Football Icons - Part 9: Zinedine Zidane

By David Lee Wheatley

Born in Marseille to Algerian parents on 23^rd June 1972, Zinedine Zidane grew up playing football with his neighbours and friends in the main plaza of his housing complex in amongst the concrete high-rises. It was within those humble surroundings that the young Zidane honed his abilities and eventually led to a move across to AS Cannes at the age of fourteen, via two youth teams in which he featured named US Saint-Henri and SO Septèmes-les-Vallons.

Tall, elegant and highly skilful, the attacking midfielder made a first-team debut shortly before his seventeenth birthday in May 1989 against Nantes. His first full campaign of involvement with the senior side culminated in the club’s highest league finish since the forties, thus leading to qualification for the UEFA Cup. His partnership with emerging forwards Amara Simba and George Weah terrorised defences right across France, as the team from the south of the country took Ligue 1 by storm.

Unfortunately, a partial break-up of the squad was inevitable and that summer saw Amara Simba return to his parent club Paris Saint-Germain following his loan spell, while the exciting Weah transferred to glamorous Monaco. That left behind a Cannes line-up bereft of goal threat and they fell alarmingly to 19^th spot and were sadly relegated. That sudden downturn in fortunes led to the exodus of the club’s remaining stars, including the influential ‘Zizou’ to Bordeaux.

The switch to the wine region allowed him to blossom with a big-name outfit and he became integral to the team. It was with Bordeaux that he made his first steps on to the international stage in 1994 and he exploded on to the scene by scoring twice as a substitute against the Czech Republic in a 2-2 draw. Zidane quickly assumed the playmaker role and helped his country to the semi-finals of Euro ’96 in England. However, his performances weren’t up to his very best standard throughout the tournament, with many observers believing an imminent move to Juventus in Italy was affecting his game in some way.

This was in stark contrast to his exploits at club level, where he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for 1996, while assisting Bordeaux to the final of the UEFA Cup. Disappointingly for Zidane, they were convincingly beaten over two legs by Bayern Munich. Remarkably, Les Girondins made it all the way to that showpiece event from a mid-summer Intertoto Cup victory which led to their participation in the UEFA Cup initially. It was a run which included fine triumphs over the likes of Real Betis and Milan as they made their way arduously through to a meeting with the Bavarian giants, who proved too strong for them in the end.

Serie A awaited for the Frenchman, with a move to Turin giants Juventus confirmed post-Euros having been mooted throughout the competition. Some doubted his ability to shine on the highest level following some inconsistent performances for his national team, but he proved that notion wholly incorrect when spearheading a Scudetto and Champions’ League charge with Juve. The Bianconeri claimed the Italian league title by a two-point margin from closest challengers Parma, but failed in their quest for the European Cup at the Olympiastadion against a resolute Borussia Dortmund.

Juventus retained their crown the following season, with Zidane in imperious form with seven goals from 32 league appearances. Yet, the Champions’ League trophy alluded him once again thanks to a narrow loss against Real Madrid in the black-and-white’s third consecutive final.

That summer, Zidane stood out at the World Cup finals held in his homeland during the summer of 1998. Despite the midfield man receiving a red card for a stamp on a Saudi opponent in the second group match of the tournament, he played an crucial part in the run to a final meeting with Brazil at the Stade de France and came alive in front of goal with two crucial headers putting Les Bleus two-up. Fellow midfielder Emmanuel Petit sealed the victory with a third, prompting a party on the Champs-Elysees involving over one million people dancing in the streets with utter joy. The Juventus star was hailed as the hero of a nation, as illustrated by his image having been projected on to the Arc de Triomphe in recognition of his achievements during the festivities. Furthermore, Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year after his exploits for both club and country.

Another three seasons in Juve colours cemented him as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, but the Italian club lost their grip on the Scudetto during that period, ending as runners-up in the league table twice within that time.

