New Boys on the Block...In a Few Years

Chelsea is not the richest club in West London any longer. That trophy goes to Queens Park Rangers who are now worth more than £22B!

Champions League

The Daily Mail's, Andy Townsend, has a guide to the Champions League.

The Scoop

Is Sir Alex Ferguson going for Henrik Larsson again this year?

Inter Milan are looking towards Manchester City's, Elano, to take over for Luis Figo.

Hey Alan Curbishley, why don't you mind your business and STFU!

Are Tottenham making the move for Arsenal's Lassana Diarra?

Big Gun, Number One

Manchester United have eclipsed Real Madrid as the world's most popular club.

England Better than Spain?

So says Fernando Torres.
Asked to compare his new surroundings with the Spanish game, he told his club's official website: 'I would say football in England is better. It is more attractive than football in Spain, I would say, and certainly faster.
'It's more physical. The progress of the game is slower and there are a lot more fouls in Spain. The football here is more dynamic and it is more fun for the team and the individuals.'

Obligatory Post

Yes, I've come to grips that Manchester United beat Liverpool today by a scoreline 1 - 0.

Ahem, yet again, I may add. I'm gutted, but, life goes on. My only consolation is that Tevez actually put the ball in (on a training ground free kick...I'm pissed at all you Liverpool defenders on that one!), as readers of this blog know, I'm a big fan of Carlitos Tevez as well as many things Argentinian. instead of the "God-awful"(my words) John O'Shea. So, I suppose one can always look on the proverbial "bright side of life". Nevertheless, it looks at the halfway point, that we've dropped too many points (especially in the last two weeks) to be a viable candidate for the Premiership this year.

It may well be a "two horse race" but I'm not giving up just yet!

I know there will be talks with the Gaffer and George Gillette and Tom Hicks (the owners of Liverpool FC) this evening to clear the air. If things stay as they are, LIVERPOOL FC will not succeed. Both owners and Manager HAVE to work together. It's a fcuking team and business for fcuks sake!

I'm afraid I believe our LIVERPOOL FC, American owners, should show more interest, especially during the transfer window. None of this bullshit that "we'll talk when I get there." Don't get me wrong, Gillette and Hicks know how to run a sporting team. They've been successful in all of their current ventures. Although, I believe this one is a bit different. There is livelihood at work here!

I personally do not think George Gillette or Ton Hicks fully understand what buying "LIVERPOOL FC" actually meant to the community, not just local but worldwide. Don't get me wrong, I don't mean to knock them, but I have certain issues that I've only read about and I have no obvious proof, but just personal theory. I mean, I'm positive they did their Due Diligence and saw how much revenue they earn worldwide, and looked at it as an "investment opportunity"? I could be wrong, but I don't think I am.

Everybody knows I'm no fan of Rafa Benitez. The man has given me more grey hair and temper tantrums than my girl for crissake. But, he is a knowledgeable manager with a record to prove it. One can just take a look at the current Valencia side. I've asked myself if Valencia would be in the same predicament if Rafa were still there? The answer is a surefire "NO!"

So, Rafa, is our gaffer, so I'll stand behind him. I know he's good. He's focused, at least publicly, on the youth development, which is how a football club should be built. Especially Liverpool FC. There is no reason there haven't been polished prospects brought up the the first team from Liverpool since, who?....Steven Gerrard and Jaime Carragher? C'mon this is ridiculous.

On the other hand, I also realize it's kind of hard to put together a Premiership winning side with Gerrard Houllier's mish-mash of mediocre players. I still think back (in retrospect obviously) and wondered what we would have made on a Top Scorer in the European Cup? There can always be questions, especially in retrospect, but I look back at Houllier and think what in the hell was he thinking? He could have off-loaded that pain in the arse El Hadji Diof, directly after the World Cup as well, for a pretty pound. I know he didn't play a day in the red shirt, but that would have been a great money maker. I mean he's not a deadly striker, so who cares? Take the 5M Sterling profit and run. Not Houllier though. He brought us the greats of Sinama-Pongolle, LeTallec, Cheyrou, Diof, Cisse (who I like, but I'm not sure he fits in at Liverpool), Diao, blah, blah, blah...

