Tag: AC Milan

The One with El Clasico Special…

Two Clásico clashes in five days and both were won by Real Madrid. We haven’t seen that for a while. Sophie and Ben discuss the two latest installments of the famous fixture in an hour-long special not to be missed!

What is wrong with Barcelona? Qué pasa con Messi? We also talk Tito and Roura, Pique and Alves, the penalty incident and much more!

And then there’s Madrid, of course. Is Mourinho having the last laugh? Is Ronaldo the world’s best player right now? We look ahead to the Champions League clashes, talk Milan and Manchester United and even made some predictions for our respective teams in the North London Derby!

It’s an epic! So join us for our Happy Hour special!!

Soccerdiva Soundbite…David Beckham

Football superstar and pop culture icon David Beckham has provided the world with much to savour throughout his career. As he enters the twilight of his profession and faces the realization his playing days are inching their way towards the rear view mirror, his desire to win remains as fresh as it was all those years ago when he emerged as a youngster at Manchester United.

From Real Madrid, to AC Milan and now LA Galaxy, Beckham has given his all not only for the clubs he has played for but also for his beloved England. When he finally won the MLS Cup with LA last season, many thought he would walk off into the sunset, satisfied the American dream was finally achieved.

But David Beckham loves to play. He loves his football. And after deciding to re-sign with Los Angeles after spurning the advances of Paris St. Germain earlier this year, Beckham finds himself with yet another opportunity to win a championship.

I had the opportunity to talk with one of England’s finest exports following LA’s tough loss against San Jose in the first leg of their MLS Cup playoff. San Jose Earthquakes grabbed a controversial winner in injury time, despite LA dominating possession.

It’s not the first time San Jose have done that this season. They have become the masters of the last gasp goal! David Beckham spent a few minutes with us post game and despite the loss, he is definitely optimistic about the 2nd leg. There was even time to ask David Beckham about Luis Suarez and his amazing goal against Newcastle United at Anfield. Does Suarez make the Premier League history books? Does he join Beckham among the list of legendary Premier League goals?

Hear what the ex Manchester United superstar had to say about Liverpool’s current striking superstar!

A Conversation With…Eoin O’Callaghan

We dive into a pool of football happenings In A Conversation With Eoin O’Callaghan.

The former host of Fox Soccer Report discusses attacking, defending, buying and selling in the Premier League. We look at the exciting debut of Eden Hazard for Chelsea and how Sir Alex Ferguson might regret not signing him for Manchester United. Does Nuri Sahin fit best with Liverpool or Arsenal? Is Andre Villas Boas changing too much too soon at Spurs? Can Everton burst into the top tier of the league like Newcastle United did last season? We dissect all of this and much more from an English football perspective.

There’s even a little time to touch on some Italian madness and in particular the Antonio Conte situation at Juventus and the heartbreak of AC Milan fans as Antonio Cassano defects to the enemy Inter Milan. Grab a tipple of your choice and enjoy the conversation.

A Conversation With…Janusz Michallik

Talking Italian in A Conversation with Janusz Michallik from ESPN. AC Milan are going through a huge change in personnel having lost some legends together with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. How will the Rossoneri cope? Is Allegri the manager under the most pressure in Europe before the season starts?

And what of the Old Lady? Can Juventus repeat their magical season? How will they perform in the Champions League? We even dabble in a little Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Robin van Persie, plus Janusz shares his thoughts on the players he’s most excited to see as the new season approaches. You won’t want to miss this conversation. Pour a glass of fine Italian wine and enjoy!

Best of the Best…

After a weekend of football, there is always major reaction or should we say overreaction to the events we have witnessed. But that’s football isn’t it? We react to what we see. And how we react as individuals is what makes the debate and dialogue that much more interesting.

This is not about who is the greatest ever footballer. Our Top 10 Best Players in Europe list is about who we think is great right now. The criteria for making the list is based on recent form, goals scored, assists provided and overall performances and general brilliance of each player.

So get mad, get riled up or simply agree with who we think is lighting up Europe from a football perspective.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo = Real Madrid

2. Lionel Messi = Barcelona

3. Robin Van Persie = Arsenal

4. Zlatan Ibrahimovic = AC Milan

5. Xavi = Barcelona

6. David Silva = Manchester City

7. Thiago Silva = AC Milan

8. Wayne Rooney = Manchester United

9. Sergio Aguero = Manchester City

10. Robert Lewandowski = Borussia Dortmund

Overrated FC…

Tis’ the season to laud the best of the best. The football universe is filled with incredible talent. And we love to bestow awards on those who play sexy football. Messi, Ronaldo, Iniesta and Rooney are world-class players. They are part of the reason we love to watch the beautiful game.

On the other side of the coin, there are some players who have prominent roles in elite teams and they often leave you scratching your head as to why. And let’s face it. Every team has them. Even the team you love and adore.

