All posts by h79snht.top

Gianfranco Zola was sacked as West Ham manager at the end of last season. The Italian spent close to two years in the Premier League with the Hammers and in that time developed strong feelings for the club. Here’s Zola talking about his time at Upton Park…

So what have you been up to since you left West Ham?

Gianfranco Zola: I’ve been spending a lot of time with the family, and I’ve just focused on that. I’ve also still been working on my UEFA pro licence and watching a lot of games. I’ve decided to spend this time trying to improve on what I did at West Ham and get ready for the next adventure.

So when you say you’re still working on the pro licence, is that something you were working on at West Ham as well?

GZ: Yes it was part of the plan. When I joined West Ham I needed permission to manage from the Premier League and there an agreement made with the Premier League that I had to complete the UEFA pro licence within a certain amount of time.

[ad_pod id=’fox-mpu’ align=’right’]

Looking back at your time as West Ham manager how do you reflect on your time there?

GZ: When I first joined the club, despite a difficult time at the beginning, we managed to find the right balance. We found a way, and everybody was performing at his best. The second year my plan was to try and build on what we’d done the year before. Unfortunately things didn’t work out like that. The West Ham fans were amazingly passionate and I am very proud to have managed the club.

How would you describe your style as a manager, in terms of how you treat your players and the kind of football you like to play?

GZ: I’m a manager who tries to make sure his team enjoys the football that they play. I believe that every single player plays more than anything for the fun of it, for the pleasure that they take from playing football. So I try to create an environment where the players are enjoying what they are doing and therefore they give their best. That’s my philosophy. That’s what I try to do all the time.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

You were a creative forward who tried to play attacking football, but not all managers are like that. A lot of managers who were strikers are defensive coaches or the other way around. Why do you think that is?

GZ: It’s just a philosophy, you know. Some people think they can give their best by thinking how can I score a goal, others think they can give their best by thinking how they can stop the opposition from playing. It’s just a matter of how your mind works. There’s no explanation, and I don’t think one is better than the other. You have to choose the one that suits you best.

Visit the Dugout www.yahoo.co.uk/dugout for new interviews every week with England’s top football managers

[divider]

Stoke have secured progression to the knockout stages of the Europa League after drawing 1-1 with Dinamo Kiev at the Britannia Stadium on Thursday night.

A Matthew Upson own goal in the first half gave the Ukrainian visitors the lead at the interval, but a late Kenwyne Jones strike ensured that the Potters will be in the draw for the last 32.

With Tottenham, Fulham, Birmingham and Celtic struggling to progress past the pool stages, manager Tony Pulis is proud of the achievements of his team.

“We were off the pace in the first half but they’re a good side. There was one change from the side that knocked Manchester City out last season,” he told Mirror Football.

“What we’ve done is fantastic and we’ve qualified from what I think is the toughest group.

“That’s nine games in Europe and nine games unbeaten. It’s a great, great achievement. It’s very difficult for Premier League teams to play in the Europa League because you come back and every game is like a cup final.

“You can look at other European leagues and the strength in depth isn’t as great. It’s a real struggle in that respect but we want to do well.

“It’s the first time we’ve been in Europe for more than 30 years. You can wash it away, but I don’t want to wash it away, I want to enjoy it, I want the supporters to enjoy it, I want everybody at the football club to enjoy it because we might not get it for a while again.

“It’s the first time this football club’s ever achieved this, so it’s another milestone and is testimony to everything we’re trying to do,” he concluded.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Stoke now take on Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, and will look to replicate their European form domestically.

By Gareth McKnight

[ad_pod id=’writer-1′ align=’right’]

I know it seems like we’ve talked this issue to death, but after watching Chelsea dismantle Copenhagen with ease and then over-power Manchester United, I started to wonder about Ray Wilkins. The former assistant to manager Carlo Ancelotti sat in the Sky Sports studio reflecting on Chelsea’s announcement that they are not quite over-the-hill yet. He offered a diplomatic response whilst still showing unwavering affection to the team who sacked him three months previously for no real reason. The question has to be asked what could have been for Chelsea this season? They were flying at the start of the season and looked untouchable. Surely Wilkins’ dismissal and the Blues’ drop in form wasn’t just some coincidence, was it?

Many may have questioned what all the fuss was about when it was announced Wilkins would leave Stamford Bridge. After all, it wasn’t the manager of Frank Lampard being ushered away from West-London. But I think the role of assistant manager is undervalued. Take Manchester United for example. Sir Alex Ferguson is obviously very good at what he does, but United have been most successful when they’ve had a strong man behind him. In 1999, Steve McClaren joined and United went 33 games unbeaten en route to winning the treble. I’m not saying that Chelsea would have continued to win every game with Wilkins still in place, but I’d argue that they would be better off than fourth in the league with only the Champions League left to play for.

