Mark Hughes appointed Queens Park Rangers manager

New boss Mark Hughes at Loftus Road yesterday

Yesterday Mark Hughes was named new manager of QPR. The West London club have had a turbulent return to the Premiership to say the least, with off field issues such as ownership issues, and race rows, have been an ever presence in the background at a club who had a reasonably good start to the season before going on an alarming slide going nine games without a win, last beating Stoke 3-2 away on the 19th of November. This saw Neil Warnock, a little surprisingly losing his job.

Warnock saw QPR not win for nine games

The egos in the dressing room haven’t caused the major problems as some pundits predicted, with the combustible characters at Loftus Road, including names such as Adel Taraabt, Jay Bothroyd and of course, not forgetting, Joey Barton have yet to caused any headlines in the national newspapers. Unfortunately, the notably poor on field performances have been the subject of much criticsm and caused Warnock his job.

Now, enter a similar person with a no nonsense approach to management, adding to the name of combustible names in that dressing room; Mark Hughes. The 48 year old former Barcelona, Manchester United and Chelsea striker has managed at many different scales, beginning his career as Wales’s national coach, then spending four good years at Ewood Park as Blackburn manager learning the ins and outs of Premiership football, then taking the coveted Manchester City role, somewhat controversially due to his ties with the red side of Manchester.

He signed a majority of the players who are still currently at the club, and fighting for the title. These include the current club captain Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Gareth Barry, Kolo Toure and Nigel De Jong.

He made some excellent signings as Blackburn boss as well, signing Christopher Samba for £400,00 from Herta Berlin, Benni McCarthy from Porto for just £2.5 million, David Bentley from Arsenal for £500,00 (who went on to be sold to Spurs for £15 million) and even brought in Ryan Nelsen on a free from DC United. Proof that he has an eye for a bargain, and knows who is and isn’t good enough to play in the Premiership.

Mark Hughes signs Vincent Kompany from Hamburg for £6m in 2008

Crucially for QPR fans, ignoring his odd tenure as Fulham boss, Hughes will add some discipline to the squad and hopefully some more stability. He is ultimately more tactically astute that Warnock, who was more of a motivator. He’s signed a three year contract, and those dreams of managing a “big club” have hopefully gone from his system, and he should look to create his own success.

Another plus, which I have to praise Hughes for, is that he has a proven he has a knack for making good purchases when there is a little amount of money available (at Blackburn) and with lots of funds available (at Man City). At QPR where there are a reasonable amount funds available, Christopher Samba and Alex are both names who have been linked, as a centre-back is the top priority. A striker is needed as well, with Andy Johnson linked, and possibly another central midfielder, as Alejandro Faurlin is out for the rest of the season.

QPR have a good range of players in the squad, the likes of Joey Barton, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Anton Ferdinand with lots of Premiership experience, with some raw potential in Adel Taraabt and Armand Traore, adding to a side who are good enough to stay up, it’s just up to Hughes to get the club back on the right track and steer them clear of relegation.

André Villas-Boas – Football’s Brightest Prospect

With a relatively short experienced manager set to take over the reigns at Chelsea, in one of the biggest transfers of the summer, we ask the questions, and give you the answers into Football’s Brightest Prospect’s and the future Chelsea manager; André Villas-boas

Who is André Villas-Boas?

Luis André de Pina Cabral e Villas-Boas, known commonly as André Villas-Boas, is a Portuguese football manager born on the 17th October 1977. He is 33 years old and widely expected to take over the vacant managerial position at Premiership side Chelsea. He was an apprentice of late Sir Bobby Robson, who helped him gain his coaching qualifications in the United Kingdom. He has established himself of fantastic scout and strategist of the modern game through backroom spells at Porto, Inter Milan and Chelsea.

He is the former manager of Portuguese sides Academica, and FC Porto.

He worked as a trainee with the FC Porto youth team in 1994, under the invitation of Sir Bobby Robson. In 1999, he took the role of technical director of the British Virgin Islands, and in the year 2000 he became the youngest international manager at the time, taking over the national side.

Villas-Boas, who ascertained his UEFA C license in Scotland, stayed in the Caribbean for over a year and a half managing the Virgin Islands national team aged just 21. He remembers the time their well, and admits that it was a difficult learning curve, yet an important experience none the less.

He moved back to Portugal, and was appointed manager of the Porto under 19’s. A role he held up until 2002, when Jose Mourinho was appointed FC Porto first team manager. Mourinho was familiar with Villas-Boas during his time as Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant at Sporting Lisbon, and employed Villas-Boas as a member of the first team coaching staff.

Jose Mourinho had referred to Villas-Boas as his “eyes and ears”, and he was a vital member of the all conquering FC Porto team who won back to league titles (03/04, 04/05), the 2003 UEFA Cup and 2004 Champions League titles.

