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105

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 FIRST
WORD

FOOTBALL IS THE MOST

POPULAR SPORT IN THE
WORLD, AND FOR GOOD
REASON. SO, WONDERS
GABY MCKAY, WHY DO
LAWMAKERS SEEM SO
KEEN TO MESS WITH IT?

here’s a reason they call football exists in ice hockey, with a so-called ‘power law. Any alternations to the laws of the game
‘the world’s game’. When you play’ seeing five-on-four or five-on-three are made by IFAB, which consists of the
boil it down to its core elements situations where one team has incurred national associations of England, Scotland,
it’s a very simple sport, with the a penalty. It was to this that Tottenham Wales and Northern Ireland holding 12.5%
only prerequisites to participate Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou of voting power each and FIFA, which holds
being something one can fashion alluded when asked about the proposals. the other 50%. Any changes must secure a
into a ball and some objects to “Do you know what it’s going to do to our 75% supermajority, so nothing can be passed
form a rudimentary goal with. game?” the Australian asked. “It’s going to without FIFA, but why are the votes of the
Cricket is enjoyed by billions - destroy it, mate. You’re going to have one UK countries equivalent to the rest of the
largely thanks to its ubiquitous team just sitting there trying to waste time world? Furthermore, the election processes
nature in India - but even on a for 10 minutes waiting for a guy to come on. of national governing bodies can be opaque
smaller scale requires, at the Every other sport is trying to declutter, all ABOVE: at best. When the law on handball was
The handball law is
very least, a bat and a ball. To we’re trying to do is go the other way for one example of a big
changed to remove the provison that any
play tennis you need a net and a racquet, for some reason.” change to football’s offence had to be deliberate, did any of
laws in recent years
hockey you need a stick, even to participate He had a point. There’s nothing inherently the billions of fans around the world get a
in basketball you’re reliant on someone wrong with adjusting the rules of any sport TOP RIGHT: vote? Did the players? A seismic change
The votes of four
having erected a hoop somewhere near - the earliest forms of football allowed countries hold the to the game the world loves was forced
weight of the rest of
where you live. players to catch the ball and drop it at the world combined through by a few decision makers in a room
Travel anywhere in the world, no matter how their foot - but tinkering for the sake of in Aberdeen. This is not to say that there
TOP RIGHT, BELOW:
wealthy or not, and you’ll find people kicking tinkering is nonsensical. The forward pass Referees may be should never be any changes. The changing
brandishing blue cards
a ball around. They may be bare-footed, was introduced to American football at the one day
of the rule which stated a goal kick had
the goal posts may be jumpers, but they’ll behest of president Theodore Roosevelt to leave the box was a sensible update
be playing. It’s odd, therefore, that bodies after 19 players were killed playing the reflecting the fact that teams pass out from
such as FIFA and football’s lawmakers the sport in 1905 and made the game far faster the back with far more regularity than at
International Football Association Board and more exciting, banning helmet-to- any other point in the sport’s history. You
(IFAB) seem so keen to mess with what is a helmet contact was in response to a better could probably ditch the law that dictates
very simple formula. understanding of the long-term effects a goalkeeper shouldn’t have hold of the
Early this year we heard of the proposal of concussion. Both understandable, but ball for longer than six seconds without
to trial a new ‘blue card’, put forward by outside of North America many find the anyone noticing, given it never seems to be
IFAB to punish dissent and tactical fouls. labyrinthine rules around being down by enforced.
Under the proposal a player shown a blue contact, or intentional grounding, off- Broadly though we should be extremely
card would be sent to the sin bin for 10 putting. Already the most popular sport on wary of the compulsion to mess with a
minutes, temporarily reducing his or her the planet - and by some distance - why simple and effective formula - and demand
team to 10 men. A second blue card would are we looking to make association football greater accountability for those who make
mean a permanent ejection. Reaction to more complex? There is also a democratic those decisions.
the plans was not positive. A similar system deficit at the heart of such changes to the

