Soccer 360 Magazine Issue 71 September / October 2017

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MAGAZINE

2017/18 SEASON

BREAKDOWN BIG MONEY NEYMAR

TOP TRANSFERS

71

ONE ON ONE

ROMELU LUKAKU DOUGLAS COSTA

CHAMPIONS EUROPA LEAGUE CONTENDERS

FRENCH FOOTBALL FACTORY

TITLE CHASERS TEAMS • FIXTURES • STATS • COACHES • PREDICTIONS • TRANSFERS

TABLE TOPPERS WHO WILL TAKE THE SPOILS?

MLS

CHICAGO ON FIRE VASQUEZ TFC MIDFIELD MAGIC Issue #11 $9.95 CDN - $9.95$9.95 US ISSUE #71 Display untilNovember November 4, 5, 2017 Display until 2007

CONTENTS SEPT / OCT 2017 ISSUE 71

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MAGAZINE

2017/18 SEASON

BREAKDOWN BIG MONEY NEYMAR

TOP TRANSFERS

71

ONE ON ONE

ROMELU LUKAKU DOUGLAS COSTA

CHAMPIONS EUROPA LEAGUE CONTENDERS

FRENCH FOOTBALL FACTORY

TITLE CHASERS TEAMS • FIXTURES • STATS • COACHES • PREDICTIONS • TRANSFERS

TABLE TOPPERS WHO WILL TAKE THE SPOILS?

MLS

CHICAGO ON FIRE VASQUEZ TFC MIDFIELD MAGIC Issue #11 $9.95 CDN - $9.95$9.95 US ISSUE #71 Display untilNovember November 4, 5, 2017 Display until 2007

EPL

06 TABLE TOPPERS 08 ONE ON ONE: LUKAKU 10 NEW BOYS 14 CLUB BY CLUB 16 AROUND ENGLAND

SERIE A

20 TABLE TOPPERS 22 ONE ON ONE: COSTA 24 NEW BOYS 28 CLUB BY CLUB 30 AROUND ITALY

la liga

34 TABLE TOPPERS 36 NEW BOYS 38 CLUB BY CLUB 40 AROUND ITALY

BUNDESLIGA

44 TABLE TOPPERS 46 NEW BOYS 48 CLUB BY CLUB 50 AROUND GERMANY

AROUND THE GLOBE

54 TOP TEN ONES TO WATCH 56 GOLDEN BOOT 60 TRANSFERS MATTER 78 IF WE ONLY HAD VAR 80 FRENCH FOOTBALLING FACTORY

Champions League

62 REVIEW

EUROPA League

PAGE 34 THE THREE-HORSE RACE IN LA LIGA IS SLOWLY SHIFTING. ATLETICO KEPT THEIR STAR FRENCHMAN THIS SUMMER.

64 REVIEW

MLS

66 FIRE SPOTLIGHT 70 AROUND NORTH AMERICA

CONFEDERATIONS CUP

74 REVIEW

IN STORE

84 PRODUCTS

PAGE 6 WHERE WILL THE STRONG MANCHESTER UNITED PLACE THIS YEAR?

PAGE 56 WHO WILL WIN THIS YEAR'S GOLDEN BOOT? WHOS YOUR FAVOURITE?

PAGE 20 NEW AC MILAN WILL LOOK TO DE-THRONE JUVENTUS.

PAGE 48 RB LEIPZIG REMAINS A 2ND PLACE FAVOURITE

PAGE 60 NEYMAR'S BLOCKBUSTER TRANSFER RENEW'S PSG

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KICKOFF NEVER ENDING WINDOW Tickets for Real Madrid Barcelona were over $200

‘‘Many fans in the US are as knowledgeable as their European counterparts’’’

H

ow much would you pay to see Real Madrid play Barcelona? Known as El Clasico, it’s the biggest fixture in Spain and arguably the biggest in world football. Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gareth Bale — the names trip off the tongue. They’re the cream of the crop, the greatest players of their generation.

Clearly then to witness a clash of these two titans is something which should be on the bucket list of every serious football fan. Perhaps that’s why tickets for the most recent meeting between Los Merengues and La Blaugrana started at $274.32, once you include a booking fee. This wasn’t a Champions League semi-final though, nor a title decider at Camp Nou or Santiago Bernabeu. No, this was a pre-season friendly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.

Much as the transfer market never really closes, the football season now has no real beginning or end. Where once pre-season friendlies were played locally and largely ignored by fans and media, now friendly tournaments are played all across the globe, attracting huge crowds, television coverage and almost as much scrutiny as the real event.

Looking at the pre-season schedules of the elite European clubs, one would think air miles could be converted into League points. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus, Roma, Manchester United, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain were among the clubs who played pre-season friendlies in the USA. Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Inter all went to China, while Arsenal played two matches in Australia.

There is nothing wrong with taking football into new markets. Many fans in the US are just as knowledgeable about the game as their European counterparts, and giving those people the opportunity to watch the world’s best sides is no bad thing.

That said, do we really have to pretend that these games are anything more than what they are, namely pre-season warm-up exercises designed to grow brands, expand markets and sell shirts?

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Petr Cech refused to lift the International Champions Cup

MAGAZINE

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EDITOR Steven Davies

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A poor pre-season contributed to Roberto Mancini leaving Inter last year

Take the aforementioned Miami Clasico.

Quite aside from the extortionate ticket prices, the match was billed as part of something called the International Champions Cup. Barcelona won the match 3-2, making them, apparently, “2017 ICC United States Champions”.

The ICC, which had pools in China and Singapore too, was broadcast live around the world, liveblogged on websites and scrutinised furiously in newspapers. All of this for a series of matches which — literally — do not matter.

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech gave a stark indication of how the players view these exercises, point-blank refusing to lift the International Champions Cup in China, despite being implored to do so by his teammates.

Clearly clubs feel they have to pretend they’re taking these events seriously, for fear of alienating American or Eastern markets.

But isn’t this the epitome of old world patronisation? Do fans in Boston, Miami or New York really need to be told some tinpot trophy is at stake to enjoy watching the greatest players in the world?

The wall-to-wall coverage of such friendlies filters down to fans too. In the age of social media, a shanked pre-season cross which would once have been seen only by those in the stadium goes around the world within minutes of it floating harmlessly over the frustrated striker’s head.

Coaches and players come under pressure before a ball has been kicked in anger, with Roberto Mancini leaving Inter last summer thanks in part to a run of dismal friendly results which included a 6-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.

Sometimes the real football is even put on hold to make way for money-spinning friendlies. Last season Scottish champions Celtic were granted a week off Premiership

duty to play a friendly with Inter in Ireland.

This year Manchester City were playing in Toronto two weeks before the Champions League final, Europe’s traditional seasonender, was played.

With last season’s Italian Super Cup played in December, in Doha, how long until we really do have constant football? Pre-season tours, post-season tours, mid-season friendlies — add in the World Cup or European Championships and the football season never really ends.

Missed out on the International Champions Cup? Not to worry, there’s always the Emirates Cup! How long before the phrase ‘pre-season double’ is used without irony?

"The football season now has no real START or end"

SCORE A SUBSCIPTION TO SOCCER 360 MAGAZINE PRINT • DIGITAL • •IPAD soccer360magazine.com

Pre-season tours, post-season tours, mid-season friendlies, how long until there is constant football all year?

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Table Toppers

A Chelsea Dynasty?

CHELSEA ARE THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE THIS SEASON AND UNLIKE ELSEWHERE IN EUROPE, ENGLAND IS GETTING MORE AND MORE COMPETITIVE. ANDREW TUFT EXAMINES WHY…

DID YOU KNOW Chelsea hold the record for the highest ever points total for a league season (95) and the fewest goals conceded during a league season (15) - under the management of Jose Mourhino in 2004/05.

Antonio Conte took Chelsea back to the top of the table in his first season

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W

inning the Premier League title is hard but winning it two years in a row — that’s the hardest of all. Six different clubs have been crowned champions in the Premier League era but only two clubs have done it backto-back, and none since 2009: Manchester United, who twice claimed the trophy in consecutive seasons and twice landed threein-a-row, and Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea. Can Antonio Conte’s Blues do it for a second time in 2017-18?

There’s not been a dynasty in the Premier League since the final fling of Sir Alex Ferguson’s United, when Old Trafford was home to the title every season between 2006-07 and 2008-09. United were twice more crowned champions before Ferguson retired — and haven’t come close since — but those final two successes were interrupted by Chelsea and Manchester City, and blue has been the colour every year since 2014.

City, Chelsea and Leicester City have each topped the table without being able to retain the trophy the next year and neither could Arsenal, even at their Invincible pomp more than a decade ago. Second Season Syndrome is usually flagged up for teams who were newly-promoted but finished comfortably mid-table, a warning not to rest on their laurels or face the consequences, but it’s perhaps the teams at the top of the table that need to learn the cautionary tale.

Few know more about winning — and retaining — the Premier League title than eight-time champion Gary Neville, who pin-pointed what Conte needs to do to add his name to a list that so far includes only Ferguson and Mourinho. “Conte's big job over the summer is re-motivating

those players,” the former United defender explained. “He's a methodical Coach who does repetitive drills. How will they mentally cope with that over the summer?”

Conte’s efforts to retain the Premier League title began in a surprising fashion, with the jettisoning of lead striker Diego Costa. The Spain international was early in the summer informed via text message that he wasn’t required any more, with Alvaro Morata drafted in from Real Madrid to lead the champions’ line.

“I think for sure he is good signing for us,” Conte said of Chelsea’s capture of Morata.

“He is a young player who has a lot of experience. He has played with Real Madrid and Juventus and has a lot of experience for the League and also in the Champions League.”

And what of Costa, cast aside despite 20 League goals in 35 appearances? “The only things I can tell you is in January the Costa situation was very clear for the club, for him and for his agent, and the situation is closed,” Conte explained, referencing the furore at the turn of the year when it seemed Costa was ready to quit Stamford Bridge for the huge money on offer in Chinese football.

Conte, it appears, has a long memory.

Chelsea weren’t the only team spending big on a striker either. The £58m for Morata was slightly more than the £52m Arsenal paid Lyon for Alexandre Lacazette but dwarfed by the £75m Manchester United spent to get Romelu Lukaku from Everton. Manchester City, meanwhile, set transfer records for defenders Kyle Walker and Benjamin Mendy and goalkeeper Ederson, and invested heavily in midfield as Pep Guardiola set about rebuilding his squad.

“I would like to pay less for the club, for

No manager has retained the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson

‘Conte's big job over the summer is re-motivating those players’ Gary Neville

COSTA CONUNDRUM

Jose Mourinho won two-in-arow at Chelsea and is aiming to challenge with Manchester United

everybody, but the market is the market,” Guardiola said, defending City’s outlay of more than £200m, half of which was on Walker, Mendy and Danilo alone.

“Manchester City did not invest in full-backs in the last six or seven last years and all four were 31 or 32 years old. We decided we had to make the squad younger and we try to get the best full-backs possible.”

While the rest of the League was playing catch-up to Chelsea, the team who came closest to denying Conte the title in his first year in England preferred to stand still.

August arrived with Tottenham Hotspur not having signed a single player after finishing the season seven points adrift of their London rivals, but eight clear of City, 11 better off than Arsenal and a whopping 17 ahead of United.

“Big sides are investing a lot of money in trying to improve their squads, but for us we are so calm and so quiet because we have belief in our youth from our academy,” Mauricio Pochettino explained. “We may lack a few players, but we are so calm because I think we have a very good team and the most important thing for us always is the team.”

The money being thrown around by their title rivals isn’t the only thing with which Tottenham have to be concerned, as the prospect of a season spent playing at Wembley looms on the horizon. Spurs’ White Hart Lane home is being demolished while a new ground next door remains under construction, forcing the team to relocate to the national stadium. A record of two wins in nine games under the arch, dating back to 2007, is far from comforting.

“When you are focused and you feel that your home is White Hart Lane it’s so difficult to change,” Pochettino said when questioned about Spurs’ Wembley struggles, citing the challenge of having to adapt in a matter of days from playing at their usual abode to Wembley’s wide open spaces. “It’s so difficult to change your mind set and be ready when you are so comfortable at White Hart Lane. But next season there’s no excuse. Next season it’s Wembley only.”

Liverpool, sporadic title challengers under Rafael Benitez and Brendan Rodgers, are meanwhile aiming high again. Jurgen Klopp has had a full season to get the measure of English football, but a frustrating summer transfer window could leave the Reds short of the teams that finished above them in 2016-17. Yet the Reds on their day can upset any opposition, taking four points off Chelsea last season on their way back into the Champions League.

It is that return to Europe that Mourinho feels will play a part in Chelsea’s chances of holding on to the title. “This season is going

Antonio Conte’s decision to cut Diego Costa loose came as a shock to many but as Andrew Tuft explains, the dye was cast months ago.

be a little more balanced because of the fact the top six are all in European competitions,” the United manager said. “Next season, six teams, and also Everton, are going to play in Europe and that is going to create a new situation for Chelsea and Liverpool.”

As usual when Mourinho comments on United’s rivals a large pinch of salt is required, but balancing the demands of European and domestic football is something champions have to do. Conte’s squad management will be tested to a greater degree than last season, when Eden Hazard and company could be sure of a rest most midweeks. Chelsea’s depth — or lack thereof — could be the crucial aspect of the season to come.

The title race may be more equal this season, as Mourinho suggests, but as champions Chelsea, in theory, have a head start on the rest, who are playing catch-up from last year. Yet the Premier League is a marathon, not a sprint, with the chasing pack on Chelsea’s heels from the off and only the most durable crossing the finish line in first place.

Diego Costa has been told he isn’t in Chelsea’s plans this season

Half-way through the Premier League season and Chelsea are leading the Premier League table by seven points from Tottenham Hotspur but all is not well. The January transfer window is open and Diego Costa’s head has been turned by China.

A contract worth £30m-per-year was put in front of Costa and agent Jorge Mendes, and the player wanted to take it, but Chelsea wouldn’t countenance selling their main striker in the middle of the season. That, combined with a row with a fitness coach over an injury Costa felt he was carrying, led to Costa being left out of the Chelsea squad that travelled to defending champions Leicester City on January 14.

It may also have been the moment Conte decided Chelsea could survive without the Spain international. Chelsea won 3-0, using Eden Hazard as something approaching a false 9, and Costa wasn’t missed. Michy Batshuayi was barely used

by Conte but never disappointed when he was, including scoring the winner at West Bromwich Albion that sealed the title. Conte has declared the Costa situation closed and with Batshuayi, Hazard and Alvaro Morata, may feel he has enough options that Costa won’t be missed.

The situation may be closed but it has also changed. The China offer might not be there any more after a change in regulations regarding foreign players. Costa meanwhile appears to want to return to Atletico Madrid, but they are under a transfer embargo until January 2018. The 28-yearold faces sitting out six months of his career or a move to a club he doesn’t really want to join. The ramification from his January strop show no sign of abating.

ITALIAN JOB Antonio Conte was the second Italian in as many seasons to lift the Premier League title, following Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester miracle, but not all Serie A imports have succeeded. Andrew Tuft explains…

Nine Italians sat in English dugouts prior to Antonio Conte’s arrival at Chelsea, with Walter Mazzarri pitching up at Watford days after Conte officially took over at Stamford Bridge and bringing the total number of bosses from the peninsula in Premier League history to 11. And just like the contrasting experiences of Conte and Mazzarri, there have been differing degrees of success.

Mazzarri lasted a single season at Vicarage Road, the latest in the revolving door of managers hired and fired by the Pozzo family, collecting his belongings shortly after Conte collected a Premier League title winners’ medal. It’s an experience Italians at Chelsea know only two well, with Gianluca Vialli, Claudio Ranieri, Carlo Ancleotti and Roberto Di Matteo all dumped in unceremonious fashion by the London club.

Di Matteo didn’t fare much better at West Bromwich Albion and not even that remarkable title win could save Ranieri at Leicester when relegation loomed towards the latter half of last season. Ancelotti was sacked on the team bus after Chelsea failed to defend the title in 2010-11 and Vialli’s tenure ended just a few weeks into the 2000-01 season, with rumours rife of player unrest.

The Bridge isn’t the only graveyard for Italians in England.

Roberto Mancini delivered the title to Manchester City and lost his job a year later, Francesco Guidolin kept Swansea City up in 2016 and was sacked two months into the new season and Paolo Di Canio suffered the same fate at Sunderland, though he was allegedly forced out by the players, who had grown tired of his authoritarian style.

But it’s not all bad news for Italians in England. Gianfranco Zola was well liked at West Ham even though results weren’t always positive, and Atillo Lombardo was a cult hero at Crystal Palace even before a short spell as boss. Conte meanwhile has replicated Ancelotti’s feat of winning the title in his first year at Chelsea, but could he face the same undignified end as his compatriot? Time will tell.

Claudio Ranieri is one of three Italian managers to win the Premier League

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One on One: Romelu Lukaku

ONE ON ONE

ROMELU

LUKAKU

BY: THOMAS UNSWORTH

MANCHESTER UNITED PAID A WHOPPING $97 MILLION DOLLARS THIS SUMMER FOR LUKAKU MAKING HIM ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS. THE BELGIUM FORWARD TELLS SOCCER 360 HOW HE DREAMS OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE AND THAT HE WILL BE BRINING HIP HOP TO THE UNITED LOCKER ROOM.

Juventus hopes for big things from Costa

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MANCHESTER UNITED MOVE – HOW DOES IT FEEL? I could not be more excited – it is a great honour to sign for Manchester United – and I am looking forward to a successful time here YOU HAD OPTIONS – WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE MANCHESTER UNITED? When Manchester United asks you to play for them you do not say no. There were many reasons why Manchester United – the players, the coach, the history of the club, their desire to win trophies – it was the right opportunity at the right time for me.

YOU ARE GREAT FRIENDS WITH PAUL POGBA – HOW IMPORTANT WAS HE IN YOUR DECISION? We have been friends for 7 or 8 years now and of course he talked to me about how special the club was – but nobody needs to sell you the chance to play for Manchester United – they are the biggest club in the world.

‘I could not be more excited – it is a great honour to sign for Manchester United – and I am looking forward to a successful time here' 8 S360

Lukaku looking good in red.

DID YOU KNOW If he’s not on green grass dazzling defenders and fans alike with fancy footwork and a football at his feet, Douglas Costa’s greatest passions revolve around green felt.

He is not only a dab hand at playing poker, but is also keen on a round of pool every once in while after being taught how to play by his father.

Lukaku scored a goal in his first couple of appearances in Manchester United

YOUR COFFEE TABLE

NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD. YOU PLAYED UNDER JOSE MOURINHO AT CHELSEA NOW YOU ARE PLAYING UNDER HIM AGAIN – JUST HOW SPECIAL IS HE? You just need to look at his record and everything he has achieved in the game – you don’t win that many trophies without being a special coach. I have always pushed myself, but he pushes me as well, I can already feel that I am becoming a better player under him.

JOSE MOURINHO HAS CALLED YOU A BIG PERSONALITY ON AND OFF THE FIELD – HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Off the field I am very calm – I would like to think I will be a calming influence – but once I am on it I become a warrior.

I am really into my old school hip hop – Snoop Dog, 2pac, Notorious BIG, Nas. ’

HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO PLAY IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? I have been a pro for 8 years – but this will be my first taste of The Champions League group stages – and it is where every player wants to be.

CAN MANCHESTER UNITED WIN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE THIS SEASON? This club is in a rebuilding process and the coach is doing a great job with bringing the club back where it belongs. We are working hard; the coach is preparing us well, so yes we believe we can win trophies this season.

YOU HAVE CALLED OLD TRAFFORD THE GREATEST STADIUM IN ENGLAND – HOW EXCITED ARE YOU TO BE PLAYING THERE EVERY OTHER WEEK? It is a stadium I have played in as an opposition player – but to have the chance to play in-front of 75,000 fans as a home player is such a privilege.

WHAT MUSIC WILL YOU BE BRINGING TO THE MANCHESTER UNITED LOCKER ROOM? I am really into my old school hip hop – Snoop Dog, 2pac, Notorious BIG, Nas.

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YOU VACATIONED WITH HIM OVER THE SUMMER – HOW WAS THAT? We had so much fun – we spent most of our time in LA and in Miami and they are two of my favourite cities in the world.

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ONE ON ONE

PEDRO | COMAN | rAMIREZ

FAREWELL

TOTTI TOP TEN

SURPRISES OF THE YEAR GOLDEN GOALS

SPOTLIGHT ON KLOPP MR. INTER MONCHI

WORLD CUP CHASERS THE FINAL STAGES

MANCHESTER UNITED ON TOP

TITLE TURNERS

HAZARD | LEWANDOWSKI THE BBC

RONALDO TRIUMPH

4 time champions league winner

IEW SEASON REV 2016/2017

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New Boys

Magpies, Seagulls & Terriers THE THREE CLUBS PROMOTED TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE FOR 2017-18 MAKE AN INTRIGUING MIX OF OLD AND NEW. STEPHEN DONOVAN ASSESSES THEIR CHANCES FOR THE SEASON AHEAD…

‘Expectations at Newcastle will be much higher than those of Brighton and Huddersfield’

In Rafael Benitez, Newcastle possess one of Europe’s most decorated Coaches

G

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer is the Premier League’s highest ever goalscorer

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ruelling, unforgiving, and relentlessly competitive. These are all adjectives that provide an accurate description of the Championship, the 46-game marathon over a rigorous nine-month schedule where only the most consistent sides are rewarded with a place in the promised land of the Premier League, and the windfalls of cash that come with it.

It’s a division crawling with huge clubs that feel their rightful place is in the top-flight, many of which are run by increasingly ambitious owners who have taken to splashing out eight-figure transfer fees to help fulfil their objectives. However, as Premier League new boys Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town have proved, it’s the sides with the greatest degree of stability that invariably prevail.

The stories behind the success of each of those clubs are unique in their own way, but all three were in the promotion race from start to finish in 2016-17, often grinding out results when not at their best. Under the guidance of a trio of shrewd managers with varying experience and reputations, they were aided by total faith in their chosen philosophies, which they’ll hope can serve them just as well in the Premier League.

Of the three clubs, Newcastle are the only ones to have experienced the Premier League, and being one of the biggest and most well supported teams in the country, expectations there will be much higher than that of their two counterparts. Simply staying up won’t be enough to satisfy the

Benitez will be aiming to have Newcastle competing in the top half at the very least’

Brighton will be pinning their hopes on livewire winger Anthony Knockaert

they blew a 12-point lead over Manchester United to finish second in 1996, also finishing runners-up a year later. The last decade or so has been more difficult, with fifth place in 2012 comfortably their best effort of owner Mike Ashley’s reign.

Such heady territory is unknown to Brighton, who last played in the English top-flight in 1983. As recently as 2011, they were playing in League One in front of attendances of barely 6,000 at the Withdean Stadium, a ground originally built for athletics, so theirs is very much a story of rags to riches.

In the six years since moving to the fabulous AMEX Stadium, the Seagulls have been a Premier League club in waiting, with crowds of up to 30,000 flocking to see an upwardly mobile team which has benefitted from state-of-the-art training facilities and astute coaching. After agonisingly missing out on goal difference in 2015-16, current boss Chris Hughton has finally got them over the line thanks to hard work and a remarkable level of consistency.

Survival would represent a success for the South coast side. It’s likely to be a close run

Brighton & Hove Albion F.C.

masses, nor will it come close to appeasing manager Rafael Benitez.

Appointed in March 2016 in an unsuccessful late attempt to avoid relegation to the Championship, Benitez was a major coup for the Magpies, even more so when he agreed to guide the club back from the second tier at the first attempt.

As a winner of all of Europe’s major honours, and a former boss of several of the continent’s most prestigious clubs, Benitez will be aiming to have Newcastle competing in the top half of the Premier League at the very least. Despite a frustrating summer of recruitment, they’re well placed to achieve that, with a squad that offers a lot of variety, flair, and tactical nous.

This is a club with a long and successful history, but the absence of a major trophy for nearly half a century — the last of their six FA Cup wins coming in 1955 — represents a large monkey on their back. Not that they haven’t challenged in all the years since —

‘Since moving to the AMEX Stadium in 2011, Brighton have been a Premier League club in waiting’

David Wagner’s high energy approach has transformed Huddersfield into Premier League material

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New Boys thing, but there’s every chance of achieving that, should they carry their excellent home record from the Championship into the Premier League, and keep their key players fit.

Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy make a very solid and resolute centre-back pairing, and in the experienced Glenn Murray they have a proven goalscorer; but the star of the show is undoubtedly Anthony Knockaert.

The talented, unpredictable French winger makes a living of running opposition fullbacks ragged, and producing moments of magic from dead-ball situations, so his contribution is essential to Brighton’s hopes of consolidating.

While they and Newcastle were seen as favourites to win promotion to the Premier League in 2016-17, the same definitely can’t be said for Huddersfield, who nearly everybody felt were more likely to be relegated than be in contention at the top.

Yet they were among the front-runners all season, and came through two tight playoff ties against Sheffield Wednesday and Reading after penalty shootouts to complete the fairy tale.

This was a club that was also playing in League One just a few years ago, and in the four seasons they spent in the Championship before last term, they finished no higher

than 16th place, so it’s safe to say that few saw this one coming.

Such a terrific feat was down in no small part to manager David Wagner, who’s implemented his philosophy on the club to remarkable effect. Adopting a highintensity pressing game similar to that of his great friend Jurgen Klopp, the German has instilled a tireless work ethic and increased fitness levels throughout the squad.

The Terriers once won the English title in three consecutive years during the 1920s, but they haven’t graced the top-flight for 45 years. It will take a considerable effort to extend their stay beyond just the one season, given that their squad lacks toplevel experience, or any standout individuals.

Goalscoring may also be a worry, as despite their success they managed just 56 from their 46 Championship outings in 2016-17, and finished with a negative goal difference.

But the magic of the Premier League is such that nobody knows what may happen over the course of a season, which always provides so many twists and turns.

Newcastle will expect to be competitive, Brighton and Huddersfield hope to be competitive, although as some clubs have found out in recent times, history can count for little.

IN THE DUGOUT

‘It will take a very generous effort for Huddersfield to extend their stay beyond just the one season’

Surely there has never been a manager with greater pedigree to take a club up into the Premier League than Rafael Benitez. The Spaniard is among Europe’s greatest and most respected Coaches, and his tactical awareness should help Newcastle compete at a reasonable level this season.

Twice a La Liga winner with Valencia, the 57-year-old has never won the League title in England, coming closest in 2009 when his Liverpool side finished a close second to Manchester United.

Although fighting at the top looks fanciful this time, he remains fiercely ambitious.

The last man before Benitez to lift Newcastle out of the Championship was Chris Hughton, and he’s managed to repeat the trick with Brighton.

Famously level-headed come success or failure, the former Republic of Ireland international took charge of the club in December 2015 in the midst of a relegation battle, but has instilled an immense winning mentality.

This is Hughton’s third shot at the Premier League, having been sacked

by Newcastle in December 2010, before guiding Norwich City to 11th place in 2012-13.

David Wagner was an almost completely unknown quantity when he was chosen as Huddersfield’s latest manager in November 2015, but his coaching ideals were the blueprints for their amazing success last season.

The laid back German conceived one of most distinctive playing styles in the Football League which saw his side dominate possession and press opponents tirelessly. It is fascinating to see how successful he will be in the topflight, attempting to defy the odds.

ONES TO WATCH Towering striker Aleksandar Mitrovic has all the physical attributes to unsettle Premier League defences and still only 22, the Serbia international is slowly maturing, with his best years ahead of him. He only managed nine Premier League goals for Newcastle during the 2015-16 relegation season, so will be aiming for much more this time around.

It was Anthony Knockaert who lit up the Championship though, winning the Player of the Year award. The winger is Brighton’s ace card, a box of tricks unplayable on his day. Opposing full-backs will have to be wary of his talent and the 25-year-old has unfinished business in the Premier League from a short spell at Leicester City.

Huddersfield right-back Tom Smith knows all about Knockaert but having been one of the most eye-catching aspects of the Terriers’ promotion, he is someone to follow closely as well. Smith’s frequent bursts from defence added an extra dimension to Huddersfield’s play and with his relentless energy and commitment, he will play a key role once again.

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West Brom

Watford

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Stoke City

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Manchester City

Liverpool

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Arsenal Bournemouth Brighton and Hove Burnley Chelsea Crystal Palace

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HOME

Arsenal

AWAY

Bournemouth

2017-18 PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

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EPL CLUB BY CLUB

Season Preview

CAN CHELSEA DEFEND THE PREMIER LEAGUE TITLE? WILL MANCHESTER UNITED CHALLENGE IN JOSE MOURINHO’S SECOND SEASON? STEPHEN DONOVAN AND ANDREW TUFT ASSESS THE TEAMS’ PROSPECTS…

ARSENAL

BOURNEMOUTH

For the first time in over 20 years Arsenal find themselves absent from the Champions League, and the jury is still out over whether they can reclaim their place for 2018-19. To achieve that, a lot will continue to rest on star man Alexis Sanchez, while new record signing Alexandre Lacazette will look to bring his goalscoring record at Lyon with him to the Premier League.

However, the defence is still a concern.

Eddie Howe’s side continue to make remarkable progress, having become an established Premier League force. Although last season’s ninth-place finish will be difficult to match, the Cherries should comfortably avoid being drawn into a relegation battle, especially thanks to their attacking potency of the experienced Jermain Defoe and the increasingly impressive Joshua King. The £20m signing of Nathan Ake from Chelsea should also go a long way towards tightening things defensively.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 5TH PREDICTED FINISH: 5TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 20TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 9TH PREDICTED FINISH: 13TH

BRIGHTON & H. ALBION

BURNLEY

The most consistent side in the Championship over the previous two seasons, Brighton & Hove Albion certainly haven’t lacked any ambition upon reaching the top-flight, breaking their transfer record on three separate occasions in the summer as they aim to build a competitive squad.

If they can take their fine home record into the Premier League, and key players such as Anthony Knockaert and Pascal Gross produce the goods, they may just survive.

A fabulous home record kept an industrious Burnley side out of trouble last term as they won 10 of their 19 games at Turf Moor compared to just one of their travels. That away form is likely to have to improve if they are to stay up this time, and they’ve been hampered by the loss of key players. Despite that, manager Sean Dyche is used to upsetting the odds.

CHELSEA

CRYSTAL PALACE

The Blues breezed imperiously to the title last season with a record 30 wins, but they have a battle on their hands in order to retain it. Rivals have strengthened heavily over the summer and, with Champions League football to contend with, the squad may be too thin to last the distance this time. However, star men N’Golo Kante and Eden Hazard, along with record signing Alvaro Morata, should ensure they are right up there.

This is a fifth consecutive season of Premier League football for Crystal Palace, but despite assembling a squad that should be competitive, they tend to struggle. There are high hopes this time around under their ambitious and high-profile new boss Frank de Boer, but they’ll again be relying on the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke, and a mid-table finish is probably the best they can hope for.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 1ST PREDICTED FINISH: 3RD

LAST YEAR FINISH: 14TH PREDICTED FINISH: 14TH

EVERTON

HUDDERSFIELD

This is a fifth consecutive season of Premier League football for Crystal Palace, but despite assembling a squad that should be competitive, they tend to struggle. There are high hopes this time around under their ambitious and high-profile new boss Frank de Boer, but they’ll again be relying on the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke, and a mid-table finish is probably the best they can hope for.

Last season’s surprise package in the Championship will add a lot to the Premier League, and they may just be capable of defying the odds again. The Terriers will approach the task with bags of energy and spirit, but what they really need is a goal threat, so their hopes will be pinned on record signing Steve Mounie to deliver in what is likely to be a close battle for survival.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 7TH PREDICTED FINISH: 7TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 12TH PREDICTED FINISH: 8TH 14 S360

LAST YEAR FINISH: 16TH PREDICTED FINISH: 17TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 19TH

LEICESTER

LIVERPOOL

After guiding Leicester away from the ignominious prospect of being relegated in defence of their title, Craig Shakespeare is now manager on a permanent basis and should lead the Foxes to a comfortable position this term.

Jamie Vardy is still their main man, but Vicente Iborra and Kelechi Iheanacho are impressive additions to a squad that contains plenty of firepower. The arrival of Harry Maguire should also freshen things up in defence

Last season showed that Liverpool possess wonderful attacking talent, and are capable of competing with the very best in the Premier League. Yet although they managed a return to the Champions League, their title bid was undermined by a poor defence. The top four is the aim again in 2017-18, but a lack of strength in depth may be exposed by their European commitments, despite the signing of Mohamed Salah from Roma.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 4TH PREDICTED FINISH: 6TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 3RD PREDICTED FINISH: 1ST

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 12TH

MANCHESTER CITY

MANCHESTER UNITED

Another summer of extravagant spending has brought Pep Guardiola more of the players he wants but has it brought Manchester City any closer to winning the Premier League title? City were 15 points off Chelsea last season, Guardiola’s first, but some £220m later, are among the favourites to be celebrating in May. Most of that money went on a goalkeeper, Ederson, and fullbacks — Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo — to go with City’s still-fearsome attack.

Jose Mourinho wins titles in his second season — that’s the claim anyway, and what Manchester United fans are hanging their hopes on in the Special One’s second season at Old Trafford.

Romelu Lukaku has been signed at great expense from Everton and the rest of the squad have had 12 months to adapt to Mourinho’s particular demands.

The Portuguese is a serial winner and will be in the reckoning as the season comes to a climax.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

SOUTHAMPTON

Back where they arguably belong, Newcastle United are not the prototypical newly-promoted team. The huge and passionate support on Tyneside gives the Magpies enormous potential — but that’s been the case for years and it’s more than 20 years since they really looked like fulfilling it. Rafael Benitez is almost the polar opposite of Kevin Keegan but if he can bring the success that Keegan so nearly delivered, he’ll be revered in even-more glowing terms.

Another summer, another change of Coach, as Mauricio Pellegrino replaces Claude Puel, who replaced Ronald Koeman only 12 months earlier.

Southampton are accustomed to such upheaval and have weathered it frequently over the past few years, but it’s hard to ignore the feeling that the Saints peaked under Koeman and his predecessor Mauricio Pochettino, and everything since then has been a case of diminishing returns.

A relegation struggle is unlikely, but so too is a European challenge.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 10TH PREDICTED FINISH: 11TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 8TH PREDICTED FINISH: 9TH

STOKE CITY

SWANSEA CITY

Stoke City may now be a Premier League stalwart but this summer has brought more uncertainty than any since the Potters entered the top flight in 2008-09. Only a handful of new faces arrived at the bet365 Stadium and crowd favourite Marko Arnautovic left for West Ham with a stinging rebuke of Stoke’s perceived ambitions as a parting message. This season could test Mark Hughes’ managerial skills to the fullest.

The Gylfi Sigurdsson saga threatened to ruin Swansea City’s whole summer — and with it the season that followed as Paul Clement’s hands were largely tied in the transfer market. Roque Mesa was drafted in from Las Palmas and should thrive in the Premier League but getting to grips with the Sigurdsson-shaped hole in the team could take time, and the Welsh club might not have enough of it.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 13TH PREDICTED FINISH: 15TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 2ND PREDICTED FINISH: 4TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 6TH PREDICTED FINISH: 2ND

LAST YEAR FINISH: 15TH PREDICTED FINISH: 18TH

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

WATFORD

It’s been a strange summer at Tottenham Hotspur, and not least because the club now calls Wembley home. Chairman Daniel Levy appears to have put his foot down and refused to pay the extortionate transfer fees and wages of Spurs’ Premier League rivals, an admirable stance but perhaps a counter-productive one.

Mauricio Pochettino has done wonderful work and Tottenham’s youth set-up is much-admired, but that might not be enough to sustain another title challenge.

Marco Silva is the next man to enter the revolving door on the Watford dugout but his brief spell at Hull was enough to give the impression that if given time to build, he could lead the Hornets to success. But time is in desperately short supply for Coaches at Vicarage Road and the mish-mash of players Silva has inherited will take some time to sort out.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 17TH PREDICTED FINISH: 16TH

WEST BROM

WEST HAM

There’s new investment at West Brom but what that actually means in this age of gigantic Premier League spending remains to be seen.

What is for sure is that Tony Pulis is still Tony Pulis, and West Brom will still be one of the hardest teams to beat in the Premier League.

They probably won’t score many and they probably won’t concede many, but they’ll be well safe from the drop.