When Mourinho exited to join Chelsea, Villas-Boas was one of the first men hired to Mourinho’s back room staff. During his tenure at Chelsea, he was in charge of developing strategy, as well as pre match preparation. He was a member of the Chelsea staff that won back to back Premiership titles in 2004/05, 05/06. As well as two League Cups, and the 2007 FA Cup.

When Jose Mourinho was sacked as Chelsea manager in 2007, he waited nine months before joining Inter Milan as manager. Villas-Boas again was drafted in, and again, was a vital member of the back room staff and in their successful title victory.

Villas-Boas was there for only one season, before he left to try his hands at senior management, taking the vacant managerial role at Academica, back in the Portuguese Liga. He secured top flight survival, for a club who were known as one of the weakest side in the Portugal, and he guided them to the Portuguese cup semi-final.

His impressive managerial skills didn’t go unnoticed and he was given the chance to join one of the biggest club in Europe; a role as FC Porto first team manager. His career path followed the same long winding roads, similar to that of his former colleague; Jose Mourinho. The man who has made it no secret that he holds Villas-Boas in extremely high regard.



What are his managerial credentials?

In only his second season in professional management, as manager of FC Porto he guided his side to the Portuguese Primera Liga, Portuguese Cup, Portuguese Super Cup and the UEFA Europa League.

His side blasted their way to the title, scoring 73 goals in 30 matches, winning 27 matches, drawing 3 games and losing none. His side amassed 84 points, and boasted a defence which only conceded 16 goals.

Hulk was the side top goalscorer, hitting 23 goals. Radamel Falcao hit 16 league goals, and scored a record 18 Europa League goals in 16 games.

He broke many records in charge of FC Porto

• He became the youngest manager to win the UEFA Europa League, aged just 33 years old and 213 days
• The club record for the most matches across all competitions unbeaten (36). This record was previously held by José Mourinho at 33 matches.[11] Part of this streak was completed by the previous coach of FC Porto, Jesualdo Ferreira
• The most wins in Europe in one season by a Portuguese club (14)
• The most points in a 30-game Portuguese league season (84)
• The highest number of consecutive wins in the Portuguese league (16)
• The biggest margin over the second placed team in the league (21)
• The only team to win the Portuguese league without being beaten aside from Benfica in 1972/73
• On 3 April 2011, Villas-Boas won his first Primeira Liga, five rounds before the end, by defeating second-place Benfica 2–1 away at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon,[15] becoming the third youngest coach to win it, only behind Mihály Sistka (1938–39) and Juca (1961–62). It is the second time that Porto won the Portuguese league by beating its rival at its home soil, the first time being 71 years ago, in the 1939–40 season when Porto clinched the title by defeating Benfica at the Estádio das Amoreiras
• On 22 May 2011, Villas-Boas won the Treble by winning the Portuguese Cup, equalizing Tomislav Ivić (when he won 4 titles for Porto in 1987/88), and making Porto the first (and only) European team to win a treble twice (Portuguese League, Portuguese Cup and UEFA Cup/UEFA Europa League)

What will he bring to Chelsea?

Off the back of a sensational record breaking season, it’s clear he is all about attacking free flowing football. He advocates the 4-3-3 formation, which Chelsea fans became huge admirers of during Mourinho’s reign in charge.

He is a known strategist, a great planner and tactician, with a solid in depth analysis of every opponent. He has the outlook of a scout, combined with the intuition of a coach. The BBC reported that preparation is key for Villas-boas, with every training session being very specific for preparing for the next match. No two training sessions in a day, just one intensive session in the morning, demanding maximum concentration and commitment. Training methods similar to that of Barcelona’s, lots of passing in short spaces, short and sharp, quick and under pressure, pass-and-move with the long ball game a non entity.

A scouting report was posted online a few years ago, was in preparation for a match between Chelsea and Newcastle. The pre match scouting report showed in depth detail on the opponents strengths, weaknesses, ability from set plays, corners, free kicks, everything. He picked up the moniker of “Director of opposition intelligence” during his time at Stamford Bridge, and was renowned for his creating pre match reports which included “personalised DVD’s” of opposition players.

For a copy of the scouting report, tweet me @ www.twitter.com/RealTalkFB and I’ll send you the link.



Can he become a success?

Let’s be honest, one name has cropped up throughout this blog post, and that is Jose Mourinho. Villas-Boas has taken the same career path, and without doubt has a similar understanding and knowledge of the game, and is a man who comes up with the plan to win. A game plan which has brought great success and achievements, both domestically and internationally. Okay the Portuguese League isn’t regarded as one of the toughest in Europe, but its a professional, competitive league none the less, with skilful players and fantastic individual talent.

Villas-Boas is different from Mourinho, he’s more humble and reserved, and has earned great respect over the past year. Seemingly while Mourinho’s reputation has taking a slight decline due to some of his outlandish statements and comments made over the past season.

