There are few things that typify modern football more than the sight of a new manager holding up the royal blue shirt of Chelsea with a smile hijacked from a dismissed predecessor. The latest in the long list of post-millennial Blues’ managers is Maurizio Sarri, the former Napoli manager and messiah of football hipsters who … Continue reading Chelsea say Sarri to Antonio Conte as New Era Dawns at Stamford Bridge
As yet another scorching Sunday dawned on England, pubs, bars, gardens and town centres awoke to sticky floors, empty pint glasses and the lingering echo of a cult 1990s track being chanted on loop. In contrast to the blinking, head-pounding sense of regret that often welcomes you into a post-night hangover, today’s realisation was one … Continue reading The Word is in Motion as England Head to the Semis
There are some things in football that you never think you will see in your lifetime. Whether it be extortionate transfer fees, smaller teams winning trophies or rags to riches stories, our sport is full of narrative. At the forefront of football sagas is England and penalty shoot-outs. The teasing monkey that has hung for … Continue reading Penalty Lifted on England as Southgate’s Men Finally Break the Curse
On Sunday afternoon, the World Cup claimed another high-profile victim as 2010 champions Spain were sent on their way to join Germany, Argentina and Portugal at the departure gate of Sheremetyevo International Airport. If such a narrative wasn’t enough, it was the hosts Russia that sent La Roja on their way, offering yet another thorny … Continue reading Spain Done for Possession as Balance Proves Key in Russia
When faced with the proposition of selecting the most important man in Russia, there’s only one name that rides, topless on a horse, into the picture. Since the turn of the century, Vladimir Putin has transcended the values of his 144.4million compatriots, sitting imperiously at the top of the Russian hierarchy just as Sir Alex … Continue reading Aleksandr Golovin: Russia’s Other Tsar
Last night, the 2018 FIFA World Cup hit top gear once more, stamping its claim as one of the most dramatic footballing tournaments in the modern era. Argentina’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Nigeria had it all, from Messi magic, dramatic refereeing decisions and an icon sending absurdly explicit gestures from the glamour of the VIP … Continue reading Messi: Player, Coach, Icon
With the first set of World Cup group-stage matches over, and moving onto the Matchday 2, it seems right to take a quick look back and give credit where credit is due to some of the standout players from Matchday 1. Of course, not everyone can get a mention, but having assessed the first round … Continue reading World Cup: Best Players from Matchday 1