By Slaven Bilic’s own admission, West Ham’s recruit last summer was far from good enough and the difficult season that followed was a direct result. This summer’s transfer business has been a little better but still nothing to write home about, so another mid-table campaign likely beckons, though if Javier Hernandez hits the ground running, the Hammers might be able to push a little higher up the League.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 11TH PREDICTED FINISH: 10TH

‘Chelsea have a battle on their hands to retain the Premier League title’

S360 15

Around England

“200 million in today’s market all day long” - Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard

names the price for Arsenal legend Thierry Henry in today’s market.

BOGARDE JUNIOR

by the numbers

Chelsea haven’t been put off by their experience with Winston Bogarde, the former Barcelona defender who made only 10 appearances for the Blues but pocketed £10m in wages. The Premier League champions are one of a number of clubs linked to Melayro Bogarde, a 15-yearold defender on the books at Feyenoord and the nephew of Winston.

143

Jermain Defoe scored 143 goals across his two spells at White Hart Lane

DID YOU KNOW?

JERMAINE’S JOURNEY

Former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant joined the bigname enclave at non-league Billericay Town by turning out in a pre-season friendly. Jamie O’Hara and Paul Konchesky are also on the books at the seventh tier club, with owner-manager Glenn Tamplin having invested £2m since taking over in 2016 as he aims to reach the Football League.

CAZORLA’S AIM

Santi Cazorla hopes to be back playing again after injury kept the Spain international on the sidelines since October 2016. “I don't know how long it will take, but I'm convinced that I'll be back soon,” he said, following a chronic heel problem. “Every day my son asks me if I will play again because he really wants to see me out on the pitch again and I really hope that it will happen soon.

"You get sore losers but then they’re at Chelsea for a reason maybe they’re sore losers and that drives them. Arsenal are the worst for sore losers.” - Burnley striker

Jonathan Walters has ripped into Chelsea and Arsenal, saying both teams are full of "sore losers".

The Premier League’s most prolific substitute is West Ham new boy Javier Hernandez, who scored 14 times coming off the bench for Manchester United.

Chicharito is one of nine Mexicans to play in the Premier League — the first was Jared Borgetti, who appeared for Bolton Wanderers in 2005-06.

ON THE LINE

Liverpool new boy Andrew Robertson has come a long way from answering phones at Hampden Park, which he had to do to support himself while on the books at Scottish amateurs Queens Park, who play at the national stadium. “It was taking calls and orders for tickets for the concerts and the football games,” he recalled after a £10m move from Hull City.

ARNAUTOVIC ATTACK

Marko Arnautovic is sure he made the right decision in swapping Stoke City for West Ham. “I’m happy to be here and happy to play for West Ham,” he said following the £25m move.

“I wanted to join West Ham because, for me, it’s a bigger club and more ambitious. I think we have a perfect team and now we have to show it on the pitch.”

“He’s a pest on the pitch – and off it. If you are ever doing a coaching session you’ll see that.” - Leicester

City manager Craig Shakespeare revealed that his star striker Jamie Vardy is a pain at the training grounds, even before the practice sessions even begin.

ALBION EXPLAIN

West Brom denied sending out season tickets carrying the message “our club…our captain… our history” with a picture of Darren Fletcher, who joined Stoke early in the summer, after claims of a mix-up went viral on social media.

“The image…was part of a season ticket application pack sent out in February,” the Baggies clarified.

TATTOO BOOBOO

One Huddersfield Town fan chose to immortalise the Terriers’ Premier League promotion with a tattoo of the Sky Sports commentator’s words as the final whistle blew, but the tattoo artist didn’t check the spelling first.

Calum Harris’ new artwork reads - ‘The fairy tail season has the happiest ending’. The upside - I don't suppose any of his friends would even notice.

CONTE LOVES KANE

“I’m not a criminal! I don’t think it is fair after all I have done to be treated like that.” - Chelsea outcast

Diego Costa says the north London club is treating him like a “criminal”.

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Antonio Conte has revealed the one striker he rates above all others — Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane. “For me, Kane, now, is one of the best strikers in the world,” the Chelsea manager said. “If I had to buy one striker I would go to Kane. He is a complete striker…one of the top strikers in the world. If you go to buy Kane now it would be at least £100m. At least. “

CHINA CRISIS

Some misguided social media posts by Chelsea winger Kenedy almost saw the club banned from ever touring China again. Kenedy mocked the country on Instagram and even though he apologised, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said they would “monitor the situation closely,” with the rumour Chelsea could be prevented from returning in the future.

THE NEW STAR ON THE FIELD. BRADLEY FRIENDLY

Everton will host a charity friendly in honour of Bradley Lowery, the Sunderland-supporting six-year-old who captured hearts in his fight against neuroblastoma. The Toffees donated £200,000 to his appeal fund after he was the Black Cats’ mascot against the Merseyside club. He also later appeared as Everton mascot but lost his fight against illness in early July.

PERSUASIVE POG

Romelu Lukaku revealed the role Paul Pogba played in convincing him to sign for Manchester United. “We’d go to Manchester to have dinner and he’d drive past Old Trafford on purpose,” the ex-Everton striker said. “We spent our holiday together and…I told him something was telling me [to sign for United].”

MILNER VS. TIGER

James Milner has branched out from football with a sports management company and is competing with Tiger Woods to land the signature of golfer Alfie Plant, who impressed as an amateur in the Open. Plant is planning on turning pro in September and Milner’s White Rose Sports Management is in contention for the 25-year-old, as is Woods’ Execly Sports Management.

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by the numbers

1 9 13

Joshua King scored 16 goals for Bournemouth in 2016-17, one more than new teammate Defoe scored for Sunderland

Artur Boruc kept nine clean sheets for Bournemouth in 2016-17, the same number as Simon Mignolet for Liverpool and Stoke City’s Lee Grant

13 different Premier League clubs have had 100 different players get on the score sheet for them, with Manchester United being the latest

RIISE RETORT

Former Liverpool left-back John Arne Riise took issue with a local newspaper column that claimed he was “seen as a weakness” during his time at Anfield. “Seen as a weakness? Yeah that’s why I only lasted 7 years and 348 games,” he countered.

MOU ON MORATA

Manchester United were strongly linked with Alvaro Morata before the Spain international left Real Madrid for Chelsea, but Jose Mourinho insists he doesn’t care about Morata’s move.

“I’m not interested in Chelsea. It was obvious they would sign a striker, especially after the situation with the manager and Diego Costa,” he said.

DID YOU KNOW? Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s debut for Manchester United last season made him the first Armenia international in the history of England’s top flight, and the 106th different nationality from outside the Home Nations of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

22 of the 26 letters of the alphabet are represented in the 106 different nonHome Nations nationalities, with only Q, W, X and Y missing.

DROGBA SCOUTS

Didier Drogba has reportedly tipped off former club to Chelsea to Montreal Impact’s Jean-Yves Tabla, having played with the teenager during his time in Canada. Tabla was born in the Ivory Coast but has represented Canada at youth level and the midfielder scored on his first Impact start back in April.

DJ CROUCHY

Has Peter Crouch lined up his postplaying career?

The Stoke City striker spent part of the summer guesting as a presenter on Radio X. “I have a few stories I’m looking forward to sharing and some visitors I’m looking forward to welcoming to the studio,” the former England man said.

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Around England

by the numbers

190 16 14

Petr Cech has kept the most-ever Premier League clean sheets, with 190 up to the start of the 2017-18 season Thibaut Courtois’ 16 clean sheets for Chelsea was the best of any goalkeeper in 2016-17

Fraser Forster’s 14 was the best for an English goalkeeper

“I know my worth and I will make sure I get what I am worth. I am not playing as well as I have done not to get paid what I think I am worth.”

- Tottenham Hotspur fullback Danny Rose is not happy with the wage structure of his club and implies he might be leaving the club for a higher salary.

“He hasn't won anything with Spurs as of yet, he signed a five-year contract 10 or 11 months ago and hasn't played for the last seven months. How on earth he can come out and moan about lack of money or lack of wages." - Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, however, disagrees with the English international.

"I prefer to not think of this because it would be awful. He's a great player, but also a great friend to me.” - Liverpool forward

Roberto Firmino admits it would be "awful" if team-mate Philippe Coutinho were sold to Barcelona.

a bright future at Old Trafford after scoring twice in his Manchester United debut.

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Joe Hart has joined West Ham on loan and was welcomed to the club by joint-Chairman David Sullivan, who revealed a hitherto unknown knowledge of goalkeepers. “He is the best goalkeeper I’ve worked with and I fully expect him to be equally as good for us this coming season,” Sullivan said, but fears Sullivan was about to appoint himself Slaven Bilic’s goalkeeping coach proved unfounded.

GAME CHANGER

Former Manchester United hitman Zlatan Ibrahimovic has used his time away from football to launch his own arcade sports video game - with the main character as himself. Titled Zlatan Legends, the game is free to download on mobile and promises to allow the user to 'play as Zlatan, against Zlatan'. It features a new sport called Driftball that requires skill and determination as gamers race against opponents in an intergalactic environment.

FOR SALE MISTAKEN IDENTITY

An Irish newspaper has published a story on Manchester United’s new signing Romelu Lukaku but used a photo of English hip-hop star Stormzy instead of the Belgian forward.

Taken from the club’s away kit launch with David Beckham last year, the picture shows Stormzy dressed in Manchester United gear with the caption: ‘New Manchester United signing Romelu Lukaku’.

Romelu Lukaku was listed as a classified ad in the Liverpool Echo alongside a collection of household items! The ad read “ Top class player unwanted at Everton.Very Good Price, International!!! £85@ Everton or call Uncle Bill, or Farhad Moshiri will also take the call.”

FOOTBALL ANTICS

Ronald Koeman tried his luck on Football Manager playing as Everton but was beaten by his competitor. Koeman took on one of the game's creators Paul Collyer in a match at Finch Farm. The Dutchman opted for a 4-3-3 formation, which included midfielder Ross Barkley on the right wing and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the left. Meanwhile, Collyer brought Mason Holgate into his back three and went for a slightly more unorthodox 5-4-1 formation, perhaps suggesting he knows a trick or two about the FM game engine.

ARTISTIC EXPRESSION

Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini's squashed face has now been transformed into street art in Melbourne by an anonymous artist. During and after Manchester United's 2-1 UEFA Super Cup final defeat to Real Madrid in Skopje, images began circulating of Fellaini's contorted face after he'd been smacked by a football. The image soon became the hottest trend on the internet, with Fellaini even finding it amusing. Now thanks to some unknown street artist, the moment has been immortalized into a piece of art.

DID YOU KNOW? “It's just the start. The manager has a plan, we will try to follow it and hopefully it will take us somewhere." - Romelu Lukaku predicts

HART TO HAMMERS

Conte is the only Italian starting 201718 on a Premier League bench with England the most-represented nation with four — Eddie Howe, Sean Dyche, Craig Shakespeare and Paul Clement.

Brighton and Hove Albion’s Chris Hughton was born in England, but played internationally for the Republic of Ireland.

PRANKSTER RUN

Stoke City winger Ramadan Sobhi was caught up in a bizarre but hilarious prank on Egyptian television. He was led to believe that he was sinking in quicksand and about to be eaten by a giant komodo dragon. After it was revealed as a prank, Sobhi failed to see the funny side of it and ran straight after the prankster Ramez Galelwho had planned the whole thing, kicking him for his involvement in the ordeal.

by the numbers

141 14

Spurs have had the most number of different goalscorers in the Premier League

No player has scored more Premier League goals in the 90th minute than the 14 netted by Defoe

SHERWAY NISSAN

TRENDING WENGER

GOOD DEED

Premier League side Everton will buy a house for homeless teenagers after raising £244,400 for their 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' campaign. Led by Everton's Under-23 team, they smashed their £230,000 fundraising target to help fund a house close to Goodison Park, which will offer 16 to 23 year-olds a place to stay in Liverpool.

It only took 30 minutes into the new season for #WengerOut to trend on Twitter after Arsenal fell 1-2 down to Leicester City in the opening game of the current Premier League season. Arsenal finally did manage to salvage their game in the end but a 1-0 loss to Stoke in their very next match means the Wenger Out campaign might start to gain momentum soon.

2017 NISSAN

QASHQAI FICTIONAL KITS

Chelsea used FIFA character Alex Hunter to reveal their home kit for the new Premier League season. The fictional footballer, who is the star of The Journey in EA Sports' flagship video game franchise, was chosen to model the Premier League side's home look for the upcoming campaign. The all-blue Nike jersey is accompanied by blue shorts and white socks to complete Chelsea's iconic look, which Hunter shows off in celebratory style.

VIRTUAL LUIZ

Chelsea defender David Luiz had a playful chat with Gorillaz frontman 2-D’s virtual avatar, in which the duo discussed football and culture.

TWITTER FACED

Manchester City’s new signing Kyle Walker was left egg-faced on the social media as some embarrassing past tweets of his re-emerged as soon as it became common knowledge that he will be trading his Lilywhite Spurs shirt for Citizen Blue. One of them read “Tottenham till I die” and the other one tagged Manchester City fans as “gloryfans” reading: “All u man city fans u can talk now we will just see at the end of the season… was u all there when city was no where to be seen #gloryfans”.

DID YOU KNOW? Chelsea were the first Premier League team to name a starting XI without a single British-born player in December 1999, when Gianluca Vialli named a Dutchman, a Spaniard, a Nigerian, a Brazilian, two Frenchmen, a Romanian, a Uruguayan, a Norwegian and a couple of Italians against Southampton.

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Vialli’s team did have British substitutes but in 2014 Arsenal named an entire 16-man squad from outside the British Isles, with eight different nationalities represented.

DRUM WARS

Manchester United goalkeeper showed off his nifty drumming skills on a new Adidas advert. The adidas spot showcases the keeper under the lights tearing away on his kit, where he certainly looks and sounds the part.

Perhaps he could have a drum-off with Petr Cech? We'd tune in.

INKED FAN

Alexandre Lacazette is trying to track down an Arsenal fan who got the record-signing’s face tattooed on his hip. Twitter user @sxmleach stayed true to his words after vowing to get Lacazette’s face drawn somewhere on his body if he joined the Gunners. The Frenchman clearly loved the inking and wants to give the supporter a shirt.

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Table Toppers

New Milan challenge Old Lady LEONARDO BONUCCI’S SHOCK MOVE TO SAN SIRO KICK-STARTED WHAT WILL LIKELY BE THE MOST UNPREDICTABLE SCUDETTO RACE FOR MANY YEARS, WRITES SUSY CAMPANALE.

“After years of the Turin giants snatching away talents from their competitors, the Leonardo Bonucci move feels like a gamechanger”

Milan spent over €200m to transform their squad with the likes of Andre Silva, Hakan Calhanoglu, Franck Kessie and Mateo Musacchio

“Milan have without doubt shaken up Serie A with new patron Yonghong Li investing well over €200m”

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uventus have already made history, becoming the first side to win six consecutive Serie A titles, but will there be a new champion of Italy in 2018? The summer has seen massive changes all over the peninsula, starting with the fact now the top four go directly into the Champions League. The San Siro clubs are now both under Chinese ownership and splashing the cash. Max Allegri has seen several important names move on and others come in, while Roma and Fiorentina have new Coaches. Only Napoli have remained practically intact from last season and that rare consistency could prove a strength in itself.

Milan have undoubtedly shaken up Serie A with new patron Yonghong Li investing well over €200m. Not only did they bring in Hakan Calhanoglu, Andre Silva, Mateo Musacchio, Ricardo Rodriguez, Fabio Borini and Franck Kessie, but also poached Lucas Biglia from Lazio, Atalanta’s Andrea Conti and above all, Juventus stalwart Leonardo Bonucci. He was one of the legendary six present throughout Juve’s record-breaking run and seeing him in a Rossoneri jersey will take some getting used to.

After years of the Turin giants snatching away talents such as Miralem Pjanic and Gonzalo Higuain from their competitors, the Bonucci move feels like a game-changer.

Juventus are no longer considered the dominant force in Italian football, or at least that’s the situation off the field. We’ll have to see what happens on it.

“It was a crazy idea and we didn’t even want to try it, but Vincenzo Montella told us to continue pushing,” revealed Milan CEO Marco Fassone. “Bonucci’s arrival is a signal for the future. Leo is a warrior and

a leader. Very important top players at international level are asking for information on our project. That is a real honour for us.

Rationally, it’s almost impossible to win the Scudetto in the first year. But then in football irrationality is an ever-present component…”

Milan’s Chinese takeover was almost a year later than expected and with a very different set-up to the one originally negotiated with Silvio Berlusconi, who sold after 31 years at the helm. “At first I could feel scepticism, now there’s passion and euphoria,” continued Fassone. “In our fiveyear plan, we expect to go from our current €200m turnover to between €400m and €500m. Stadium excluded obviously, there’s everything inside: the Champions League, TV rights, commercial revenues in China.

Let’s say that by 2022, if we want to talk about objectives, it would be great to have Milan among the top five clubs in the world.”

These are the kind of expectations that could prove counter-productive, considering Milan failed to even qualify for Europe for two years in a row and Montella’s only silverware is the Italian Super Cup. “I fear they’ll be almost obliged to win and that’s not the kind of pressure Montella will want,” noted Walter Zenga. Christian Vieri believes the Rossoneri will step up, but “it’ll be Juventus out in front again with the rest chasing.”

The Old Lady looks a little different this season and the mood around the whole team has changed. The 4-1 Champions League Final defeat to Real Madrid was a momentum-killer, casting a pall over the third consecutive Scudetto-Coppa Italia Double. Whereas reaching the 2015 Final felt like an achievement, losing in 2017 had a sense of failure. “Juve only exist to win.

Leonardo Bonucci made a shock transfer from Juventus to Milan after seven years

DONNARUMMA DRAMA

Napoli’s squad has barely changed and can start a full season with Dries Mertens as centre-forward

What looked to be a transformative summer for Milan was threatened when Gianluigi Donnarumma rejected a new contract, but that was only the beginning of the saga…

“Everyone says Napoli play the best football in Italy, and we’re proud of that, but it’s time to win something.”

I don’t say it with arrogance, but rather ambition,” noted President Andrea Agnelli.

Dani Alves also departed Juventus under a bit of a cloud, but he had only been there for a year, while Gianluigi Buffon is entering what should be his final season with Wojciech Szczesny in the wings. Federico Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa and Mattia De Sciglio came in at a combined cost of €100m, but this warrants another change of tactics for Allegri and that requires time to bed in.

Patrik Schick was supposed to be in Turin too, but the €25m-rated Sampdoria striker failed a medical due to minor cardiac issues.

The biggest coup was resisting a €70m Chelsea proposal for Alex Sandro, as losing half of their first-choice defence would’ve been embarrassing.

Uncertainty is also an issue for Roma, who are now under the auspices of Coach Eusebio Di Francesco, accustomed to challenging for far lower targets at Sassuolo.

He is accompanied by Lorenzo Pellegrini and Gregoire Defrel, but can Maxime Gonalons, Cengiz Under, Rick Karsdorp, Hector Moreno and Aleksandar Kolarov really fill in for Mohamed Salah, Antonio Rudiger and Leandro Paredes? The Giallorossi are beginning a new era under ex-Sevilla director of sport Monchi based on getting the best out of their prolific youth academy, but this demands a level of patience with which their fans have not always been blessed. Let’s not forget that Sevilla punched above their weight, but only in the Europa League and that won’t be enough for Roma.

“I tell the fans to keep supporting the team and not rush to judgment,” noted Alessandro Florenzi. “Last year there was scepticism too, but we achieved great results. Let us get on with our work and we will repay you for that faith.” It’ll also be the first Stadio Olimpico campaign in 25 years without Francesco Totti, though he will remain at the club in a directorial role. “My message to the Roma fans is to have confidence in the project, to have confidence that the road ahead is going to be an exciting one,” urged Monchi. “I didn’t leave Sevilla for nothing. I’m here because I want to win.”

Luciano Spalletti has moved on to Inter, another huge challenge for the tactician who steered Roma to second place last term, albeit with tension and in-fighting rife.

He should therefore feel right at home at San Siro, where simply finishing an entire campaign is considered a success. The summer was dominated by the Ivan PerisicManchester United transfer saga, but the introduction of Borja Valero from Fiorentina and Sampdoria’s Milan Skriniar will solidify

some areas of the team.

“We know the difficulty of taking Inter back to where they belong,” said Spalletti.

“We’ve many players who haven’t expressed themselves to their full potential. We don’t need an extraordinary transfer market to aspire to the top four.” One gets the feeling the Nerazzurri will keep on changing up to the transfer deadline and that might be a little late to get them fully gelled.

That is not a problem from which Napoli will suffer, as Maurizio Sarri’s side are practically unchanged. They were already playing what Spalletti called “heavenly football” in the second half of last season, discovering Dries Mertens as an unexpected centre-forward, and drafted in promising winger Adam Ounas from Bordeaux along with ex-Roma full-back Mario Rui. The best ‘purchase’ was stability, signing Mertens, Faouzi Ghoulam and Lorenzo Insigne to new long-term contracts, while resisting approaches for Kalidou Koulibaly, Jorginho and Allan.

Sarri effectively has last summer’s buys Arkadiusz Milik, Marko Rog, Lorenzo Tonelli and Nikola Maksimovic - as new regular additions, now fully versed in his complex tactical movements.

“Sarri seems relaxed, a whole other man compared to last year, as he feels confident in himself and the team,” noted President Aurelio De Laurentiis. “People always told me not to say the word ‘Scudetto’ because it was bad luck, but it’s normal that we compete to win.” Insigne also has faith in their first title since 1990. “Everyone says Napoli play the best football in Italy, and we’re proud of that, but it’s time to win something.”

If a strong start is crucial for the Scudetto race, then Napoli undoubtedly have the biggest advantage and even momentum from last term. Lazio and Atalanta were the surprise packages last term, but may suffer from selling several of their key players, while Stefano Pioli’s Fiorentina were decimated. One thing is for sure: it’s been a very long time since the Serie A title fight has seemed so open.

Milan thought they’d lost Gianluigi Donnarumma when he refused to sign a new contract on June 15, but after more weeks of negotiations with agent Mino Raiola, hacked Instagram accounts and mixed messages, on July 11 he penned a four-season deal worth a reported €6m per year.

Directors exchanged accusations with Raiola, fans threw fake notes at ‘Dollarumma’ during Italy’s European Under-21 Championship game, while Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Manchester United made approaches, but ultimately he decided to join the Rossoneri revolution. The club even signed older brother Antonio to act as his understudy.

“It was our mission impossible,” assured director of sport Massimiliano Mirabelli, who had been accused of “mobbing behaviour” by Raiola just a few weeks earlier. “We worked on the will of Gigio and his family: they absolutely wanted Milan, that was the simplest key.” The shot-stopper insisted he “never had any doubts about staying,” though that evidently wasn’t true of Raiola. Aged 18, Donnarumma became the third-highest paid player in Serie A after Gonzalo Higuain on €7.5m and Paulo Dybala’s €7m at Juventus.

Gianluigi Donnarumma signed a new Milan contract after months of speculation, tension and accusations

BONUCCI LEADS REVOLUTION Leonardo Bonucci’s move to Milan was the shock of the summer. But as Susy Campanale notes, the centre-back’s unhappiness at Juventus wasn’t a new development…

There can be no greater symbol of Milan’s attempt to change the status quo in Serie A than snatching Leonardo Bonucci. If perhaps the best centre-back in the world was going to leave Juventus, everyone assumed it’d be for Chelsea, Real Madrid, Manchester City or Barcelona.

“I to start writing a new page in Rossoneri history and in my career. A club doesn’t win seven Champions Leagues by chance. It means that there’s a tradition, a winning mentality,” Bonucci said. “It’s now our task to bring Milan back to where they deserve to be. This new start very much resembles mine with Juventus, and I hope it goes the same way.”

His departure was still a shock, though he was sent to the stands against Porto in February following a bitter row with Coach Max Allegri. “Something crumbled in recent months, and this change was the consequence of that,” said Milan’s new captain. “To give 100 per cent, I need to feel important, something that at Juventus was recently happening only in fits and starts.

“Even the most beautiful marriages sometimes end,” Bonucci continued. “It wasn’t an easy choice for me, but neither party wanted to continue together. Given what I gave to Juve, I don't feel like a traitor or a mercenary. If they whistle me, they ought to know that, just like the insults I received at Juventus Stadium fired me up, it’ll be the same if they jeer me.”

Luciano Spalletti hopes to lead Inter back into the Champions League, if not title contention

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One on One: Douglas Costa

ONE ON ONE

DOUGLAS

COSTA

BY: THOMAS UNSWORTH

DOUGLAS COSTA JOINS JUVENTUS FROM BAYERN ON A SEASON LONG LOAN – WITH THE ITALIAN GIANTS HAVING THE OPTION TO MAKE IT PERMANENT FOR $46 MILLION DOLLARS AT THE END OF THE SEASON. SALCEDO TELLS SOCCER 360 HOW HE INTENDS TO HELP END JUVENTUS’S LONG WAIT FOR THE COVETED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY.

‘ hey have been a club I have admired for many seasons – and once there was an opportunity to join them I jumped at it.’

T

Costa gave a great first impression when landing in Torino

THERE WAS INTEREST FROM MAJOR EPL CLUBS AS WELL – WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE JUVENTUS? They have been a club I have admired for many seasons – and once there was an opportunity to join them I jumped at it. It is the perfect club for me right now – the project is very exciting and I can’t wait to get started.

Juventus hopes for big things from Costa

IT’S THE WORLD CUP AT THE END OF THE SEASON – HOW IMPORTANT WAS THE CHANCE TO PLAY REGULAR FIRST TIME SOCCER IN YOUR DECISION? You want to give yourself the best chance to play for your country in The World Cup – and of course if you are playing regularly for your club it gives you a better chance.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS WITH JUVENTUS? It is a club that us used to winning, that has a winning mentality, and I want to help continue that tradition.

DO YOU STILL FEEL AS THOUGH YOU NEED TO PROVE YOURSELF? Not at all – I have achieved many things in my career already – but I do want to show Juventus they were right for believing in me.

22 S360

Costa is becoming a valuable asset to Brazil's national team.

DID YOU KNOW If he’s not on green grass dazzling defenders and fans alike with fancy footwork and a football at his feet, Douglas Costa’s greatest passions revolve around green felt.

He is not only a dab hand at playing poker, but is also keen on a round of pool every once in while after being taught how to play by his father.

YOUR COFFEE TABLE

NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD.

JUVENTUS HAS COME SO CLOSE TO THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS - CAN YOU GO ONE STEP FURTHER THIS SEASON? I hope so – to lose 2 Champions League Finals in 3 seasons would have been hard for the fans and of course the players to accept – so there is that hunger to put it right.

WHO WAS YOUR IDOL GROWING UP? Ronaldinho was somebody that I tried to emulate when I was younger – he was obviously capable of brilliant things on the field – but also because he started at Gremio like myself.

Always I have been a fan of superhero Movies and TV shows – but at the moment The Flash is one of my favourite series on TV.’

IF THERE IS ANY ONE PLAYER IN THE WORLD YOU COULD PLAY WITH – WHO WOULD IT BE? Neymar – I love to play with him for Brazil and if could play with him every week that would be incredible because he is one of the biggest talents in the game.

IS THERE ANY TV SERIES YOU CAN’T MISS AT THE MOMENT? Always I have been a fan of super-hero Movies and TV shows – but at the moment The Flash is one of my favourite series on TV.

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GONZALO HIGUAIN IS ONE OF MY THE MOST PROLIFIC FORWARD IN EUROPE – ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO LINKING UP WITH HIM? He is a special player, one of the best goal scorers in Europe, and I will work hard for the team and hopefully provide him and the other forwards at the club with many assists.

PEDRO | COMAN | rAMIREZ

FAREWELL

TOTTI TOP TEN

SURPRISES OF THE YEAR GOLDEN GOALS

SPOTLIGHT ON KLOPP MR. INTER MONCHI

WORLD CUP CHASERS THE FINAL STAGES

THERE IS A LONG SEASON AHEAD – BUT IS ONE EYE ON THE WORLD CUP? There is a lot to play for before The World Cup – and hopefully trophies to win with Juventus. Of course all players are aware that The World Cup is at the end of the season – and being Brazilian it is a big dream to win it.

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MANCHESTER UNITED ON TOP

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Fight of Their Lives New Boys

WITH BENEVENTO MAKING THEIR SERIE A DEBUT, VERONA BOUNCING BACK AND SPAL MAKING A LONG-AWAITED RETURN, GABY MCKAY SEES PLENTY OF INTRIGUE AMONG ITALY’S PROMOTED SIDES.

‘The goals of Giampaolo Pazzini, who finished as top scorer in the second division, helped the Butei finish second’

Giampaolo Pazzini was top-scorer in Serie B last season

T

he chaotic nature of Italian football has seen several unfancied sides compete in Serie A in recent seasons.

While traditionally the big city clubs would dominate the top flight, some smaller, better run, sides have made their mark in recent years. Crotone completed an incredible great escape last season, surviving on the last day, while Carpi and Frosinone have also competed in the top flight in recent sea-sons.

This season sees an intriguing mix of promoted sides, with former Scudetto winners Verona coming back at the first time of asking, SPAL returning to Serie A for the first time in 50 years and Benevento making their first ever appearance in the top division. It’s the debutants who are the most unlikely participants in these seasons Serie A, having won back-to-back promotions in the past two seasons.

The city of Benevento is home to just 60,000 people, and lies around 30 miles 24 S360

Benevento will be making their Serie A debut this Season.

the Stregoni had to go through three play-off rounds, and then defeated Spezia, Perugia and Carpi to clinch the most unlikely of promotions.

The likelihood is that Serie A will probably be a step too far for Benevento. A side which just two seasons ago was in Lega Pro will now have to compete with Juventus, Milan and Napoli, all on what is sure to be the smallest budget in the division.

Baroni will be heavily relying on journeyman striker Fabio Ceravolo emulating his 20-goal return from last season, but while Benevento are sure to be the neutral’s favourite, it may take some genuine witchcraft to extend their Serie A stay beyond a single season.

If Benevento are the plucky debutants, SPAL are in many ways a Serie A throwback. Their name standing for Società Polisportiva Ars et Labor, the Ferrara side last played in the top flight during the 1967-68 season, making this term their return to the top division after a half century away.

Having enjoyed a five-year top flight spell between 1920 and 1925, the Spallini enjoyed an unbroken run of Serie A seasons between

Baroni will be heavily relying on journeyman striker Fabio Ceravolo

from Naples. Bene-vento is known as ‘la città delle streghe’ or ‘The City of Witches’, due to the pagan rituals performed by the ancient inhabitants of the city, seen by local Christians as acts of sorcery.

As a result, the team’s crest carries the image of a witch on a broomstick, and Benevento are nick-named the Stregoni, or ‘the Sorcerers’. Founded in 1929 — and re-founded after bankruptcy in 2005 — the Campanian side has never before competed in Serie A. Beneveneto had never even reached Serie B until last season, and it was assumed they’d be making a quick return to Lega Pro. Coach Gaetano Auteri was replaced by former Napoli and Roma defender Marco Baroni, who had been let go by Novara.

Incredibly though, Baroni’s side managed to finish fifth in their debut Serie B season, finishing above the likes of Bari and Pisa, sides whose fan base far outweighs the modest following of Benevento. That meant

‘Benevento is known as ‘la città delle streghe’ or ‘the City of Witches’’

Verona is Back to Serie A

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New Boys

Alex Meret is seen as one of Italy’s most promising goalkeepers

1951 and 1968, losing to Napoli in the 1962 Coppa Italia Final.

However, recent seasons saw the club bounce between Lega Pro and Serie D, and SPAL suffered bankruptcies in both 2005 and 2012. Officially known as SPAL 2013 following the latter re-founding, their modern history is remarkably similar to that of Benevento.

SPAL were promoted back to Serie B in the 2015-16 season, and immediately won promotion to Serie A by winning the League.

The mastermind behind their back-to-back promotions has been Leonardo Semplici, who took over the job in December 2014.

Playing in blue and white stripes, SPAL’s Stadio Paolo Mazza seats just 12,348 people.

The side which won promotion last season was a mixture of experienced veterans like Mirco Antenucci and Sergio Floccari, paired with loaned youngsters such as Alex Meret, who earned an Italy call-up while playing in Serie B. The goalkeeper is likely to return from Udinese for this season, while Alberto Grassi has come on loan from Napoli, Federico Mattiello from Juventus and Alberto Paloschi from Atalanta.

Unsurprisingly, Semplici is highly soughtafter given his achievements over the past two seasons, but he will remain with SPAL to guide them through their Serie A return.

If the Coach can keep the Spallini in Serie A this term, a bigger club will certainly come calling next summer.

Verona are the most established of the promoted sides, having spent just one season in Serie B following their relegation in 2015-16. The goals of Giampaolo Pazzini, who finished as top scorer in the second division, helped the Butei finish second, but their summer hasn’t exactly been idyllic.

Antonio Cassano signed on a free transfer after being frozen out by Sampdoria last season, and it was hoped he could rekindle the understanding with Pazzini which had been so fruitful in his first spell with the Blucerchiati.

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Leonardo Semplici

‘Leonardo Semplici is highly soughtafter given his success over the past two seasons’

However, eight days into his contract FantAntonio abruptly decided that he’d be retiring from the game, as he wanted to spend more time with his family. A Press conference was called to announce the decision, but Cassano then declared that he’d change his mind, and he would indeed be strutting his stuff at Stadio Bentegodi this season.

That reversal lasted just under a week, with the Italy international again deciding on retirement, and the Gialloblu tore up his contract. It’s still unclear if Cassano will play this season, but it certainly won’t be for Verona if he does.

Led by Coach Fabio Pecchia, Verona appear to be putting their faith in experience this summer. As well as Pazzini, Alessio Cerci, Martin Caceres and Thomas Heurtaux have joined, as the Butei look to avoid the drop back into B. It seems likely that all three will be battling against the drop this season, in a League which is notoriously difficult for promoted sides. Crotone are likely to be in the relegation fight too, along with Verona’s city rivals Chievo, but while they may have very different profiles, all three of this season’s new boys will be fighting for their Serie A lives.

IN THE DUGOUT

ONES TO WATCH

Fabio Pecchia

When Verona were relegated at the end of the 2015-16 season, they turned to young Coach Fabio Pecchia to return them to Serie A. He had some pedigree, having worked at Napoli, Real Madrid and Newcastle United, but it was a gamble from the Butei nonetheless.

It paid off immediately, with the Gialloblu going up automatically thanks to their second-place finish, beating out Frosinone thanks to their head-to-head record.

The side who finished above have one of the most sought-after tacticians on the peninsula, with Leonardo Semplici taking SPAL to back-toback promotions. He was linked with Fiorentina this summer, but opted to try and keep the Spallini in Serie A. Benevento Coach Marco Baroni, meanwhile, faces the unenviable task of surviving in a division the club could never have expected to reach.

Something of a journeyman as a player and a trainer, Baroni played for the likes of Fiorentina, Napoli and Roma before moving to the bench.

He’ll need a strong start if he’s to remain in a job this season, which will be his first coaching experience of Serie A after a lengthy apprenticeship in the lower reaches of the Italian game.

Alberto Paloschi

Despite the dramatic and protracted departure of Antonio Cassano, Verona boast genuine Serie A pedigree up front. Last season’s top scorer Giampaolo Pazzini is currently sitting on 107 top-flight goals, so reaching double figures would take him ahead of the likes of Cassano and Edinson Cavani.

Joining him is Italy international Alessio Cerci, who returns to Serie A on a permanent basis after loan spells at Genoa and Milan during his unhappy time with Atletico Madrid.

Benevento will be hoping Danilo Cataldi can recapture the form which made him such a highly-rated prospect at Lazio, and he’ll be tasked with loading the bullets for Fabio Ceravolo.

The 30-year-old was never particularly prolific with Reggina, Pisa and Atalanta, but scored 21 goals in 43 games last season. The Stregoni need him to continue his late bloom.

SPAL have gone with experience, meanwhile, in the hope that the Serie A know-how of Sergio Floccari, Mirco Antenucci and Alberto Paloschi will give them enough to stay up.

Alberto Grassi meanwhile looked to be a promising midfielder during his time with Atalanta, but struggled to make any impact at Napoli. Still, he’s only 22 and is an Italian Under-21 international.