For Villas-Boas, he will look at it this way. Their will undoubtedly be comparisons to Mourinho, both were never professional footballers. Both were protégé’s of the great Sir Bobby Robson. Both were vital figures behind the scenes before becoming successful managers, both cutting their teeth in Portugal’s northern region.

Villas-Boas is his own man, with his own methods, who has a great knowledge of the game, and has great respect for Mourinho. He will in not want to be judged by the standards he set (especially at Chelsea), nor will he like to be played off against as in some sort of young buck looking to take the “Special One” title.



Chelsea will have an exciting fresh faced manager in charge, with great maturity and intelligence. He will however be judged on how he copes in arguably the World’s toughest league. He’ll be managing the Premiership runners-up, managing some big names within that side; the much talked about player power struggles between players and manager, main culprits being the Club’s captain/spokesman John Terry (who has had his fair share of controversy in the past few years), Frank Lampard (who is the same age as Villas-Boas), Didier Drogba (who is undecided about where his future lies), and the most intriguingly the misfiring Fernando Torres. Can he be the man to rejuvenate the Spanish international, and get him scoring again?

A lot of important questions. All of which can be answered, if he is given time to implement his ways at Stamford Bridge. All football fans are aware of Roman Abramovich having this Real Madrid like culture, whereby unless a manager is delivering the Champions League title, the Premiership title is the only other option that can save your job for another year.

Villas-Boas is a young man, and will need time. One season at the very least he’s guaranteed, but two or three would give a well rounded opportunity to assess how successful/unsuccessful he could really be.

His record in the short period of time he’s spent as a manager, is excellence, and must be what Roman Abramovich for him to fork out nearly £13.3 million compensation for the 33 year old.

My message to the Chelsea fans who are sceptical about the man, or who just don’t know too much about him, is that they have every reason to be optimistic. Villas-Boas has a history of working behind the scenes at Chelsea during their most successful period in their history, as well as the skills he has learned working with Mourinho at Inter, Porto and with Chelsea.

Villas-boas has a chance the dynasty both he, and Abramovich desire. The real question is; can both coincide long enough for relationship to be triumphant or will Abramovich’s ruthless streak in a quest for the Champions League damage the best candidate for that achievement since Mourinho left? Time is the essential factor, but whatever the outcome is, we are in for another enthralling Premier League season, let alone a captivating summer, and the possibility of a new Special One hitting these shores.



Leave your thoughts below, and let me know what you think of the André Villas-Boas and how do you think he will fair at Chelsea?

Real Talk Football

The Plight of West Ham United

This weekend was a defining moment in the Premier League season, as with one week of matches left to play, West Ham’s slim hopes of hanging onto their Premiership status finally evaporated as Avram Grant’s side surrendered a 2-0 lead, and ended up losing 3-2 to relegation rivals Wigan Athletic. Hence condemning themselves to fall through the trap door and into The Championship. Relegation.

Consequently The Hammers sacked their manager less than an hour after the 3-2 defeat, four months to the day after Avram Grant was expected to be sacked (after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal and replaced by Martin O’Neill). This was not to be, as O’Neill turned down the opportunity, and the owners left Grant with 14 remaining Premier League games to save West Ham from relegation.

The records for those 14 games were as follows: DWLDWWDLLLLLDL, 3 wins, 4 draws and 7 defeats. It’s fair to say, relegation form.


What caused the Hammers downfall?

For me; an average manager. Avram Grant’s record in the English football; is rather hit and miss. He took over from Jose Mourinho at Chelsea in 2007, and guided to West London club to their first ever Champions League final, which they lost on penalties to Manchester United. They then ended up as runners-up in the Carling Cup final, and ultimately runners-up in the Premiership as well.

Grant was then sacked due to his failings, receiving much criticism from fans, who claimed his side was boring, while Chelsea players were quoted openly criticising Grant’s outdated methods.

After a year away from management, he took over at south coast club Portsmouth, replacing the sacked Paul Hart. Now he was managing a side that had massive amounts of financial trouble, legal wrangling and issues regarding ownership of the club. Despite all this, Grant led Pompey to the FA Cup final, where they were runners-up, losing 2-1 to Chelsea.

Despite the excellent cup run, Pompey finished bottom of the Premier League with 19 points (a 9 point deductions due to administration) and subsequently ended up in The Championship.

Next for Avram, was the West Ham job. He was appointed by new owners David Gold and David Sullivan, who decided to sack fan favourite, the man who saved them from relegation last year; Gianfranco Zola.

Avram Grant struggled to gain the confidence and admiration from West Ham fans, with his lack of tactical knowledge and any sort of game plan was evident at various points throughout the season. Grant seemingly gives off the impression as more of a motivator than a football coach.