Rafael Benitez has brought us the Champions League, a Champions League Finale (which we lost to the corrupt thieves of AC Milano), and an F.A. Cup (against an extraordinary Chelsea side) in three short years. That is more trophies than most managers in the world can even dream of in a lifetime. He's done the business with Valencia...La Liga wise. Now, I'm hoping he can do it within the Premiership. Perhaps, I put too much hope and personal dreams on his shoulders? I don't know? He's gotta beat Fergie and Wenger to get the full-on props. Not to mention take the Premiership.

I'm afraid that it's not going to happen this year. UGH!

Manchester United 1 – 0 Liverpool

I'm Fantastic!

Something is Broken

Didier Drogba's Chelsea career seems to be coming to a very public end. If this report is true, he just comes out and says it, nothing can be "lost in translation" here. I say he can come to Liverpool! We'll welcome him with open arms. I wouldn't mind seeing Drogba and Torres paired up together. He may be looking for better weather though?

"I want to leave Chelsea," he is quoted as saying in an issue of France Football magazine that will be published on Friday morning. "Something is broken with Chelsea. "

"The damage has been big in the dressing room because we know now what happened and who caused Mourinho's departure. "

"Nothing can stop me from leaving now."

I Agree With Cesc...

Cesc Fabregas has waded into the debate about English football's foreign invasion by claiming homegrown players are afraid to risk moving overseas. The Arsenal midfielder left his native Spain for England aged just 16 and is recognised today as one of the brightest talents of his generation.

He believes that rather than complain they are not being given a chance in the Barclays Premier League, young English players should move abroad to develop their careers. 'I don't see a lot of English players taking the risk to go out of the country to try to fight for their chance,' Fabregas told the Times.

'It looks like they are comfortable where they are and that is it.

Fergie Regrets No Securing Torres

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson hinted at some regret last night over not signing Fernando Torres ahead of Liverpool.

Perhaps tomorrow Fergie will come face to face with his nemesis.

Yikes! Do You See What's Missing?

She must have been born by immaculate conception! Naaa, I'm sure it's just Photoshop. (As usual, click on it for a larger image)

Capello Confirmed

The Football Association have confirmed that Fabio Capello will succeed Steve McClaren as England manager.

Chelsea Costume Christmas

John Terry dressed as Mr. Incredible while Lamps and Missus went as King and Queen and Scheva went in a turtleneck jumper.

UPDATE: Yes, we do have an update on this event. It seems the Daily Mail has even more pics with Claudio Pizarro dressed up as Caesar!

Quieroz Gives Torres Props

Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz admits Fernando Torres has turned Liverpool into a genuine Premiership threat.

He said: "I have been in England for five years and I have never seen a Liverpool side looking so strong in the League at this point of the season. Torres is doing really well and I am impressed with him.

"He is already going some way to making the difference for Liverpool this season. He is like an eagle - he can see short spaces that others can't and he has the ability to penetrate these areas, with the ball or without the ball.

"He can beat a player, he can create space, he can make time. He is making a great contribution to Liverpool's season."

New Blue

Chelsea skipper, Avram Grant has signed a new four year deal with the Blues.

Eggman Out

Eggert Magnusson has stepped down as chairman of West Ham.

Who's Got Skills?

New England Gaffer

Fabio Capello toured Wembley last night with Barwick, adding to the rampant speculation that he would become the new England manager. It looks as if he took the gig.

Pretty good choice, I think. Perhaps, as an 'outsider' he'll actually put together the finest side he sees. There are plenty players to pick from. Agbonlahor and Bentley come to my immediate attention. On the other hand Michael Owen is done for me. He doesn't belong on the National side.

UPDATE: FA give Capello approval for appointment.

Bonne Soir

Tonight, the Reds, who actually were wearing Black, ran rampant through Stade Velodrome with a comfortable 4-0 victory over the mid-table French side. Unfortunately, last time we lost 1-0 to the Southern French side at Anfield. That is unheard of, but so was our 2-1 loss to Besiktas.

