The world is in self-isolation. But thanks to technology, we still get to connect, broadcast and talk football. The Coronavirus is impacting so many lives, livelihoods and our love of sports. Our souls need good tonic right now. We hope this episode brings you some normalcy and comfort. Hang in there. We are all in this together.
Tag: soccer
Speaking with the Enemy…Ryan Giggs
Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs joins the Highbury & Heels squad for an epic chat. From Sir Alex Ferguson, Mourinho, Wenger & that insane Arsenal rivalry to Giggsy’s coaching ambitions & his disappointment in not becoming Manchester United manager.
Plus you won’t want to miss the quickfire round where we find out his favourite cheer-up movie, his love for Game of Thrones and which Neville brother he’d choose to save! Get stuck in.
Impressive Cityzens
Manchester City spent their pre season tour in the United States and to say I found their entire set-up impressive is an understatement. Coolest thing of all was the time they spent with fans. Definitely flew the flag proudly for the Premier League!
Premier League Grades & the New Season…
As the new season approaches, I’m joined by Oliver Wilson to hand out grades for last season and also look at how they’ve improved their squads in this insane transfer market that has gone totally balls up nuts! Who is Grade A material and who is failing miserably?
You can find Oliver @O_J_Wilson. Follow me @soccerdiva. Also this coming season, I’m joining the Gooner Girls Ramble podcast for some Arsenal chat…and much more! Check out www.thegoonerramble.com for deets!
Jurgen Klinsmann For England?
Sam Allardyce is out as England manager after only 67 days. The Daily Telepgraph’s undercover expose and 10-month investigation finds English football embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in years. The big question now turns to who will replace Big Sam? In England, the polls and voting has already started and the man being mentioned once again as a potential successor is Jurgen Klinsmann! Is he the right man for the job? Would England really hire a German coach? Would the USMNT fight to keep him should there be interest? Join the conversation. Get stuck in.
Is Arsene Wenger’s Moral Dilemma Destroying Arsenal?
We recently had the opportunity to spend time with the Gunners during their pre season tour of the United States. Watching them train was an absolute treat. The players seem united and the squad feels like a true team.
Sitting in an Arsene Wenger press conference was a thrill. Wenger was challenged with some great questions. He spoke volumes. Sophie has theories, including moral money dilemmas and mental weakness! Gooners everywhere might not want to hear it! Put the kettle on. Or grab a brew! It’s going to be a long season.
Flashback Friday…
Love these women. Last time I interviewed them at training camp they won Olympic Gold! I’m hoping this time I see them my visit spawns an American victory at the Women’s World Cup this summer! #fbf #blackpudding
Landon the Legend…
It’s Landon Donovan’s last press conference. He has just won another MLS Cup with his beloved LA Galaxy. It’s a fairytale ending. He’s had a picture book career. He has given everything to club and especially country.
What an honor to see him play his last professional game. What a privilege to be at his last LA Galaxy presser. He looks tired. He’s ready to walk off into the sunset as a champion.
I was given the opportunity to ask America’s greatest ever footballer a question. What would it be? Everyone is focused on questions about his game in the US. Why wouldn’t they be? This is America! But what about the Toffees? Everton fans fell in love with him. British football dug him. I had to ask. I had to represent. Everton fans…this one is for you!
The Rise and Rise of GQ Giroud…
When Arsenal signed Olivier Giroud from Montpellier, I was absolutely stoked.
However, not many Arsenal fans felt the same way. He wasn’t a glamour signing, nor did fans believe he was the right man to replace Robin Van Persie. The expectations were unrealistic and therefore, Giroud’s life at the Emirates started with a lot of pressure on his shoulders.
Despite being the point of difference and main reason Montepellier were crowned Ligue 1 champions in 2012, Giroud’s first season at Arsenal was criticized by the media and fans. A little harsh perhaps when you consider he scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists.
The story this season is a little different for Giroud. He has become one of Arsenal’s most important players and has a look of belief and confidence about him. He wears the shirt like he truly deserves it and he exudes a sense of belonging. When you marry these attributes with his ability to hold the ball, connect play, win the ball in the air, muscle players off the ball, know where to take up positions, it makes for a unique player.
Giroud’s displays this season have made the original doubters become believers. Fans now sing his name with pride. A love affair might be brewing between another Frenchman and Arsenal fans. Long may it last.
In case you missed it, check out this article from the summer of 2012.
Let’s get #GQGiroud trending!
Olivier Giroud: Can He Become the Next Thierry Henry at Arsenal?
Verbal Memo | Manchester City’s Gift For United…
Manchester City’s attempt at defending their title has been nothing short of pathetic.
The players have played with apathy and haven’t been consistent enough. In fact, it seems as though winning the title last season was proof enough in their eyes that they’d arrived as one of the big boys in England, and Europe! The bottom line is something just hasn’t been right this season.
From the distractions of Mario Balotelli and Roberto Mancini’s tactical tinkering early on in the season, to missing out on signing Robin van Persie and stinking up the Champions League, the blue side of Manchester has stuttered and faltered with a lack of identity and a shortage of passion.
What is Manchester City’s identity? What is their club culture? It takes more than winning the F.A.Cup and Premier League to be considered a big club. Remember Blackburn Rovers? They too won the Premier League. Have a listen and let me have it whether you agree or disagree.
Lob me a header or volley @soccerdiva. Football, soccer, call it what you want. It’s just like being down the pub with your mates.