Meanwhile, France hammered home their domination of international football by claiming the European Championship title in 2000 when defeating Italy in extra-time of a closely contested final. French football was on top of the world, with both global and continental competitions captured, and Zidane’s stock was at its pinnacle come 2001; the Galacticos project was in full swing at Real Madrid and the only step up on offer for the majestic assist-maker was a switch to the Spanish capital joining up with arguably the greatest club side in the universe. A fee in the region of 75m euros was agreed to take him away from Turin following five sterling years of service in order to begin a new chapter with a team looking to obliterate all obstacles to their lofty ambitions of European success.

Zidane signed a four-year contract at the Bernabeu when joining up with superstars such as Luis Figo, Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Raul, Claude Makelele and many others in a squad brimming with quality. The decision to leave Juventus in search of greater accomplishments proved the correct one, with Real winning the 2002 Champions’ League to secure a title which previously escaped the former Bordeaux man throughout his stay in Italy. Zidane scored one of the most remarkable volleys ever witnessed at Hampden Park in the final tie with Germans Bayer Leverkusen, expertly swivelling to connect with his left foot before sending the ball crashing into the roof of the net. That strike turned out to be the match-winner and delivered Real’s ninth European Cup in their history, adding that prestigious medal to Zidane’s already impressive collection.

At international level, France lost their talisman due to a thigh injury for the opening two fixtures of the 2002 World Cup and by the time he was restored to the side it was too late; they dropped out of the tournament in the first round having failed to garner even a solitary goal from three group matches. It was a wretched attempt from the Champions of Europe to defend their position at top of the world game and suggested they were nothing without Zidane’s considerable influence.

La Liga was Real's the following year back in Madrid and yet another FIFA World Player of the Year accolade wound its way to the Marseille-born genius in celebration of his magnificent feats on the football field and those silky skills which so entranced fans and opponents alike. His passing accuracy, penchant for scoring important goals, sublime vision and ease on the ball made Zidane a fantastic spectacle to behold and placed the Frenchman among the footballing elite, both in a contemporary sense and historically.

France made it through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004, as if to confirm their rapid fall from grace on the international stage. With that, Zidane hastily announced his intention to retire from national duty, only to return at the behest of coach Raymond Domenech for a qualifier in September 2005 against the Faroe Islands when it became apparent that the French were in grave danger of missing out on the German-hosted World Cup of 2006.

Thanks largely to the reinstatement of old hands Zidane, Thuram and Makalele to the set-up, Les Bleus managed to rescue the qualification campaign and duly take their spot at the World Cup. With Zidane installed as captain and inspirational leader, they went all the way to the final in hugely exceeding most observers’ expectations, but lost to Marcello Lippi’s defiant Italian team. Zidane had made public his decision to give up professional football at the conclusion of the World Cup in early May and therefore everybody knew the clash in Berlin would be his last.

It initially seemed that fate may have been on his side when Zizou nudged France in front after seven minutes from the penalty spot, Marco Materazzi levelled on 19 minutes and the contest laboured into extra-time. Zidane almost notched again with a header during the first period, but the excellent Gianluigi Buffon was equal to his effort. It was in the 110^th minute of proceedings, in the dying embers of the match-up, when the most extraordinary incident unfolded involving the two goalscorers. The two foes squared up prior to Zidane unleashing a ferocious head-butt firmly into the chest of the strapping Azzurri defender. A distinct feeling of shock was palpable around the Olympiastadion, due to the speed at which the situation flared-up merely from a case of shirt-pulling into the scuffle that ensued. Though no shrinking violet – his red card in the final was a fourteenth of his distinguished career – most onlookers usually chose to focus on the marvel and wonderment often created by the artistry of Zidane, as opposed to various unsavoury misdemeanours.

He unfortunately tarnished his heroic reputation somewhat by indulging in such volatile behaviour, thus blotting his copybook on the very last football match he would take part in after a sparkling 17 years in the professional game. Italy went on to claim victory by way of a penalty shoot-out, while the Golden Ball winner (for being voted Player of the Tournament) was unable to effect the outcome in any way. It later became clear that Materazzi had been ‘trash-talking’ in the direction of his opponent, which resulted in an insult spewing out of the Italian’s mouth pertaining to Zidane’s sister. The 34-year-old’s response was to become the aggressor and lash out with his head towards Materazzi and that last-ever action on a football pitch was burned on to the memory of those in attendance and viewing at home.

