Manchester City are not that much worse than Barcelona, although in the first half of tonight's Champions League clash they appeared so: on two goals by Luis Suarez, the Catalonians were winning 0-2.
Only one person is to blame of the dismal first half performance: Manuel Pellegrini. His 4-4-2 lineup could have been genius, but after the first half appears reckless and ignorant of how Barcelona play. On top of this, Edin Dzeko in attack was a gamble that didn't work on a day when the high balls into the area were rather random, and when Dzeko seemed tired. And that is Pellegrini's second failure: while improving in the second half, his players seemed sloppy and not believing in themselves! How can a coach not motivate his players for such a match!?
Sergio Aguero's splendid goal and Joe Hart's penalty save gave Manchester City some meager hope that they might be able to progress. However, it is hard to believe that Manchester City have any chance whatsoever of progressing in the tournament.
In the meantime, it is getting more and more exciting to see the Messi-Suarez-Neymar Triple Alliance in action for Barcelona!
Showing posts with label Manuel Pellegrini. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Manuel Pellegrini. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
The Premier League champions
I was in Sierra Leone when Manchester City took the 2014 Premier League title. I must admit that I have had a soft spot for Manchester City since their heart attack victory of the 2012 Premier League. At the same time I think Manuel Pellegrini is a coach who has finally deserved a title; he was running the risk of becoming the most successful coach in Europe without a title! But his cool and commitment to attacking football are praiseworthy and probably hugely important in guiding the team at the end of the season.
Despite Liverpool also deserving the title, Manchester City proved to be the most stable side, in particular at the end. When stability and consistence counted, it seemed that neither Liverpool or Chelsea could stand the pressure.
This was an incredible Premier League season. Not only the dramatic end with the top-3, but also so many great games and great sides that have surprised positively, like Southampton and Arsenal (despite them being disappointed for not getting more. It is ironic, because at the start of the season I think they would have been content with what they got). Manchester United and Tottenham have been disappointing, of course, and it will be interesting to see how they build up for next season.
There is a World Cup in the way, but surely every fan will be waiting eagerly for next Premier League season to begin.
Despite Liverpool also deserving the title, Manchester City proved to be the most stable side, in particular at the end. When stability and consistence counted, it seemed that neither Liverpool or Chelsea could stand the pressure.
This was an incredible Premier League season. Not only the dramatic end with the top-3, but also so many great games and great sides that have surprised positively, like Southampton and Arsenal (despite them being disappointed for not getting more. It is ironic, because at the start of the season I think they would have been content with what they got). Manchester United and Tottenham have been disappointing, of course, and it will be interesting to see how they build up for next season.
There is a World Cup in the way, but surely every fan will be waiting eagerly for next Premier League season to begin.
Friday, August 16, 2013
Opening the 2013-14 Premier League season
This weekend the best league in the world is finally starting! And it will surely be an interesting season with all the new signings and deals. One of the most interesting aspect, more than the eternal rumours of high-level transfers, are the many new high-level managers in Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea. And personally, I believe the winner of the league will be among one of these three.
Manchester City is perhaps my favourite to win the championship. With Manuel Pellegrini they will have one of the best managers in the world, and hopefully he can create harmony in a team with stars such as Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko. On top of it, the team has just bought the fashionable Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, so they will at least be one of the most interesting sides to follow.
Chelsea will also be a title contender, and what most people will be watching is surely Jose Mourinho's return to his old club. Hated and loved, he is surely one of the most controversial figures in football, and expectations will be high. The team has not changed that much since he was there, except for the notable absence of Didier Drogba. But perhaps Mourinho is the man to get the best out of Fernando Torres, Oscar and Eden Hazard.
Manchester United is starting a new era with David Moyes as manager. He will undoubtedly face pressure in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson, who said goodbye to the job with the title. While surely still a strong team, they have vainly been looking for reinforcements this summer. Much will rely on some of their current stars such as Robbie van Persie and Antonio Valencia, while the rumours about Wayne Rooney's possible exit only seem to give the side instability.
