Monday, August 18, 2008

Steve McClaren: Vee Haff Un Gut Chance to Vin



Former England manager Steve McClaren, now in charge of Dutch side FC Twente, expressed confidence that his side can overcome a 2-0 deficit from the first leg and overturn heavily favored Arsenal at the Emirates.

"Yes, a very long shot it is for us, I sink, but ah, such an opportunity, no? Us, the Emirates..." (gestures with hands) "...vee haff a gut chance, yes?"

McClaren has been in charge of the Dutch outfit for only a few months, but has taken to life in the town of Enschede.

"Is fantastich, no? To come here, me, my team..." (gestures with hands) "...is wonderful, no?"

The second leg is set for August 27.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Scolari Warns Rivals: Our Players Practice Football


New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari fired an ominous warning ahead of the start of the Premier League season, noting that his players frequently practice the various skills needed to play football.

"I can't speak for other clubs, but at Chelsea, our players are always practicing kicking the football. Kicking it hard, kicking it gently, kicking it high, and kicking it low. They practice headers and trapping the football, too. Our players practice football."

The news will be daunting to many clubs around the league, although Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson did not seem impressed. "Our players also practice, every day. I turn up at 9 and they are here, putting on their practice football kits, and going out to a grassy area we rented for them and practicing their football-playing. I tell them, 'You lads must really love football!'"

Chelsea and United battled for both the League and Champions League last season, seemingly validating the strategy of practicing. But not everyone is convinced.

"I think if you practice football, what should be natural becomes mechanical, like a chore," said Spurs manager Juande Ramos. "I discourage it."

The Premier League season kicks off Saturday.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Premier League Preview


The Barclays Premier League kicks off soon. Can Manchester United win the league for the third year in a row? Or can Chelsea reclaim the title they held just three years ago? Or can Liverpool finally mount a serious title challenge? Or what about Arsenal? And Spurs, can they break into the top four? Or Villa? Can Paul Ince keep Blackburn in the top half? Can new boys Stoke, Hull, and West Brom survive? Can Mark Hughes bring Manchester City a European place? What about Keegan, will he survive the season at Newcastle? Will Roy Keane's new signings make Sunderland a side to be reckoned with?

Tune in to our Season Review in May for the answers.