THE RETURN OF JOSE

For Chelsea fans the world over, the imminent return of Jose Mourinho is the best thing that can happen to the football club. The self styled special one brought Chelsea a first league crown in fifty years and a host of my trophies in his three and a half year spell in charge. He also made Chelsea with the backing of Abramovich's billions one of the toughest clubs in Europe.
The fans adore him and the few players left in the squad from his time in charge worship his every move. The question now is will Jose be a huge success in his second spell in charge?
The signs are obvious that he will. The end of the Ferguson era at United, Arsenal's refusal to get quality players and City's disarray have led the bookmarkers to pick Chelsea as firm favourites for the league title next season.

I however doubt Jose will be as successful in his second spell as he was in his first. The point in which Chelsea football club is does not call for a manager with Jose's attitude. One in which he leads like and army general. This attitude and tactics of us against the world backfired and has ended in disappointing fashion in Madrid. In Jose Time at Stamford Bridge the lavish sum spent on the academy was at best wasted, as he failed to give the youth players a chance with the senior team.

Chelsea right now need a coach that will mix youth with experience and not need to spend over the top to achieve success. Perhaps that was the thinking of Roman when he craved for Pep. Missing out on Pep however doesn't mean Chelsea can still achieve these objectives. The like of Jurgen Klupp and Antonio Conte can help achieve success while integrating youth and experience and also being able to win trophies. A man like Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid can also be another option.

Going back to is clearly not what Chelsea need, it is a decision made out of desperation.

ARE YOU READY?? FOOTBALL CENTRIC IS UPON US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

#FOOTBALLCENTRICLAGOS : A Sneak Peek AT What Fans Should Expect.

For “Doubting Thomases”, preparation for Nigeria’s first ever Fans’ Carnival, #footballcentriclagos (The premiere event of the FOOTBALLCENTRIC Nationwide Tour) packaged by Escalated Concept is in top gear.

This was revealed by Host of the event and radio personality, Sayo Owolabi who stated that machinery have been in motion since March to fine tune and format a content structure that will ensure that Football Fans have a time of Unprecedented fun and excitement when the event holds in June.

                                    

He also shed more light on what some of the attractions that fans should expect as including – “FOOTBALLCENTRIC Meets...” - Special Interview with some Personalities in the Football Circles, “The ChatRoom” with the finest Football Analysts, “The Best Match” – a Fashion showcase by Female Sports Presenters for Female Fans and “An All Star 5-A-Side Football Challenge” – pitching Sports Presenters/Analysts on the Island against those on the Mainland.

Sayo further said Leading names in the Football circles – Former Players, Administrators and the Media have continued to show support for this Unprecedented event but the lawyer turned Sportspreneur has said no names will be let out until the official Media Launch in May.

You can get updates on the event via:

Twitter - @footballcentric

Facebook – www.facebook.com/footballcentric

Onside360  is an Official Media Partner of #footballcentriclagos.

FOOTBALL CENTRIC

Football fans in  Nigeria, brace yourselves for the most innovative football event this year

SAYO OWOLABI SET TO DELIGHT FOOTBALL FANS WITH FOOTBALLCENTRIC LAGOS

Football Fans in Nigeria should prepare for an Unprecedented Experience as Plans are in top gear for the Premiere of the FOOTBALLCENTRIC Nationwide Tour of Events starting with #footballcentriclagos in June 2013.

According to Foremost Sports Presenter cum Analyst, Sayo Owolabi – the Visionary of The FOOTBALLCENTRIC Project (which also includes Radio and TV Content, Magazine), the series of events will serve Football Fans Live football centred content (Chatroom, Special Interviews and An All Star 5-A-Side Football Match) spiced with Music, Comedy, Fashion Showcase and so much more.

Sayo Owolabi further disclosed that the Premiere event in Lagos will feature the young and vibrant Sports Presenters on Radio and TV as well as leading names in the prints and online sports platforms who will have a chance of a one on one interaction with their fans and followers in a first of its kind experience.

FOOTBALLCENTRIC with the tagline, “The Official Naija Fans Carnival” will however not end with the Lagos experience but will be extended to other major cities in Nigeria before the end of the year and it’s set to be an annual fiesta.

You can stay in touch for the latest developments on #footballcentriclagos by sending your Enquiries to info.footballcentric@gmail.com, Visit the blog www.thefootballcentricproject.wordpress.com, follow on Twitter – www.facebook.com/footballcentric and LIKE the Page on Facebook – www.facebook.com/footballcentric.