Marco Baroni Alessio Cerci

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2017-18 SERIE A FIXTURES

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Table Toppers

SERIE A CLUB BY CLUB AMBITIOUS CLUBS ARE LINING UP TO CHALLENGE JUVENTUS’ DOMINANCE OF SERIE A WHILE THE MINNOWS ARE EXPECTED TO STRUGGLE AT THE BOTTOM. CHLOE BERESFORD AND GABY MCKAY LOOK AT THE RUNNERS AND RIDERS…

LAST YEAR FINISH: 4TH PREDICTED FINISH: 10TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 15TH PREDICTED FINISH: 13TH

ATALANTA

BENEVENTO

Bergamo-based Atalanta embark on their maiden Europa League campaign without several of the star names who helped them get there last term.

Franck Kessie and Andrea Conti have departed for Milan, whilst Leonardo Spinazzola had his heart set on a move back to Juventus. New signing Josip Ilicic will provide some valuable experience in Europe, whilst Gian Piero Gasperini can also count on Marten de Roon who returns after a year at Middlesbrough.

After back-to-back promotions, Campanian side Benevento arrive in Serie A for the first time ever in 2017-18. The minnows will have a fight on their hands to remain in the division, avoiding the kind of campaign that saw Pescara finish last season with just 15 points. Top-flight experience has arrived at the club via key loan signing Marco D’Alessandro, a 25-year-old midfielder who has made 72 appearances at parent club Atalanta.

BOLOGNA

CAGLIARI

Roberto Donadoni has managed to keep his squad relatively intact for the new campaign after Bologna finished a disappointing 15th last time around. Sebastian De Maio has been brought in after a season at Fiorentina, providing valuable experience in the Rossoblu backline. Also incoming are 27-year-old Milan midfielder Andrea Poli and the experienced former Inter striker Rodrigo Palacio, but it is hard to see Bologna achieving anything other than another mid-table spot.

Cagliari earned an impressive 12-placed finish last term following their promotion from Serie B in 2015-16, and will be hoping for another season of stabilisation. They will have to do so without 35-year-old striker Marco Borriello, who scored an impressive 16 Serie A goals for the club last time out. The veteran has moved on to SPAL, admitting he no longer felt “fire in the belly” at the Sardinian outfit.

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 17TH 28 S360

LAST YEAR FINISH: 11TH PREDICTED FINISH: 14TH

CHIEVO

CROTONE

Chievo have been serial mid-table finishers since their promotion in 2008, and it looks like the Flying Donkeys will be no different this term.

Coach Rolando Maran is still in charge, a superb fit for a side who only aim for security in the Italian top flight. Valter Birsa remains the key man in attack, having netted seven times, providing nine assists for his teammates last season.

After having achieved a miracle salvation on the last day of 2016-17, Davide Nicola’s Crotone are set to become embroiled in another relegation struggle this time around. Diego Falcinelli scored 13 goals in 35 appearances last season for the Squali, but the 26-year-old has now returned to parent club Sassuolo. In comes Oliver Kragl with Bundesliga experience for around €400,000 but expect the Calabrians to struggle yet again.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 14TH PREDICTED FINISH: 12TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 8TH PREDICTED FINISH: 8TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 20TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 17TH PREDICTED FINISH: 18TH

FIORENTINA

GENOA

After a turbulent summer in which fan-favourites Gonzalo Rodriguez and Borja Valero were allegedly forced out of the club, Fiorentina start with a clean slate for 2017-18. The Tuscan side have seen many departures but new faces eventually arrived, signings of striker Giovanni Simeone and midfielder Marco Benassi the most impressive. Stefano Pioli replaces the inept Paulo Sousa on the bench, with fans hoping for a more settled season.

Genoa continue to sell their best players – Giovanni Simeone having departed for Fiorentina with an €18m price tag – and President Enrico Preziosi also put the club up for sale this summer.

The Grifone managed to stay up after a traumatic campaign last season and have secured the loan signing of Andrea Bertolacci from Milan. Coach Ivan Juric has his work cut out though, as the Ligurian outfit continue to struggle.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 16TH PREDICTED FINISH: 16TH

HELLAS VERONA

INTER

Newly-promoted Hellas Verona have the advantage of previous top flight experience, but Fabio Pecchia is embarking on his first stint as a first-team Coach in Serie A. The capture of freeagent Martin Caceres could prove to be crucial if he can stay clear of injury, and the Gialloblu will be hoping that Giampaolo Pazzini can repeat his goalscoring exploits of last season. Alessio Cerci is another veteran who could aid their chances of survival.

After a high-spending transfer window last summer, Inter have this year spent money on key new additions for new Coach Luciano Spalletti’s squad. Borja Valero and Matias Vecino have arrived from Fiorentina to bolster the midfield, whilst Ever Banega, Gary Medel and Jeison Murillo have all left the club. Brazilian Dalbert has been signed from Nice to provide a much-needed reinforcement at full-back. Is Spalletti the man to take the Nerazzurri to a Champions League finish?

LAST YEAR FINISH: 7TH PREDICTED FINISH: 4TH

JUVENTUS

LAZIO

Juventus have won the double for the past three seasons in a row, and have reached the Champions League Final in two of those three seasons. After a record breaking six Scudetti in a row though, Leonardo Bonucci has joined rivals Milan, while the departure of Dani Alves leaves a hole at right-back. With a resurgent Rossoneri and a powerful Napoli, could the Old Lady finally be budged from her throne?

Simone Inzaghi was thrown rather roughly into his first role as Coach following the Marcelo Bielsa saga, but he excelled last season. Lazio finished fifth in Serie A, reached the Coppa Italia final and started this season with a win in the Supercoppa. The question mark remains whether they can maintain that pace while also competing in the Europa League, something with which the Biancocelesti have struggled in the past.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 1ST PREDICTED FINISH: 2ND

LAST YEAR FINISH: 5TH PREDICTED FINISH: 6TH

MILAN

NAPOLI

After Milan stagnated in the final years of the Silvio Berlusconi era, a summer of spending under new Chinese owners has Milanisti expectations sky-high.

A total outlay of over €200m has seen the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Lucas Biglia and Nikola Kalinic arrive at San Siro, and top-four is the minimum expectation. A sleeping giant has awoken, and the Rossoneri harbour dreams of the Scudetto.

Naples hasn’t seen a Scudetto winning side since 1990, in the heady days of Diego Maradona. In an effort to redress that, the Napoli squad vowed to stay together over the summer, and even came back early from their holidays to better prepare for an assault on the title. Maurizio Sarri’s players know his style, know each other and know they have to deliver silverware this season.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 6TH PREDICTED FINISH: 3RD

LAST YEAR FINISH: 2ND PREDICTED FINISH: 5TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 12TH PREDICTED FINISH: 11TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 9TH PREDICTED FINISH: 7TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 3RD PREDICTED FINISH: 1ST

ROMA

SAMPDORIA

Despite achieving a record points total last season, Roma go into this one with uncertainty hanging over them. Last season’s Coach Luciano Spalletti has left, as have key men Antonio Rudiger, Mohamed Salah and Leandro Paredes.

New boss Eusebio Di Francesco worked wonders at Sassuolo, taking them into Europe, but the former Giallorossi midfielder has to hit the ground running or things could get very difficult, very quickly.

Despite being rather chaotic off the field, thanks to madcap President Massimo Ferrero, Sampdoria managed a top half finish last season.

Coach Marco Giampaolo is a canny operator, but he’ll have to plug the holes in his squad left by the departures of Luis Muriel and Milan Skriniar.

Depending on the Coppa Italia, seventh could be good enough for the Europa League, and that will be the target for the Blucerchiati.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 10TH PREDICTED FINISH: 9TH

SASSUOLO

SPAL

One of the best-run clubs in Italy, Sassuolo have continually defied expectations since winning promotion in 2013. Despite a crippling injury crisis which hampered their debut Europa League campaign last season and stunted their Serie A growth, the Neroverdi finished 14 points above the drop. Coach Eusebio Di Francesco has joined Roma though, and Gregoire Defrel has followed him, so a return to Europe may be out of their reach this time.

This will be SPAL’s first Serie A campaign for half a century, having languished in the lower leagues following their relegation in 1968. Coach Leonardo Semplici has a growing reputation, while young goalkeeper Alex Meret, on loan from Udinese, is seen as a potential successor to Gianluigi Buffon. That said, the only aim for this season will be avoiding an immediate return to Serie B. LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 19TH

TORINO

UDINESE

Torino look well-placed to challenge for the Europa League this season, especially with topscorer Andrea Belotti staying, despite interest from Milan and the Premier League. Joe Hart is gone, replaced by Salvatore Sirigu, and Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic will have to address a leaky defence which cost them in numerous matches last season. Going forward though Toro look exciting, and if they click they can threaten the European places.

Regular participation in European competition has been replaced with Serie A struggle for Udinese, with accusations the Pozzo family are more focused on Watford. Luigi Delneri steadied the ship last season after Beppe Iachini’s side looked in danger of relegation, but gone are the days of unearthing Alexis Sanchez, Medhi Benatia and Samir Handanovic. The Zebrette should have enough to stay up this season, but even a tophalf finish would be an achievement.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 13TH PREDICTED FINISH: 15TH

‘With a resurgent Milan and a powerful Napoli, could Juventus finally be budged from the throne?’

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BONUCCI SHOCKWAVE

Around Italy

Former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci shocked the entire world of football when it was announced he would be joining Milan for 2017-18. The defender broke up the legendary BBC trio, signing for the Rossoneri for a €42m fee, with a reported salary of €8m per season.

"I grew up here and I see this as my home. I am ready for that. I'm absolutely delighted to be back home at such a big club. I think that all parties want to move forward together.” – Having signed a five-year deal to return to Roma after two years at Sassuolo, midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini says the club is his home.

by the numbers

5 10

Before the start of 2017-18, Juventus had lost just five of their 156 competitive games played at the Juventus Stadium since September 2011

Milan’s free-kick specialist Hakan Calhanoglu has scored 11 goals from set-pieces since 2013-14 in the Bundesliga, the most in any of the top five European Leagues during this time

CASSANO CIRCUS

Antonio Cassano continued his controversial career in some style this summer. After not having played competitive football for months, newly-promoted Hellas Verona offered the 35-year-old a lifeline with a contract for 2017-18. In a series of sensational U-turns, Cassano eventually quit the Gialloblu, their President Maurizio Setti telling the Press the player’s head “isn’t right.”

FIORENTINA FURY

"There's no-one like Baggio. In my opinion, comparisons are always wrong. Baggio was perhaps the greatest Italian footballer of all time, he showed that, so I don't think you should compare me to him.” – New Juventus signing Federico

Bernardeschi claims it would be disrespectful to compare him with former Italy star Roberto Baggio.

"Spalletti is like a hammer and we're changing our attitudes. With him, distractions are not allowed."

– Inter captain Mauro Icardi has compared the club's new head coach Luciano Spalletti to a "hammer" because of his strong approach to discipline.

Federico Bernardeschi faced the wrath of Fiorentina fans with a series of insulting banners displayed outside their stadium after joining their most hated rivals Juventus for €40m this summer. The 23-year-old former Viola youth product had previously stated that he would “never join” the Bianconeri and faces a heated reception on his return to Florence in February.

“DIAMOND” PAPU RENEWS

Atalanta secured a major coup ahead of their maiden season in the Europa League, with the contract extention of striker Alejandro “Papu” Gomez. “He’s the tip of our diamond,” said President Antonio Percassi. “This renewal shows we really believe in him because of what he’s done for us and we’ll sure he’ll be a great example to the youngsters and the whole squad.”

ALLAN LOVES “FUN” NAPOLI

Napoli midfielder Allan has revealed the side’s secret weapon. The club did not hit the headlines in transfer market in the same way as others over the summer, instead preferring to go on a quiet retreat. “Our strength at Napoli is in the group, as we are so united,” he said. “We really care about each other and have great fun. That could be our secret weapon.”

TORINO FANS VOLCANIC GESTURE

Torino supporters have donated plants to assist in the ongoing efforts to repair the landscape after deliberate arson around Mount Vesuvius. The Granata representatives wanted to repay Napoli Ultras after they wore Torino scarves and shirts in order to pay their respects at the Superga plane crash memorial, a disaster that wiped out the entire “Grande Torino” side in 1949.

BERNARDESCHI RESPECTS 10 New Juventus signing Federico Bernardeschi revealed that he would not be wearing the Bianconeri No 10 in 2017-18 as many predicted he would. “There’s a lot of respect for this shirt,” he said. “So this year is the right one to show the club, the Coach and my teammates that I can wear it. I absolutely like the No 10, and if it was for me then I'd have taken it.”

DE ROSSI STEPS UP

"To give 100 per cent, I need to feel important, something that at Juventus was recently happening only in fits and starts." – Leonardo

Bonucci says he did not feel important at Serie A champions Juventus after joining rivals AC Milan.

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Roma captain Daniele De Rossi warns that “we are not eternal” after taking over from the retired Francesco Totti. “It puts more responsibility on all our shoulders, for me in particular,” the 34-year-old said.

“It had to happen sooner or later, we are not eternal, even though Francesco seemed as if he might be.”

HAMSIK SCUDETTO DREAM

After turning 30 this summer, Napoli captain Marek Hamsik revealed his dream of winning the league with the Partenopei. “In terms of age, my career is winding down, but I still want to do something, I still want something from football,” he said. “Winning the League with Napoli, this is my real dream. We can do it, and maybe this season we’ll really be good enough to fight for the Scudetto.”

IRREPLACEABLE BIGLIA

Former Lazio boss Stefano Pioli believes that the Aquile have been significantly weakened after Lucas Biglia joined Milan this summer.

“Biglia is irreplaceable, but Simone Inzaghi has other important players,” the Coach said. “Still, it’ll be difficult for them to repeat last season, which was more than positive for them.”

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HIGUAIN LOSES IN COURT

Gonzalo Higuain has lost his case against Napoli in court after he had submitted a claim for €600,000 in unpaid image rights.

The problem dates back to when the striker moved to rivals Juventus back in summer 2016. “SSC Napoli wins the arbitration ruling,” the Partenopei wrote on their official Twitter account. “Higuain is ordered to pay the court costs.”

CARVALLI BLASTS FIORENTINA OWNERS

Fashion designer and Fiorentina fan Roberto Cavalli blasted the current owners of the Viola, adding he wished he had enough money to mount a takeover. “Enough… They are trying to sell every single player to the highest bidder, including the goalkeeper,” he wrote on his Instagram account. “They want the money back that they’re convinced they invested… for us absurd and ungrateful fans!”

BORJA SPEAKS OUT

Former Fiorentina stalwart Borja Valero spoke candidly about being forced out of the club after he successfully completed a move to Inter this summer. “I never created a problem or said a word out of place,” he said. “But the relationship with the new sporting director has broken everything. I could only leave for the good of all but I went away with a clear conscience and my head held high.”

DID YOU KNOW? When Milan took on CS Universitatea Craiova in the opening Europa League qualifying round, 1,234 days had passed since their last European game, which was back in 11 March 2014, against Atletico Madrid.

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New Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny kept 14 clean sheets for Roma during 2016-17, more than any other stopper in Serie A. Lazio won 58.6% of their games with new Milan signing Lucas Biglia in the side and 44.4% without him. The free-kicks of Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic during his Torino training session went viral online, but the 28-year-old jointly holds the free-kick taking record in Serie A (28) alongside Alessandro Del Piero.

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PAPA PIRLO

Andrea Pirlo has become a father to twins.

The former Inter, Milan and Juventus midfielder Pirlo already has children from his previous marriage, but these are the first for this partnership. Pirlo partner Valentina confirmed in her blog that she had a “Sex and the City style scene where my water broke and we had to rush to the hospital in the middle of the night. The twins are called Leonardo and Tommaso. In December Pirlo now 38 years old will return to Bella Italia after his current contract with New York City FC expires in December 2017.

VAR HAPPY

SPALLETTI ADVICE

Former Inter boss Luciano Spalletti gave some constructive feedback to midfielder Joao Mario in order to improve his game. “Joao Mario has quality, and if he understands those two or three things he’s doing wrong and needs to change in order to complete his game, then he can become a top player,” he said.

Carlo Tavecchio is “happy” with VAR in Serie A. VAR’s role has already come under scrutiny. Nonetheless, the FIGC President told Radio Anch’Io Sport: “I’m satisfied with its application, only Italy and Germany are implementing this technology. That makes me happy. “I’m convinced that our League will be among the best in the world this season. We want to build something important with Serie A, Serie B and Lega Pro. “Why VAR? I talked to Infantino when he was UEFA’s secretary and he helped me a lot. I sent the request to Blatter and he invited me to go ahead with it.

We’ve been working on this since 2014.”

FLORENZI CRITIQUES ROME

Rome-native Alessandro Florenzi has described the atmosphere in the Eternal City which makes it hard for players to concentrate.

“It has become clear over the years that it’s difficult to work at Roma,” he admitted.

“Because the mood in the city flies from the stars to the gutter. There are so many radio stations, TV companies, websites who talk about even the most banal thing every day to fill time.”

by the numbers

70

Antonio Cassano delivered 70 assists from open play since 2004-05, the joint-most of any Serie A player

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Around Italy

SCHICK HEART PROBLEMS

The agent of Patrik Schick revealed the heart problems that caused the collapse of his move to Juventus, but added “it’s not serious”. “The enormous workload and the tremendous stress put on him in playing 44 games last season was reflected in the results of the health check,” he said. “After the angina, he had some kind of infectious inflammation on his heart.”

WORK PLEASE

Former World Cup-winner and free agent Cristian Zaccardo is advertising his services — on LinkedIn. The 35-year-old former Italy international, who was part of the squad was triumphed in Germany in 2006 has no club since leaving Vicenza at the end of last season.

"We must become a team as quickly as possible and try to achieve our objective of Champions League qualification. If we were to miss out on that target, it would certainly be a very damaging blow both economically and in terms of image.”

– Head Coach Vincenzo Montella recognizes that failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League would be 'damaging' for a new-look AC Milan, both economically and to the team's reputation.

by the numbers

19 90

Keita Balde Diao was the youngest player in Serie A to have a hand in more than 15 goals during 2016-17

Juventus full-back Alex Sandro created 90 chances from open play during the last two seasons, at least 21 more than any other defender

DREAM CATCHER

Paulo Dybala says it is a childhood dream come true to be handed the number 10 jersey

by Juventus for the new season. The jersey vacant since Paul Pogba left for Manchester United last year - has also been worn by legends such as Omar Sivori, Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero and is recognition of his contribution since arriving from Palermo in 2015.

DID YOU KNOW?

Douglas Costa, now at Juventus, made 160 open crosses in the Bundesliga during 2015-16 and 2016-17, at least 45 more than any other Bayern player.

VIOLA FLAIR

To pay homage to the club's rich history (and definitely not just to sell more), Fiorentina say the four new strips have been inspired by the individual quarters of Florence. The areas of Santa Croce (blue), Santo Spirito (white), Santa Maria Novella (red) and San Giovanni (green) are all to be represented by separate kits, meaning clashes should be no problem for the Viola this year.

New Roma striker Gregoire Defrel had the best shot conversion rate (32.4%) among any Serie A player with 12 or more goals during his season with Sassuolo in 2016-17.

GIGI THUMBS UP “I see Dybala like a bright boy about to start his first year in school.

Buffon, with a World Cup, is about to get his Master's degree. One with his career ahead of him, and one near the end. One who wants to show that he can be one of the greats in Europe. One who is already a great, but wants to end his legacy on top.”

– Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri believes that the mix of youth and experience, from 23-year-old Dybala to 39-year-old Buffon, in his side is one of the secrets to their success.

Juventus goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon has uploaded a touching message for Jamaica Sprinter, Usain Bolt on Instagram. The Italian expressed his feelings and reflected on the athlete’s extraordinary running career following his decision to retire. Buffon wrote, “Every story has its end. And when the beginning is extraordinary, the end has to be one to remember. “The fastest man of all times, the lightning of athletics retires. Inevitable. And yet incredible. As it has been his entire career.” “But in life you never really stop running. You just do it on a different track. So keep on running Lightning Bolt. While the world still tries to reach you.”

STELLAR TOTTI

In recognition of Francesco Totti’s stellar phenomenal Roma career, the club launched a replica of his final shirt into outer space. Totti gave his consent for the stunt, which came to fruition on August 1 with his jersey loaded onto the rocket 'Vega' that was launched in French Guiana by space travel organisation Avio.

SARRI FOR HIRE

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri possesses a desire to coach overseas at some point in his career, lamenting infrastructural inadequacies in Italy.

Sarri has spent his entire career coaching in his native Italy, building an impressive reputation by guiding Empoli back to Serie A and keeping them up before moving to hometown club Napoli in 2015.

"Everyone wants to play with great players and I can't point a gun at his head and tell him to stay. Everyone should do what makes them happy, just like he is here. We all want him to stay.” – Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is eager for Paulo Dybala to snub interest from Barcelona but admits that he "can't point a gun at his head and tell him to stay".

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by the numbers MARADONA CHALLENGE

Napoli’s Argentine legend Diego Maradona said forward Lorenzo Insigne, who has scored 49 goals for Napoli so far, can take his retired No.10 shirt if he beats his goal tally of 115. It is a jersey that Napoli retired in 2000 in honor of Maradona, who netted 115 goals for the Serie A side during a spell that encompassed his famous exploits in Argentina's 1986 World Cup triumph.

239

Radja Nainggolan made the most recoveries (239) among players with more than 10 goals throughout all of the top five European Leagues last season

2

New Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci is the only player in his positions to have scored at least two goals during each of the last 4 Serie A campaigns

by the numbers

282 since 2014/15

New Milan signing Maxime Gonalons won the most tackles (282) in Ligue 1

BOLD STATEMENT

MOVIE MAD

New Roma signing Maxime Gonalons says the capital club boast the best midfield in Serie A. The 28 year old is confident that Roma's midfield options, which include Radja Nainggolan and Daniele De Rossi, are the strongest to be found in Italy.

Crystal Palace manager Frank de Boer revealed he binge-watched Netflix after his sacking as Inter coach. De Boer was in charge of the Serie A giants for less than three months last year, sacked in November 2016. In a humorous interview shared by Crystal Palace, the Dutchman said his departure from Inter left him with plenty of time to indulge in TV shows and movies.

MISSED MESSI

Lionel Messi almost left Barcelona for Inter Milan in 2006, the LaLiga club's former president Joan Laporta has revealed. Messi has enjoyed astonishing success with Barca and developed into arguably the world's best player, winning the Ballon d'Or a record five times. But it could have been different if Barcelona couldn’t persuade Messi to stay after Inter agreed to meet his €150 million release clause.

BALLS TOO SMALL?

AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini made a swift exit from the Aspria Tennis Cup as he made his professional tennis debut in Milan.

Maldini, who had recently turned 49, and Landonio, a 46-year-old once ranked 975 in the world, were no match for Poland's Tomasz Bednarek and Dutchman David Pel. The onesided match saw Maldini and Landonio beaten 6-1 6-1 in just 42 minutes.

BONUCCI HARASSING

AC Milan coach Vincenzo Montella has claimed he sent 10 messages to Milan chiefs everyday for persuading the club to move for the Italy international. Bonucci joined the Rossoneri from the Serie A title-holders this month for a reported fee of €40million, announcing Milan as a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market following a takeover by Chinese investors.

DID YOU KNOW? Lorenzo Pellegrini has returned to Roma for 2017-18 on the back of six goals and six assists for Sassuolo last term. He was the youngest player to record more than five of each during 2016/17.

Fiorentina owners Andrea and Diego Della Valle put the club up for sale back in June, 15 years since saving the club from bankruptcy back in 2002.

Since 2007-08, Antonio Cassano has provided 65 assists in Serie A. Only Marek Hamsik has more, with 79, and the Napoli captain has made 123 more appearances.

TATTOO MOTIVATION

Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne says the Scudetto must be the target at the San Paolo next season, with plans in place to celebrate a Serie A title with a fresh tattoo. Known for his inkladen arms, Insigne says he has plans in place to commemorate any title triumph with more body art. "Naples has been waiting for too long. Let's just say I'm ready to get a tattoo… my back is still free…"

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Stage set for Madrid?

Table Toppers

WITH BARCELONA UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND ATLETICO MADRID HAMSTRUNG BY A TRANSFER EMBARGO, LIVIO CAFEROGLU ASKS WHETHER REAL MADRID ARE ABOUT TO DOMINATE LA LIGA.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s problems with the taxman came as an unwelcome distraction to Real Madrid’s preparations.

DID YOU KNOW

ATLETICO Madrid will not be able to sign new players until January 2018 after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Thursday upheld their transfer ban, a move the club said caused “irreparable damage”.

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“La Liga promises to remind us that no market madness can be a substitute for good football”

T

he summer transfer window of 2017 will be remembered as the craziest one yet, but it’s been something of an anti-climax in Spain. Indeed, the last few months have seen Barcelona lose one of their superstars, Real Madrid fail to land a ‘Galactico’ and Atletico Madrid pay the price for their ban on registering new players. But despite the hype being surprisingly subdued and there being little to suggest Los Blancos won’t defend their League crown this season, La Liga promises to remind us that no market madness can be a substitute for good football.

The title race was taken down to the wire last term, although in truth, Madrid never looked like losing their grip on top spot.

A record-breaking campaign by Zinedine Zidane’s men ensured no amount of catching up by the Catalans could deny them of a first Primera triumph in a decade.

Atleti, meanwhile, left it late to confirm third place and a direct passage to the Champions League group stage, whereas Sevilla ended up doing just enough for fourth, even if at one point they threatened to mount a surprise challenge for La Liga supremacy.

Zidane’s reign at Santiago Bernabeu has been marked by a focus on youth, a large part of which he nurtured while in charge of Madrid Castilla, and that was reflected in Los Merengues’ transfer activity over the summer. They captured two of Spanish football’s brightest prospects in former Atleti left-back Theo Hernandez and ex-Real Betis midfielder Dani Ceballos, as well as bringing back Jesus Vallejo from his loan spell at Eintracht Frankfurt. The trio may be far from the finished articles, but they have what it takes to serve Madrid for years to

Antoine Griezmann stayed with Atletico Madrid after their transfer ban – will he be rewarded for his loyalty?

come.

On the other hand, James Rodriguez and Pepe left the club. The pair were not only esteemed members of Madrid’s squad but also charismatic presences in the dressing room, and it remains to be seen whether their absences will be filled in both senses.

They were joined through the exit door

by Alvaro Morata and Danilo, two players who were never established regulars but nonetheless made their presences known by offering Zidane much-needed options when his first-choice personnel were either unavailable or lacking form.

Then there’s the small matter of Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese was reported to have made an ‘irreversible decision’ to leave Madrid on the grounds that he felt victimised by allegations of tax evasion.

He seems to be staying put after all, but his court case with the taxman began just days before he returned to training.

As professional as the 32-year-old is on a football pitch, Madrid may find themselves accelerating their pursuit of Monaco wonderkid Kylian Mbappe if the affair becomes drawn-out.

Barca, on the other hand, appear to be in disarray on and off the field. Just when Josep Maria Bartomeu and his cohorts looked like getting their acts together by appointing Ernesto Valverde as the team’s new Coach, sanctioning the arrival of Nelson Semedo, the right-back they so badly needed, and finally tying Lionel Messi down to a new contract, La Blaugrana’s preparations for the new season were marred by talk of Neymar leaving for Paris Saint-Germain, despite the forward only signing a new contract less than a year ago.

The seemingly-impossible would become

OUT OF THE SHADOWS

Barcelona’s summer was marred by Neymar’s stunning departure to Paris Saint-Germain.

“‘The seeminglyimpossible would become a reality with PSG paying Neymar’s gigantic release clause’” a reality, with PSG meeting the Brazilian’s gigantic €222m release clause, in a deal made all the more ironic by Barca’s frustrated attempts to sign Marco Verratti.

Consequently, the world’s most fearsome attacking trident was broken up and the Catalans were rushed into finding a replacement, just a month before the transfer window shut. Worse yet, however, the Neymar saga highlighted problems behind the scenes at Camp Nou. Luis Figo was the last superstar to leave the Blaugrana, but his crossing of the divide to Madrid in 2000 came just as the former were entering the lowest point of their recent history, whereas Madrid had just been taken over by Florentino Perez and were about to dominate European football, at a time when wealth between clubs was few and far between. Neymar has the chance to become a leading light for PSG, whose Qatari takeover in 2011 allowed them to become a top team, but prestige is harder to come by nowadays and the French side haven’t ventured beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in that time.

Outside Spain’s top two are Atleti, whose ban on registering players until January may has ruled out any immediate arrivals, although Spain winger Vitolo will join from Las Palmas once the sanction is lifted. It may also be a good omen for Los Colchoneros, given Madrid and Barca both went on to win League and European Cup doubles after their respective embargos. And with a new stadium, plus Saul Niguez committing for the next eight years, sitting out this window is perhaps no bad thing for Atleti.

However, their biggest coup of the summer by far is keeping Antoine Griezmann. The France international looked set to leave Atleti after three years of sterling service, with Manchester United emerging as his likeliest destination, but opted to sign a new contract with Los Rojiblancos once the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected his side’s appeal to have their transfer ban revoked. Regardless of what Diego Simeone’s troops achieve in 2017-18, Wanda Metropolitano’s opening and Griezmann leading out his teammates at the new venue should make it one to remember.

As for the teams that can break the trio’s hegemony, Sevilla again look best placed to at least threaten it. Coach Jorge Sampaoli and long-serving sporting director Monchi may have been consigned to the history books in Andalusia, but their replacements – Eduardo Berizzo and Oscar Arias – have shown promise. Berizzo looks set to continue the attacking philosophy implemented by Sampaoli, while Arias has earned his stripes working as Monchi’s righthand man for the past four years.

But while Monchi scoured the market for bargain buys and hidden gems, Arias is taking a more daring approach, as seen by the arrivals of several big names, including Nolito, Luis Muriel, plus returnees Ever Banega and Jesus Navas. However, deals for Sebastien Corchia and Guido Pizarro at a reportedlycombined cost of just €13.5m suggest the new man at the helm retains at least some of his predecessor’s shrewdness, even if the French full-back had been on Los Nervionenses’ radar since last summer.

Looking outside the top four, Villarreal have only strengthened by pulling off an impressive triple swoop for defender Ruben Semedo, striker Enes Unal and midfielder Pablo Fornals – all under the age of 23. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, are banking on Adnan Januzaj to not only recapture the form of his Manchester United breakthrough but also prove the difference between the Europa League and Champions League. The winger was signed at a cost of around €10m but, despite his obvious talent, represents a risk for the Basque outfit.

With the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also finding itself in a spot of bother following the arrest of its President, this may be the least-hyped La Liga season in years.

However, don’t let that take anything away from the football that is certain to be on offer. On paper, Madrid would – and should – be clear favourites to retain the title, such is their potential that they can somehow improve on last term.

Yet Valverde may find the formula that allows Barca to forget about Neymar or success could lie in stability for Atleti, without discounting the chasing pack. La Liga has always done its talking on the pitch, and it’ll do so again.

The man succeeding Monchi has signalled a change in Sevilla’s direction on the recruitment front.

Neymar seemed to have everything he wanted at Barcelona but when Paris Saint-Germain came calling, his head was turned. Livio Caferoglu asks why…

The summer was rife with rumours from almost the final whistle of last season, gossip that said Paris Saint-Germain wanted to sign Neymar from Barcelona. But more shocking than that was the addendum — that Neymar wanted the transfer just as much.

Barca’s No 11 had only signed a new contract last October and had struck up a dream partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, never passing up an opportunity to praise the pair and the chemistry he shared with them. So where did it all gone wrong?

Neymar had partnered his fellow South Americans for three seasons, scoring 90 of the trio's 364 goals in that time, but the feeling was that Messi remained the kingpin. Even after the Brazilian had inspired Barca's dramatic, late comeback against PSG in the Champions League last season, the Catalans celebrated it on their social media channels by posting a photograph of his Argentine colleague being held aloft by supporters. The picture was symbolic for the emotions it captured that night but also in the sense that Neymar still couldn't have his moment in the spotlight. In his mind, enough was enough.

The former Santos attacker turns 26 in February, and with there also being a World Cup next summer, it's understandable that he wants to maximise the prime years of his career. Neymar finished third at the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or but missed the cut 12 months later and is likely to be overlooked again. However, by stepping out of Messi's shadow once and for all, the superstar may finally be about to live up to his billing and carve out the legacy he so desperately craves.

Galacti-Gone?

Table Toppers

All signs point to Real Madrid abandoning the Galactico approach to transfers and focusing on what the team needs, Livio Caferoglu writes…

E

ven Real Madrid were put off by the crazy money being thrown around in the summer transfer window, or so it seemed. Their only significant outlay in the last two years had been on Alvaro Morata, yet they contributed to turning the market upside down by selling the striker to Chelsea for a fee that could rise to just shy of €80m. It begs the question – is the ‘Galacticos’ era at Santiago Bernabeu really coming to an end?

Madrid had bought a superstar every summer since the year 2000, when Florentino Perez was elected President for the first time, but signs of that trend waning were first spotted two years ago. Instead of giving Rafa Benitez the gift of a ‘Galactico’, Perez handed the then-new Coach Danilo and Mateo Kovacic, as well as Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez, both of whom had just returned from loan spells.

However, it was the appointment of Zinedine Zidane the following January that signalled the change in ethos.

Having been promoted from Madrid Castilla, the Frenchman wasted no time in utilising the stocks of young talent at his disposal.

Two Champions Leagues and a La Liga title later, he has proved that Los Blancos’ starlets – combined with the

‘Madrid had bought a superstar every summer since the year 2000, when Florentino Perez was elected President for the first time,’

experience and quality of their first team – can more than hold their own at the highest level, thereby eliminating the need for huge sums to be spent on a yearly basis.

Of course, Madrid may still smash the worldrecord fee for a teenager to sign Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe, but neither Cristiano Ronaldo nor Gareth Bale look like leaving any time soon, while the European champions have already shipped out one former ‘Galactico’ recently in James Rodriguez.

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he people of Girona will never forget June 4, 2017. For the first time in the Catalan town’s history, their football team was a member of Spain’s elite, having finally won promotion to La Liga after several years of knocking on the door.

In three of the previous four seasons they had been one match away from booking a ticket to the top division, but they fell at that final hurdle every time, most cruelly conceding a stoppage-time goal against Lugo in June of 2015 to see their dreams slip through their fingers. Now, two years later and 87 years after their founding, the Blanquivermell have finally done it.

They’ll be joined in the top flight by two teams who know all about life in La Liga.

Levante, having won the 2016-17 second division by a 14-point margin, and Getafe, having clinched promotion through the play-offs, are back in the big time just one year after they were both relegated at the end of the 2015-16 campaign. It was the first time in 16 years that two clubs had achieved a bounce-back promotion to the top division and the fact that they were also the two clubs with the largest budgets suggests that the improved La Liga TV deal means the relegated Spanish teams are now better prepared than ever before to mount an immediate promotion challenge.

Right from the off, Levante were destined to return to La Liga. From the fourth week of the season to the last, they were the team atop the pile, with Roger Marti firing in 22 goals and Jason Remeseiro bagging 10. At the back, they were solid and well organised, conceding just 32 times across their 42 fixtures, the second best record of the division, behind mid-table Reus. All across the park, the Valencia-based club boasted quality and that should make them the best placed of the three promoted teams to stay up. Some of their 2016-17 performances showed that they were good enough to compete with the cream of the Spanish crop and the additions of players such as Antonio Luna and Alex Alegría, who have plenty of La Liga experience, should make them even stronger.

Putting all of those talented pieces together is Coach Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz, with the former defender having restored some structure since taking over last summer in the aftermath of the disastrous 2015-16 season, in which Levante spent most of the season rock bottom of La Liga under Lucas Alcaraz and then Rubi. All of a sudden, they are a disciplined unit and they won’t be an easy opponent for La Liga’s best to swat aside.

Getafe, on the other hand, may find their return to La Liga a little tougher. The fact they had to earn their ticket through the promotion play-offs shows that they weren’t quite at Levante’s level, but they did finish the season in excellent form and with enormous momentum, finishing third after Jose Bordalas was brought in seven weeks into the season. Under Juan Esnaider’s stewardship, things did not start off as planned in the Madrid suburbs and the team were in the relegation zone, causing the club’s hierarchy to take early and drastic action. They turned to Bordalas, who had won the second division the previous season with Alaves, only to be dismissed because the style of football was viewed as turgid and unattractive, even if it was generally effective.

36 S360

‘Girona won’t want to let La Liga football disappear after just one flash-in-the-pan season.’

By winning their first ever promotion to the top division, Girona will become the 62nd side to play in La Liga.