However, the overall consensus surrounding Zidane was that his supreme ability as a footballer far outweighed any disciplinary indiscretions and that he should be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of his era.

Following 108 caps for his country, numerous domestic and continental titles to his name and an abundance of personal accolades to look back on with fondness, Zidane retired from football completely when still enjoying his best form. Many of his supporters wished Zidane to continue and try to erase the image of his mistake in the World Cup final, while also dragging a few more years out of his tiring body. But, he stuck to his guns and did not return.

Instead, Zidane now acts as an assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, as they search for their fabled tenth European Champions’ Cup this weekend in Lisbon against city rivals Atletico Madrid. After 12 years of trying for ‘La Decima’ since the Frenchman’s stunning strike in Glasgow brought up their ninth triumph, perhaps this could finally be the time to do it.  

Twitter: @davewh1980 

Champions' League club focus: Chelsea

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

 

It was a tale of two highly contrasting legs at the last-eight stage for Chelsea when coming up against the new-found riches and limitless ambition of Paris Saint-Germain. The French side ran the Blues ragged in their first meeting, with a 3-1 victory scant reward for their endeavour. However, Chelsea turned the tables on their confident opponents when recording a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge with a late strike from forgotten man Demba Ba, which secured an away goal triumph few would have predicted on the evidence of the Parc des Princes clash six days earlier.

Mourinho’s men must now overcome La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid, who saw off the mighty challenge of compatriots Barcelona in the quarter-finals and head into the European Cup semi-finals for the first time in 43 years. Despite the Spanish capital club’s lack of experience at the very highest level of European football, they do have two Europa League trophy wins in their locker over the last four years and appear ready for the next step on to the biggest stage of all.

The west London side sit second in the Premier League going into this weekend’s round of domestic fixtures and have suffered from several inconsistencies in their performances throughout the campaign. Atletico represent a formidable obstacle to their chances of replicating the glorious Champions’ League success of 2012 and the underdogs tag could well be bestowed upon the Blues in anticipation of this titanic tie.

Possessing arguably the strongest central defensive pairing in Europe gives Chelsea great strength within their back-line, but it is often undermined and put under unnecessary pressure by the antics of the erratic David Luiz in the defensive midfield role. The Brazilian is undoubtedly a talented footballer, but he suffers from a lack of discipline and focus, which is essential in that holding role protecting Gary Cahill and John Terry. Luckily for Luiz, that all-English partnership has been largely solid as a rock and has bailed the team out of a hole on numerous occasions this season.

Atletico will pinpoint Luiz as the Blues’ main weakness, but will also welcome the news that combative full-back Ivanovic is suspended and chief attacking threat Eden Hazard is doubtful with a calf injury. With the likes of Samuel Eto’o, Demba Ba and particularly Fernando Torres failing to find any level of goalscoring form, Mourinho will be desperate for the Belgian to feature. The Portuguese has favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the majority of his first season back in English football, with Hazard crucial on the left-hand side of the three men deployed behind a main striker. Andre Schurrle would likely deputise in his absence, but it would be a bitter blow to Chelsea’s hopes of progressing to lose the majestic former Lille man from the line-up.

Demba Ba has scored two goals in two consecutive games heading into the weekend and has possibly done enough to keep his place up-front. However, powerful centre-backs Godin and Miranda won’t exactly spend sleepless nights worrying about facing the physical ex-Newcastle forward ahead of Tuesday’s home leg. It will be interesting to see if Mourinho plumps for former Atletico icon Torres in the hope that playing against his old club could reignite the fire within the striker’s belly in order to finally get the best out of the fading star. Despite his troubles in a Chelsea shirt, he is still revered at the Vicente Calderon and would cause more concern to the Madrid defence than anyone else in terms of their mental approach to the match.   

