Liverpool Swoop for Ex-FM Wunderkid?

Liverpool are rumoured to be interested in buying Valencia's young midfielder Ever Banega for a rumoured 9 million euros. While Valencia would prefer to recoup the original 18.5 million euros that they paid Boca Juniors for Banega, Valencia's well-known financial difficulties may force them to sell the highly-rated 21 year-old. While this is a far cry from the many rumours of big-money moves Silva and Villa, it would nevertheless be a coup for Liverpool to grab an excellent young player for such a reasonable price. Unlucky to be excluded from Maradona's World Cup squad, the Banega has impressed with his excellent passing and strong defensive work in central midfield.

Carragher to Return for England?!

Reports are emanating from England that Liverpool's Jamie Carragher, who infamously retired from the English national team in 2007, has decided to come to his country's aid and make himself available for selection.
This would be good news for England, with several defensive players out with injuries, and Carra's experience, quality, and versatility would come in handy as an option for Capello. Given the fitness problems that almost all of England's center backs have experienced this season, Carragher would be invaluable were injury to strike Capello's likely first-choice pairing of Ferdinand and Terry, and given his ability to play as a right-back, England fans will be very happy with this news.

Cowardly Kop Crowns Conquering Chelski

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea


It has been a week to forget for Liverpool and their supporters. First the energy-sapping loss to Atletico, and then the not-unexpected loss to Chelsea. For a team that prides itself on it's fighting spirit, Liverpool were depressingly quick to capitulate after Chelsea's first goal. Gifted to them by Gerrard's tri-annual back-pass disaster, Drogba and Chelsea took their opportunity with aplomb, and brushed aside Liverpool with ease.

The match started as a pretty even affair, with both teams cautious and cagey. But then Gerrard intervened, playing a perfect pass back to Drogba, and with Pepe Reina unable to intercept, Drogba scored with ease. After that, the match was over. Any heart or desire Liverpool had until that point vanished, any confidence evaporated. Chelsea were solid defensively, and their attacking quartet of Drogba, Anelka, Malouda, and Kalou continuously caused Liverpool's makeshift defence problems. Gerrard never looked like imposing himself, and while Aquilani and Benayoun occasionally threatened Chelsea's defence, the rest of the Liverpool team seemed to have utterly lost heart, content merely to play the rest of the match out. It was no surprise when Lampard scored Chelsea's second; what was amazing was that Benayoun was the only man in the center of defence trying to prevent him from scoring. It was a depressingly apt end to the season Anfield. Chelsea have taken a crucial step towards securing the title, while Liverpool have confirmed that last year's efforts and hopes were merely a prelude to this year's crushing disappointments. Chelsea will be deserved Premiere League Champions, having won every match they've played against the so-called Big Four, and Liverpool have been no better than their depressing league position indicates.

Feghouli to Valencia?

Rumours are circulating that Grenoble Foot 38 youngster Sofiane Feghouli is poised to move on a free transfer to Valencia. The 20 year-old is just waiting to put pen to paper to confirm his move from the relegated French side.
Hailed for his promising performances for Grenoble two years ago, the ambidextrous attacking-midfielder had a quieter season this year, but his potential mean that this could be a very smart move for financially-strained Valencia. Feghouli can play on either side as a winger, centrally, and as a traditional number 10.

Internazional Make Champions League Final

For the first time since in 38 years, Inter Milan will be playing in the Champions League Final!

Mourinho has done what he was hired to, and transformed Inter from Champions League failures to Champions League Finalists. An incredibly disciplined performance from Inter at the Camp Nou means that Inter advance 3-2 on aggregate against previous winners and favourites Barcelona.

The match was as many expected, with Barcelona holding the ball in Inter's half of the field, probing for openings. With Xavi, Keita, Busquets, and Toure all playing, Barca weren't short of passing options, but as the game progressed it became clear that Barcelona's slow and steady approach might keep the ball away from Inter, but wasn't actually posing many problems to the Italian team. Inter themselves were looking vaguely threatening on the counter, with Eto'o's speed creating several potential openings, but they failed to ever test Valdez.