6 SOCCER360
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 2024
TITLE
RACES

BY THE TIME SPRING COMES AROUND, FOOTBALL

FANS ACROSS EUROPE ARE USUALLY GETTING
READY TO WITNESS A FAMILIAR PATTERN
OF ONE OF THE BIG TEAMS IN THEIR LEAGUE
PREPARING TO RUN AWAY WITH THE TITLE. BUT
THIS SEASON IS LOOKING LIKE IT COULD BE A
LITTLE DIFFERENT, AS DAN ROBERTS EXPLAINS.
here have always been bigger,
more successful clubs in all of
the major European leagues.
But in recent decades, the
influx of greater amounts of
broadcasting money has meant
that those sides have been
even more dominant. Title races
have tended to be a formality
most years, with a two-horse
race invariably the most that
the majority of fans can have
to look forward to. But things
are beginning to change - and this season
could see some more unfamiliar faces lifting
silverware. Competition is vital for any
football league to maintain interest and the
big four of Europe have tended to serve up
a lukewarm version of that in recent years.
Napoli blasting away from the rest in Serie
A to win a first title for over 30 years last
season was a very welcome development

Arsenal’s goal by Leandro

Trossard against Burnley
was the club’s 1,000th
at the Emirates Stadium,
making Arsenal one of
only three Premier League
clubs to score 1,000 goals
at a single venue since the
2006/07 season.

8 SOCCER360
IMPORTANT
4 IN A ROW
As Manchester City aim for four straight Premier
League titles, Dan Roberts looks back at rivals

FIXTURES Manchester United’s two previous attempts at

achieving this feat.

Pep Guardiola has the chance to

MARCH
make history this season by leading
16- Arsenal v Chelsea
(London Derby)
Manchester City to an unprecedented
fourth straight Premier League title. They
16- Luton v Nottingham
Forest have every chance of achieving it and
(Relagation Battle) are many people’s favourites, but they
17- Everton v Liverpool face strong competition from Arsenal
(Merseyside Derby)
and Liverpool. If they were to fall short,
31- Manchester City v it would be the latest occasion where a
Arsenal
team hasn’t quite managed to make that
APRIL
particular piece of history.
3- Chelsea v Their rivals Manchester United are the
Manchester United
club that has come closest to making
3- Manchester City v it four in a row in recent years, failing
Aston Villa
in 2002 and 2010. On both occasions,
6- Everton v Burnley
(Relagation Battle) it was London clubs that spoiled the
Mancunian party - first Arsenal and then
6- Manchester United v
Liverpool Chelsea.
(Northwest Derby)
In the 2001-02 season, sparring partners
13- Arsenal v Aston Arsenal and Manchester United were
Villa
joined by Liverpool and Newcastle
20- Everton v United in a pulsating title race. A
Nottingham Forest
(Relagation Battle) Sylvain Wiltord goal in a 1-0 defeat at
20- Tottenham v home to Arsenal at Old Trafford in the
Manchester City penultimate game eventually did for
20- Manchester United The 2023/24 season saw the Red Devils as they eventually came
v Newcastle
Burnley, Everton, Luton third - and they would not win the
27- Tottenham v Town, and Sheffield United league again for another three years.
Arsenal
(North London Derby) all losing their first three Coincidentally, that would be the next
games, marking the first time that they began a run for four titles
MAY
occasion in the English in a row.
4- Liverpool v
Tottenham top flight that four clubs By the time of the 2009-10 season,
started the season with United had won the league three years
4- Brighton v Aston
Villa such a record. running but faced an electrifying Chelsea
11- Manchester United
team that went on to score a then
v Arsenal Premier League record of 103 goals in 38
11- Aston Villa v games. It all went down to the final game
Liverpool of the season though, with Chelsea’s 8-0
11- Everton v Sheffiled drubbing of Wigan Athletic enough to
United
(Relagation Battle) win the title by a single point, rendering
Man Utd’s own 4-0 win over Stoke City
19- Burnley v
Nottingham Forest academic. Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues then
(Relagation Battle)
went on to complete their first league
and cup double by winning the FA Cup.
ABOVE: in Italy but the situation in England, Spain,
Haaland with the
Premier League trophy
and Germany was very much a case of the
last year same old story. Last year did see some
FAR RIGHT: challenges to the supposed natural order
Chelsea winning it all of things though - and campaigns in all
in 2010
four countries have been noticeably more
FAR LEFT (OPPOSITE
PAGE): competitive, with a number of teams looking
The Gunners have to break the monopolies enjoyed by the
continued to challenge
this season likes of Manchester City, Real Madrid and
LEFT (OPPOSITE
Bayern Munich. As we reach the final weeks
PAGE): and months of the season, it is looking even
Liverpool have been
the real sensation in more likely that we will be seeing some title
the Premier League races going down to the wire and some new
this year
names being etched onto trophies. With
TOP (OPPOSITE
PAGE): more money being shared around in the top
Manchester City have leagues, the level of competition may finally
not had it all their own
way this season be increased - albeit among several equally
wealthy clubs.

Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove

Albion became the latest teenager since
Wayne Rooney in 2005 to score over
10 Premier League goals within a single
calendar year.

SOCCER360 9
 2024
TITLE
RACES

PREMIER LEAGUE

Many English football fans thought that Arsenal blew

their best chance to break the domination of Manchester
City in the Premier League last season. Still eight points
ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side at the start of April last
year, the Gunners collapsed at the end of the season to
meekly hand the title to City. But Arsenal look to have a
much stronger mentality this year and seem more than
up for the challenge. With the champions struggling at
times with injuries and performances, Mikel Arteta’s side
has been just one of the teams realistically challenging for
glory.
Arsenal may have beaten them at the beginning of
February, but Liverpool have been the real sensation in
the Premier League this year. Jürgen Klopp announcing
his imminent departure from the club was only the latest
in a string of galvanising moments that have seen the
Anfield club playing some of the best football in the
country. Having finished outside the Champions League
in 2022-23 and revamped the squad over the summer,
Klopp will be determined to end his reign with a second
league title.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is among This Premier League

the 43 players to have been campaign is averaging 3.16
sent off this season. Since the goals per game, no Premier
start of the 2009-10 season, League season has finished
Arsenal have been shown with a higher average than
more red cards (48) than any the last one: 2022-23, where
other Premier League side. the average was 2.85 goals
per game. If the pace of goals
continues we will see back to
back historic seasons.
TOP:
Jayden Danns of
Liverpool celebrates
his second goal in one
match. While the expected challenge from Newcastle United
has not materialised, other clubs - like Aston Villa and
Tottenham - have joined Manchester City to make this
year’s Premier League title race the most open in recent
memory.
It is inevitable that most of those clubs will fall away
from the race at the top as the weeks go on but it does
seem as though there will be at least two clubs battling
it out until the final day of the season - and that might
not even include Man City, the team that has lifted the
Premier League trophy in five of the last six campaigns.
Still, the defending champions remain the favourites
due to their recent supremacy and how relentless they
continue to be in pursuit of success.

Newcastle United made history by

having eight different players score in
their 8-0 victory over Sheffield United,
marking both Newcastle’s largest
away win and Sheffield United’s most
substantial league defeat.