Terrible signings in transfer windows

It’s fair to say, all the troubles with West Ham begun when they were overtaken by Eggert Magnusson in 2006. During the Icelandic businessman’s time at the club, he was executive and non-executive during his tenure, and infamously oversaw the signings of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano (which were later deemed illegal due to third party ownerships and the club was fined for).

Players like Julian Faubert, one of the most promising French wide-men in recent years, was converted from a right back, to a right midfielder then back to right back again. He has failed to reach his potential since being at the club, and spelt an ill fainted loan spell at Real Madrid midway through his time at West Ham.

The next name to highlight was Freddie Ljungberg, was one of the worse signings, who was given a four year contract despite his well documented problems, and big wage demands. After one year, this contract was terminated, for a sum believed to be around £6 million.

Kieron Dyer; another injury prone player with big wage demands. According to one source, he earned £83,000 a week, £424,000 a season in image rights, and £100,000 in loyalty fees. During four seasons at the club, he has only played 30 times. Absolute shambles.


Diego Tristan, 3 goals in 14 games, and Davide Di Michele, 4 in 30 games, were brought in for the 2008/09 season and justified their wages helping the club reach 9th place in the league, performing brilliantly under Gianfranco Zola and assistant manager Steve Clarke.

After the fantastic 08/09 season, Gold and Sullivan took over half way through the 2010 season, and this marked the start of a resurgence in West Ham’s problems. Three signings on the last day of the January transfer window displayed a sign of things to come. Benni McCarthy, Ilan and Mido.

Mido was a well known flop on these shores, and was reportedly only paid £1,000 a week. A bargain? Not really, he only played nine games, and didn’t score a single goal.

Ilan came to England with his best year’s way behind him. His goal return was okay, scoring 4 in 11 games, but injuries and open criticism of the manager Gianfranco Zola, it was clear Ilan’s time in England was going to be a short one, and displayed another example of a poor signing backed the West Ham board.

Benni McCarthy was one of the most impressive strikers in Europe during the early 00’s, but his career was in decline during the latter period of his career at Blackburn. At the age of 31, he joined West Ham for £2.5 million and will go down as one of the worst transfers in Premiership history. He racked up just 14 appearances in one year, was persistently fined for being overweight, left out of the 25 man Premier League squad list for this season, and never scored a single goal for the Hammers. He was reportedly paid £38,000 a week, and was on a two and a half year contract. His contracted was terminated in April.

This poor calibre of signings continued this season, such as loan signings Wayne Bridge and Robbie Keane who both failed to make an impression, looked more interested in there bank balance rather than the fate of the club. Subsequently it ended up with the Hammer failing to learn their lesson, and they’ve consequently ended up paying the ultimate price.


Honourable mentions

With Scott Parker winning the Football Writers Player of the Year Award, it’s evident that his sensational performances this season where the only reason the Hammer lasted as long as they did. Parker pretty much carried the team for much of the season, while his inspirational captaincy and work ethic rubbed off on fellow players.

Mark Noble is another player who can hold his head up despite the despair at Upton Park, along with January signing Demba Ba, who has shown he can definitely score goals at this level.


Valon Behrami, Kieron Dyer, Julian Faubert and Luis Boa Morte are all players who will certainly need to be offloaded in order to clear the wage bill.

Matthew Upson, Fredric Piquionne, Demba Ba, Thomas Hitzlsperger, and regrettably Scott Parker are expected to leave the club, as top flight clubs will be interested in this batch.

It remains to be seen whether Robert Green will leave the club, as it seems there may not be a large queue of suitors for the 31 year old as first thought, as his high profile errors have somewhat reduced his value.

The likes of Jonathan Spector, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Zavon Hines, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears should all stay at the club and prove their worth, not only owing it to the fans but at the very least to themselves.

Finally, the reason this is such a important issue and that big of a disappointment is because West Ham are a club ingrained in proud tradition and football history, and despite not being a main stay in the English top flight, its owed to their great fan base that they are rewarding with an excellent manager who has a point to prove himself and improve the state of affairs at the club, and most importantly take the Hammers back into the Premiership.

As for now, disappointingly for these great West Ham fans, it’s no less that then the clubs owners deserve with their shoddy control of the club.


Who do you think will take over at West Ham? Do you think David Gold and David Sullivan have been detrimental to West Ham’s cause? Leave a comment below and let me know what your thoughts are

Real Talk Football

A look around Europe

In January last year we took a quick glance around, to find out who was in the running for league titles, and who were the players who had been stealing the limelight and putting in the class performances.

England - Premiership

The Premiership has been as exciting as ever, but with the gulf in class between the teams becoming shorter, no teams are dominating, or is any team serious putting any daylight between the top spot and the chasing pack. It really has become a case of “anyone can beat anyone”.

Who’s in the title hunt?

