This weekend don’t miss out... Man. United Arsenal West Ham Man. City Valencia At. Madrid Juventus Internazionale Saturday 3rd November 2012 12:45pm Satuday 3rd November 2012 5:30pm Saturday 3rd November 2012 9:00pm Saturday 3rd November 7:45pm Reading 5 - 7 Arsenal
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This weekend don’t miss out...
Man. United
Arsenal
West Ham
Man. City
Valencia
At. Madrid
Juventus
Internazionale
Saturday
3rd November 2012
12:45pm
Satuday
3rd November 2012
5:30pm
Saturday
3rd November 2012
9:00pm
Saturday
3rd November
7:45pm
Reading 5 - 7 Arsenal
Off The Pitch 3
Fun game on page 15
New Liverpool wonderkid on page 19
Latest tranfers rumours on pages 16-18
Messi 'untempted' by PSG project on page 13
Head to head, Neuer and Casillas on pages 9-12
Off The Pitch 4
Birthday boy Diego Maradona arrives in India &
entertains 1000s of fans by dancing, singing & juggling
On October 30th Diego Armando Maradona turned 52, and the
Argentine legend held an early birthday celebration in India on
Tuesday during an event in the state of Kerala.
Maradona has landed in India to promote the opening of the Bobby
Chemmanur International jewelry store (he is an ambassador for the
brand), and as part of the fanfare Diego appeared in front of 1000s of
wild Indian fans.
Proving he is still one of world
football’s most iconic figures the
former Al Wasl coach drew
thousands of eyeballs as he
appeared on stage at a
promotional event, and with the
euphoric crowd in the palm of his
hand Diego proceeded to play the
role of entertainer.
During the fully televised
showpiece, Maradona went about
dancing on stage with former
Indian model Ranjini Haridas
(pictured), he showed his
juggling skills to the football-loving crowd, he showed off his singing
skills down the microphone, before ending his appearance by cutting a
giant birthday cake.
Off The Pitch 5
Birthday boy Diego Maradona arrives in India &
entertains 1000s of fans by dancing, singing & juggling
Harry goes cold on Blackburn as Berg and Holloway fight
it out for Ewood Park job
Harry Redknapp pulled out of contention for the Blackburn job on
Tuesday following a swift breakdown of negotiations between his
representatives and Ewood Park chief Shebby Singh.
Redknapp, 65, was on standby to fly north and have an interview for the
managerial vacancy once the financial details had been agreed between
the two parties.
But it soon became apparent that no such agreement would be reached,
with Redknapp's representative Paul Stretford understood to have stated
his camp's displeasure that Blackburn had chosen to interview Henning
Berg on Monday.
Berg, 43, would now appear to be favourite to return to the club where he
won the Premiership title and League Cup as a player.
Singh said last week that he hopes to have a new manager in place by
Wednesday and Blackburn's global advisor is known to favour Berg, the
former Lyn Oslo and Lillestrom boss.
Off The Pitch 6
However, he has been at odds with the club's managing director Derek
Shaw who prefers Ian Holloway, and the Blackpool manager remains in
the frame along with Simon Grayson of Huddersfield.
Both Singh and Shaw attended Tuesday's meeting with Stretford in the
hope of persuading Redknapp - who has been out of management since
he was sacked by Tottenham in June - to work in the Championship for
the first time since he left Southampton seven years ago.
While the search for a new full time boss continues, Rovers are also
looking at a plan to give a young coach of Indian origin a prominent
role at the club.
Judan Ali - born in London to Indian parents - played for Arsenal's
youth team and has worked at St George's Park with the England
Under 17s.
Ali studied at Barcelona's La Masia academy while gaining his
coaching qualifications and has ambitions to manage a team in the
Premier League.
Off The Pitch 7
However, he has been at odds with the club's managing director Derek
Shaw who prefers Ian Holloway, and the Blackpool manager remains in
the frame along with Simon Grayson of Huddersfield.
Both Singh and Shaw attended Tuesday's meeting with Stretford in the
hope of persuading Redknapp - who has been out of management since
he was sacked by Tottenham in June - to work in the Championship for
the first time since he left Southampton seven years ago.
Newcastle boss Pardew says he ‘nicked’ Mourinho’s
managerial traits
The manager at St James’ Park has spoken of the influence that the "special one" has had
on his revitalised career, revealing that he used to regularly watch Chelsea
The 51-year-old, who was named as both LMA and Premier League
manager of the year after his club's fine campaign last season, has
spoken of the various influences upon his interpretation of the job, and
the Portuguese is among the strongest.
"I used to watch Chelsea regularly because it was on my doorstep,"
Pardew told the Chronicle. "It was when Jose Mourinho was there.
There were things that I was seeing that I hadn't seen in English
football before.
Off The Pitch 8
"Some of the managerial traits that he was bringing I've learned from,
and I can't help but say I've nicked a few of them.