In the 28th minute, Motta was given a tremendously controversial second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion. He had raised his hand to ward off Busquets behind him, and while there was minimal contact, Busquets fell to the ground like he had been shot, with de Bleeckere showing no hesitation in bringing out the second yellow. Motta was furious, and grabbed Busquets by the neck, which predictably prompted more theatrics, but Motta eventually left the field. Mourinho was rightly furious, but while this should have been a game-changing decision, in reality there was little difference. Barcelona refused to alter their approach, and with Inter defending with 10 behind the ball as before, it was hard to notice any difference. The match looked like a training exercise, with the attack practicing against the defence. It was a contest that the defence was winning easily.

Barcelona's passing wasn't incisive, their off-the-ball movement slow and predictable, and more than anything, their unwillingness to sprint or take players on meant that Inter's defence was able to sit back and soak up the pressure. Julio Cesar was called in to action only once to make a good save, tipping out Messi's curling strike; Bojan headed wide when given the whole net to aim at, and Barca's two other chances resulted in goals, the first of which was created by a lucky blocked clearance, but was ruled out because of a handball that was clearly ball-to-hand. The second of course, was Piqué's neat turn-and-shot in the box in the 84th minute. While it looked off-sides from the angles I saw, it was excellent play from the defender to turn so calmly and roll the ball in to the net. Barcelona only increased the pressure after that point, but their lack of penetration ended up costing them dearly.
Inter defended with two banks of 4 throughout the match, and their intelligent and disciplined space-control meant that Barcelona were constantly forced to go wide with the ball, and with crosses guaranteed to be headed away by Inter's tall defenders, this was perfect for Mourinho. Guardiola should have learned his lesson after narrowly escaping Chelsea last year, but clearly, he still has a lot to learn.

Nothing but congratulations are due to Inter and Mourinho, they came and did exactly what they had to do. It wasn't pretty, but they got the job done with surprising ease. Now it will be Sneijder vs. Robben in the final.

HT: 0-0, Inter down to 10 men!

As predicted, Barcelona have dominated possession, but Inter have remained disciplined and strong at the back.
Motta has been dismissed for a second yellow card; his raised hand was enough to send Busquets theatrically to the ground, and we will surely be hearing more about this from Mourinho post-match. Players know that they can't raise their hands about shoulder level, but there's no doubt that no referee in their right mind would have given out a second yellow had they actually seen the incident up close.

Julio Sergio has only been seriously tested once, as he dove to his right to just tip wide Messi's curling shot. Alves has been getting some space on the right, but Inter are clearly utilizing the space he leaves open, with Milito usually sitting there waiting to counter.

Intriguing second half ahead, with both teams still in it. Can Inter hold out, or will Barcelona come to life and score the goals they need to advance?
Força Barça!!

Barcelona-Internazionale Preview

Barcelona take on Inter in a mouthwatering clash, with the Blaugrana needing a comprehensive win to advance to the Champions League Final. Humbled in Milan, Barca need to win 2-0, by 3 clear goals, or, they can advance via a penalty shoot-out if regular time + extra-time ends at 3-1.

Inter Milan managed to bring the Barca juggernaut to a shuddering halt in Milan, exposing their defensive frailties, and keeping Messi quieter than he's been since last year's Chelsea game. Mourinho did his job to perfection, meticulously preparing his team tactically and psychologically, and Inter gave their best Champions League performances since the Middle Ages. Barcelona were shocked, swept aside by Inter's counter-attacking verve and and defensive discipline, and their fans will be especially nervous considering Barca's sudden defensive vulnerability.


But anyway, back to tomorrow's game. Barcelona will be playing in front of a sold-out Camp Nou, and with all of Catalunya urging them on. The Catalan papers are drumming up support, exhorting everyone to be in full support of their team. Of course, it isn't really necessary: every Barcelona fan in Spain is aware that their team is in the most difficult situation they've been in since Guardiola took the helm, and that every bit of support is needed to push the team on.

