Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League by Portugal’s Braga as Andy Carroll’s full debut failed to ignite Kenny Dalglish’s side in a goalless draw at Anfield.Carroll, who cost a record 35 million pounds from Newcastle United in the January transfer window, played from the start for the first time but saw the Reds go out having lost the first leg 1-0 in Portugal.It is a big disappointment for caretaker manager Dalglish, whose side are already out of the running in the English Premier League and out of the FA Cup.Liverpool made a bright enough start with Joe Cole forcing Braga keeper Artur Moraes into a fine save after only eight minutes before Carroll’s follow-up effort was deflected for a corner.The big striker also headed narrowly wide from a corner soon after and Liverpool had two shouts for a penalty inside a minute when first Carroll and then Lucas aimed optimistic looks towards referee Gianluca Rocchi.But after that, Liverpool’s energy and creativity faded as they resorted to a stream of long balls aimed towards Carroll that made the game messy and lacking in quality.Even in the second half with the Kop turning up the volume they struggled to create chances, Raul Meireles heading wide from a rare move of quality.The arrival of striker David Ngog from the bench after 75 minutes livened things up, however, with Carroll denied in a goalmouth melee and Martin Skrtel’s effort well blocked by Moraes.But the Reds, missing injured captain Steven Gerrard and cup-tied striker Luis Suarez, could not find a way through as Braga deservedly earned a goalless draw that sends them into the next stage.
Leonardo admitted “I would sack myself” after Inter Milan’s recent losses, but said he is not worried about losing his job.The reigning Italian and European champions were thumped 3-0 by Serie A leaders AC Milan on Saturday in a serious blow to their Scudetto aspirations, and then suffered a 5-2 humiliation at home against German outfit Schalke on Tuesday in a Champions League quarter-final first-leg encounter.
Leonardo, who sparked a remarkable turnaround in Inter’s fortunes after replacing Rafael Benitez in December, said that had he been in a boardroom position he may have sacked himself after their recent form.
“If I had been a director, I probably would have been less kind than the president,” the 41-year-old said.
“At times thinking like a director I would sack myself.”
“But I don’t feel at risk because it’s not part of who I am. I am not afraid of losing my place. If it happens, it happens. But I am sure that we can take the situation in hand again.”
“I have also met the President and it was a calm meeting. We spoke about the things that aren’t working. It was positive for the both of us to start again.”
“The recent defeats have been heavy even if mathematically we are still in the fight.”
“Now we must try to find a solution as quickly as possible, but what has happened has happened and we are looking forward.”
We are all aware of Fernando Torres’ recent and rapid decline at Chelsea, but the 27 year-old still has plenty of time to prove he can reproduce the form that made him such a popular figure at Anfield and such a universally feared striker. The Spaniard isn’t the only player to have performed so impressively before trailing off towards the end of his twenties, and of course Michael Owen springs to mind.
However, what about the players who were shunned, neglected and left to queue at the job centre during their teens and early twenties, before forging outstanding careers later on? There are a number of players we admire today who were never really given an opportunity until extremely late on in to their careers, and here is a list of ten famous players who blossomed late…
If you can think of any I have missed out, please feel free to leave suggestions and comments below…
Click on Ian Wright below to see the top 10 players that took a while to blossom
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As a Norwich City fan I am delighted to be given the opportunity to cover some of the best games between Norwich and Ipswich. But of course the natural tendency is to write about all the fantastic wins Norwich had over Ipswich; however I have tried to be fair and also included some of the good win that Ipswich have had. Most of the games are from the relatively recent history and as always is based on my personal opinion.
10 Ipswich 0 Norwich 1 (2005)
Away wins are always nice but nothing is better than one over your closest rivals. Going into this game both sides had disappointing form in the league. The game really turned on the sending off of defender Sito for Ipswich. This allowed Norwich to start to dominate the game and eventually Darren Huckerby scored the only goal of the game. This game is included in my list due to its tight and competitive nature.
Ipswich showed terrific spirit to win this local derby in front over 25,000 people at Carrow Road. Norwich took the lead just after the half hour mark through Jonathan Johansson, but Ipswich responded quickly through a Juan free kick. It looked as if Norwich might hold on to the draw as chances came and went – but Danny Haynes had the last laugh with a close range header, just a couple of minutes before time. Again this was another competitive derby match and worthy of a place on my list.
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8 Ipswich 3 Norwich 2 (2009)
Ipswich turned on the style with a fine win against Norwich and it was probably more comfortable than the scoreline suggests. It was Norwich though who took the lead through the on-loan David Mooney. But Alan Quinn quickly had Ipswich back on level terms, following some great play by Giovani Dos Santos. However, the game turned on a penalty decision that perhaps should not of been given. Ipswich though converted the penalty through the impressive Dos Santos and duly added a third. By the time Norwich pulled a goal back through a penalty of their own, the game was already done. When five goals are scored in a derby match it’s hard to suggest it doesn’t belong on my list.