Now, having overseen one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Segunda history and having won his second promotion in a year, the young Coach will finally be given the chance to take to a La Liga dugout. What he has done for Getafe has been incredible, but some doubts remain about his ability to set a team up for top-flight football. Last summer, Alaves were worried enough to make the unpopular decision to give Bordalas the boot and they were rewarded with one of their best ever seasons. If Bordalas’ tactics do prove to be too simplistic for one of the world’s best Leagues, then there could be a heavy price to pay.

Looking to give their man the best possible chance of success, Getafe have been working hard this summer to improve their squad and they’ve brought in some exciting new players, while also signing

With their points total of 84, Levante comfortably won the second division title.

'Right from the off, Levante were destined to return to La Liga.’

"What Jose Bordalas has done for Getafe has been incredible."

on a permanent basis some of those who had been on loan last year, such as Alvaro Jimenez and Dani Pacheco. Their president Angel Torres has used his contacts at neighbours Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid well in the past, bringing in young prospects on loan, from Gabi to Pedro Leon, and he hopes some imports from across the capital city can once again provide the Azulones with enough stardust to survive.

That’s because survival will be the only objective for all three of these promoted teams, not least for Girona. Set to enjoy their first ever taste of La Liga, the Catalan institution won’t want to let it disappear after just one flash-in-the-pan season. Their new owners won’t want that to happen either and that’s why City Football Group, who also own Manchester City, have been throwing cash and players Coach Pablo Machin’s way, even before the deal to incorporate Girona into their collection was even completed. The relationship between Girona and the Pep Guardiola’s team has already been strong for several years, due to his brother Pere Guardiola’s involvement, so fans at the Estadi Montilivi have already seen many loan players jet in from the Etihad Stadium. Over the coming years, that should become even more common and it could give Girona a significant advantage, just as Getafe’s relationship with Atletico and Real Madrid should equip them with firepower they otherwise could not afford.

Even still, it will be very tough for Girona to avoid the bottom three, but the fact that other recent La Liga first-timers Eibar and Leganes both beat the drop during their maiden season should give them something to aspire to. As for Levante and Getafe, they’ve both been here before and know how to win, and how to lose, a relegation battle.

ONES TO WATCH

IN THE DUGOUT

Levante’s star man in their 2016-17 Segunda division triumph was Roger Marti, the striker who netted 22 times and who was just one goal away from being the division’s joint-top scorer.

During pre-season he suffered a serious knee injury which should keep him out for half of the season, a major blow to Levante. While they’ll hope to make do with alternative striking options, the 26-year-old has proven to be such a special player that his return will be a date to look out for. He may arrive late to the La Liga party, but his goals could make it a happy ending for his team.

Preparing for their first ever season in the top flight, Girona have been adding many new players and perhaps the most significant one could be that of Cristhian Stuani. The veteran 30-year-old striker has played across the continent, from Italy to England to Spain, so his know-how could prove invaluable. The last time he spent a full season in La Liga, which was in 201415 with Espanyol, he scored 12 goals.

If he can reach double figures again, then Girona stand a good chance of surviving.

Markel Bergara had been a Real Sociedad player all of his footballing life, but the midfielder has joined Getafe this summer, ready to begin a new chapter. He’ll certainly be a player worth looking out for, as he still has much to offer at the age of 31. Given his position in central midfield, he’ll be at the heart of the action, the good and the bad.

Having led each of their teams to promotion last season, Levante’s Juan Ramon Lopez Muniz, Getafe’s Jose Bordalas and Girona’s Pablo Machin have all seen their stock rise in recent months.

However, only one of them has ever coached a team in Spain’s top division and, even then, that was back in the 2008-09 and the 2009-10 seasons when Muniz was in charge at Racing Santander and then Malaga. Since then he has spent four years working in Ukraine at Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and then led Alcorcon to an impressive seventh place in the 2015-16 Spanish second tier, earning him the Levante job. Muniz does not, then, have much top-flight experience, but he still possesses far more than his fellow newly promoted tacticians. Having been coaching for 24 years, ever since injury forced him to hang up his boots at the age of 28, Bordalas has been in the profession for a long time, but he has never been in charge in La Liga, instead spending the past couple of decades in the lower leagues. Having won promotion with Alaves in 2015-16, he’ll feel he should have already been due a shot at the top tier and will finally get it with Getafe.

It’s a similar story for Girona’s Machin, who will coach his first La Liga match when Atletico Madrid come to town in the season’s first week. He has been at the heart of the Catalan club’s recent success, arriving in 2014 after spending his entire playing and coaching career at Numancia. At his new side, defensive discipline and a clinical attack quickly made him a local hero.

Getafe looked set to be battling relegation last season, but the arrival of Jose Bordalas saw them claim an unlikely promotion.

Alves Athletic Atletico Madrid Celta Vigo Deportivo Eibar

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Espanyol Apr 1 Barcelona Getafe Girona Las Palmas Leganes Levante Malaga Real Betis Real Madrid Real Sociedad Sevilla Valencia Villarreal

Athletic

HOME

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2017-18 LA LIGA FIXTURES

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------S360 37

Table Toppers

LA LIGA CLUB BY CLUB

REAL MADRID HAVE STAR NAMES AND INCREASING STRENGTH IN DEPTH, WHICH IS BAD NEWS FOR LA LIGA’S OTHER TITLE HOPEFULS AND A BARCELONA-LESS NEYMAR COULD STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP, PREDICTS COLIN MILLAR.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 9TH PREDICTED FINISH: 13TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 3RD PREDICTED FINISH: 2ND

LAST YEAR FINISH: 13TH PREDICTED FINISH: 6TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 10TH PREDICTED FINISH: 12TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 17TH 38 S360

ALAVES

ATHLETIC BILBAO

A sensational return to the top flight last season saw Alaves record a top half finish and reach the Copa Del Rey Final. Luis Zubeldia replaces Mauricio Pellegrino in the Basque club’s dugout while last year’s star loanees Victor Camarasa, Deyverson, Marcos Llorente and Theo Hernandez have all left, with defender Zouhair Feddal joining Betis. Among the arrivals are Burgui, Mubarak Wakaso, Tomas Pina and Zinedine Zidane’s son Enzo.

The major change at San Mames this summer was Ernesto Valverde leaving after four seasons to replace Luis Enrique at Barcelona. Josu Urrutia, who spent his entire playing career at the club with over 350 appearances before managing Bilbao Athletic, the club’s reserve side, is his replacement. Athletic have not made a first-team signing since Raul Garcia in August 2015, and the former Atletico Madrid midfielder, along with Aymeric Laporte, Inaki Williams and Aritz Aduriz, will once again be key.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 7TH PREDICTED FINISH: 7TH

ATLETICO MADRID

BARCELONA

The failure to remove the club’s ban on signing players has totally influenced Atletico Madrid’s summer. Vitolo was signed from Sevilla but will spend six months on loan at Las Palmas, while Ateltico are hopeful on Diego Costa’s eventual return. Star forward Antoine Griezmann signed a new deal and while there have been a host of departures, none were first-team regulars. A quick adaption to the new Wanda Metropolitano stadium is a must.

Ernesto Valverde is the Copa Del Rey holders’ new Coach, replacing Luis Enrique. The world record sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, who triggered his €220m release clause, has shaped the club’s summer. Benfica right-back Nelson Semedo’s arrival plugs a vital gap in the squad but the signings of Gerard Deulofeu and Paulinho are uninspiring. An ageing squad with significant holes mean it could be a tough opening season for Valverde.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 2ND PREDICTED FINISH: 3RD

CELTA VIGO

DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA

Juan Carlos Unzue — Luis Enrique’s No 2 at Barcelona last season — has replaced Sevillabound Eduardo Berizzo in the Celta Vigo dugout.

It has largely been a summer of continuity for the Galicians with Jozabed, who impressed on loan from Fulham, and Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez the two keynote additions. No major players have followed Berizzo out of Balaidos and with no European distraction, a push for the top six is the target.

The Galicians endured a tough 2016-17 campaign, finding it tough to replace the goals of Lucas Perez. They are confident of bringing the Arsenal striker back to the Riazor this year and if they do, relegation should not be a major concern. Coach Pepe Mel brought a degree of stability while the loan signings of Fede Valverde and Zakaria Bakkalli will add some much-needed invention to a side who need goals.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 16TH PREDICTED FINISH: 15TH

EIBAR

ESPANYOL

The Basque club have recorded their highest ever League finish for three successive campaigns as their remarkable story continues, claiming eighth last season. Highly-rated midfielder Ivan Alejo has joined from Alcorcon while winger Pablo Hervias and striker Charles have arrived from Real Sociedad and Malaga respectively.

Another top-half finish will be tough with others strengthening, but there’s no reason why Eibar’s remarkable spell in the top flight will end anytime soon.

Quique Sanchez Flores enjoyed a satisfactory debut campaign at the helm at the RCDE Stadium and the permanent signings of Pablo Piatti, Leo Bapistao and Diego Lopez after impressive showings last season bodes well.

Experienced midfielder Esteban Granero also arrives, as does highly-rated Real Madrid youngster Mario Hermoso. Club legend Sergio Garcia has also returned from Qatar. Espanyol have a strong, united squad and should again push for a European spot.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 8TH PREDICTED FINISH: 9TH

GETAFE

GIRONA

The Madrid-based side’s decade-long stint in the top flight endured only a one-season break following their promotion playoff victory over Tenerife in June. They have been Spain’s busiest club with 16 arrivals, including goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez (Arsenal), Faycal Fajr (Deportivo), Vitorino Antunes (Dynamo Kiev) and star Japanese midfielder Gaku Shibasaki.

Somewhat of an unknown quantity, retaining their spot in La Liga will be Getafe’s sole focus this season.

After several near misses, Girona finally won their first ever promotion to La Liga last season.

Due to their ownership links with Manchester City, they’ve loaned five players from the English giants including Brazilian Douglas Luiz, Colombian forward Marlos Moreno and Nigerian striker Larry Kayode – the top scorer in Austria last season. Along with several other astute signings, the Catalan outfit will be confident of their chances of staying up.

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 16TH

LAS PALMAS

LEGANES

The exit of Coach Quique Setien represented a massive blow for Las Palmas, who faded away badly last season after a fine start - losing 15 of their final 20 games. Vitolo arrives until January and B team Coach Manolo Marquez is now in charge but the exits of Roque Mesa and KevinPrince Boateng will hit hard. A long season awaits.

Leganes completed their first-ever campaign in Spain’s top flight by achieving their sole objective: survival. Los Pepineros will hope for a repeat this time around and with a season’s experience alongside less reliance on loan players, they have given themselves a fighting chance. Goalkeeper Ivan Cuellar (Sporting Gijon), midfielder Javi Eraso (Athletic Bilbao) and forward Nabil El Zhar (Las Palmas) are the notable arrivals as they renew their rivalry with newly-promoted Getafe.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 14TH PREDICTED FINISH: 19TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 14TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 15TH PREDICTED FINISH: 10TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 6TH PREDICTED FINISH: 8TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 12TH PREDICTED FINISH: 11TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 17TH PREDICTED FINISH: 20TH

LEVANTE

MALAGA

Valencia-based Levante romped to promotion last year, cruising to a comfortable Segunda title after a torrid relegation the previous year. Roger Marti – scorer of 23 League goals last season – was ruled out for six months with a serious knee injury, and replacing his goal output could be key to their survival ambitions. Securing Sevilla Atletico striker Ivi Lopez and Alex Alegria from Betis on loan are strong additions, alongside the coup of Eibar fullback Antonio Luna.

It has been a summer of discontent at La Rosaleda with seven pre-season defeats from eight outings and losing a string of star players.

Among the departures are Carlos Kameni, Ignacio Camacho, Pablo Fornals and Sandro Ramirez, with each representing a blow to the Costa Del Sol side. Former Nice captain Paul Baysse has joined while the fortunes and form of striker Borja Baston, loaned from Swansea, will be crucial if they are to stave off a relegation battle.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 11TH PREDICTED FINISH: 18TH

REAL BETIS

REAL MADRID

A summer of mass change has swept over Real Betis – Quique Setien has been instilled as Coach, Lorenzo Serra Ferrer as Vice-President with nine players arriving and 16 departing from the first-team squad. Despite the exits of star players German Pezzella, Dani Ceballos and Ruben Castro – the club’s all-time leading goalscorer has left for China on loan – there is renewed optimism. The squad is stronger but much rests on striking duo Sergio Leon and Antonio Sanabria.

Having already secured the European Super Cup and Spanish Supercopa crowns, Real Madrid have their sights set on all six trophies this season. The Spanish and European champions appear allconquering, with ludicrous strength in depth and world-class players no longer assured of a firstteam place. Theo Hernandez and Dani Ceballos are star arrivals but may struggle for games this season. Isco and Marco Asensio look set to star once more for Zinedine Zidane’s ominouslystrong side.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 1ST PREDICTED FINISH: 1ST

REAL SOCIEDAD

SEVILLA

A top six finish built on youth products and slick football may be tough to better this time round, with Real Sociedad this summer focusing on continuity. La Real have retained the in-demand goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli and defender Inigo Martinez, although full-back Yuri Berchiche joined Paris Saint-Germain. The additions of Diego Llorente – who impressed on loan at Malaga last season – and Adnan Januzaj will add depth, but demands of European football may take their toll.

Eduardo Berizzo has replaced compatriot and fellow Marcelo Bielsa disciple Jorge Sampaoli as Sevilla Coach in another busy summer. Vitolo is the only unwanted departure – an acrimonious departure to Atletico Madrid, via Las Palmas – and Steven N’Zonzi is set to stay. Nolito and Luis Muriel greatly strengthen the Andalusians’ attack, Sebastian Corchia and Simon Kjaer replace Mariano and Adil Rami respectively while the gifted Ever Banega and pacey Jesus Navas both return.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 4TH PREDICTED FINISH: 4TH

VALENCIA

VILLARREAL

After a miserable season which saw Valencia briefly flirt with relegation, Los Che brought in no-nonsense former Villarreal boss Marcelino.

Big earners – Diego Alves, Enzo Perez, Alvaro Negredo and Joao Cancelo – have been cleared from the wage bill, with Inter duo Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jeison Murillo, Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista and Juventus goalkeeper Norberto Neto all arriving. After a turbulent few years, the club must hope Marcelino once more maximises results and potential.

The Yellow Submarine have impressed in the transfer market after a surprise fifth-place finish last season. Milan striker Carlos Bacca arrives on loan to complement Cedric Bakambu and Eres Unal, a summer signing from Manchester City.

Ruben Semedo joins from Sporting CP to replace Milan-bound Mateo Musacchio, but a long-term injury to goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo is a major concern. Midfielders Roberto Soriano and Manu Trigueros will once again be key.

LAST YEAR FINISH:5TH PREDICTED FINISH: 5TH

Already a domestic and European champion, Zinedine Zidane wants more trophies for Real Madrid S360 39

Around Spain

“It’s true that, in the last nine or ten years, since I returned to Barcelona, it is the first time I feel their superiority over us.” - Gerard

Pique reveals he feels ‘inferior’ to Real Madrid for first time since making Barcelona return in 2008 after comprehensive defeat in Spanish Super Cup.

S*** happens and that's life, but it's how you deal with it that makes you a winner," - John Guidetti is

determined to focus on the positives after a broken collarbone ruled him out of the start of Celta Vigo's LaLiga season. The Sweden international suffered the injury as he won a penalty in Sunday's pre-season victory against Roma.

"Nothing is going to change there.

If we think it's going to be easier [without Neymar] then we're wrong.” - Zinedine Zidane rejected the suggestion Real Madrid will be taking on the weakest Barcelona side he has faced in the Supercopa de Espana following the departure of Neymar.

NO MORE NEYMAR

DID YOU KNOW?

In a transfer saga that started and finished quicker than any of its kind, Neymar left Barcelona to join Paris SaintGermain after the French giants paid his €222m release clause, smashing the previous record set by Paul Pogba’s €110m return to Manchester United last summer. The Brazilian, who scored 105 goals in 186 appearances for the Blaugrana, as well as winning one Champions League and two La Liga titles, has signed a five-year contract with PSG, worth a cool €45m a season.

Former Real Sociedad boss David Moyes gave Adnan Januzaj his breakthrough at Manchester United in 2013.

Neymar was directly involved in 164 goals in his 186 appearances for Barcelona (105 goals and 59 assists).

Neymar was also the only player from the top five Leagues with 20-or-more goals (20) and assists (21) last season in all competitions.

NO LOVE LOST FOR NEY

Neymar’s decision to leave Barca unsurprisingly caused all hell breaking loose, with his club and La Liga both vowing to report Paris Saint-Germain to UEFA on the grounds that the French giants violated Financial Fair Play. Furthermore, a minority of Blaugrana’s fans made their unhappiness known in no uncertain times, from burning their No 11 shirts to embroiling themselves in an angry bust-up with the forward.

CRISTIANO HAS TAXING DAY

Cristiano Ronaldo’s trial for alleged tax evasion amounting to €14.7m began in August, but despite promising to speak to waiting media and fans outside the Madrid court where he stood before a judge, the Real Madrid superstar instead sent his media representative to state he had not hidden anything and that no suspect tax scheme was set up when he arrived at Santiago Bernabeu in 2009. The trial continues.

RFEF IN TURMOIL

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) finds itself in turmoil after President Angel Maria Villar and his son Gorka were arrested on allegations of corruption in July. His detention came just two months after he was re-elected for an eighth term, in a position that he has held since 1988. The 67-year-old was released on bail, but not before he resigned from his roles as Vice-President of FIFA and UEFA.

CLIPPERS OUT FOR YERAY

The entire Athletic Bilbao squad have shaved their heads in solidarity with defender Yeray Alvarez, who is receiving chemotherapy for testicular cancer. The Spain Under-21 international was forced to pull out of the European U21 Championship after it was discovered that a tumour, which had been removed in December 2016, had returned. His treatment is forecast to last until October.

NO ATLETI SHIRT, NO PARTY

25-0 WIN...

"YOU'RE FIRED!"

described his time at Barcelona as the "dream of a child" after completing his worldrecord move to Paris Saint-Germain.

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Barcelona confirmed in July that Lionel Messi had signed a new contract, which would tie him to the club until at least 2021. The new deal is also thought to include a €300m release clause, although the announcement was made before Paris Saint-Germain paid €222m to release Neymar from his Blaugrana contract. Nonetheless, Messi is Barca and his top-level career is surely destined to end at Camp Nou.

ALIVE BUT NOT KICKING

Diego Costa showed his willingness to return to Atletico Madrid in July after he attended a street party in Brazil wearing a Rojiblancos shirt. Costa has no future at Chelsea after being exiled by Coach Antonio Conte, but Atleti’s ban on registering new players until January represents an obstacle that could deny the striker of his dream move.

"Barcelona was much more than a challenge, it was the dream of a child who played with those stars through the video game." - Neymar

#MESSI2021

A Spanish youth Coach was sacked in June after he won a match 25-0.

The trainer had been in charge of CD Serranos, who had 10 and 11-year-olds on their books, and was accused of humiliating Benicalap C during a local League match.

However, his lawyer insisted there was a case for unfair dismissal as Benicalap C “couldn’t make further changes, continued to attack and left too many open spaces.”

Kick-ups at the Bernabeu have become a sacred part of any unveiling for a new Real Madrid player, but Theo Hernandez endured a presentation to forget. The France Under-20 left-back looked nervous and struggled to execute a single kick-up when on the stadium’s hallowed turf, but that didn’t stop Zinedine Zidane from giving him minutes in every friendly of Los Blancos’ US tour.

GODIN LOSES IT

Atletico Madrid fought back from a Jose Callejon volley to win their Audi Cup opener against Napoli 2-1 in August, but Diego Godin forget the game was a friendly, receiving two yellow cards in the final minutes for shocking tackles on Dries Mertens and Adam Ounas.

The latter resulted in Ounas leaving the match in tears and Diego Simeone agreeing the defender was right to be sent off.

by the numbers

31

Former Spain international Michu has retired aged just 31 due to chronic injury problems

ITALIAN TRADITION AND QUALITY 1969 €500M CLAUSE FOR CEBALLOS?

Real Madrid reportedly inserted a €500m release clause into Dani Ceballos’ contract, highlighting their belief in his potential and deterring other teams from signing him in the future. The former Real Betis midfielder played a key role in Spain’s run to the European Under-21 Championship Final, where they lost 1-0 to Germany, and he vowed “to do everything I can to make the history of this club even greater.”

DID YOU KNOW? Only Lionel Messi (560) and Eden Hazard (544) have completed more dribbles than Neymar (493) in the top five Leagues since the 2013-14 campaign.

JANUZAJ A REAL GAMBLE

Real Sociedad have signed winger Adnan Januzaj from Manchester United for a fee that could rise to €11m. Januzaj has penned a five-year contract with La Real, while United have included a buyback clause in the deal.

The Belgian exploded onto the scene as an 18-year-old, scoring twice on his debut for the Red Devils, but has fallen on hard times since then. For the expense spared, it’s a gamble.

Neymar created more chances (426) than any other Barca player in four years, barring Messi (465).

Athletic Bilbao’s Raul Garcia has scored 27 goals in the last two seasons, at least eight more than any other La Liga midfielder in all competitions.

SEVILLA PAIR BACK HOME

Sevilla welcomed back two fan favourites over the summer as Ever Banega and Jesus Navas both returned to Sanchez Pizjuan. Banega was away for just a year, having played for Inter last season, while Navas had spent the last four years at Manchester City. The pair may now be the wrong side of 30, but their winning history with the club gives the Andalusians some much-needed pedigree.

TASTE THE TRADITION

NINE-YEAR DEAL FOR SAUL

Atletico Madrid announced on July 1 that midfielder Saul Niguez had signed a new, nineyear contract with the club. Saul’s previous deal still had four more years to run, but reported interest from Barcelona had seemingly prompted Atleti to review the starlet’s terms, which will see him through until 2026. “I’m very happy because we’re a family at Atleti and there’s no better place I can be,” he assured.

MICHU RETIRES AT 31

Former Swansea City and Spain attacker Michu has retired from football aged just 31 due to ongoing injury problems. Michu is perhaps most well-known for his debut, 201213 campaign at Swansea, when he netted 22 goals in 43 appearances, before winning his one and only international cap the following year. The Oviedo native also turned out for the likes of Celta Vigo, Rayo Vallecano and Napoli.

GRIZI FUTURE IN DOUBT?

Antoine Griezmann’s pledge to stay at Atletico Madrid after their transfer ban and his signing of a new contract ended speculation of a move away for the time being, but he failed to rule out leaving the club next summer. The Frenchman’s release clause remains at €100m and once Los Colchoneros’ embargo is lifted, rumours linking him with Manchester United and Barcelona look like doing the rounds again.

by the numbers

3 29

Three Clasicos will have been played

by September, in the International Champions Cup and the two-legged Supercopa Espana

Suspended RFEF President Angel Maria Villar has been in power for 29 years, since 1988

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ATLETI UNDER FIRE OVER VITOLO

Around Spain

Sevilla have confirmed that they will take legal action against Vitolo, Atletico Madrid and Las Palmas after the winger’s controversial transfer to Wanda Metropolitano. Vitolo moved to Atleti for €37.5m but will spend the first half of the season on loan at Las Palmas due to Los Colchoneros’ registration ban. The deal was announced just days after Sevilla stated he had signed a new, five-year contract with them.

"What bothers people is my glow.

Insects only attack lights that shine." - Cristiano Ronaldo issued a

pointed response to critics just a day after his court appearance as part of a tax fraud investigation.

CLASICO DATES ANNOUNCED

Jesus Navas has made 59 assists in La Liga, at least 22 more than any other Sevilla player in the 21st century.

Atletico Madrid have kept clean sheets in more than half their games under Diego Simeone (166 out of 319).

"LaLiga and Barcelona are bigger than Neymar. I would be more worried if Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi left." - Lionel Messi and

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has unveiled new crystallized boots commemorating his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid.

The boots are housed at ‘Museu CR’ in Madeira, Portugal, – his city of birth, which is home to an array of trophies and medals that has been won by the ex-Sporting Lisbon winger throughout his glittering career.

Tom Cruise was a surprise guest at Atletico Madrid’s new home as the Hollywood legend was given a guided tour by star Saul Niguez.

Construction work is still on-going at the Wanda Metropolitano, but it was not Mission Impossible to see that the silver screen icon was impressed.

Cruise was in the Spanish capital along with fellow cast members from his latest movie "The Mummy" Annabelle Wallis and Sofie Boutella.

TRIBUTE BARCA

Barcelona wore special commemorative shirts in the La Liga match against Real Betis in tribute to the victims of attacks in Catalonia. The space traditionally reserved for player names was used to display the word 'Barcelona' to commemorate those who lost their lives.

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RONALDO VANITY

THUMBS UP

Cristiano Ronaldo would be bigger losses to LaLiga than Paris Saint-Germain target Neymar, according to the league's president Javier Tebas.

believes the Neymar's world-record transfer from Barca to PSG makes a €300m move for his former team-mate Lionel Messi possible.

ESPN recently revealed Manchester United scouts rejected the chance to sign Real Madrid standout Isco because his “head was too big for his body.”

But the supposed size of his head didn’t seem to stop him starring for Spain’s triumphant Under-21s side at that summer’s European Championship and eventually signing up for Real Madrid.

The season has barely started, and we’re already experiencing Clasico fever, with Real Madrid and Barcelona already facing off in the International Champions Cup and two-legged Supercopa Espana. The first La Liga meeting between the two clubs will be played on Tuesday December 19, before a potential title decider will see the pair play on Sat. May 5.

DID YOU KNOW?

"It’s pretty simple. Until now it was simply seen as impossible. Then there is the list, with the releaseclauses for Barcelona. Leo Messi, €300m. In a period of just a month it suddenly sounds possible too.

That used to be an outrageous amount. They just set that amount randomly. I mean who would pay €300m? And then it simply happened." - Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp

BUT WHAT ABOUT ROONEY?

SOCIAL PERSUASION

Gerard Pique claims he knew Neymar was going to join Paris SaintGermain when the Barcelona defender posted a photo on social media indicating the Brazilian would remain at Camp Nou. He also claims it to be his “final shot” in persuading Neymar to stay, risking the obvious embarrassment.

by the numbers

364 485 2026

Barcelona’s MSN attacking trident, which included Neymar, scored 364 official goals in only three seasons Ever Banega and Jesus Navas made a combined total of 485 appearances for Sevilla, prior to their returns

Atleti until 2026

Saul Niguez’s new nine-year contract sees him commit to

HAPPY RETURN

Sevilla posted a video on Twitter of Jesus Navas becoming the victim of a faked 'kidnap', bundled into the back of a car with a bag over his head before being driven to the stadium. The Spanish winger has secured a return to Sevilla on a free transfer having been released by Manchester City at the end of last season.

DID YOU KNOW?

Diego Alves leaves Valencia as the goalkeeper with the most penalty saves in La Liga history (22 in total, 12 for Valencia and 10 for Almeria) Ruben Castro departs Real Betis as their second all-time top scorer in La Liga (76 goals).

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I SMELL TASTE A RAT

2017

After Paris Saint Germain’s dominant 4-0 triumph over Barcelona the mayor of the French town of Mont-de-Marsan, Charles Dayot, took to Facebook at the time to promise that if Barcelona managed to knock out PSG he’d eat a rat. Unfortunately for him, the Catalans staged one of the all-time great comebacks in the return leg and won 6-1 at the Camp Nou, knocking out the Ligue 1 giants from the tournament. It’s taken a while, but on July the mayor completed his forfeit after he lost his self-imposed bet. Using a PSG short as his napkin, and with a Barcelona top laid out on the table, Charles Dayot ate the rodent. He even claimed it had the taste of rabbit!

Q60

by the numbers

222 14.7 575

Neymar’s transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for €222m – the value of his Barcelona release clause – is a new, world record

€14.7m

Cristiano Ronaldo stands accused of defrauding the Spanish state to the tune of

Neymar will reportedly earn €575,000 after tax at Paris Saint-Germain

SUMMER PARTY

Raul, Zinedine Zidane and David Beckham had a mini “galacticos” re-union at Becks LA house last month. Current Real Madrid squad players including Marcelo, Gareth Bale and Sergio Ramos were also at the celebratory bash

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INKED RAMOS

Spanish paper Marca released a new interview with Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos. Marca bigged up their Ramos interview with an eyecatching image of the defender’s tattoos.

Not only that, but Marca actually spent time investigating all the different inkings and their meanings. That’s given fodder for photoshoppers to get their teeth into, and they’ve spoofed up Ramos’s artwork on his back.

MOVE OVER KIM

Hopper, a British based internet company which focuses on social media and Instagram in particular, has revealed that Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was placed behind Selena Gomez and Kim Kardashian as the third highest earner on Instagram in the world.

Ronaldo, who has 106 million followers on the social network, reportedly earns a staggering 400,000 euros per post on Instagram.

BIG SPENDERS

Leo Messi’s Ibiza holiday during the summer break with former and current Barcelona teammates Cesc Fabregas and Luis Suarez made a big splash on social media. After his Ibiza trip was over an insane receipt has gone viral, presumably from the night all three superstars hit an Ibiza restaurant together.

It is a receipt from Club Restaurant Cabaret, and shows a bill total of 37,330 euros!

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Sleeping Giants Table Toppers

A SUMMER OF UPHEAVAL AT BORUSSIA DORTMUND LEAVES THE ONUS ON RB LEIPZIG TO END BAYERN MUNICH’S DOMINANCE. JONATHAN SWINDLEHURST ASKS WHO ELSE MIGHT CHALLENGE IN THE BUNDESLIGA…

“Will we finally see a serious challenge to Bayern’s hegemony from one of Germany’s sleeping giants?”

Arjen Robben broke Dortmund hearts with his last-minute winner at Wembley.

‘It grates that Thomas Tuchel was let go before really putting his stamp on Dortmund’

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T

here was a collective gasp as 86,000 people held their breath. It was the first-time on the night silence descended on the packed Wembley Stadium. It lasted for a split-second. Just enough time for the nimble-footed Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben to glide past two Borrusia Dortmund defenders and slot the ball slowly past the helpless Roman Weidenfeller. The blue and red-clad fans erupted in celebration below the glistening Wembley arch. The yellow wall cracked and slumped in defeat.

It was the 89th minute of a pulsating 2013 Champions League Final and it cemented the Bavarians’ place in the scrolls of history.

Bayern still had to go on to defeat Stuttgart 3-2 in a nerve-jangling German Cup Final in Berlin to claim a historic treble, but it was this moment that Munich finally swatted away the yellow and black bee buzzing at their coattails and once again asserted their dominance.

Jurgen Klopp’s Dortmund team had triumphed over Bayern the season before, bringing the League and Cup double back to North Rhine-Westphalia. They put Jupp Heynckes’ side to the sword 5-2 in a Shinji Kagawa-inspired 2012 German Cup Final – swarming over their old enemy and executing the perfect symphony of Klopp’s favoured rock and roll football. This was the closest they came to dominating before being smashed back down to earth in the cruellest fashion at Wembley.

Klopp’s disciples never truly recovered, finishing second and a disappointing seventh in the two seasons that followed.

Bayern picked at the Dortmund carcass in the aftermath, with Mario Gotze, confirmed just before the Champions League Final,

Liverpool hoped to take Naby Keita to Anfield.

Robert Lewandowski and Mats Hummels all turning out at the Allianz Arena in the colours of their once rivals.

Thomas Tuchel took the helm in 2015, mirroring Klopp’s own journey, beginning as a young and hungry Coach at Mainz.

He claimed the German Cup in 2016-17 before leaving the post in the summer, replaced by Peter Bosz – the Dutchman having rejuvenated Ajax in his homeland to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and a Europa League Final loss to Manchester United.

Friction with the board was deemed to be the reason for Tuchel’s departure. He was one of a breed of young German trainers earning their spurs on the job in the Bundesliga and forging a solid reputation in world football. It grates that he was let go before really putting his stamp on the club.

Bosz’s Ajax played with the panache expected of a club entrenched in the legacy of Johan Cruyff, but the 53-year-old lacked the tactical nous to take on Jose Mourinho, barely landing a punch in the high-pressure chess-like battle for which the United manager lives. It’s doubtful Carlo Ancelotti will be worried.

With Marco Reus expected to be out of the side until 2018, recovering from a cruciate ligament injury, and the now-returned Gotze struggling for fitness and form in pre-season, Dortmund look in bad shape. If the clubs and agents buzzing around stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele get their way they could be in full crisis mode before the first ball is kicked.

This leaves the onus on ‘Germany’s most hated team’ RB Leipzig to again mount a title challenge. The Bundesliga new money may stand in opposition to the

ROLL OF HONOUR

Dortmund beat Bayern to a League and Cup double in 2012.

Trophy cabinets across Germany buckle under the weight of the silverware housed inside — nowhere more than at Bayern Munich.

BAYERN MUNICH Bundesliga (27) German Cup (18) German Supercup (5) German League Cup (6) European Cup/Champions League (5) UEFA Cup (1) European Cup Winners’ Cup (1) BORUSSIA DORTMUND Bundesliga (8) German Cup (4) German Supercup (5) Champions League (1) European Cup Winners’ Cup (1) BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH Bundesliga (5) German Cup (3) UEFA Cup (2) HAMBURG Bundesliga (6) German Cup (3) German League Cup (1) European Cup (1) European Cup Winners’ Cup (1) true principles of German competition and fan ownership, but some of the football they played last season was little-short of scintillating – they also provided a real rival to Bayern’s dominance. They too could face their own summer of upheaval however, if Klopp gets his way at Liverpool and prises the coveted and influential Naby Keita from Saxony.

Leipzig’s story lacks the romance, a perfect illustration of the ills of modern football.

Simply put, they have no history. They’ve had no underdog Champions League triumph against Juventus in 1997, when a dominant Old Lady was taken down by a sumptuous chip from Dortmund’s Lars Ricken. They’ve had no Kevin Keegan winning two Ballons d’Or in three seasons of stardust with Hamburg in the late 1970s.

They do nothing to stir the imagination, unlike many of the famous sides languishing in Bundesliga obscurity. Which begs the question. Will we finally see a serious challenge to Bayern’s hegemony from one of Germany’s sleeping giants?

There’s no better place to start than the 1983 European Cup winners, Hamburg.

Nicknamed the Dinosaur, they epitomise the term sleeping giant, and have been trying in vain to get back on track and reach the dizzy heights of their former European glories. They’ve continually searched for the right sprinkling of stardust post Keegan but have never fully replaced his star billing.

Rafael van der Vaart arrived in 2005 as the captain of Ajax and one of the hottest properties in Europe. He was able to bring home the UEFA Intertoto Cup and lead them in the Champions League, but that was as good as it got. His return in 2012 after spells at Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur was less successful.

Last season they finished in a disappointing 14th place and now lack the allure for any players truly capable of mounting a Bundesliga challenge. United States Men’s National Team striker Bobby Wood has signed a new deal to 2021 – the striker netting a meagre five times in 28 Bundesliga appearances last season. Germany Under-21 goalkeeper Julian Pollersbeck joined from Kaiserslautern, former youth player Andre Hahn returns from Gladbach and Kyriakos Papadopoulos makes his loan move permanent. It doesn’t look like a squad capable of breaking into the top six, let alone trouble the Bavarian big boys at Bayern.

In last season’s standings, 13 points separated Hoffenheim in fourth and FC Koln in fifth, with just four points separating fifth and ninth. In this group are four sleeping giants with 13 League titles [pre and post Bundesliga formation] between

them. Borussia Monchengladbach have five, Werder Bremen have four, Koln three and Hertha Berlin two. The giants are really slumbering, all finishing over 30 points behind Bayern in last season’s standing.

Making the jump into the Champions League places at least requires goals. If a team can find a consistent goalscorer it can catapult them up the League standings. But the summer transfer activity conducted by this quartet only sees two strikers coming in.

Koln have brought in Jhon Cordoba from Mainz, the 24-year-old Colombian hitting 10 Bundesliga goals across two seasons on the Rhine. His big task is to replace the Bundesliga’s third top scorer in 2016-17, Anthony Modeste who’s headed off for pastures new and to find his fortune in the Chinese Super League with Tianjin Quanjian.

His are big boots to fill. Koln have also strengthened with a number of younger players, with two centre-backs in the shape of Spain Under-21 international Jorge Mere and Portugal Under-19 cap Joao Querios.