Mark you calender and make sure you are a part of this epic event.

Onside360 is proud to be a media partner of footballcentric. 

WHO LEADS THE ROMAN ARMY NEXT?

                                                     

The recent outburst by Chelsea's Interim Manager Rafa Benitez confirmed not only his frustrations at the treatment he has received from the Blues faithful but also his disappointment with the role the club management assigned to him. Its too late for Rafa to cry over spilled milk and he clearly knew what he was getting into when he assumed the role as interim boss till the end of the season.

                                                  

Benitez was brought in to steady the ship till the arrival of Roman's coveted man Pep Guadiorla but Bayern Munich pulled a cope on Roman by snatching the Spaniard. That would have given Rafa a ray of hope of getting the job on a permanent basis. However, with the way results have gone, it has become obvious the come this summer the Roman Army will be in search of a new general to lead them to trophies

The possible contenders include

Jose Mourinho

                                   

The self proclaimed 'special one', is regarded as a hero and legend by many Chelsea fans. He led the club to its first league crown in 50years in his first season in charge and went on to achieve so much in his three and a half years at the Bridge. He has since gone on to win the champions league with Inter Milan and has broken Barcelona's dominance in La Liga. He has never hidden his love for the Priemer League.With rumours rife that he will leave Madrid in the summer,  Jose may just make a dramatic return to the Bridge.

Jurgen Klopp

                                   

His Dortmund team play the style of football Roman wants his Blues to adopt. Klopp won back to back Bundesliga titles . Klopp's side finished top of their Champions League group which included Real Madrid and Man City. Though Dortmund have fallen off the pace in the League this season, their expressive style is a beauty to watch.

Antonio Conte

                                   

The former Siena Boss has proven his critics wrong by bring back the glory days back to Turin. Last Season he over saw a Juventus side that went the entire Serie A season unbeaten. Conte's side play quite well as the Blues found out when the were outclassed 3-0 in Turin. For a club that has had 3 Italians as managers in the past, Conte may well be the man to execute the Italian job at the Bridge.

Guus Hiddink

                         

Very few coahes are rated better than Guus.The Dutch tactician in a recent interview with a Dutch tabloid stated he may leave Anzhi at the end of the season and that as long as he feels good he won't consider retirement. Guus is no stranger to Stamford Bridge having been brought in on an interim basis to take over Luiz Scholari and he has an FA Cup to show for his exploits. The respected coach is also a good friend of Roman and could come in to give a helping hand.

Diego Siemone

                              

What he has achieved at Athletico Madrid is nothing short of impressive. He came in when the club was in a bit of a crisis and he has successfully ensured that the crisis is a distant memory. He won the Europa league last season and Athletico sit second in the La Liga ahead of Real Madrid and are in the Copa Del Rey finals. He has his players playing for him and enjoying every bit of it.

Whoever Roman decides to appoint to the Stamford Bridge helm, will have his work cut out. Pressure to win trophies and under the preying eyes of the Russian billionaire. For Chelsea to achieve long term success Roman has to ensure the next manager is not employed on "interim" basis.

*who do you think will be appointed Chelsea boss in the summer? Post your comments*

AFCON 2013 PREVIEW

                                          

19^th January 2013 kicks off a spectacular African football tournament, the football world will have its eyes on Africa‘s football elite teams to see who emerges as the last team standing. The 29^th AFCON edition, promises to be an exciting tournament because hosting this time around is South Africa which boasts of the best of Africa’s infrastructures and media coverage, expect the stadiums to be in world class states as they were still in use at the World cup three years ago.

As the kick off draws nearer, the excitement intensifies and so does the several predictions by soccer enthusiasts and pundits across the Continent, as it is the norm whenever a big tournament like the AFCON is in view.

This prompted my own predictions as well but from a careful study of past events and facts rather than depend on my heart influenced sentiments.

Below are my contenders for the AFCON 2013 in no particular order:

1.COTE D' IVOIRE

                                 

You will say this is an easy choice for me to pick having consider their recent 4-2 drubbing of Egypt but then its not, if you have to consider that the team with the best players in Europe have not always been the winning team in AFCON as results have shown, but rather teams with players that are ready to fight like wounded Lions and that’s understandable as the Nations cup battle is usually tough, physical and rough. Despite these I still pick the Elephants as my clear favorites above the remaining 15 teams.

