What All Has Changed Since Fergie Has Left?

Well, a lot has changed since Sir Alex Ferguson has left football. 

Let's see what. 

                                    United Signed A New Boss,

                                     But  Sacked Him

Former Everton manager, David Moyes was the lucky man. He was handpicked by Sir Fergie to take charge at United. A lot was expected of him in a long run, but unfortunately Moyes was fired after a nightmare-like season with the Devils. 

From the past many seasons, United were easily qualifying for the Champions League. But in this season, playing the Europe's elite club tournament was left only as a dream. United finished struggling for the UEFA Europa League spot for the next season behind Everton ( 5th ) and Spurs ( 6th ).  

After a dreadful result, the former Everton boss was sacked by the Devils and current coach of the Netherlands' team, Louis Van Gaal has been appointed to take charge of the matters at Old Trafford. 

    Arsenal Open Their Trophy Room Again To Add Something 

Finally the Gunners have shown that they are still capable of winning prestigious trophies like the FA Cup. 

Arsenal last won the same trophy when in 2005 they beat Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United from penalties. Patrik Vieira was the man who struck the last ball to give them their glory back in 2005. 

Wenger's Arsenal remained on the top spot in the Premier League for 128 days. Which is about half a season. This means that they could have ended their trophyless years with an absolute bang, winning the FA Cup and the Premier League. 

                Liverpool Qualify For the Champions League 

The last time Liverpool qualified for the Champions League was back in the days of 2010. This season their performance can be described as " Electrifying ".

  Their striking partnership consisting of the goal machine, Luiz Suarez who played less games due to last season's ban and young English striker Daniel Sturridge together have put a big impact on English football as they have put the ball in the back of the net 47 times together. They are currently Europe's best striking partnership known as " SAS ".

Real Madrid has been showing interests in Luiz Suarez as well as Daniel Sturridge. Even their galacticos  Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema failed to compete with SAS.

                       Barcelona End Without A Trophy

The Spanish Catalan club, FC Barcelona unlike various previous season had to unfortunately end their 2013/14 campaign without adding a trophy to their cabinet. 

Barcelona needed to beat Atletico Madrid on the final day of La Liga to secure their fifth league title in six years but they could only manage to have a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou and finished 3 points adrift of the Madrid side. 

They were knocked down by the same Atletico Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. " El Clasico " opponents, Real Madrid completed their misery after leaving them with a 2-1 defeat in the Copa Del Ray finals.  

 

Manchester United Agree Fee for Kroos

 

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a deal for Bayern Munich star midfielder Toni Kroos for £20million.

Reports suggest that United had already agreed the fee pertaining to the transfer under the reign of former manager David Moyes and his Dutch successor has given a go ahead for the transfer.

Kroos, who has formerly played under van Gaal is keen to reunite with him. The German midfielder's contract runs out once the next season ends and Bayern would not be keen to offload a prized possession on a Bosman transfer.

Bayern Munich and Toni Kroos have been locked in a struggle to agree a new deal for a while with no side looking to budge.

Kroos had earlier stated that a lack of Champions League football would not worry him if he was looking to leave Germany.

Sources say that Louis van Gaal is now eyeing a big money move for Dutch winger Arjen Robben.

Southampton full-back Luke Shaw and Borussia Dortmund centre-back Mats Hummels are also  believed to be on  van Gaal' s shopping list, as he undertakes the job of rebuilding a struggling Manchester United team.

UEFA Champions League Final thread

Two local rivals will battle it out for the biggest prize in Europe

It won't be just about a win,it would all be about the badge on the chest,about their pride and about the most wanted Champions League trophy. Moreover, it won't be just be a football match,it would be a War.

Estadio da Luz in Lisbon will play host to the UEFA Champions League final which will be contested between two teams hailing from the same city - Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Take the poll on the blog to check out who's in the lead among the masses . This is a thread meant for discussing everything pertaining to the UEFA Champions League final.

Google Plus users can comment below and start discussing but keep in mind that usage of expletives won't be tolerated.

Go on then,go crazy below!

Brazilians Go Against The World Cup

Dave Zirin has a new book out till the next week, " Brazils' Dance With The Devil : The World Cup, The Olympics And Fight For Democracy" . 

After the Confederations Cup in Brazil during the last year's summer, the people of Brazil started protesting against the hosting of World Cup in 2014. Now, not even a month is left, they are putting on the slogan as
#NaoVaiTerCopa , which means " There Would Be No Cup ".

Protests and direct strikes have been flaring across the country as the 2014 FIFA World Cup approaches. About 10,000 people have occupied major part of the ground in Sao Paolo under the banner Brazil's Landless Workers Movement. The protesters say that about have a billion dollars were used to build the FIFA " Quality Stadium ". On the other hand they say that the money could be used to combat poverty or improve healthcare.

According to the LosAngeles Times, people were first happy to know that their country would be hosting the big summer tournament. They thought that various new healthcare technologies would be introduced in their areas along with good educational infrastructure. But they saw that the government is " WASTING " money by building big stadiums and realized that they are hosting it for popularity and for the mark of respect but not for the country or the people.

