Liverpools season has been more positive than neagtive this season, the team looks to have settled into jurgens Klopps way of play and there also seems to be a team spirit that i havent seen in many years at anfield. I think this whole comes from Jurgens man managment and conncetion with the players rather than tactics. The team is currently playing great football and the recent rotations have helped curb the over reliance on certain palyers only which seemed to be one of the problems last season.
The signing of Van Dijk will hopefully adress some of the issues in defence and can perhaps make liverpool a much stronger opposition. Keita is still to arrive in the summer and judging by his performances in the budesliga he will be a fine addition to the liverpool midfield. Thus with all these positives liverpool fans ought not to feel too disheartened with the imminent exit of coutinho. Yes like many Liverpool fans i had hope, great hope that he would turn out to be another Gerrad ( Loyal one club man). However this as it seems right now will not be the case unless barcelona make a drastic U turn on the deal.
I firmly believe Liverpool has everything to gain from this deal, a large amount of money for a player they bought relatively cheaply. This is good business. On the pitch he is no longer the game changer he was two seasons ago, Salah is now the main man and with Mane still scoring i dont see how his exit will be a huge blow. I also belive Jurgen Klopp signs good players and belive he already has a great replacemnt in mind for the departing number 10 ( Mkhitaryan maybe?) why not liverpool will have the money and am sure he will come at a cheaper value than what he was bought for.
He will no doubt be missed as his a special player who brought different dimensions to Liverpools game however his exit will be very much a gain to liverpool as a whole rather than a big distraction that everyone seems to view it as.
Thus all this talk of Liverpool crumbling because of one players exit is simply made up in the media. Liverpool will be stronger with coutinhos exit not weaker. Watch this space!
SPORT MANIAC features articles about any sport, matches, events or anything happening in the sporting world.
MANCITY HAVE NOT WON THE TITILE YET
December for most of us football lovers is usually a very special month, apart from the obvious Christmas and new years celebrations with family. The premier league is usually in full flow with plenty of matches both on weekends and midweek. This for me and other football fanatics is nothing short of FANTASTIC!.
This weekend was very important for many premier league teams with lofty ambitions of winning the premier league and finishing in the top four. As usual arsenal and Liverpool could only manage draws despite largely dominating their respective games, which is becoming quite a sad and painful reality for managers of these football clubs. However despite the draws I saw enough to suggest better days lie ahead for these two teams.
As for Manchester United's loss to Man city, I still genuinely feel the title race is still open and on despite the 11 point gap that everyone seems to be talking about. Unless you don't watch much football or premier league 11 points is just 2 losses and 3 draws which is definitely attainable. Yes city are playing great football, and their morale is high but lets not forget it only takes a few bad results and all that could come Tambling down.
I also believe by city winning the derby last night, they have heaped some pressure on themselves aswel as extending the gap. what I mean by this is they can now feel they have a lot of margin for error which might lead to complacency which can then lead to the pack catching up. I will comfortably label city as the next winners of the premier league if they don't loose or draw any game between now and February.
Manchester United can still catch up, and so can Chelsea, Liverpool and perhaps Tottenham. It only takes one or two negative results. Its not over until its over, do not be fooled by the current outlook of the table.
This weekend was very important for many premier league teams with lofty ambitions of winning the premier league and finishing in the top four. As usual arsenal and Liverpool could only manage draws despite largely dominating their respective games, which is becoming quite a sad and painful reality for managers of these football clubs. However despite the draws I saw enough to suggest better days lie ahead for these two teams.
As for Manchester United's loss to Man city, I still genuinely feel the title race is still open and on despite the 11 point gap that everyone seems to be talking about. Unless you don't watch much football or premier league 11 points is just 2 losses and 3 draws which is definitely attainable. Yes city are playing great football, and their morale is high but lets not forget it only takes a few bad results and all that could come Tambling down.
