Champions League 11/12 Preview - Group E

Group E

Valencia CF

Last season:

La Liga 3rd
UEFA Champions League, round of 16

Manager: Unai Emery

Key Man: Roberto Soldado

Stadium: Mestalla, capacity 55,000



Perennial underachievers in the Champions League in recent years, many fans are disappointed that the Spanish club have failed to reach the latter stages on the tournament of the competition for some time, which has led to some unfair extra pressure on manager Unai Emery.

This season, Valencia have strengthened and have a lot more options going forward and more strength in depth. Watch out for star striker Roberto Saldado, and playmaker Pablo Piatti, who is seen as the replacement for Juan Mata, who has joined Chelsea.

Best Starting XI:



Chelsea FC

Last season:

Premier League runners-up
Champions League, quarter-finals

Manager: Andres Villas-Boas

Key Man: Fernando Torres

Stadium: Stamford Bridge, capacity 41,841



Chelsea has a fresh face in charge, and have started the Premier League season strongly, although not setting the world alight. Villas-Boas’ side have been quietly picking up results and it’s interesting to see how they’ll fair in a very tricky group. Away trips to Leverkusen and Valencia will be tough ties; while Michael Ballack and Juan Mata will both be interesting plot twists as both face their respective former clubs.

I’ve named Fernando Torres the key man, because for £50 million he has to start reproducing at some level. Torres could be one of Villas-Boas’ biggest achievements is he can get the Spaniard firing again.

Best Starting XI:



Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Last season:

Bundesliga runners-up
Europa League, round of 16

Manager: Robin Dutt

Key Man: Sidney Sam

Stadium: BayArena, capacity 30,210



The Bundesliga runners-up will believe they have a great chance of making it out of the group and into the knockout stages for the first time in six years. Their side is full of quality and technical players, strong going forward, but this team leaked 44 goals in the league last season, the third most in the Budesliga top 10.

Look out for winger Sindey Sam and Brazilian playmaker Renato Augusto. Former Chelsea fans favourite Michael Ballack will make his return to Stamford Bridge.

Best Starting XI:



KRC Genk

Last season:

1st Belgian Pro League

Manager: Mario Been

Key Man: Kevin De Bruyne

Stadium: Cristal Arena, capacity 24,956



Don’t expect too much from the Belgium champions, as they will have a tough task on their hands to make it out of the group. They beat both Partizan Belgrade and Maccabi Haifa on route to the Champions League group stage.

Watch out for left winger Kevin De Bruyne who was linked with a transfer to Chelsea in the summer.

Best Starting XI:

Champions League Preview: Last 16

Tottenham

Position: Group Winners

They fended off competition from reigning champions Inter Milan to top the group, while escaping tricky away trips to Werder Bremen and FC Twente with draws, and winning all three home games saw them finish as group winners.



Key Player: Luka Modric

The 25 year old Croatian has come into his own in 2010 with some fantastic performances; helping Spurs reach the Champions League and 4th place in the Premiership last season, while this year he has helped Spurs surprisingly top their group in their first ever Champions League campaign. He is now regarded as one of Tottenham’s most important players and one of the best midfielders in Europe. He will need to keep fit if Spurs are to progress further in the competition.

Possible Opponents: AC Milan, Lyon, Valencia, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille

Starting XI:



Inter Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

A team faulting domestically, and a side struggling to defend their Champions League crown, getting through the group stage is the best thing Inter Milan could have achieved. Rafa Benitez has had a baptism of fire in Serie A, but he is lucky Massimo Moratti has shown understanding and support for the Spaniard as injuries to key players (who were vital in the Champions League success last year) has taken its toll on the Inter side.

Now however, they have done the hard part, getting out of the group as defending champions with a bit part squad and a new manager. Now it’s down for the club to strengthen in January if necessary but most importantly get the likes of Diego Milito, Wesley Sneijder and Walter Samuel back, then Inter have the proven quality that they could go all the way, yet it depends on if the manager can get the team there.