10 SOCCER360
 2024
TITLE
RACES

WORDS DEREK ROSS

like Jurgen Klopp. I like his German than a blindfold at a swingers party! Not
accent where vowels waltz with surprisingly the anoraks that pervade every
consonants in a choreographed sport are suddenly reaching for their Opta
cacophony. And that smile. Those
KLOPP’S TROPHY CABINET. stats like the rest of us reach for a Kleenex
gleaming sentinels of the oral citadel An FA Cup. A League Cup, Charity Shield, a during winter! Opta’s predictor is giving
that harbour each lustrous grin. Sadly Premier League title, a Champions League Liverpool a 5.2% probability of beating City
and in many cases, heartbreakingly, title. The Super Cup, and a Club World Cup. to the title. Personally I don’t do predictive
Liverpool supporters are preparing And he’s not finished yet. Liverpool are not stats, purely because I have personally
themselves for that period of funereal just favourites to pip city to the league title. predicted many times they’ll be proven
grief that will arrive come the end They are favourites to lift the Carabao cup wrong and was proven right. Am I in the
of the season. Maybe the tempest final again, The Europa League and The FA wrong job?
of sorrow shrouded in a cloak of Cup. If he achieves this then his own statue
desolation might be tempered by the may well replace that of the Fab Four as the WILL KLOPP DELIVER THE TITLE?
club lifting the Premier League title for a most iconic lump of bronze in the city? So the question is will Klopp and Liverpool
record equalling twentieth occasion.
do it? Will Klopp ride into the sunset a
TIME TO BLOW THE WHISTLE. Premier League champion once more
CAN HE DERAIL CITY ONE leaving Pep to cry into his tapas? It all
MORE TIME? Anyway. The great man has announced
TOP:
Jurgen Klopp on the sounds like the perfect end to a beautiful
that one of the reasons he’s hanging up his touchline for Liverpool
As Jurgen Klopp commences the time Merseyside romance. But in the real world
tracksuit is because he’s beginning to feel many beautiful romances disintegrate into
honoured ritual of clearing out his desk
rather short on energy which makes you an enshrouded nebulous haze entwined in
for his eventual successor he is the one
wonder what the hell it is that Pep Guardiola a delicate dance of melancholy! In other
manager who can assert through that wide
is drinking!! Maybe he wants to live his life in words no. You see, Arsenal will falter
Colgate crusted, ivory smile that only his
a slower lane. Time in the garden. Moonlight because they lack a world class striker that
Liverpool have been able to find the answer
walks along the beach with her indoors. will win them enough of the big fixtures on
to that often repeated refrain, ‘Who can
More quality time with the family and his the horizon. Liverpool are brilliant and have
stop Manchester City.’ Indeed without that
beloved dog. Basically all of the things that been for almost all of Klopp’s time at the
dark cloak of the umbral spectre which
essentially guarantee a return to a dugout in club. But, and I hate to use this whisper of
resides in the Eithad Stadium, Klopp would
approximately six months from now? contradiction where paradoxes intertwine
probably have at least another three premier
and diverge, they don’t have Mr Haaland,
league titles to add to his tally. His team has
THE FINAL RUN IN. Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva or Rodri
achieved ninety-two plus points in three of
the past five campaigns. That he has but But in all matters football, Jurgen and his et al. Moreover this moment of the season
one title to show for it emphasises just how Premier League buddy, Pep Guardiola is meat and gravy to team whose arm’s
high City continue to raise the bar. Maybe have produced some of the most continue to ache from the constant lifting of
it’s just too much to keep having to scale scintillating, high quality title races in silverware. Klopp will not depart trophyless
new heights? But he will leave behind him recent times, and Liverpool’s pushing of this season that is a certainty. But City are
enough silverware to leave his successor City all the way this season could see Klopp primed to make his last day at the office a
requiring adequate stocks of elbow grease delivering the perfect parting gift to his cadence of lamentation woven with threads
along with the deep heat. adoring fans. However, we shouldn’t forget of sorrow and probably quite a bit of
that Arsenal also remain well in this title profanity!!
race, so we can rest assured that as the
three current leading horses approach the
finishing line things promise to get tighter

SOCCER360 11
 2024
TITLE
RACES
‘SERIE A HAS
NOW TURNED
INTO ONE OF
THE MORE
UNPREDICTABLE
LEAGUES IN
EUROPE’

Lautaro Martínez joined

the elite ranks of Inter
Milan, becoming the
third player to net at
least 20 goals for three
consecutive Serie A
SERIE A seasons, a feat previously
achieved by legends
After years of Juventus winning Giuseppe Meazza and
the Italian league title, last Stefano Nyers.
season saw an exhilarating
Napoli side taking on all
comers and eventually finishing
top of Serie A by quite a
LEFT:
margin. However, both Milan SSC Napoli’s Nigerian
forward Victor
clubs had also celebrated Osimhen looks on
winning the Scudetto in
previous years, suggesting that
Italy was going to be the first
of the big European leagues to
become more competitive.
That being said, Napoli’s
triumph was the first time that
we have not had a champion
from either Turin or Milan for 21
years. Serie A is still a league
of haves and have-nots - but at
least there seems to be more
competition between the major
players now.

Felipe Anderson marked his return to

Lazio by playing in 100 consecutive
Serie A matches since the 2021/22
season, making him the sole player to
appear in every match across the last
three campaigns.

12 SOCCER360
 A CANADIAN
IMPORTANT
FIXTURES
IN ITALY
Dan Roberts looks into how Tajon Buchanan made history by
becoming the first Canadian to ever play in Italy’s Serie A.