Manchester United sits atop of the Premier League, with rivals Man City and Arsenal collectively just 4 points apart. Tottenham, Chelsea and Sunderland are in the chasing pack, mainly in the hunt for Champions League places.

Chelsea has been in shocking form this season, but a team who has such a strong first 11 cannot be discounted. They may not be in the hunt right now, but they could definitely make a late charge, if they kick on from January.

Relegation candidates

From 20th to 12th place in the league, the nine teams are only separated by 5 points. West Ham currently sit bottom, while Wigan, Aston Villa, Wolves, West Brom, Birmingham, Fulham, Liverpool and Everton are all possibilities for relegation. Some have more quality then others, but let’s clear: No one is too big to go down.



Star performers

Samir Nasri – the 23 year old has been sensational this season for the Gunners. He has carried the creative and goal scoring mantle since Cesc Fabregas has had injury problems, and picked up 13 goals in 26 appearances this season.

Gareth Bale – The Welshman has been performing really well and constantly over the past 12 months, and has shown at the highest level that he can be one of the World’s be left midfielders. He is just 21 years old, and needs to continue this form and progression.



Spain - La Liga

Who’s in the title hunt?

La Liga has been interesting this season. Yes Barca and Real are the only two teams battling for the title, but some of the football they have been playing has been sensational. Barcelona is dismantling teams, breaking records left, right and centre, while Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta still continue to shine. Real Madrid on the other hand, is still clinging on to the Barca coat-tails.

Villarrael are playing some sensational football, but unfortunately, they are 13 points behind the league leaders. Not that they have been performing poor, it’s just that Barca and Real are that dominant. So it seems its now only between Villarrael, Valencia and Espanyol for the final two Champions League spots.

Relegation candidates

Real Zaragoza use to have a batch of some of the best football talent in Europe, think players such as Diego and Gabriel Miltio, Ricardo Oliviera, Roberto Ayala and Pablo Aimar but still managed to underachieve unbelievably and get relegated two seasons ago. With promotion last year, the now sees themselves in the current bottom three with fellow promoted side Sporting Gijon as well as Almeria. Levante, Malaga and Osasuna are the other side’s who could slip through the trap door.



Star performers

Lionel Messi – Aren’t you guys sick of hearing me speak about this guy? The Best player in the World continues to progress, and smash teams into the ground, scaring the life out of defenders and goalkeepers. His stats this season? Played 15, scored 18 with 12 assists. Not much more to say.

Cristiano Ronaldo – the World’s two best players, are going head to head once again this season, with Ronaldo more than capable of holding his own. The £80million man has been worth every single penny, and this season, whether it is left foot, right foot, with his head or from a set piece, CR7 hits the back of the net. His stats this season? Player 18, score 22 with 6 assists. Not much more to add!



Italy - Serie A

Who’s in the title hunt?

The Italian top flight redeemed some excitement with AS Roma pushing Inter Milan all the way to the wire last season. This season, Inter have struggled terribly (similar to Chelsea) and failed to mount any sort of challenge (injuries didn’t do a lot to help the cause). However they have sacked Rafa Benitez, hired Leanardo, but cannot be consider title contenders as they sit in 7th place, 11 points behind the league leaders.

AC Milan sit 4 points clear at the top, while Napoli, Lazio and Roma make up the chasing pack. Cavani has been a revelation at Napoli, Zarate continues to be spectacular for Lazio and Borriello has been a great signing for Roma. These players are leading the charge for their respective club.

Palermo and Juventus are the other real contenders, but will probably be more focused on Champions League qualification.

Relegation candidates

Bari, Brescia and Lecce currently occupy the bottom three spots, however similarly to the Premiership, the teams from 10th place onwards to the relegation zone, are only separated by 5 points.

Big names such as Parma, Genoa and Fiorentina all find themselves in the bottom half of the table, amongst these 10 teams.



Star performers

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – He had a season away from Serie A, although he was panned by critics, he still collected four trophies during his time at the Camp Nou, and returned to Italy where he is in his comfort zone. He has regained the form which saw him receive the plaudits while playing at Inter Milan, and with his performances this season, he is returning to his status as one of the best strikers in the world. He has played 17 games, scoring 10 goals, with 8 assists.

Edinson Cavani – This is one of my favourite players in Serie A, and he has taken the mantle as one of the most promising strikers in the World. The 24 year old has been instrumental in Napoli’s challenge for the title this year, scoring 13 goals in 19 games, with 3 assists. The Uruguayan is on loan from Palermo, but its evident Napoli will do all they can in order to keep the striker at the end of the season.



Germany - Bundesliga

Who’s in the title hunt?