Key Player: Esteban Cambiasso

The 30 year old Argentine had been the remaining bit of cello tape holding together the troubled Inter Milan ship. He, of course, is a defensive midfielder, but he filled in at centre back a few weeks ago as Inter had ran out of defenders due to injuries and suspension.

Why is Cambiasso a key player? He holds the midfield together while Sneijder is allowed the freedom to pull the strings in midfield and dictate the play. A vital component to the Inter team.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Lyon

Starting XI:



Schalke 04

Position: Group Winners

The Bundesliga runners-up faired very well in the Champions League, topping the group from last season’s semi-finalists Lyon. The most impressive stat regarding their performances in this year’s Champions League campaign; they only conceded 3 goals. An excellent defensive record, thanks to German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and powerful centre back Christoph Metzelder.



Key Player: Klass Jan Huntelaar

The Dutchman has becoming somewhat of a journeyman, wondering around Europe for the last few years, taking a chance in the big time, playing for eight different clubs in the last eight years. After unsuccessful at AC Milan and Real Madrid, he has now found his feet at Schalke and has created a dream partnership with Champions League legend Raul. He has hit 7 goals in 13 appearance this season for Schalke, and is one of the clubs best players.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Valencia, Arsenal, FC Copenhagen, Roma, Marseille, AC Milan

Starting XI:



Lyon

Position: Group Runners Up

One of the most dominant clubs in the French Ligue 1 in the last 10 years, made it to the Champions League semi-finals last season, losing to the eventual runners-up Bayern Munich. They have struggled domestically this season, but similarly to Inter Milan; the most important thing is that Les Gones have made it through the group. The clubs domestic form is its priority, but a strong Champions League run would be just what the club needs. A semi-final finish last season, who’s to say they can’t go further this time around.



Key Player: Lisandro Lopez

The focal point of the Lyon side, the former Porto attacker is a veteran of the Champions League now entering his 6th season in the competition. With Lyon faltering in the league, he has still managed 9 goals in 14 appearances, and with the 27 year old has the Champions League pedigree, given the right service, he could score against the toughest defences in the competition.
Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man Utd, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Manchester United

Position: Group Winners

Manchester United continued their tradition of winning Champions League groups, but this one was more intriguing as they won all there away matches, most impressively a hard fought away win over Valencia.



Key Player: Nemanja Vidic

Untill last week, the key player for me was striker Dimitar Berbatov. However since he is now back to warming the bench at Old Trafford, the Club’s full time captain Nemanja Vidic is the key man. Manchester United never overpowered any team in their group, only scoring 7 goals in the whole group stage, but they were however resolute in defence, seeing them only concede 1 goal. This solid foundation is that which could lead their charge in this campaign.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



Valencia

Position: Group Runners Up

Valencia finished 2nd in the group ahead of Rangers, and Bursaspor, with a total of 11 points. The Spanish side have played some excellent football in this season’s competition, and caught the eyes of their European counterparts with a 6-1 drubbing of Turkish side Bursaspor.



Key Player: Roberto Soldado

The former Real Madrid striker made his name at Getafe before joining Valencia to replace the outgoing David Villa. The 25 year old has started his career at the Mestalla well, scoring 5 times in 13 appearances. The Spaniard is looking to get himself into the International set up, and a decent Champions League campaign will aide that objective.

Possible Opponents: Tottenham, Lyon, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Shaktar Donetsk, Schalke

Starting XI:



Barcelona

Position: Group Winners

We all know the calibre of the European giants, and the quality of players at Pep Guaridola’s disposal. The Catalan club didn’t have a perfect campaign, drawing with Rubin Kazan and Copenhagen away from home (showing some form of a weakness), but Barcelona are clearly the favourites and the team to beat.



Key Player: Lionel Messi

He has been feature on this blog many many times, and everyone knows the quality of the 23 year old. He has 17 goals in 13 La Liga appearances, 6 goals in 6 Champions League games this season. Altogether 25 goals in 28 games, a fantastic season already, combined with Xavi, Iniesta and David Villa, Barcelona for me; are clear favourites.