This is the last chance for the Didier Drogba generation to finally put the misfortunes in past AFCON’s behind them and lift the trophy because if they fail to, it might take a while for Ivory Coast to produce such a good team again. Their major disadvantage is their age which they compensate for in huge experience as I feel they are the most experienced side in the tournament. They have got the best player in Africa, Yaya Toure who is always a joy to watch, and a Didier Drogba who is desperate to lift the trophy before calling it quits, we remember what happened the last time he was this desperate about winning a particular trophy

Their comfortable victory over Egypt means they should easily get pass Tunisia and Algeria in Group D but then needs to be very careful against Algeria who have hurt them in the past and more importantly now that Algeria is coached by Cotedivoire’s former Manager, Vahid Halihodzic.

They will need luck on their side or how can a team that didn’t concede any goal in open play throughout the last Nations cup not win. If they get lucky (at least no ghosts to play against this time around), they should be victorious come 10^th of February.

2.   GHANA

                       

This is another team that has been consistent over the last 3 AFCON, reaching 2 Semi-finals and 1 final. Hardly can we forget their heroics at the 2010 World cup, though they would be without John Mensah, Paintsil and Andre Ayew, and would have 10 debutants in their AFCON squad, their recent victory over Egypt and Tunisia showed that this shouldn’t be a challenge. They will be competing in an easy group with their toughest opponents being Dr Congo coached by their former Manager, Claude Leroy who knows them inside out. They play Dr Congo in their opening fixture and I feel irrespective of the outcome of this match, the game will put the Ghanaians in a good stead in subsequent matches against Mali and Niger. They will most likely have an easy run to the Semi-finals as I don’t see any team in group A stopping them in the Quarter finals, if all goes well with them and they don’t get careless, the  Black stars can break their 31 years AFCON title drought.

3.            ZAMBIA

                                    

It is a new tournament, with new teams and a new venue, the Zambian “ghosts” has been laid to rest with their triumph at the 2012 edition. It might be safe to say they might not have luck shine on them as it did the last time out. Every team in Africa now knows the Zambians and as such will take them very serious as that wasn’t the case last year.

Despite their not too impressive performance in the pre- tournament matches so far, they are still a good side and a top contender, they still have the discipline, organization, team spirit, humility and determination that won them the trophy in Gabon as their present squad has 19 of their victorious team with the inclusion of Collins Mbesuma, Emmanuel Mbola at left back and Jacob Mulenga in attack, three players who can make the difference for them. They will also be playing in South Africa not too far from home so there won’t be problems of adjusting with altitude and what have you.

Having said all of these, I feel it will be difficult for them to retain their title as my head and heart keeps telling me  the quarter final will be their “bus stop” as I don’t see them getting past the Group D teams except Togo qualifies. They were lucky at the last AFCON as evident in the games against Libya, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana and Ivory Coast as a little twist in those matches would have turned the results in favor of their opponents. They weren’t convincing in their AFCON qualifier against a lowly rated Uganda side which they managed to edge out in a keenly contested penalty shootout. They lost 3 pre-tournament matches, I believe this says a lot about the title credentials of the Copper bullets, I might be too quick to conclude but The Zambians can only prove me wrong.

4.       NIGERIA

                           

The only reason why they are contenders is based on their pedigree in African football, Nigeria’s CV has 2 AFCON Gold, 4 Silver and 7 Bronze, if they are living on past glory is an argument for another day. I feel a team that has such an impressive past should be a force to reckon with at any AFCON but it must be said that the chances of the Eagles aren’t as bright as Cotedivoire Ghana and Zambia who will be prosecuting AFCON 2013 with a tested team as against a Nigerian side going with 17 debutants; a team that lacks real game changers and influential leaders. The Super Eagles is an evolving team and too much expectation shouldn’t be placed on them. Though Football is a game of surprises, such surprises is one every Nigerian is praying and hoping for, but we must wake up to the realities or else we might be giving our selves heart aches.

If Nigeria is serious about winning they should try to top their group as this will provide the much needed confidence to go far in the tournament and prevent a quarter finals matchup with the Ivoirians’.

