Autor: www_dulcesmartin

Whenever Jose Mourinho speaks – the football world listens. He simply is one of its best tacticians and motivators and will be regarded as one of its best coaches when his career is over. What he has achieved already puts him in the pantheon of all-time greats. Two European Cups (Champions League) with Porto and Inter. League titles with Porto, Chelsea and Inter. He is unique because he not only wins silverware in one league – he crosses over to different leagues and keeps winning. How many great managers have done that?

RETURN OF THE SPECIAL ONE

Mourinho was speaking at a gala event in London about his plans for next season and it sounds very much like he is planning a return to the English Premier League – obviously with one of the Big Six clubs. Mourinho was quoted saying that he has «unfinished business» in the EPL – alluding to the unceremonious way he was booted out of Chelsea by owner Roman Abramovich. He spoke about his passion for the English game, its fans and its atmospheric charm.

WHERE HE WILL LAND

When Jose Mourinho declares him on the market – he commands the attention of every elite club in Europe. In this case – only the EPL Big Six need apply. Its interesting to see in summer where he will land. There are really only three teams in the Big Six that Mourinho will realistically surface in. Man United, Liverpool and Arsenal are not in the hunt for a new manager. They have their own iconic bosses in places. Man City, Chelsea and Tottenham are the only clubs in this conversation. Man City would love to have someone with Mourinho’s prestige, presence and tactical cache managing their team of stars. Roberto Mancini has had a difficult season but has performed admirably well considering the pressure he’s under. I put them as the favorites to land Mourinho. Chelsea may want Mourinho back but its like a break up we’ve all had. Do we really want to revisit all that emotional baggage and can bygones be bygones? Its tough. But its a business and its Abramovich’s call to make. He has Mourinho’s number. Tottenham are the outsiders here. They are happy with what Harry Redknapp’s work so far. But if England let Fabio Capello go – it will set about a chain of events that could eventually suck Redknapp out of Tottenham. He is the overwhelming favorite to land the England manager job. If that happens, then Tottenham will step up their chase for Mourinho.

THE LAST WORD

I think Mourinho will choose carefully the club where he will enjoy relatively unfettered authority over his roster as well as transfer decisions. He has been unhappy at Real Madrid because they have a decision making structure that does not feature Mourinho as commander-in-chief as far as transfer decisions go. He also will command a hefty price. Those two factors put Man City in pole-position because they have both the financial resources as well as the need for a football czar and manager. Mourinho would relish both positions and he will do amazing work if given those twin roles. I don’t think Tottenham can afford Mourinho but they have to ask themselves if they can afford NOT to have someone as gifted as Mourinho. Managers like him do not become available every year. They have to chase him despite Redknapp’s stellar work. He is a definite upgrade. As for Chelsea – its the classic kiss-and-make-up scenario.

Chelsea’s last campaign offered a telling commentary on the high stakes of modern top-flight football and the narrowness of the margin between success and perceived failure. For the Blues it was a season dominated by a generally unloved manager’s attempt to take the team beyond where his adored predecessor had led them.

Following Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge was always going to be the tallest of orders but anyone other than Avram Grant, with any boss other than Roman Abramovich, would probably have been lauded for taking Chelsea so close to treble glory. Beaten in extra-time of the Carling Cup final; edged out by two points in the Premier League title race despite accumulating 85 points (the first time a team had gathered so many without securing the title); and beaten in a penalty shoot-out after extra-time in the Champions League final – Grant’s stab at footballing immortality with the Blues was heroic.

But it was failure nonetheless, and his reward – after being doubted, derided, and damned with faint praise – was the sack, within a couple of days of John Terry’s kick hitting the post in the Moscow shoot-out to hand Manchester United the coveted European crown.

Chelsea had lost only two Premier League games out of 32 under Grant – his first, against United at Old Trafford, and then against Arsenal at Ashburton Grove. In the critical later stages of the season the Blues beat both the Gunners and United at Stamford Bridge – and indeed they kept the title race against Sir Alex Ferguson’s side alive until the final day of the campaign, which said much for their determination and consistency.