The second striker heading to one of the group of hopeful giants is Hertha Berlin’s purchase of RB Leipzig youngster Davie Selke. The Germany Under-21 forward collected four goals in 20 appearances last term. He’ll be hoping for more playing time and chances in the capital. The Berliners have also strengthened at the back in the form of Karim Rekik – a 23-year-old Dutch centre-back from Marseille, and Australia international Mathew Leckie from Ingolstadt – a team that just avoided relegation last season. Jonathan Klinsmann - the son of Germany legend Jurgen – also arrives between the sticks. Werder and Gladbach have been slow in the market with only a handful of new faces each.

All the signings feel like consolidation rather than expectation, as if the hope is to creep into the European places and little more.

With Dortmund’s struggles, Leipzig are again left as the most likely challengers to Bayern.

Kevin Keegan won two Ballon d’Ors during his time at Hamburg.

HERTHA BERLIN Bundesliga (2) German League Cup (2) KOLN Bundesliga (3) German Cup (4) WERDER BREMEN Bundesliga (4) German Cup (6) German Supercup (3) German League Cup (1) European Cup Winners’ Cup (1)

Hansan Comes Home Table Toppers

Hasan Salihamidzic, a six-time Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, now has the responsibility of overseeing the club’s football, though Carlo Ancelotti seems to have his doubts, writes Jonathan Swindlehurst.

A

fter nine years and almost 300 appearances for Bayern Munich, Hasan Salihamidzic has returned to the club with which he won the 2001 Champions League, as well as a hat-full of other trophies, as sporting director, the role having been vacant last season after the departure of the previous incumbent Matthias Sammer.

It was widely expected that former captain Philip Lahm would take on the role, having retired from playing duties at the end of last season. Lahm instead has opted for some time away from the game before he plans his next move. If he does return to the sport he played so astutely you can bet he’ll be back at the Allianz Arena in some capacity.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said of Salihamidzic’s hiring: “With Hasan, we get someone who knows Bayern, who has worked here as a pro. He’s extremely hardworking, always giving 100 per cent.

“He’ll be responsible for the football,” Rummenigge explained. “He’s the link between Coach and team, Coach and club, scouting, youth academy.” The 40-year-old, who also represented Hamburg, Juventus and Wolfsburg, has evidently been given a wide-ranging brief.

‘I do not think that last season anything was missing, But the club was of the opinion that a new sports director was required.

He is definitely welcome’

Carlo Ancelotti was a little less jubilant at the news. “I do not think that last season anything was missing,” he replied when asked for his thoughts on the appointment.

“But the club was of the opinion that a new sports director was required. He is definitely welcome.”

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Back In The Big Time New Boys

WITH VFB STUTTGART AND HANNOVER 96 BOTH RETURNING TO THE BUNDESLIGA AT THE FIRST TIME OF ASKING, CAN TWO FORMER GERMAN CHAMPIONSHIP WINNERS REKINDLE THE SUCCESS OF YESTERYEAR, ASKS GEORGE RINALDI…

‘It took Hannes Wolf just eight months in his first professional managerial job to win a trophy.’

Hannes Wolf tasted immediate success with Stuttgart

“E

veryone is hungry for success,” Stuttgart Coach Hannes Wolf told Sport Bild back in May. “Look at when we were promoted. There [were] 100,000 people celebrating the return to the top League. We do not want to be disheartened by another relegation. Now we must stay on course to meet such expectations.”

Die Roten’s return to the Bundesliga was 10 years to the day they became Deutscher Meisters, a season where Armen Veh’s managerial triumph coupled with Mario Gomez’s goals meant they would be top of the pile for the first time since 1992.

Those days have been few and far between since then, resulting in a 17th placed finish back in 2016. It had looked as though the Stuttgarters would avoid relegation that time around, breaking out of the drop-zone mid-way through the campaign, but slipped into trouble after gaining just one win from their last 13 matches, totalling a measly six points.

A time to reflect soon followed. It was Stuttgart’s first relegation since 1975, and Jürgen Kramny, who had replaced the sacked Alexander Zorniger, was demoted down to the U23 setup allowing Jos Luhukay to take the reins. The former Hertha Berlin Coach spent 360 minutes on the touchline, four games in total, before disagreements with chairman Jan Schinelmeiser meant Olaf Janßen would take over as caretaker manager before Luhukay’s replacement was found. That man was the aforementioned Wolf, leading his newly acquired pack to top of the table. The football improved, the points totted up, and soon Stuttgart were a Bundesliga club once more.

“We do not have to change a lot,” Wolf stated in response to a question asking if Stuttgart would change their style of play.

“The opponents are in a different category in regards to their quality, but even in the second League there was rarely a lowranked opponent. For us it is important that we continue our own football culture.”

One man who proved pivotal to Stuttgart’s 46 S360

2. Bundesliga success was new signing Simon Terodde, the 29-year-old signed from VfL Bochum after scoring 25 goals the season before. Jochen Röttgermann, VfB head of marketing and sales said of the acquisition: “In the coming season, we want to achieve an immediate re-promotion to the Bundesliga. In order to do so, we need new signings such as Simon Terodde,” The transfer of the forward did just that, Terodde repeating his 25-goal feat yet again as Stuttgart went on the win the title.

Terodde will still be the main man for Die Roten, but this time around it will be in Germany’s top flight. Having not made his 2. Bundesliga debut until July 2011, Terodde has played in over 200 games in the second tier, and despite interest from both Huddersfield Town and Sheffield Wednesday in England’s EFL Championship, decided in forging a relationship with Stuttgart.

Simon Terodde’s goals were crucial to Stuttgart’s promotion

'For us, it is important that we continue our own football culture.’

- Hannes Wolf

"‘Martin Harnik was Hannover’s main man of the moment, grabbing 17 goals.’"

Considering they are entering the League at arguably the peak of the forward’s abilities, Stuttgart could be in for a happy return to the Bundesliga.

Another team making a swift return back to the top flight is Hannover, the two-time champions back where they believe they belong. In the 2015-16 season, Thomas Schaaf was the unfortunate soul who had to take over the sinking green ship mid-way through the 34-game slog, considering he became Coach of a side who were then 17th.

It is not as though Schaff faired any better, as after just one game – a 2-1 defeat at the hands of SV Darmstadt 98 – Hannover would not leave bottom spot for the remaining 14 games.

One win out of a possible 11 was the disappointing record held by Schaff before his sacking, and the solitary victory was ironically against the side that finished 17th – Stuttgart. The then-55-year-old must have kept his television turned off when Hannover’s final League games were played, considering they lost just twice in six matches.

Under-19 Coach Daniel Stendel took over for those final six matches, and even though he was the boss when Hannover were relegated, some newfound optimism was in place for a swift return. Stendel had previous with Hannover, having spent seven years of his playing career on their books. Going into 2. Bundesliga, Stendel guided his team to two wins from two to start the season off, though despite a record that saw him win more than 50% of his games, he was given his marching orders on March 20 after a scoreless draw with FC St. Pauli. Along came André Breitenreiter and the rest, as they say, is history.

Breitenreiter came off the back of a year with Schalke 04, having impressed at SC Paderborn 07 prior to the move to Gelsenkirchen. It was not as though Stendel was out of reach of top spot, considering back-to-back wins for the new Coach saw them go top in a very tight division.

Breitenreiter remained unbeaten, with a final-day draw to SV Sandhausen enough to seal second and automatic promotion.

It was not just a season to rejoice in

promotion, as some important acquisitions made in the second tier mean they could have a good season back in the Bundesliga.

Martin Harnik was Hannover’s main man of the moment, grabbing 17 goals in the process, but the emergence of defender Waldemar Anton could be crucial to extending their time in the top League.

Breitenreiter may have a tough job on his hands, but when speaking during the season finale, he remained optimistic of his club’s chances. “The game in the Bundesliga is much faster,” Breitenreiter acknowledged.

“The contact time with the ball is shorter.

Also, the individual technique is of a higher quality […] the decisive difference is about 30 meters in front of the goal, with the precision of the last-made pass and then the finish.”

If Breitenreiter and Hannover can make that switch between 2. Bundesliga and Bundesliga as seamlessly as possible, there is no reason they cannot cement themselves as a long-term top-flight club. Stuttgart and Hannover may be new boys this year, but there is nothing new about their history in this League and the success that comes with it.

IN THE DUGOUT It took Hannes Wolf just eight months in his first professional coaching job to win a trophy, marking out the 36-year-old as one of the trainers to follow in the Bundesliga.

Wolf had been working through the ranks at Borussia Dortmund since 2010, coaching not only the second team, but also the Under-17 and Under-19 setups.

His first game at the helm with Stuttgart ended 1-1 with VfL Bochum, and would go on to secure a 54% winning record on their way to the 2. Bundesliga title.

Much like Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, the focus on young Coaches remain in place from VfB, and if Wolf can spark his inner Julian Nagelsmann, their return to the top flight could go better than expected.

André Breitenreiter, although just on the other side of 40, is having to learn as he goes about his new club Hannover considering he only took over in late March. That is not to say after six months with a full pre-season under his belt that he cannot continue to work wonders, considering the five games he did manage ended unbeaten and with promotion secured. Breitenreiter’s impressive display as Coach of SC Paderborn 07 is definitely something to build on, and even his year at Schalke 04 was not as bad as the inconsistency may seem. After close to a year out of the game before joining Hannover, Breitenreiter will be relishing the new challenge in the top flight of German football.

André Breitenreiter guided Hannover to promotion after a year out of the game

ONES TO WATCH The goalscoring prowess of Simon Terrode makes him Stuttgart’s player to watch. Even before his 25-goal season with VfB this time around, he completed such a feat 34 games before with VfL Bochum. Despite being a late bloomer, his goals-to-games ratio makes him a favourite to be one of the Bundesliga’s top scorers next season. Having signed a two-year contract extensive in May of this year, Terrode said his ‘first year at VfB could hardly have gone better,’ and he is not wrong there.

Terrode isn’t the only forward ready to make the step up. Hannover’s Martin Harnick will be at the forefront of the Niedersachsen-based club for the upcoming campaign. Ironically, Harnik spent the past six seasons with the other newly-promoted team – Stuttgart – before joining on a free last summer. “I am at an age when I can still achieve and want to achieve something,” Harnik said following the move to Hannover. “That is why the goals of Hannover 96 and I agree perfectly.” He was close to perfection in his first year, scoring 17 goals as Die Roten managed a second-placed finish.

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2017-18 BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES

Dec 2 Mar 10 Apr 14 Mar 31 Jan 13 Feb 24 Sep 24 May 12 Feb 10 Nov 18 Sep 17 Dec 12 Aug 26 Apr 28 Oct 14 Oct 28 Jan 27

Borussia Dortmund Apr 21 ------- Sep 23 Mar 10 Feb 24 Nov 4 Nov 25 Feb 10 Mar 17 Aug 26 Oct 14 Jan 27 Dec 9 Dec 16 Apr 7 B. Monchengladbach Oct 21 Feb 17 -------

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FC Bayern Aug 18 Mar 31 Apr 14 Apr 28 Nov 18 ------- Feb 10 Mar 10 Dec 2 Feb 24 Oct 28 Oct 14 Jan 20 Jan 27 May 12 Sep 22 Dec 12 Sept 16 FC Shalke 04 Sep 30 Apr 14 Apr 28 May 12 Dec 12 Sep 19 ------- Nov 18 Jan 20 Mar 3 Aug 19 Mar 31 Feb 3 Hamburger SV Feb 17 Sep 20 May 12 Dec 12 Aug 19 Oct 21

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Hertha Berlin Sep 20 Jan 20 Nov 18 Dec 2 Apr 28 Sep 30 Oct 14 Oct 28 Dec 12 ------- May 12 Mar 10 Sep 10 Feb 3 Aug 19 Mar 31 Apr 14 Feb 17 RB Leipzig

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SC Freiburg Feb 3

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SV Werder Bremen May 5 Apr 28 Oct 14 Mar 31 Oct 28 Aug 26 Sept 16 Feb 24 Nov 18 Jan 27 Apr 14 Sep 23 ------- Jan 13 Dec 2 Feb 10 Mar 10 Dec 16 TSG Hoffenheim Jan 20 May 12 Oct 28 Nov 18 Oct 14 Sep 8 Sep 23 Apr 14 Apr 28 Sep 17 Dec 2 Feb 24 Aug 19 ------- Dec 12 Mar 10 Mar 31 Feb 10 VfB Stuttgart Dec 9 Nov 18 Feb 10 Feb 24 Sep 23 Dec 16 Jan 27 Mar 31 Apr 14 Jan 13 Mar 10 Oct 28 Apr 21 May 5 VfL Wolfsburg Mar 3 Aug 19 Dec 2 Jan 20 Apr 14 Feb 17 Mar 17 Apr 28 Sep 8 FC Koln Mar 17 Feb 3

Nov 4 Dec 12 Nov 18 Sep 19 Oct 21 Feb 3

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Feb 3 Mar 10 Oct 14 Aug 19 Sep 23 Apr 28 Apr 14 May 12 Sep 20 Jan 20 Feb 24 Nov 18 ------S360 47

Table Toppers

BUNDESLIGA CLUB BY CLUB BAYERN MUNICH REMAIN THE TEAM TO BEAT AND THE TIGHTEST RACE MIGHT BE FOR SECOND PLACE. GEORGE RINALDI AND JONATHAN SWINDLEHURST LOOK OVER THE TEAMS MAKING UP GERMANY’S TOP FLIGHT.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 13TH PREDICTED FINISH: 11TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 1ST PREDICTED FINISH: 1ST

LAST YEAR FINISH: 5TH PREDICTED FINISH: 5TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 9TH PREDICTED FINISH: 12TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 15TH 48 S360

AUGSBURG

BAYER LEVERKUSEN

Despite a change in Coach mid-way through the season, Manuel Baum managed to steer Augsburg away from the relegation zone. Having taken over from Dirk Schuster in December, Baum has brought in forward Michael Gregoritsch from Hamburg for around £5m in an attempt to boost their lowly 35-goal haul from 2016-17. Despite this, youngster Dominik Kohr was sold to rivals Bayer Leverkusen whilst the ageing Halil Altintop moved to Slavia Prague.

The biggest piece of incoming business to NorthRhine Westphalia this summer has been the re-uniting of the Bender twins, with Sven coming in from Dortmund for €15m. Goals have gone from the side with the loss of Javier Hernandez to West Ham — the Mexican striker grabbed 28 Bundesliga goals in 54 games across his two seasons in Germany. He will be missed, which could make last season’s 12th a stretch too far for new Coach Heiko Herrlich.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 12TH PREDICTED FINISH: 14TH

BAYERN MUNICH

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

Bayern have lost two of European football’s most admired players with inspirational captain Philipp Lahm and Spanish midfield maestro Xabi Alonso retiring. In comes the Bundesliga’s most expensive player — Corentin Tolisso from Lyon for €41.5m — as well as Niklas Sule from Hoffenheim, and Kingsley Coman makes his loan from Juventus permanent. Most eye-catching is James Rodriguez’s loan move from Real Madrid for an initial fee of €12m. The threat from RB Leipzig is real but Bayern have strengthened an already strong squad.

It has been a summer of controversy for Borussia Dortmund, even though they still have top scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang up front. Ousmane Dembele was banned by Dortmund after missing training because of Barcelona’s interest in signing the 20-year-old and prior to that Thomas Tuchel left just three days after claiming the German Cup due to relations with chief executive HansJoachim Watzke. Peter Bosz has since taken over and signed Omer Toprak from Bayer Leverkusen.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 3RD PREDICTED FINISH: 3RD

B. MONCHENGLADBACH

E. FRANKFURT

Gladbach are strengthening at the back through young, promising players. Matthias Ginter, at 23, represents an astute signing from Dortmund, having represented his country in the successful Confederations Cup triumph over the summer.

Signing 18-year-old Reece Oxford from West Ham might be a gamble but one that could pay off handsomely if he replicates the form that had Manchester United and Arsenal monitoring his situation. It might be enough to escape lastseason’s mid-table obscurity but not enough to mount a serious challenge.

A tale of two seasons for Eintracht Frankfurt meant their initial Europa League push ended with mid-table mediocrity. Niko Kovac did manage to take his team to the DFB Pokal Final, though Borussia Dortmund would win the competition. Former Schalke boy Kevin-Prince Boateng has signed on the dotted line to join Die Adler, as well as FC Utrecht forward Sebastian Haller. Left-back Bastian Oczipka has left the club though, joining League rivals Schalke.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 11TH PREDICTED FINISH: 13TH

FREIBURG

HAMBURG

Last year’s surprise club Freiburg managed to finish an incredible seventh last season, but the sale of two talented midfielders will quash any chances of Christian Streich replicating this success. With a -18-goal difference, BreisgauBrasilianer will need to sure-up their defence due to both Maximillian Philipp and Vincenzo Grifo both being sold. The permanent signing of former loanee Florian Niederlechner is of great value to the club, but gaining a top nine finish will prove too much.

Der Dino yet again staved off relegation by a solitary point, but will need to improve should they want to continue their stay in the Bundesliga. Having not finished above 10th since 2013, Markus Gisdol will have his workload quite high yet again. They have made some positive signings though – Kyriakos Papadopoulos, Andre Hahn and Julian Pollersbeck have all joined though losing Michael Gregoritsch to Augsburg is disappointing to say the least.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 14TH PREDICTED FINISH: 16TH

HANNOVER

HERTHA BERLIN

Having been promoted from 2. Bundesliga back to the Promised Land, Hannover will want to make this more than just a quick stop in the top flight. Andre Breitenreiter took over in late March as Coach and steered his team through the final five games to promotion. The signing of Austrian Martin Harnik was their best bit of business for this season, and that was done following their relegation. The 30-year-old got 17 goals in the second tier, and will be looking to replicate such goal scoring exploits once more.

Having qualified for the Europa League group stage, Hertha Berlin will be looking to repeat last season’s feats once more. John Brookes, one of many United States players to have made the leap to the Bundesliga, was sold to VfL Wolfsburg, which will probably cause some issues in their previously-impressive backline. The acquisitions of Davie Selke, Matthew Leckie and Brooks’ replacement Karim Rekik should provide some much-needed oomph to Die Alte Dame.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 6TH PREDICTED FINISH: 7TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 4TH PREDICTED FINISH: 4TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 15TH PREDICTED FINISH: 17TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 10TH PREDICTED FINISH: 10TH

LAST YEAR FINISH: 8TH PREDICTED FINISH: 8TH

HOFFENHEIM

KOLN

Julian Nagelsmann’s 3-5-2 formation was a revelation for Hoffenheim, though it will be a challenge to replicate the success once more.

Having talented centre-back Kevin Vogt still at the club is a bonus, whilst also loaning new Bayern Munich signing Serge Gnabry to partner Andrej Kramaric. They also had to start the season off with Champions League duties, stretching the depth of the squad early on in the new Bundesliga campaign.

This season will be all about scoring goals for FC Koln, and currently it looks like the numbers don’t quite add up. Having lost 25 Bundesliga strikes in the shape of Anthony Modeste to the Chinese Super League, they’ve replaced him with Jhon Cordoba from Mainz – a striker who grabbed 10 League goals all last season. With some young additions in the shape of Jorge Mere and Joao Quieros the future looks bright, but a potential disappointment this season.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 5TH PREDICTED FINISH: 6TH

MAINZ

RB LEIPZIG

At -11, Mainz finished last season with the strongest goal difference of the Bundesliga’s bottom six, scant consolation for a disappointing fourth from bottom finish. Their summer transfer business has done little to suggest any improvement, having lost 10-goal striker Jhon Cordoba to FC Koln. The only attacking replacement coming in the shape of €1.75m striker Kenan Kodro from the Spanish second tier. Abdou Diallo comes in to shore up the defence from Monaco, but it looks like another season of struggle.

The summer was all about keeping last season’s second-place squad together. Liverpool’s overtures for Naby Keita were dismissed, although the Guinean midfielder has ominously reportedly been training away from the rest of the squad. If he stays to play alongside new signings Jean-Kevin Augustin (€13m), Bruma (€12.5m) and Konrad Laimer (€7m), the most hated team in the Bundesliga will again go closest to breaking Bayern Munich’s hegemony.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 2ND PREDICTED FINISH: 2ND

SCHALKE 04

STUTTGART

The big challenge for Schalke 04 and new Coach Domenico Tedesco is to get back into the Champions League. To do that, they’ll need to greatly improve on their 10th placed finish from last season. However, this summer has seen the team from Gelsenkirchen stand still when it comes to new playing staff despite spending over €40m. The two biggest signings, at €19m for Nabil Bentaleb and €12.5m on Yevhen Konoplyanka, are two players who spent last season on loan at Schalke.

Coming up as champions means there’ll be a level of confidence around Baden-Wurttemberg, but there’s a long way to go to get back to former glories. Hannes Wolf has been savvy in the transfer market, bringing in Bundesliga experience in the form of Holger Badstuber from Bayern and Dennis Aogo from Schalke, both on frees. They’ve also taken a punt on Anastasios Donis from Juventus – the Greece striker hit five on loan at Nice last season, and at 20-years-old represents a decent prospect.

LAST YEAR FINISH: N/A PREDICTED FINISH: 18TH

WERDER BREMEN

VFL WOLFSBURG

Although they started last season off in horrendous fashion, Werder Bremen managed to string some wins together to finish eighth. The main summer signing – Ludwig Augustinsson – joined from Copenhagen to fill the left-back void at Die Werderaner. Max Kruse is still their main man however, having grabbed 15 goals and seven assists respectively in 2016-17, though how long he will be at the club remains to be seen.

Finishing in 18th place simply isn’t acceptable for a team with recent Bundesliga and European aspirations. This season we’ll see Andries Jonker at the helm from the start of the season, the Dutchman having been appointed in February. He’s strengthened the spine of the team over the summer, bringing in teenage striker Nany Landry Dimata from KV Oostende in Belgium [11 goals in his debut season], defensive midfielder Ignacio Camacho from Malaga, and centre-back John Brooks from Hertha. Much will depend on the fitness and form of Bundesliga stalwarts Mario Gomez and Jakub Blaszczykowski.

LAST YEAR FINISH: 16TH PREDICTED FINISH: 9TH

The most intriguing summer arrival to Germany might be James Rodriguez S360 49

STUDIOUS SCUDERI

Around Germany

Youth player Dario Scuderi has been offered funding for his future studies by Borussia Dortmund following his left-knee injury. The 19-year-old right-back suffered an unfortunate injury that left him with the possibility of never playing professional football again. As the Italian enters the road to recovery, Dortmund were kind enough to put some money forward to the young player’s studies.

DID YOU KNOW?

As impressive as RB Leipzig’s season was in 2016-17, Kaiserslautern went one better in 1998 when they won back-to-back League titles following promotion. With a team consisting of Michael Ballack and Andreas Brehme, coached by Otto Rehhagel, they remain the only Bundesliga team to ever achieve this incredible feat.

Champions Bayern Munich have gone all retro this year, with their new home kit reminiscent of their all-star 1970s team.

Thin white pinstripes were the fashion of the time.

“During the course of his transfer, I asked myself what would be more important: Neymar or the Allianz Arena? Bearing in mind Neymar‘s transfer was even more expensive, I have to say that we prefer the Allianz Arena. It’s more important to us.” - Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz

Rummenigge hits out at Neymar’s world record shattering move to Paris SaintGermain and claims it cost less to build the German champions’ stadium.

ENLIGHTENING EMIRATES

RB Leipzig impressed during the 2017 Emirates Cup hosted by English side Arsenal prior to the start of this Bundesliga campaign. Scottish winger and former Nottingham Forest youngster Oliver Burke silenced critics over his more to last season’s runners-up, putting in a standout performance in a 2-0 win over Portuguese champions Benfica thanks to goals from Marcel Halstenberg and Marvin Compper.

INSPIRATIONAL DIE KNAPPEN

DEMBELE’S DRIVE

Former Stade Rennes winger Ousmane Dembele wants to win trophies at Borussia Dortmund, despite past interest from other clubs. “I’m happy in Dortmund,” stated Dembele. “I made a conscious decision to come to this club.” The 20-year-old had a brilliant breakthrough season, scoring six and assisting 12 times.

FC Schalke 04’s midfielder Leon Goretzka is ready to guide his blue-and-white side to greater things when he committed his future to the club. “There is no agreement,” he told members of the media, “it’s complete nonsense.” The news is a happy welcome to fans of Schalke, considering they were far away from their goal of European football after a below-par midtable finish back in May.

"Why not? They are big players.

I'll be ready for what happens in the future and improve in world football." - New Bayern Munich signing James Rodriguez has outlined ambitious plans to take over from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as one of the world's foremost footballers.

JOY FOR JURGEN

Highly-regarded Jonathan Klinsmann has been backed by his father – Jurgen – to succeed during his time at Hertha Berlin.

“He had a lot of offers on the table,” the elder Klinsmann said.

“But it was always his aim to go to Europe and see how far he could go.” Klinsmann Junior may be regarded as a goalkeeper, but scored a cracking effort during training whilst on trial at the club.

SEASONAL GESTURE

Following relegation to 2. Bundesliga going into the 2017-18 season, Darmstadt fans were given a boost in confidence when their club announced they would be putting their fans first. The club have decided to offer local supporters of the team on below-average incomes a free season ticket to all games at the Merck-Stadion am Bollengalltor. Time for the locals to lead their team back to big time!

"It is good for the Bundesliga, that he stays in Dortmund. And it is also good for us. Last season, when we secured our championship early, we lost a bit of tension. Through such a situation in the top scorer ranking, you automatically push yourself." - Robert Lewandowski says Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang remaining at Borussia Dortmund will motivate him and Bayern Munich to hit their straps in the Bundesliga.

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by the numbers

2 9 5

Newly promoted sides VfB Stuttgart and Hannover have both won the Bundesliga before, the most recent being the latter’s championship in 2007

IT WAS A WET ONE

In July 2017, Germany’s capital city Berlin had its worst rainfall in a century, whereby 600 firefighters tackled the watery conditions in an attempt to cease the flooding. In a true act of kindness, Hertha Berlin offered all those who engaged in trying to help stop the floods a free ticket to their friendly with Liverpool before the season opener. “We want to show our gratitude,” said sporting director Michael Preetz.

Nine Americans play for a team in Germany, led by hot prospect Christian Pulisic

Bayern Munich have won the last five Bundesliga titles

SCHOOL OF FOOT

The Bundesliga unveiled their first official football school in Israel recently, where around 100 boys and girls will be able to take part. The decision to run the school is in order to promote young footballing talent across the globe, whilst also working alongside the Israel Football Association and the Israeli Professional Football League.

by the numbers

11 49

There are 11 German Coaches in the Bundesliga, well over half of the clubs in the top flight

There have been 49 United States nationals that have made the trip over to ply their trade in the Bundesliga

FRESH START

Hasan Salihamidzic was officially named sporting director of Bayern Munich for this season. The 40-year-old has agreed a three-year contract in the position, replacing Matthias Sammer, who left over a year ago. “When I was asked if I wanted to, I knew immediately that I would,” said Salihamidzic.

PULSIC OF LOSING

Impressive youngster Christian Pulisic wants to put an end to Borussia Dortmund’s title drought this season, halting Bayern Munich five-year stint at the top. “We’ve got a big chance to win the League this season,” Pulisic said. The 18-year-old American notched three goals and six assists in 2016-17, and wants to grow more as a player in the current season.

RENAMING ROADS

It is not every day you have a petition for a street to be named after you, but in Robert Lewandowski’s homeland, that is exactly what’s occurred.

Kuznia Raciborska residents – of which there are just over 100 – were given the thumbsup to renaming a road after the Bayern forward. Considering he has been voted Polish Football of the Year six times in a row, it is the least they could do.

BETTER THAN THE PREM

Hoffenheim defender Havard Nordtveit said that the Bundesliga’s atmosphere is far superior to that of the Premier League. Nordtveit, who had been playing for West Ham United until his summer move said “I’ve tried the Premier League, but the atmosphere in the Bundesliga is better.”

ONWARDS FOR WOLFSBURG

VfL Wolfsburg continue to be on the up according to forward Mario Gomez, praising the younger players in the team. “I feel very good here,” revealed Gomez, “[the team] are already incredibly good for their age.”

Wolfsburg have not had a sniff of the Bundesliga title since 2009, a team best remembered for its incredible partnership of Edin Dzeko and Grafite.

Funnily enough, Gomez was third in the top goalscorers list behind the aforementioned two players that year.

BEAM ME UP SCOTTY

American teenage Brady Scott signed for Cologne this year, and wants to emulate the success of Borussia Dortmund’s Christian Pulisic. The young man featured in the United States’ team during the FIFA U-20 World Cup, funnily enough behind Jonathan Klinsmann, and wants to make a name for himself in Germany.

“Because of these games [U-20 World Cup],” said Scott, “I feel that the adjustment to German soccer will be significantly easier.”

WE’RE THIS GOOD?!

Around Germany

"Barcelona has not moved a millimetre closer to finishing the Dembele transfer. What he [Segura] talks about, I cannot explain. The only explanation is that Real Madrid made Barcelona dizzy during the Supercopa matches." - Borussia

Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke ridicules Barcelona general manager Pep Segura’s claims of closing in on a transfer for Ousmane Dembele.

RB Leipzig’s Yussuf Poulsen still cannot get over how impressive the bad boys of the Bundesliga have been since their runnersup performance last season.

“This team spirit was fed by our promotion to the Bundesliga,” reiterated Poulsen, “and then the fact we proved we were able to stay near the top for the entire campaign.” The 23-year-old has continued to impress both domestically and internationally for Denmark since joining Die Bullen in 2013.

Werder Bremen loan signing Yuning Zhang is being fuelled by one of Europe's favorite milk-based desserts to flourish at the club.

Schalke will now be punishing their players by making them work in the club shop rather than fining them. If the players go out before a match day, show up late for training or receive a red card for violent conduct then they will be spending time in the club shop honing their salesmanship skills.The Schalke players are able to pay off fines easily due to their astronomical salaries, so the club will hope that this new approach will deter bad behavior.

Stuttgart’s new signing Holger Badstuber, a man plagued by injuries in recent years, is not looking for any excuses as he prepares for the new season.

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BETTER ALLIANZ

The Allianz Arena is one of the most innovative stadiums in world football, but Bayern Munich's hi-tech abode has now got a whole lot better. As well as new, energy efficient LED lighting inside the stadium and improved security measures around the ground, the revamped Allianz Arena have installed the largest video wall in Europe.

The upgrades, which also include revamped toilet facilities on level 6 and an improved pitch-side TV compound for broadcasters, were unveiled when Bayern hosted Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool in the 2017 Audi Cup on 1 August.

GOOD CAUSE

Mats Hummels has joined Juan Mata in pledging to donate one per cent of his wages to football charities through Common Goal. Manchester United midfielder Mata was the first player to commit to the cause, but he has now been joined by Bayern Munich's World Cup-winner Hummels.

The Spain international has revealed that he was contacted by Hummels, who is also hoping to use football to make a difference around the world.

RECORD BREAKERS

MONEY MATTERS

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich received EUR97.7 million ($143.2 million) euros to rank ahead of Borussia Dortmund EUR86.5 million ($126.8 million) and Schalke EUR79.7 million ($116.9 million) from domestic and international Bundesliga TV rights. Runners up Leipzig by contrast are last with EUR29.6 million ($A43.4 million), because they only joined the top flight last year and most of the money is distributed via a five-year ranking.

BEER TACTICS

“My injuries aren’t a catastrophe – catastrophes are what you see every night on the news. I’m here to start a new chapter.” - VfB

Electronic Arts (EA) has agreed a deal until 2022 that will see official Bundesliga representation in their bestselling FIFA series

With the new season underway, summertime will have to be on hold for another 12-odd months, but that does not mean some stars of the Bundesliga did not have a good time. Franck Ribery managed to get himself a sky-high helicopter trip around New York, whilst Salomon Kalou also visited the Big Apple to sample some of his little sister’s impressive Ivorian food.

“People often think I’m 25 or 26.

The truth is I no longer see myself as a young player. I now have five-and-a-half years of Bundesliga experience to draw upon. I feel I’ve already experienced quite a lot in football.” - Borussia Monchengladbach

"I often have two or three pots of rice pudding with lots of sugar. I'd never had it before, but I can tell you now: I absolutely love it!" -

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There were four managerial changes before the start of the season – Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and Schalke 04

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defender Matthias Ginter he has earned the maturity to be a leading figure in his team.

by the numbers

Schalke offered free beers to their fans when they took on RB Leipzig at the VeltinsArena. All fans over the German drinking age of 16 were offered a pint of the good stuff on the first day of the Bundesliga season, even though Oktoberfest is still some way off.

Fresh from setting the record for the highest average attendance in Bundesliga 2 history in 2016/17, VfB Stuttgart can once again look forward to the added engine power of a packed Mercedes-Benz Arena to help propel them up the Bundesliga grid in 2017/18. An average attendance of over 50,000 last season in Bundesliga 2 was already more than those achieved by the champions of England (Chelsea), France (Monaco), Italy (Juventus) and the Netherlands (Feyenoord). 31,000 season tickets have already been sold by the Swabian club – a new record!

DID YOU KNOW?

Nils Peterson holds the record for scoring 19 times when coming on as a substitute.

Despite Robert Lewandowski’s incredible goalscoring in the top League, Claudio Pizarro is actually the foreign player with the most goals – 191.

New Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic has made the most appearances for the Bavarians of any nonGerman player.

Hertha Berlin celebrated their 125th birthday on July 25.

DID YOU KNOW? With recent focus on young coaches in the Bundesliga, the youngest ever player to play in a Bundesliga match aged 16-years and 335 days was Nuri Sahin.

On the other side of the spectrum, Klaus Fichtel was the oldest player to have graced the German turf, aged 43.

Stefan Effenberg is the most-booked player in Bundesliga history, with 110 cautions.

CHEERS !

An English football fan who tweeted that his 21-year-old Bayern Munich mug was "faded and cracked" has been sent a new one - by the club itself. Jim Entwistle, 33, from North Yorkshire, wrote that he was "retiring the mug after thousands of brews". The German club noticed the message and asked for his postal address. The free, replacement mug arrived with a letter from the club saying: "We are really proud to have fans as loyal as yourself."

Jim, was given his first Bayern Munich mug as a birthday present in 1996 by his uncle who lives in Germany.

Serving the community for over 40 years

TRAIN DAY

Some of the biggest sports teams from the United States visited Sinsheim on July in order to check out the latest innovations that Hoffenheim and head coach Julian Nagelsmann have brought into the world of football. Delegates from NFL were joined by representatives of NHL side the San Jose Sharks and MLB outfit the New York Yankees in visiting the Rhein-Neckar-Arena. The teams travelled to Germany to witness first hand the famous Footbonaut and Helix systems that are in place at the club’s stadium and training ground. Both procedures are used for training purposes and are only used by a small number of Bundesliga teams.

VIRTUAL BUNDESLIGA

The Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 are set to feature in the spectacular FIFA gaming series for the foreseeable future with the recent announcements that Electronic Arts acquired the rights to exclusively license match simulation products until 2022. The extension of the current deal is for four more seasons, beginning from the 2018/19 campaign. The rights package obtained by Electronic Arts also covers e-sports - or multi-player video sections - meaning the gaming giants will continue to offer the highly popular TAG Heuer Virtual Bundesliga and FIFA Ultimate Team competitions. An option to develop soccer manager simulations in all languages and to market them internationally on a nonexclusive basis has also been obtained by EA.

FLIRTING FRANCK

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery had a light-hearted way of initiating Bibiana Steinhaus into her first season as a Bundesliga referee by playing a prank on her. Bayern were 3-0 up away to third-tier side Chemnitzer FC in their DFB Cup first round tie when Corentin Tolisso was fouled just outside the penalty area in the 78th minute. As regular dead-ball expert Robert Lewandowski had been substituted off earlier, Ribery grabbed the ball to take the freekick. While Steinhaus was preparing to mark out the distance to the wall, the 34-year-old Frenchman bent down, pretending to put the ball in place for the set-piece. However, instead he untied the lace of her right boot. It did not go unnoticed by Steinhaus, who reacted by giving Ribery two playful punches on the arm.

Bringing you the best in designer fashions for your superstars at an affordable price!

BROTHERLY LOVE

Sven Bender has said his move to Bayer Leverkusen from Borussia Dortmund this summer was motivated by a desire to get back to playing regularly with the chance to team up with his twin brother "a great sideeffect". The Germany international midfielder left BVB after eight years to join Lars, who moved to the BayArena when Sven made the Signal Iduna Park his home in 2009.