I also believe by city winning the derby last night, they have heaped some pressure on themselves aswel as extending the gap. what I mean by this is they can now feel they have a lot of margin for error which might lead to complacency which can then lead to the pack catching up. I will comfortably label city as the next winners of the premier league if they don't loose or draw any game between now and February.
Manchester United can still catch up, and so can Chelsea, Liverpool and perhaps Tottenham. It only takes one or two negative results. Its not over until its over, do not be fooled by the current outlook of the table.
LIVERPOOL CAN CHALLENGE
In this Era where teams are judged by score boards and nothing else but that I was left quite impressed and not entirely disappointed come the end of the Liverpool game on Saturday. Yes many of you will be quick to point out that yet again Liverpool conceded a late equalizer and dropped vital two points. This is true and could come back to haunt them later in the season, however the positives that I saw in this particular match were much more important than the final result.
1. PLAYER ROTATION
As I sat down and waited for the game to begin the Liverpool lineup was thrashed out on the screen, and boom the first surprise was Daniel Sturidge starting in one of the big matches this season. For many of you this was shocking but to me this was pleasing. I am a firm believer that Sturidge still has a lot to offer Liverpool, if given the right opportunities and a system that can suit him he can fire us further up that table. As I watched the game it was evident to me that he looked leaner, and fitter, his movement was sharp despite limited opportunities and he tried his best to always avail himself. I think his surprise inclusion gave him a much needed confidence boost and he will be a vital player for Liverpool from now on.
2. LALLANA RETURNS
The return of Adam Lallana is no doubt a big positive for Jurgen Klopp and his men. He not only brings energy and pace to Liverpool, his high pressing abilities allow him to be an asset defensively in terms of easing pressure on the defense. Thus expect Liverpool to concede less goals now that Adams back in the team. His return also will push the likes of Coutinho and Emre Can to their best levels due to competition for places which will be an added plus for Liverpool Fc.
3 TEAM MENTALITY
I don't know if its just me but I saw a better team mentality last Saturday. Even as Liverpool conceded the equalizer they still remained positive and kept on pushing Chelsea until the end of the game which was a good sight to see. The team also remained largely positive even before scoring and kept of probing and probing until they eventually scored. This is an improvement from the Liverpool I saw three weeks ago and I expect this continue against Stoke Midweek.
4. FAVOURABLE FIXTURES
Liverpool have now played Spurs,Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester city and Manchester united. They now have very favorable fixtures between now and December while the other top 5 candidates still have to play each other. A good run in these fixtures can and should put Liverpool in the hunt come February. This is of course provided city drop points starting with the Manchester Derby.
5 JURGEN KLOPP
Jürgen Klopp switched his players or as many of you call it rotated which was a welcome plus. This is a stark change to a manager who seems to favor certain players. The rotation allowed his more important or game changers to rest and will be ready to face Stoke come midweek. I also have a sneaky feeling Jurgen Klopp has an eye on the favorable fixture list Liverpool have between now and December.
Well these are my thoughts after last weekends fixtures. Sincerely hoping to see a three way horse race for the premier league. It would be much more exciting don't you think?
1. PLAYER ROTATION
As I sat down and waited for the game to begin the Liverpool lineup was thrashed out on the screen, and boom the first surprise was Daniel Sturidge starting in one of the big matches this season. For many of you this was shocking but to me this was pleasing. I am a firm believer that Sturidge still has a lot to offer Liverpool, if given the right opportunities and a system that can suit him he can fire us further up that table. As I watched the game it was evident to me that he looked leaner, and fitter, his movement was sharp despite limited opportunities and he tried his best to always avail himself. I think his surprise inclusion gave him a much needed confidence boost and he will be a vital player for Liverpool from now on.
2. LALLANA RETURNS
The return of Adam Lallana is no doubt a big positive for Jurgen Klopp and his men. He not only brings energy and pace to Liverpool, his high pressing abilities allow him to be an asset defensively in terms of easing pressure on the defense. Thus expect Liverpool to concede less goals now that Adams back in the team. His return also will push the likes of Coutinho and Emre Can to their best levels due to competition for places which will be an added plus for Liverpool Fc.
