A.'.A.'.

This week highlights began with a rant from Patrick Barclay (Daily Telegraph) over his fears for 2009. Included in his concerns were that English teams will dominate Europe to such an extent that it even bores them, that the bankruptcy laws in football need reform, and that football ensures the equivalent of failed bankers getting [...]

Southampton 0 - Manchester United 3 (FA Cup, January 4, 2009) (Longer highlights here.) Manchester United took the lead at st. Mary’s when Danny Welbeck was in the right place to turn in a Nani corner after O’Shea’s header had hit the bar. The Saints job then became much harder when Matt Paterson was sent [...]

Scandal is never too far away in Serie A, and looking to make a mountain out of a molehill the Italian press recently reported that Inter Milan boss jose Mourinho had had a falling out with his troubled Brazilian striker Adriano, fuelling rumours that The Emperor was set to move to Flamengo. The alleged falling-out came [...]

Former Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard was jumped upon by the awaiting Spanish media at the weekend and the Dutchman touched down at the city’s El Prat airport to meet a barrage of reporters looking for a sound-bite. And Rijkaard happily obliged. Looking relaxed and willing to answer questions, Rijkaard congratulated the La Liga leaders for their excellent [...]

Adelaide United 2 - Sydney FC 0 (A-League, January 3, 2009) The Reds took the lead just before halftime as Cassio tucked the ball in from just outside the six yard box. Alemao doubled the advantage in the 83rd minute, racing through and beating the keeper to send Adelaide top of the table.