The Bundesliga has been a story of two teams this season. Defending champions Bayern Munich have been horrible (a trend with all the top teams domestically around Europe) and they now sit a massive 14 points behind the league leaders, the league leaders being Borussia Dortmund. Yes the Yellow and Black side that were so impressive in the 90’s are finally back at the top where they belong. They have had a brilliant season so far with the defensive combination of Neven Subotic, Mats Hummels and Marcel Schmelzer the cornerstone helping the team only concede 10 goals in 17 games.

Dortmund sit 10 points clear of nearest challengers Mainz and Bayern Leverkusen, so it’s pretty much there title to lose.

Relegation candidates

Monchengladbach is struggling at the bottom of the league, while more surprisingly Stuttgart sit just two points above them, and in serious danger of relegation. Koln, St. Pauli, Werder Bremen and Wolfsburg (minus Eden Dzeko) make up the other relegation candidates.



Star performers

Borussia Dortmund – They are run away league leaders, with a host of players playing above expectations and surpassing their expectation. The defensive three I mentioned earlier have been superb, Nuri Sahin and Mario Gotze in midfield as well as forwards Lucas Barrios and Shinji Kagawa.



France - Ligue 1

Who’s in the title hunt?

Another tightly contested league, with no one team clearly dominating, with the top 6 only just separated by 3 points. Lille currently sit top, with PSG, Rennes, Lyon, Marseille and Saint-Etienne making up the chasing pack.

Relegation candidates

Promoted side Arles-Avignon are 11 points adrift, and seem already gone, while fellow promoted side Caen along with RC Lens make up the other teams in the relegation zone. AS Monaco and Valenciennes are the other two teams hovering just about the drop zone.



Star performers

Steve Mandana – the Olympique Marseille goalkeeper, and club captain, is vastly fulfilling his potential, and at 25 years old, having a great season in Ligue 1. He has kept 7 clean sheets this season, and his side have the third best defensive record in Ligue 1.

Nene – the Brazilian has been an inspired signing for Paris Saint-Germain since joining from AS Monaco. He has been top class in the clubs Europa League campaign, and domestically he has hit 13 goals in 18 appearances.

Moussa Sow – the 24 year old Senegalese striker has finally begun to show his ability, and reach the potential he was touted as possessing while playing at Rennes. Now with league leaders Lille, he has scored 14 times in 18 league games.



Netherlands - Eredivsie

Who’s in the title hunt?

Defending champions FC Twente are still in the title hunt, but sit second behind free scoring PSV. The league leaders have blitzed 53 goals in 19 games, and only conceding 19 goals. FC Groningen and AFC Ajax are the only other teams really in with a shout at the title.

Relegation candidates

Willem II has only 4 points, from 19 games and is cast iron candidates. VVV-Venlo is 8 points away from safety, and seems likely to join the Willem II in the Eereste Divisie, while Excelsior, Excelsior and Vitesse are the others who could slip into danger.



Star performers

Ola Toivonen – the 24 year old Swedish striker was linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, but the deal never surfaced. He has notched up 11 goals this season.

Balazs Dzsudzsak – another PSV player who has been on fire this season, and has been instrumental in PSV’s return to the top, chipping in with 10 goals.

Björn Vleminckx – the Belgian forward is at the top Dutch scoring charts, and he plays for mid table side N.E.C. He has contributed 13 of his side’s 31 goals scored this season.



So that’s Real Talk Football’s half season look around Europe, let us know what you think about all the teams underperforming in their domestic leagues, as well as some of the stand out individuals.

All tables from Eurosport.com, and are all correct as of 12pm 13/01/2011

Mancini: One Year at Eastlands

Roberto Mancini was recently asked;

“It’s nearly a year since you became manager (of Manchester City) and the man you replaced is managing the opposition team (Mark Hughes of Fulham), do you feel this team has improved in the year that you’ve been here?”

The 45 year old took his time to reply and stated simple that they “have improved”, and continued to defend his corner when being pushed by the journalist stating that “by the end of the season, we will be in the Champions League and (we) will win something”.

Confident words and a confidence response, the video of which can be seen here. However the real question to ask is; with their millions of pound twined with the calibre of players in the Manchester City squad, is there any real substance to Mancini’s claims?

Under former boss Mark Hughes, it was clear that being at the helm before the new owners took charge; ultimately meant his time in charge would be limited, however during his spell at the Eastlands club, he had amassed a number of great victories, including two big wins over Arsenal, a win over Chelsea and thrilling encounters in matches against local rivals Manchester United.



But most importantly was the sense that under his guidance, and with his free flowing attacking Manchester City side, it would not be such a silly statement to believe that they would make it into the Champions League sooner rather than later, establishing them as a serious threat to other teams at the top of the division.

It would now be argued, that with following his poorly handled dismissal, Man City’s signing’s are a step forward and those which should have any football fan drooling, but football wise, the club has taken a step backwards.

Under Mark Hughes, the club were scoring goals, their strong-arm tactics were ruffling feathers and many clubs couldn’t handle this new found City side and their new found ability to outplay sides, making them look a certainty for that elusive fourth spot.