Suspension to Branislav Ivanovic should mean Cesar Azpilicueta returns to right-back from the left where he has been impressive, while Ashley Cole will probably come back into the fold. Ramires and David Luiz would be expected to begin in the defensive section of the midfield, but there are whispers of Luiz being deployed at right-back, thus leaving Cole out in the cold and forcing the surprise inclusion of Mikel. Willian, Oscar, Hazard, Lampard and Schurrle will battle it out for the three berths behind a lone frontman and then Ba, Eto’o and Torres will look to secure that one available position up top. It’s doubtful that Mourinho would experiment again with Schurrle in that striker role, as it failed to work out to any satisfactory degree when attempted in the first leg against PSG.

 

Chelsea’s backs are against the wall and they will thoroughly deserve a spot in the Lisbon final should they dispose of the Spaniards over what promises to be two hard-fought meetings. A lack of goals from recognised strikers and the liability of Luiz could well prove to be the downfall of this solid, if unspectacular outfit.

 

Twitter: @davewh1980

 



PSG project scales new heights

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

Relentless pre-match talk surrounding the danger posed by Paris Saint-Germain superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic characterised the build-up to the Champions’ League quarter-final tie with Chelsea, yet it was an inspired performance by less-heralded fellow forward Ezequiel Lavezzi – aided by some extremely poor Chelsea defending it must be said - that eventually led to the Blues’ downfall in the French capital last night.

The home side took the game to their illustrious opponents from the off and duly grabbed a fourth-minute lead through an exquisite finish by Lavezzi. He chested down a poor headed clearance from John Terry which then fell slightly behind him, but somehow managed to lift off his right foot in a backward motion shortly before striking the ball unerringly with his left in one fell swoop. It was a sublime goal from a man who has endured a torrent of criticism from certain quarters since joining the PSG revolution in 2012. However, it was his time to shine yesterday with an energetic showing which forced more feted team-mates into the shade.

Chelsea were struggling to impose themselves on the game until they were gifted a penalty on 26 minutes by the usually reliable centre-back Thiago Silva. Hazard scored with ease and brought the visitors back into the reckoning for the remainder of the half, with the Parisians losing focus and concentration on several occasions.

Half-time allowed the hosts an opportunity to regroup and they set about taking Chelsea apart on the resumption of the action in the second half. It was a dominant display which showed true mettle and resolve from a side whose collective heart for the fight had been questioned in the run-up to the quarter-final clash. Could the silky-skilled artisans who have led PSG to the top of Ligue 1 largely unopposed cope with the rugged, physical, counter-attacking approach of their experienced rivals? The answer was an emphatic ‘yes’ when it mattered most out there on the Parc des Princes turf in front of their adoring fans.

Jose Mourinho gambled by selecting Andre Schurrle as a lone striker ahead of more recognised protagonists of the role, even though he is a winger by trade, and placing David Luiz in a defensive midfield position supposedly protecting the back-four. Those decisions proved costly, with the former stifled by a well-organised PSG outfit and the latter appearing totally lost as he failed miserably to provide a launching pad for attacks or the requisite shield for centre-back pairing Cahill and Terry.

Just beyond the hour-mark, a wicked in-swinging free-kick from the influential Lavezzi brought about PSG’s second goal when the ineffectual David Luiz put the ball into his own net under little pressure, possibly put off by the presence of Ibrahimovic to his left.

Meanwhile, Zlatan went off with a muscle injury on 68 minutes having only affected the game fleetingly in one of his least impressive club appearances of a wildly successful season thus far.   

Ibrahimovic’s premature departure from proceedings failed to halt the Paris freight train running amok over a beleaguered Chelsea rearguard when piling further misery on to the away side in injury-time; sub Javier Pastore firstly left Azpilicueta on his backside, before stylishly dribbling past Lampard and firing low and hard past Cech at his near post to round off a remarkable night.