Arsenal will not win the title. Under Arsene Wenger they continue to be one of the most interesting sides to see young super talents play at the highest level, but the fans, eager for a title, seem exasperated at not having a major signing. For me, this just shows how little appreciation Arsenal fans have for a side that even with a major signing, would not be likely to take the title.
Tottenham is surely one of the most interesting sides. Having finished fifth last season the club has ambition for more, and have made two big signings with Roberto Soldado, coming from Valencia, and the super-talented Paulinho, who caught the attention of Europe after the Confederations Cup, but who had been brilliant for Corinthians for a couple of seasons already. It seems unlikely that they will be able to keep Gareth Bale, who is likely to join Real Madrid, but they are surely a team to watch nevertheless.
Everton will also be starting the season with a new coach, Roberto Martinez, after David Moyes signing for Manchester United. They have not made major signings until now, but rumours say that Marouane Fellaini may be on his way to Manchester United. Like their neighbours Liverpool FC, Everton is unlikely to make much headway this season.
Liverpool are fallen giants, and most news from the club have been about the Luis Suarez soap opera. Really, they should just let the clown go... In the meantime, the club has tried to reinforce themselves with Aly Cissokho from Valencia, and are in the bid to get the Brazilian Willian, from Shakhtar Donetsk.
There are other teams that will surely be interesting to watch and who can play against any opponent (this is what makes it the best league in the world!): Swansea under Michael Laudrup has ambition for more having been able to retain Michu. Sunderland under Paolo Di Canio has been upgrading its side with the signing of Josy Altidore, while West Bromwich Albion has gotten veterans such as Diego Lugano and Nicolas Anelka.
Be sure there is a great season ahead of us!
Manchester City is perhaps my favourite to win the championship. With Manuel Pellegrini they will have one of the best managers in the world, and hopefully he can create harmony in a team with stars such as Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Samir Nasri, Yaya Toure, Sergio Aguero, David Silva and Edin Dzeko. On top of it, the team has just bought the fashionable Spanish striker Alvaro Negredo, so they will at least be one of the most interesting sides to follow.
Chelsea will also be a title contender, and what most people will be watching is surely Jose Mourinho's return to his old club. Hated and loved, he is surely one of the most controversial figures in football, and expectations will be high. The team has not changed that much since he was there, except for the notable absence of Didier Drogba. But perhaps Mourinho is the man to get the best out of Fernando Torres, Oscar and Eden Hazard.
Manchester United is starting a new era with David Moyes as manager. He will undoubtedly face pressure in the shadow of Sir Alex Ferguson, who said goodbye to the job with the title. While surely still a strong team, they have vainly been looking for reinforcements this summer. Much will rely on some of their current stars such as Robbie van Persie and Antonio Valencia, while the rumours about Wayne Rooney's possible exit only seem to give the side instability.
Arsenal will not win the title. Under Arsene Wenger they continue to be one of the most interesting sides to see young super talents play at the highest level, but the fans, eager for a title, seem exasperated at not having a major signing. For me, this just shows how little appreciation Arsenal fans have for a side that even with a major signing, would not be likely to take the title.
Tottenham is surely one of the most interesting sides. Having finished fifth last season the club has ambition for more, and have made two big signings with Roberto Soldado, coming from Valencia, and the super-talented Paulinho, who caught the attention of Europe after the Confederations Cup, but who had been brilliant for Corinthians for a couple of seasons already. It seems unlikely that they will be able to keep Gareth Bale, who is likely to join Real Madrid, but they are surely a team to watch nevertheless.
Everton will also be starting the season with a new coach, Roberto Martinez, after David Moyes signing for Manchester United. They have not made major signings until now, but rumours say that Marouane Fellaini may be on his way to Manchester United. Like their neighbours Liverpool FC, Everton is unlikely to make much headway this season.
Liverpool are fallen giants, and most news from the club have been about the Luis Suarez soap opera. Really, they should just let the clown go... In the meantime, the club has tried to reinforce themselves with Aly Cissokho from Valencia, and are in the bid to get the Brazilian Willian, from Shakhtar Donetsk.
