DOCSLIB.ORG

P18 Layout 1

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
P18 Layout 1 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 SPORTS Barca beaming, Real bickering over transfer MADRID: Barcelona congratulated themselves yes- dressing-room heavyweight Cristiano Ronaldo, for Perez and stand in stark contrast to the upbeat two transfer windows but have added Suarez and terday for a job well done in the transfer window, Real’s top scorer and current World Player of the tone of a news conference given by Barca sporting Rakitic, as well as centre backs Thomas Vermaelen while rivals Real Madrid were dealing with the fall- Year, appeared to criticize Perez’s transfer policies. director Andoni Zubizarreta yesterday. Spanish and Jeremy Mathieu, goalkeepers Claudio Bravo out from Cristiano Ronaldo’s apparent criticism of The construction magnate has spent hundreds of sports dailies Marca and As both splashed Ronaldo’s and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and fullback Douglas to president Florentino Perez. The world’s two richest millions of euros of the club’s money on the top remarks across their front pages, while Real’s Spain their ranks. clubs by income again spent big, with Barca’s sign- players, with his strategy also driven by how many contingent were quizzed about the situation when They have begun the La Liga campaign in confi- ings including Uruguay striker Luis Suarez for 81.25 shirts new recruits will help sell. they met up with their international team mates. dent fashion and are the only side to have won their million euros (107 million US dollars) and Croatia Alarm bells rang at the club when they let slip a “Everyone has their opinion and it is respectable, I opening two games as they seek to improve on last midfielder Ivan Rakitic for around 20 million. Real two-goal lead to crash to a 4-2 defeat at Real am not going to make any comment about term’s second-place finish. Zubizarreta said he was lured Colombia playmaker James Rodriguez to the Sociedad in La Liga on Sunday, when Ronaldo was Cristiano or any player,” centre back Sergio Ramos, delighted with the squad and predicted Barca Spanish capital for around 80 million euros and sidelined by injury. “I have a very clear opinion but I one of Real’s captains, told reporters. “We belong to would be a major force under new coach Luis snapped up Germany midfielder Toni Kroos for 30 cannot always say what I think,” the Portugal for- the club and we must respect the rules of the club,” Enrique, who has replaced the discarded Gerardo million, seduced by the pair’s success at the World ward told reporters when asked about his club’s he added. “I am not going to reveal my opinion, it’s Martino. Cup finals in Brazil. recent transfer dealings. “If not I would be on the not the time to be drawing conclusions.” “We again have a team that is at a very high com- However, while Barca are widely perceived to front page of the newspaper tomorrow and I don’t petitive level,” former Barca and Spain goalkeeper have improved their squad as they look to bounce want that. But, if I was in charge, maybe I would not Transfer Ban Zubizarreta told reporters. “I am very pleased and back from a season without major silverware, critics have done it like that. “But if the president thinks Barca’s hand was forced in the market after the we will see how far we can go.” Champions Atletico have suggested European champions Real will be that the best thing for the team is to buy the players club were given a temporary reprieve from a trans- Madrid are again expected to mount a realistic chal- significantly weakened by the exit of midfielders he bought and let others leave we have to respect fer ban for breaching rules on the transfer of under- lenge after some astute business in the transfer Xabi Alonso and Angel Di Maria, sold to Bayern and support his decisions.” 18 players while an appeal to soccer’s world govern- market when they bought in the likes of Croatia Munich and Manchester United respectively. The Ronaldo’s comments, together with grumbling ing body FIFA was ongoing. They lost the appeal striker Mario Mandzukic, France forward Antoine sense of unease was heightened on Monday when from coach Carlo Ancelotti, will be uncomfortable and may not be allowed to buy again in the next Griezmann and Italy winger Alessio Cerci. — Reuters Five biggest summer transfers in France PARIS: The five biggest transfers in France dur- ing the summer transfer window, which closed on Monday night: David Luiz Chelsea to Paris Saint-Germain; 49.5 million euros (£39.1m, $65m) - The Brazilian centre- back joined Paris Saint-Germain from Chelsea for a world record fee for a defender and is reunited with international team-mate Thiago Silva at the heart of Laurent Blanc’s back four. The World Cup proved a traumatic experience for the 27-year-old and his compatriots as they BERLIN: File picture shows Germany’s national football team’s midfielder Bastian were demolished 7-1 by Germany in the semi- Schweinsteiger holding the trophy as he celebrates their FIFA World Cup 2014 title at finals but Blanc tipped his new signing to ban- Berlin’s landmark Brandenburg Gate. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the new captain of ish those painful memories and forge a formi- the German national football team, German head coach Joachim Loew announced dable partnership with Silva at the Parc des yesterday. — AFP Princes. The ex-Benfica man’s decision-making can prove suspect at times but Luiz is a strong character blessed with natural ability and with Schweinsteiger named Silva alongside him to keep him in check, he should blossom in the French capital. Also has Germany’s new captain the versatility to play a more advanced role in front of the back four, if required. DUSSELDORF: Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian en on great responsibility,” Loew said. “I knew that Schweinsteiger was yesterday named the new I could always rely on him. Serge Aurier captain of world champions Germany by manag- “Think back to the World Cup final and what Toulouse to Paris Saint-Germain; loan - er Joachim Loew. Loew turned to the 30-year-old he achieved for the team there and also in the Aurier, 21, was the standout right-back in the to succeed Philipp Lahm, who stepped down games before it. “At the moment Bastian is French top flight a year ago with Toulouse and from international duty after skippering Germany injured but of course I’ve talked to him in the past to the World Cup title in July. “Bastian will be a few weeks. I was in Munich and his injury is not was named in the Ligue 1 team of the season great and dignified captain of our national team,” one that is going to keep him out for months. “His for the 2013/14 campaign. He then performed Loew told a press conference in Dusseldorf. big goal is Euro 2016. I could sense that he’s still admirably for the Ivory Coast in Brazil despite Schweinsteiger is currently injured with a bursting with ambition.” If Schweinsteiger does the Elephants’ premature exit from the World knee problem, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer miss more time than expected, Loew said he is Cup before Paris Saint-Germain swooped in to lead Germany out today in an international fortunate to have several other major personali- and snapped up Aurier on a season-long loan friendly in Dusseldorf against Argentina in a ties in his squad. The 54-year-old suggested that with an option to make the move permanent. rematch 50 days after the Maracana showdown the likes of Neuer, Sami Khedira, Thomas Mueller Aurier, who spent much of his upbringing in in Rio de Janeiro. Schweinsteiger became a sym- and Mats Hummels can step up in the Paris outskirts, said the move was “a child- bol of Germany’s charge to a fourth world trophy, Schweinsteiger’s absence. battling on through the final victory over Hummels and fellow defender Jerome hood dream” while PSG president Nasser Al- Argentina despite taking an elbow in the face Boateng will sit out today’s friendly, although Khelaifi lauded the Ivorian as “one of the most that left blood pouring from a cut. Loew hopes that they can both return to train- promising young players in world football”. Loew also announced that former VfB ing before Germany’s first Euro 2016 qualifier Aurier poses quite the attacking threat, too, as Stuttgart coach Thomas Schneider would against Scotland on Sunday. Real Madrid mid- his six goals and six assists made him Europe’s become his new assistant manager in October. fielder Khedira is doubtful, with Hoffenheim’s most prolific defender last season. Must com- Schneider replaces Hansi Flick, who has taken up Sebastian Rudy earning a late call up to the pete with Gregory van der Wiel for a starting a new role as sporting director of the German squad. While today’s glamour friendly against berth, however. Football Association. Schweinsteiger, who has Argentina will bring back fond memories of 108 caps for Germany, is currently out of action Germany’s triumph in Brazil, Loew has already Jordan Ayew because of a tendon problem in his knee. But set his sights on further success. “The next big Loew said that he was confident that the Bayern goal for us after the final in Rio clearly has to be Marseille to Lorient; undisclosed - Ayew, 22, star’s vast experience would help him to lead the European Championship final in Paris,” Loew penned a four-year contract at Lorient after Germany to the 2016 European Championships said.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Download the App Now