I won't go in to a full tactical analysis, as that's been done before. But there are a couple salient points that should be pointed out.

Barcelona MUST defend their flanks better.
As I pointed out in my earlier preview, Barcelona's weakness is their wing-backs. Alves doesn't defend, and neither left-back is particularly good in attack or in defense. Inter Milan exploited this in the first leg, as was expected, and it was a major reason for Inter's 3-1 victory. Inter Milan will be playing a counter-attacking game, and will look to catch Alves and Maxwell out of position; Barcelona simply cannot afford to let this happen, otherwise Inter will get that crucial away goal.


Barcelona must figure out how to open up Internazionale's defence. 
Inter will likely be very defensive, knowing that if they can repeat Chelsea's super-catenaccio performance from last year, they will advance to the final. If Barcelona start with Ibrahimovic flanked by Messi and Henry, they will play in to Inter's hands. Lucio and Samuel are both big and physical, and will be able to snuff out Ibra's threat. Of course, Ibrahimovic is capable of truly brilliant moments, but given the way he's played so far this year, it is unlikely that he'll be doing anything special. While Messi is capable of slicing through just about any defence, Inter's experienced defenders already showed how capable they are of marking and closing off space for Messi to run in to. Perhaps Guardiola would do well to spring a surprise and start Messi in the middle, where his massive speed advantage over the two centerbacks could change the complexion of the tie. With Henry and Pedro on the flanks, Barcelona's trident attack would possess far more speed than it would possess with Ibra; even with Inter likely to pack the box with defenders, Messi's speed and dribbling in the middle would be far more difficult for Inter's lumbering centerbacks to contain than the slower and more cumbersome Ibra.


Barcelona's Defence
Barcelona's defence was uncharacteristically lax against Inter in the first leg; a repeat performance will most definitely see them out of the competition. Milito and Eto'o are both excellent finishers, and just one goal for Inter will in all likelihood be enough for the Italians to advance. Eto'o's speed and Milito's off-the-ball intelligence mean that Piquet and Milito (the defender) will need to be very alert. Sneijder is likely to play, despite his "injury" last week, and his long-range shooting coupled with his incisive passing mean that Barcelona's defense cannot let itself be drawn out of formation. Whoever is screening the defence, Busquets or Toure, will have to  keep a very close eye on Sneijder, as he can put the ball on a plate for the forwards if he is given the time and space.

Key Players

Barcelona
Lionel Messi: The little man is a brilliant footballer, but was rather quiet in the last leg. Constantly shadowed by Cambiasso and Zanetti, Messi didn't have the space or time to do anything. He is likely to have an even more difficult job this time, with Inter sure to be holding at least 7 men behind the ball at all times. He is Barcelona's best chance at breaking Inter's resistance, with his speed and dribbling more dangerous to a deep and packed defense than even Xavi's wonderful passes. Messi doesn't even need to score, if he can draw fouls and unsettle Inter's defence, then Henry, Pedro, and Ibrahimovic will have a much easier time finding space and time in the box.

Internazionale
Julio Cesar: Over the last two or three years, he has become one of the best goalkeepers in the world. Last year, he was invincible for Inter, a key part of their scudetto-winning team. Earlier this year, his form dipped however, and he hasn't quite recovered his confidence and form from last year. If he has a good game for Inter, organizing the defence and handling the ball safely, then they will be well on their way, but if he reverts to spilling shots, then Barcelona will show no mercy.

Prediction:
Barcelona 2-1 Internazionale
Barcelona will monopolize possession, but will fail to score more than twice against Inter's strong defence. Expect Inter to get a goal on the counter, and this will be enough to get them through to the final, no matter how much Barca huff and puff.

Opinion: Vaffanculo Balotelli

Sometimes, there are people that come along in life that are total wankers. Jose Mourinho, for example. But once in a blue moon, there will appear an even bigger jerk, someone who has absolutely no redeeming personal qualities.