[ad_pod id=’fox-mpu’ align=’right’]

He’s a football man but more importantly, he seems a man’s man. How difficult must it be for a group of players who have to deal with managers coming and going? Stability is imperative to a successful side, even more so when a club has an owner like Roman Abramovich, who likes to freshen things up every couple of years with a complete overhaul of the management system. David James recently blogged that an assistant manager can bridge the gap between the players and the manager. Since 2008, I’d say Wilkins had done that (among other things) quite well at Chelsea, especially with all three managers being foreigners during his time at the Bridge. I know a lot of Chelsea’s squad are also from outside the home nations, but who are the most important players at Chelsea? John Terry? Or Frank Lampard perhaps? So who now has the job of effectively conveying the concerns Chelsea’s top boys have? Well, Michael Emenalo, obviously! The head opposition scout. It all makes perfect sense now…

I’m being facetious, of course. It doesn’t seem to be a move which has paid off, not until now anyway. Chelsea spent heavily in January to dig themselves out of a hole which it would seem they made for themselves. If Wilkins was still there, doing what he was so successfully doing, Chelsea could have maintained the consistency and may well be in with a shout of reclaiming the Premier League trophy. Combine the early-season Chelsea with Ray Wilkins and add David Luiz and Fernando Torres on top of that. Sounds frightening, doesn’t it?

Chelsea have identified the importance of an assistant manager, not just to the man in charge himself, but to the rest of the squad. Ancelotti et al can argue until they’re Chelsea-blue in the face that their poor form was not down to Wilkins’ departure, but really – who are they trying to fool? Ray Wilkins seemed to be the heartbeat of Chelsea. They won the league last season, so why change it?

Maybe one day we will hear the truth, because there has to be more to it. For now, Chelsea have fired a warning shot to any other club thinking that they can cut corners by getting rid of their assistant manager: Do so at your peril, Wilkins is the proof. Actually, forget that. It was just a coincidence. Right?

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Like my rants? Follow me on Twitter a www.twitter.com/@joino

[bet_365 type='odds' size='300' af_code='365_050711']

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain hit a hat-trick in their 6-3 thrashing of Valencia in La Liga on Saturday.Jose Mourinho’s side was in devastating form as they held a 4-0 half-time lead at the Estadio de Mestalla, although they failed to make up any ground on first-placed rivals Barcelona, who also had a win.

Higuain was the provider of the first in the 23rd minute as his pass led to Valencia goal-keeper Vicente Guaita palming into the path of Karim Benzema, who hammered home into an empty net.

The Argentine got his first goal of three in the 31st minute with a tight finish, before setting up Kaka for the team’s third six minutes from half-time.

The Brazilian returned the favour twice to Higuain, either side of the interval, as Real Madrid led 5-0 after 53 minutes.

Valencia striker Roberto Soldado pulled a goal back on the hour mark before Kaka completed his brace after an assist from Benzema two minutes later.

Substitutes Jonas and Jordi Alba provided some respectability to the scoreline with goals in the last 10 minutes as the third-placed Valencia crashed to a heavy defeat.

Barcelona maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the table, however, with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Osasuna.

Goals from David Villa and his second-half replacement Lionel Messi ensured Pep Guardiola’s team kept their buffer at the top.

Villa finished smartly in the 24th minute after benefiting from a slick team move that led to a superb pass from Jeffren in his direction.

Messi wrapped up the points two minutes from time with a neat finish after Dani Alves slid him behind the Osasuna defence.

The loss continues Osasuna’s nervous finish to the season, still sitting two points above the drop zone.

The Los Angeles Galaxy suffered just their third defeat of Major League Soccer season on Wednesday, losing 3-0 at the Portland Timbers.The Western Conference-leading Galaxy arrived at Jeld-Wen Field unbeaten in their last 14 MLS matches, a record stretching back to a 2-1 loss away to Dallas on May 2.

Aiming to tie the franchise record of 15 consecutive matches without defeat, the Galaxy were buoyed by the return of David Beckham from suspension.

By contrast, MLS debutants Portland had managed just one win in their last 10 matches.

They were without captain Jack Jewsbury to a strained hamstring, while centre-forward Eddie Johnson withdrew concussed after being struck in the head with a ball during the warm-up.