We present our Overrated FC team of the season. Now remember…the keyword here is overrated. Nobody is saying they are rubbish! But they certainly won’t be winning the Ballon d’Or. Do you agree with our choices?

Goalkeeper = Joe Hart {Manchester City}

Left Back = John Arne Riise {Roma}

Center Back = Joleon Lescott {Manchester City}

Center Back = Johan Djourou {Arssenal}

Right Back = Glen Johnson {Liverpool}

Midfield = Sami Khedira {Real Madrid}

Midfield = Gareth Barry {Manchester City}

Winger = Ricardo Quaresma {Besiktas}

Winger = Aaron Lennon {Tottenham Hotspur}

Striker = Nicklas Bendtner {Arsenal}

Striker = Robinho {AC Milan}

Manager = Arsene Wenger {Arsenal}

Overrated FC Subs = Heurelho Gomes {Tottenham}, Anton Ferdinand {Sunderland}, Christoph Metzelder {Schalke 04}, Assou Ekotto {Tottenham Hotspur}, Jack Rodwell {Everton}, Mathieu Flamini {AC Milan}, Alberto Aquilani {Juventus}, Angel di Maria {Real Madrid}, Andy Carroll {Liverpool}, Edin Dzeko {Manchester City}

Money, money, money…

Forbes magazine announced the top 10 richest clubs on the planet yesterday and Manchester United still rule the school when it comes to money.

Biggest surprise is Barcelona dropping from 4th to 5th place, even after their treble winning season. You would expect them to be in the top 3.

1. Manchester United {$1.86 billion}   2. Real Madrid {$1.45 billion}   3. Arsenal {$1.19 billion) 4. Bayern Munich {$1.1 billion}   5. Barcelona {$975 million}   6. AC Milan {$838 million}   7. Chelsea {$658 million}   8. Juventus {$628 million}   9. Liverpool {$552 million}   10. Inter Milan {$441 million}.

The richest players list was also revealed by Forbes yesterday. The one surprise here is that Ronaldinho is still bringing in some large coin. And John Terry must be a bit peeved that Lamps made the top 10 and he didn’t!

1. David Beckham {$40 million}   2. Cristiano Ronaldo {$38 million}   3. Lionel Messi {$32 million}   4. Ricardo Kaka {$25 million}   5. Ronaldinho {$24 million}   6. Thierry Henry {$21 million}   7. Wayne Rooney {$20 million}   8. Frank Lampard {$18 million}   8. Zlatan Ibrahimovic {$18 million}   10. Samuel Eto’o {$17 million}.

Cristiano Ronaldo once said “footballer’s are like slaves.” What do you think?

One thing is for sure, the next round is on one of these guys. And if  they were getting in the drinks, who would you like to be buying yours?

In the land of Donovan…

donovanMany in the media had suggested that Landon Donovan couldn’t hack playing football in Europe. And you really couldn’t blame the media for doubting the American star’s potential.

After a disappointing 4 years at Bayer Leverkusen and an unsuccessful loan spell at Bayern Munich last season, the hope for Donovan’s talent to transcend to the European game were all but over. But as we all know, anything is possible in the funny old game of football.

In the MLS season that just ended, Donovan led the LA Galaxy to the championship game and even though they were defeated, his MVP performances throughout the year grabbed the attention of Europe’s elite clubs once again. Donovan was being given another chance to prove himself on the big stage of European football and he was determined to make the most of his opportunity, especially heading into a World Cup year.

This time, the American chose the right club and the right country to play his trade. Everton are one of the most famous, traditional and prestigious clubs in England. And they have a great manager who is able to identify talent when he sees it. David Moyes didn’t hesitate in signing Donovan on loan to Everton. He needed him. With Tim Cahill, Mikel Arteta and a host of other fantastic players on the injury list, it seemed a perfect fit for both club and player. Sure it was a risk based on Donovan’s past European experiences, but Everton’s injuries meant they had to gamble. Donovan was given the famous #9 shirt by the club and he has certainly worn it proudly.

There’s no doubt Donovan has been inspirational at Everton. He has risen to the occasion, taken his opportunity with both feet and has starred for the Premier League team in many games, including victories over Chelsea and Manchester United. Donovan was just voted Player of the Month and a certain love affair might be brewing between the American and the Toffees faithful. His performances have engaged the British media and many are seeing Donovan as a completely different player. In fact, some Brits are a little more afraid of facing the United States team in their first game at the World Cup because of how Donovan has played!

Donovan now faces a very difficult decision. He finds himself in a similar situation to David Beckham following his successful loan deal at AC Milan last season. When football superstar Beckham extended his loan deal with the Italian club, Donovan was a huge critic as he questioned Beckham’s loyalty and dedication to the LA Galaxy team. After being quoted in the book “The Beckham Experiment”, Donovan made his feelings about his teammate’s contributions or lack thereof crystal clear. With things going so well at Everton, should Donovan follow in Beckham’s footsteps and extend his deal? If I were an Everton fan, I wouldn’t want to lose him. If I were David Moyes I wouldn’t want to lose him. If I were the LA Galaxy, I would want him back. But what does Donovan want? After all the criticism of Beckham, would he even consider staying with Everton until June?