    The magazine of the League Managers Association Issue 10: Winter 2011 £7.50 “Having a strong spirit is essential” M ART IN O ’ N EI LL Ossie Ardiles WHAT DO Aidy Boothroyd LEADERS DO? The big question... Herbert Chapman asked and answered Terry Connor Roy Keane SECOND IN Matt Lorenzo COMMAND Mark McGhee The assistant Gary Speed manager’s role revealed BOXING CLEVER Team The changing face of the TV rights market Issue 10 spirited : Winter 2011 Martin O’Neill on learning from Clough, the art of team building and the challenges ahead SPONSORED BY We’ve created an oil SO STRONG WE HAD TO ENGINEER THE TESTS TO PROVE IT. ENGINEERED WITH Today’s engines work harder, run hotter and operate under higher pressures, to demand maximum performance in these conditions you need a strong oil. That’s why we engineered Castrol EDGE, with new Fluid Strength Technology™. Proven in testing to minimise metal to metal contact, maximising engine performance and always ready to adapt wherever your drive takes you. Find out more at castroledge.com Recent economic and political events in Europe’s autumn THE have highlighted the dangers of reckless over-spending, poor debt management and short-sighted, short-term MANAGERS’ leadership. The macro-economic solutions being worked on in Europe’s major capitals have micro-economic lessons VOICE in them. Short-term fixes do not bring about long-term solutions, stability and prosperity. “We hope 2012 The LMA’s Annual Management Conference held in October at the magnificent Emirates stadium, brought will not see a repeat football and business together for a day of discussion and debate on the subject of leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • Media Value in Football Season 2014/15
    MERIT report on Media Value in Football Season 2014/15 Summary - Main results Authors: Pedro García del Barrio Director Académico de MERIT social value Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona) Bruno Montoro Ferreiro Analista de MERIT social value Asier López de Foronda López Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona) With the collaboration of: Josep Maria Espina Serra (UIC Barcelona) Arnau Raventós Gascón (UIC Barcelona) Ignacio Fernández Ponsin (UIC Barcelona) www.meritsocialvalue.com 2 Presentation MERIT (Methodology for the Evaluation and Rating of Intangible Talent) is part of an academic project with vast applications in the field of business and company management. This methodology has proved to be useful in measuring the economic value of intangible talent in professional sport and in other entertainment industries. In our estimations – and in the elaboration of the rankings – two elements are taken into consideration: popularity (degree of interest aroused between the fans and the general public) and media value (the level of attention that the mass media pays). The calculations may be made at specific points in time during a season, or accumulating the news generated during a particular period: weeks, months, years, etc. Additionally, the homogeneity amongst the measurements allows for a comparison of the media value status of individuals, teams, institutions, etc. Together with the measurements and rankings, our database allows us to conduct analyses on a wide variety of economic and business problems: estimates of the market value (or “fair value”) of players’ transfer fees; calculation of the brand value of individuals, teams and leagues; valuation of the economic return from alliances between sponsors; image rights contracts of athletes and teams; and a great deal more.
    [Show full text]
  • Blanc, Les Blacks Etlesbleus
    Notre époque 164 Féminisme 58 59 UNous étions dans un environnement délétère... des verrous ont sautén Blanc, les blacks , etlesBleus mineur communiste d'Alès, marié à Fils de communiste, marié à une femme d'origine une femme d'origine algérienne, il algérienne, Laurent Blanc voulait faire oublier l'échec moral est l'homme idoine. Champion du monde, joueur exceptionnel, morale de la Coupe du Monde. Serge Raffy raconte comment irréprochable, respecté de tous, il a le sélectionneur s'est laissé piéger dans une histoire qui joué dans les plus grands clubs euro­ péens : Marseille, Naples, Inter de pourrait transformer le football en champ de ruines Milan, Barcelone. L'anti-Domenech. Sa mission: redonner la fibre patrio­ tique à des mercenaires plus préoc­ ls le traquaient nuit et jour, que broutille. Alors pourquoi s'affo- cupés par leurs comptes en Suisse autour du célèbre palace de 1er? Personne ne l'avait prévenu "on peut que par lemaillottricolore.Com­ Merano, dans les Dolomites. Les qu'un complot venu de loin se baliser, en ment réussir à faire aimer la France Ipaparazzis avaient tenté de sou­ fomentait. L'origine de ce complot? non-dit, sur une à des gamins mondialisés, qui se doyer le personnel de ce centre de La tragédie nationale de Knysna, espèce de déplacent en jet privé, confient leur remise en forme pour stars dépres­ bien sûr, lorsque, pour la première quota. Mais il ne fortune à des fondés de pouvoir dis­ sives. Le cliché rêvé pour les maga­ fois dans l'histoire, les joueurs se sont faut pas que patchant les millions d'euros dans zines people.