They were relentless in their pursuit of the title, overhauling Arsenal at the end of March to go second and coming within a whisker of overtaking the defending champions. But two dropped points in a home draw against Wigan, for whom Emile Heskey scored a 91st minute equaliser on 14th April, proved costly, although United’s significantly better goal difference was always worth an extra point if push had come to shove.

That reflected the Achilles’ heel of Grant’s side: they played without the attacking flair and panache of United or Arsenal, and in fact scored fewest goals among the top four. Although they kept a remarkable 21 clean sheets at the other end, Abramovich had demanded ‘expansive’ football after Mourinho, but got more of the same prosaic, pragmatic stuff under Grant. Without being able to lace that with silverware, or to win over a sceptical home crowd, Grant was always on borrowed time. Speculation about his future, which reached fever pitch after the Carling Cup final defeat by London rivals Tottenham and an embarrassing FA Cup quarter-final defeat by Barnsley, was a constant accompaniment to Grant’s reign.

His team showed character and resilience, especially defensively, but often struggled for creativity and goals, with Didier Drogba netting only eight in the League, and January import Nicolas Anelka managing only one, though he was mostly played out of position. Dynamic central midfielder Michael Essien also spent too much time filling in at right-back, while the manager failed to get anything like the best out of expensive summer buy Florent Malouda. There was a consequent over-reliance on midfielders Frank Lampard (who had his own injury and personal problems last season) and Michael Ballack (who emerged as the Blues’ most influential player in the final third of the campaign). Their goals and dynamism helped take Chelsea so close to the glittering prizes, though it was symptomatic that pundits and many fans felt their contribution was despite rather than because of Grant’s leadership. That was the burden the Israeli’s perceived lack of charisma saddled him with.

Summer Activity

The managerial soap opera at Stamford Bridge was ended when Grant was unceremoniously sacked, and his successor announced during Euro 2008 as Portugal boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. The Brazilian comes in with everything Grant lacked: gravitas, a hugely impressive CV, charisma, the authority that accompanies a reputation as a disciplinarian, and the respect of the players. Scolari is, after all, a World Cup winner who also won the Copa Libertadores twice.

If there are reservations because he has been out of club football for seven years, the risk seems a small one. The 59-year-old has been there and done it before, and if dealing with the English tabloid press is an aspect of his new job that probably won’t appeal, he is unlikely to find it more uncomfortable than dealing with the media in his native Brazil.

Scolari is the fourth Chelsea manager of the Abrasmovich era; the previous three – Claudio Ranieri, Mourinho and Grant – were all sacked despite delivering what at most clubs would pass for relative success. So Scolari knows what to expect, and what is expected: to recapture the Premier League title from United and to win the Champions League for the first time in Chelsea’s history. The other imperative is to achieve both through an exhilarating brand of entertaining, attacking football. Simple really. The key question is: can Scolari adjust to the demands of club football quickly and effectively enough to deliver what’s required in his first season back at the coal-face?

He has got off to a decent start. Drogba and Lampard, both widely tipped to join Mourinho at Inter Milan, are still at the Bridge and seem likely to stat for at least the next season. Portugal full-back Jose Bosingwa, well-known to Scolari, was recruited and waiting for him, and another familiar face, the creative and motivated Deco, has since arrived. Speculation persists that Robinho could yet join them, and that would certainly strengthen their attacking options and sharpen the goal threat, where the Blues were deficient last season. The fans would probably feel happier to have an additional quality striker on board, unless the form of Andriy Shevchenko and Claudio Pizarro has undergone a dramatic transformation over the summer.

As for the departures, Claude Makelele’s return to France should be adequately covered by the emergence of John Obi Mikel in the holding midfield role, while Steve Sidwell, good player though he is, was never really used so won’t be missed. Nor will the transfers of Tal Ben Haim (Manchester City) and Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart) leave gaping holes in Scolari’s forces.