Meet Mario Balotelli


Born of Ghanian immigrants in Italy, Mario was raised by the Balotelli family since the age of 3. He started his career with Serie C1 side Lumezzane, making his senior debut at the age of 15. In 2006 he moved on loan to Internazionale, signing a 3-year contract at the beginning of the 2008-2009 season. 
He is considered one of the most impressive young talents in the world, and his performances for Inter and the Italian youth teams have only enhanced his reputation. 

Unfortunately, his massive talent comes with a massive downside: his personality. He courts controversy non-stop, is continuously in the press for the wrong reasons, and seems to finally have achieved what many thought the arrival of Jose Mourinho would avert, namely, a complete breakdown of relations between him and the club. Considering his history with Inter, this is hardly surprising, as the one thing that sticks out about this player, even more than his talent and potential, is his attitude. No matter how well he does in the pitch, he constantly undermines his work with stupidity on and off the field. His antics on the field have led to several yellow cards and one red card, often for retaliatory tackles. His dramatic face-clutch after being brushed by Felipe Melo's arm led to Melo being handed a (technically correct) second yellow card, and sparked a fierce on-field altercation involving Motta and the usually reserved Buffon. He is often subjected to "racist" chants, particularly from Juventus supporters; what most fail to realize is that the chants have nothing to do with him being black, and everything to do with him being hated by almost every football fan in Italy. In addition, his admitted support of A.C. Milan, and posing on TV in a Milan jersey has driven away even his staunchest fans among the Inter tifosi.


But the recent incidents in the Inter-Barca Champions League match definitely seem to have surpassed previous incidents in their long-term implications. Between throwing his Inter jersey on the ground, provoking the fans, and almost getting in a fight with Inter thug-in-chief Marco Materazzi, it seem that Balotelli's days in an Inter jersey are limited. And he should have no complaint; his actions leave the club with little choice. The utter lack of respect he has shown to Mourinho, one of the most revered (by his fans) and successful coaches in the world, is ridiculous; coupled with the lack of respect he has shown to the club and it's fans, damning. It is clear that Balotelli is incredibly arrogant, his refusal to improve his attitude confirms as much. Does he feel that he should be a guaranteed first team starter? He recently proclaimed that he will become the best player in the world-what does that tell you, coming from a 19 year-old player who currently doesn't even start for his team? If he wants to learn how to be arrogant but successful, then he is under the right coach. But Mario is so arrogant that even Mourinho seems unable or unwilling to handle him! Clearly, he should move on, as he's done an excellent job of destroying any relationship with Inter, the fans, and Mourinho.The club has little chance of fixing relations with the player, and there are few indications that the club even wants to at this point. 

His talent is undeniable, but the tremendous amount of problems he causes with his belligerent attitude mean that he is better off getting a clean start somewhere else. Whether or not he'll ever fulfill his potential is doubtful, but maybe a fresh start at a club like Arsenal would be perfect to turn him around. For there is no doubt that if he does not improve his attitude, no team will be able to keep him around and hope to be successful. He can be fantastic, but his overall contribute to a team is overwhelmingly negative at this point. Inter would be well to get rid of him, before he destroys their season.

Limp Liverpool Capitulate to Colchoneros

Atletico Madrid 1-0 Liverpool 

Well, not much point in writing a full match review after that. While Atletico's goal was a combination of luck, crap attacking, and worse defending, there can be no arguing that they deserved the result. Diego Forlan didn't do his reputation any favours with an attacking display that was more bungling than brilliant, but he managed to grab the crucial goal that puts Atletico in an excellent position in this Europa League Semi-Final.

Atletico's game plan worked to perfectly, pressing Liverpool high up the field, not giving them a chance to counter, and keeping possession. Atletico were dangerous down the flanks, and over the course of the match created far more opportunities than static Liverpool. Benayoun managed to get the ball in the net at one point, but a contentious off-sides call ruled it out. It was a mediocre match overall, with neither team showing much quality, but Atletico at least can claim to have put in a solid display against a Liverpool side that showed no ambition, drive, energy, or spirit.