There are no excuses for those results. Anyhow, we upped our UCL goal tally to 16-1 in our final three Champions League matches to make it into the last 16 of the Champions League! I tell you what! I don't know what has been going through Rafa's head, but I know that he knows his top 11. I mean what the hell was he doing against Reading this weekend? Mind boggling, no?

I'm running offside at the moment, but to Rafa's credit (which I give sparingly) he did make the finest buy, in Fernando Torres, during the summertime. He (already) and Steven Gerrard compile LIVERPOOL FC at the moment. I also cannot forget Harry Kewell, who is playing for his future at Liverpool FC at the moment, after being out due to injury since the World Cup. Right now he's showing his worth through and through. I cannot see anyone else on the payroll who could take over that left flank position the way he has. If you can, comment on this post and we'll discuss.

P.S. I really hope we pull AC Milan (those crooked bastardos) in the next round.

You've Got to be Kidding Me?

Fenerbache are asking UEFA to deduct 3 earned points because of the kit that Inter sported during their match. They say that the red and white cross shirt reminded them of the Order of the Templars. Yes, you read that right, The Order of the Templars from the Middle Ages (1100A.D. -1300A.D.)! Are you kidding me? No wonder they are so backward in culture, they are still dwelling and thinking within the Middle Ages.

On that note, you know what? In that case I think Newcastle should get rid of their shirts too because they may remind some hooligans of a jail cell. Hmmm, how about that?

The Scoop

Both Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly in for Spanish/Valencia striker, David Villa during this January transfer window. I realize Valencia are in the doldrums these day, but if they sell their number one player, I really don't see them vying for La Liga this year. Perhaps Koeman is on a "long-term" project and he knows that he can get alot of quality Spanish players for the money David Villa would bring into the club? That may be the right and smart thing to do?

I don't know how this is going to work, because "Hard as Nails, Metrosexual©" currently wears the number 7 shirt for Chelsea, no? If I were David, I would be worried. Sike! I'm also pretty sure that he's not going to nick Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt at the moment. Watch him end up at Liverpool with Fernando Torres. I bet Harry Kewell will give him his shirt! Now that would be deadly!

Barcelona's guv'nas are split on the bid Chelsea have placed on Ronaldinho. I suspect they are hedging their bets on getting more money from the Russian. As usual, I'm sure I'm right on this one too.

Ricardo Quaresma has turned down a £15M move to Tottenham. I really don't blame him. He's better off staying at Porto than making a move to Tottenham. C'mon, he's not going to bolster his value by making a move to Tottenham. Is he?

Gotta Love It

Arsenal dropped three points today as they lost to lowly Middlesbrough 2 - 1! I know we lost to Reading as well, but this is bigger (I'm sure not only in my eyes, eh Double O?)

The Scoop

It has been revealed through the Italian tabloids that Frank Lampard is close to a deal with Italian side, Juventus. Take that with a clove of garlic!

Cash

Who are the top 5 sports Billionaires?
5. Charles Dolan And Family
4. William Davidson
3. Micky Arison
2. Silvio Berlusconi
1. Roman Abramovich

More interesting gossip on England's favorite Russian here.

I found this bit interesting:

FUN FACTS
• Despite his wealth, he sports a "chunky eighties-style digital watch," according to the Observer of London.
• His wife has four permanent bodyguards, all former SAS soldiers.
• No known photographs of Abramovich existed in the public record before 1999.
• His mother died due to complications from a botched abortion and his father was killed in a freak building accident. Before amassing his riches, Abramovich worked out of a tiny, one-room apartment selling used tires and children's dolls.

What's Up With the Belgians?

Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora believes his previous spell at Belgian side Genk led to Anderlecht fans targeting him during last night's UEFA Cup clash in Brussels.

The 1-1 draw at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium secured a place for Spurs in the knockout stages of the competition but the mood of celebration was dampened as Zokora appeared to be hit by a lighter in the closing stages.

Rafa Lays Down the Law

Liverpool gaffer, Rafa Benitez has told the lads that they should be counting sheep instead of watching the Hatton (who is a mate of Steven Gerrard and Jaime Carragher) vs. Mayweather fight this weekend.