Pre-season has been useful if tiring: the goodwill trip to China and Malaysia was excellent PR but possibly of only limited value to Scolari in terms of preparation. But going on to Moscow for the Railways Cup offered a more pertinent test and, losing another shoot-out in the Russian capital aside, Chelsea can reflect on last weekend with satisfaction. The emphatic 5-0 demolition of AC Milan will have caused many to sit up and take notice, as will Anelka’s four-goal salvo in the rout.

Scolari has said he is more or less clear now in his head about what his starting XI will be for the Premier League opener against Portsmouth, so at least one of the main objectives of pre-season has been accomplished.

Analysis & Prognosis

There will be huge interest in how well and how quickly Scolari fits into his new job. He will have the benefit of the doubt, something Grant never enjoyed; but there will still be the spectre of Mourinho, who won the Premier League and the League Cup in his first season at the Bridge after arriving from Portugal. The parallels are there for direct comparison. His press conferences promise to be entertaining, but it is on the pitch where the entertainment quotient will be most under scrutiny.

The addition of Bosingwa should add genuine right-sided quality to an already formidable defence, behind which Petr Cech is due a bit of luck after a miserable spell, so Chelsea will again be one of the hardest teams to score against.

And in midfield they have a veritable cornucopia of riches. With Essien restored to the centre where he is at his best, Ballack in the sort of form he showed during the latter stages of last season and at Euro 2008, Deco’s vision adding a new creative dimension to Chelsea’s game and Lampard fit and focused, Mikel offering running power and muscle, plus the likes of Joe Cole, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Malouda to provide pace and width on the flanks, Scolari’s challenge will be to find the right blend and balance while keeping all his stars happy.

Anelka fired a warning in Moscow and Scolari may be prepared to play to his strengths, through the middle, at Drogba’s expense in a way Grant hesitated to do. The fact that Drogba is likely to miss the start of the campaign through injury could facilitate that decision. Salomon Kalkou impressed last season but too often chose the wrong option with his final ball, so we can expect an improvement there.

Scolari has indicated that Shevchenko will not be in the starting line-up, at least initially, but the Ukrainian has said he is determined to make an impact at Chelsea and if he is fired up rather than diffident when coming off the bench then he’ll give his manager a useful option.

Chelsea are certain to challenge hard for the title, and with their squad strength in depth and seemingly impregnable home record they are likely to be in the top few places for most of the campaign. They have the playing resources and now, they hope, the right manager to win major honours again. But much will also depend on United, Arsenal and Liverpool, at least, so how Scolari reacts to the Big Four challenge, and how he plots his tactics in the head-to-heads, could prove decisive.

I expect the Blues to be challenging on all fronts until the latter stages, and possibly collecting a cup; but winning the Premier League title at Scolari’s first attempt, after being out of the club game for a long time, might just prove a bridge too far. A top-three finish then, but not first place.

Coach: Luiz Felipe Scolari

Stadium: Stamford Bridge (42,055)

2007-08 Position: 2nd

2007-08 Record: P-38 W-25 D-10 L-3 GF-65 GA-26 GD-39 Pts-85

Players In:

Jose Bosingwa (FC Porto, £16.2m), Deco (Barcelona, £8m).

Arsenal became the only Premier League team to go a whole season unbeaten in the 2003/04 campaign, eventually settling for a record of 49 games in a row without defeat. And this record also holds another significant memory for Arsenal fans, as the 2003/04 season was the last period which finished with The Gunners atop of the table. And with only a solitary FA Cup to their name in the following season, the North London side are now on course to go 6 years without winning a title. So where has it all gone wrong for the former ‘invincibles’?