    [Show full text]
  • LE MONDE/PAGES<SPORTS>
    0123 Mardi 10 mai 2011 Sport 27 LaLigue 1 n’échappe pas à la crise des quotas Les spéculations sur l’avenir de Laurent Blanc ont rythmé le week-end… plus que le sommet entre Lyon et Marseille Ligue 1, 34ejournée Jean Tigana démissionne Lyon-Marseille des Girondins de Bordeaux (3-2) Samedi 7mai, Jean Tigana, e temps d’une soirée, les 55ans, a démissionné de son pos- réjouissances du terrain te d’entraîneur des Girondins de L allaient-elles éclipser le psy- Bordeaux, à l’issue de la lourde chodrame vécu depuis dix jours défaite de son équipe face à par le football professionnel fran- Sochaux (0-4). «C’est une soirée çais,engluédansl’affairedes«quo- désastreuse, pour le club et pour tas»? L’interrogation planait sur le moi, a déclaré l’ancien champion choc entre l’Olympique lyonnais d’Europe 1984, très marqué par (OL) et l’Olympique de Marseille l’agression verbale dont aurait (OM) disputé dimanche 8 mai en été victime sa fille en tribune pré- clôture de la 34e journée de Ligue 1. sidentielle du stade Chaban-Del- L’enceinte rhodanienne de Ger- mas. Si les gens dans les tribunes land était en droit d’attendre un pensent que le problème, c’est duel de haute volée. La saison der- Jean Tigana… Agresser une petite nière, ces deux poids lourds du fille de 16 ans, c’est dramatique. championnat y avaient livré un Pour moi, le football ce n’est pas match titanesque (5-5). Mais, cette ça. Il y a assez de problèmes com- année, les affres de la Fédération me ça dans le monde, je ne veux française de football (FFF) ont ajou- pas en créer en plus aux Giron- té une once de crispation à ce som- dins!» Jean Tigana, qui avait suc- met.
    [Show full text]
  • La Fronde Des Juges Luxembourgeois
    Devenezmobilereporter surL’essentiel Online La fronde des juges LUNDI 25 JUIN 2012 N°1099 luxembourgeois Actu 2 En mai, la Chambre des députés a réaffecté à un autre poste. Pour le Un collégien tué dans adopté un nouveau projet de loi por- Groupement des magistrats luxem- la cour de son collège tant sur la réorganisation du système bourgeois, «la loi ne garantit plus l'in- judiciaire. Et depuis, un juge n'a plus dépendance des juges» et ne respecte la possibilité de mettre son veto s'il est pas la Constitution. PAGE 4 ....................................................................................................................................................... Avec Motörhead, mais sans Justice People 21 Michael Jackson vu par le Dr Conrad Murray Sports 31 Les Italiens rejoignent les Allemands en demies Chapeau sudiste, croix celtique, Lemmy Kilmister (Motörhead) a toujours eu un faible pour la provocation. CÉDRIC LETSCH Météo 34 Justice devait être, hier soir, le installer sa scène. Qu'importe, Ils ont trouvé l'ambiance MATIN APRÈS-MIDI clou du Rock-A-Field 2012. Mais les festivaliers se sont régalés chouette, vivante et décontrac- le groupe français n'a pas joué. pendant ces deux jours de musi- tée, surtout ceux qui ont campé 9° 19° Arrivé en retard, il n'a pas pu que malgré la forte pluie d'hier. durant la nuit. PAGES 22-23 La déjantée Beth Dittoest de retour au Luxembourg (voirp.14) 2 Actu LUNDI 25 JUIN 2012 / WWW.LESSENTIEL.LU Sept morts dans Le collégien de 13 ans est le bus accidenté ZAGREB - Sept personnes ont été tuées et 44 blessées dans mort d'un étranglement l'accident d'un autocar imma- triculé en République tchèque RENNES - Un collégien survenu samedi matin sur une de 16 ans en a tué un autoroute en Croatie.