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Around the Globe: Top 10

Top10

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Ones to Watch in 2017/18

AS THE NEW SEASON KICKS INTO GEAR ACROSS EUROPE, NOBODY KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT SURPRISES FOOTBALL HAS IN STORE FOR FANS THIS YEAR. WHAT WE CAN BE SURE OF IS THAT A NUMBER OF PLAYERS WILL BE GRABBING HEADLINES FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS – OR LACK OF, AS THE CASE MAY BE. THEY COULD BE THE MARQUEE SIGNINGS MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN, BIG-NAME PLAYERS WITH SOMETHING TO PROVE OR BREAKTHROUGH STARLETS READY TO SHINE. HERE, JARED TINSLAY PREDICTS WHO THOSE PLAYERS MAY BE – THE TOP 10 NAMES TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2017-18, ACROSS EUROPE’S FIVE BIGGEST LEAGUES.

7. LEONARDO BONUCCI Milan were one of Europe’s biggest buyers in the summer transfer market as they look to re-establish themselves at the top of Serie A. Perhaps their biggest coup was Leonardo Bonucci – the experienced centreback joining from title rivals Juventus. The 30-year-old Italian is considered one of the world’s best centre-backs– winning the League title in six of his last seven years at Juve and forming part of an incredibly tight defence. He’ll be key to helping Milan challenge the Old Lady for the title, and if they can win it, it’ll only further highlight his importance and influence.

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10. WAYNE ROONEY For the football romantics, Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton – after 13 years away - was a precious moment. In one of his first interviews back at his boyhood club, he admitted to having worn Everton pyjamas even whilst being at Manchester United. However, the Toffees are still investing a lot of money into the ex-England captain, so they’ll be expecting more than just endearing comments. This season will tell if he still has the ability and drive to be a top-class Premier League striker, and whether he can force himself back into Gareth Southgate’s plans ahead of World Cup 2018.

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8. ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE Arsenal’s inability to achieve Champions League football, for the first time in Arsene Wenger’s long reign, caused serious discontent among fans last year. The French manager – who signed a new contract at the end of the season – quickly looked to win over doubters, opening his cheque book to sign Alexandre Lacazette. The ex-Lyon man joined for a record club fee of £52m, but he should be a wise investment. He scored 91 League goals over the last four seasons – more than anyone else in Ligue 1 – and will be hoping to fire the Gunners straight back into Europe’s elite tournament.

9. MALANG SARR He only turned 18 halfway through last season, but Malang Sarr is rapidly developing into one of the world’s most consistent centre-backs.

It’s an impressive feat for a position which usually privileges experience, but Sarr looked mature beyond his years throughout Nice’s title-chasing campaign last year. He was a mainstay in Ligue 1’s third-best back line in 2016-17, and looked capable in both a back three and four. It’s unsurprising that he’s been interesting scouts from some of Europe’s top teams, and more first team football this year will only aid his development.

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6. MOHAMED SALAH Jurgen Klopp wanted Mohamed Salah when he was at Borussia Dortmund but had to wait until now, at Liverpool, to get him.

The Reds paid Roma £36m for the Egypt winger, who struggled at Chelsea in his last Premier League spell, under Jose Mourinho.

But a confidence-boosting stop in Serie A, where Salah scored 43 goals in 109 games for Fiorentina and Il Lupi, should have done wonders for the 25-year-old. Expect Klopp to put Sadio Mane down one wing and Salah down the other, giving Liverpool frightening pace out wide. And what price a Salah winner when the Merseyside club meet Mourinho’s Manchester United?

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3. PAOLO DYBALA Argentina may not have lifted a trophy for 24 years, but they can happily boast about producing some of the world’s finest footballers. Their most recent prodigy is Juventus striker Paolo Dybala. The 23-year-old ‘Jewel’ has spent the last two seasons wowing fans of the Old Lady with his intricate footwork and natural goal-scoring ability. Now, with the next World Cup just around the corner, he’s ready to become a protagonist for his national side too. Expect him to shine once more in Serie A, as he continues his incredible rise as of the planet’s greatest talents.

5. JAMES RODRIGUEZ With Arturo Vidal, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery all in their 30s, and Phillipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso choosing retirement, the Bayern Munich midfield was in need of rejuvenation. Step forward out-offavour Galactico James Rodriguez. The 26-year-old had been a part-time starter at Real Madrid over the past two seasons, failing to live up to his reputation as one of the game’s brightest playmakers.

Nevertheless, his move to Munich means he re-joins ex-Coach Carlo Ancelotti – one of the Madrid managers who actually got the best out of him. The Colombian certainly joins with something to prove, as he looks to rekindle his career at the German giants.

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2 2. GABRIEL JESUS Manchester City aren’t short of exciting attacking talents. With the likes of Kevin de Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Sergio Aguero, they possess one of the world’s most frightening forward lines. However, there’s one player in particular who’s ready to light up the Premier League – Gabriel Jesus. The electric Brazilian only joined the Citizens in January, but he had an immediate impact – he was directly involved in 11 goals in his first eight League starts. An injury ended his season early, but the Samba star is now ready to impress in his first full season in England.

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4. DELE ALLI Dele Alli might be Tottenham Hotspurs’ youngest first-team starter, but he’s also one of the first names on the team sheet. The confidence-exuding midfielder has had such an impact on the Premier League since his arrival in 2015 that Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid are both reportedly interested. Quite accordingly, his value has rocketed with the CIES Football Observatory regarding him as the world’s second-most valuable player. Last season, he added attacking prowess to his game, finishing the year with 18 league goals – one more than perennial goal-buster Zlatan Ibrahimovic – so this term he’ll look to build on that.

1. KYLIAN MBAPPE In recent years, no breakthrough player has caused a greater furore in Ligue 1 than Kylian Mbappe did at the end of last season. His performances for Monaco led to him being dubbed the next star of this generation – his transfer value rocketing in correlation. He won his first caps for France and was frequently likened to national hero Thierry Henry. As is the case for all youngsters, the question remains as to whether he can replicate such form going into the new season. However, there seems to be enough evidence to suggest that Mbappe certainly isn’t going to be a one-season wonder.

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Around the Globe: Golden Boot

GOALDEN AGE

LIONEL MESSI, LUIS SUAREZ AND CRISTIANO RONALDO HAVE DOMINATED THE GOLDEN BOOT OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS BUT AS CIRO DI BRITA OUTLINES, THE GOLDEN TRIO HAVE COMPETITION…

F

rom its inception in 1968, the Golden Boot was the award given to whomever finished as Europe’s top goalscorer. Famous names to have won the trophy include legendary Portugal star Eusebio, Germany’s poacher extraordinaire Gerd Muller and Dutch maestro Marco Van Basten, who rub shoulders with lesser known names such as Bulgarian Georgi Slavkov, who scored 31 goals for Botev Plovdiv in 1980-81.

The system for calculating points awarded to the top scorer from each League was changed in 1997. Players from the top five Leagues in Europe have their goals multiplied by a factor of two, meaning they can claim the award scoring fewer goals than a player from a lower-ranked League, due to the perceived difficulty of their League. Players from a competition ranked between sixth and 21st have their goals multiplied by a factor of 1.5, and goals from players in Leagues ranked 22nd or lower

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have their goals count as they are.

Of late the European Golden Boot award has been a straight shootout between Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo, with only Messi’s teammate Luis Suarez breaking their dominance. Suarez features twice on the winners list, first from the 2015-16 season, when he scored 40 times for Barca, and once sharing with Ronaldo, in 2013-14, when playing for the prolific Liverpool team that came so close to winning the Premier League title.

The only other player in the past decade to claim the Golden Boot was Diego Forlan, who scored 32 times for Atletico Madrid in 2008-09. La Liga has indeed had a stranglehold on the trophy and its representatives don’t look like letting go any time soon. But there are contenders from across the continent looking to make their mark.

LIGUE 1

EDINSON CAVANI

Uruguay international Edinson Cavani last year had his best season in France, scoring 35 goals and thriving as the main man up front after Zlatan Ibrahimovic left for Manchester United.

Cavani finished seven goals ahead of new Arsenal signing Alexandre Lacazette, and 14 ahead of Monaco’s reborn Radamel Falcao, the Columbia striker rediscovering his goal touch after a barren few years.

HONOURABLE MENTION — Kylian Mbappe [Monaco]

“The star of PSG still has some fire power to his goal scoring"

BUNDESLIGA PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a personal high last season as he found the net 31 times, the Gabon international’s instinct inside the penalty area hitting a new level.

From pouncing on defensive mistakes, finishing off clinical counter-attacks or capping elaborate team passing moves, Aubameyang can punish the opposition with ease, and is capable of scoring with either foot as well as his head.

ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI Bayern Munich’s Poland international Robert Lewandowski reached 30 goals last season, ending the campaign just one behind Aubameyang and matching his tally from the previous season.

Lewi has the creative spark of James Rodriguez, signed from Real Madrid, to provide even more of a creative spark and assists galore, so he should be aiming for at least 30 again this time around.

HONOURABLE MENTION — Timo Werner [RB Leipzig]

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Around the Globe: Golden Boot

SERIE A

EDIN DZEKO

The 29 League goals racked up by Edin Dzeko last season was a surprising return for a player who all agreed struggled for Roma the season before.

This season could go either way for the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who has a new Coach and a host of new teammates, and he might miss the supply of Mohamed Salah, who was sold to Liverpool.

ANDREA BELOTTI Andrea Belotti, the 23-year-old nicknamed Il Gallo — the Rooster — has been a revelation since signing for Torino in August 2015.

Belotti scored 26 goals in the 2016-17 season and has 38 in 70 for the Turin club overall, catching the eye of some heavyweight clubs, both in Italy and outside the peninsula.

GONZALO HIGUAIN Gonzalo Higuain will probably never hit the dizzying heights of scoring 36 goals like he did for Napoli but will still profit from playing up front for a team that has won six straight Scudetti.

The Argentine, who scored plenty at Real Madrid before coming to Italy, is nailed-on to place highly in the Capocannoniere rankings come the end of the season.

DRIES MERTENS Both Dries Mertens, who scored 28 goals last season, Arkadiusz Milik or whomever is lucky enough to play up front for Napoli this season will benefit from Maurizio Sarri’s attacking football philosophy and be guaranteed to be among Serie A’s top scorers.

Mertens was last season’s surprise package, finding a home as a forward after injuries forced Sarri into a new tactical plan.

HONOURABLE MENTION — Mauro Icardi [Inter]

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE HARRY KANE

Tottenham’s home-grown hotshot Harry Kane banged in 29 goals last season, 25 the season before and 21 the season before that, proving he’s far from a flash in the pan.

Kane will now be aiming to break in the 30+ bracket for the first time and confirm his status as England’s most dangerous No 9 since Alan Shearer.

ALEXIS SANCHEZ Speculation over Alexis Sanchez’s future won’t dampen down if he tops the goalscoring charts but the Chile international is Arsenal’s best source of goals.

Alexis netted 24 times last season, a personal best, and will have extra help from Lacazette, as well as the likes of Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud. Arsene Wenger has options in attack now, but still none better than the former Barcelona forward.

ROMELU LUKAKU Manchester United spent big money to get Romelu Lukaku from Everton and there is considerable pressure on the Belgium international’s broad shoulders to provide the goals so needed by Jose Mourinho’s team.

Lukaku did score 25 times last season for the Toffees but a £75m transfer fee demands more — as does the taskmaster in the dugout.

SERGIO AGUERO Sergio Aguero and Manchester City Coach Pep Guardiola will have to find common ground this year and it’s in the interests of the ex-Barcelona trainer to find a way to get the best out of the diminutive Argentine.

Last season’s return of 20 was disappointing for one of the most lethal strikers in the business and there will be plenty of eyes on Aguero to see if he can do better this time around.

HONOURABLE MENTION — Alvaro Morata [Chelsea]

“Tottenham’s home-grown hotshot Harry Kane…has proven he’s far from a flash in the pan’

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LA LIGA

“Fourtime Golden Boot winner Lionel Messi will be the favourite to add another to his many trophies"

LIONEL MESSI

The 30-year-old scoring machine shows few signs of slowing down and four-time Golden Boot winner Lionel Messi will be the favourite to add another to the collection.

Barcelona have a new Coach in Ernesto Valverde but whoever takes the reins has to know their success depends on how often Messi puts the ball in the back of the net.

CRISTIANO RONALDO Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has passed 30 goals in six out of his last seven season and it was only down to missing nine games in Real Madrid’s title-winning campaign that he didn’t add to his 25 goals.

Ronaldo appears to have accepted that he will occasionally be rested by Zinedine Zidane, but that’s only likely to make him more determined to score when he does play.

LUIS SUAREZ The only man to break the Messi-Ronaldo duopoly, Luis Suarez plundered 29 goals last season but has shown he is capable of more.

One of Barcelona’s vaunted MSN forward line, the terrier-like Suarez plays every game as if it his last and has an instinct for goals that cannot be taught.

HONOURABLE MENTION — Antoine Griezmann [Atletico Madrid]

In the past 10 years, Messi and Ronaldo have won mroe Golden Boots than anyone else.

EUROPEAN GOLDEN BOOT — LAST 10 WINNERS SEASON 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17

PLAYER Cristiano Ronaldo Diego Forlan Lionel Messi Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi Lionel Messi Luis Suarez/Cristiano Ronaldo Cristiano Ronaldo Luis Suarez Lionel Messi

TEAM Manchester United Atletico Madrid Barcelona Real Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Liverpool/Real Madrid Real Madrid Barcelona Barcelona

GOALS 31 32 34 40 50 46 31 48 40 37

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Legendary Neymar SF

Around the Globe: Transfers Matter

BY LAUREN MAHARAJ

NEYMAR – BARCELONA TO PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN NEYMAR’S TRANSFER TO THE FRENCH CAPITAL MAY HAVE BEEN HEAVILY SPECULATED LEADING UP TO THE ULTIMATE RESULT, BUT IT WAS HIS PRICE TAG THAT TURNED HEADS. IT IS NO SECRET THAT WORLD FOOTBALL HAS FALLEN VICTIM TO AN INCREDIBLE AMOUNT OF SPENDING, BUT THE BRAZILIAN’S WORLD RECORD FEE OF £200M IS SIMPLY UNPRECEDENTED. IN FACT, THIS ALONE HAS ETCHED HIM INTO THE COURSE OF FOOTBALLING HISTORY AS A MASSIVE SUPERSTAR. HOW NEYMAR WILL LIVE UP TO THESE EXPECTATIONS HAS YET TO BE SEEN. BUT THE PURCHASE IS A SIGN OF PSG’S UNRELENTING NEED TO BUILD THEMSELVES INTO A CLUB THAT IS CONSIDERED ELITE. CAN NEYMAR’S INFLUENCE BE THE ANTIDOTE FOR PSG TO FINALLY TASTE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SUCCESS?

THE BODYGUARD – NORDINE TALEB

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s world football continues to fall into what seems like an endless pit of financial absurdity clubs like Paris Saint-Germain continue to flex their economically gifted muscles each transfer market. This summer the club came out the biggest winners in a market riddled with competitive bank accounts having signed Neymar from Barcelona for a record £200m. But what does a transfer of this size mean for the creative and unique Brazilian? For many, Neymar’s travel to the French capital was clear – to earn huge money. According to a number of outlets the Brazilian is suspected to make upwards of £27m million annually under the Parisian banner. However, the 30-year-old forward debunked such claims in his first official press conference with the PSG, claiming he was simply thirsty for a new footballing challenge. "I wanted a new challenge. This was about ambition. My heart told me that it was time to sign for Paris St-Germain. It was the right time to leave

Barcelona and find new challenges. I was never motivated by money. I thought above all else about of the happiness of my family, regardless of money. I regret that some people think this is the case." Regardless of the superficial elements of this transfer, one thing is for sure and that is that Neymar has etched himself into the history books eternally. Although the former Barcelona player’s tenure with the Catalonians can be seen as successful having won a Champions League title, two La Liga titles and several domestic titles his legacy is now engraved with an even bigger, more luxurious theme thanks to becoming the most expensive player this era has seen. How his talents unfold with PSG have yet to be determined.

However, considering how uniquely gifted the Brazilian has been his entire career from club to club – this transfer carries a new found sense of hope for the Parisians whose European ambitions are as astronomical as the Brazilian’s price tag.

"However, considering how uniquely gifted the Brazilian has been his entire career from club to club"

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What happens to one of the world football’s most dazzling high profile players after he completes a world record transfer? He is drowned in the attention of elated fans, overwhelmed by mobs of the Parisian loyal and is under the scrutinizing eye of the media. It is no secret that Neymar’s transfer from Barcelona to Paris SaintGermain for a whopping £200m is one of the most incredible transfer sagas the sport of football has fell witness too. Thus, it makes sense that the Brazilian would be under the pressure of worldwide attention, putting his maintenance of peace (as much as he could maintain as a professional footballer under the spotlight) in major jeopardy. In response, Neymar decided to employee the skill set of not just a body guard, but a mixed martial artist.

The man commissioned with the task of keeping the former Barcelona star in calm tidings is UFC welterweight contender, Nordine Taleb. The Frenchborn mixed martial artist is known for his devastating kickboxing that has earned him six knockouts over the course of 17 professional bouts. He currently boasts a professional record of 13-4 having competed in the UFC on seven outings most recently defeating Oliver Enkamp in a Swedish-hometown upset on May 28th. Taleb’s training regime has taken him between Tristar – a gym widely considered one of the best in MMA and Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand. On social media photos have been circulating of Taleb keeping close guard of his Brazilian client with the size difference of the two appearing to be quite remarkable. Taleb has fought at both welterweight (170lbs) and middleweight (185lbs) illustrating why Taleb was hired to be a human shield for the slim Neymar. Conclusively, hiring a mixed martial artist of the Frenchman's stature makes perfect sense for the world record signing, especially as he looks to create an immediate splash for the six-time Ligue 1 champions rather than being caught up in the explosion that his transfer has created.

Transfers Matter OUR TOP TEN TRANSFERS FROM THIS SUMMER'S TRANSFER WINDOW SO FAR.

ROMELU LUKAKU

The Belgian dynamo is perhaps one of the most dangerous strikers the English Premier League has ever witnessed.

In fact, last season he cemented that claim falling only a few goals short of Harry Kane for 2016/2017 top goal scorer. Lukaku managed a whopping 25 league goals for Everton despite the club finishing seventh in the table.

Lukaku has always been an important compartment of a team’s attacking system. His strong build and powerful ability to score goals and score them often will be a valuable addition to United’s frontline.

ALVARO MORATA

The Spaniard has spent a large chunk of his career performing at a high level but has never been given a substantial chance at regular playing time. His most influential period came when he left Madrid in 2014 for Italian giants Juventus and carved out over 63 appearances for the club including a Champions League final. Considering that the estranged Diego Costa will not stand in his way to become the spearhead of one of the England’s powerhouse clubs, this move could be his personal renaissance.

BERNARDO SILVA

Since his showcase during the 2015 U-21 Euros, Silva has been one of the most impressive Portuguese players in world football. The former Monaco starlet has a style of play that reads like he is much more experienced at analyzing the game than his age and career suggests. Silva was an integral part of the U-21 squad that pushed to the 2015 final dazzling the eyes of clubs aplenty. However, his major money move didn’t come until AS Monaco’s title winning year that showcased yet again, just how uniquely talented and experienced the 23-year-old midfielder is.

MOHAMED SALEH

The Egyptian’s prowess was on full display when he first arrived to Chelsea in 2014. However, his magnificence was under utilized and instead boasted during two loan spells. Now Saleh has a chance to finally settle under the developmental minded Jurgan Klopp. His crisp and pacey style will compliment the Liverpool frontline and could potentially become one of the club’s most beneficial signings.

KYLE WALKER

Although Walker has widely been considered by the British media as one of the England’s best fullbacks, his astonishing price tag is still raising eyebrows. Walker’s £50m transfer from White Heart Lane to the Etihad is of course a comment on the inflation of the market but there is also no denying his athletic quality, his vision and defensive skills.

EVERTON TO MANCHESTER UNITED

REAL MADRID TO CHELSEA

AS MONACO TO MANCHESTER CITY

AS ROMA TO LIVERPOOL

TOTTENHAM TO MANCHESTER CITY

A. LACAZETTE

Lacazette is one of the most well rounded strikers to come out of France in the last few years. The 26-year-old spent seven years with Lyon as a senior player and scored over 100 goals for the club ultimately creating his own highlight reel to entice clubs such as Arsenal to invest in him. Were it not for his building period in Ligue 1, it is questionable that he would have earned himself such a high profile move. However, Lacazette’s style of play, his unmatched pace, athleticism and dribbling skills are all sure signs that he can succeed in England.

WAYNE ROONEY

Rooney’s departure from the Theatre of Dreams was not necessarily a shock, but more of a bitter end to a decorated tenure with a club he was so loyal too. Rooney’s return to Everton is the result of a brilliant career coming full circle. Although there is a sense of dissatisfaction in seeing a beloved English player like him fazed out of United’s make-up, there is a major sense of satisfaction in seeing his romantic return to where it all began.

There is no denying that Rooney’s experienced influence and desire to win is unchanged in his veteran years making this signing all the more exciting.

C. TOLISSO

Similar to Lacazette, Tolisso is another French prospect whose talent has finally been swept up for what it is worth. The 23-year-old was swooped

by German heavyweights Bayern Munich for a whopping €41.5 million - a transfer well worked for during his tenure with Lyon. Tolisso is a well groomed central midfielder whose pace and energy superbly match that of Munich’s style.

DANILO

Danilo is another example of a solid talent under utilized due to lack of regular playing time. The fullback has never had a proper chance to convey his talents and here’s hoping he will finally have that chance under Pep Guardiola in an already stacked squad.

The Brazilian is an ideal modern day fullback with an attacking mind who isn’t afraid of pushing up the pitch.

BENJAMIN MENDY

In the summer of 2016 Mendy was purchased for a mere £11m by Monaco and only one-year on the Frenchman is worth a whopping £52m. This outlines his massive spike to prominence.

Mendy was an integral part of Monaco’s 2016/2016 Ligue 1 title victory. His engaging and direct style of play will soon be another added piece to Guardiola’s defensive makeover.

LYON TO ARSENAL

MANCHESTER UNITED TO EVERTON

LYON TO BAYERN MUNICH

REAL MADRID TO MANCHESTER CITY

AS MONACO TO MANCHESTER CITY

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TOP FIVE CONTEN Champions League Preview

THIS SEASON’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WILL BE ESPECIALLY HOTLY CONTESTED. RARELY HAS THE QUALITY OF TEAMS COMPETING BEEN SO HIGH AND THE CANDIDATES EXTEND PAST THE FOLLOWING FIVE, WITH ATLETICO MADRID, JUVENTUS, MANCHESTER CITY, PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN AND MAYBE EVEN RB LEIPZIG IN WITH A FIGHTING CHANCE. THE FOCUS WILL BE ON THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE RIGHT THROUGH TO THE FINAL, IN KIEV ON MAY 26, AFTER WHICH WORLD CUP 2018 WILL TAKE CENTRE STAGE. BUT THE STANDARD OF FOOTBALL ON DISPLAY IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WILL BE AS HIGH, IF NOT HIGHER, THAN AT THE WORLD CUP. ROB MASON SELECTS FIVE CONTENDERS.

REAL MADRID Despite the ever increasing difficulties of coming out on top in the world’s most prestigious club tournament Real Madrid retained their title of European champions last season.

Indeed, Los Blancos have won the trophy in three of the last four seasons, the club’s most golden spell since winning the first five editions of the competition from 1955-56 onwards.

Whether or not they can become the first team to be champions of Europe three years in a row since Bayern Munich in the mid1970s depends on Zinedine Zidane again getting the balance of his team right, and Cristiano Ronaldo keeping the goals coming.

BAYERN MUNICH Under Carlo Ancelotti, Bayern Munich could be the biggest threat to Madrid’s hopes of the three-peat, which would take away Bayern’s achievement of three European Cups in a row.

The German and Spanish giants have done some business this summer, with Bayern taking Columbia star James Rodriguez on a two-year loan, while Ancelotti knows plenty about Madrid from his time at Santiago Bernabeu, having had Zidane as his assistant for part of it.

With one of the world’s greatest goalkeepers in Manuel Neuer and a well-balanced side full of players of the highest calibre, both in terms of technique and temperament, Bayern will again be serious contenders for the crown.

ENDERS

2017/18 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CALENDAR 19/06/17: FIRST AND SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAWS 27–28/06/17: FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG 04–05/07/17: FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG

BARCELONA With Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Barcelona can boast the most dangerous front-line in football and even though they missed out last season on both La Liga and the Champions League, they remain a team capable of beating the best.

Barca’s response to being eliminated from last season’s Champions League by Juventus was to win at Real Madrid four days later and win each of their last six League games, scoring 25 times in the process.

Winners of the Champions League twice already this decade, the Catalans need to regain the trophy both for their own pride and to quash the dominance of arch rivals Madrid.

11–12/07/17: SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG

14/07/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW 18–19/07/17: SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG 25–26/07/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG 01–02/08/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG

04/08/17: PLAY-OFF DRAW 15–16/08/17: PLAY-OFF ROUND, FIRST LEG 22–23/08/17: PLAY-OFF ROUND, SECOND LEG

CHELSEA Chelsea strolled to the Premier League title last season, the first in 20 years they weren’t also competing in Europe. They’ve now got to balance the dual demands of defending the title and challenging in Europe, but Antonio Conte has made some shrewd additions to help.

Alvaro Morata has joined from Real Madrid for £58m, while Roma’s Antonio Rudiger adds versatility to the defence at a cost of £29m and Tiemoue Bakayoko brings more steel to midfield for a £40m fee, the trio joining Thibaut Courtois, N’Golo Kante, Eden Hazard and company.

Few teams manage to juggle domestic and continental concerns but Chelsea have plenty of depth and in Conte, a manager of rare tactical expertise.

24/08/17: GROUP STAGE DRAW 12–13/09/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY ONE 26–27/09/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY TWO 17–18/10/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY THREE 31/10/17–01/11/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY FOUR 21–22/11/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY FIVE 05–06/12/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY SIX

11/12/17: ROUND OF 16 DRAW 13–14/02/18 AND 20–21/02/18: ROUND OF 16, FIRST LEG 06–07/03/18 AND 13–14/03/18: ROUND OF 16, SECOND LEG

16/03/18: QUARTER-FINAL DRAW

MANCHESTER UNITED Manchester United failed to qualify for the Champions League through their League position and lost talismanic figure Zlatan Ibrahimovic to injury, but could still beat all the continent has to offer for one reason — Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese has the nous and the singlemindedness to take the trophy for the third time, having already lifted it with Porto and Inter.

One of 18 bosses to have won the trophy twice, he could emulate Ancelotti and Liverpool legend Bob Paisley if he joins the select ranks to have three European winners’ medals.

03–04/04/18: QUARTER-FINALS, FIRST LEG 10–11/04/18: QUARTER-FINALS, SECOND LEG

13/04/18: SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL DRAW 24–25/04/18: SEMI-FINALS, FIRST LEG 01–02/05/18: SEMI-FINALS, SECOND LEG

26/05/18: FINAL (NSK OLIMPIYSKI, KYIV)

TOP FIVE CONTEN Europa League Preview

MANCHESTER UNITED’S SUCCESS IN WINNING THE EUROPA LEAGUE AND WITH IT AN ADMISSION TICKET INTO THIS SEASON’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MEANS THAT THESE DAYS THE TROPHY GLITTERS BRIGHTER THAN EVER.SOME OF THE GIANTS OF THE CONTINENT ARE GATHERING TO TRY AND WIN THIS SEASON’S EDITION OF THE TOURNAMENT AND WHILE HAVING A EUROPEAN TROPHY TO CELEBRATE IS ALWAYS WELCOME, IT’S THE FINANCIAL REWARDS OF GUARANTEED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE QUALIFICATION THAT ARE REALLY DRAWING THE CROWD NOW. ROB MASON PICKS OUT FIVE OF THE LEADING CONTENDERS TO LAND THE EUROPA LEAGUE THIS YEAR, FROM DEPOSED CHAMPIONS LEAGUE REGULARS TO AMBITIOUS OLD NAMES OUT TO RECAPTURE FORMER GLORIES.

ARSENAL After 17 consecutive seasons in the Champions League the Gunners contest the Europa League for the first time since 2000, when they were runners-up.

Way back in 1970 Arsenal won the forerunner of the Europa League when it was the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, but they have only won one European trophy since – the now defunct European Cup Winners’ Cup in in 1994 – and for a club of Arsenal’s stature that is a poor record which success in this year’s Europa League would improve.

With qualification for the Champions League via the Premier League becoming tougher by the year, Arsene Wenger could emulate his nemesis Jose Mourinho and commit to winning the Europa League.

LYON Semi-finalists last season, Lyon have the added incentive and advantage of knowing that this season’s final is scheduled for their own new Stade de Lyon stadium.

Last year, after dropping out of the Champions League, the French side thrashed AZ Alkmaar 11-2 on aggregate, winning the home leg 7-1 with seven different scorers. They proceeded to eliminate Roma and Besiktas before a shock 4-1 semi-final first leg defeat to Ajax.

Even then they fought back to take the second leg 2-1 and even having lost Alexandre Lacazette to Arsenal they will be a force to be reckoned with.

ENDERS

2017/18 UEFA EUROPA LEAGUE CALENDAR 19/06/17: FIRST AND SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND DRAWS 29/06/17: FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG 06/07/17: FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG

EVERTON The £75m sale of Romelu Lukaku along with around £20m from other departures has been almost completely re-invested, and wealthy shareholder Farhad Moshiri has provided plenty of cash too, allowing Ronald Koeman to overhaul his squad.

Davy Klaasen, who captained Ajax in the 2017 Europa League Final, is one of the new recruits, along with Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane. Opposing Klaasen as a late United sub that day was Wayne Rooney, who has returned to Everton after 13 years at Old Trafford.

Koeman has serious ambitions for the Toffees as well as himself, so adding a European trophy as a Coach to the two he won as a player would be a welcome addition to his collection.

13/07/17: SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG

14/07/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW 20/07/17: SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG 27/07/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, FIRST LEG 03/08/17: THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND, SECOND LEG

04/08/17: PLAY-OFF DRAW 17/08/17: PLAY-OFF ROUND, FIRST LEG 24/08/17: PLAY-OFF ROUND, SECOND LEG

25/08/17: GROUP STAGE DRAW 14/09/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY ONE

AC MILAN This summer has seen some serious investment at Milan. The £35m capture of Leonardo Bonucci from Juventus is a headline-grabber, a serious statement of intent that could have repercussions for the Europa League Bonucci’s signing also brings the prospect of Vincenzo Montella switching to a back three, a system that brought the best out of Bonucci at Juve and which Milan used occasionally last season to good effect.

Seven-time Champions League winners Milan have never won the Europa League or any of its forerunners, but a European trophy at San Siro would help the Rossoneri start to regain their former status.

28/09/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY TWO 19/10/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY THREE 02/11/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY FOUR 23/11/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY FIVE 07/12/17: GROUP STAGE, MATCHDAY SIX

11/12/17: ROUND OF 32 DRAW 15/02/18: ROUND OF 32, FIRST LEG 22/02/18: ROUND OF 32, SECOND LEG

23/02/18: ROUND OF 16 DRAW 08/03/18: ROUND OF 16, FIRST LEG 15/03/18: ROUND OF 16, SECOND LEG

ZENIT ST. PETERSBURG The 2008 Europa League winners would love to mark the 10th anniversary of that success with a repeat, and bringing a major trophy to Russia just before the country hosts the World Cup would be would be welcome as well.

Now coached by Roberto Mancini, Zenit started the Russian season well and last year racked up 15 goals in their first five Europa League fixtures, only to slip-up when a lastminute goal by Anderlecht’s Isaac Thelin knocked them out on away goals in the Round of 32.

This year, a much-changed and vastly strengthened Zenit could be serious contenders.

16/03/18: QUARTER-FINAL DRAW 05/04/18: QUARTER-FINALS, FIRST LEG 12/04/18: QUARTER-FINALS, SECOND LEG

13/04/18: SEMI-FINAL AND FINAL DRAW 26/04/18: SEMI-FINALS, FIRST LEG 03/05/18: SEMI-FINALS, SECOND LEG

16/05/18: FINAL (STADE DE LYON, LYON)

MAKING MERAM Spotlight

V

ery often a season is not defined by a player’s successes but rather how they cope with adversity. It is one of the strangest aspect of sports and life that we often don’t value our successes quite nearly as much as we value the ability to overcome obstacles.

For Justin Meram 2017 has certainly been a season of overcoming great obstacles both for his club side Columbus Crew. After a difficult campaign in 2016 which saw the team go from an MLS Cup finalist to completely out of the playoffs the Crew did something that very few clubs do during an offseason: they stayed relatively silent. That move seems to have paid off for Meram, who has had a career year with Columbus.

Through 26 games the 28 year old already has eclipsed his career-best in goals with 10 and is on the cusp of equalling his best in assists with 5 (he is currently at seven).

Meanwhile the Crew are in the thick of the playoff hunt, sitting in fifth place after 26 matches on 36 points.

One might think that this would be enough to get Meram a bit of credit and possibly an All-Star appearance. But the Iraq international was not picked for this year’s game against Real Madrid a snub that was not lost on him.

“I’ll be honest, I was upset for the day and then I let it go,” said Meram, after Columbus’ 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union. “It’s

‘2017 has certainly been a season of overcoming great obstacles both for his club side Columbus Crew’

‘Obviously there were complications before.

Things have been resolved within myself and the federation and there’s a new coach[Basim Qasim], so I’m eager to meet him’ over. I’m just here to play the game. This is nothing new for me.”

Meram would go on to elaborate about his feelings towards the All-Star Game as a whole saying, “It’s not even an All-Star game in my eyes; it’s a celebrity match to me.[David] Accam and [Romain] Allesandrini are two guys I love watching, and it’s funny to me that they’re not there.

To me, it’s not an All-Star Game in my eyes.

It’s getting a bunch of guys together and playing against Real Madrid.”

Playing with a chip on his shoulder seems to fuel Meram. Whether it was being snubbed for an All-Star Game or working his way into being consistently called up for Iraq’s national team Meram seems to enjoy the pressure and the chance to prove his value with the deck stacked against him. After going through the arduous process of becoming a dual citizen Meram has found himself as a consistent starter for Iraq, earning 22 appearances for the side over the past three years.

But even that has not come easy for Meram.

Travel concerns cost him the opportunity to play with the team during their March and April qualifiers, a time in which they were eliminated from the 2018 World Cup. Meram was called in for their September qualifiers against Uzbekistan and Thailand, which still held value as it would determine their seeding for qualification for the Asian Football Confederations Cup. “Obviously there were complications before. Things have been resolved within

myself and the federation and there’s a new coach[Basim Qasim], so I’m eager to meet him,” said Meram.

As for the Crew if Meram and his side are to make the layoffs again this season they will have to do it without Ethan Finlay. Finlay had served as Meram’s midfield partner with Columbus since 2012 becoming one of the most one-two attacking combinations in all of MLS. However, after a difficult season in which he scored just one goal in 19 appearances he was traded in August to Minnesota United in exchange for $425,000 in General Allocation Money.

“He’s a helluva guy. I have a special bond with the kid because we were nobodies in this league until we made a name for ourselves because we worked so hard and dedicated ourselves to our craft and we pushed each other,” said Meram. “I have been here the longest of anybody (on the team) and my heart gets broken so many times. I’m just used to it – seeing guys come and go. That’s the side that really sucks.”

After losing Finlay someone who might not know much about Meram might have thought he and the Crew would have been a bit down and delivered a bad result against the Chicago Fire. But once again Meram proved his critics wrong and scored the game-winner in what turned out to be a 3-1 win over Chicago. Continuing to overcome the odds has become a habit for Meram and may suit him and his club come playoff time this season.

Spotlight

CHICAGO ON FIRE M

ajor League Soccer has always been one of the most competitive Leagues in the world, with mechanisms such as the salary cap in place to ensure it stays that way.

Since the League's inception in 1996, no team has won more MLS Cups than the Los Angeles Galaxy with a total of five.

Compare that to Spain's top flight where Barcelona have won nine League titles and Real Madrid seven since 1996, or Italy's Serie A where Juventus have won 10 Scudetti over that same span. Truth is, no League on the planet can match MLS in terms of parity, and evidently we are seeing balance prevail once again in 2017.

Coming into the campaign, you can forgive most for thinking the Chicago Fire wouldn't amount to much this year. They had finished with just 31 points last season - worse than any other team across the entire League.