OUTSIDE CONTENDERS

SOUTH AFRICA

                                  

They are the host and most times when they host they tend to do well, as evident with their triumph in 1996. At the last World cup, despite not making it out of the group stage, they gave a good account of themselves when they defeated France and who says the magic of the Vuvuzela cant have an impact on opposing teams more so now that they have a relatively easy group stage, their only strong challenger in the group is Morocco which they face on match day 3 and might not be a do or die affair if they put Cape Verde and Angola in their places. They are definitely not top contenders for the trophy but they stand an outside chance as host.

 ALGERIA

                               

Another team I believe will do well in South Africa is Algeria. I tip them to be the surprise team; they last won it in 1990 when they hosted it. They have a good coach in Vahid Halihodzic who has been able to put together a relatively unknown but promising side. Vahid has got AFCON experience having coached the Elephants of Cotedivoire at the 2010 edition. They comfortably qualified for South Africa by edging out their North African rivals, Libya who was at the last Nations cup. The desert foxes boasts of Al Arabi Soudani who has scored 6 goals in 9 appearances, Captain Medhi Lacen has loads of experience having played for several clubs in the La-liga, Sofiane Feghouli who plays for Valencia is another player who can make all the difference. They are a very disciplined and hard working side and recently played a goalless draw against South Africa. If any of the top favorites doesn’t win it, I bet it will be the Algerians smiling home with the trophy come 10^th of February.

By Oluwatobi Omoniyi

ALTERNATE FIFAPRO XI 2012

The FIFAPro XI for 2012 was announced on the 7^th of January 2013. There have been questions about the inclusion of certain players in the team and why the team is made up of only players in the Spanish La Liga.

We present an alternate FIFAPro XI for 2012. The list includes players who had a great 2012 and can compete with those on the FIFAPro XI

Petr Cech (Chelsea)

                                  

The Czech international has been the first choice goal keeper at Chelsea since he joined the club in 2004. His heroics in the Champions League final were pivotal to Chelsea winning the title they have coveted for a long time. He saved Robben’s extra time penalty and  3 penalties in the shoot out.

Phillip Lahm (Bayern Munich)

                                           

The Bayern captain is a key element of the Bayern machine. The Team captain bombs up and down the right flank providing key assists and defending well. He also scores goals and helped his national team get to the semi finals of Euro 2012.

Vincent Kompany (Man City)

                                              

He was instrumental to his team winning a first league title in 44years. The Belgian led well from the back and was a rock in defence for the Citizens, scoring the only goal in the Manchester derby at the Etihad.

Matt Hummels (Broussia Dortmund)

                                                 

He played an important role as Dortmund won the Bundesliga for the 2^nd year in a role. His awareness and ability to distribute the ball from defence was also vital as his club won the German cup. He also broke into the German national team.

Ashley Cole (Chelsea)

                                        

He attacks as well as he defends. An important member of Chelsea’s champions league winning team.  He took his penalty in the final well.He forays forward and provides assists for his team mates and defends well. His goal line clearances have won many games for his team.

Yaya Toure (Man City)

                                     

He has truck loads of energy,a complete box to box midfielder. He breaks up opposition play, provides assists and scores goals. He is a manager’s delight and Yaya is one of the reasons Man City are English champions.

Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

                                      

The saying old wine tastes better is the best way to describe the playmaker.  He is an incisive silky midfielder with incredible vision. He is one of the most accurate passes in the game. He swapped Milan for Turin in 2011 and made an incredible impact in the team as Juventus finished the season unbeaten. He was also an important part of the Italy team that got to the finals of Euro 2012.

Mesut Ozil (Real Madrid)

                                          

The 24year old brings finesse and improvisation to the midfield of both club and country. He had the highest number of assists on La Liga last season (17).  His vision and skill helped Real Madrid win their first League title in three years.

Robin Van Persie (Man United)

                                                

The flying Dutch man netted 30 goals for Arsenal last season thereby attracting attention from the elite clubs of Europe.  He chose the red half of Manchester and he has been in inspired form since his signing, scoring 20 goals so far.

Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich)

                                                

The German international was in lethal form for Bayern in 2012. He scored 26 goals in the Bundesliga alone and although last season ended in disappointment for the Bavarians Gomez is still regarded as one of the top strikers in the world.

Zaltan Ibrahimovic (PSG)

                                      

Known for his strength, aerial ability, ball control and lethal finishing. The Swede moved from AC Milan to PSG in the summer of 2012 and scored 18goals and provided 4 assists in 16 games. His audacious overhead kick goal in a friendly against England in November is a clear statement of his incredible talent.