3 TEAM MENTALITY
I don't know if its just me but I saw a better team mentality last Saturday. Even as Liverpool conceded the equalizer they still remained positive and kept on pushing Chelsea until the end of the game which was a good sight to see. The team also remained largely positive even before scoring and kept of probing and probing until they eventually scored. This is an improvement from the Liverpool I saw three weeks ago and I expect this continue against Stoke Midweek.
4. FAVOURABLE FIXTURES
Liverpool have now played Spurs,Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester city and Manchester united. They now have very favorable fixtures between now and December while the other top 5 candidates still have to play each other. A good run in these fixtures can and should put Liverpool in the hunt come February. This is of course provided city drop points starting with the Manchester Derby.
5 JURGEN KLOPP
Jürgen Klopp switched his players or as many of you call it rotated which was a welcome plus. This is a stark change to a manager who seems to favor certain players. The rotation allowed his more important or game changers to rest and will be ready to face Stoke come midweek. I also have a sneaky feeling Jurgen Klopp has an eye on the favorable fixture list Liverpool have between now and December.
Well these are my thoughts after last weekends fixtures. Sincerely hoping to see a three way horse race for the premier league. It would be much more exciting don't you think?
England Improves on Fifa Rankings
England are now on 12th place according to the latest Fifa rankings a significant improvement from 15th place. This is no doubt because of the relatively good qualifying campaign to Russia the three lions had. England has now gone ahead of teams like Columbia, wales and Mexico on the latest rankings.
While the Top six remained unchanged with the world champions leading the pack followed by Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium and Poland. While the Netherlands despite not qualifying jumped up into the top 20. A good improvement but the lack of qualification must still hurt the Orange much.
The USA also moved up into 27th after a lackluster qualifying campaign which they performed quite miserably and ended up not qualifying, after being eliminated by the Central America nation( this nation was granted a national holiday to celebrate).
However despite significant movements upward Ecuador fell back spectacularly from 35th position to 60 th position. As for me the showpiece next summer should be won by one of the top four teams on the Fifa rankings. who that will be, will have to wait and see!
While the Top six remained unchanged with the world champions leading the pack followed by Brazil, Portugal, Argentina, Belgium and Poland. While the Netherlands despite not qualifying jumped up into the top 20. A good improvement but the lack of qualification must still hurt the Orange much.
The USA also moved up into 27th after a lackluster qualifying campaign which they performed quite miserably and ended up not qualifying, after being eliminated by the Central America nation( this nation was granted a national holiday to celebrate).
However despite significant movements upward Ecuador fell back spectacularly from 35th position to 60 th position. As for me the showpiece next summer should be won by one of the top four teams on the Fifa rankings. who that will be, will have to wait and see!
ENGLAND ARE NOT READY!
The three Lions finally qualified for the world cup last night with one of the most boring matches I have seen of late ( I watch a lot of matches). The display they put out will have left all the top teams looking forward to facing them in the world cup.
There 1- 0 win was for lack of a better word a snooze fest, as their display was lack of any imagination and class. I was and still am a firm believer of current England manager Gareth Southgate however after last nights display it is very evident that England have a lot of work to do before the world cup arrives.
They seemed to have no game plan, other than focus on Marcus Rashford give him the ball and expect him to perform some kind of magic. Their passing was sideways and extremely boring to watch, until Kyle Walkers eventual break through cross in the 94th minute to Harry Kane and he was able to score the winning goal.
Some will argue that this is a mark of a good team, where they can grind out results even without playing well. However I tend to disagree the three Lions did not deserve to win that game. The team is full of premier league stars from various top teams in England who perform exceptionally for their clubs, but last nights showing was boring, pedestrian, strange, lifeless and lazy.