"I have told them it is really important to rest, especially where we are playing late away and then away again soon after," said Benitez. "I hope the players will not be staying up to watch the fight, because we need rest when we play games close together."

The fight takes place in Las Vegas and will be shown at 4a.m British time.

Will Jozy Be at Real Madrid?

The Scoop

Der Affe says Lehman should leave Arsenal. Now there is a thought! There is no way Arsene will give the loudmouth German his place back, especially with his public bitching. I have a feeling he's going to end up at Lokomotiv Moskow!

The Didier Drogba situation comes to a boil. This should get interesting.

Tottenham bench warmer, Jermaine Defoe issues ultimatum to new boss Juande Ramos. I suppose he'll be striking for Middlesbrough come January.

Marcelo Lippi is also on the FA shortlist for the vacant England manager position.

Is Michael Owen on his way to Manchester City?

Arsene Wenger is considering splashing out £10M to buy Real Madrid's 16 year old (of course) starlet, Daniel Parejo.

Chelsea have tabled an opening bid for Brazilian and CSKA Moskow striker, Vagner Love. Maybe opening a window to send Sheva in the opposite direction.

Jose Mourinho, 'I want to be England boss'

Jose Mourinho has been in London for top secret talks with the FA, telling them he wants the job of England manager.

The FA are contemplating offering the flamboyant Portugese coach a $15 million - a - year deal to take on the often poisoned chalice of the national job.

I believe that is a substantial pay raise for the Portu-geezer, even by Chelsea standards!

UPDATE: Jose Mourinho's dad has given his blessing.

Manchester United's Get Go Ahead for Commemorative Shirt

Manchester United have been given permission by the Premier League to wear a one-off 1950s shirt to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Munich air crash — but insist they won't make any money from the move.

The Premier League have given United permission to wear the shirt even though it will contravene regulations by not carrying their Barclays logo, not having the names of the players on the back and not carrying squad numbers.

The image above was taken from the Toffs Manchester United page. I'm guessing it will look similar to this FA Cup Final shirt.

Keano Flexing His Managerial Muscle

Troubled Sunderland goalkeeper, Craig Gordon, will spend some time on the sidelines in order to build back his confidence.

It's All About the $€£¥

Uh oh, there is some more money grabbing in football going on. Now, the G14 want a piece of the Euro 2008 action.

Hot Tamales are Red Hot

That is what Rafa is saying about the Liverpool squad at the moment.

The Scoop

Real Madrid have offered a substantial fee of £25M to Arsenal for the services of Cesc Fabregas!

Rafa says he'll sign Javier Mascherano to a permanent deal.

Nicolas Anelka has put the word out that he wants to make yet another move. This time to Chelsea perhaps?

Ouch!

Didier Drogba is facing weeks out of the Premiership as well as the opening matches of the Africa Cup of Nations with Cote d'Ivoire with degeneration in his meniscus.

Euro 2008

Some new kits are available if you are interested. They are still growing on me, so I'm not sure what is my favorite new one yet. I used to play for a Croatian team in NYC for a number of years, so I have a soft spot for the new one after having to wear something that closely resembles a traditional picnic blanket. It seems they actually hired a "designer" for this one. Click on the pic if you want a better look.

What Was He Thinking in the First Place?

What the hell was Jerzy Dudek thinking when he signed for Real Madrid? That he was going to displace Iker Casillas? Yeah, right.

Fixxxed?

UEFA have been alerted to irregular betting patterns on last month’s match, which the Reds won 8-0.

There is no suggestion that Rafa Benitez’s team were involved in any fix — but an unusually high humber of bets were placed on Besiktas suffering a heavy defeat in the Anfield clash.

Maybe they paid Yossi Benayoun to score some goals that day?

UPDATE: Platini says there will be NO investigation into the Liverpool – Besiktas Champions League match.

The Scoop

Chelsea are ready to hand Ronaldinho a £7M per year contract and want to sign the Barcelona ace in January before he can invoke FIFA article 17 (and buy himself out of his current contract.)

Juve want to take Chelsea's useless Shevchenko off of their hands.