MARCH

17- Inter Milan v Napoli

Canada has been enjoying a purple patch recently
30- Napoli v Atalanta when it comes to football. After decades of their
30- Cagliari v Verona near-neighbours the United States taking all the
(Relagation Battle)
regional plaudits and producing players who
APRIL have played for some of the biggest clubs in the
There had been some
7- AS Roma v Lazio world, Canada has been able to shine and make
(Rome Derby) consternation in Italy about
a name for itself. Canadian internationals have
how poorly their clubs had
7- Juventus v been performing at the highest level in Europe
Fiorentina performed in European
for a while now but Tajon Buchanan is the first to
competition in recent
14- Torino v Juventus ever play in Serie A, after signing for Inter at the
(Derby della Mole) years, so the resurgence of
beginning of January. Following this exciting move
21- AC Milan v Inter the Milan clubs - alongside
Milan
to Simone Inzaghi’s title hopefuls, he now looks set
Napoli’s dramatic return on
(Milano Derby) to develop even further what has long promised to
the domestic stage – was
21- AS Roma v Bologna be a stellar career.
seen as a good sign. That
A Brampton, Ontario native, Buchanan moved
28- Napoli v As Roma could change again with
to Colorado as a teenager to pursue a career in
28- Juventus v AC new restrictions being
Milan football and ended up being taken ninth overall
brought in by the Italian
in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft by the New England
MAY authorities in the next few
Revolution. In just two seasons he performed well
5- AS Roma v Juventus years. But, for now, Serie A
enough to be nominated for the All-Star Game
is tough to predict. Napoli,
12- Napoli v Bologna and earned a move to Europe at Belgian side Club
as mentioned, have been
5- Empoli v Frosinone Brugge.
(Relagation Battle) a shadow of last season’s
He played almost 70 times for Club Brugge and
side, but it is Inter that
12- Atalanta v AS Roma continued his appearances for the Canada national
have looked outstanding
19- Fiorentina v Napoli team, including at the most recent World Cup
this year, alongside a
finals in Qatar. It was his performances there for
19- Bologna v Juventus Juventus team that was
the national side that first alerted Inter to his ability
19- Sassuolo v Cagliari not expected to be able to
(Relagation Battle)
and they were able to fend off the interests of a
challenge for the title. Add
number of other clubs, including some from the
AC Milan into that mix and
Premier League, to sign the exciting young player.
Serie A has now turned Hakan Çalhanoglu
Now Buchanan has the chance to prove himself on
OPPOSITE TOP: into one of the more overtook Sükrü Gülesin as
Lautaro Martinez’s a whole new stage and continue the meteoric rise
goals have given unpredictable leagues in the highest Turkish scorer
Inter a real chance of
of Canadian football.
another scudetto
Europe. The Rossoneri look in Serie A history with 40
too inconsistent to repeat goals this season.
FAR RIGHT:
Inter Milan’s Canadian
midfielder #17 Tajon
Buchanan

TOP:
Daniele Rugani of
Juventus celebrates in
front of fans following
the final whistle of
A Serie A match at
Allianz Stadium.

their Scudetto of a couple of years

ago but Inter and Juventus seem
set to battle it out until the end of
the season. Inter have led the way
from the start and their firepower
makes them the frontrunners, but
Massimiliano Allegri and the Old
Lady cannot be ruled out.

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan

distinguished himself by
providing at least one assist
in each of the past three
Serie A seasons, the most for
a goalkeeper since 2004/05.

SOCCER360 13
 2024
TITLE
RACES Atlético Madrid’s Antoine
Griezmann surpassed Lionel Messi
in La Liga appearances during
a draw with Madrid, becoming
the foreign player with the most
league appearances ever.

‘ EVEN LA
LIGA HAS
CAUGHT THE
COMPETITIVE
BUG THIS
SEASON’

Barcelona have picked up 19 points

in the last 10 minutes of matches, and
on five occasions, they’ve scored the This season has seen a goals-per-
winning goal in stoppage time this game average of 2.64, the highest
season. Without those late goals, since the 2017-18 season, with Real
Barcelona would be in 9th place as of Madrid and Girona contributing
gameweek 25. the most to no surprise.

LA LIGA Real Madrid, Atletico, and Barcelona have all

filled the top spots for the majority of the
In La Liga, it has always been more of a ABOVE: campaign as usual, but a supposed minnow
duopoly, with the regional powerhouses of Vinicius Junior of Real has also entered the fray.
Madrid celebrates
Real Madrid and Barcelona duking it out a goal during the Girona may be owned by the City Football
La Liga EA Sports
for national supremacy. Atletico Madrid has 2023/24 football
Group, but they are nowhere near the level
made incursions into the battle in the last match between Real of stable mates compared to Manchester
Madrid vs Girona
few years - and become more of a major Madrid City and really don’t have any right
player again - but it has generally been a to be challenging for the title. But the
LEFT:
question of which of the big two would be Girona have the performances shown by the players have
opportunity to cause a
named champions. major shock in La Liga been rightly lauded this year - without
Barca’s financial situation and any end to their victories in sight. With
mismanagement had been a problem for everyone expecting the plucky outsiders
a few years but Xavi was able to inspire to fall away as the months went on, Girona
his team to a 27th La Liga title last season have continued to play the same way and,
and it looked like the onus would be on more importantly, get results. By the end of
Carlo Ancelotti to balance the books with January, they had only lost one game - to
Real Madrid this term. But even La Liga has Real Madrid - and had managed to beat
caught the competitive bug this season. Barcelona 4-2 in the Camp Nou. Even now