There are other teams that will surely be interesting to watch and who can play against any opponent (this is what makes it the best league in the world!): Swansea under Michael Laudrup has ambition for more having been able to retain Michu. Sunderland under Paolo Di Canio has been upgrading its side with the signing of Josy Altidore, while West Bromwich Albion has gotten veterans such as Diego Lugano and Nicolas Anelka.
Be sure there is a great season ahead of us!
Friday, May 31, 2013
New managers all around!
With Guardiola's signing of Bayern Munich and Alex Ferguson's goodbye at Manchester United there have already been huge managing news in European football. But lately there have been even more interesting news on this front, most notably the exit of Jose Mourinho from Real Madrid. Notwithstanding that Mourinho is a brilliant manager, what he most takes away from Madrid is that the club was indeed bigger than him, something that must hurt his ego. While the team won a lot of matches, the titles eluded them under Mourinho, and that is really the only thing that matters to such a huge club. At the same time, and this is where I part ways with the Portuguese, is that he did not add much positive to the club. No matter what you think of Real Madrid (and I am certainly an anti-Madridista), it is a club know for great football, proud traditions and a gentlemanly attitude to the game (fans have clapped when an opposing team is just too good! Almost no fans in the world do that!), and with players who are known for being gentlemen on and off the pitch. One of these is Iker Casillas; that he is not playing is Mourinho's insult to what Real Madrid wants to stand for.
So where is he going? All bets seem to be a return to the club where he made his first foreign forays, namely Chelsea. Mourinho will always be bigger than Chelsea, a club that said bye to its latest "interim" coach after Rafa Benitez gave them a European title. Rafa Benitez, a well-traveled manager, is in the meantime returning to Italy, where he already coached Inter Milan, but he is now going south, to Napoli, the runners-up in Serie A and Champions League participants next season. It is surely going to be interesting to see what title he takes them to there!
Real Madrid without a coach is a matter for huge speculation: matters seem centered on Carlo Ancelotti and Jupp Heynckes. The problem with Ancelotti is that Paris St. Germain will not free him of his contract, but Heynckes had announced his retirement; a change to a club that he already once led to Champions League glory in 1998, but fired him anyway that same season, is surely going to raise some eyebrows.
A man that will try again with a club that treated him like that is surely worth investing in!
Another interesting change is that of Manuel Pellegrini who will be replacing Roberto Mancini in Manchester City. Manuel Pellegrini is a hugely experienced coach who first succeeded as coach in his homeland Chile, at Universidad Catolica, and in LDU Quito in Ecuador, as well as in San Lorenzo and River Plate in Argentina. In all places he got titles, and he then went to Villarreal in Spain, which he took to an unprecedented Champions League semifinal. He then went on to Real Madrid, created a solid side that broke the point season record for the club, but without a title, he was out. I always loved his reflection about Real Madrid: "I didn't have a voice or a vote at Madrid. They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position. It’s no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don’t have a pianist. Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won’t be able to do it so well. He (Florentino Pérez) sold players that I considered important. We didn't win the Champions League because we didn't have a squad properly structured to be able to win it."
His time at Malaga was not a success, but now it will be hugely interesting to see what he can do in a club with money, ambition, and in his first non-Spanish speaking country!
But a lot of pressure and interesting new arrangements all around Europe for next season!
So where is he going? All bets seem to be a return to the club where he made his first foreign forays, namely Chelsea. Mourinho will always be bigger than Chelsea, a club that said bye to its latest "interim" coach after Rafa Benitez gave them a European title. Rafa Benitez, a well-traveled manager, is in the meantime returning to Italy, where he already coached Inter Milan, but he is now going south, to Napoli, the runners-up in Serie A and Champions League participants next season. It is surely going to be interesting to see what title he takes them to there!
Real Madrid without a coach is a matter for huge speculation: matters seem centered on Carlo Ancelotti and Jupp Heynckes. The problem with Ancelotti is that Paris St. Germain will not free him of his contract, but Heynckes had announced his retirement; a change to a club that he already once led to Champions League glory in 1998, but fired him anyway that same season, is surely going to raise some eyebrows.
A man that will try again with a club that treated him like that is surely worth investing in!