Possible Opponents: Inter Milan, Lyon, Roma, Marseille, Arsenal, AC Milan

Starting XI:



FC Copenhagen

Position: Group Runners Up

The first Danish side to make to the Champions League knock-out phase, Copenhagen finished ahead of the ever improving Rubin Kazan and the disappointing Panathinaikos. Their home form was where they were most impressive, contributing them to 7 points out of a possible 9.



Key Player: Jesper Gronkjaer

The former Chelsea winger has been vital to Copenhagen’s Champions League campaign this year, and is an undoubted quality individual, who is a the side main attacking threat. Despite the Danish team being the relative “minnows” of the Champions League; with their strong home form, anything is possible.

Possible Opponents: Man Utd, Tottenham, Schalke, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Shaktar Donetsk

Starting XI:



Bayern Munich

Position: Group Winners

Last year semi-finalists are struggling domestically (as so many others are in this year’s competition) but you feel Bayern Munch could go the distance again, as long as Franck Ribery and talisman Arjen Robben stay fit. The Bavarians only lost one game in the group stages, and that was group rivals AS Roma.



Key Player: Mario Gomez

The German international has finally settled in with the German giants, and has scored 6 goals in the group stages, making him the second highest goal scorer in the tournament so far. He joined Bayern from rivals Stuttgart 18 months ago, with a price tag of around €35million, and has taken the mantle of star player at the club with Robben being injured and Ribery looking disinterested. Bayern were runners-up last year, and they have enough attacking options to take them all the way again.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Lyon, AC Milan, Marseille, Copenhagen, Valencia, Inter Milan

Staring XI:



AS Roma

Position: Group Runners Up

Last year’s Serie A runners-up, made hard work of qualifying from the group, but managed to collecting 10 points. The real issue they have to address for the Italian side; is its lack of solidarity in defence; conceding 11 goals and only scoring 10 goals. Roma at home, are a very strong team at home, but they seem to struggle when they get into the latter stages of the Champions League.

Key Player: Marco Borriello



The Italian hitman was ushered out the door at the San Siro, and has taken like a duck to water with the Roma side. He has 4 goals to his name in the group stages, and is the key focal point of the Roma attack.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Chelsea, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid

Staring XI:



Chelsea

Position: Group Winners

Chelsea were one of the favourites to lift the Champions League crown, but with many experienced players leaving the club, domestic struggles and injuries to key players, the west London side have lost that favourites tag. However 5 wins from 6 matches means Chelsea are by no means incapable of performing, and will look forward to the knockout draw, believing they can beat anyone.



Key Player: Michael Essien

The Ghanaian midfielder has only just returned to the Chelsea first team, and I believe the club will no longer give away silly goals. Essien is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the World, paired with Frank Lampard in the Chelsea engine room, the Blues are more than capable of being the first London team to win the Champions League.

Possible Opponents: Lyon, AC Milan, Inter Milan, Copenhagen, Valencia, Roma,

Starting XI:



Marseille

Position: Group Runners Up

Marseille biggest scalp in the group stages was beating English double winners Chelsea 1-0 at the Stade Velodrome. With this self belief, and momentum they feel they could cause an upset in the knockout stages. Manager Didier Deschamps took Monaco to the final in 2004, so why can’t he do the same with Marseille? Only time will tell, but they could be outsiders.



Key Player: Steve Mandanda

One of the most well known goalkeepers in Europe, the 25 year old has played at Marseille for 3 years and is seen as the safe pair of hands. His side only conceded 3 goals in the 6 matches, the best of the group.

Possible Opponents: Shaktar Donetsk, Tottenham, Man Utd, Schalke, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich

Starting XI:



Real Madrid

Position: Group Winners

The nine time winners of the biggest club trophy in the world; haven’t collected the biggest accolade since 2002. At the moment, after a huge spending spree this summer, they undoubtedly have one of the best managers in the World in Jose Mourinho, as well as one of the greatest players, that being Cristiano Ronaldo. Real possibly have the two best footballing assets needed in order to win the Champions League title.