“It’s difficult to bring how you play in the Premier League into international football. It’s so different, but we’re always striving to become better and there’s a lot of likeness between how City play and international football. Or to how Tottenham play. But to gel all those things is very difficult.
“As long as England win and keep clean sheets and keep bettering ourselves every year and making the nation proud, that’s all that matters.”
These were john stones comments earlier this week, that completely contradict the game England put up last night. That game was not even close to what the lower league teams put out every weekend.
I don't know what was wrong or what happened but one thing is for sure, performances like these next summer in Russia and England will be out of the world cup in the group stages. Southgate now has more work to do than ever, yes his attained his main objective of getting them there but now he must take them a level higher. England need to be and can be better before the world cup arrives!
There 1- 0 win was for lack of a better word a snooze fest, as their display was lack of any imagination and class. I was and still am a firm believer of current England manager Gareth Southgate however after last nights display it is very evident that England have a lot of work to do before the world cup arrives.
They seemed to have no game plan, other than focus on Marcus Rashford give him the ball and expect him to perform some kind of magic. Their passing was sideways and extremely boring to watch, until Kyle Walkers eventual break through cross in the 94th minute to Harry Kane and he was able to score the winning goal.
Some will argue that this is a mark of a good team, where they can grind out results even without playing well. However I tend to disagree the three Lions did not deserve to win that game. The team is full of premier league stars from various top teams in England who perform exceptionally for their clubs, but last nights showing was boring, pedestrian, strange, lifeless and lazy.
“It’s difficult to bring how you play in the Premier League into international football. It’s so different, but we’re always striving to become better and there’s a lot of likeness between how City play and international football. Or to how Tottenham play. But to gel all those things is very difficult.
“As long as England win and keep clean sheets and keep bettering ourselves every year and making the nation proud, that’s all that matters.”
These were john stones comments earlier this week, that completely contradict the game England put up last night. That game was not even close to what the lower league teams put out every weekend.
I don't know what was wrong or what happened but one thing is for sure, performances like these next summer in Russia and England will be out of the world cup in the group stages. Southgate now has more work to do than ever, yes his attained his main objective of getting them there but now he must take them a level higher. England need to be and can be better before the world cup arrives!
FIFA 18 CAREER MODE- ALL YOU NEED
The wait is finally over the new Fifa 18 has officially been released today, and the reception is overwhelming. Being a loyal Fifa fan I have already purchased the game and its impressive. Well this is for the aspects of the game I have managed to play or take a look.
I started off with career mode and I was immediately captured, I really don't think I will be able to take a look at other aspects of the game for a few days with how the new career mode looks and feels.
FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE
I will start off with the aspect that caught my eye the first which is the brand new atmosphere. I have to congratulate EA for the atmosphere in this one seems as real as they come. I mean apart from the game football is all about atmosphere. You will now be able to play in 20 different stadiums, including of the newly promoted premier league clubs.
The cheering and sheer shouting in premier league games is as good as they come and the chants when building to free kicks are as real as they come.
PLAYING STYLES
This years edition of the game brings out different playing styles for different teams, giving the game a much more unique feel and allows one to experience the actual game play of the various teams you may be using..it can be either the tiki taka used by Barcelona, or Jurgens klopp Liverpool's high press. All this has been incorporated making the product much more unique and enjoyable.
NEW TRANSFER SYSTEM
FIFA 18 has introduced a new interactive transfer negotiation system. Where a manager can actually negotiate with the another manager face to face on player you may want to purchase. once this goes through that's when personal terms can be discussed with the player himself/herself.
LIVE UNVEILING
FIFA 18 has now introduced a live unveiling feature or aspect to the game. Where for instance you sign Neymar from PSG you can be able to see him live holding up the t-shirt for the press.
EA have also introduced brand new player of the month clip, where the player will be shown holding the award.