This convincing statement sent out by the galaxy of Paris Saint-Germain stars cannot be underestimated; those who doubted their credentials to lift the Champions’ League trophy this campaign have been made to eat their words to an extent, while putting 2012 European champions Chelsea to the sword much like sacrificial lambs to the slaughter will undoubtedly encourage burgeoning fear inside the hearts of PSG’s potential final-four opponents should they complete the job at Stamford Bridge next Tuesday.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Young Guns: Alen Halilovic

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

 

 

17-year-old attacking midfielder Alen Halilovic is the youngest-ever player to represent his nation in a full international and also the Croatian first division's youngest goalscorer in history. With a plethora of European heavyweights scouting him from all across the continent for months, it is FC Barcelona who have finally won the day for his signature in a 2.2million euros transfer.

 

 

Born in Dubrovnik, Halilovic quickly ascended through the youth ranks at Dinamo Zagreb to make his first-team debut in September 2012 as a late substitute within the hostile atmosphere of a clash with rivals Hadjuk Split. A UEFA Champions' League bow followed against Paris Saint-Germain, thus gaining further invaluable experience at the highest level.

 

 

Even better was to come, though, for the diminutive left-footer when breaking into the senior national squad, having represented his homeland at all youth stages up to under-17. Portugal were the opposition on June 10, 2013, as Halilovic broke yet another record due to his tender years.

 

 

Many observers have been swift in comparing the wonder-kid to Real Madrid superstar Luka Modric, but his club have been careful to keep their prize asset from getting too carried away with such high praise. Dinamo bled the youngster slowly but surely into action, with the starlet appearing on 19 occasions and scoring 3 goals this season. However, only eight of those were starts in order to allow the developing midfielder the rest he requires to avoid burn-out issues.

 

 

His current side hold an 11-point lead this campaign domestically, while Halilovic has been further subjected to European competition in both the Champions' League qualifiers and Europa League group stage. He will stay with the 15-time Croatian first division champions until the season's end, at which point the Catalan giants will begin to phase him in gently - after what he hopes will be an adventure at the World Cup in Brazil - with a stint playing for their 'B' team initially.

 

 

Hopes are high that Halilovic will mature and prosper under the expert guidance of one of the greatest training academies in the world, while helping him to fulfil his undoubted potential later on during a projected minimum stay of five years. There is no specific timeframe for his promotion to the big leagues and Barca will surely caress his career with great understanding.

 

 

If he performs as well as hoped, his succession of Blaugrana great Xavi won't be too far into the future and the meagre fee of 2.2million euros will increase substantially with myriad add-ons attached to the deal.

 

 

Twitter: @davewh1980

Analysis: Champions' League quarter-final draw

 

 

By David Lee Wheatley

The Champions League quarter-final draw handed Manchester United a mighty difficult task in order to overcome holders Bayern, while the other remaining English representatives Chelsea will undoubtedly fancy their chances against French league leaders Paris Saint-Germain.

An all-Spanish tie between Barcelona and Atletico Madrid appears almost too close to call, with both sides separated by just one point in La Liga at time of writing. Meanwhile, Real Madrid make up an extremely powerful trio of clubs from that country and would seem heavy favourites to sweep opponents Borussia Dortmund aside.

United woke up from their season-long slumber when defeating Greek side Olympiakos 3-0 at Old Trafford on Wednesday, thus coming back from a 2-0 first-leg deficit. The first 60 minutes of that second-leg clash were played at a frantic pace from the off and saw the home side cruising thanks to an impressive Robin van Persie hat-trick. However, they had to survive a sprinkling of shaky moments before finally seeing out the game and dumping the plucky Greeks out of the tournament.

Their prize for struggling through is a daunting meeting with current holders Bayern Munich, with United hosting the Bundesliga giants first of all. The only way David Moyes’ men will survive in the competition is by establishing a lead to take to Germany; otherwise it is curtains for the fading Manchester giants. However, even getting their noses in front will prove easier said than done and would be a major turn-up for the books in itself given the Red Devils shocking league form overall this campaign.