Liverpool better put pen to paper with Javier Mascherano...YESTERDAY! Now, we all know there will be a long line of suitors for him if this does not happen. So just sign him!

A Wearside bar has banned Anthony Stokes from the premises after Roy Keane had warned the young player of the perils of celebrity.

Martin Jol still thinks he was the best man for the Tottenham gig.

Arsene Wenger has his beatty little eyes set on Lyon's Karim Benzema and Hatem Ben Arfa.

Tsk, Tsk, Romario

Romario has admitted to using a banned substance...for baldness!

Argentine Champions

Unfancied Lanús clinched their first Argentine league title in the club's 92-year history. Nice job lads.

Europass

The Official Match Ball of the 2008 European Cup, which takes place next summer and is co-hosted by Austria and Switzerland.

Goal of the Week?

There were some good goals this weekend and we still have Manchester United vs. Fulham coming later tomorrow. Today I watched a Birmingham vs. Tottenham match that had Sebastian Larsson sending a swerving post 90 minute shot past a flailing Paul Robinson (he couldn't have saved it...in case you were wondering) in to the back of the net. He took that strike well! Here it is.

Ballon D'Or 2007

And the winner is...(drumroll please)

Kaka

with Cristiano Ronaldo (my personal pick) coming in a far second.

Please Explain...

John Mikel Obi clears up the confusion about his name.

Hot Kicks for the Cool Winter

Adidas just dropped the legendary Gazelle in corduroy. I like these.

Making the Move Back Home

Juan Roman Riquelme has secured his much anticipated move back to Boca Juniors from Villareal. Riquelme was loaned out to his former/current team, Boca Juniors last year after a very public fallout with Chilean manager, Manuel Pellegrini and hasn't played for the club since. What a waste of talent and poor business on the part of Villareal. Oh well, now he's back in Argentina and will light it up yet again.

Aye! Tis' the Season for the Sackings

Derby's, Billy Davies received and early Christmas gift after being let go from the lowly club (who really shouldn't be in the Premiership anyhow.) What did they expect?

Next should be our Rafael Benitez. Whenever the axe falls on him, it will be a day too late as far as I'm concerned.

Sacked!

Yet another one to add to the list. This time it is the great Steve McClaren albeit about 9 months too late. I think the blame lies with the FA on this one though.

Now, who is next in line for the gig?

LEGENDS

Ladies and Gentlemen, mark your calendar with a red pencil, no a red pen, actually, no, make that a red Sharpie!

NOVEMBER 6, 2007

"Why on earth would I mark my precious calendar with all my dates and appointments on it with a red Sharpie?" you may ask yourself? Well, let me tell you why.

Liverpool have matched, equalled, and surpassed the UEFA Champions League record for most goals in a Champions League match. Arsenal had equalled the previous record a few weeks ago with a 7 - 1 victory over Slavia Prague (previously held by Juve from 2003.) They did not surpass it though. Today, however, our boys in red showed that we deserve to be in this grand competition. I'll be the first to admit that we haven't displayed it until today. In the recent matches we looked like a lost dog searching out his master. Perhaps today we found the stone that had yet to be overturned? Hell I'll admit we haven't displayed ANYTHING until today. Nevertheless, we'll find out against Porto next. If I was Portuguese, and a Porto supporter (are you reading this Raquele ;o), I would get your rosary out right about now and start praying to the Lord that we don't pull Yossi Benayoun out of the cage and release him on ya!

On another note, I bet the falafel was flying mosque to mountain to madrassa when our Israeli bagged a hat-trick on them! Oh, I can only imagine the flag burning going on in Turkey tonight. If Liverpool whipped them like they did tonight in Turkey, they would have had to have been air lifted out of Istanbul! I'm just sayin'...

I can only say, "Nice one Yossi, nice one!" Now, go grab a Doner Kebab and celebrate with a yogurt drink!

Fernando Torres Update

Fernando Torres is back at practice (pictured above). I'm not sure if he'll be fit for tomorrows Champions League tie against the Turkish Delight though? Hopefully.
UPDATE: I guess we didn't need him today. I'll have to say that it's nice not to have to though.

Top 50

The Times of London rate the Top 50 Football Kits.

