Despite conceding an early goal to a confident Liverpool outfit, Tottenham still found a way to secure the points, at White Hart Lane on Saturday. This, after Wednesday’s thrilling draw at The Emirates, suggests that the Harry Redknapp effect, has been immediate. It makes one wonder, just what was happening under the management of Juande Ramos? Brilliant in Seville. Out of his depth in North London. With the same group of talented players, Redknapp has instilled confidence and belief, in a matter of days. Whilst some tactical acumen is at play, the transformation, is down to simple man-management skills. Enthusing players; playing […]

Yes, it happens to me many times, it happens to every one of us,” Drogba said. “It’s funny because there are some times in the game where you don’t touch the ball for a while and then you realise that the crowd is there, or they’re not reacting, or you notice something specific going on and focus on it. “After that you have to come back into the game quick, because this is how you lose your attention and sometimes you can mis-control when the ball comes to you suddenly, or miss an opportunity.” Didier Drogba, speaking openly to the […]

‘We became a bit of a circus in terms of the whole WAG situation’. Rio Ferdinand, speaking frankly, about the chaotic England culture, under Sven Goran Eriksson and Steve McClaren. It’s good that a senior England international, has finally had the courage to speak out, about one of the distracting influences, that has contributed to the serial under-performance, by the national side. It makes one wonder, though, why it is has taken so long, for this outbreak of honesty. Why were the senior England players not taking internal action, when the WAG circus began? Why did the players, not agree […]

Following England’s 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Kazakhstan, a lively debate has broken out, as to whether it is appropriate or not, for England fans to boo one of their own. It’s likely that there is a personal element, in the booing of Cole. Both his on the field, Mike Riley tantrums last season, and his protracted transfer to Chelsea, alienated many in the game. But, like the booing of Frank Lampard, and the negative reaction Steve McClaren’s team received, in the later days of his regime, it’s symptomatic of a dissatisfaction with the England team. It’s a dissatisfaction […]

So, Glasgow Celtic go down again, away from home in the Champions League. Last nights defeat to Villareal, means that they have now taken, one point from a possible forty-eight, away from Fortress Parkhead. This must be more than a tactical problem. When a football club develops such a losing habit, then the test becomes a psychological one. So how does a team resolve such a dilemma. How do you develop a winning mindset away from home? Clubs often try to change their routine, when they encounter away form blues. For example, travelling down on the day of the game, […]

On Saturday morning, Arsenal’s players were given reminders of the team code, by their sports psychologist. One of the players, left the briefing document in his hotel room, and two days later, the ‘rules’ were all over the national papers. Some of the journalists described the document, as Arsene Wenger’s master plan. The critcal insight, that finally broke the sacred seal, on Wenger’s secret guide to success. In reality, it’s not like that. Wenger has clearly brought in a sports psychologist, to help strengthen the team dynamic. The document highlights key points and reminders, which the group have presumably, worked […]

‘He would never have done this for us’. The words of Sir Alex Ferguson, describing referees chief Keith Hackett, after John Terry’s red card was rescinded. With the Premier League and Champions League double, to defend this season, it’s critical that the United manager can find some edge. Edge, that will keep his players on their toes. Prevent complacency from setting in. The John Terry incident, provides the perfect early season opportunity for that. A chance to point the finger at the dark forces, conspiring against his team. The THEM. Those who would love to see Manchester United fail. Be […]

So Spain are through to the final of Euro’ 2008. Could it be that the pattern of serial national under-achievement, that has dogged this country, is about to be changed? Right now, the talented Spanish team has the aura of European champions about them. They came into the tournament, oozing confidence and self-assurance. Nothing has happened, yet, to disturb that sense of positivity. For once, a Spanish team appears united, and not subject to divisive territorial factions. So all is well and on track. But now comes their biggest test. Standing in their way, is not just a German team, […]

So Germany are through to Sunday’s final of the 2008 European Championships. A last-minute goal, by Phillipp Lahm, finally seeing off a gallant Turkish side. The Turks came into this semi-final, on the back of spirited performances against Croatia and the Czech Republic. Performances that highlighted their depth of team-spirit and fighting qualities. Spirit that was in evidence again tonight, as their equalising goal, eight minutes from time, looked to have secured them a well-earned draw. But tonight they met their match. For this German side have rediscovered a sense of winability. Winability is more than just team-spirit. It’s a […]