    [Show full text]
  • Uefa Champions League
    UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - 2014/15 SEASON MATCH PRESS KITS Parc des Princes - Paris Tuesday 17 February 2015 20.45CET (20.45 local time) Paris Saint-Germain Round of 16, First leg Chelsea FC Last updated 21/09/2021 18:39CET UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE OFFICIAL SPONSORS Previous meetings 2 Match background 4 Squad list 7 Head coach 9 Match officials 10 Fixtures and results 12 Match-by-match lineups 16 Competition facts 18 Team facts 20 Legend 22 1 Paris Saint-Germain - Chelsea FC Tuesday 17 February 2015 - 20.45CET (20.45 local time) Match press kit Parc des Princes, Paris Previous meetings Head to Head UEFA Champions League Date Stage Match Result Venue Goalscorers Chelsea FC - Paris Saint- 2-0 08/04/2014 QF London Schürrle 32, Ba 87 Germain agg: 3-3 ag Lavezzi 4, David Luiz Paris Saint-Germain - Chelsea 61 (og), Pastore 02/04/2014 QF 3-1 Paris FC 90+3; E. Hazard 27 (P) UEFA Champions League Date Stage Match Result Venue Goalscorers 24/11/2004 GS Chelsea FC - Paris Saint-Germain 0-0 London Paris Saint-Germain - Chelsea Terry 29, Drogba 14/09/2004 GS 0-3 Paris FC 45+1, 76 Home Away Final Total Pld W D L Pld W D L Pld W D L Pld W D L GF GA Paris Saint-Germain 2 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 2 3 6 Chelsea FC 2 1 1 0 2 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 1 1 6 3 Paris Saint-Germain - Record versus clubs from opponents' country UEFA Cup Date Stage Match Result Venue Goalscorers Manchester City FC - Paris Saint- 03/12/2008 GS 0-0 Manchester Germain UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Date Stage Match Result Venue Goalscorers Liverpool FC - Paris Saint- 2-0 Fowler 11, M.
    [Show full text]
  • 2009/10 UEFA Champions League Statistics Handbook, Part 2
    Debreceni VSC UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SEASON 2009/10 | GROUP E Founded: 12.03.1902 Telephone: +36 52 535 408 Address: Oláh Gabor U 5 Telefax: +36 52 340 817 HU-4032 Debrecen E-mail: [email protected] Hungary Website: www.dvsc.hu CLUB HONOURS National Championship (4) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 National Cup (3) 1999, 2001, 2008 National Super Cup (4) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Debreceni VSC UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE | SEASON 2009/10 | GROUP E GENERAL INFORMATION Managing Director: Sándor Szilágyi Supporters: 2,700 Secretary: Judit Balla Other sports: None Press Officers: Gabór Ganczer Zoltán Csubák Captain: Zoltán Kiss PRESIDENT CLUB RECORDS Gábor Szima Most Appearances: Sándor Csaba - 399 league matches (1984-2000) Date of Birth: 02.10.1959 Most Goals: Sandór Tamás - Date of Election: 92 goals in 301 matches (1991-97 & 08.01.2002 2002-08) STADIUM – FERENC PUSKÁS (Budapest) Ground Capacity: 36,160 Floodlight: 1,400 lux Record Attendance: 104,000 (v Austria on 16.10.1955) Size of Pitch: 105m x 68m HEAD COACH – András HERCZEG Date of Birth: 11.07.1956 in Gyöngyös Nationality: Hungarian Player: DSI (1970-74) Debreceni VSC (1974-79) Honvéd Szabó Lajos SE (1979-81) Hajdúböszörmény (1981) Hajdúszoboszló (1981-84) Karcag (1984-86) Hajdúszoboszló (1986-88) Coach: DSI (1988-95) Debreceni VSC (Assistant Coach 1994-97 / Head Coach 1997-98) Hungarian Olympic Team (1998-99) Tiszaújváros (2000-01) Debreceni VSC (Assistant Coach 2004-2007 / Head Coach since January 2008) Hungarian Championship Winner 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009 Hungarian Cup Winner 2008 Hungarian Super Cup
    [Show full text]
  • UEFA EURO 2016 : Only a Few More Days to Wait Until the « Generation 98 » Legendary Match Sunday, May 8, 1 PM, Jean Bouin Stadium (16E)