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7 Norwich 2 Ipswich 2 (2007)
Ipswich must have thought this game was dead at half time when they led 2-0. Goals from Alan Lee and Pablo Counago looked to have the game wrapped up, but the truth be told Norwich didn’t deserve to be 2-0 at the break and at times offered some top quality football. The introduction of John Hartson in the second half was vital for the way Norwich turned it around and an own goal and Jamie Cureton got Norwich back level. This was a great derby comeback and certainly worthy of a place on the list.
Continued on Page TWO
6 Norwich 2 Ipswich 0 (2008)
This was one of the more comfortable successes Norwich has had against Ipswich and the points were massively important to keep Norwich out of the relegation zone. Goals on the day were scored by Lee Croft and Matty Pattison. It is debatable if this game should make the list or not – but I think there is place for an impressive home win in difficult circumstances.
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5 Ipswich 0 Norwich 2 (2003)
This was the year that Norwich won the league title and Norwich fans enjoyed this one more than most – because it’s the game that took them top of the league. The game will also be remembered for Leon McKenzie. The striker signed from Peterborough just days before – but delighted Norwich fans by grabbing a brace. For those reasons this game simply has to make the list.
4 Ipswich 3 Norwich 1 (2006)
Ipswich would have enjoyed this fine derby win, it was certainly a day to forget for Norwich. But again Norwich did take the lead in the first half through Chadwick. Ipswich quickly levelled the game up through Legwinski and then the game was won by a late brace by substitute Danny Haynes. Haynes has a fine record scoring against Norwich in derby matches. This was a fine win for Ipswich and one they savour.
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3 Norwich 4 Ipswich 1 (2010)
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This game occurred earlier this season and with Norwich going well and Ipswich struggling the result was not that surprising. But Norwich would have been surprised on how bad Ipswich was on the day and in particular how badly their defence played. Grant Holt was the real star of the show and scored a superb hat-trick. At one point Ipswich were level at 1-1 but Norwich really were superior the whole match and deserved the win. At the time this was Norwich’s biggest derby win – so really no surprise to see it on the list.
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2 Ipswich 1 Norwich 5 (2011)
This game was just played this Thursday night and just became Norwich’s biggest win in a derby. It was expected to be a close game – but Norwich again was just too good on the day. It really was a fantastic all round team performances with Norwich having 5 different goal-scorers (including an Ipswich player). No real explanation needed why this makes the list.
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1 Ipswich 5 Norwich 0 (1998)
As the most emphatic derby win to date it has to take the No 1 spot. On the day Norwich were not at the races and were soundly beating by an Alex Mathie hat-trick and a Bobby Petta brace. Due to the convincing nature of the win, this remains one of the most memorable derby results to this day.
Tottenham’s have seemingly missed the boat this season after a shocking run of form in the last third of the season has cost them dear. Harry Redknapp must be forever wondering what if, especially given the amount of points they have thrown away at White Hart Lane.
At FFC this week we have seen a mixed bag of Spurs blogs that includes Dan Levy’s big decision; in defence of Gareth Bale, five striking deals for Harry to ponder.
We also look at the best Spurs articles around the web this week.
*
Daniel Levy’s Big Decision This Summer
Luka Modric and David Silva – two peas in an underappreciated pod
In defence of Gareth Bale
Tottenham’s Top TEN Terrace Cult Heroes
Tottenham appear to have shot themselves in the foot
Top TEN Celebrity Tottenham Supporters
FIVE striking deals for Levy and Harry to ponder this summer
Spurs and Liverpool to lead the £15m chase
A worrying consequence for Tottenham Hotspur?
Where does prodigious talent fit in Harry’s masterplan at White Hart Lane?
* Best of WEB *
The dream is over: long live the dream – Spurs Musings From Jimmy G2
New Dawn? Just That Same Old Feeling – Tottenham On My Mind
Is it Redschnapps …Or The Players??? – Harry Hotspur
Running up that hill – Dear Mr Levy
Another Fine Mess We’ve Got Ourselves Into – Who Framed Ruel Fox?
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Click on image below to see Carles’s latest lady in all her glory
Throughout this season, the current Manchester United side have been said to have lacked that ‘sparkle’ that previous Red Devils sides, put together by Sir Alex Ferguson, have had in abundance. Fergie gave the beautiful game a golden era with the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes, with this generation bringing the Scotsman various trophies and successes. Despite winning the Premier League this season, is this current crop of United stars the right group of players to maintain Fergie’s legacy?