Ultimately, one major constraint seems to be limiting the potential success of The Gunners. Unlike the majority of Premier League sides, Arsenal’s ownership is operated as a non-quoted public limited company, thus meaning that the controlling of club is close-knit. This has allowed Arsenal to be run in an effective business-like manner, one which saw the side turnover £379.9m in the year ended 31st May 2010, making a profit of £72m. And it is these profit levels that are harming Arsenal’s on field credentials. Arsene Wenger has arguably become the ultimate master at establishing his youth stars into first team maestros, as well as seemingly having the ability to move on ageing members of his squad as their careers begin to fade, and it’s these attributes that have helped contribute to Arsenal’s financial success year on year. However, it is these antics that are now causing Arsenal fans to question the once successful Frenchman as the impatience grows, with concern to the lack of silverware currently displayed in the Arsenal trophy room. Wenger’s managerial ability is now being questioned more than ever, with regards to both his transfer policy and the mentality installed amongst his players.

Of course, no-one knows the real underlying scenario apart from Mr Wenger and the Arsenal board with regards to the current situation. It has become readily presumed that Wenger constantly has a healthy bank balance available at his dispense in order to strengthen the Arsenal team, and with every transfer window that passes, fans and critics alike question as to why Arsenal were not strengthened in the manner required. However, are these funds really available? Shareholder’s primary target is to maximise wealth, which only comes about with increased profits, and these profits aren’t likely to increase if they allowed Wenger to spend £30m on an established top quality player rather than £3m on a potential youth star. On the other hand, funds may be available; however another business model of risk and reward may be the reason as to why funds have been scarcely spent. The Frenchman obviously has the ability to maintain Arsenal as a top 4 side on a ‘budget’, thus ensuring that he can keep the board happy by maintaining Arsenal as one of the biggest clubs in the League, as well as ensuring that the board are happy due to the financial side of the business. If Wenger was to spend money, and Arsenal failed to build upon their current position, then the risk of cutting the board’s profit share won’t outweigh the lack marginal success missed out upon. Pessimists may feel that if Wenger was to splash the cash, then Arsenal may be considered favourites for a number of titles, however as seen with City over the last two years, spending money doesn’t guarantee success instantly, and with Wenger’s reputation beginning to sink amongst the Arsenal faithful, an unsuccessful season after a summer of spending may be the final nail in the coffin on his glorious Arsenal career. So if this is the case, you can partly understand the logical reasoning behind the Arsenal set-up, despite his risk adverse nature.

At the end of the day though, we are unlikely to know the full extent of Wenger’s money situation and transfer policy until an official statement is made by Wenger or the club, and until this moment, Arsenal fans should admire the job that the Frenchman has done over the 15 years that he has been at the helm. If the Arsenal board were really that keen to sacrifice their personal wealth over success for the club, then surely they would have dismissed the Frenchman and employed a risk seeking manager such as Mourinho whom has not been afraid to spend the cash when it has been available. I feel that their commitment towards Wenger highlights the underlying mentality of their existence. And in the modern climate where football clubs are falling into administration left, right and centre, you can again understand the logic in terms of the board trying to sustain Arsenal as a long term success, rather than a club such as Chelsea or City, whom would both come unstuck if their related parties jumped ship along with the funds that are undoubtedly running the club.

As stated above though, it has become clear over the last few seasons that Arsenal require a number of additions if they are to truly threaten for the title. Thomas Vermaelen made a huge impression in his debut season, and added some much needed stability and composure to the side. His absence this campaign has been apparent, as Arsenal’s back line have been at fault on a number of occasions during the season, costing them valuable points. However, even his return to the side may still leave Arsenal short at the back. Djourou has come on leaps and bounds this campaign, however the Frenchman doesn’t appear to have the potential to make it as a real top class centre half, and likewise with his fellow Frenchman Koscielny, whose inexperience at the top level has been readily apparent in his debut season. An ideal candidate for the role would be Borussia Dortmund centre half Mats Hummels. At 22, the defender has plenty of years left at the top of his game, and his undoubted talent has been on show all season as he played a pivotal role in helping Dortmund secure The Bundesliga title. The German has the rough edge required alongside Vermaelen, whilst still being technically astute.

