Roman plays Russian roulette with his managers (again!)

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has once again wielded his ever sharper axe- this time on Champions League winner and fan favourite, manager Roberto Di Matteo. Di Matteo was relieved of his duties after Tuesday nights 3-0 away defeat to Juventus, which left the blues facing a possible early exit from the competition which they are the holders of and which the owner expects to be won each year.

The club has now announced that Rafael Benitiez will take over as Interim manager until the end of the season with an option for a further year- much to the annoyance of disgruntled Chelsea fans. Bentiez, 52, once a champions league winner himself with Chelea’s Premier League rivals Liverpool, has been out of work for two years after leaving Inter Milan after just 23 games by mutual consent. He arrives without having met owner Roman Abramovich and under immense pressure from Chelsea fans to deliver instant success, especially being the former Liverpool manager who has caused the blues fans so much heartbreak in the past.

Aside from the task of winning five trophies – the first being the World Club Championship in a few weeks time- Benitez’ main task will be to guide former player and 50 million pound flop, Fernando Torres, back to the goalscoring form he showed on a yearly basis during his time with Liverpool. Torres has come under heavy scrutiny from both the media and his own fans after failing to deliver again this season, however, with Romelu Lukaku out on loan and Daniel Sturridge in and out OF the squad with injury, Torres has found himself with more playing time than he may be should be getting, or have got, if Chelsea legend Didier Drogba decided to stay on another year.

So what happens now? Many are already saying Chelsea have agreed a deal with Pep Guardiola to take over from Benitez after the season is over,  which will deliver Roman Abramovich the Barcelona style football he so desperately craves. Di Matteo’s days seemed numbered from the moment he lost his first game in my opinion; Abramovich felt like he had to hand Matteo the job after he delivered the- until then- much elusive Champions League title, and he was looking for the smallest excuse to carry out the managerial change which he had orginally planned after sacking AVB back in February. The Chelsea owner will never be fully satisfied until the blues are playing attractive Barcelona-style football and winning every trophy under the sun, something which I believe can only be done by one person, a person which Chelsea controversially dismissed back in 2007- The special one, Jose Mourinho.

 

Ashley Joseph

Future Stars #4 – Wilfried Zaha

 Name: Dazet Wilfried Armel Zaha  

Age: 20  

Nationality: English 

Club: Crystal Palace  

Position:  Winger

Height: 1.80m (5ft 11)

 

This young wonderkid has been causing a stir in the Championship for a number of years. Coming through the Crystal Palace ranks Zaha has made a massive impression and is one of their most important players, at only 20 years old. Originally born in Ivory Coast and moving to England as a young  kid, he has developed into one of the biggest prospects with bags of pace and skills. Many have likened him to Victor Moses, a former Crystal Palace youth player who now plays for Chelsea.

Already a first team player he has just under a 100 appearances for Palace scoring 11 goals. With a stiff  price-tag of £20 Million, Palace are reluctant on loosing another academy player to a Premier League team. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have been tracking his progress and many expect him to leave during the January transfer period.

Zaha is eligible to play for  both Ivory Coast and England. He has played for the England Under 19′s and the England Under 21′s after strings of impressive performances. He has recently been called up to the England senior team by Roy Hodgson to face Sweden for a friendly match. Many don’t expect him to play but the call up has surprised many. Didier Drogba has urged Zaha to play for the Ivory Coast team instead of England, claiming he will become a national star. He is yet to make his decision.

 

Potential:   / 5

 

- Taku Mudzongo

New Twitter Account

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Football Manager 2013: News

The latest news and features have been revealed about the forthcoming Football Manager 2013. Here at the PassionateFootball team we love the game and we will be bringing you updates until the date its released. Below is the list of all the new features.

Now with 4 ways to play the game:

- Normal Career
- Network Game
- Classic (New)
- Challenge (New)

FMC – Football Manager Classic:

•  Less time Consuming, less responsibility
•  No individual player training schedules
•  No team talks or Opposition reports
•  Quicker matches with highlights only
•  Unlockables – Ability to remove work permits or Add a few million to transfer fund. (Rumoured to be unlocked through both in game play and Microstransactions)
• Season can last about 8-10 hours
• This was introduced after feedback from online forums and other research

Challenge Mode:

•  Inspired by challenges on FM12 Handheld
•  Challenges last around half a season- e.g Meet board expectations with an injury crisis at the team or take over half way through a season with the team undefeated and try to get to the end of the season undefeated.