Key Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

The Portuguese international has already won the Champions League title with Manchester United, where he was also a runner-up. He is in blistering form this season, scoring 24 goals in 32 appearances. A definite match winner, Ronaldo will be vital to Madrid’s campaign.

Possible Opponents: Arsenal, Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Copenhagen, Inter Milan

Starting XI:



AC Milan

Position: Group Runners Up

AC Milan finished second in what was seen as one of the trickiest groups, finishing just 1 point clear of Ajax. Two inspired signings in Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho, going forward Milan to look a team who can unlock any defence. In the midfielder your concern is the age of the players, such as Seedorf, Ronaldinho, Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo who are all over 30. The experience is there, but is the tempo and is the legs still there? Defensively again is an area where AC Milan may struggle, as they conceded 7 goals after only scoring 7, in the whole of the group stages.



Key Player: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

The magician returned to Italy after a spell deemed “unsuccessful” at Barcelona (he scored 16 goals in 29 games, and the winner in El Clasico). He has been sensational for AC Milan this season, scorng 13 goals in 20 appearances, with 9 assists.

Possible Opponents: Skahtar Donetsk, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Valenica, Schalke, Tottenham, Man Utd, Barcelona

Starting XI:



Shaktar Donetsk

Position: Group Winners

The Ukrainian moneybags somewhat surprised everyone by winning this group. How with 5 wins from 6 matches, the Miners showed that they are no slouches, especially with Arsenal shocking performances in the three away games they played, this was probably one of the most open groups in the Champions League. Shaktar conceded the least amount of goals in the group, and that is the reason why they ended up as winners.



Key Player: Eduardo

The former Arsenal striker scored 3 goals in 4 appearances, dismissing any beliefs that he wouldn’t be able to perform at the highest level ever again. He seems settled in Ukraine, putting his injury stained Arsenal spell behind him.

Possible Opponents: Marseille, Lyon, Roma, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Schalke, Valencia, Copenhagen

Starting XI:



Arsenal

Position: Group Runners Up

Arsene Wenger’s side beat Braga 6-0 and Shaktar Donetsk 5-1 in the group stages, but still managed to struggle and falter away from home, to mess up the much needed opportunity to take the top spot in the group. Now, the only English representative not to win their group, Arsenal have a very difficult second round match whoever they draw.



Key Player: Samir Nasri

The 2010 French Footballer of the Year has been excellent for Arsenal this season, and is widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premiership. The 23 year old has scored 12 goals in 21 matches this season, and has scored some absolutely brilliant goals along the way.

Possible Opponents: FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Schalke, Bayern Munich

Staring XI:

The draw for the knockout stage is later on today, and of course you will get all the latest breaking news, as well as coverage of the draw itself on Twitter @RealTalkFB and on Real Talk Football Blog.

Leave below, who your predictions are for the draw itself.

Real Talk Football

Rafael Benitez: A Missed Man at Anfield?

With Liverpool’s problems this season evidently clear for all to see, struggles in both the domestically and in Europe, their struggles and poor form were compounded by a 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Blackpool.

Manager Roy Hodgson is now under intense scrutiny in order to turn around the fortunes of one of the most prestigious clubs in football history, before his position becomes untenable.

Some are suggesting that whispers of doubt regarding his appointment in the first place, such as the 63 year old being “not a big enough name for Liverpool”, or he has “made too big of a step up” moving from the very well supported and impressive mid table main-stayers Fulham, to a club with an even bigger fan base, bigger budgets and subsequently bigger expectations; such as Liverpool, are beginning to creep up on him.

We all know that it takes time for a manager to settle into a club, bringing in the players he feels appropriate, and removing the dead wood, when at a “big name” club, the time span is significantly shorter.