In the middle of the park, similarly to Djourou, Alex Song has matured into an important player for Arsenal this season. However, the mentality and self-discipline of the defensive midfielder has to be questioned, as the 24 year old has regularly been caught out of position as he bombards up the field, thus leaving Arsenal exposed to a counter attack. On top of this, the Cameroonian lacks any real leadership qualities. This is an issue that stretches across the whole team, due to the youthful nature of the side, and is an undoubted reason as to why Arsenal appear to ‘choke’ when the players are required to stand up and be counted for. An ideal candidate for the role would be West Ham talisman Scott Parker. The midfielder has shown all throughout the 2010/11 campaign that he has the intelligence and ability to make important contributions to matches, and this was recognised when he was awarded with the writer’s player of the year award. The Englishman would add the much needed discipline, experience and leadership that Arsenal have been severely lacking for some time, and he would make an instant impact in tightening up the youngsters.

Up top, Arsenal lack consistency. The main man, Robin Van Persie, appears to be made of glass, and it is becoming increasingly common for the Dutchman to be on the side-lines. Nicklas Bendtner has proven time and time again that he does not have the ability to be part of a title winning side, Russian Andrei Arshavin appears to have lost interest in the game and Theo Walcott can still appear as raw as he was when he first arrived at The Emirates. And it’s these issues that can leave Arsenal struggling on occasions, as they play neat passing football with no end product. There are two key players that would fit instantly into Arsenal’s system, whom it is likely would make an instant impact. Eden Hazard has openly spoken about his admiration of Wenger’s style of football, and the wing wizard could create a deadly combination with Samir Nasri. The Belgian has the speed, trickery and intelligence in order to replace Walcott and Arshavin, and at 20, the playmaker has years left at the top of his game. FC Porto have had a very impressive season, which has partly been down to the form of front man Radamel Falcao. The Columbian has notched 39 goals so far for Porto, with an impressive ratio of a goal every 1.25 games, and this can be put down to his clinical finishing, impressive heading ability and his fantastic understanding of the game. He can offer both a strong and agile front line, making him an ideal focal point for attacks. Given the level of service available at Arsenal, there can be no doubt that the 25 year old would have any issues finding the back of the net.

And on top of these areas, Clichy’s form appears to be going downhill, and could possibly be a weak link within the future, and despite the emergence of Wojciech SzczÄ™sny, Arsenal have been constantly criticised with regards to their goalkeeping situation. Even without funding from the board, it could be argued that Wenger has the opportunity to sign the above players by offloading some of the deadwood currently at The Emirates. The likes of Bendtner, Eboue, Almunia and Rosicky, amongst many more, could all be sold in order to fund the transfers of the required match winners. One thing can be certain though, if Wenger fails to strengthen the starting 11 during the summer, there will be even more added pressure upon position from the fans and media if they fail to achieve their potential in the 2011/12 campaign.

The new season has seen eight new faces at Liverpool FC – nine if you include manager Roy Hodgson. For anyone thinking of visiting Anfield to watch the Reds, here’s a run down Liverpool’s new signings for the 2010/11 season…

PAUL KONCHESKY The former Fulham left-back arrived on Merseyside for a deal in the region of £4 million and made his debut against Birmingham City on 12 September 2010. The 29-year-old career began at Charlton, where he made 149 appearances and scored 5 goals. Since then, he’s enjoyed spells at West Ham and Fulham, where he played under new Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson.

RAUL MEIRELES Arriving from Porto, the central midfielder is known for his wide range of passing and long-range shooting. In 137 appearances for the Portuguese club, notching 15 goals. Also capable of playing the holding midfield role, Meireles has 40 caps for Portugal with an impressive seven international goals to his name.

BRAD JONES Australian international, Jones, joined from Championship club Middlesborough to provide challenge and provide support for Pepe Reina in the Liverpool goal. During his time at Boro, he played 57 times and gained further experience on loan at five clubs. The 28 year-old is yet to make his debut for Liverpool, but did star in Jamie Carragher’s testimonial.

