EVERY game seems to be make or break for Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez at the moment.
He was supposedly on the brink before the 2-0 win over Manchester United and after the 3-1 defeat at Fulham on Saturday the pressure is back on again.
While a defeat at Lyon on Wednesday would mean Liverpool’s Champions League and Premiership hopes would be effectively over already, I cannot see Benitez going – just yet anyway.
The real crunch game for the Spaniard’s immediate future will come on November 21 when they take on Man City at Anfield.
Traditionally, Liverpool are not a sacking club and would prefer to review things at the end of the season, not to mention the huge compensation package they would have to pay Benitez. Changing managers now won’t suddenly make them title contenders this season and they will have a much better pick next summer when a new manager can come in and start from scratch.
However, lose to City and their hands might be forced early. After the disastrous start to the season, Liverpool’s targets have to be revised and qualification for the lucrative Champions League next season will now be their top priority.
There is no doubt that City offer the biggest threat to the ‘Big Four’ monopoly and a win at Anfield would have Liverpool’s owners fearing the worst.
The idea of missing out on the Champions League and the financial benefits that come with it is unthinkable for a club like Liverpool. If that is put under serious risk, Benitez will surely pay the price before it’s too late.
Showing posts with label Man City. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Man City. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Man City and Hughes have a long way to go to win the sceptics over
WITH money and power always comes a certain degree of scepticism.
You only have to take a look at the way Chelsea have arguably overtaken Manchester United as the most hated club in the country amongst neutrals since Roman Ambramovich took over with his millions to see that. So the nouveau riche of Manchester City should tred carefully if they want to win people over – but they’ve not made the best of starts.
Sure there’s a lot to be admired about the way owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has kept faith with a young British manager when others might have sacked Mark Hughes to bring in a ‘big name’ foreign manager and if City were to come out of the shadow of rivals United and break the Big Four monopoly that would be no bad thing. However, in the last few weeks, City and Hughes haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory.
First of all there was the pursuit of Joleon Lescott, which certainly rubbed Everton boss David Moyes up the wrong way. Even Chelsea, rather hypocritically, had groans about the way City tried to sign England captain John Terry.
Then there was Emmanuel Adebayor’s behaviour in the 4-2 win over Arsenal when he seemed intent on booting the boot in (quite literally) on his old club and caused a riot in the crowd and an innocent steward to get injured by celebrating his goal in front of the Gunners fans.
Then in the Manchester derby, Craig Bellamy decided to wander over to a fan who got on the pitch and give him a slap even though the stewards had the situation well under control.
Perhaps worse is the way Hughes has stood by Adebayor over his stamp on Robin Van Persie and even went as far as to suggest Bellamy could be labelled a ‘national hero’ for his actions. Of course, he didn’t take such a laissez faire approach when Man United scored the winner deep in stoppage time and a massive outburst on the officials followed.
Personally I can’t believe quite how much fuss has been made over the late goal this week, while the behaviour of Bellamy and Gary Neville, who celebrated the winner in front of the City fans, has been more or less brushed under the carpet.
Firstly, it’s not hard to see where all the stoppage time came from when you consider there were four goal celebrations in the second half before Bellamy’s equaliser which added at least another 45 seconds, and three substitutes in the 90 plus Michael Carrick’s introduction in stoppage time, all adding another 30 seconds each.
But more to the point, Hughes’ main concern should have been why a striker of Michael Owen’s goalscoring calibre was given so much time and space to score the winner.
It is also worth remembering that it was 11v11 and in all that added on time Man City had just as much chance of scoring the winner as United did.
United have been branded lucky over the years for the amount of late goals they have scored but that’s why they have been so successful. They always play to win until the final whistle – something Hughes and City might want to make a note of if they are serious about redressing the balance of power.
You only have to take a look at the way Chelsea have arguably overtaken Manchester United as the most hated club in the country amongst neutrals since Roman Ambramovich took over with his millions to see that. So the nouveau riche of Manchester City should tred carefully if they want to win people over – but they’ve not made the best of starts.
Sure there’s a lot to be admired about the way owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed has kept faith with a young British manager when others might have sacked Mark Hughes to bring in a ‘big name’ foreign manager and if City were to come out of the shadow of rivals United and break the Big Four monopoly that would be no bad thing. However, in the last few weeks, City and Hughes haven’t exactly covered themselves in glory.