    Press invitation - Accreditation required UEFA EURO 2016 : only a few more days to wait until the « Generation 98 » legendary match Sunday, May 8, 1 PM, Jean Bouin stadium (16e) On Sunday, May 8, Jean Bouin stadium (16e) will host an exceptional game between the team of Ile de France youngsters who won the « Generation 98 » tournament and their glorious elders from the national French team, world champions in 1998 and champions of Europe in 2000, among whom Laurent Blanc, Sylvain Wiltord, Frank Leboeuf, Robert Pirès and Lilian Thuram. Since December, the « Generation 98 » tournament organized by the City of Paris and the Club of Football Internationals and sponsored by Robert Pirès and Frank Leboeuf, has offered to 24 teams of young people from Paris and Seine Saint-Denis, who were born in 1998, the opportunity to live an extraordinary experience. On Sunday, May 8, Jean Bouin stadium will host two exceptional matches: the final of the tournament between the two teams of young people from the Ile de France region still in competition, and the gala match they are all eagerly awaiting and that will bring together the winner of the tournament and their idols, the former players of the French team. A gala match that will give a taste of the enthusiasm of UEFA EURO 2016 The two teams of the gala match will be made up of youngsters and professional footballers: Robert Pirès, Frank Leboeuf, Laurent Blanc, Sylvain Wiltord, Lilian Thuram, Sidney Govou or Ludovic Giuly. They will meet on the lawn, in the changing rooms and for the traditional half time with the coaches Roger Lemerre, Jean Tigana and the coach of the team of youngsters.
    [Show full text]
  • Ligue-1-2016 2017.Pdf
    A Note from the Editor: For many, Ligue 1 cannot restart quickly enough following an almost perfect, but fundamentally cruel EURO 2016 for France on home soil. The pain suffered on that night in Paris by Didier Deschamps’s men and an entire nation remains all the more heartrending because of the newfound professionalism that Les Bleus conducted themselves with throughout the tournament. Karim Benzema antics aside, contrary to years of squad infighting, the team spirit inside the French camp was the strongest it had been since 2000. On the pitch, France proved that they are on the cusp of a new golden generation, with Samuel Umtiti, Kingsley Coman and Antoine Griezmann all shining. Although some of Les Bleus’ much touted young guns fell short of expectations, namely Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, France’s U19 EURO win further confirms that the future is astonishingly bright for French football on the international scene. One would not be foolish to expect there to be some turnover of talent for the 2018 World Cup cycle, with Patrice Evra and others’ involvement coming to an end. Much like Les Bleus therefore, Ligue 1 too can expect a very different feel for the 2016/17 season. PSG have entered a new era after President Al Khelaifi’s obsession for progression in the Champions’ League failed to be adequately satisfied by Laurent Blanc, leading to the latter’s dismissal. Les Parisiens have appointed Unai Emery in Blanc’s place, who brings a new-age management approach that relies on a squad instead of a team of individuals, a charge often leveled at Blanc’s PSG.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gffn 100 2018: Ten to Watch
    GFFN 100 2018 THE GFFN 100: AN INTRODUCTION Welcome to another edition of the Get French Football News 100. Published at the end of ev- ery year by GFFN, the guide you are reading is as detailed and comprehensive a set of player profiles as one is likely to find, especially in English. Some of these players are well-known, even to the casual fan, and though they have been the subjects of countless profiles, we hope that you can gain a bit more depth in knowledge of their stories. This is especially true with the likes of Neymar and his Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappé. In 2018, neither was ever far from the limelight in a year in which France won the World Cup, thanks in large part to the teen- age sensation. Neymar may have garnered the odd headline for less positive reasons, but both remain as compelling off the pitch as they do on it. It is thus no surprise to see Mbappé top the rankings again; it does not take much objectivity to realise his immense talent and potential, but the present document is much more than a narra- tive driven by celebrity. We have watched the matches that do not generate headlines, seen the teams that are rarely on television, especially internationally, and artfully blended statistical anal- ysis with old-fashioned scouting to create what we feel is a definitive guide to the professionals currently plying their trade in France. If some rankings seem high, or low, read the profiles before making a snap decision as to our choices; this is a meritocracy.