AUTOMATIC SUBSTITUTION
You now don't have to stop or pause the game while loosing 3- 0 to go make a quick sub. This new feature allows you to input automatic substitutions at certain times before the game, and the ball only needs to go out of play for the substitutions to take place. Quite a cool feature if you ask me!
There we go folks these are just some of the new aspects of the game on career mode. Make sure you purchase a copy of FIFA 18. Trust me you wont regret!
I started off with career mode and I was immediately captured, I really don't think I will be able to take a look at other aspects of the game for a few days with how the new career mode looks and feels.
FANTASTIC ATMOSPHERE
I will start off with the aspect that caught my eye the first which is the brand new atmosphere. I have to congratulate EA for the atmosphere in this one seems as real as they come. I mean apart from the game football is all about atmosphere. You will now be able to play in 20 different stadiums, including of the newly promoted premier league clubs.
The cheering and sheer shouting in premier league games is as good as they come and the chants when building to free kicks are as real as they come.
PLAYING STYLES
This years edition of the game brings out different playing styles for different teams, giving the game a much more unique feel and allows one to experience the actual game play of the various teams you may be using..it can be either the tiki taka used by Barcelona, or Jurgens klopp Liverpool's high press. All this has been incorporated making the product much more unique and enjoyable.
NEW TRANSFER SYSTEM
FIFA 18 has introduced a new interactive transfer negotiation system. Where a manager can actually negotiate with the another manager face to face on player you may want to purchase. once this goes through that's when personal terms can be discussed with the player himself/herself.
LIVE UNVEILING
FIFA 18 has now introduced a live unveiling feature or aspect to the game. Where for instance you sign Neymar from PSG you can be able to see him live holding up the t-shirt for the press.
EA have also introduced brand new player of the month clip, where the player will be shown holding the award.
AUTOMATIC SUBSTITUTION
You now don't have to stop or pause the game while loosing 3- 0 to go make a quick sub. This new feature allows you to input automatic substitutions at certain times before the game, and the ball only needs to go out of play for the substitutions to take place. Quite a cool feature if you ask me!
There we go folks these are just some of the new aspects of the game on career mode. Make sure you purchase a copy of FIFA 18. Trust me you wont regret!
PSG IS READY TO CONQUER EUROPE
Last night I sat down extremely bored of all the political jargon on Kenyan television, I quickly remembered there was a big game on show in the champions league and I promptly switched channels to the various sports channels airing the different games. Initially I was confused as to focus my attention on the Chelsea vs. Atletico game or the PSG vs. Bayern Munich game, simply because I considered both to be extremely fantastic games because all the four teams on show had points to prove.
However I ended up feasting my eyes on the PSG game, and I must admit I was utterly impressed with what I watched. The game started off slow with Bayern dictating the play, however after about 15 minutes the pattern changed. PSG took control of one of Europe's top teams. Neymar was simply superb with his movement creativity and vision picking out Dani Alves for the first goal. The second goal came later this time not Neymar but Mbappe the chief creator , setting up Edison Cavani to curl a beautiful shot into the top corner. The third goal of course came from Neymar himself, finishing off a move Mbappe( This kid is fantastic on and off the ball) started off superbly, and securing the three points.
KILLER INSTINCT
Scoring three goals is great however , what I loved about the game last night is PSG had a killer instinct, they punished Bayern with majority of opportunities they got. This I believe is what is going to be their most important weapon in this years champions league and ligue 1. You simply cannot give them any space or opportunities, or before you know it you will be 3- 0 down. Bayern Munich is no small team and the team that started last night is capable of beating anyone on their day, but they suffered against the pace, creativity of PSG.
STRONG BENCH
After watching Bayern concede three fantastic goals, I look up and see a player like de Maria coming on for the last few minutes, and wonder if anyone can really match this PSG team. Yes I know games are not played on paper, but DAMN, this one hell of a Team. Players like Pastore, Lucas Moura, Draxler, also tend to sit on that bench more often than not. I don't honestly think there is a stronger bench in Europe at the moment. in terms of sheer Talent and game changers than the one at PSG.