But despite the odds seemingly being stacked in the Galaxy’s favour, they could find no answer to a rampant Portland side.

The hosts took a deserved lead 24 minutes into the match through Mike Chabala.

The defender, who only joined from Houston on July 21, exchanged a one-two with Darlington Nagbe, finding space in the box before beating LA goalkeeper Josh Saunders with a crisp strike.

Colombian striker Jorge Perlazza made it 2-0 nine minutes later, sliding in ahead of Galaxy defender AJ DeLaGarza to convert Diego Chara’s cross.

And defender Eric Brunner headed home Salvatore Zizzo’s corner in the 67th minute to secure a memorable 3-0 victory for the Timbers.

Galaxy remain top of the Western Conference, but are only three points ahead of second-placed Dallas, who have a game in hand over the league leaders.

Portland are seventh, one point ahead of San Jose and 10 clear of last-placed Vancouver.

In other matches on Wednesday, the Philadelphia Union were held 1-1 in their match away to the Chicago Fire.

Visitors Union had led at half-time courtesy of Veljko Paunovic’s 34th-minute goal, but had to settle for a point following Pavel Pardo’s equaliser nine minutes into the second half.

Philadelphia, second in the Eastern Conference, are two points behind Columbus Crew, but have played one match fewer than the leaders.

Chicago are down in eighth, level on points with bottom side Toronto.

Finally, first-half goals from Roger Espinoza and Teal Bunbury helped Sporting Kansas City see off Real Salt Lake 2-0.

Kansas held out to record a clean sheet and the win, despite losing goal-scorer Espinoza to a straight red card with 33 minutes still to play.

The defeat leaves Salt Lake fifth in the Western Conference, while Kansas are fourth in the East, four points off the Crew.

The narrow minded attitude of the BBC has sparked plenty of criticism over the past month or so as two Football League Shows over the Christmas period were cancelled, suggesting that the show could be scrapped altogether. Rumours were flying about on social networking sites but it is still unclear whether the 72 football league clubs’ supporters will be able to watch action from their teams.

The BBC claim it is in negotiations over whether to recommission the Football League Show, which is in the final year of a three-year contract, but whether they are successful is still to be seen as the Premier League is once again showing its distance between the rest.

A BBC spokeswoman made a statement on the recent cancellations: “The Boxing Day and 2nd January fixtures are outside our contractual obligations,” she said. “Many factors come into play when planning the busy Christmas schedules and we were unable to schedule a programme for New Year’s Eve. To address the shortfall, we will be doing an additional programme later in the season.”

Football League Show host Manish Bhasin attempted to squash any rumours that his show will be no longer after this season is finished.

“Budget decision I’m afraid … but all the goals will be online on the BBC Football website,” he said on Twitter “The FLS has NOT been scrapped! It’s on till May and who knows maybe even longer … but …”

Whatever the decision come May, the nonchalant decision to not show crucial fixtures for waiting fans is a clear sign that the BBC have more interest in the Premier League than ever. The gap between the top two divisions in England is widely thought not to be a great deal in footballing terms, but financially and in people’s priorities it is now huge.

The funding for the Championship sides is decreasing consistently and clubs falling from the top division are finding it harder and harder to compete at the lower level due to financial restrictions and a shock to the system.

It is staggering to think that the Championship, League One and League Two clubs get so little TV time but yet I am confident that West Ham, Birmingham City, Southampton and possibly Cardiff City would not look out of place in the declining Premier League this season. The parachute payments are a ticking time bomb for clubs such as Blackpool who will take a long time to match the heights of Premier League football last season and without excellent owners will have that debt for a long time.

The Football League Show will return this weekend even though the BBC claim that this weeks’ Carling Cup games were more important than the Football League in recent weeks, but the timing of the show usually passes midnight and not all supporters will be able to watch it which once again shows priorities that are not welcomed in modern day football. I am interested in all levels of English football, not just the top 20 teams so why should I not be able to watch the rest because the BBC feel it is less important.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Do you think the Football League Show is worth keeping on? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard

[divider]

FREE football app that pays you CASH

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

Tottenham are still interested in signing Brazilian striker Leandro Damiao after failing to prise him away from Internacional in the summer, the Metro understands.

Boss Harry Redknapp was keen to bring the 22-year-old to White Hart Lane during the transfer window as he sought to strengthen his attacking options.

He has since signed Emmanuel Adebayor on loan from Manchester City but still has a spot open in his squad for a striker after letting Peter Crouch move to Stoke and Robbie Keane leave for LA Galaxy of the MLS.