Bayern have swept all before them domestically once again, while seeing off the challenge of Arsenal with great ease at the last-16 stage in Europe. Despite the draw pitting them against three-time European champions United, the Bavarian bulldozer seems set to roll on regardless under the canny guidance of renowned tactician Pep Guardiola. The former Barcelona captain is looking to secure his third Champions’ League crown as a coach and won’t be fazed by the prospect of facing up to a team evidently shorn of confidence and possibly the services of the injured van Persie.

Chelsea never left second gear when putting Galatasaray to the sword in the last round against a side with an aging Didier Drogba leading the line against his beloved former club, plus the ineffective Wesley Sneijder in midfield; a once-feted footballer whose star has fallen alarmingly since his apparent peak four years ago under Jose Mourinho at Inter. It was oh-so-easy for the Blues to dissect the Turks’ defence in winning by a comfortable 3-1 aggregate margin and that victory will give 2012 champions Chelsea a great boost as they size up their next assignment.

Led by talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paris Saint-Germain are eleven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and demolished Bayer Leverkusen 6-1 over two legs, with an especially one-sided 4-0 victory coming their way in Germany. Though they possess a fearsome strike-force and a commanding lead domestically, they will find the Stamford Bridge outfit a much tougher nut to crack; wily old Mourinho is a master at stifling opposition strengths, while exposing their weaknesses at will. Additionally, he and the majority of his squad hold the invaluable experience of claiming continental trophies over a number of years and collectively they form a formidable obstacle for the Parisian artisans to successfully negotiate.

It’s likely that Barcelona will be slight favourites going into battle against compatriots Atletico, but only marginally so. In fact, with ten matches left to play, Madrid’s so-called second side sit one point above their more illustrious rivals in La Liga following a fantastic season so far. They underwent a slight wobble when managing just one triumph in four fixtures, including surprise losses to minnows Almeria and Osasuna, but bounced back by securing two league wins on the trot most recently and knocking a severely demoralised Milan out of the Champions’ League.

Atletico will feel they have a strong chance of conquering their fellow title contenders from Catalonia, but must play both legs at the very height of their powers if they wish to progress. Barcelona have also suffered two unusual defeats in the last four games against Real Sociedad and Valladolid, thus falling four points behind leaders Real Madrid and giving Atletico hope. However, they swatted away widely-touted pretenders to their throne Manchester City without much fuss in the round of 16 and are seasoned campaigners at the top table of European competition in comparison with Diego Simeone’s men. It’s likely to be a tight fixture between the two Spanish clubs and will probably be won by the odd goal either way.

Last year’s runners-up Borussia Dortmund squeaked past Zenit in making their way to the quarter-finals, but they will go into their match-up with Real Madrid with a measure of trepidation. The legendary Galacticos have not lost a La Liga game since 26^th October, a defeat which arrived in the last El Clasico, and look odds-on to lift the league championship trophy come the end of the campaign. Of course, the second instalment of Real-Barca takes place tomorrow evening and that could determine the destination of the title.

Complimentary to their sparking domestic displays, Real also thrashed Schalke 9-2 on aggregate to make it into the last-eight and will aim to do a similar job on a Dortmund side that don’t appear quite as strong as they were during 2012/13. The 1997 winners are miles behind Bayern in the Bundesliga – as they found themselves last campaign – and also looked decidedly porous at the back in leaking a total of four goals to the beleaguered Russians, who sacked manager Luciano Spalletti on 11^th March after a run of one victory in eleven matches. A 5-4 aggregate advantage for the side from Germany's industrial heartland is hardly the stuff of potential European kings.

 

Barring a minor miracle, Carlo Ancelotti’s charges will be in the hat for the semi-final stage of the world’s greatest club competition, as they attempt to justify the bookies’ faith in their ability to claim the glory on offer.

 

Twitter: @davewh1980

Time to get tough on racism in football

By David Lee Wheatley

UEFA’s punishment of CSKA Moscow for the latest in a string of racism-related incidents inside various football stadia is far, far too lenient.

What do the ‘fans’ involved care if they must uproot themselves from their usual position to another part of the stadium in order to continue conducting their vitriolic abuse of opposing players from other ethnic groups and races?