Another interesting change is that of Manuel Pellegrini who will be replacing Roberto Mancini in Manchester City. Manuel Pellegrini is a hugely experienced coach who first succeeded as coach in his homeland Chile, at Universidad Catolica, and in LDU Quito in Ecuador, as well as in San Lorenzo and River Plate in Argentina. In all places he got titles, and he then went to Villarreal in Spain, which he took to an unprecedented Champions League semifinal. He then went on to Real Madrid, created a solid side that broke the point season record for the club, but without a title, he was out. I always loved his reflection about Real Madrid: "I didn't have a voice or a vote at Madrid. They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position. It’s no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don’t have a pianist. Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won’t be able to do it so well. He (Florentino Pérez) sold players that I considered important. We didn't win the Champions League because we didn't have a squad properly structured to be able to win it."
His time at Malaga was not a success, but now it will be hugely interesting to see what he can do in a club with money, ambition, and in his first non-Spanish speaking country!
But a lot of pressure and interesting new arrangements all around Europe for next season!
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Real Madrid coaches
Much is being said about José Mourinho's new tenure of coach of Real Madrid (he is being officially presented on Monday), and expectations are huge, obviously, when the best coach of the world joins a club whose aim is nothing less than winning everything. Surely this is a great challenge for a man with unlimited ambition, but pressure will also be enormous. Manuel Pellegrini did not do badly as a coach, and seems very bitter at leaving, as he was obviously not allowed to continue building on what he had started.
And this is something that seems to have been rampant in Real Madrid since they fired the coach Vicente del Bosque in 2003 (he had won two Champions League and two league titles since 1999), Real Madrid has had the following list of coaches:
With the quality of players and the skills of Mourinho, it will surely be interesting to see Real Madrid next season, but the question remains whether the charistmatic, brilliant and controversial Portuguese also will leave as soon as the previous coaches!
And this is something that seems to have been rampant in Real Madrid since they fired the coach Vicente del Bosque in 2003 (he had won two Champions League and two league titles since 1999), Real Madrid has had the following list of coaches:
- Carlos Queiroz, 2003-2004 (11 months)
- José Antonio Camacho: 2004 (4 months)
- Mariano García Remón: 2004 (3 months)
- Wanderlei Luxemburgo: 2004-2005 (11 months)
- Juán Ramón López Caro: 2005-2006 (6 months)
- Fabio Capello: 2006-2007 (11 months)
- Bernd Schuster: 2007-2008 (17 months)
- Juande Ramos: 2008-2009 (7 months)
- Manuel Pellegrini: 2009-2010 (11 months)
With the quality of players and the skills of Mourinho, it will surely be interesting to see Real Madrid next season, but the question remains whether the charistmatic, brilliant and controversial Portuguese also will leave as soon as the previous coaches!
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Real Madrid's renewal
In an attempt to be the best team in the galaxy yet again, Florentino Perez has again become president of Real Madrid and has initiated sweeping changes already. New coach for the team is the renowned Chilean Manuel Pellegrini who has been Villarreal coach with great success, leading the Valencians to two Champions League semifinals. Without hesitation he has already said that Real Madrid must win by playing entertaining football and aim at winning the Treble, just like FC Barcelona has just done.
At the same time, the rumours have greatly intensified about possible players: AC Milans' Kaká is to be announced as Real Madrid player next week, while Cristiano Ronaldo has again been linked to the club. At the same time Valencia's David Villa and David Silva are both being coveted by the Madridistas.
It will surely be interesting what the result of these major changes will be; but truth is that for a club with Real Madrids' ambition it is not satisfactory to have a season as this, and even less so when their main rivals from Barcelona have won it all!
At the same time, the rumours have greatly intensified about possible players: AC Milans' Kaká is to be announced as Real Madrid player next week, while Cristiano Ronaldo has again been linked to the club. At the same time Valencia's David Villa and David Silva are both being coveted by the Madridistas.
It will surely be interesting what the result of these major changes will be; but truth is that for a club with Real Madrids' ambition it is not satisfactory to have a season as this, and even less so when their main rivals from Barcelona have won it all!
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