As Donovan continues his preparation for the World Cup, surely staying in Europe is best for him and the United States team. Right now, it’s great to be in the land of Donovan…

What’s up with Europe’s big boys..?

Rafa_Benitez_280x39_921611aThe Champions League is proving to be really weird this year people. Barcelona struggled to beat a team that sounds like a really delicious sandwich. Liverpool need to get their prayer mats out and hope for a miracle. Bayern Munich do not look like German giants. Inter Milan are not so special. Real Madrid really need Ronaldo back. And Manchester United should look into cloning Rooney 10 times, despite moving closer to the knockout stages.

Did one of you rival fans put something in their nutritional beverages? Or could it be the clocks going back? That always messes with one’s alignment. Whatever the problem is, these teams need to snap out of it and fast.

Bordeaux, Arsenal, Sevilla, Juventus, Lyon, Chelsea, Fiorentina and FC Porto are looking the best thus far in the competition. Arsenal and Chelsea have been regular cast members in the Champions League group stages. And if you are a player, manager, executive or fan of either of these clubs, you have to believe you have a great shot at winning Europe’s greatest prize, especially when you look around and see the big boys struggling.

I’m sure the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan will make the knockout stages. That’s not what’s in question. What’s in question is how they are playing. Real Madrid should really be beating this particular AC Milan team. They’ve been poor in the Italian league and nobody really thought they were the AC Milan of old when the season started. Ronaldo has been sorely missed by Real Madrid, but after buying so many expensive and quality players this summer, are Real Madrid really a one man team?

Inter Milan were lucky to have walked away with a win against Dynamo Kiev. The Champions League is the piece of silverware the club wants badly. You can see the reflection of the Champions League trophy in Jose Mourinho’s eyes as he observes his team from the touch line. Schevchenko almost came back to haunt the man who didn’t really give him a chance at Chelsea. But a couple of last gasp goals from Milito and Sneijder saved the blushes of Mourinho and his men. And what’s happened to Eto’o since his move from Barcelona to Inter Milan?

Manchester United – although sitting comfortably at the top of their group – just don’t seem to be the same team this season. The loss of Ronaldo has been far greater than even the genius of Sir Alex Ferguson could have imagined. They fought back once Rooney came on as a substitute. But what if Rooney gets injured? What then? Where will their inspiration come from? It’s tricky times at Old Trafford. The amazing thing about United is they are drawing or winning and not playing their best football. They don’t warm up to their sublime best until December/January. The question is, do they have the talent to shift into their usual 5th gear this season?

Liverpool are a mess. Alonso is another player who left for Real Madrid in the summer and Liverpool have not recovered. Aquilani could be the answer, but we just haven’t seen enough of him yet to compare. Voronin and Lucas are not the answer. Benayoun, Kuyt and Torres are the only players that are trying to make an impact and difference on the pitch. Carragher has been a disaster all season and with Gerrard being injured, they don’t have that final driving force in the midfield to make things happen going forward. I don’t like to talk about people losing their jobs, but Benitez is one bad result away from losing his.

Of course this could all change next week and that’s the beauty about the game we fans love! What do you think of the European giants struggling in the Champions League? Which team is looking the most dynamic for you? Is it possible that a Lyon, Fiorentina or Sevilla could win the Champions League? Did you drink wine or beer when watching the games this week?

Welcome back Champions League football…

ITALY SOCCER CHAMPIONS LEAGUEThe most electrifying competition in all the football land returns today. Finally, the Champions League is here. The wait is over. It’s game time people.

There is much excitement and anticipation for the teams that are appearing for the first time. UEFA’s rule to allow league champions from smaller countries has only added to the beauty of this competition and with the added flavour of lesser known champions from Russia and the Netherlands, we have many David vs Goliath clashes to look forward to. So please welcome APOEL Nicosia, Maccabi Haifa, Debrecen, Rubin Kazan, Unirea Urziceni and AZ. This is it. Don’t get scared now!

Many of Europe’s elite teams are also competing for glory again this year including Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan AC Milan, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Juventus. But there are also some clubs that could be a force to be reckoned with in the near Champions League future. Could this be the year for team’s like Wolfsburg, Atletico Madrid, Sevilla, Fiorentina, Marseille and Lyon?

There’s no doubt this could be the most arresting year yet for Europe’s biggest and best competition. Ronaldo, Rooney, Kaka, Messi, Gerrard, Lampard, Fabregas, Arshavin, Ribery, Eto’o and many other elite players will be fighting for the ultimate trophy in football. Prepare to be intoxicated by their wizardry and passion. Who will dazzle the world with their feet? Which team will be victorious? Can you see any upsets happening in these first few games?

Welcome back Champions League football. We’ve been waiting for you…