 0-0 at Goodison |
The Brazilian signed from Corinthians in the summer for an estimated £17m and his midfield control may be key if Tottenham have any ambition of getting anything from fortress Eithad.
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| Aguero enjoying Derby day delight against Man United |
AVB will no doubt aim to flood City's forceful midfield with bodies this Sunday. The key battle will no doubt be that of Yaya Toure and Spurs' Paulinho with the better player most probably becoming victorious. I fully expect a closely fought contest but do feel City's home form and Tottenham's lack of creativity of late may be the crucial decider. A 2-0 win for the Blues is our betting.
Posted by @JimmyGrimble10
A look ahead to the Merseyside Derby.
Posted by @Gerloveofsport
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.
Everton's Romelu Lukaku
Everton, going into this game are on a 4-game unbeaten run, have a very settled team, only changing formation to suit the opponent. Very good defensively with rocks Sylvan Distan and Phil Jagielka at the heart of the defense, Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines marauding down both wings and quite dangerous from free-kicks. In midfield both Gareth Barry and James McCarthy keep things nice and tight while allowing Osman, Mirallas and Pienaar to stream forward to link up with man-mountain Lukaku. Romelu Lukaku has been one of the stars of the Premier league this year, 5 goals in 7 games, it's hard to figure out why Chelsea let him go on loan. I'm sure Jose Mourinho is scratching his head and wondering too.
Liverpool's Luis Suarez
Liverpool, on the back of a 4-0 victory over a poor Fulham side will have to juggle a bit defensively as Jose Enrique was ruled out with a long-term injury. Either Sissoko or Sakho will probably fill in for him. Brendan Rodgers is still tinkering with his side on a regular basis, not quite sure what his best formation or best midfield partnership is. Lucas, Henderson and Gerrard seem to feature regularly, but Coutinho is also an option. However that just means they don't have much width, unless he decides to unleash young Rahim Sterling, especially after his goal scoring exploits during the week with England's U-21's. That just leaves the dynamic duo of Suarez and Sturridge. What can you say about these two? Wonderfully talented, both posses such qualities, you would be delighted to have just one of these on your team don't mind both.
It's going to be a wonderful game to watch as both Rodgers and Everton boss Roberto Martinez like their teams to play flowing, attractive football. For me, I think despite all the attacking flair of both sides, a draw would suit both teams and it would continue their momentum. Fans of both sides could then go away happy.
Published by @gersloveofsport 22 november
Published by @gersloveofsport 22 november
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