    [Show full text]
  • Here Weren’T Necessarily Any Rules to Stop Independence
    The football Pink The Zinedine Zidane Issue 2 I I3 CONTENTS 4 La Castellane: The upbringing that fueled Zidane’s quest for greatness 10 Enzo Francescoli: Zidane’s idol 14 The foreword to a bestselling career: Zidane’s career in French football 20 Post-Platini decline: France, Euro ‘96 and Zidane’s new generation 26 Zinedine Zidane at Juventus: Becoming the King of Italy 34 Zinedine Zidane: “More entertaining than effective” 38 2003: When Zidane and Ronaldo stunned Old Trafford and Zizou’s sole La Liga title win 44 So near and yet so far: “Why do you want to sign Zidane when we have Tim Sherwood?” 48 Zidane’s swansong: The 2006 World Cup 54 Anger management: Balancing the talent with the tantrums The Zinedine Zidane Effect: Turning the Real Madrid embarrassed by Barcelona into 60 European champions I 66 Zinedine Zidane: The third lightning bolt 72 Understanding Zidanology: An inspiration to a generation 4 I I5 La Castellane: The upbringing that fueled Zidane’s quest for greatness 6 7 Today, Zinedine Zidane is footballing royalty Castellane is a concrete maze which may Zidane building’ during and after his time taught it to himself. It is typical of the street but his humble beginnings don’t paint a not necessarily make you fall in love at first living and developing his legendary skills in footballer to be a very good ball-carrier. It picture bearing any semblance of nobility. sight. this community. While that building has now is generally very much a ‘fend for yourself’ I La Castellane is just over 10km north of the been demolished, Zidane’s legacy lives on environment to develop your skills.
    [Show full text]
  • EUROPE Still a Step Too FAR for Dominant
    Sports45 FRIDAY, MAY 9, 2014 PSG title celebrations dampened by Rennes defeat PARIS: Paris St Germain celebrated their second as the players’ children played football on the the 77th minute, only for Fatih Atik to level five on three minutes after being set up by Edinson consecutive Ligue 1 title with two games to pitch. “I am proud of the players. We brought minutes from time. Cavani. Kadir beat Sirigu with a low cross shot in spare despite suffering their first home league the title, it rewards the good work of all the staff The result triggered scenes of celebration at the 23rd minute and Ntep’s free kick sailed past defeat of the season in a 2-1 loss to Stade and our ability to quickly apprehend the squad,” the Parc des Princes a few minutes before the the Italian keeper. The crowd’s discontent Rennes on Wednesday. Laurent Blanc’s team Blanc, who took charge after Carlo Ancelotti left kickoff of the PSG v Rennes game. Guingamp, changed to pure joy as striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic secured the championship shortly before kickoff at the end of last season, told Canal Plus. who beat Rennes in the French Cup final last made his comeback from a five-week injury lay- after second-placed Monaco were held to a 1-1 “I did not want to watch the Monaco game Saturday, are 16th in the standings, two points off when he came on for Lavezzi in the 56th draw by En Avant Guingamp. but there is always someone to tell you the above safety.
    [Show full text]