Enhancements and Improvements

3D Engine:

- More realistic stadiums, player movement, ball movement through the air
- Improved AI,
- New animations,
- More televised feel with new camera angle

Managers Staff

- Director of football role introduced giving players the option to pass on their workload such as contract negotiations.

Network Game

- Fully integrated with Steam Network meaning set up will be easier and Worldwide leaderboards will be available.

Others announcements:

- Completely revamped loan, training and scouting systems.
- Individual tax regimes for different countries that the more mercenary players will take into account when choosing a club.
- New media interaction introducing the ability to choose tone of voice in interviews.
- Managers personal contract negotiations will be introduced.
- Now easier to compare players and staff.
- Their version of EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan) introduced as no one yet know hows it will work
- All 51 countries updated
- 500,000 players and staff
- Montreal introduced to the MLS

No release date has been announced.

Barclay’s Premier League Preview 2012/13 – PART 2

Queens Park Rangers (Last season: 17th)

After a thrilling last day escape from relegation last season, QPR fans would be hoping for consolidation this season- especially with heavy investment in the squad over the summer. Mark Hughes has made shrewd business over the summer, bringing in proven premiership quality such as Park Ji-Sung and Jose Bosingwa. Despite these signings i still believe QPR’s squad is average at best and defensive frailties may once again prove to be their undoing. They’ll stay up.Just.

Tak prediction: 10th

Ash prediction:17th

Reading (Last season: 1st > Championship)

The best team in the Championship last season are back in the Premiership for the first time since 2008. Although they lack Premiership experience in their ranks, Reading boast one of the most highly regarded young managers in the game in the form of Brian McDermott, who will be hoping to use a combination of experience and youth to  mastermind their Premiership survival. If they can use  the experience of Pavel Progrebnyak and Danny Guthrie and make the Madejski a fortress they could surprise a few people, if not, there’s no doubt they will struggle.

Tak prediction: 17th

Ash prediction:18th

Southampton (Last season: 2nd > Championship)

After 2 successive promotions the saints are back in the top flight after a few years. This season will be tough for the side as many of their players lack inexperience at this level. They could also be the surprise package of the year, as they like to knock the ball around. Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana will be their key players for them, Nathaniel Clyne is a good purchase, and Jay Rodriguez might be – provided he’s played in the right place. Predict them to struggle away from home but if they find the right formula they could prove everyone wrong.

Tak prediction: 20th

Ash prediction:19th

Stoke City (Last season: 14th)

Stoke’s Europa league campaign took a toll on their league performances last season but they managed to finish in a comfortable mid table position. A low-key summer with a few transfers going in but a lot of dead wood was shifted out. Michael Knightly being the biggest name to join the potters. Stoke’s stadium for will remain their fortress for another season, as many teams find it hard to come to the Britannia and get a result. A very physical and tall squad they shouldn’t have any problems this season. Peter Crouch and Ryan Shawcross are key to them.

Tak prediction: 15th

Ash prediction:16th

Sunderland (Last season: 13th)

One of the Premiership’s most inconsistent teams, last season saw Sunderland secure home wins against top 6 sides such as Liverpool,Manchester city and Arsenal; only to come undone with disappointing one-sided results away to West Brom and Everton to name a few. The capture of talents such as Adam Johnson and Steven Fletcher will prove for optimistic feelings amongst the Sunderland fans, who will hope that an improved Away form this season will see them better last seasons disappointing mid-table finish.

Tak prediction: 12th

Ash prediction:13th

Swansea City (Last season: 16th)

One of the surprise packages of last season and touted as the League most attractive team- Swansea have a lot to live up to to avoid the dreaded ‘second season syndrome’. After Brendan Rodgers- the man responsible for the beautiful attacking football of the Swans- left the club to take over at Liverpool, the Swansea faithful would have been forgiven for fearing the worst for the new season. However, the appointment of Michael Laudrup -the former Barcelona star- would have eased worries of the attacking football coming to an end. I believe- once again- Swansea will surprise the Premiership bi boys and improve on last seasons standing.