14 SOCCER360
 After the emphatic 4-0
win over Girona, Jude

IMPORTANT
Bellingham became
the first Real Madrid

FIXTURES
midfielder in the 21st
century to score more
than 15 goals in a single
La Liga with many
MARCH games still left in the
17- Atletico Madrid v season to play
Barcelona

31- Real Madrid v

Athletic Club

31- Girona v Real Betis

31- Cadiz v Granada

(Relagation Battle)

APRIL
Dan Roberts wonders whether Girona can cause one of the biggest upsets
14- Atletico Madrid v
Girona in recent European football history and win the La Liga title this season.

21- Real Madrid v

Real Betis’ Assane
Barcelona Diao became
(El Clasico)
the youngest at
28- Atletico Madrid v 18 years and 24
Athletic Club
days to score in
28- Real Betis v Sevilla
(Seville Derby)
his initial two
La Liga starts
28- Cadiz v Mallorca
(Relagation Battle) on 1 October,
MAY
surpassing
Athletic Bilbao’s
5- Girona v Barcelona
Markel Susaeta’s
12- Barcelona v Real record from 2007.
Sociedad

18- Real Betis v Real

Sociedad

26- Real Madrid v Real

Betis

26- Real Sociedad v

Atletico Madrid

It has been 20 years since any other

team apart from Real Madrid, Barcelona,
or Atletico Madrid has won the Spanish
league title. It was Valencia who claimed
that honour, their 2003-04 triumph
coming just two years after their
previous one. It heralded the end of a
hugely successful period for the club
under the guidance of Rafael Benitez,
winning European and domestic titles
most years for a while. It also brought
in another era of Madrid and Barcelona
dominance - but is that about to change?
Girona have spent much of their
existence scrapping away in the lower
levels of Spanish football and only
played in La Liga for the first time ever
in 2017. It is perhaps not a surprise to
ABOVE: learn that 2017 was also the year that
Viktor Tsygankov of
Girona FC celebrates City Football Group - the company that
LEFT:
also owns Manchester City and a host of
Robert Lewandowski other clubs around the world - took over
(FC Barcelona)
celebrates after at Girona. The last few years have seen
scoring his team’s
first goal during the
the club bounce around between the
La Liga EA Sports top two tiers but this season the team
between FC Barcelona
and Girona FC from the north-east of Spain has played
beyond all expectations and has been
able to keep up a title challenge into the
the naysayers are counting Girona out of start of the year.
being able to claim what would be the It has been far from a fluke too, with
most unexpected La Liga title in decades. an exciting attacking style overcoming
With 11 matchdays remaining, the
This, after all, is a club whose honours list everyone aside from Real Madrid so
Opta supercomputer predicted a
extends as far as a second-tier title almost far. New big-name arrivals, such as the
97.5% chance for Real Madrid to
20 years ago and a solitary regional trophy. experienced Daley Blind, have helped
win the title, a significant increase
On paper, their squad doesn’t even compare. but Girona will still be cheered on as
from their preseason projection
The money from their owners has obviously the underdog as the season goes on.
of 45%
helped but this is still a club that has no right A season that might just have a real
to be worrying Real Madrid and Barcelona at fairytale ending.
this late stage of the season.

SOCCER360 15
 2024
TITLE
RACES

‘THE LEVEL OF
COMPETITION
MAY FINALLY
BE BEING
Thomas Müller’s goal on the ninth
matchday made him the only
Bayern player to score across 15
consecutive seasons and to play in

INCREASED -
16 different seasons for the club.

ALBEIT AMONG
Ludovic Ajorque of Mainz
experienced a unique misfortune
by missing two penalties in one
match against Union Berlin, a
Bundesliga first.

Harry Kane scored two goals in

the game against Stuttgart on A NUMBER
OF EQUALLY
matchday 15, his second making
him the quickest player to reach
20 Bundesliga goals. The England
international has reached the

WEALTHY
landmark in just 14 games – that’s
seven fewer matches than the
previous record holder, Uwe Seeler.