First of all there was the pursuit of Joleon Lescott, which certainly rubbed Everton boss David Moyes up the wrong way. Even Chelsea, rather hypocritically, had groans about the way City tried to sign England captain John Terry.
Then there was Emmanuel Adebayor’s behaviour in the 4-2 win over Arsenal when he seemed intent on booting the boot in (quite literally) on his old club and caused a riot in the crowd and an innocent steward to get injured by celebrating his goal in front of the Gunners fans.
Then in the Manchester derby, Craig Bellamy decided to wander over to a fan who got on the pitch and give him a slap even though the stewards had the situation well under control.
Perhaps worse is the way Hughes has stood by Adebayor over his stamp on Robin Van Persie and even went as far as to suggest Bellamy could be labelled a ‘national hero’ for his actions. Of course, he didn’t take such a laissez faire approach when Man United scored the winner deep in stoppage time and a massive outburst on the officials followed.
Personally I can’t believe quite how much fuss has been made over the late goal this week, while the behaviour of Bellamy and Gary Neville, who celebrated the winner in front of the City fans, has been more or less brushed under the carpet.
Firstly, it’s not hard to see where all the stoppage time came from when you consider there were four goal celebrations in the second half before Bellamy’s equaliser which added at least another 45 seconds, and three substitutes in the 90 plus Michael Carrick’s introduction in stoppage time, all adding another 30 seconds each.
But more to the point, Hughes’ main concern should have been why a striker of Michael Owen’s goalscoring calibre was given so much time and space to score the winner.
It is also worth remembering that it was 11v11 and in all that added on time Man City had just as much chance of scoring the winner as United did.
United have been branded lucky over the years for the amount of late goals they have scored but that’s why they have been so successful. They always play to win until the final whistle – something Hughes and City might want to make a note of if they are serious about redressing the balance of power.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Premier League 2009/10 season preview
IT’S easy to get excited at the start of any season but the 2009/10 Premier League campaign really does promise to be the most intriguing in many years.
How will Manchester United cope with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez? Can Liverpool end 20 years of hurt and finally win the Premier League crown? Is Carlo Ancelotti the man to take the title back to Chelsea? Can Arsenal get back to the top after five barren years? Or most interestingly, can billionaires Man City break the big four dominance or even win the Premiership?
Starting with the champions, it looks as though Man United have a real job on their hands to hold onto their crown. To win it three years in a row is a fantastic achievement but no club has ever made it four in a row, and after losing one of the best players in the world it may just prove beyond them.
Instead, Liverpool will feel now is the time to snatch the crown. After going so long without winning the league, or rarely even coming close, it was crucial that they put in a serious title challenge as they did last year. Another year on and valuable lessons learnt, they are in the best position to take advantage of any vulnerability at Old Trafford. The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid won’t be too much of a loss as long as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay fit for most the campaign – but strength in depth is one area where United hold the advantage.
When Sir Alex Ferguson says Chelsea are United’s biggest rivals, you feel that may just be the first of many swipes at Rafa Benitez. The same man wrote off Chelsea last year, claiming they were too old and their squad hasn't changed an awful lot since.
Ancellotti’s appointment at Chelsea is an interesting one. Like his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Premiership is new to him, although the Italian should adapt better having been involved in club football more recently. No-one can doubt his success in Europe having won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, but the fact that Inter Milan have dominated Serie A in recent years is less impressive. Chelsea may be more of a threat in Europe than the Premier League.
Everyone has been quick to write off Arsenal, but I’ve got a feeling that might just suit Arsene Wenger. Remember two years ago when Arsenal were unexpectedly flying at the top of the league until Eduardo broke his leg and then captain William Gallas had his famous tantrum on the pitch in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham?! With around £40m to spend from the sales of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor – both of whom who pretty average last season - to Man City, a couple of good signings, in particular a strong holding midfielder to play alongside the creative Cesc Fabregas, would make the Gunners real contenders and Andrei Arshavin could well turn out to be the star of the season.
Given the money Man City have spent a top four finish should be the least of their expectations. It is probably too soon for them to be serious title challengers and although they should score plenty of goals their defence still looks as though it could be shaky, even if Joleon Lescott joins from Everton.