The only way for the leaders of European and world football to make a clear stand against such hideous prejudice is to begin deducting points and even banning clubs from European competition altogether.

Actions such as those will send a strong message that such vile behaviour will not be tolerated and will truly strike at the very core of clubs and their followers. A lack of top-tier continental action would harm them from a financial point of view, as well as taking away the prestige which taking part in the Champions League and Europa League delivers. Only then will it prove the zero-tolerance policy that UEFA claim to have for this kind of situation actually exists, as partially (or fully) closing stadia does absolutely nothing at all to deter the morons who perpetrate these heinous crimes.

More drastic and assertive measures from the powers-that-be would also act as a kick up the backside for the clubs themselves, making it impossible for them to ignore what is going on in front of their very eyes. Piffling fines and stadium bans serve not as a deterrent, but more as a way of proving just how toothless the aforementioned organisations are.

Tough new regulations must be put in place swiftly and what a legacy it would be for either or both Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini if they were to spearhead a disciplinary revolution leading to the eradication of such abusive and unwanted behaviour in the seating decks of football grounds across the world.

As we currently stand, the degenerates causing all of the aggravation and trouble are simply laughing at the governing bodies at present and have been doing so for a very long period of time. They would be laughing on the other side of their faces if their beloved clubs were kicked out of European competition for such offences.

With the assistance and backing of lawmakers and the police forces that patrol matches, it’s now high-time FIFA and UEFA got a grip to help rid this disease from the sport we love as soon as possible.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Are the wheels coming off for Wenger?

By David Lee Wheatley

 

 

With Arsenal losing key home contests twice in the space of a week, could it be that the red-and-white juggernaut has ground to a shuddering halt?

The Gunners went an impressive 12 matches unbeaten across all competitions, sitting pretty at the top of their tough Champions League group and the Premier League table to boot, when met by the prospect of facing last season’s European surprise package Borussia Dortmund at the Emirates.

A pivotal match-up that could have all but confirmed Arsenal’s spot in the knockout phase of the tournament turned sour when Dortmund deservedly took home the spoils thanks to a late Lewandowski winner.

Fast forward seven days and the League Cup clash between the Premier League’s top two teams took place at the Gunners’ north London residence, with a resumption of the intriguing battle of wills between Arsene Wenger and his arch-nemesis Jose Mourinho.

Portuguese tactician Mourinho hadn’t lost against his French counterpart during eight previous games and therefore the first meeting between the pair since his much-hyped return to Stamford Bridge was viewed as a prime opportunity for the Arsenal boss to begin setting that particular record straight.

However, the Blues had other ideas and took the lead midway through the first-half through Azpilicueta following an awful headed back-pass from right-back Carl Jenkinson under little pressure.

Matters worsened in the second period when stylish Spanish playmaker Juan Mata sealed Chelsea’s progression into the last eight with a swerving shot from distance that gave Fabianski no chance. It was a sweet strike to settle a tie that was reasonably even in terms of possession and shots at goal, but with the hosts severely lacking a cutting edge.

Star man Mesut Ozil and striker Giroud sat on the bench for three-quarters of the clash, as Wenger’s hopes of ending a long-running trophy drought were dealt a mighty blow. Even though the long-serving Arsenal supremo insists confidence within his squad remains firmly intact, his claims cannot disguise the fact his line-up looked fragile and thin on the ground without the likes of the missing Arteta, Walcott and Flamini, plus subs for the night Ozil and Giroud.

When all Wenger’s top men are fit and in place, they are an awesome side capable of defeating any foe; however, shorn of stellar names it’s a whole different story.

Twitter: @davewh1980  







 



Champions League draw outcome

By David Lee Wheatley

Arsenal and Celtic really lucked-out at the Champions League group stage draw on Thursday evening when handed the toughest-looking opponents of the round.