EPL MID-SEASON TEAM

The world’s most exciting drama series is in the mid-season stage. We have put together a team of the best players in their positions from the start of the season to round 19.

Gerhard Tremmel (Swansea)

                                           

The German came off the bench for first choice keeper Michel Vorm who was injured on 64 minutes in Swansea’s 0-1 loss to Man City. The former Red Bull Salzburg keeper had previously made only six appearances for the Swans.  Tremmel has deputised well for the Dutch man making excellent saves and brilliant displays that has helped his team maintain a good start to the season.

Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

                                          

The City full back has the ability to defend and attack the ball as well. He has displayed many match winning performances for the champions. His well taken goal made it 2-2 all in the Manchester derby and his ability to deliver telling crosses into the box has also been key for City as he creates many goal scoring chances for his team mates.

Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

                                           

The French Man has found a new lease of life in Norwich after undergoing tough times at Spurs. He has made a team high 62 clearances and has been a pivotal part of a Norwich team that has overcome a difficult start to the season and out together a 10 match unbeaten run which includes victories over Arsenal, Man United and Spurs. Bassong has scored goals one of which was a vital last minute equalizer against Everton. He has now scored three goals this season after bagging two in his previous 94 appearances.

Ryan Shawcross (Stoke)

                                     

The Stoke Captain has lead his side well producing battling performances weekly. His efforts have been rewarded by the club as he was offered a new deal to keep him away from other Premier League clubs. Stoke have a 31% win rate when Shawcross plays in the Premier league and just 21% when he is missing. They also have a tighter defence conceding 1.26 goals when he is on the pitch compared to 1.57 when he is missing.

Leighton Baines (Everton)

                                     
This Player is producing performances of such a consistent standard this season. The question now is when does Baines get his place in the England set up? He has created 64 chances this season, 10 more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues.

Santi Carzola (Arsenal)

                                   
The Spaniard has adapted well to life in the Premier League.  Almost everything good about Arsenal’s attacking play goes through him. His performances have left Monsieur Wenger smiling in Post match interviews any time a question is asked about the little man. Carzola has scored more goals from outside the box than any other player in the top five European leagues since August 2011(9 goals)

Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

                                         
The Belgian has been in superb form this season, tackling hard and winning aerial duels thus providing flick no’s  for his team mates   Fellaini has already equalled his personal best return of eight goals in a single season for Everton (2008-09).

Juan Mata (Chelsea)

                                        
Mata is thriving this season for Chelsea as he enjoys extra freedom and has Oscar and Hazard to assist in creating chances for Torres.  He makes defence-splitting passes almost at will, scores the most exquisite goals and works like a Trojan. The Spaniard has provided seven assists and scored seven goals this season including a superb free kick against Man United. He has already exceeded his goal tally from his first season in the Premier League (6).

Gareth Bale (Tottenham)

                                     
The Welsh star has been improving his all round play this season, drifting from the wings and playing through the middle. His link up play has also improved. He scored an impressive hat trick against Aston Villa on his return from an injury lay off.

Michu (Swansea)

                             
Michael Landrup’s £2million signing has been one of the stars of the season. The Spaniard  has scored 13 goals and provided 2 assists to help his team sit comfortably in the top half of the league table. He has the highest number of headed goals in the league (5). Spain coach Del Bosque stated in an interview that Michu will earn his first cap for his country in an international friendly against Uruguay in March 2013.

Robin Van Persie (Man United)

                                             
The Dutchman made the move from the Emirates to Old Trafford in the summer. His signing has proved to be a very good one by Sir Alex. Robin leads the goal scorers chat with 14goals and has written his name in Manchester Derby folklore with an injury time winner in his first derby. It looks like the £24million is money well spent, even for a 29-year old. Van Persie has scored 60 goals in his 72 Premier League appearances since the start of 2011.

SUBS

Amir Begovic (Stoke), Patrice Evra (Man United), Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Yaya Toure (Man City),

Luis Suarez (Liverpool), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool)

MANAGER

Steve Clarke (West Brom)

                                      
He was appointed in the summer to take over from Roy Hodgson who left the club to take over the England job. This is his first shot at being a manager. The Chelsea legend was assistant manager to Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge, then moved to West Ham as an assistant to Zola and then Liverpool as Dalgaish’s assistant. He has been able to get the best out of his players and has his team playing confidently and with belief. The Baggies are sixth on the log.