Mark Hughes Favourite Line-up

However Mancini was drafted in, boasting three Serie A titles in the bag, and the experience of working with high calibre names. His first few months in charge saw a slowdown in Man City’s free flowing attacking prowess and saw a more resolute and compact side emerge, one that in the end cost them the much craved 4th spot, losing out to Tottenham.

Now after a summer of activity, which has seen them spend money like its heading out of fashion, saw the likes of the talented yet temperamental Italian/Ghanaian Mario Balotelli (£24 million), Midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure (£28 million), attacking midfielder David Silva (£24 million), left back Aleksander Kolarov (£16 million), versatile defender Jerome Boateng (£11 million) and exciting midfielder James Milner (£24 million) all join the club, saw a team with an array of players good enough to contend for the Champions League crown let alone the Premiership title.



But with this in mind, despite Man City progressing as they should with the quality on show, they are still not meeting their full potential and for me these boils down to one sole entity; and that is that of boss Roberto Mancini.

Despite beating a few of the big teams on the odd occasion, Mancini seems to be satisfied just to match these "big teams" rather than play to win (the Manchester United 0-0 draw comes to mind). The defensive minded 4-5-1/4-2-3-1 formation, may just about overpower some of the “smaller” teams, but Manchester City fans “revolution” seems to have stalled, with them and pundits alike not really too impressed.

Fair enough Mancini’s player need time to gel, but I feel that when you pay a lot of money for these kinds of players, and you have a mix of players who have Premiership experience (Such Bridge, Richards, Hart, Given, Barry, Adebayor, Tevez) you don’t need as much time to adapt to the Premiership, as the bunch coming in from overseas.



Also Mancini may state that his side are now “playing as a team” and “doesn’t concede a lot of goals” and so on, but the potential of Man City to be World beater is that which cannot be ignored.

In the Premiership, it’s known for its fast paced, all action, highly committed open football. Not defensive minded tactics, no nonsense “stop at all means necessary” defending and holding midfielders.

Roberto Mancini's Favourite Line-up

Mancini needs to consider toning down the defensiveness and adapting a more expansive approach in order to ascertain the heights Man City are capable of reaching, as the Sheiks patience may be shorter than it seems.

Allow De Jong to anchor the midfield, while Yaya Toure runs the midfield. Play Milner on the right wing, with Adam Johnson on the left, allowing for them to switch sides and get forward. With Yaya and De Jong in the middle, the freedom going forward will be greater as the two central players have great engines and are just as comfortable tackling as they are passing.

In defence, keep the Kompany and Toure partnership as they create the foundation for the side. Kolo Toure has great experience, while Kompany is a highly skilled individual with an eye for the game. Lescott, Boateng and the young Boyata are more than admirable deputies.


Full backs are the area’s whereby the side could definitely need strengthening, I’m not one for rumours, but Dani Alves of Barcelona is a name being touted around. For now Richards is a capable right back, while Boateng’s versatility allows for him to cover at right back.

Left back, is another problem area, while Kolarov had a budding reputation in Italy, injury has hampered his start to life in England. Also Wayne Bridge still warms the treatment room, and never seems able to string more than a few games together before reinjuring himself. The versatile Argentine Pablo Zabaleta has been playing left back most recently, and will continue to do so until a greater option comes in.

The frontline is the most intriguing part of the Man City’s line-up, with a combined value of £122.5 million; the options available are the envy of any club in the World. With the disruptive influence of Emmanuel Adebayor, he would have no place in my team, and Mancini seems to feel the same.

J ô seems to be favoured by Mancini and must be impressing in training as after previous spells away from the club on loan, he has been given his chance in the team, all be it from the subs bench. Roque Santa Cruz pretty much has no future at the club, and is expected to leave this January. With his injury prone nature and lack of goals, he is expendable.

Finally we come the final three strikers, two of which need to slot into the starting eleven. For me, Tevez is one of the best players in the World, hence for that reason, he has to start. Supporting him; the highly creative and technically gifted David Silva would be an excellent link between midfield and the strikers; however I feel Balotelli’s ability, value for his worth would make him a starter and be capable of forming an excellent partnership with Tevez upfront.


This, of course is just my opinion, and my feelings to what I would do if I was under as much scrutiny as Mancini is. Manchester City has an abundance of riches as well as an abundance of talent, however with these great expectations come great responsibility. Champions League qualification, and some form of silverware is the benchmark for this season, and unless Mancini start delivering on his promises, he could be on his way out sooner rather than later.


What are your thoughts on Roberto Mancini’s reign? How long do you guys think it will last? What does the future hold for Man City? Let us know what you think

Premier League Preview - Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves stayed up last season, in part mainly to their excellent manager Mick McCarthy, who has a wealth of experience and knowledge about how hard it is, staying up in the Premiership, while the performances of Jody Craddock, Karl Henry and Kevin Doyle particularly impressed, allowing for a 15th place finish, with 38 points.