Goalkeepers
Fergie’s goalkeepers have defined what it is to be reliable. Peter Schmeichel and the retiring Edwin Van Der Sar have been two of the best goalkeepers ever to grace the Premier League. There are no two ways about it, Sir Alex has been spoilt in this department. Manchester United have been linked with various goalkeepers since Van Der Sar announced his intentions to retire, and the front runner seems to be David De Gea of Atletico Madrid. Is the Man United manager really going to sign an eventual Premier League ‘great’ for the third time?
Why not?
Defenders
From Dennis Irwin and Steve Bruce to Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Ferguson has always had a wealth of talent across the back four. The Barclay’s Premier League Player of the Season Vidic will continue to be a United stalwart at the back for years to come, but question marks over Ferdinand’s fitness remain. Chris Smalling has had an impressive breakthrough season, as too have the Brazilian twins Rafael and Fabio. The main issues with the defence, however, are the depth; such players as Jonny Evans don’t appear ready to make the grade consistently as of yet and the vital experience of Wes Brown is rumoured to be heading for the exit door this summer. Vidic is the only real star in a back four that over the years has been used to four world class players across it.
Midfielders
The list is endless, of talents that have come and gone, and are still playing for Manchester United in midfield. Scholes and Giggs are close to calling an end to their playing days and bringing the curtain down on the heroic treble winning side. The wingers for United definitely have the ability to maintain Fergie’s legacy though; Nani has been in blistering form all season and Antonio Valencia has been devastating on the flanks since his return from injury. The issue with the midfield is in the centre’ admittedly, Darren Fletcher has come on leaps and bounds in the last eighteen months or so, but is he really Paul Scholes’ ideal replacement? Owen Hargreaves has supposedly failed to win a new contract due to persistent injuries; Michael Carrick and Darron Gibson have been followed by media and fan criticism throughout this season. The middle of the park is definitely a cause for concern for United, the centre of the park has been the spine of the team’s success for so long, with Roy Keane and Paul Scholes being the main organ grinders.
Forwards
On the basis of this season, then yes, United have the strikers to continue bringing Fergie success. Dimitar Berbatov was joint highest league scorer, Wayne Rooney, although not as prolific as the previous season, is still, and always will be, a huge threat and Javier Hernandez had an inspired first debut season. Throw in the returning loanees of Federico Macheda, Diouf and Danny Welbeck, then the Red Devils have a very impressive and capable frontline, now and for years to come.
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When all is said and done, this Manchester United side won the Premier League and has every chance of ousting Barcelona in the Champions League final this coming Saturday, so who am I to say they aren’t capable of maintaining Fergie’s legacy should the Scotsman (ever) retire.
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Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon insists he is enjoying the task of helping reinvent the national side after a disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign.The Italian squad endured a miserable time in South Africa last June, finishing with just two points and bottom of a group containing Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand as they failed to qualify for the knockout phase for just the second time.
Under Cesare Prandelli, who replaced Marcello Lippi as coach after the tournament, Italy have bounced back quickly and are favourites to qualify for Euro 2012 from Group C.
They are five points clear of Slovenia and Serbia at the top of the table ahead of their qualifier against Estonia in Modena on Friday, and 33-year-old Juventus goalkeeper Buffon said he is enjoying being involved in rebuilding the side.
“It has been a great since the 2010 World Cup as we try rebuild a winning project and build a team able to qualify for the next European Championships,” Buffon said.
“This could have been unbelievable, but we shouldn’t take anything for granted. There is still a match to be played and we hope we’ll be playing our best.”
Buffon also said he was pleased with the choice of Antonio Conte as his new boss at Juventus, after the 41-year-old club legend replaced the outgoing Luigi Delneri.
“The previous coach has done an excellent job, which has not been supported by the results for a number of reasons which we won’t be listing now,” said Buffon, who ruled out a move to English Premier League side Arsenal on Wednesday by committing his future to Juventus.
“As far as Antonio Conte’s choice is concerned, I think his history is very clear: he’s won in almost all of his four or five years as a coach.”
“He conveys something successful. He is a very charismatic and positive person, he was like that as a player.”
“He knows Juventus very well and knows what it is needed to coach such a team.”
“There’s a lot to do in order to win but all players should be available and willing and the club should be very supportive since a coach can never win without the support of the club.”
Brazil coach Mano Menezes said the fact that hosts Argentina are considered joint favourites for next month’s Copa America is a fair one.Despite the Brazilians enjoying almost total domination of the tournament in recent years, winning four out of the last five, Menezes believes the quality of the Argentina side and the fact they are hosting the event will make them tough to beat.