Now, already, just seven games into the Premiership season, and despite concerns at injuries the sides key players; captain Steven Gerrard and star striker Fernando Torres, combined with disruptive and disgruntled owners; George Gillett and Tom Hicks still at the helm (guiding the club into more and more dept) all have equalled to underperformances on the pitch, and whispers are arising from some fans that maybe letting former boss Rafa Benitez go was a slightly hasty decision.

Although I fully believe that sometimes the best way for things, situations and people to progress or evolve, is to start afresh. This is what the Liverpool fans got once the man who had delivered an impressive array of successes during his tenure, cut short his 5 year contract (due to finish in 2014) and walk away from Anfield.

The man who had been aptly named the stereotypical “Spanish waiter” was a sort of love/hate figure at Liverpool, while a vast amount of his decisions baffled and infuriated many critics, pundits and fans alike, he undoubted managerial skill help guide Liverpool to some memorable moments during his time, etching his name in Liverpool folk law.

Benitez has a very vast and impressive managerial career, which started in his mid twenties after a short semi professional career playing in lowly Spanish football divisions. He learnt the managerial ropes with the prominent Real Madrid youth set up for around nine years before heading off into solo management taking over at Real Valladolid from 95’ to 96’, and Osasuna the following year. Both these spells were turbulent to say the least, with Benitez being sacked from both clubs. He subsequently managed second division side Extremadura for two years, gaining promotion and then relegation, before taking a year out from managing to fulfil personal aims and objectives.



This hiatus didn’t last as he was sworn back into management with Tenerife, and gaining them promotion into La Liga. This success didn’t go unnoticed as Rafa finally had the chance to highlight his true managerial ability, by managing one of the Europe’s most promising sides: Valencia. This would be a make or break opportunity for Benitez at the highest level.

Benitez grabbed at this opportunity with both hands, and after his first full season in charge, he truly showcased his excellence winning the La Liga title with Valencia, and securing Champions League football. In his second season at Valencia, his side struggled to reach the heights achieved in previous season, finishing 5th in the league. Undeterred Benitez squad, boasting the likes of Ruben Baraja, Rufete, Mista, Carlos Marchena and Roberto Ayala, helped finish his third and final season with Valencia by winning a superb double; collecting the La Liga title for a second time during his reign and a UEFA Cup trophy to boot.



With this success, a fall out occurred between Benitez and the clubs directors (something which would crop up again in the future) lead to Benitez leaving sunny Spain and accepting the advances of Liverpool and head off to England.

His reign at Liverpool was a continuation of the previous successes of former manager Gerrard Houllier, as he helped Liverpool finish runners-up in the FA Cup, losing 3-2 to Chelsea.

But most impressively was winning the Champions League in his very 1st season in charge, thanks due that wondergoal from captain Steven Gerrard in the group stages against Olympiakos, unbelievable team spirit and bravery shown throughout the competition beating Bayer Leverkusan, Juventus and that which helped them overcome Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in a thrilling 1-0 win in the semi-finals to book a meeting with AC Milan in Istanbul.



Before the game, it was evidently clear that this would be the biggest match of Benitez’s career, with Liverpool aiming for a fifth European trophy, and AC Milan aiming for a seventh.

AC Milan bragged a team with talented world class individuals including Paolo Maldini, Kaka, Clarence Seedorf, Andrea Pirlo, Hernan Crespo and Filippo Inzaghi making them clear favourites. Benitez’s side knew their great team work and composure which saw them reach the final needed to be called upon in order to upset the odds.

The odds were shortened however during the half time interval, after goals from Maldini, and a brace from Hernan Crespo gave Milan a comfortable 3-0 lead and left Liverpool reeling.

At half time, Benitez who had already substituted attacking midfielder Harry Kewell for Vladimir Smicer, abandoned his 4-4-1-1 formation, and opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation in order to salvage anything from the match. This was ever seen as the act of a man who had nothing left to lose, or a stroke of tactical genius.

With Hamann and Xabi Alonso anchoring the midfield, and allow Smicer, Gerrard, Luis Garcia and Riise to offer attacking options. Within 15 minutes of the second half, goals from Gerrard, Smicer and Alonso saw Liverpool complete an unbelievable comeback making it 3-3.