Tak prediction: 13th

Ash prediction:10th

Tottenham Hotspurs (Last season: 4th)

Spurs missed out on the Champions Leagues last season by a whisker and lost former manager Harry Redknapp. Now with AVB in charge and a lot of things to prove, it will be a season of change for Tottenham. With the Luka Modric saga still continuing, Spurs have been able to strengthen with Emmanuel Adebayor signing permanently from Man City, creative midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson and defender Jan Vertonghen joining up with the North London team. Tottenham will be up and around the top 8 and will also be fighting for a Champions League position. It will be interesting to see how AVB handles his new task after his short spell with Chelsea.

Tak prediction: 6th

Ash prediction:9th

West Bromwich Albion (Last season: 10th)

Steven Clarke has big boots to fill after Roy Hodgson left for the England job. But after what has been an active summer for the baggies they should have a strong enough squad to stay away from trouble, especially with a very reasonable strikers. Peter Odemwingie will be a key player to them and will be a goal threat, Romelu Lukaku and Markus Rosenberg will provide back up to the squad. This is Steve Clarkes first managerial position and it will be a testing season for him. Mid table will be where they are most likely to end up.

Tak prediction: 14th

Ash prediction: 11th

West Ham United (Last season: 3rd> Championship play offs)

Though they only made it to the Premiership via the playoffs West Ham will feel they have the most experienced squad out of the three promoted sides. Captain Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole, Mohammed Diame and Jussi Jaaskelainen all boast years of Premiership experience which the Hammers will hope can keep them a float come next May. Despite seemingly having the funds available for transfers , Sam Allerdyce has failed to acquire many of his main targets this transfer window which may leave West Ham lacking in depth come the tricky and demanding Christmas period.

Tak prediction: 18th

Ash prediction: 20th

Wigan Athletic (Last season: 15th)

The biggest signing of Wigan’s summer? Surely the retention of – in my opinion- one of the best young managers in the Premier league at the moment. Notorious for their end of season form, Roberto Martinez will be hoping to finally find the right formula to allow the latics to install the performances- that saw them see of Arsenal,Manchester United and Liverpool- throughout the season. I think that despite losing one of their best players (Victor Moses), Martinez will once again mastermind survival for Wigan and hopefully help them to do it more securely then last season.

Tak prediction: 16th

Ash prediction: 15th

Barclay’s Premier League 2012/13 season preview

After what has been a long summer full of sports, the return of the Premier League is only a few days away. We have decided to give a team by team summary to keep our readers up to date before the football kicks off. Will give our predictions of where each team will finish.

Arsenal (Last Season: 3rd)

Arsenal have strengthened their squad heavily this summer with Podolski, Giroud and Cazorla joining their ranks. But captain Van Persie’s decision to leave for rivals Manchester United will hit Arsenal hard, as he almost single-handedly carried Arsenal last season. Top 4 will be their aim and they will need a recognised goal scorer to take them there. Its Going to be an interesting season for the gunners as they try to end their 8 year trophy less run.

Tak Prediction: 4th

Ash Prediction: 4th

Aston Villa (Last Season: 16th)

Had a terrible last season and were nearly dragged into the relegation battle. There will be a better atmosphere in the stadium now with Paul Lambert in charge. He’s a really bright young manager. I still think it will be a difficult season for him. Not many major signings during the summer but they’d be hoping Darren Bent is injury free and firing at all cylinders. Villa will be hoping for a mid table finish this season as they continue their recovery after the McLeish era.

Tak Prediction: 11th

Ash Prediction: 12th

Chelsea (Last Season: 6th)

After turning their season around last year to win the Champions league and F.A Cup the pressure will be firmly on Roberto Di Matteo to deliver silverware for Chelsea this season. Backed by Abramovich’s millions, the Blues have enjoyed a productive summer in the transfer market, securing the purchases of young talent in the shape of Eden Hazard, Oscar, Marko Marin and- if you listen to the rumour mills- potentially Victor Moses and Cesar Azpilcueta. What will really determine Chelsea’s sucess however is whether Fernando Torres can finally start to pay back his £50 million price tag and replace Chelsea hero Didier Drogba as Chelsea’s goal machine.