Under-fire Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could have done with a much easier task than facing Group F foes Marseille, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli. Dortmund, of course, present the most stern test having reached the final of last season's competition and strengthening their side substantially during the summer. Napoli have also been very busy in the transfer market under new head coach Rafa Benitez and appear at their strongest for years. Benitez is a former Champions League winner as manager of Liverpool and beat his north London rivals to the signature of Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain recently. Meanwhile, Marseille are probably the only side Arsenal would expect to defeat home and away, but they're no mugs and will take some beating on their own patch.

Scottish champions Celtic scraped by Kazakh side Shakhtar Karagandy to qualify for the tournament proper and were given the 'Group of Death' as a reward! Firm favourites Barcelona, Italian giants Milan and Dutch legends Ajax make up a pool that Celtic will have been having nightmares about ever since the balls were drawn. The positive side for the Glasgow club must be that they'll have an opportunity to experience three wonderful European nights at Celtic Park during the first stage of the Champions League, but they face an extremely difficult uphill battle to get into the top two. However, Neil Lennon's men will take heart from last year when they beat off Benfica and Spartak Moscow to qualify along with Barcelona for the last-16 before falling to Juventus.

Group A looks reasonably straightforward for Manchester United, having been drawn alongside Shakhtar Donetsk, Bayer Leverkusen and Real Sociedad. Leverkusen aren't the force they once were towards the beginning of the new Millennium, while Sociedad are good but complete novices at this level of competition. Donetsk will be a tough away trip for anybody, but shouldn't trouble United at Old Trafford. David Moyes' side possess plenty of experience within the squad on the highest European stage and they shouldn't fall at the first hurdle.

Clear favourites to progress from Group B are glittering European clubs Real Madrid and Juventus, with Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen looking decidedly ordinary in comparison. It would be a major surprise if either of those top teams lose out on qualification.

Laurent Blanc leads Paris Saint-Germain into a reasonable standard group consisting of Benfica, Olympiakos and outsiders Anderlecht. PSG, while viewing the Champions League as the next huge leap in their project to reach the pinnacle of world football, will expect to get beyond the first round and perhaps as far as the semi-finals. Benfica should be strong enough to secure second, but don't rule out Greeks Olympiakos.

Manchester City were teamed with reigning European champions Bayern Munich, fresh from winning the UEFA Super Cup yesterday against a defensively determined Chelsea side. City failed miserably at Europe's top table so far under Roberto Mancini and will hope for much greater success in the competition under new hot-seat incumbent Manuel Pellegrini. Bayern should top the group, while CSKA Moscow present a potentially tricky tie for Manchester City to negotiate. Minnows Viktoria Plzen make up the four, but are expected to falter in last place.

Group E was reasonably kind to Europa League holders Chelsea, who got Schalke, Basel and Steaua Bucharest in their pool. Schalke undoubtedly represent their strongest opposition and especially now following their capture of Kevin-Prince Boateng from Milan and the potential loan signing of Spurs striker Manu Adebayor. Huntelaar is also a massive threat up-front and the Germans could create a few shocks along the way this season. Basel over-achieved in Europe during the last two campaigns, but always lose a couple of their best players each summer and it'll be interesting to see how this year's version cope. Steaua won their first domestic championship for seven years to get into the tournament and don't carry enough threat to trouble Chelsea or Schalke.

FC Porto and Atletico Madrid appear strong contenders in Group G and shouldn't hit too much trouble when faced with Austria Vienna and Zenit. The Russians of St. Petersburg will be tougher to dismiss than the Austrians, but still won't pose enough questions for the group favourites to answer. Atletico look especially nifty this season, despite the loss of superstar Radamel Falcao to Monaco. The experience of David Villa is adequately off-setting the Falcao sale and Diego Simeone has an attacking team fully capable of conquering any rival.

Of the British sides involved, Arsenal, Manchester City and Celtic look most vulnerable to elimination, while Chelsea and Manchester United should go through comfortably. In the longer run, Chelsea look most likely to challenge for the title outright along with outstanding holders Bayern, plus fellow giants Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG and Dortmund. Also, on the periphery stand Italian sides Milan and Juventus, both of whom could well be counted as 'Dark Horses' for glory come May 2014 in Lisbon.

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