CLUBS’
BUNDESLIGA challenge as they have been able to do in
recent years. But two more unlikely sides
Bayern Munich have won the last 11 ABOVE: have taken up the mantle. The Bundesliga
Bundesliga titles. Die Roten have 33 national Will Bayern Munich’s has historically seen Bayern troubled for
grip on the Bundesliga
championships in all - 24 more than anyone title be coming to a while each year by a less fancied team
else - and it is fair to say that they are an end?
before forging ahead at the top. Stuttgart
by far the biggest and most successful have surprised everyone by challenging near
club in Germany. In recent years, Borussia the top, but Bayer Leverkusen have gone
Dortmund and, to a lesser extent, RB one better by leading the table for most of
Leipzig have given their best at breaking the the season and proving nearly impossible
monopoly Bayern have on the Bundesliga to beat.
- but not to any great success. Last season Much of that success has been put down to
looked as though Dortmund would finally the arrival of Xabi Alonso as head coach.
end Bayern’s record-breaking streak. But The former Liverpool and Real Madrid
a calamity of errors on the final day of the midfielder has taken his tactical genius as a
season saw the trophy heading south to player onto the sidelines with consummate
Bavaria once again. ease and is now in charge of one of the most
Dortmund have been largely out of sorts attractive teams in Europe to watch, turning
this year, with Leipzig also struggling to Leverkusen around in double quick time.

16 SOCCER360
IMPORTANT
FIXTURES
MARCH

17- Borussia Dortmund

v Eintracht Frankfurt Dan Roberts looks into how Bayer Leverkusen fans have every right to be
cautious about getting carried away with the club’s success this season.
30- Bayern Munich v
Borussia Dortmund
(Der Klassiker)

30- Augsburg v Koln

(Relagation Battle)

APRIL

6- Borussia Dortmund
v VfB Stuttgart

6- SC Frieburg v RB
Leipzig
Bayer Leverkusen beat the record by going 33
13- VfB Stuttgart v competitive games without a loss, Cancelling
Eintracht Frankfurt
out Bayern Munich’s record under Hansi Flick
13- Borussia
Mönchengladbach v
from the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
Borussia Dortmund
(Borussen Derby)

20- Borussia Dortmund

v Bayer Leverkusen

27- Bayern Munich v

Eintracht Frankfurt

27- Bayer Leverkusen v

VfB Stuttgart The story of the Bundesliga has been a
27- RB Leipzig v familiar one in recent seasons. Bayern
Borussia Dortmund
Munich will look to be in trouble and
MAY fans everywhere will wonder whether
4- VfB Stuttgart v this will be the year that Dortmund, RB
Bayern Munich
Leipzig, or one of the other big teams
4- Eintracht Frankfurt v in Germany will finally break the run of
Bayer Leverkusen
Bavarian success. Every year the tale
18- Eintracht Frankfurt ends the same way - with the club from
v RB Leipzig
Munich celebrating another title. This
year Bayer Leverkusen has been the one
to take up the mantle. But we have been
here before.
Owned by a pharmaceutical company,
ABOVE: Leverkusen have never been a popular
Bayer Leverkusen
doing what they’ve club in Germany. But that has allowed
been doing alot of
lately- celebrating them to sign some very good players
- players that went so close to winning
LEFT:
Xabi Alonso has silverware during the years from 1997 to
been credited with
changing the way
2002, but never quite made it.
Leverkusen play and In that period, Leverkusen finished as
turning them into real
challengers. Alonso is runners-up on four occasions, often
also shown playing for being in a seemingly unbeatable position
Bayern
with just games to go. In 2002 they even
BELOW:
There have been a total of Nine hat-tricks scored over the Victor Boniface managed to lose out on the Bundesliga,
first 25 games of the seasons, which is already five more the German Cup, and the Champions
than the whole of the 2022/23 season. Kevin Behrens League in the space of just 11 days. That
became the first player to score a hat-trick of headers on kind of heartbreak and anguish allowed
Matchday 1. the media and opposing fans to dub the
club ‘Neverkusen’. It is no wonder that
the prospect of a first-ever Bundesliga
title this year is starting to make
Leverkusen fans very anxious.
Alonso came in from Real Sociedad in
October 2022 with the aim of keeping the
generally unloved Leverkusen in the top tier.
He not only achieved that but also managed
FC Bayern Munich set a new to get them to qualify for the Europa League
Bundesliga streak by scoring in - and the success has continued this season.
65 consecutive home matches, Die Werkself are the real deal, and are truly
surpassing their previous record looking like a side capable of dethroning
set between 1970-1974, only to Thomas Tuchel’s perennial champions.
see the streak end after failing to Seasoned Bundesliga watchers would tell
score against Werder Bremen the you that you should never count Bayern
following game. out, as they always have a way of coming
through at the end. But could this be the
year that that incredible title-winning run is
finally ended?