It was the second consecutive season that the Fire had finished the MLS regular season with fewer points than any other club, and to make matters worse it didn't seem like they were interested in making very many changes on or off the pitch either - with both Coach Veljko Paunovic and general manager Nelson Rodriguez returning for a second season in Chicago.

One move they did make though, was the acquisition of Hungary international Nemanja Nikolic from Polish club Lega Warsaw. It wasn't the kind of move that generated buzz amongst the casual fan or terrified their Eastern Conference rivals, but the 29-year-old had a much larger impact than anyone could have anticipated.

It took Nikolic just 11 minutes to score in his first ever home match at Toyota Park, and he hasn't stopped frightening MLS goalkeepers since. He was exactly what the Fire needed, after they only found the back of the net a total of 42 times last season. And Nikolic is far from the only new arrival helping galvanize a once desolate club.

German legend Bastian Schweinsteiger made the move across the pond in April, and did not waste any time sending a signal of intent to the rest of the League. He scored just 17 minutes into his MLS career, and his club lost just two of the first 15 games since he joined.

With the new additions, Chicago are making a shocking mount for the Supporters' Shield and have become an instant contender to be standing on the stage when the League's most prestigious prize is awarded in December. An impressive 11-game unbeaten streak that spanned from May-July could go a long way in seeing the club lift their first trophy since 2006.

Although remarkable, MLS fans shouldn't be too surprised about the Fire's incredible turnaround.

It was just last season that the Colorado Rapids became the team that everybody was talking about. They brought in familiar faces by acquiring the likes of United States Men’s National Team members Tim Howard and Jermaine Jones, who helped the Rapids finish just two points short of FC Dallas in the Supporters' Shield race, with the club only allowing 32 goals against throughout the entire regular season. This was just a year after finishing second last across all of MLS - only the Fire were worse.

While they were ultimately eliminated in the Western Conference Final, they had rejuvenated the passion of a fan base that didn't have much to cheer about in recent years. Unfortunately for fans of the Rapids, it

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Germany legend Bastian Schweinsteiger has made an immediate impact with the Chicago Fire

‘Nemanja Nikolic would have a much larger impact than anyone could have anticipated’

Nemanja Nikolic has made finding the net look easy in his first MLS season

MARCO D'ONOFRIO TAKES A LOOK AT THE SURPRISE SEASON THE CHICAGO FIRE ARE HAVING, AND WHY LEAGUE RULES CAN MAKE IT SO DIFFICULT TO MAINTAIN SUCCESS.

‘An MLS GM can handcuff his franchise and damage it for years to come by overspending or making a bad trade’

Nemanja Nikolic and De Leeuw

Bastian at the MLS All Star Game.

seems to have been a one-year phenomena as they have regressed back to the cellar of the MLS table this season.

It is what makes the League such a difficult one to predict and exciting one to watch.

With teams only able to spend up to the salary cap on their squad, they are often forced to make difficult decisions and aren't always able to keep the player(s) they would like.

Every team has the luxury of bringing in three Designated Players who can earn whatever the club is willing to pay them without it counting against the cap, but they are not afforded the same flexibility with the rest of their roster. As a result, an MLS general manager can really handcuff his franchise and damage it for years to come by overspending on a player or making a bad trade.

While big names and expensive Designated Players are always a great way to attract fans and garner headlines, it is not necessarily a formula for success. Signing Frank Lampard was a great way for New York City FC to kick off their inaugural campaign and they didn't bat an eyelash when it came to paying him $6m a season, but the Englishman's MLS career was far from prolific and he only featured in 29 regular season matches over two seasons.

The aforementioned Nikolic is on $1.9m a season and has already contributed more to his club.

Being an MLS general manager may be one of the most difficult jobs in football, as they continuously try to navigate through a salary cap with consistently changing tools and mechanisms. It is why we often read

about teams acquiring options like 'General Allocation Money' or 'Targeted Allocation Money' instead of players. These terms don't often mean much to fans, but depending on how their club use them, they could have massive implications on what the team does in the market.

Without understanding the intricacies of MLS, it is easy for fans of European or South American Leagues to criticise MLS policies and procedures that sometimes seem goofy and overly complicated. However, it is the reason why teams like the Colorado Rapids or Chicago Fire can compete - even if for just one season - with the likes of Toronto FC and New York City FC. Despite spending a fraction of the resources — $8m less than TFC — Chicago and likeminded teams are able to stay competitive, which is crucial for the success of the League as a whole and a major reason why it continues to grow each year.

‘Big names and expensive Designated Players are a great way to attract fans it is not necessarily a formula for success’

David Accam is a true leader on the Chicago Fire roster

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Spotlight

UNDER THE RADAR

DESPITE BEING OVERSHADOWED BY BIGGER NAMES IN TORONTO, MARCO D'ONOFRIO DISCUSSES WHY VICTOR VAZQUEZ IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED PLAYERS IN MLS. Spaniard Victor Vazquez has become fundamental to Toronto FC in his first season with the club

‘Vazquez has become an invaluable asset to Toronto’

I

t almost went completely unnoticed when At a club packed with talent and big names, Toronto FC signed creative midfielder it's easy for a player like Vazquez to fly Victor Vazquez, even though the Spaniard under the radar. He wasn't even amongst had competed in the Champions League the conversation for a spot on the MLS Allwearing the colours of one of the most Star squad that took on Real Madrid, even decorated teams of all time in Barcelona. though he led the League in assists when While he was a product of the academy, the roster was announced. he wasn't given the opportunity to make Anyone really paying attention though, many appearances with the first team and knows he is one of the most exciting and certainly never could have predicted that his talented players in all of Major League career would ultimately take him to Canada.

Soccer.

But not only has he become an important piece for a side that reached the MLS Cup Final last year, he has become an invaluable asset.

Vazquez instantly secured a spot in the starting line-up, as his ability to pick out a pass was a big reason behind Toronto's success this season. He provided a creative spark while Giovinco was out injured, and became even more essential to his side when there were several players away at the Gold Cup, calmly slotting home m aCONCACAF t c h i t a crucial equalizing penalty kick in second s .

F r o m half stoppage time away to New York City o vFC.i d i n g His coach Greg Vanney can't seem to stop gushing about the midfielder either. “For me he's the most clever attacking midfielder in this League by a long shot,” Vanney said in a post-match press conference after Vazquez put two past the Columbus Crew earlier this season. “I don't know if people across the board have recognized that, but he is.”

At a club WITH big names, it's easy for a player like Vazquez to fly under the radar’

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Vazquez Giovinco lethal combination will make the difference come playoff time

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Champions Glory International Champions Cup

EVERYONE ENJOYS A GOOD SUMMER VACATION. A GOOD BOOK, A DRINK WITH WITH A FUNNY HAT IN IT, AND HOPEFULLY A LITTLE SUN AND SAND. FOR SOME THAT IS THE IDEAL VACATION. FOR THE TOP CLUBS IN EUROPE HOWEVER A SUMMER ‘VACATION’ NORMALLY MEANS SOMETHING VERY DIFFERENT: INTERNATIONAL CHAMPIONS CUP GLORY. DURING THE MONTH OF JULY SOME OF THE TOP CLUBS ACROSS EUROPE PLAYED IN CHINA, SINGAPORE, AND THE UNITED STATES IN A PRESEASON TOURNAMENT THAT WAS FAR FROM FRIENDLY. THE FRENETIC TONE ON THE PITCH WAS MET WITH AN EQUALLY EXCITING TONE OFF OF IT.

THE TOP MOMENTS FROM THIS YEAR'S TOURNAMENT

GOAL NUMBER ONE FOR ROMELU LUKAKU Any Manchester United supporter will tell you that the best way to win their hearts is to score a goal against Manchester City. If this is indeed true then Romelu Lukaku really wants to please his supporters. In just his first Manchester Derby Lukaku paid immediate dividends giving the Red Devils the 1-0 advantage with a header past Ederson and a flick into an empty net. More goals like this and he may find himself never having to buy a pint near Old Trafford.

IT IS ALWAYS SUNNY FOR DALEY BLIND To say that Daley Blind has had a tough time with Manchester United would be an understatement. But the Dutchman gave his 2017-2018 a bit of a jumpstart on a hot day in San Jose, California when he scored the matchwinner in a penalty kick shootout against Real Madrid. Although meant to be decisive the shootout was anything but with the two sides combining to miss seven penalties. But United would receive a little bit of luck from Blind whose left-footed effort would be hit square on and past Madrid goalkeeper.Kiko Casilla.It wasn’t pretty, but for a player like Blind looking for some sort of spark it was effective.

82,000 PACK METLIFE STADIUM FOR FC BARCELONA-JUVENTUS While the play on the pitch is certainly important, when it comes to the ICC the spectacle itself is equally as important. Case in point: FC Barcelona-Juventus. Over 82,000 supporters showed up to EastMetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey to watch a rematch of the 2016-2017 UEFA Champions League Final. The crowd was very clearly split between the two sides a good indicator of how many people in the New York-New Jersey follow the two European titans. While Neymar and Barcelona would get the best of Juventus on the day both sides were winners for pulling in such an incredible number of spectators.

NEYMAR-MANIA It was the summer of Neymar as the Brazilian forward made headlines for his play on the pitch and for the constant transfer rumors off of it.On the pitch he was sublime scoring three goals in the ICC and spending the better part of most matches making defenders feel weak in the knees.

Off of the pitch rumors of his move to PSG swirled no matter what city Barcelona was playing in. He became the focal point of the tournament and in many ways he delivered the goods. While there were many great performances at this year’s ICC make no mistake about it: Neymar was the most memorable moment.

DE BRUYNE DEMOLISHES REAL MADRID Will 2017-2018 be the breakout season for Kevin De Bruyne? If his form from the ICC is any indication it is a resounding yes. The Belgian international used the tournament to get comfortable in coach Pep Guardiola’s floating midfielder role.

In Manchester City’s 4-1 win over Real Madrid De Bruyne tallied two assists and stirred the pot that is the City attack. His ability to directly engage defenders allowed for space to be open for John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi on their goals and set the tone for the rest of the match.

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EL CLASICO IN MIAMI For over a quarter of a century the EL Clasico derby between had only been played between Real Madrid and Barcelona at either of the club’s home venues. 2017 would end that streak as arguably one of the top rivalries in world football would be played at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. While there was some skepticism about the match leading up to gametime, that was all washed away with an impressive effort by both sides. While Madrid would claw back from a two goal deficit to make things level, it was their old foe Gerard Pique who would spoil their comeback effort. A deft volley off a free kick in the 50th minute would provide the Catalonia side all they needed to vanquish Madrid.

AUBAMEYANG-PULISIC-SAHIN PARTNERSHIP COMES ALIVE IN CHINA Although they played only one match during this year’s tournament Borussia Dortmund certainly left an impression on all of Europe, dispatching A.C. Milan 3-1 in Guangzhou, China. Peter Bosz’s young trip of Pierre Aubameyang, Christian Pulisic, and Nuri Sahin worked seamlessly to break open the normally resolute Milan defense. With Pulisic serving pulling the strings Aubameyang would score a brace and Sahin would add a third giving the Milan supporters and the rest of Europe something to think about.

KONDOGBIA’S LONG-RANGE GAFFE The second half of most ICC matches is normally a time where managers bring in new players and try out different formations. It is a chance for players to get some minutes in and hopefully present their case to the manager on why they should be given more time. If Inter Milan midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia is looking to get more time with Inter he might want to avoid talking about his own goal against Chelsea. Although the Nerazzurri had a two goal advantage Kondogbia’s chip made things much closer in the final quarter of the match.

The French international has improved his play in the two years since moving to Italy so he may want to file this own in goal under “What goes on in Singapore, stays in Singapore.”

TUMMINELLO SAVES THE BEST FOR LAST After giving up a two goal lead late one might have expected AS Roma to pack things in and await for penalties. But Marco Tumminello had different plans.

The 18 year old made late a dashing run past the Spurs defense and finished off a cross from Kevin Strootman to give Roma the win in injury time.

ERIKSEN’S MOONSHOT DRAWS TOTTENHAM LEVEL WITH PSG Perfect placement, perfect shot, perfect opportunity. Sounds simple enough, right? The art of getting a shot off, let alone a wonder strike is often incredibly difficult. But once it has been struck it is amazing how it can change a team’s fortunes. Case in point Cristian Eriksen’s strike for Tottenham in their ICC match against Paris St.Germain. In the 11th minute Eriksen drew Spurs level with the French champs with a right-footed from about 40 yards out. His shot went for the upper-right corner of the goal and dipped under just to get past goalkeeper Kevin Trapp.

KOBE’S GUY

Around North America

“I’ll say this, I haven’t talked about the ref one time this year. I’m not making excuses, I give New York City credit, OK. But I’ve been on my best behavior from the referee perspective this year. But this one was too much to swallow.” - New York Red Bulls boss Jesse Marsch was highly critical of veteran referee Baldomero Toledo following the Red Bulls' 3-2 loss to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has always been a big soccer fan, and he revealed in an interview with the official MLS website that he is also a huge supporter of Dom Dwyer. The English-born striker made his debut for the United States Men's National Team against Ghana, and the former Lakers star couldn’t be happier. “That's my guy!” said Kobe. “I'm excited for his call to the USA, and I'm looking forward to him continuing to do big things.”

LAFC EXCITING EVERYONE

Despite the club not beginning play until 2018, Los Angeles FC have generated headlines across the globe. The MLS expansion side have been linked by multiple sources with various international stars that include the likes of Keisuke Honda, Wesley Sneijder, Andres Guardado, and Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who eventually joined West Ham in the Premier League.

NO LOVE FOR FORMER CLUB

After spending a few months with his new club — the Vancouver Whitecaps — Brek Shea made it clear in an interview that he is definitely happier now than he was in Orlando. “I really like this team. I like this team a lot better than Orlando's team.”

by the numbers “When my family’s around me, I feel confidence.” - Philadelphia Union

coaches might just be getting ready to find Ilsinho’s family their own apartment in Philadelphia after the Brazilian playmaker revealed his family inspires him to play better.

3 5

The Portland Timbers drew three consecutive games this season for just the second time in franchise history

GIVING BACK

Major League Soccer partnered with Southern New Hampshire University and the United Service Organization to help keep service members connected to what's happening back home in the USA. The university donated $3000 for every goal scored between July 1 and July 6 — a total of $189,000 for the 63 goals scored.

FRENCH FARCE Despite being told Florent Malouda was ineligible to play, French Guiana decided to field the 37-year-old in their second CONCACAF Gold Cup 2017 group stage match. As a result, Honduras were awarded the 3-0 victory — even though the game on the pitch ended scoreless.

Malouda was born in French Guiana, but played for France from 2004 to 2012 as French Guiana is not officially recognized by FIFA.

FC Dallas became the first team in MLS history to score five goals in the first half of an MLS game, when they embarrassed Real Salt Lake in June

NASHVILLE NEXT? With MLS looking to expand again, Nashville is making a real claim as to why they should be awarded the next expansion club. The city set a Tennessee soccer record of 47, 622 when they hosted a 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup double-header on July 7. “Nashville is very much like Major League Soccer.

It’s a city on the rise,” MLS commissioner Don Garber said. “There’s an incredible energy here.”

DID YOU KNOW?

The New York Red Bulls' five-goal game against the San Jose Earthquakes was just the 15th time in franchise history they've scored five times.

FC Dallas has never lost to Toronto FC at home — winning six and drawing two.

“I remember going and seeing Ben [Olsen] as a player. So, coming back, standing out there in the stadium, having my first interview and being able to walk out on the field was pretty special.” - DC United

midfielder Russell Canouse remembers coming to watch D.C. United games at RFK Stadium with his father as a child.

“He's like a rash. He's all over the place.” - Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson hails Yordy Reyna’s attacking impact.

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Of the 20 League matches played between the Columbus Crew and Philadelphia Union, only one has ended in a draw.

KRAFT HONORED

New England Revolution owner Robert Kraft has been named the Honorary Chairman of the Board for the United World Cup Bid Committee of Canada, Mexico and the United States. Kraft was one of the original MLS owners, and played a big role in the United States' World Cup 1994.

NORTH CAROLINA LOOKING TO BUILD North Carolina FC made it quite clear they are not playing around when it comes to MLS expansion. The club announced at an event in downtown Raleigh plans to build a 22,000 soccer-specific stadium. The stadium itself is estimated to cost around $150m.

RAPIDS RAISING MONEY

The Colorado Rapids raised $10,000 for rookie Kortne Ford's mother, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year. It was midfielder Michael Azira's idea to auction off autographed game-worn jerseys to help raise money to cover the expensive healthcare costs.

The auction was live for a total of seven days.

BOOKWORM

The Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella has proven he is far from just a soccer player. Not only did he found a publishing company — It Had To Be Told — he also published four children books this summer. The veteran found motivation for the project after becoming a new father. “I started writing down a little story in my phone and later on that day I kind of mentioned it to my in-laws,” Attinella explained. “Fast forward and here we are: four books, a publishing company and really exciting stuff going on.”

PRICE OF RELEGATION

According to a report from Sports Business Journal, MLS turned down a $4bn global media rights deal from international media company MP& Silva. However, the offer was contingent on the League instituting a promotion-relegation system similar to the rest of the world. It would have been a 10-year deal and would have begun when the league's contract with ESPN, Fox, and Univision expires in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW? Clint Dempsey has a goal and an assist in four games with the United States since 2006, while no other player on the team has more than two.

The Vancouver Whitecaps earned their first ever road victory against FC Dallas with their 4-0 victory on July 29.

The Portland Timbers have never lost to the Chicago Fire.

WHAT A RETURN!

In his first match back in MLS since leaving Chivas USA to join Aston Villa in 2008, United States international goalkeeper Brad Guzan earned a shutout and an MLS Team of the Week spot in his debut with Atlanta United.

PICTURE PROOF

Real Salt Lake head coach Mike Petke stepped up his game significantly for his postgame press conference after his side's 1-1 draw with Sporting Kansas City. The frustrated tactician was ejected in the 72nd minute after screaming at a fourth official. Although he apologized for his behaviour, he explained his ire by handing out pictures to members of the media to prove he was right.

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RECORD BREAKERS

Orlando City broke an MLS record with their acquisition of Dom Dwyer from Sporting Kansas City. The striker was traded for $400,000 in General Allocation Money, $500,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, and $700,000 in future allocation money — totalling $1.6m, breaking the previous MLS record by almost a $1m.

IT’S THE DEALERSHIP THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

BROTHERLY LOVE

The Los Angeles Galaxy inked Mexican international Jonathon dos Santos to a Designated Player deal, reuniting him with his brother Giovani and the club couldn’t be happier about it. “Jonathan for us was our big target for the summer,” said club general manager Peter Vagenas. “There’s always avenues to make trades, but in terms of our summer signings, Jonathan was our No 1 target.”

BRADLEY IS BACK

Los Angeles FC officially announced that former United States National Team Head Coach Bob Bradley will be the man to lead the club in their first season. The experienced tactician led the Chicago Fire to an MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup in their first season of play back in 1998 and is looking to do the same next year with LAFC.

FAIR VALUE

Forbes reports that the LA Galaxy is now the most valuable MLS team with a value of $315 million, a 19% increase from last year. The fivetime MLS Cup winners generated an estimated $63 million in revenue last season, far and away the most of any team. Seattle Sounders, now worth $295 million, remain a close second while Toronto FC ($280 million), New York City FC ($275 million) and Orlando City SC ($272 million) round up the top five.

by the numbers

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With his goal against New York City FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps' Jordan Harvey snapped a 36game scoreless streak

DIZZY ULTRAS

Minnesota United’s new stadium, Allianz Field, will have the steepest stand in the world. Bruce Miller of the architecture firm Populous, who designed Allianz Field, confirmed that the home supporter’s stand of the stadium will have a slope angle of almost 35 degrees.

SERVING THE GTA FOR OVER 49 YEARS. SERVING THE GTA FOR OVER 49 YEARS.

With eight goals in seven matches against Orlando City, no player has scored more against Jason Kreis' side than Sebastian Giovinco

The Portland Timbers two red cards against Real Salt Lake was the first time in 225 games that they've had two players sent off in the same match

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Around North America

FOX Sports added Ref Cam technology to its MLS All-Star Game telecast on Aug. 2, providing FS1 viewers with point of view perspectives throughout the match.

Referee Allen Chapman wore the body camera during the entirety of the game at Soldier Field, Chicago, which Real Madrid eventually won 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

BETTER CANADA

“He brings quality, personality.

[Having a player like Schweinsteiger] is important for the league and also for those who play against him. We see our level, compared to him, is it good or no?

It's a good indication.” - Toronto FC

forward Sebastian Giovinco sees his team’s upcoming confrontation with Chicago Fire as a measuring stick against the talented likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

“We have come to make a name for ourselves, for the club, for MLS and for the national team. This is not a step down [from Europe]. The goal is to play at the same level.

People can say what they want but my mind was already made up. Now I just need to show everyone.” - LA Galaxy’s newest designated player Jonathan dos Santos rejects the notion that he was taking a "step down" in leaving Spain, and says he aims to bring the level of MLS to match leagues in Europe.

The Canadian Men's National Team had been the punch line of so many jokes over the past couple of decades that nobody was even laughing anymore. It was a side that was consistently eliminated from World Cup qualifying before many countries had even started the process, and they were being embarrassed on the pitch by nations with limited resources. The 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup was the first step in a long journey back to international credibility. While the only team in the tournament Canada managed to beat was French Guiana — a country not even officially recognized by FIFA — they also made it to the tournament quarter-finals, which hasn't been an easy accomplishment for this side in the past. To put things into perspective, Dejan Jakovic's opener against French Guiana was the first goal scored in open play since the 2009 edition of the tournament, a drought that spanned 990 minutes and four tournaments. The new era has officially begun under Octavio Zambrano who impressed the nation in his first tournament at the helm. His side were an exciting team to watch, offering more in attack than we've seen in nearly two decades. 16-year-old Alphonso Davies of the Vancouver Whitecaps made international headlines with his opening match brace, and with stalwarts like Julian De Guzman and Atiba Hutchinson no longer in the picture it was crucial for the future of the country to step up. Despite their moderate successes though, they still have a ton of work ahead of them in order to compete with the region's giants like the United States or Mexico. However, for the first time in a long time there is actual hope and optimism surrounding this side, which is really all Canadian soccer fans are asking for.

City captain Kaka calls for a more sensible use of technology after being ridiculously sent off for a friendly interaction with New York Red Bulls player Aurelien Collin.

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Alphonso Davies became the youngest player to ever feature for the Canada Men's National Team, when he made his international debut against Curacao on June 13. He also became the youngest player to ever score in the CONCACAF Gold Cup when he put two past French Guiana in the tournament's opening match and became just the second Canadian in history to win the tournament's Golden Boot award.

Albert Rusnak is the only Real Salt Lake player to score a goal and provide two assists in multiple games since 2010.

PLAYERS WANTED

LA Galaxy have announced dates for open tryouts for their young professional team, LA Galaxy II, in an effort to expand their recruiting pool and discover players for the USL season.

LA Galaxy II will be traveling to South Korea this November to discover players for the 2018 season. The first stop on the trip will be to Suwon on November 21st & 22nd. The second leg of the tryouts will take place the 25th & 26th of November in Cheonan, South Korea.

UNION TATTOED

The Philadelphia Union named Jay Cuncliffe as the team’s chief tattoo officer (CTO), the first one to be appointed by any MLS teams.

Cuncliffe, the owner of Bonedaddys Tattoo in Aston, Penn., beat out 150 applicants to be named CTO. He and his shop will have a one-year contract with the Union to provide tattoos to the club’s players.

SUB #4 PLEASE

Major League Soccer announced that a fourth substitute will be available to teams during 2017 MLS Cup Playoff matches that require extra time.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which oversees changes to the Laws of the Game, has approved experiments for a fourth substitute in extra time. Under the IFAB regulations, a fourth substitute may only be used if a game goes to extra time and may be used regardless of the number of substitutes a team made during normal time. Fourth substitute experiments have already been run in the FA Cup, Scottish Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup and FIFA Club World Cup – a final decision will be made by IFAB in 2018 or 2019.

“Those who love soccer desire that match results suffer fewer influences from possible and understandable human mistakes each day but at the same time, we must not let the lack of common sense hurt the nature and spontaneity of the game.” - Orlando

DID YOU KNOW?

LUCKY FANS

A group of City Members got the chance to experience an away trip like no other when NYCFC headed to Los Angeles to take on the Galaxy. Offered the chance to hang out with players at a training session, the jet-setting City Members took full advantage. They enjoyed incredible access to the team, chatting and snapping pics with the likes of Patrick Vieira, David Villa, Andrea Pirlo, Jack Harrison, and the rest of the gang.

DYNAMO TOPS

The Houston Dynamo earned the top spot among Houston-area teams in the 2017 J.D. Power Fan Experience Study, the consumer insight company announced today. A year after finishing second to the Houston Rockets in the inaugural study, the Dynamo took the top spot in the survey that measured fan satisfaction with their overall experience at major pro sporting events. The Houston Astros finished #2, while the Rockets slipped to #3 and the Houston Texans were #4.

by the numbers RECORD MLS

The match between the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid set a new alltime viewership record for an MLS All-Star Game as 2.1 million viewers across the USA and Canada combined to watch the event. That audience surpassed the 2011 MLS All-Star Game involving English giants Manchester United, according to Nielsen and Numeris research. The match, which was played in front of a sold-out crowd of 61,428 at Soldier Field, was also broadcast in more than 170 countries around the world.

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The Los Angeles Galaxy's five-game losing streak in July was the franchise's longest since 2007

Toronto FC defender Drew Moor became just the 10th outfield player in League history to play in 350 matches.

MLS GROWTH

BY SEAN MASLIN

Major League Soccer is on the move!

ZLATAN A WANTED MAN

LA Galaxy president Chris Klein confirmed the MLS club’s interest in Zlatan Ibrahimovic, though he conceded the former Manchester United striker wants to remain in Europe.

Ibrahimovic is available on a free transfer after his contract was not renewed by United following a serious knee injury suffered in April. Jose Mourinho and United have hinted the 35-year-old – who scored 28 goals in all competitions as the Manchester side won the Europa League and EFL Cup last season – may return to Old Trafford in 2017-18. But the Galaxy are ready to welcome Ibrahimovic to LA, with Klein telling reporters: “We have an incredible relationship with Zlatan and his agent. He loves our club, and he loves LA. “Our doors are open for a player like that. We have rights to him in our league. We’ll see where that goes.”

DID YOU KNOW? Exactly a year and a day after being fired by the Seattle Sounders, the winningest Coach in League history Sigi Schmid was named head coach of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The only two active players with more international goals than Clint Dempsey are Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

It only seems like yesterday when Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC were the new kids in class. One might think that the league would consider slowing down their expansion efforts, considering that Los Angeles Football Club will be beginning play next season and the Miami Beckhams are now back in play. But MLS is still thinking of expansion with four bids up for grabs. The question is now who will get them?

At the heart of the issue is that Major League Soccer is in a unique spot, Since it does not operate under a promotion and relegation system the only way that it can bring in new teams is through expansion. Expansion has occurred through two different avenues in the past: either a completely new franchise is set up (such as with Atlanta) or an existing franchise from a lower division is for lack of a better term ‘promoted’(such as with Minnesota coming up from the North American Soccer League). Even franchise that move up a division or two have to go through some level of change as MLS requires new clubs to pay expansion fees which throughout the league’s history has required clubs to add additional investors.

As it stands twelve cities are vying for the four spots: Charlotte, Cincinnati, Detroit, Indianapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Raleigh/ Durham, Sacramento, San Antonio, San Diego, Sacramento, St. Louis, and Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg. For months city officials from each area have hosted league officials and soccer dignitaries selling them on what makes them the next Seattle Sounders or Vancouver Whitecaps.

Town hall meetings have been called and votes have been held to discuss possible soccer-specific stadiums. Even Footy McFootface was thrown around as a possible name for the San Diego side.

So how will Major League Soccer decide on which cities will join the league?

When the original applications were submitted back in January 2017 the league required that all applicants provide the following: 1 2.

3.

A detailed plan of ownership and their financials A plan on their stadium situation. If they are building a new stadium they would need to provide information on financing and what local support they have in getting the deal done.

Financial projections and what sort of support they have from the local community and soccer base.

It should also be noted that the four bids will not be handed out all once. Teams and 25 and 26 will be decided sometime next year while 27 and 28 will be determined at a time to be determined. It should also be noted that the expansion fee for 25 and 26 will be $150 million dollars while 26 and 27 will again be determined at a later.

SOLAR BREAK

The Portland Timbers took a break from their practice routine to watch the solar eclipse. The club bought eclipse glasses in advance of the eclipse, so that the players could enjoy the event before jumping back onto the practice field. Portland wasn't in the path of totality for Monday's eclipse, they did have 99.2 percent obstruction. The Timbers and Sporting Kansas City are the closest MLS teams to the direct route of the eclipse.

While all clients were able to provide this information back in January many of their bids have lost steam due to issues at home. Charlotte, Indianapolis, and St. Louis have seen stadium bills die in committee putting their bids in serious danger. Meanwhile in Detroit the bid by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert has faced stiff resistance from city officials on a potential stadium site where a jail is currently located. The Detroit bid has met stiff resistance from the local community who have drawn record crowds supporting local NPSL side Detroit City F.C.

Other bids though have had more success in showing MLS that they are ready to make the jump. Stadium bills in both Sacramento and Nashville have received strong support from local city officials. Sacramento actually has gone as far as having a ground-making event for local officials, a sign that the deal is almost certainly going through. While Cincinnati has not had as much success with their stadium plans their strong run in the 2017 U.S. Open Cup has opened many eyes in the U.S. sports community. Optics seem to play as big of a role as any with MLS and it is unmistakable that showing a full stadium in a major competition will certainly play into their decision-making.

There are also those that are still very much in a holding pattern. Those leading the charge in San Antonio are waiting for a bond issue to be raised in December to determine whether funding can be raised for a $100 million stadium. Phoenix has picked up Didier Drogba as an investor and a part-time player for their USL side Phoenix Rising FC but are still in the exploratory phase of their stadium.

So there is still plenty of work that needs to be done on all sides which can be quite exciting and maddening at the same time. With the potential for the growth of soccer not just within these cities but within the country as a whole in play it will certainly quite fascinating to watch these groups manoeuvre and attempt to build their case as to why they should be allowed to join the top soccer league in North America. There is still plenty of time and plenty of twists and turns as MLS decides who will be their next four members.

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Confederations Cup 2017 Confederations Cup Review

T

he 10th Confederations Cup was staged in Russia, with the hosts, who will also stage next year’s World Cup, joined by the winners of the six FIFA confederation championships and World Cup 2014 winners Germany.

Split into two groups of four, Euro 2016 champions Portugal and 2015 CONCACAF Cup Winners Mexico came through Group A ahead of home favourites Russia and 2016 OFC Cup Winners New Zealand, while Germany and Copa America 2015 winners Chile led the way in Group B, 2015 Asian Cup champions Australia and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon trailing behind.

Chile edged Portugal in the semi-finals and Germany overcame Mexico, before Die Mannschaft confirmed their status as the best in the world by lifting the trophy.

Peter Fernie reviews the winners and losers of a gripping tournament.

2017

‘Germany successfully blooded a new group of players, and in next year’s World Cup location’

DID YOU KNOW 74 S360

It took two minutes for the deadlock to be broken in the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013 Final between Brazil and Spain at the Maracana. Hulk lofted a ball into the box and both Neymar and Fred went to compete for it; the ball eventually dropped to the latter who struck it high beyond Iker Casillas in goal. It's the fastest goal in history.

Marcel Desailly captained his country to two Confederations Cup titles in 2001 and 2003, playing in eight games without ever tasting defeat.

The Winners GERMANY The world champions’ incredible depth was on display in Russia. It was a courageous decision from Joachim Low to leave home players such as Manuel Neuer Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller, all veterans of the victory in Brazil three years ago, but it was a decision made for two reasons.

First, Low felt it essential to give some of his established talents a well-needed rest in what is, after all, a World Cup year. Secondly, he wanted to give space and experience to some of Germany’s emerging players in a senior tournament setting. Low’s faith was handsomely repaid.

Germany sailed through their group with seven points, drawing with Chile either side of wins over Australia and Cameroon. After all, this Germany B team still included such talents as Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, Leon Goretzka and Julian Draxler.

Low’s side overwhelmed Mexico 4-1 in the semi-final to book a rematch with Chile and were forced to spend long periods of the showpiece tie defending, but stuck to their task manfully and scored the only goal

through Lars Stindl.

Germany have now successfully blooded a new group of players in senior tournament football, and on top of that, done so in next year’s World Cup location. With another team of champions set to return next summer, Germany look in outstanding shape to retain the World Cup.

CHILE The back-to-back Copa America winners had an excellent tournament, only falling at the last. Juan Antonio Pizzi’s side showed an understanding as unit that is up there with the best in the game, following the model began by Marcelo Bielsa and continued

by Jorge Sampaoli. Pizzi has built on their ideas and his Chile play their way through the pitch with a balance of patience and urgency.

Chile took the fight to their opponents in every match in Russia, never ceding the initiative. They came through their group second to Germany and saw off Portugal in a semi-final penalty shootout, then dominated large sections of the final against a second-string but still-impressive German side.

Inevitably, there are risks to their build-fromthe-back philosophy and they came to the fore in the final, as Marcelo Diaz’s mistake on the edge of his own penalty area gifted Germany the winning goal. However, it was overall a risk well worth taking for Chile, both in terms of results and entertainment value. With a settled side, settled patterns of play and two world class talents in Alexis

PORTUGAL The European Champions demonstrated yet again that they are a balanced, efficient and dangerous side, and that Fernando Santos possesses an excellent, deep squad.

He can count on an efficient goalkeeper in Rui Patricio, proven centre-backs such as Pepe, Bruno Alves and Jose Fonte, flying full-backs in Cedric Soares and Raphael Guerreiro, an embarrassment of riches in midfield and an exciting young centreforward in Andre Silva. And last but certainly not least, they possess superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to provide the icing on an already rich cake.

This star-studded side conceded a late goal in their opening 2-2 draw with Mexico but followed up with a win over hosts Russia and a demolition of New Zealand to top their group. Chile edged Portugal in the semi-final but couldn’t get past Patricio outside of the penalty shootout. Portugal duly won the third-place play-off, even without Ronaldo.

Even though the summer didn’t deliver a trophy, Portugal again showed they are an extremely difficult side to overcome, and have to be considered as dark horses for next year’s World Cup.

Sanchez and Arturo Vidal, it would come as little surprise to see Chile in the latter stages of Russia 2018.

‘Chile took the fight to their opponents in every match in Russia, never ceding the initiative’

‘Portugal possess superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to provide the icing on an already rich cake’

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The Losers RUSSIA The hosts have targeted a semi-final place at their home World Cup next year and on this evidence much work lies ahead. Russia’s Confederations Cup campaign started with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand but it was all downhill from then on for Stanislav Cherchesov’s side.

A passive start against Portugal surrendered the initiative and Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring after nine minutes. Cherchesov’s reacted in the second half and made three attacking substitutions as Aleksandr Yerokhin, Dmitry Poloz and Aleksandr Bukharov entered the fray. However, they couldn’t find either the combination play or individual moment of magic to equalise.

It all came down to a do or die clash against Mexico in which the hosts required three points to qualify for the last four while a draw as enough for El Tricolor. Despite taking the lead through Aleksandr Samedov, Mexico hit back and triumphed 2-1.

Going forward Cherchesov will look to ensure his side’s three at the back system does not fall in to a five at the back formation. Without improvement in this

area, Russia will struggle to build attacks and make the most of their partisan home support.

‘Russia’s campaign started with a 2-0 victory over New Zealand but it was all downhill from then on’

CAMEROON After the elation of lifting their fifth Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon last February, it was back to earth with a bump for Hugo Broos and his side in Russia.

The Indomitable Lions will feel they were unlucky against Australia in game two of the group stage. They certainly had the better of the chances and were hard done by with a penalty decision given against right-back Ernest Mabouka, which allowed Australia to equalise. While that fixture should probably have brought greater rewards, there could be no argument about their defeats to Chile or Germany. In truth, the African champions were completely outclassed by both.

Broos stuck with the same starting lineup and 4-3-3 formation in all three games but ball retention proved a major issue as Cameroon struggled to build smooth passages of play. Improving this aspect will be paramount to Cameroon’s hopes of a competitive World Cup next summer — otherwise, Broos will watch his side chasing the ball for long spells again.

In truth, Cameroon were completely outclassed’

NEW ZEALAND It would be harsh to criticise the All Whites too strongly as they fought valiantly throughout the tournament, but the fact remains, New Zealand failed to win a game and scored only once, conceding eight in reply.