CHRISTIAN POULSEN The 30-year-old defensive midfielder was already familiar to Hodgson, having played under the former Fulham chief while the pair were at FC Copenhagen. Before joining Copenhagen, the Danish international played for Nordvest FC, but has since gone on to enjoy successful spells at Shalke 04, Sevilla and most recently Juventus. He has 78 caps for his country, scoring six times.

JOE COLE With 56 England caps, Cole joined the club on a free transfer in the summer having decided to leave Chelsea at the end of his contract. He played 183 times for the current Premier League champions, winning the title and FA Cup three times each during his seven year stay. He began his career at West Ham United, where his dazzling skills from an attacking midfield role brought him to the attention of England for the first time.

MILAN JOVANOVIC Serbian star, Jovanovic, arrived in July from Belgian side Standard Liege, where he made 116 appearances. During that time the striker netted 52 times, although his time at Liverpool so far has seen him play from wide on the left of midfield. He has a one in three goalscoring record for his country, with 10 goals in 32 caps. He also scored the winning goal in Serbia’s 1-0 victory over Germany at this year’s FIFA World Cup.

DANNY WILSON Just 18 years old, but already a Scotland U21 star, this centre-back starlet joined from SPL giants Rangers, where he made 14 first team appearances. He has already been awarded the FWA Young Player of the Year and 2010 Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year.

JONJO SHELVEY With England U16, U17 and U21 caps to his name, Shelvey was regarded as one of the hottest young talents outside of the top flight when Liverpool parted with £1.7 million for his services in April. Although yet to done the famous red shirt of Liverpool, the talented midfielder made 42 first-team starts for Charlton and bagged 7 goals.

If you’re ready to watch these new stars, as well as the likes of Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres, why not make the trip to Liverpool by train? With excellent transport links, you could make your way into Liverpool Lime Street or Liverpool Central before heading to the ground.

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira is a famous Brazilian football player who is better known as Ronaldinho Gaúcho. His name Ronaldinho was used to distinguish him from a fellow Brazilian football celebrity whose name is also Ronaldo. Gaúcho was used when the existing Ronaldo was also known as Ronaldinho.

He was born on March 21, 1980 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. He is the youngest among the three siblings. Miguelina, his mother, was a sales woman who soon decided to take up nursing. João, his father was a worker in the shipyard and a football player for Cruzeiro. He died due to a heart attack when Ronaldinho was at the age of 8. Ronaldinho’s brother Roberto was also a professional football player for Grêmio. But his career ended too soon due to his injuries. And now he manages Ronaldinho. His sister, Deisi, is his press manager.

During Ronaldinho’s childhood days, his interest in football was already evident. He started playing futsal and beach football which later lead into his passion for a more established football game. His character as a football player developed in his early years.

His career as a skilled football player started when he joined the youth team in Porto Alegre club Grêmio. His extraordinary ball control and capability to score was rapidly displayed which lead him to fame. Many clubs from all over the world attempted to get him to be part of their teams. Eventually Ronaldinho signed a 5-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain which he joined at the start of the new season.

During his years with PSG, there were still much larger offers from different clubs, but he opted to stay with the team. But after some time he decided to leave the team after their many unsuccessful attempts to qualify for any European competitions. This caused a bidding war among the many clubs. Finally, the bidding ended up with FC Barcelona as the winning club for Ronaldinho’s services. They acquired him for £18 million. He was a very high paid player in Barcelona. He has had his terrible times in his career but his many achievements was far more overflowing than that. He had also joined the Brazilan National team.

Ronaldinho is one of the most successful football players in the world. He had so many achievements in his arena which includes the FIFA World Player of the Year wherein he was awarded in 2 consecutive years (2004-2005), the European Footballer of the Year award and the FIFPro World Player of the Year award which was also awarded to him in 2 successive years (2005-2006).