"The big managers that I've come across and been lucky enough to deal
with have influenced me. The impact of the foreign managers can't be
lost on my education. Arsene Wenger is another.
"There are a few people who have influenced me throughout my career
– Steve Coppell for sure."
Pardew also lamented the absence of Mourinho on English shores, but
predicted that both he and his long-term rival Pep Guardiola will
eventually take the reins of Premier League sides, to add to a healthily
cosmopolitan range of coaching staff already in the division.
"Unfortunately Jose is not in the country at the moment, but hopefully
he will be coming back here soon," he added.
"Pep will be, too. And then we really will have the best coaches in the
world.
"That's the one beauty about this country – we've had a melting pot of
the best coaches. That's why it is the best league in the world."
There were things that I
was seeing that I hadn't
seen in English football
before” - Pardew
Off The Pitch 9
"Some of the managerial traits that he was bringing I've learned from,
and I can't help but say I've nicked a few of them.
"The big managers that I've come across and been lucky enough to deal
with have influenced me. The impact of the foreign managers can't be
lost on my education. Arsene Wenger is another.
"There are a few people who have influenced me throughout my career
– Steve Coppell for sure."
Pardew also lamented the absence of Mourinho on English shores, but
predicted that both he and his long-term rival Pep Guardiola will
eventually take the reins of Premier League sides, to add to a healthily
cosmopolitan range of coaching staff already in the division.
"Unfortunately Jose is not in the country at the moment, but hopefully
he will be coming back here soon," he added.
"Pep will be, too. And then we really will have the best coaches in the
world.
"That's the one beauty about this country – we've had a melting pot of
the best coaches. That's why it is the best league in the world."
Who is the better goalkeeper? Neuer v Casillas head-to-
head
Manuel Neuer, the No.1 of Die Roten, and Madrid skipper Iker Casillas
are always in the mix where debates over football’s leading shot-stoppers
are concerned, and rightly so. While Casillas has been key in two
Champions League triumphs and four La Liga crowns, he was also
handed the World Cup in 2010 and European Championship in 2008 as
captain of Spain. Neuer, meanwhile, may not have received truly notable
silverware so far, but he is tipped for big things as his talent and
reputation continue to grow.
With more than just team success to be judged when looking at a
goalkeeper, we decided to put the relative qualities of the two glovesmen
under the microscope, with a helping hand from Bayern and Germany
legend Sepp Maier, and ex-Madrid and Spain keeper Paco Buyo.
THE GERMAN & THE SPANIARD: HEAD-TO-HEAD
Manuel Neuer Iker Casillas
27/3/1986 DATE OF BIRTH 20/5/1981
Goalkeeper POSITION Goalkeeper
275 CLUB APPEARANCES 619
25 INTERNATIONAL APPS 128
Off The Pitch 10
MENTAL ATTRIBUTES
It is often said that mentality is one of the biggest factors separating a
good goalkeeper from a great one, and Buyo is clear in his assessment as
to which has the better score in this area.
"Neuer alternates good performances with big mistakes," says Buyo.
"He's not consistent enough, although on his day he can have a great
couple of matches and be key for Bayern. Casillas is very reliable and
always focused enough to produce a great save even if it's the only shot
he has to stop in the whole match. He's a very complete keeper."
However, Maier has a strong argument in favour of his countryman,
saying: "For a comparison, Neuer is still too young, you have to wait.
When he is as old as Casillas, he'll have the successes too. The older
Neuer gets, the more experience he'll have, and the better he'll become.
The boy is just 26, he doesn't have experience."
Also on Neuer's side is the huge improvement he has made to Bayern's
back line. Having been a little short of a joke at times last season,
suddenly FC Hollywood's rearguard has looked much more organised
with the former Schalke man between the sticks.
BIG-GAME PERFORMANCES
CONSISTENCY
DECISION-MAKING
LEADERSHIP
COMMAND OF AREA
COMMUNICATION
JUDGEMENT
Off The Pitch 11
TECHNICAL ATTRIBUTES
Here, the Spaniard edges ahead, with Buyo explaining some of Neuer's
issues. "He is decent enough in the one-on-ones because of that big body
of his, but he's not very good technically. And he's not very good dealing
with crosses either, which is ironic because he's so tall."
Maier retorts: "Neuer plays in a good team, and plays international
football regularly too. That has a positive effect on improving your
performances. Nothing against Schalke, but he'll get better playing in the
Champions League than he would playing for them in the Europa League.
That is no real competition, it's a loser's league for me."
On the Madrid skipper, Buyo adds: "Casillas is at the top technically,
fantastic on one-on-ones. He has also improved a lot dealing with crosses,
which was the weakest aspect of his game in the past. His only liability
now is when he has to use his feet, but otherwise he's probably the best
keeper in the world at the moment."
After his years at the top of the game, San Iker has developed
significantly to become more consistent in several areas technically.
While still slightly short in one or two aspects, he's now regarded as one
of the greatest keepers in the Blancos' history.