Tak Prediction: 3rd

Ash Prediction: 2nd

Everton (Last Season: 7th)

Everton fans will no doubt be in good spirits after retaining their manager David Moyes, in what has been a summer full of managerial vacancies. Season after season Moyes secures Everton a comfortable top half finish on one of the Premierships smallest transfer budgets. However holding onto key players this summer was key for Everton, and they’ve managed to do it whilst bringing back former player Steven Pienaar- who had an excellent return loan spell- and Scot, Steven Naismith on a free from Rangers, which will no doubt but them in a brilliant position to improve on last years form and challenge for a European Spot.

Tak Prediction: 8th

Ash Prediction: 7th

  Fulham (Last Season: 9th)

Interesting times at Craven Cottage. With Martin Jol leading the club in the right direction next season shouldn’t be a problem for Fulham. A rather quiet transfer period with play maker Danny Murphy and striker Andy Johnson leaving the cub. Jol has been able to bring in Hugo Rodallega on a free which is a great piece of business. They have also been able to retain the services of Clint Dempsey for the time being and Moussa Dembele who is wanted by a host of clubs. Mid-table would be a success for Fulham again this season, many expect them to finish there and I don’t think anyone should expect anything else from them.

Tak Prediction: 9th

Ash Prediction: 8th

Liverpool (Last Season: 8th)

After the clubs worst ever league position, many would like to forget last season. Kenny Dalglish did manage to win the League Cup but couldn’t avoid being sacked. Brendan Rodgers was brought in to replace him, the attractive style football will take time to implement. Liverpool have signed striker Fabio Borini from Roma and creative midfielder Joe Allen from Swansea, rumours suggest Dempsey will be next to join. Luis Suarez will be key to Liverpool’s chances he has the ability but requires the finishing touch to go with it. The squad seems more stable this season and are slowly adjusting to the new style of football but a top four finish is not within their reach yet.

Tak Prediction: 5th

Ash Prediction: 6th

Manchester City (Last Season: 1st)

After winning the Premier League in dramatic style last season, City will be looking start where they left off at the beginning of this campaign. Although City have made little movement in the way of transfers this season- only signing Jack Rodwell so far- they still- for me- have the strongest squad in the league. I think the top three will be a lot closer this year,but, with a rejuvenated Carlos Tevez and ever improving Sergio Aguero I believe the strength and depth of City’s squad will prove too much for their rivals.

Tak Prediction: 2nd

Ash Prediction: 1st

Manchester United (Last Season: 2nd)

United ran City all the way last season and after leading for most of the season lost out to their ‘noisy neighbours’ on goal difference. Sir Alex has strengthened wisely during the summer, the purchase of Kagawa will add much-needed creativity to the midfield and the imminent signing of Arsenal captain Robin Van Persie has the potential to make United’s attack one of the most feared in the world. On current signing’s however, I don’t think United will be able to bring the title back to the red side of Manchester this season. Although, Van Persie is one of the most prolific marksman in Europe, keeping him fit won’t be easy, but what really concerns me is the lack of a leader in the midfield and back up in defence. Which is why I believe- unless they strengthen further United can only hope for domestic glory this season.

Tak Prediction: 1st

Ash Prediction: 3rd

Newcastle United (Last Season: 5th)

After what was a great season for the Toon Army, they will be trying to build on their impressive 5th position finish. A rather quiet summer period apart from their attempts to bring Andy Carroll back. Papiss Cisse will be the key player for them next season and will need to continue his great goal scoring record. Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa and Tim Krul will be very important to there hopes of  securing a European finish. They might struggle to reach the heights they did last season but they will be in and around the same position for this season.

Tak Prediction: 7th

Ash Prediction: 5th

Norwich City (Last Season: 12th)

Finishing mid table was an amazing achievement for Norwich as many predicted them to be relegated, but the departure of Paul Lambert to Villa will see the canaries struggling to reach the height they did last season. Chris Hughton will have a major task in securing their Premier League Status and will be a tight finish for them. They were able to hold on to their key player Grant Holt and his performances will be key to them this season.

Tak Prediction: 15th

Ash Prediction: 14th

PART 2 COMING SOON..