In order to carry on progression, Wolves signed Hull City’s two best players in Steven Mouyokolo and Stephen Hunt, as well as Burnley’s Chris Iwelumo and Steve Fletcher, while Jelle Van Damme has come in from Anderlecht in order to sure up the defence.



Key Player: Jody Craddock

The experienced 35 year old was named Wolves player of the year last season, and his experience was vital to their top flight survival. He has made over 200 appearances for the club and is a no nonsense tough tackling centre back.



Manager: Mick McCarthy

Key Signing: Steven Fletcher

I rate the former Burnley striker very highly, and apparently, so does Mick McCarthy! He has paid £6.5million for the 23 year old Scottish international. He was very impressive in his first season with Burnley, and his first in the Premier League. Still young, he has a very bright future ahead of him.

Aims: Avoid Relegation

Prediction: 15th

I believe that with the experience of last year, and the quality additions made, Wolves should be more than capable of staying up, clearly avoiding relegation and being able to push for a mid table finish.



First Five Fixtures: Stoke (H), Everton (A), Newcastle (H), Fulham (A), Tottenham (A)

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Premier League Preview - Wigan

Wigan Athletic

Wigan finished 16th last season fighting off relegation, and picking up some impressive victories along the way including a 3-1 win over Chelsea and 3-2 comeback victory over Arsenal. But on the other hand, Wigan took two of the worse beatings in Premiership history including an 8-0 defeat to Chelsea, and a 9-1 defeat to Tottenham.

This season, manager Roberto Martinez has his work cut out, losing experienced players Paul Scharner, Mario Melchiot, Erik Edman and Titus Bramble. He has therefore signed right back Ronnie Stam from FC Twente and Paraguayan centreback Antolin Alcaraz from Club Brugge in order to shore up the new defence, while up front Martinez signed Argentinean 25 year old Mauro Boselli from Estudiantes for £6.4million.



Key Player: Chris Kirkland

The 29 year old has over 100 appearances for Wigan, making himself one of the most senior members in the club. His experience, as well a forthright ability is what’s needed if Wigan are to stay up. Kirkland has personal motivation to get back into the England squad, especially with the lack of quality England goalkeepers about right now, he has to perform well.



Manager: Roberto Martinez

Key Signing: Mauro Boselli

The 25 year old has an eye for goal, and an impressive goal scoring record back in Argentina. He scored 32 times in 57 appearances, and has two international caps for Argentina. Needs to link up well with Rodallega if he is to keep Wigan up.



Aims: Avoid Relegation

Prediction: 18th

Charles N’zogbia has expressed his desire to quit the club, and is trying to fashion a move out of the DW Stadium. Now with the calibre of players who have left, Martinez has only two real quality players at the club and I cannot see them staying up.



First Five Fixtures: Blackpool (H), Chelsea (H), Tottenham (A), Sunderland (H), Man City (H)

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Premier League Preview - West Ham

West Ham United

West Ham have had a rocky past few seasons in recent years while last season they narrowly avoided relegation finishing in 17th place. With safety secured for one more season, and with new owners in place; former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan, manager Gianfranco Zola was unceremoniously sacked. In came former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss Avram Grant.

Now with more money available to club, Grant brought in Frederic Piquionne from Lyon, who played under him at Portsmouth, and Mexican midfielder Pablo Barrera from Universidad Nacional. Also joining the club is former Lazio midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger on a free transfer, who formerly played with Aston Villa in the Premiership, while fellow Israeli Tal Ben-Haim comes in on loan from Portsmouth.



Key Player: Scott Parker

The 29 year old midfielder is currently considering a new improved contract from the club, in order to dispel interest from both Liverpool and Tottenham. Parker is a very loyal individual and is vital to West Ham steering clear of relegation this season. A tireless, hard working midfielder who plays with his heart on his sleeve, he is the Hammers best player.



Manager: Avram Grant

Key Signing: Frédéric Piquionne

The 31 year old midfielder was vital in helping Portsmouth reaching the FA Cup final last season. The one time French international has played his whole career in France playing for clubs such as Rennes, Saint-Etienne, Monaco and Lyon. Never the prolific goal scorer, he should be able to chip in with a few goals to help the West Ham cause.



Aims: Avoid Relegation

Prediction: 13th

I believe Avram Grant should be able to steer the Hammers clear off relegation, while consolidation looks to be the main aim for the side this year. The chairman’s prediction of West Ham playing Champions League football in the near future is all but a dream. 13th would be a very respectable finish this year.



First Five Fixtures: Aston Villa (A), Bolton (H), Manchester Utd (A), Chelsea (H), Stoke City (A)

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