Another One...

Chris Hutchings of Wigan got the sack after dropping into the relegation zone. Who's next? A certain Spainiard perhaps?

Old "Horsey Face" to Pen New Deal

Real Madrid look to re-sign Ruud VanNistelrooy before he takes off to the LA Galaxy to grab an airhead unemployed actress and join Scientology.

I'm Just Sayin'...

French football is worth watching...sometimes! Well the highlights are anyhow. Pops knows what I'm talkin' about!

The Phoenix Rises?

Harry Kewell is finally fit again after a 6 month lay-off. Hopefully, he'll be back to his former self. I'm crossing my fingers and saying my prayers.

Valencia Have a New Gaffer

Ronald Koeman has agreed to take over as manager of Valencia after resigning from PSV Eindhoven.

Bye the way, Valencia got trounced by Real Madrid today 5 - 1!

Valencia 1 - Real Madrid 5 (31/10/07)

The Scoop

Is Ronaldinho on his way to Chelsea or the Dirty Cheats?

Topsy Turvy Tottenham

Now....Steve Nash, of the Phoenix Suns is looking to invest in his future! He's thinking of investing his money in Tottenham Hotspur. I'm not too sure how good of an investment that is though? I see he's even trained with the New York Red Bulls in his free time. That's kind of cool.

FIFA Votes to End Rotation Policy

FIFA have opened up bidding for the 2018 World Cup. They have ended the rotation policy through Continents.

'Tis the Season for the Sacking

Valencia sacked coach Quique Sanchez Flores in the early hours of Monday morning following the side's 3-0 defeat at Sevilla.

Rafa is Ooozing Confidence...

"I can win the title..."

UPDATE: Not now he can't!

Tottenham Hotspur Have a New Gaffer

I'm surprised, but it did happen. Tottenham have unveiled Juande Ramos as their new manager. I guess they mean business, much as they intended to do before the start of the season. It seems he plans on bringing in La Liga players as did Rafa when he came to Liverpool.

UPDATE: Gus Poyet has been unveiled at Tottenham's number 2.

Ouch!

Liverpool have suffered yet another blow as Jermaine Pennant will be sidelined for 10 weeks with a stress fracture of his right tibia

Manager Wanted Update

Sevilla have confirmed this evening that coach Juande Ramos has resigned from his position at the La Liga side.

What is this man thinking?

UPDATE: He will be given a £40million transfer war chest to revive Tottenham's season.

All That is Old is New Again

I see Sven Goran Eriksson will be given some money, laundered from Thailand no doubt, during the transfer window to bolster his high-flying side. Is there a certain Shaun Wright-Phillips in the mix?

Tottenham Update...Olé!

It is said in the rumour mill's that Seville's Juande Ramos will be taking over as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, BUT apparently, he doesn't wish to take the reigns until next year. That cannot conceivably happen! No way will the owners go for that. Will they?

I'm still thinking Jurgen Klinsmann will take the role, but I'm just speculating. Make sure you check FootballRoundtable for updates on this matter...if you care about it at all. I really don't but, I 'll post it for those who do!

Pick Yourself Up TH14!

Thierry Henry is not gelling with his new teammates in Barcelona, he's revealed to some ex-Arsenal teammates. I say, They play a different style of football over in Barca, but I have a feeling it's just going to take a bit longer than he thought. He'll fit in, in time. Once he gets the feel of the game in Spain.

About Damn Time!

After lowly Tottenham's 2 - 1 UEFA Cup defeat at the hands of Spanish minnows, Getafe, Martin Jol finally has resigned.

Now it has been rumored that Sevilla's Juande Ramos is set to take over the Tottenham managers position, but I have to ask...why would he leave a successful Spanish side and come to a struggling London side?

Der Kaiser Sprechen!

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has warned Jens Lehmann not to "make a mistake and start a confrontation" with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger following the goalkeeper's outburst this week.

Do You Want the Job?

Tottenham: Do you want the job when our overspending, useless, current manager walks away?
Mark Hughes: No!

UPDATE: Jol has left Tottenham. We are clairvoyant here at FootballRoundtable.