Coach Anthony Hudson organised his side to be dogged and hard to penetrate in a 5-3-2 formation but the problems were there to see from the opening match against Russia. With so many men behind the ball in an attempt to frustrate the hosts, quick and efficient counter-attacks were hard to produce, and too often front man Chris Wood had to feed off scraps and hope for support from Kostas Barbarouses. The continuing pressure brought an own goal from Kiwi defender Michael Boxall and Fedor Smolov added a second to complete a 2-0 win for the hosts.

It got worse for New Zealand as a depleted Mexico side came from behind to outplay them in a 2-1 reverse and the nadir was reached against Portugal, who showed no mercy in a 4-0 defeat in St Petersburg.

Not a lot was expected of New Zealand, a side short on genuine international 76 S360

quality, but it is now 12 games without a Confederations Cup win, 11 of which have been defeats.

‘New Zealand reached their nadir in a 4-0 defeat against Portugal’

Review FULL RESULTS

GROUP STANDINGS

SATURDAY 17 JUNE Group A: Russia 2 New Zealand 0 (Saint Petersburg) SUNDAY 18 JUNE Group A: Portugal 2 Mexico 2 (Kazan) Group B: Cameroon 0 Chile 2 (Moscow) MONDAY 19 JUNE Group B: Australia 2 Germany 3 (Sochi) WEDNESDAY 21 JUNE Group A: Russia 0 Portugal 1 (Moscow) Group A: Mexico 2 New Zealand 1 (Sochi) THURSDAY 22 JUNE Group B: Cameroon 1 Australia 1 (Saint Petersburg) Group B: Germany 1 Chile 1 (Kazan) SATURDAY 24 JUNE Group A: Mexico 2 Russia 1 (Kazan) Group A: New Zealand 0 Portugal 4 (Saint Petersburg)

2017 FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP PORTUGAL P3 W2 D1 MEXICO P3 W2 D1 RUSSIA P3 W1 D0 NEW ZEALAND P 3 W 0 D 0

GROUP A STANDINGS L 0 GF 7 GA 2 Pts L 0 GF 6 GA 4 Pts L 2 GF 3 GA 3 Pts L 3 GF 1 GA 8 Pts

7 7 3 0

2017 FIFA CONFEDERATIONS CUP GERMANY P3 W2 D1 CHILE P3 W1 D2 AUSTRALIA P3 W0 D2 CAMEROON P3 W0 D1

GROUP A STANDINGS L 0 GF 7 GA 4 Pts L 0 GF 4 GA 2 Pts L1 GF 4 GA 5 Pts L 2 GF 2 GA 6 Pts

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Germany and Chile tied in the goup match, and their Final's was only decided by one goal.

"Arturo Vidal was his usual imposing self for Chile, but it was the young Germans that set the tournament alight."

SUNDAY 25 JUNE Group B: Germany 3 Cameroon 1 (Sochi) Group B: Chile 1 Australia 1 (Moscow) WEDNESDAY 28 JUNE Semi-final: Portugal 0 Chile 0 AET Chile won 3-0 on penalties (Kazan) THURSDAY 29 JUNE Semi-final: Germany 4 Mexico 1 (Sochi) SUNDAY 2 JULY Third-place play-off: Portugal 2 Mexico 1 AET (Moscow) Final: Chile 0 Germany 1 (St Petersburg)

TOP SCORERS RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

PLAYER Leon Goretzka Timo Werner Lars Stindl Cristiano Ronaldo Aleksandr Samedov Nani Javier Hernández Marco Fabián Héctor Moreno Tomas Rogic

TEAM Germany Germany Germany Portugal Russia Portugal Mexico Mexico Mexico Australia

SNAPSHOTS GOALS 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1 1 1

Captain Draxler looks on against Cameroon

Ronaldo gets tackled during the Semi Final Match between Chile and Portugal

Claudio Bravo: Best Goalkeeper of the tournament

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SF

If We Only Had VAR! Around the Globe: VAR

BY DREW FARMER

THE 10 BIGGEST SOCCER MOMENTS THAT NEEDED VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE

V

ideo review technology had been long discussed before it made its debut in the United States' third-tier of soccer in 2016. Since then, the video assistant referee (VAR) has received mixed reviews as domestic leagues and international competitions have tested the new system.

The VAR was designed to help the referee on the pitch, and to eliminate error. The football tech's abilities of what it can do are limited, but it still wields plenty of power.

VAR can prove a goal was scored or an offside occurred before the goal. It can also decide on a penalty, a red card or clear up the identity of a player that has been carded.

Although some old-school opponents of VAR have been vocal, the system has proven its worth. In a March 2017 international friendly between France and Spain, the VAR rightfully overruled the linesman twice, as it disallowed a French goal while later allowing Spanish a Spanish goal originally flagged for offsides. The Bundesliga will be the first major European League to adopt the VAR for the 2017-18 season; but what if we had the VAR in the past?

1

THE HAND OF GOD The Most famous, or infamous, World Cup goal never would have happened if VAR had been in Mexico in 1986. If the 'Hand of God' was overturned, Argentina may not have won the tournament, and Maradona's legend could have been stymied.

Or perhaps, God would have intervened in another way to knock out England.

2

DISALLOWED AND OUT At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Frank Lampard's effort from just outside the 18-yard box looked to have leveled things against Germany.

However, without video technology, a clear goal was disallowed. After having the call go against them, England was thrashed by the Germans, 4-1.

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THE HAND OF FROG France met the Republic of Ireland in a World Cup qualification playoff in 2009.

French striker Thierry Henry used his hand to control the ball before crossing to William Gallas to head home. The unseen hand ball sent France to South Africa and broke Irish hearts.

SOUTH KOREAN FIX Many fans and international team officials cried foul during the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

Two separate matches featuring the South Koreans were overshadowed by three goals being disallowed for the opposing team – one versus Italy and two against Spain. According to one Italian newspaper in 2015, infamous Fifa official Jack Warner assigned the referees to those matches.

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ENGLAND 1966 Although England fans believe the team has been wronged in recent years, the Three Lions benefited from a refereeing error in 1966. Geoff Hurst broke a 2-2 extra-time deadlock with a thunderous shot that hit the crossbar before coming down on the goal line and bouncing back into play.

The goal was given, but it never completely crossed the line.

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GARCIA GHOST GOAL Liverpool and Chelsea met in the second leg of the 2004-05 Champions League semifinals at Anfield. Three minutes into the fixture, Luis Garcia pounced on a loose ball in the Chelsea box, flicking it goalward. Despite defender William Gallas clearing the ball, a goal was given and Liverpool booked its place in the final.

PROS & CONS OF VAR There are several reasons for and against VAR. However, with the importance of every football match in 2017 and beyond, it is truly worth giving it a chance to see if it improves the game.

PROS Referees can have clear mistakes corrected The football takes center stage, not a referee's decision One poor referee decision won't sway a game's outcome Football matches are far more fair A referee's decision will not be an excuse for a result CONS Referees will be undermined by the VAR The flow of the game can be disrupted It takes the human-error factor of the referee out of football Regardless of VAR, there will always be a referee decision for coaches and players to blame

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NANI'S WEIRD GOAL In October 2010, Manchester United's Nani seemed to have been pulled down in the area by Tottenham's Younes Kaboul. Referee Mark Clattenburg allowed play to continue, though Tottenham players assumed a dive had been called. As goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes set up for a freekick, Nani stole the ball, shot and scored.

Clattenburg had never whistled for any infringement, although Nani had handled the ball after going to ground; which should have been penalized.

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USA DENIED BY A GERMAN HAND The 2002 World Cup was the pinnacle of the United States at the international level of men's football. The gritty Yanks made it to the final eight, and looked good value to make the semifinals.

Down a goal, the US thought it had a stonewall penalty in the 49th minute when Gregg Berhalter's shot was deflected by goalkeeper Oliver Kahn into Torsten Frings' hand. Frings, standing on the goal line, stopped a sure goal, and no penalty was awarded.

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ANOTHER GERMAN HAND BALL It seems Germany gets all the right, wrong referee decisions. In 1966, Germany hammered Uruguay in the World Cup quarterfinals, 4-0. However, Uruguay was the better team early on, and would have taken the lead, if it hadn't been for Germany's Karl Heinz Schnellinger. The defender swatted away a sure Uruguay goal.

Match referee Jim Finney later sent off two South American players for fouls.

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FOUR MISSED PENALTIES Chelsea had one foot in the Champions League Final in 2009.

However, thanks to four unawarded penalties, the team was left wide open for a late shock that saw Barcelona win the semifinal. On the night, three fouls

by Barca players on Chelsea attackers in the penalty area were ignored along with a blatant hand ball by Gerard Pique.

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SF

Around the Globe: French Football Spotlight

French Footballing Factory

BY LAUREN MAHARAJ

Y

ear after year it seems that Spanish football clubs hold an undisputed key to the championships of Europe.

But while Spain stays dominate continentally, neighbours France seem to hold such a key for youth development.

The astonishing mega transfer of Neymar Jr. from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain effectively overshadowed that fact when it left faces like Alexandre Lacazette and Kylian Mbappé in the dark. But these two Ligue 1 products are just a small reflection of France’s continuous assembly of some of the globes most promising young players.

Lacazette’s £52 million transfer to Arsenal this past summer was the inevitable result of the 26-year-old’s brilliant period in Ligue 1. It was Lacazette’s building period at Lyon that ultimately granted him the club-record move to North London. But were it not for this developmental period, one would wonder what his success could have been.

The forward currently boasts over 100 Lyon goals and the highest chance conversion rate in Europe's top five leagues last season at 38.9 per cent. Lacazette scored 37 goals in 45 matches and also helped Lyon secure a fourth-placed Ligue 1 finish and reach the Europa League semi-finals. Such a grouping of statistics is a savoury fact for a marquee club like Arsenal to relish in, but it is also a reminder to world football where his roots lie.

"Ligue 1 products are just a small reflection of France’s continuous assembly of some of the globes most promising young players."

Lacazette spent close to a decade with Lyon as a youth and senior player central to the club’s present attacking system complimented by other French talent like Nabil Fekir and Corentin Tolisso. His pressure style of play is the perfect addition to an Arsenal side in need of attacking power.

How he accentuates the shape of Arsenal’s attack has yet to be determined, but judging by his flicker of brilliance during the club’s Community Shield victory his athleticism is well refined enough for a successful spell in the Premier League. Internationally, the 26-year-old has represented France across all sectors and had also became the UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year in 2015 after scoring 27 goals in 33 Ligue 1 matches – the first Lyon player in seven years since Lisandro Lopez in 2010.

On the other hand is Mbappé who is perhaps world football’s most desired 18-year-old. Having been compared to the likes of Thierry Henry, Mbappé has slowly but surely continued to fill the enormous comparisons bestowed upon him thus far.

One could argue he is far from reaching his full potential and with a talent this raw and awe-inspiring, it means we have yet to see his completeness. A lesser player than Mbappé would have dwindled at the pressure of world football’s expectations, but this just proves that the 18-year-old is perhaps as special as he is made out to be.

The AS Monaco prospect was the 2016/2017 season’s most delightful player having been at the forefront of the principality club’s most compelling feats. Mbappé scored 21 goals in 38 appearances and it is all on the coattails of the clubs successful re-focus on youth development.

In 2011 Monaco emerged anew through an excessive injection of finances with the intent on bringing the best players in Europe 80 S360

to the French Riviera. However in 2014 vice-president Vadim Vasilyev vowed that in order to succeed the club would build from within rather than splash cash and Mbappé is the perfect example of this idea executed flawlessly. Last season Monaco became French champions for the first time in 17 years. The victory was performed in a fashion that gloriously reminds the financially poisoned world football that youth development can still earn titles. After a grueling four years of leading Monaco through the Ligue 1 landscape, Leonardo Jardim finally cemented his managerial philosophy by single-handedly leading a first-team of talented young prospects like Thomas Lemar, Benjamin Mendy and Mbappé to a domestic title whilst at the same time superseding financially gifted mega rivals PSG. It is what Jardim calls his “biggest achievement” since for the manager “Monaco winning the league is the equivalent of PSG winning it four times.”

Internationally this predicament will and can only benefit France coach Dider Deschamps as he readies the Euro 2016 finalists towards

"singlehandedly leading a first-team of talented young prospects like Thomas Lemar, Benjamin Mendy and Mbappé to a domestic title"

a powerful run at the 2018 World Cup in Russia. According to Arsène Wenger this talent sprouting period in French football is the cusp of a potential golden generation internationally. “I’m convinced, maybe because I’m French, that at the moment the best players in the world are in France,” said the Arsenal gaffer. “When you put yourself in Deschamps’ place it’s a nightmare to select the best 20 players and then the best XI. That is not the problem they have at the moment in Spain. Germany as well is still there but maybe a little less strong than they were in Brazil. The upcoming force in international football is France. You find top quality players in France now like you did in Brazil 20 years ago.” As eluded by Wenger, the French footballing landscape is full of promise and compelling raw talent that has yet to be moulded. How it unfolds is as exciting as the country’s historical golden period between 1998-2006.

TOP 25 CURRENT PLAYERS TO COME FROM FRANCE

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1. Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) 2. Thomas Lemar (AS Monaco) 3. Alex Lacazette (Arsenal) 4. Dimitri Payet (Marseille) 5. Nabil Fekir (Lyon) 6. Florian Thauvin (Marseille) 7. Olivier Giroud (Arsenal) 8. Kylian MbappÊ (AS Monaco) 9. O. Dembele (B. Dortmund) 10. A. Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) 11. Hugo Lloris (Tot.Hotspur) 12. Raphael Varane (Real Madrid) 13. Samuel Umtiti (Barcelona) 14. Paul Pogba (Manchester United) 15. Blaise Matuidi (PSG) 16. Adrien Rabiot (PSG) 17. Anthony Martial (Manchester United) 18. Corentin Tolisso (Bayern Munich) 19. N’Golo Kante (Leicester City) 20. L. Koscielny (Arsenal) 21. Benjamin Mendy (Monaco) 22. Patrice Evra (Marseille) 23. Hartem Ben Arfa (PSG) 24. P. Kimpembe (PSG) 25. A. Pierre-Gignac (Tigres UANL)

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TECHNE Tactics: Techne Spotlight

"T

he saddest thing in life is wasted talent." This phrase, uttered by Robert De Niro in 1993's A Bronx Tale, echoes through my mind when I reflect on my personal experiences growing up in the ultra-competitive-yetmisguided, youth and high school world that is New Jersey soccer.

Maybe I wasn't focused enough. Maybe I didn't try hard enough. Maybe I didn't practice enough. Maybe I just wasn't good enough. Whatever the reason, from the age of five I gravitated to the game of soccer.

From the start, soccer wasn't a sport, it was a lifestyle. Growing and excelling within club and competitive travel teams, endless soccer camps, to ODP (Olympic Development Programs) all were supposed to be the stepping stones to eventual success on the high school and then collegiate level. Unfortunately things don't always work out the way you planned.

When the only real dream you ever clung to since you were five years old, suddenly is taken away, you have a few options.

Personally, as I allowed the rug to slowly pull from underneath me and my only real love decided to roll on to another's pillow, I went to the extreme: Denouncement.

The rare occasion when soccer was on the television, I couldn't and wouldn't watch: Quickly switching the channel or getting up and leaving the room. Fifteen years of using these self-prescribed coping mechanisms to bury the pain would come to an end during an almost forced viewing of the Brazil vs.

Cameroon World Cup match in the summer of 2014.

On this day, I would find myself in the midst of my life's other biggest misstep: Supervising a housing unit full of incarcerated juveniles. World Cup fever had hit the correctional facility, with the juveniles uncharacteristically glued to the television watching soccer. I attempted to ignore the host nation of the 2014 World Cup, Brazil, as they took on Cameroon. What became impossible to block out was a name the commentators wouldn't stop repeating: “Neymar.” So I decided to quit fighting myself and proceeded to watch this skinny, dyed-blond-haired, fluorescent-pink-cleat wearing bolt of Brazilian lightning.

At the end of Neymar's seemingly singlehanded dismantling of Cameroon, I came to the realization, my time had been misguided. I had been oblivious to a style of play (Samba Style I would soon learn) that, I know now, would have changed the way I approached the sport from the start.

These skills being displayed by Neymar had done the unthinkable: made soccer actually look like fun for the first time that I could remember.

As the fire for my first love began to rekindle, the catalyst to reclaim lost years would reappear in the form of a blinking cursor. While even the most unpolished tutorial video can provide something to be gained, very few have a format completely "user friendly." I then came across YFutbol.

While I watched YFutbol's short, precise tutorials of individual-based drills, I dug a little deeper and decided I wanted to get to know one of the few video providers to nail every aspect of online training techniques I had been seeking. I quickly learned that the host of YFutbol was current United States Women's League professional standout, Yael Averbuch.

Yael grew up in and excelled to the highest levels in my home state of New Jersey.

She went on to attend the University of North Carolina, winning two NCAA National Championships during her stay. Yael then moved onto the professional level here in the states, then overseas with teams 82 S360

BY SCOTT CUTTRE

HOW YAEL AVERBUCH IS PERFECTING PRACTICE

"The saddest thing in life is wasted talent."

Yael Averbuch with her TECHNE training app.

in Russia and Sweden. Yael is currently playing professionally, in the National Women's Soccer League as a midfielder with FC Kansas City. Yael also has competed on the highest level with 26 caps and one goal for the United States National Team.

Yael has done something truly groundbreaking, she has developed an app that will help players of all skill sets, improve with nothing more than a ball and a phone with an internet connection.

Techne allows players to practice and improve as an individual without the need of a partner or team: Something the North American soccer players have been brainwashed into thinking they need to improve. What the Techne Training System provides is challenges routed in the fundamentals required to enhance a player’s knowledge with the ball.

This system Yael has designed, doesn't neglect the amount of practice one needs to become one with the ball, it celebrates it Recently Yael sat down to discuss her revolutionary app, what it means to the game and training as we know it.

YA E L

ONE ON ONE

AVERBUCH TECHNE IS AN INTERACTIVE APP THAT ALLOWS PLAYERS TO CHART THEIR GROWTH AND COMPETE WITH OTHERS ON THE "LEADER BOARD." HOW DOES TECHNE DIFFER IN THIS DEPARTMENT COMPARED TO OTHER APPS ON THE MARKET THAT NOW SEEM TO BE FOLLOWING IN TECHNE'S FOOTSTEPS? What I've tried to establish with Techne is a community of people who are all doing the same training each week and can compete against one another and celebrate each other's progress. The leaderboards are actually really cool because they show people from all over the U.S. and the world who share the same passion and understanding of the importance of training.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT WHERE THESE CONCEPTS AND THEORIES CAME FROM THAT MAKE UP TECHNE? As a kid I had so many great coaches and mentors who showed me ideas of things that could be done with the ball and how to train on my own. It's all about developing a relationship with the ball, which is what I was taught at a young age, without knowing it. I spent hours trying to master juggling and various tricks, learning to strike the ball cleanly with both feet, and practicing anything and everything I knew of. A lot of my training methods I developed with my dad. The basic concept, that I've experienced personally, is that to become a master of anything you must spend time every single day improving. All of this is what I'm trying to share in Techne.

WHAT IS THE MAIN GOAL OF THE TECHNE TRAINING SYSTEM? The goal of the Techne Training System is to guide players in a fun but systematic way in order to master all the basics that are the tools of the game. I want players to feel that training is fun and inspiring but also understand its value in the bigger picture and what it means to embark on the process of mastery.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE CURRENT STATE OF ONLINE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS? WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES A GOOD SOCCER INSTRUCTIONAL CHANNEL? When I was younger, it was hard to find good instructional videos. My dad had to order VHS tapes from soccer catalogues.

Now, there is way too much out there! It's the opposite problem. Because of that, it's hard for young players to know what to watch or what to practice. And it's easy to just get caught up watching a lot of "cool" looking moves or training without actually getting the instructional element. That's why I try to always share very clear and doable ideas. I want players to see that you don't need any special equipment - or a field even - to get better. You can grab a ball and go in your backyard and make it happen. I also think it's important that instructional videos don't include too much instruction. I know that sounds weird but there's only so much information that helps when mastering skills. At the end of the day, players need to understand that it simply takes trying it for hours and hours and finding your own way to make it work.

CAN YOU TELL US WHY YOU'VE DECIDED TO MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF CREATING AN APP INSTEAD OF JUST CONTINUING TO ADD WEEKLY OR MONTHLY VIDEOS ON YFUTBOL? I think that most people these days bring their phone to the field. And I'm actually working to get away from having people spending too much time watching me do the exercises. With the Techne App, there is minimal video-watching. Really, it's just enough of a demo for players to see what they need to do, then they put their phone down and work on it. It's hard to do something like that using the format of YouTube.

YOU CALL TECHNE A "SYSTEM." CAN YOU EXPLAIN SOME OF THE SPECIFICS THAT MAKE TECHNE DIFFERENT FROM THE VIEWER JUST WATCHING A VIDEO THEN PRACTICING THE SKILL? The system is a really important component of Techne. It's a weekly training session and the system itself has been planned very carefully by me. I have created the weekly sessions in a way where players are always getting in repetitions of the basics, and different versions of those basics. Then there are always more challenging elements to stretch the players as well. These all repeat in a cycle over time. So there is no "start" or "end" to the training system, but instead a natural flow that mimics how I train myself.

"It's a weekly training session and the system itself has been planned very carefully by me"

WHAT I NOTICED IMMEDIATELY AFTER VIEWING THE CONTENT ON YFUTBOL AND THROUGH THE IDEOLOGY BEHIND TECHNE, IS YOUR EMPHASIS ON TEACHING SKILLS PLAYERS CAN PRACTICE WHEN THEY'RE ALONE. AN ASPECT OF THE GAME THAT SEEMS TO BE ABSENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AMERICAN SOCCER PLAYER. HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THIS ASSESSMENT? I know from personal experience that if you need someone else, or need to drive to a field, or some piece of equipment, it automatically rules some people out. I've tried to remove all barriers to training so that every player, no matter where they are in the world or what their circumstance is, can participate. It's incredibly empowering to know that all you need is you and a ball and you can get significantly better.

IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU FEEL TECHNE CAN CHANGE THE MINDSET OF THE AVERAGE PLAYER, COACH, PARENT, AND FAN? I think that the concept of a long-term approach is so important to youth development. Instead of focusing on quick results or the fast track to success, I've tried to emphasize the long-term approach and dedication to the process. It takes thousands of hours to truly master something. And technique is only one aspect of the game. I am trying to share this perspective and hope that people can appreciate the type of focused training that needs to happen while players are on their own, for the beauty of the game to come out when anyone else is watching.

WHY SHOULD SOMEONE LOOKING TO IMPROVE CHOOSE TO PURCHASE ONE OF THE TECHNE TRAINING PROGRAMS INSTEAD OF CONTINUING TO USE THE FREE ONLINE TUTORIALS? The free online tutorials will always be there and I very much recommend people use them! But Techne is almost like a private coach working with you each week. It is a session that I would administer if I was at the field with a player. And it changes each week. The App also tracks various things for players, like how much time they've spent training and scores on Time Trial exercises.

On YouTube, I have challenges and training progressions. But Techne is a full training program to follow directly and keep track of progress.

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GET THE LATEST OFF AND ON THE PITCH GEAR. PERFECT FOR THE COLLECTOR, THE FAN AND THE PLAYER.

IN STORE In Store: Product Guide

Adidas gets you ready to play with a budget-friendly, ClimaCool jersey.

Soft, lightweight, slim fit. Polyester.

The latest Manchester United third kit features an outline of the iconic holy trinity statue, with Denis Law in the middle, and was inspired by a fan submission.

Training top designed with the PSG and Brazil great in mind.

Mesh back panel.

Screened graphics.

The PUMA ONE 17.4 is a performance turf training shoe that closely follows the design direction of the PUMA ONE. Its synthetic upper material provides a light weight and durability, while the sock extension creates comfort and fit.

Another fan made jersey from adidas, inspired by the one worn in 1996/97 by Real Madrid players.

The teal shirt has a pixelated graphic on the upper left and lower right quadrants in a mix of teal and grey.

Gear up your busy day or after school practice with the Under ArmourÂŽ Scrimmage Backpack. This bag is made to resist the elements with a Durable Water Repellant finish and UA StormÂŽ technologies designed to keep gear dry and secure from the weather.

Get ready for game day with Pulisic and Nike.

Cheer the USA in this year's international competitions.

Fan t-shirt is inspired by the home jersey.

Stunning PUMA ONE Chrome training ball designed for recreational play and fun games with friends.

Built for the fastest players on the field. Made specifically for Neymar, this Vapor XI is set to be worn by the Brazilian throughout the season as he looks forward to dazzle the fans of his new club-Paris Saint Germain.

Sublimated graphic front panel with solid back.

Embroidered adidas logo.

ClimaLite fabric.

100% polyester.

The first ever laceless cleat has now received its first upgrade. The ACE 17+ Purecontrol is ready, now more than ever, to ensure you never follow on the field.

Adidas Ghost Graphic Shin Guards offer incredible protection with a barely-there feel.

Part of the Magnetic Storm color from Adidas.

When one chance could be the difference between second place or a star, you need power in all the right places. The ball included.

Great training ball that honors the official match ball of MLS.

Inspired by Europa League/London nights, the latest Arsenal third jersey is a combination of dark grey and black, with hot pink accents that stand out like stars in the night sky.

Power up your training with the evoTRG Tech pants and their anatomically engineered fit.

The evoPOWER Vigor 1 Graphic for firm ground optimizes the interaction between kicking velocity and accuracy.

The PUMA ONE 17.1 is engineered for fit on the foot, fast on the pitch, and feel on the ball.

Improve your tactical play with this pair of Veloce pop-up goals. These goals are great for short- sided games that emphasize passing and possession. Includes a convenient travel bag with shoulder strap.

SIZE: 3 ft. Imported.

The customizable evoPOWER Protect 1.3 goalkeeper glove puts more confidence and power right where you need i 84 S360

Revolutionary shinguard that offers unparalleled protection. The G-Form Pro Elite has an ultra-lightweight padding system thanks to innovative Reactive Protection Technology.

The Nike Strike Soccer Ball features a reinforced rubber bladder and a contrast power graphic for consistent feel and easy visual tracking.

SPOT ON

Game On

By John DeBenedictis, Author: The Last 9 Seconds- The Secrets to Scoring Goals on The Last Touch Executive Director: The National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada

WORD SEARCH NEYMAR BLUE BRAZIL DRIBBLING ESPN EXPENSIVE FAMOUS FIFA FOOTBALL FORWARD FRENCH GOALS GOLDEN BALL

Neymar Using the ‘Word Bank’ Find all 23 words relating to Neymar and his famous football career

I

t was the 2016 MLS Cup Final and the game went to penalty kicks. Michael Bradley, the captain and arguably the best player on the field over 120 minutes for Toronto FC, stepped up to take his penalty kick. He missed. Stefan Frei, the goalkeeper and arguably the best player on the field over 120 minutes for Seattle, made the save to his left seem simple, as if he had read Bradley’s mind. A few moments later, Seattle scored on their last penalty kick to win the game and the MLS Championship.

But on the bench for Toronto FC was Sebastian Giovinco, arguably the best player in MLS and the league’s top goal scorer over the past 2 seasons. He was substituted off in overtime with the game tied. It was a coaching decision that was filled with stress, I’m sure. And it created controversy in the media and bar room discussions after the game. Fortunately for coach Greg Vanney, it was the first time Toronto FC, in its 10-year history, had reached an MLS Final. He will not lose his job. Others may not have been so lucky.

That, my friends, is the pressure that is on the coach when it comes to deciding who is going to take the team’s penalty kicks. After looking at all of the superstars that missed penalty kicks in 2016, maybe Vanney’s decision should not have been so widely criticized. Giovinco’s substitute, Tosaint Ricketts, created the chance that could have won Toronto the game by beating a defender and crossing the ball into the box. Jozy Altidore got to the cross with a brilliant header that was on its way to the top corner of the goal. Sounders’ keeper Frei flew backwards and across the goal to make a hairraising save that made all the highlight reels.

People tend to remember most when a missed penalty kick costs you the game. At the 2016 Copa America Final, the great Lionel Messi missed a penalty kick for Argentina against Chile and probably cost his team the Championship.

At Euro 2016, his counterpart from Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo, also missed a penalty. Now you wouldn’t expect two of the best players in the world to both miss penalty kicks at two huge competitions within a week, would you?

Based on that, Vanney may have been was correct in replacing Giovinco.

In my book, The Last 9 Seconds, I spend a full chapter on the psychological aspects of the penalty kick. In a quote from the book, Alan Shearer said: “When you miss a chance in open play, people don’t remember. When you miss a chance on a penalty, people remember.”

Shearer is the all-time leading goal scorer for Newcastle United. “It’s a battle of the mind”, Shearer continued. “When I missed in one game, it was my responsibility that everyone went home miserable that evening. It took a while to get over that. Penalty kicks don’t get any easier just because you have taken lots.”

In the 1999 Women’s World Cup Final, Brandi Chastain scored that memorable penalty kick goal that got her so excited that she took her shirt off after the ball went in the net to give the USA the World Cup. But fortunately for her, she had taken a shot on the Chinese goalkeeper before. Chastain said: “She (Gao Hong) had psyched me out earlier. I looked up

and caught her eye. Her gaze rattled me and my shot dinged off the crossbar.”

Chastain said: “There is no way I’dWORD look intoBANK her eyes again. A penalty kick is as much a mental BLUE challenge as it is a physical one. No one really expects a keeper to save a PK, soBRAZIL she has DRIBBLING nothing to lose. All the mental pressure weighs ESPN on the shooter.”

EXPENSIVE But the pressure is not only on the shooter, how about the coach who has to FAMOUS decide who FIFA will take penalty kicks? A player like Messi or Ronaldo will not lose his job onFOOTBALL a missed penalty kick but it could very wellFORWARD cost the FRENCH coach his job and his ability to earn an income.

Now that’s pressure.

GOALS The 2016 Copa America Final wasGOLDEN decidedBALL on penalty kicks as Chile went onMARKETABLE to win after Messi missed his shot. At Euro 2016, Italy was OLYMPICS eliminated in the quarter-finals onPRINCES penalty kicks. In that game, Italian coach Antonio Conte PROFESSIONAL decided to make a substitution inSANTOS the 119th minute specifically to bring in Simone Zaza, SPECTATORS an expert on taking penalty kicks. Zaza did a SPORTS PRO dance-like approach to the ball before he shot TEN and failed to score. Video clips of his ridiculous UNAI EMERY approach and kick are all over YouTube garnering millions of views and the brunt of all jokes. Italy went on to lose. But it was coach Conte who specifically put him in to take one of the penalty kicks. Does Conte get blamed for the loss?

The coach has to decide which players to pick who will decide the fate of the game, and maybe his career. Does the coach pick a proven goal scorer or change things up a bit? Who will buckle under pressure and who will stay calm?

In a rare case when a player misses a penalty kick and another one is awarded in the same game, what would you do if you were the coach?

It’s not often that a player gets a chance to take two penalty kicks in one game but when it happens, the coach has a big decision to make. In one way, you would assume that your best shot taker will regain their composure to do what they have done for you many times. In another case, you figure that their confidence may be a bit shattered and you cannot put them under that kind of pressure. Penalty kick taking is all in the mind, isn’t it? Even for the coach!

In a MLS match between the New York Red Bulls and the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Red Bulls coach gave striker Bradley Wright-Phillips a second chance at taking a penalty kick in the game after missing his first. Consequently, Wright-Phillips became the first player in MLS history to miss two penalty kicks in the same game. The Red Bulls lost 2-1 and ultimately, Wright-Phillips’ two missed scoring chances cost his team the game.

In that case, as much as the player will receive criticism for missing two shots, how about the coach? Fans and the media will want his head.

How unfair!

So as we watch any match, think of the pressure not just on the shooter but also the coach whenever a penalty kick is awarded. You can bet that they are the biggest cheerleaders for their chosen shooter. It could mean their job!

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N I U D N R L I Z A R B S H L Y C S Z H R M N T T

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LAST WORD Ideas

THE TRANSFER MARKET HAS SPIRALLED COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL WITH EVEN MEDIOCRITY COSTING MILLIONS, ARGUES SUSY CAMPANALE.

INFLATED IDEAS “I

t all seems rather fake. Why is Neymar worth £200m and not £600m? My grandfather used to tell me: inflate, inflate, eventually the balloon will burst…” Gianluigi Buffon has seen it all as he approaches what is likely the final year of his career, but even the Juventus goalkeeper recognises football transfer fees have reached bizarre new heights.

Only a year ago we were here discussing the record-breaking £89m Manchester United paid to sign Paul Pogba from Juve, having lost him to the same club for free. Now that’s starting to look like peanuts in comparison to the stories on front page headlines all over Europe.

Barcelona want £200m for Neymar and Paris Saint-Germain’s oil-rich owner Nasser AlKhelaifi was prepared to meet that asking price.

The Brazilian hitman is one of the best in the world, no doubt, and still only 25-years-old, but can one player be worth more than several clubs put together?

Even more ridiculous, the summer has been dominated by Real Madrid and Manchester City in a bidding war for Kylian Mbappe that never dropped below £160m. This is an 18-year-old kid with precisely one full competitive season under his belt. Yes, he scored six goals in nine Champions League games, with 15 strikes and 11 assists in 29 Ligue 1 appearances, but that cannot possibly justify this evaluation.

We’ve already seen in recent years the market prices creep up and up, players with great potential paid millions and then failing to deliver under such immense pressure. James Rodriguez became a benchwarmer at Real Madrid and was sent to the stands for the Champions League

Kylian Mbappe’s valuation proves transfer fees have gone crazy

How can Leonardo Bonucci be worth £35.7m and Kyle Walker £50m?

“A bidding war for Kylian Mbappe never dropped below €160m for an 18-year-old kid”

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Final in Cardiff just three years after the club shelled out £63m to take him from Monaco.

Now the 26-year-old is trying to revitalise his career on a two-year loan at Bayern Munich.

Just 12 months ago, the Bundesliga giants paid £29m plus enough bonuses to reach up to £71m for Renato Sanches – who ended up complaining at his lack of playing time and asking to move on. The Portugal international turned 20 in August.

It’s not as if we haven’t seen these big transfers fail before, and spectacularly. Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci looked like world-beaters at Torino, but crumbled as soon as they left the Granata jersey behind. Over a decade ago, Andriy Shevchenko learned home is where the heart is and that was Milan. He looked lost at Chelsea, like a man embarrassed by his own £30m fee. You cannot simply pluck a single player out of a squad, transplant him to a different team, city, League and Coach, then expect him to perform exactly the same way.

Club owners and directors have taken it upon themselves to dictate the transfer strategy and that is incredibly dangerous, because half the time you feel they’re buying players based on name recognition and merchandise sales.

How they fit in to the vision of their Coach is irrelevant, because the tactician is a lot easier to replace than a player who cost the GDP of a small country.

Oligarchs have come in to the sport and completely ruined the delicate eco-system, paying inflated sums for over-rated players that then inevitably raised the asking prices of more talented figures. The Premier League is undoubtedly the worst offender, especially as a smart TV rights deal ensures even relegated clubs get more revenue from this stream than Juventus in Serie A. If Kyle Walker cost £50m, then logically Leonardo Bonucci should be worth at least £90m, right? Instead, Milan paid £35.7m. If Alvaro Morata is valued at £55m, then naturally Neymar is worth £200m. It has been joked there is a ‘Premier League Tax’ on transfer fees quoted to English clubs and it’s true, but they created it themselves by paying stupid prices.

Other teams see the EPL owners coming and

jack up the price – they’re not stupid. Think of Premier League outfits as a garishly-dressed and loud American tourist barging into a bazaar with wads of cash hanging out of his pocket.

Would you cut that guy a deal and make less money or fleece him for everything he’s got?

Jose Mourinho laughably protested that the transfer fees had become “inflated” and “a dangerous area of the market.” The Manchester United boss said this just weeks after paying £75m for Romelu Lukaku – a striker with no first touch, terrible temperament and little international experience. Mou could not have proved his own point any better than that.

Financial Fair Play has too many loopholes, but at least smaller clubs are creating balance by pocketing £40m for mid-level players with one or two decent seasons behind them. The giants get to spend and the rest reap the rewards.

That’s about as fair as the transfer market can get.

Manchester United complained of ‘inflated’ prices after paying £75m for Romelu Lukaku

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