The match continued unto the 120th minute of extra time, although both sides had chances to win, the only way to settle the tie once and for all, would be through penalty kicks.




Hamann, Cisse, and Smicer all scored for Liverpool, while Serginho, Pirlo and Shevchenko all missed for Milan leading to a 3-2 penalty victory, while the rest as they say; is history. This was to be Liverpool and Benitez’s swansong.



After this magical night, it would be believed Liverpool would be able to finally challenge domestically, however this wasn’t to be as they finished 3rd in the league, but managed to still collect the FA Cup trophy.

In the 06/07 season, Liverpool still struggled domestically again, an ongoing saga in Liverpool’s Premier league history. It was not all doom and gloom though, as Benitez amazingly helped his side return to the summit of European football, the Champions League final, but lost to a Kaka inspired AC Milan, as they extracted their revenge winning 2-1.



Domestically, Benitez proved his grit and belief that Liverpool were finally capable of competing for the Premier League, by guiding his side to the top of the table through large portions of the 08/09 season, unfortunately missing out on the title finishing 4 points behind Manchester United and 2nd in the Premiership with a club record 85 points.

The highlight of the campaign being a memorable 4-1 victory over rivals, and eventual champions; Manchester United at Old Trafford, and it was believed that the following season, they would make that step up and finally achieve the dream of finally collecting a Premiership title.



This however would not be the case, as after the strained relationship between the owners and Benitez came to a head, while the apparent lack of funds being made available to him, along with the sale of key player Xabi Alonso, saw the 09/10 season Liverpool get the headlines for all the wrong reason and seemingly ended up being a consolatory season, culminated in the club finishing a lowly 7th place in the league, and failing to qualify for the Champions League.



With relationship with the fans at breaking point due to the numerous transfers made by Benitez over the last 6 years, the sale of big name players, a believed £229,600,000 spent on transfers, strange odd substitutions and tactic decisions, a rocky relationship with fellow managers, and being beaten semi-finalists in the Europa League, losing to eventual winners Athletico Madrid, when Liverpool were consider favourites, ultimately saw Benitez’s reign come to an end.



With this history behind him, Benitez some would suggest made a step up club wise; taking over at current European champions Inter Milan. While the current LMA Manager of the year was selected, and at the time seemed the most reasonable choice, to take over the red side of Merseyside.

His slow start echo’s similarities to that of Rafael Benitez’s first year in charge, as even the Spaniard also had somewhat of a rocky start exiting early in the FA Cup, while current boss Hodgson’s side exited early in this seasons League Cup; losing 4-2 on penalties to league two side Northampton.

Then it was 1-0 loss to lower league opponents Burnley, thanks to a calamitous Djimi Traore own goal. Less than nine months later however though, both Traore and Benitez collected a Champions League winner’s medal.

Given the time, Hodgson could go one step further than he did with Fulham last year and lead Liverpool to European success in the continents second biggest trophy; which would be the shining light at the end of what looks like an otherwise dark season ahead.



I believe that although the unappreciated and somewhat misconstrued Spaniard may seem to be missed on Anfield, these opinions are being raised merely out of frustrations. Also the chants for former manager and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish to take over the reins again are also premature.

For me; Hodgson needs time for the current squad to get use to the training methods, as well as his tactics, simply because they have been playing under the same type of management, and the same way for the past 6 years. This is what the fans on Merseyside are used to.

Understandably with the frustrations evident, and with Hodgson himself admitting that the club are now in a “relegation battle”, I wouldn’t go as far as saying I can agree or even envisage that, because I believe that Liverpool will overcome this rocky start and be able to mount a push for a top six finish.



The Anfield faithful are some of the best supporters in Europe, but they must practice the virtue of patience, and fully get behind their manager and the players, as their frustrations do lie with the board, they must continue to direct these frustrations towards the owners, rather than make Roy Hodgson the scapegoat.