AERIAL ABILITY
CROSSES
DISTRIBUTION
ERROR PRONENESS
HANDLING
ONE-ON-ONES
PENALTIES
POSITIONING
FORM
Off The Pitch 12
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Not being the build one would normally equate with a top-class
goalkeeper, Casillas has fought about his weight - or rather, height - for
over a decade now.
Neuer stands 12 centimetres taller than his Spanish counterpart at 1.94
metres, but also has the speed to make the most of his huge frame. Buyo
explains: "He's a very tall keeper who uses his body as if he was playing
handball."
Meanwhile, Italy shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon, who for many years has
himself staked a claim for the title of the world's best, said recently that he
hopes to meet the man he regards as the true No. 1 at the forthcoming
Euro 2012 finals.
"Ciao Manuel! You are the best goalkeeper in the world, I hope that both
of us are in the Euro final," said Buffon through Sky Sport. "I'm at the end
of my career, you still have so much in front of you. I look forward to
facing you."
BRAVERY
NATURAL FITNESS
REFLEXES
SPEED OFF THE LINE
84 / 100 OVERALL 84 / 100
So clearly, Casillas' years at the top have seen him build a great reputation, with
his impressive showings in the 2002 Champions League final and the runs to the
Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup finals leaving a mark on the minds of many.
On the other hand, Neuer's slightly better mental and physical attributes put him
on a par at present, with plenty of time on his side to boost his profile in big
games, with an increase in concentration necessary to help him make that kick
on.
Off The Pitch 13
The Argentina star has made it clear that he intends to stay at the
Blaugrana until the end of his career rejective any lucrative offers from
any teams, including the Ligue 1 giants.
"Paris Saint-Germain's project tempting? No,
no! I have the best team-mates in the world at
Barcelona. We fight for trophies every season,"
Messi told France Football.
"Barcelona is a beautiful city and Barca are the
club where I was raised. I can honestly not even
imagine leaving Barcelona."
The 25-year-old is also unsure whether the Parc
des Princes outfit can compete with the big
teams in Europe this season, despite the arrivals of several stars in the
summer, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, Ezequiel Lavezzi
and Gregory van der Wiel.
"I don't know whether PSG already
have the means to challenge the big
teams in the Champions League this
season," he added.
"I think that they can win the Ligue 1
title with all the players who can be
decisive. But it takes time to build a team."
"Their situation reminds me a bit of Manchester City. It's not easy to
build a team when you have players coming from all corners of the
world."
Messi 'untempted' by PSG project
Off The Pitch 14
Top 10 most loyal players
For many players a change of scenario is not part of their aspirations.
Loyality to one club is a rare thing in football today, with players still in
activity, there are still some exceptions. The Fichajes.com produced a
ranking of the most loyal players of today. The Brazilian goalkeeper
Rogerio Ceni, with over 22 years of service in Sao Paulo is the leader.
Ranking
1. Rogério Ceni, (22 years and 9 months in Sao Paulo)
2. Ryan Giggs, (21 years and 11 months at Manchester United)
3. Francesco Totti (19 years and 9 months in the AC Roma)
4. Oleksandr Shovkovsky, (19 years and 3 months Dynamo Kiev)
4. Oka Nikolov, (19 years and 3 months in Eintracht Frankfurt)
6. Henrik Rydström, (18 years and 10 months in Kalmar FF)
7. Tórur Mortensen, (18 years and 9 months Tvoroyri TB, Faroe Islands)
7. Frode Lafton, (18 years and 9 months Honefoss BK, Norway)
7. Petter Wasta, (18 years and 9 months in Kalmar FF)
7. Nobuhisa Yamada (18 years and 9 months in the Urawa Red
Diamonds)
Off The Pitch 15
For many players a change of scenario is not part of their aspirations.
Loyality to one club is a rare thing in football today, with players still in
activity, there are still some exceptions. The Fichajes.com produced a
ranking of the most loyal players of today. The Brazilian goalkeeper
Rogerio Ceni, with over 22 years of service in Sao Paulo is the leader.
Ranking
1. Rogério Ceni, (22 years and 9 months in Sao Paulo)
2. Ryan Giggs, (21 years and 11 months at Manchester United)
3. Francesco Totti (19 years and 9 months in the AC Roma)
4. Oleksandr Shovkovsky, (19 years and 3 months Dynamo Kiev)
4. Oka Nikolov, (19 years and 3 months in Eintracht Frankfurt)
6. Henrik Rydström, (18 years and 10 months in Kalmar FF)
7. Tórur Mortensen, (18 years and 9 months Tvoroyri TB, Faroe Islands)
7. Frode Lafton, (18 years and 9 months Honefoss BK, Norway)
7. Petter Wasta, (18 years and 9 months in Kalmar FF)
7. Nobuhisa Yamada (18 years and 9 months in the Urawa Red
Diamonds)
Guess who is the player and for every right decision the player gets one point,