As for the other contenders, if Harry Redknapp can continue his great start at White Hart Lane then Tottenham could be an outside bet to finish in the top four. Aston Villa looked like finishing there for much of last season and will be strong again, while Everton will continue to over achieve under the astute David Moyes.
At the other end of the table expect another desperate scrap for survival. Of the promoted teams Wolves look best equipped to deal with the demands of the Premiership, while Birmingham have made some good signings and should have just enough to stay up as long as there aren't too many boardroom distractions. Although Owen Coyle has done a fantastic job at Burnley, it is hard to see them being able to compete with clubs much bigger than them. Hull look relegation fodder unless they dramatically improve from the second half of last season and Portsmouth fans would surely take 17th place if it was offered to them now after losing several players and uncertainty over the club’s future. The likes of Bolton, Stoke City – desperate to avoid second season syndrome –Wigan Athletic may all flirt with the danger zone but should ultimately be fine.
Whatever happens, its all set up nicely for a rollercoaster nine months and then for the small matter of the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
How will Manchester United cope with the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez? Can Liverpool end 20 years of hurt and finally win the Premier League crown? Is Carlo Ancelotti the man to take the title back to Chelsea? Can Arsenal get back to the top after five barren years? Or most interestingly, can billionaires Man City break the big four dominance or even win the Premiership?
Starting with the champions, it looks as though Man United have a real job on their hands to hold onto their crown. To win it three years in a row is a fantastic achievement but no club has ever made it four in a row, and after losing one of the best players in the world it may just prove beyond them.
Instead, Liverpool will feel now is the time to snatch the crown. After going so long without winning the league, or rarely even coming close, it was crucial that they put in a serious title challenge as they did last year. Another year on and valuable lessons learnt, they are in the best position to take advantage of any vulnerability at Old Trafford. The sale of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid won’t be too much of a loss as long as Steven Gerrard and Fernando Torres stay fit for most the campaign – but strength in depth is one area where United hold the advantage.
When Sir Alex Ferguson says Chelsea are United’s biggest rivals, you feel that may just be the first of many swipes at Rafa Benitez. The same man wrote off Chelsea last year, claiming they were too old and their squad hasn't changed an awful lot since.
Ancellotti’s appointment at Chelsea is an interesting one. Like his predecessor Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Premiership is new to him, although the Italian should adapt better having been involved in club football more recently. No-one can doubt his success in Europe having won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, but the fact that Inter Milan have dominated Serie A in recent years is less impressive. Chelsea may be more of a threat in Europe than the Premier League.
Everyone has been quick to write off Arsenal, but I’ve got a feeling that might just suit Arsene Wenger. Remember two years ago when Arsenal were unexpectedly flying at the top of the league until Eduardo broke his leg and then captain William Gallas had his famous tantrum on the pitch in the 2-2 draw at Birmingham?! With around £40m to spend from the sales of Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Adebayor – both of whom who pretty average last season - to Man City, a couple of good signings, in particular a strong holding midfielder to play alongside the creative Cesc Fabregas, would make the Gunners real contenders and Andrei Arshavin could well turn out to be the star of the season.
Given the money Man City have spent a top four finish should be the least of their expectations. It is probably too soon for them to be serious title challengers and although they should score plenty of goals their defence still looks as though it could be shaky, even if Joleon Lescott joins from Everton.
As for the other contenders, if Harry Redknapp can continue his great start at White Hart Lane then Tottenham could be an outside bet to finish in the top four. Aston Villa looked like finishing there for much of last season and will be strong again, while Everton will continue to over achieve under the astute David Moyes.
At the other end of the table expect another desperate scrap for survival. Of the promoted teams Wolves look best equipped to deal with the demands of the Premiership, while Birmingham have made some good signings and should have just enough to stay up as long as there aren't too many boardroom distractions. Although Owen Coyle has done a fantastic job at Burnley, it is hard to see them being able to compete with clubs much bigger than them. Hull look relegation fodder unless they dramatically improve from the second half of last season and Portsmouth fans would surely take 17th place if it was offered to them now after losing several players and uncertainty over the club’s future. The likes of Bolton, Stoke City – desperate to avoid second season syndrome –Wigan Athletic may all flirt with the danger zone but should ultimately be fine.
Whatever happens, its all set up nicely for a rollercoaster nine months and then for the small matter of the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
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