POWER PACE AND SKILL
Bayern could not simply cope with the flicks turns, quick movement all over the PSG team. This is not something only Neymar could do , this last night was evident all over. From Rabiot, to Verrati, even Dani Alves sometimes. a combination of all these three aspects is extremely hard to stop, PSG have these in abundance ( don't forget De Maria, Draxler on the bench). I don't think any team in Europe will have the ammunition to cope with such especially over two legs in the latter stages of the champions league. Your bound to concede at least twice over two legs against such. As much as football is very unpredictable but as it looks currently PSG are ready to challenge for that champions league.
HARMONY AND FAMILY
The penalty row last week saw people describe PSG as being a team full of egos and selfish players. However I personally think the competition between the superstars in the team is healthy and will push the team a notch higher. Having watched the game last night the players also seemed to have a togetherness and perhaps the incident last week is now a thing of the past. The team is united for a common course, don't let what happened last week or price tags fool you.
Therefore in conclusion I think Europe was warned last night. It may or may not be a false alarm (maybe Bayern were just off). However there is certain Chinese proverb that says (a cornered dog will leap over a wall). Ladies and Gentlemen PSG is now more than ever ready to Leap.
However I ended up feasting my eyes on the PSG game, and I must admit I was utterly impressed with what I watched. The game started off slow with Bayern dictating the play, however after about 15 minutes the pattern changed. PSG took control of one of Europe's top teams. Neymar was simply superb with his movement creativity and vision picking out Dani Alves for the first goal. The second goal came later this time not Neymar but Mbappe the chief creator , setting up Edison Cavani to curl a beautiful shot into the top corner. The third goal of course came from Neymar himself, finishing off a move Mbappe( This kid is fantastic on and off the ball) started off superbly, and securing the three points.
KILLER INSTINCT
Scoring three goals is great however , what I loved about the game last night is PSG had a killer instinct, they punished Bayern with majority of opportunities they got. This I believe is what is going to be their most important weapon in this years champions league and ligue 1. You simply cannot give them any space or opportunities, or before you know it you will be 3- 0 down. Bayern Munich is no small team and the team that started last night is capable of beating anyone on their day, but they suffered against the pace, creativity of PSG.
STRONG BENCH
After watching Bayern concede three fantastic goals, I look up and see a player like de Maria coming on for the last few minutes, and wonder if anyone can really match this PSG team. Yes I know games are not played on paper, but DAMN, this one hell of a Team. Players like Pastore, Lucas Moura, Draxler, also tend to sit on that bench more often than not. I don't honestly think there is a stronger bench in Europe at the moment. in terms of sheer Talent and game changers than the one at PSG.
POWER PACE AND SKILL
Bayern could not simply cope with the flicks turns, quick movement all over the PSG team. This is not something only Neymar could do , this last night was evident all over. From Rabiot, to Verrati, even Dani Alves sometimes. a combination of all these three aspects is extremely hard to stop, PSG have these in abundance ( don't forget De Maria, Draxler on the bench). I don't think any team in Europe will have the ammunition to cope with such especially over two legs in the latter stages of the champions league. Your bound to concede at least twice over two legs against such. As much as football is very unpredictable but as it looks currently PSG are ready to challenge for that champions league.
HARMONY AND FAMILY
The penalty row last week saw people describe PSG as being a team full of egos and selfish players. However I personally think the competition between the superstars in the team is healthy and will push the team a notch higher. Having watched the game last night the players also seemed to have a togetherness and perhaps the incident last week is now a thing of the past. The team is united for a common course, don't let what happened last week or price tags fool you.
Therefore in conclusion I think Europe was warned last night. It may or may not be a false alarm (maybe Bayern were just off). However there is certain Chinese proverb that says (a cornered dog will leap over a wall). Ladies and Gentlemen PSG is now more than ever ready to Leap.
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