“Just as Brazil is the favourite for the World Cup in 2014, if you look at the home advantage – and take into account Argentina’s performances in terms of title wins, in terms of match wins – it is logical that they are planning to do their best,” Menezes said.
“They are going to be one of the favourites.”
Argentina have lost to Brazil in the last two Copa America finals, and will kick off the tournament when they take on Bolivia in the first game on July 1.
Brazil, meanwhile, face Venezuela in their opening match, and defender Thiago Silva believes Uruguay will also be one of the fancies when the tournament begins.
“Brazil is the favourite alongside Argentina,” Silva said.
“I think the other strong team on the list is Uruguay. But we are ready to confront them in any match that could happen.”
Melbourne Victory are expected to announce caretaker Mehmet Durakovic as their coach in the next few days.It has been over three months since two-time premiership winning coach Ernie Merrick was sensationally sacked, with the A-League club embarking on a ‘global search’ for his replacement.
But it would appear their search need not have gone much further than the man appointed as caretaker, with Durakovic now set to be given his chance to oversee the new-look club.
The 45-year-old is well respected within the Australian football community, having represented the Socceroos on 64 occasions.
He oversaw the final five matches of Victory’s unsuccessful 2011 AFC Champions League campaign, with the A-League club winning one and drawing three of those matches.
It is expected that the club will confirm his appointment this week, with current Australian under-17 coach Jan Versleijen telling The World Game website that he was one of a final three interviewed but had missed out.
The 55-year-old Dutchman said he was very interested in the Victory position, but he believed that the club had already decided on their candidate.
The club refused to comment on whether Durakovic had been offered the job, but it expects to announce its new coach sooner rather than later.
With the new Premier League season on its way very soon all the teams are starting to take shape, new faces are coming in and old deadwood is on its way out. But one thing that’s interesting to think about at the start of a season is who will be the first manager told to clear his desk.
Over the past few years we have seen a lot of managers leave a club within 6 months because of poor results and the fans won’t stand for it, understandably. But how long does it take a manager to mould a side properly? Should the fans get off his back just because a few results go the wrong way? Maybe, but then again, a chairman has to think about the financial implications of a poor string of results. Unhappy fans means poor attendances and if the results keep going the wrong way it could ultimately result in relegation which in this day and age can almost send a club out of business.
I myself have protested against a manager at the front door of the stadium after a shocking result. I have booed players off the park and all the rest, but in hindsight I think maybe it was a bit rash because unless it’s exceptional circumstances then a manager should have the full first season at the very least to prove himself. Looking back I know I shouldn’t have booed certain players, but I stand by the manager I protested against and I would do the same again if that man walked back into the stadium.
Chelsea are a prime example of managers not getting to prove themselves. The point critics keep making about Chelsea is that they are ‘obsessed’ with the Champions League, and there might be some truth in that and every manager who hasn’t won it for Abramovich has seen his Chelsea tenure end the same way. Should they have been sacked though? Avram Grant came within one missed penalty of winning it which I think makes it unfair on him, he done everything else right, how could he have helped John Terry in that moment?
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Celtic manager Neil Lennon was given eight games at the end of the 09/10 season to prove himself after Tony Mowbray was sacked and he won all eight but by that time it was too late to win the league. Some fans were still not happy at the appointment because Ross County defeated Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi final under his eight game trial period. I also know that there were some fans that did not want the Celtic board to give him a new contract this summer after Rangers won the league again, but it was only on the last day that Rangers did win it, so for Neil Lennon to come into such a high pressured job for his first managerial job and take Walter Smith’s side to the last day was in fact a pretty good job all things considered.
Rangers’ ex-manager Paul Le Guen was sacked in January 2007 after six months in charge making him the first ever Rangers manager to not last at least a full season. Although his record in Europe with Rangers was very good it was the results in the league and cups which eventually got him sacked, his record in the opening ten games of the season were the worst since 78-79 when John Greig was in charge. The last things Le Guen done as boss was strip Barry Ferguson of the captaincy and drop him for a game the next day. Three days later he left Ibrox.
There is no definitive answer to how long a manager should be given to prove he’s good enough to have the job, some fans will want to give him all the time in the world, some fans will want his head on a plate after a couple part and parcel defeats. I’m going to make a prediction ahead of the new Premier League season and say that Alan Pardew will be the first to leave this season. For me, too many key players have left such as Carroll and Nolan and Ben Arfa seemingly injury prone. They don’t seem to have signed adequate replacements in my opinion either and for that reason I think Newcastle will struggle this season and Alan Pardew will be first to head down to the job centre.
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Read more of Mark Connor’s articles at This is Futbol