Damiao was the subject of a £15 million move by Spurs during the summer, but the North London side aren’t prepared to pay anywhere near that amount when the window re-opens at the start of 2012.

They hope that a package made up of a significantly lower fee and a number of incentive-based payments will be enough to tempt Internacional into selling the striker.

However, their has also been protracted interest from Barcelona and Spurs could have a huge battle on their hands if the La Liga giants decide to enter the race for Damiao’s signature.

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Bids from both clubs will hinge on whether the South American club lower their demands for Damiao, with their current price tag considered too steep by both Redknapp and Nou Camp boss Pep Guardiola.

[ad_pod id=’qs-2′ align=’left’]

There have been reports this week that should West Ham fail to win this weekend, that Avram Grant’s time at Upton Park is as good as over. Whilst this may seem a touch melodramatic considering the relatively small point deficit between the Hammers and the main pack, the ease with which Grant’s side have been dealt with in recent weeks suggests that this game could genuinely make or break the league season.

Perhaps it is unfair to judge the current state of West Ham’s quality of football on their performance at Anfield last weekend, as the game was virtually over after 25 minutes. However, they welcome a side that without two red cards at Old Trafford last weekend, could have taken something off the former Premier League champions and this suggests there will be not an easy breath for any of the Hammers faithful before five o’clock on Saturday afternoon.

A victory would be a massive fillip, much could depend on which Wigan decides to make the long journey south. Grant may think he is owed a win, but the Premier League does not always work that away.

Prediction: 1-2

[poll ]

Palmeiras defeated Atletico Paranaense 1-0 on Saturday to take the lead in Brazil’s Serie A, while Fluminense and Figueirense also won.Visitors Atletico held Palmeiras goalless into the second half at Estadio Paulo Machado de Carvalho.

But their task became harder when defender Romulo received his marching orders just before the hour mark.

And the hosts made their advantage count, with defensive midfielder Chico netting the winning goal 15 minutes from time.

Elsewhere on Saturday, a brace from striker Rafael Moura helped Fluminense win 2-1 at home over Cruzeiro.

Moura put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time at Estadio Olimpico Joao Havelange.

Cruzeiro levelled through forward Anselmo Ramon on 68 minutes, but parity lasted just three minutes before Moura struck again to complete his double and secure all three points for Flu.

Botafogo earned a point with a 2-2 draw away to Ceara.

The visitors led through a goal from midfielder Elkeson on 28 minutes, before Osvaldo and then Michel struck to make it 2-1 to hosts Ceara.

But an equaliser from defender Antonio Carlos 15 minutes from time saw Botafogo escape with a share of the spoils.

Finally, two goals in five second-half minutes from forward Heber and defender Edson Silva saw Figueirense win 2-0 at home to Atletico Goianiense.

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce is surprised by Asamoah Gyan’s decision to leave Wearside to sign for United Arab Emirates club Al Ain, and has stated that the striker has no future at the club.

Speculation has shrouded the African frontman’s future over the last month despite The Black Cats’ lack of attacking options, and Bruce has revealed that Gyan went back on his word.

“I had a conversation with him 48 hours ago and he assured me, he shook my hand, that he wanted to be a Sunderland player, wanted to see the season, wanted to go the African Nations again in good form, wanted to work on his fitness levels then all of a sudden within a few hours it seems things have changed,” he told Sky Sports after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Bruce was astonished by Gyan’s decision to leave, especially given his destination and has admitted the forward is not welcome back to the Stadium of Light.

“Other people can make their own conclusions. You leave the biggest and best league in the world to go play in the United Arab Emirates. I’m sorry but sometimes football, sometimes it’s baffling to say the least. Very disappointed in the timing of it, the whole thing has left a bad taste if I’m being honest.

“I don’t believe he’s got a future here, I don’t think he can. You can’t leave this club and want to leave and want to go the United Arab Emirates and we’re going to welcome you back with open arms, I can’t see it but you never know,” he continued.

The news is a blow for Sunderland, especially after their defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, with Bruce not happy with his defence.

“They (Chelsea) were excellent in possession of the ball. We found it very difficult to get after them, which we did and we did valiantly to keep at it and stick at it, but when we got it we gave it away too cheaply.

“For all that good possession that they had, they haven’t really carved us open, they don’t have to do much for both goals really so that’s disappointing,” he concluded.

Sunderland’s next game is against Stoke at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, and with only two points from four games so far this term the home fans will be keen to see their side get a win.

[divider]

FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. Subscribe FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.

---

Subscribe

By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.

Fancy a Premier League Box Experience? Click on banner below to find out more

[divider]