As far as the debt goes, this would be the most expensive World Cup in the history since 1930 with a price tag of about 15 billion dollars. In addition to the "anti-terror" legislation, Brazil would have more boots on the ground than any other World Cup. We would be witnessing about 170,000 security agents. 22% more than that we saw at South Africa in 2010. The security was a major concern for the President Dilma Rousseff as he has spent major part of the financial resources for the protection of wealthy football tourists.

The calls of the protest aim to highlight the lives of the people who are behind the curtain, pulling the strings. Brazil's Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo marked that the people would be busy celebrating the victory and good performance in the tournament rather than protesting against the unprecedented misery they have faced.

But till date, this statement is contradictory.

A tactical analysis of Louis van Gaal's philosphy

Louis van Gaal has been confirmed as the new Man United manager

The inevitable has finally been confirmed and amidst reports already linking him to United,it didn't come as a surprise for the Old Trafford faithfuls.

The beaming eyes, fearful demeanor of a manager will,once again torture the United players and may coerce them to get the best out of themselves. People did refer to Sir Alex as a "dictator" but quite ostensibly, Van Gaal is a bigger dictator than anybody.

The 62 year old so called "messiah" has enjoyed glory laden periods at the club's he has already managed,including the UEFA Champions League with Ajax. He has a reputation for playing a dominant style of football and moreover,being attractive in one's approach. 

He is also credited for playing a huge part in grooming the once best players including Clarence Seedorf and Edgar Davids and in providing Bayern Munich an ultimate revitalization during their transition period.After all, he is the man who brought Thomas Muller , Bastian Schweinsteiger , Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben to the Bavarian club and as of current evidence,there is no reminding you of how many accolades they've gathered.

The Dutchman ,apart from being a dictator is also an indomitable and a feared speaker in front of the media. He is not even scared of blurting out in the media ,much like Mourinho and just like United,Spurs,Arsenal,Liverpool and City fans loath the very look of Mourinho,rival fans would hate van Gaal as well.

As far as his tactics and philosophy is concerned ,the most prominent aspect is the shared onus on the team.Almost all his players on the pitch are prescribed to play a particular role.He doesn't buy a big name signing just for the sake of it,but because it serves a particular purpose. While his counterparts prefer first buying a player and then fitting him into it,he prefers to buy players who fit into his formation.

He doesn't buy a striker only because he's touted to be a "star" but he first analyzes his qualities such as holding up, poaching and then considers him.

And the word "counter attacking football" is not present in his dictionary ,unlike David Moyes' defensive minded mentality.He loves to preach  a high pressing style of football even if it demands domination of possession. His team is accustomed to compelling the opposition in sticking to performing a " back to the walls" job by pinning them back by denying them any chances .

He mostly sticks to a 4-3-3 formation ,with two wingers ,who are mostly supposed to be quick,swift and agile. The instances include Frank Ribery , Arjen Robben and Luis Figo. By doing so,the team becomes keen to dominate possession higher up front by bringing in men towards the infield,resembling Bayern Munich.

But,with a side like United, I do find this formation tough to settle into the squad. It's quite inconceivable to see United dominate possession and press high and what is more indifferent to see would be imagining van Persie and Rooney together up front,with a false nine.

It won't be easy to preach a side as in decline as this how to take hold of around 60 percent of possession but only time will tell as to how,LVG stamps his authority over "his" side.

Are England right in selecting Luke Shaw?

The 18 year old has been very impressive off late

"Four years ago I was sat at home watching it(The World Cup) on my sofa. It is going to be so weird"

It truly feels weird to see an 18 year old kid play the FIFA World Cup for a country like England. But on the contrary ,on also feels happy for teenager Luke Shaw ,in such a case.

His performances have been electric and have even succeeded in gaining well deserved and envied attention from the big clubs in England. In Short , it seems he's too good for his age or for someone of his age.

But,is Roy Hodgson spot on in picking him as a second choice left back for his team,which will travel to Brazil later this month?

The Southampton ace would literally savor an opportunity to showcase his repertoire at the grandest stage but it would not be easy. The World Cup always seems to demand something extra out of your armory and it's about time when the pressure gets to you.

And imagine an 18 year old playing under the burden similar to this? Yes,he is second in the pecking order to Everton full back Leighton Baines but it would be extremely amazing if he continues from where he left off at St.Mary's.

The Manchester United bound sensation will probably be used by Hodgson in England's last Group stage game against Costa Rica ,only if the Three Lions already ensure a safe passage to the next round.And a mess up against  Italy and Uruguay in consecutive games may land them in a knotty situation against Bryan Ruiz's men.

But,if we consider that England have been assured off a spot in the next round and they will play a dead rubber against Costa Rica,then the 18 year old may succeed in doing what he does best . 

He received his first English cap recently

And at this point,Hodgson considers to start him for the knockout game but believe me,its going to be a huge risk. That will be the point where the perils of being young will gradually creep in . The extra ordinary amount of pressure I talked about earlier ,is something Luke Shaw is not used to shrugging off his shoulders.

With all due respect to Shaw's credentials, I hate to say this but he's sure to falter and cost England at such a crucial stage. Moreover,he may end up damaging himself by faltering under the colossal amount of pressure a teenager like him or Adnan Januzaj is being forced to deal with.

His mere age itself concludes that even a minute mistake committed by him may torture him personally and as a person as well.

Watch this funny free kick !

Have a look at this awesome free kick ,which was buried into the top corner