Luckily for Liverpool, Atletico put on a display of finishing that would embarrass Heskey, with Forlan particularly culpable. His 9th minute goal came after he misjudged a perfect cross, botched his header, and barely managed to hit the ball off Reina's leg and watch it loop in to the corner, despite Carragher's desperate lunge. No one cared though, the ball was in the net despite Forlan and Liverpool's botched efforts. It was a deserved lead, and Liverpool couldn't complain.
Despite periods of possession, the away side showed little attacking spirit through the rest of the match, with Benayoun and substitute Ryan Babel the only players posing any danger to the Atleti rear-guard. Atletico had several more opportunities to extend their lead, but Forlan's idiotic decision to try and chip Reina when through on goal wasted one of them, and Reina's superb reflex save on Simao kept the scoreline at 1-0.

In the end, not a night to remember for Liverpool, and while Atletico will fancy their chances of going through, Liverpool know that the tie is not beyond them, and that a strong showing at home should be enough to see them through to the Europa League Final.

Internazionale-Barcelona Preview

Inter Milan will try to continue their good run of form against CL favourites Barcelona, while Barca will hope to continue their CL unbeaten streak against Inter.

Inter Squad:
Goalkeepers: 12 Julio Cesar, 21 Paolo Orlandoni, 51 Vid Belec.
Defenders: 2 Ivan Cordoba, 4 Javier Zanetti, 6 Lucio, 13 Maicon, 23 Marco Materazzi, 25 Walter Samuel, 26 Cristian Chivu.
Midfielders: 5 Dejan Stankovic, 8 Thiago Motta, 10 Wesley Sneijder, 11 Sulley Muntari, 19 Esteban Cambiasso.
Strikers: 9 Samuel Eto'o, 22 Diego Milito, 27 Goran Pandev, 45 Mario Balotelli

Barcelona Squad:
TBA; Iniesta is out, but Ibrahimovic and Abidal are back in full training, so should be in the match day squad

 In what is clearly the prime Champions League Semifinal match-up, Barca's tiki-taka maestri take on Mourinho's Internazionali at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milano. Barcelona have taken the long coach ride to Milano because of the disruption of air travel in Europe, but despite fears that the match would be postponed, so far there has been no indication from UEFA that a postponement is likely.


With Inter at full strength, expect the Mourinho to go with his strongest team, Eto'o and Milito up front, with Sneijder playing in the hole behind them. Cambiasso and Motta are nailed-on to start in the middle, while Muntari and Stankovic battling out for the other midfield spot. The defence will be the usual lineup of Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, and Zanetti. It is also possible that Mourinho will look to exploit Barca's jury-rigged defence by starting the explosive Balotelli as a winger; that said, Mourinho is more likely to take a safety-first approach, knowing how important it is to keep a clean sheet at home.


Barcelona on the other hand do not have a full squad to choose from; besides Iniesta, Chygrynski is also unavailable, with 20 year-old central defender Andreu Fontas called up from the reserves to replace him on the bench. Neither Ibrahimovich nor Abidal is likely to be at full fitness, so it is possible that Guardiola will be forced to alter his preferred 4-3-3 formation. Guardiola has pledged that he will stick to his attacking philosophy however, so Alves, Piquet, Puyol, and Maxwell will likely start in the back, with Toure, Xavi, and Busquets in the middle, and Messi, Ibrahimovich, and Pedro providing the trident attack. Barcelona played extremely well with the same formation in the 0-0 draw against Inter in the group stages, so while Inter have dramatically improved since then, Barca have reason to be confident.
 
