A couple of days ago, Man Utd managed to add to their two European Cup (Champions' League) wins with a third trophy, cutting down Liverpool's lead of European Cups to two (still!). This, after securing a 17th league title compared to Liverpool's 18 (yes, I know the last one was in 1990, no need to be reminded!). On the other hand, Chelsea, for all their spending, high wages, fantasy signings etc, not only lost in their first Champions' League final appearance but also ended their season empty-handed. In my mind, all the above points to one thing: next year will be one hell of a league race!
And I'll explain: Without being privy to Chelsea's financial accounts and/or their transfer targets, my gut feeling says that this summer, they will spend. In fact, spend BIG, even by their standards! They've already agreed with Portuguese right back Jose Bosingwa for a cool £16.2m and following both their Champions' League final disappointment and an anticipated possible exodus of players, it would seem that Abramovich may embark on a shopping spree. Even though putting 11 world-class footballers playing together, does not necessarily mean that you have a world-class team, it certainly helps!
Then you have Man Utd with their manager who will be more than poised to equal Liverpool's record number of league titles as well as further reducing the gap in the European Cups leaderboard. Or to put it more eloquently, as Ferguson once said, "... to knock Liverpool off their fucking perch!". That's before mentioning possible additions to their squad, with the acquisition of a top-class striker being muted.
For the exact same reason (i.e. the title of the "most successful football club in the history of English football", no matter how valid or not this title actually is) Liverpool will probably be equally poised not to relinquish their lead that easily. Add to that the pressure on Rafa's back to deliver the title and I believe that the Reds will really go for it next year. Of course, this is easier said than done, with Liverpool also needing improvement to compliment the team's strong spine of players. So far the only confirmed arrival is the free transfer of Borussia Dortmund's Philipp Degen who, like Bosingwa, is also a right-back. A number of names are being branded about but I always prefer to wait before getting hopes and expectations up, until the new signings are actually paraded in Anfield (I know, it's boring, but saves a lot of the what and ifs) ...
Finally Arsenal which, in my opinion, are a conundrum. They are capable of breathtaking football, but are equally prone to lapses of concentration and/or the burden of pressure. With a manager that may also come under pressure (the Gunners' last trophy was the FA Cup back in 2005), Wenger's team will be a match to anybody. It would also depend on the ins and outs of the summer with Mathieu Flamini having already agreed a move to AC Milan.
The summer transfer window is almost upon us with the fight for players' signatures having already started. The transfer window being a prelude to the battle on the football pitches which will commence in August. But until then, there's Euro 2008 to look forward to. But that's another (blog) story...
And I'll explain: Without being privy to Chelsea's financial accounts and/or their transfer targets, my gut feeling says that this summer, they will spend. In fact, spend BIG, even by their standards! They've already agreed with Portuguese right back Jose Bosingwa for a cool £16.2m and following both their Champions' League final disappointment and an anticipated possible exodus of players, it would seem that Abramovich may embark on a shopping spree. Even though putting 11 world-class footballers playing together, does not necessarily mean that you have a world-class team, it certainly helps!
Then you have Man Utd with their manager who will be more than poised to equal Liverpool's record number of league titles as well as further reducing the gap in the European Cups leaderboard. Or to put it more eloquently, as Ferguson once said, "... to knock Liverpool off their fucking perch!". That's before mentioning possible additions to their squad, with the acquisition of a top-class striker being muted.
For the exact same reason (i.e. the title of the "most successful football club in the history of English football", no matter how valid or not this title actually is) Liverpool will probably be equally poised not to relinquish their lead that easily. Add to that the pressure on Rafa's back to deliver the title and I believe that the Reds will really go for it next year. Of course, this is easier said than done, with Liverpool also needing improvement to compliment the team's strong spine of players. So far the only confirmed arrival is the free transfer of Borussia Dortmund's Philipp Degen who, like Bosingwa, is also a right-back. A number of names are being branded about but I always prefer to wait before getting hopes and expectations up, until the new signings are actually paraded in Anfield (I know, it's boring, but saves a lot of the what and ifs) ...
Finally Arsenal which, in my opinion, are a conundrum. They are capable of breathtaking football, but are equally prone to lapses of concentration and/or the burden of pressure. With a manager that may also come under pressure (the Gunners' last trophy was the FA Cup back in 2005), Wenger's team will be a match to anybody. It would also depend on the ins and outs of the summer with Mathieu Flamini having already agreed a move to AC Milan.
The summer transfer window is almost upon us with the fight for players' signatures having already started. The transfer window being a prelude to the battle on the football pitches which will commence in August. But until then, there's Euro 2008 to look forward to. But that's another (blog) story...
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