Tag: barcelona

What will Rafa Benitez’s demise at Real Madrid mean for Florentino Perez?

January 4, 2016

A penny for your thoughts Rafa. Understanding what’s going on in the now ex-Real Madrid coach’s head at the moment would be fascinating. If nothing else, Benitez has given the impression throughout his career that he knows his own mind. Often his strength of opinion has ultimately been to the detriment of his job security: … More What will Rafa Benitez’s demise at Real Madrid mean for Florentino Perez?

Rafa Márquez: Mexico’s Leader and Burden

June 8, 2014

Why should Mexico be worried? Because there’s a complex balancing act to be struck between the established international stars who stuttered through qualifying and the home-based squad which have done better since the identity of the coach changed? Because they were unrecognisably bad in CONCACAF qualifying zone they usually boss?Or simply because they most senior … More Rafa Márquez: Mexico’s Leader and Burden

Spy Versus Spy as Mourinho Finds Madrid’s Not Forever

December 19, 2012

Here’s something I wrote for Soccerlens It’s one of those expressions that work equally well in Spanish and English: “Mourinho Tira La Toalla A 22 Jornadas Del Final” – “Mourinho Throws In The Towel With 22 Games Left”. AS’s front page had put it in a nutshell: the game was up in the league. Maybe … More Spy Versus Spy as Mourinho Finds Madrid’s Not Forever

Last Chance To See: Mark Van Bommel (PSV Eindhoven & Holland)

December 13, 2012

Their remaining time on the pitch is running out: some bewitched us and are embarking on a final lap of honour; others won’t be missed until they’re gone. It’s time to raise our hats to the players who won’t be around forever. Okay, I admit it’s not all that easy to love Mark Van Bommel. … More Last Chance To See: Mark Van Bommel (PSV Eindhoven & Holland)

Messi makes history, but a Betis star is born

December 12, 2012

Here’s something I wrote for Soccerlens Lionel Messi hogged the headlines, of course, when he finally broke Gerd Muller’s record for most goals in a calendar year. Although the Madrid papers were delighted that Radomel Falcao gave them an excuse not to lead on this astonishing achievement: AS led on “Insatiable Falcao” and tucked Messi … More Messi makes history, but a Betis star is born