Tactical Analysis
 Mourinho is most likely to be cautious in his approach to the match, knowing the dangers that Barca pose, as well as the importance of keeping a clean sheet at home. As everyone knows by this point, Barcelona can be stopped, but it requires aggressive closing down, midfield pressing, and endless running. Mourinho will try to nullify Barca's midfield with Cambiasso, Motta, and Stankovich, with all three players likely to be focused primarily on winning back the ball and closing down space. They will keep their play simple, make sure not to lose possession to Barca's high pressing, and rely mainly on Sneijder to provide creativity and flair. 
The midfield will have to be very smart though, and be careful to balance and cover for Zanetti and Maicon on the flanks. Maicon and Zanetti are crucial to Inter's tactics, providing powerful overlapping runs on the flanks, crosses, defensive solidity, and as Maicon spectacularly demonstrated against Juventus last week, the occasional goal threat. Against Barcelona, they will have to be vigilant defensively; if they get caught up-field, and leave Inter's center-backs open to Messi and Pedro's runs from the flanks, Inter will concede goals. Inter's midfield trio will have their hands full with Barca's passing, and it will be tempting for both fullbacks to move up-field against Barca's narrow midfield, pressuring Maxwell and Alves. There is no doubt that both Inter fullbacks are better than their counterparts for Barca, and if Inter can keep possession and press Barca up the field, Barcelona's defence will be theirs for the taking. Maicon in particular will be able to get the better of whoever plays at left-back for Barca, and his runs from wide will likely draw one of either Busquets or Toure as cover in addition to Maxwell, pulling Barca's midfield out of shape, and leaving their defence short on cover. Alves of course, is well-known for his willingness to bomb forward and leave the flank open to attack, and while Zanetti is not as quick as he used to be, his exceptional endurance and work-rate mean that he will be more than willing to push up and exploit this weakness.


For Barca, the key is how well they keep possession, as always. If they can keep it like they did in the 0-0 draw earlier in the CL season, they will have an excellent chance of coming away with a good result. While the inventive Iniesta is out, both Busquets and Toure are both good enough to keep possession via Barca's tiki-taka style, as well as providing defensive cover for Puyol and Piquet. They will have to quick on their feet however, with Inter's midfield sure to press, and make sure to close down Inter's fullbacks quickly. Inter will be looking to win the ball back in midfield and counter quickly, and any sloppiness will be punished. If Barca can avoid mistakes in midfield, and Xavi gets the time to pull the strings as he did against Real Madrid, then Barca will leave Milan with a good result. 


Key Players:

Internazionale: Cambiasso
If Cambiasso can do his job, shield the back four, and help keep possession in midfield, Inter will win the match. With his experience and dependability, he will be relied on to snuff out Inter's attack, and provide the more creative players with both a safe passing option and a consistent source of the ball. Should he accomplish this, expect Inter to create plenty of opportunities, and for Lucio and Samuel to have an easy night dealing with Ibrahimovic.


Barcelona: Ibrahimovic
In what will probably end up being a tight and tactical affair, having a striker who is confidant and playing well is crucial to turning the half chances in to crucial away goals. As Torres has so often demonstrated for Liverpool, a team that isn't creating much can nevertheless survive if the striker puts the ball in the net given half a chance. Ibrahimovic has too often been mediocre this year, with neither the showy tricks nor the simple finishes working out for him. However, his recent 2 goal haul against Arsenal may have boosted his confidence, and while he still isn't playing particularly well, he is beginning to score again. While Messi is of course the most brilliant player in the world, expect him to be very closely marked against Inter, and it won't be surprising if his influence isn't decisive. As a result, it is imperative for Barcelona that Ibrahimovic performs. There is no doubt that he will have his chances to score, as Barcelona simply don't fail to create chances, but if he reverts to his recent bad form, then expect Barcelona supporters to be very frustrated come the end of the match. A good finish or two however, and Barcelona will likely be hoisting the Champions League trophy in May.


Prediction:
Inter 2-1 Barca
While Barca will pass the ball around nicely, they will be unable to penetrate Inter's deep defences, and while Messi might create or score a masterpiece, expect Inter to make their attacks count, leaving the tie delicately poised.