SOCCER360 17
 2024
TITLE
RACES

WORDS DEREK ROSS

hoever player it is mirthful castigation would be certain to rain

that attracts your down on me faster than a Harry Maguire
weekly adoration defensive error!
you would need to ABOVE: But there must be something going on
Harry Kane of Munich
have a petrified heart, (l) and Benjamin somewhere among the ethereal clouds in
Henrichs of Leipzig
devoid of any warmth fight for the ball. the footballing heavens? As if the man
and impervious to hasn’t suffered enough from accusations of
LEFT:
the tender whispers Harry Kane celebrates trophy dodging, we now learn of a missing
for England
of empathy not to statue of the great man commissioned
feel some kind of by Waltham Forest Council back in 2019.
pity for Harry Kane. Apparently, it depicted a life-sized Kane
Despite the England sitting on a bench, not something he’s ever
captain, being both his been accustomed to, and was planned
countries’ and Tottenham Hotspur’s greatest to be erected at Chingford Overground
ever goal scorer he finds himself on the Station where Kane was brought up. The
end of the ongoing accusations of being a £7,200 statue has lain in the council building
failure in the silverware department. I have during the intervening years becoming as
been mulling this over for some considerable anonymous as Eric Dier in a back four.
time and, was somewhat reticent to share
this revelation in the certain knowledge that

18 SOCCER360
IS HARRY KANE CURSED?
Anyway, my musings have led me to pose THOMAS TUCEL BINNED.
this question. Is Harry Kane experiencing
Karma for the sins he must have committed The Bayern hierarchy might be willing to
in a previous life? Honestly, the man who overlook certain blips during their usual
would struggle to win first prize in a one- waltz towards another title. However, losing
ticketed raffle has suddenly found himself to lowly Bochum while Bayer Leverkusen
in the middle of a footballing maelstrom move ever closer to stealing the king’s
that’s usually reserved for anywhere Jose clothes is not one of them. Unsurprisingly
Mourhino works! Kane, finally fed up with Thomas Tuchel has been binned after that
life as a serial runner-up at Tottenham, defeat, and for falling eight points behind
jettisoned his spiritual home to alight upon their main rivals, as well as the team’s pallid
Bayern Munich, Germany’s very own silver performances in this season’s Champions
mine with eleven consecutive Bundesliga League. More surprisingly however is
Titles. The twelfth would be a cinch. A that Tuchel is to remain in charge for the
German Cup, and a more than even chance remainder of the season. I can only surmise
of Champions League glory. Kane’s trophy that such a decision has been made to
itch would finally be scratched. The doubters ensure that Bayern can squeeze every last
and petty begrudgers would be silenced. drop of dressing room disharmony out of
And then…

SOCCER360 19
 2024
TITLE
RACES

him. Personally, I don’t know anyone who

would allow the person who trashed their
home to sleep in the spare room!
And yet, in the midst of this inexplicable
chaos, the England captain continues to
score with the regularity of a lothario in
a night club! Sadly, the coveted trophy
collection that Kane so desperately covets
appears to be fast disappearing over the any acclaim really ever be mentioned in the
German horizon! same breath as the likes of Maradona, Pele,
Messi and Ronaldo or any of those other
CAN KANE BE LABELLED A TRUE eternal legends who amassed vast arrays of
LEGEND WITHOUT A TROPHY? trophies throughout their careers bathing
in the bouquet of resplendent triumph,
ABOVE: Which brings us to the burning conundrum suffusing the senses with an ineffable allure goals in all competitions in a single season,
Harry Kane and
Canadian Alphonso in respect of Harry Kane. Can he be a true that lingers in the soul long after the battle is which stands as the second highest in
Davies legend of the game without a winner’s won? I would say yes. In my view, Harry Kane English football history, behind the great
RIGHT: trophy to his name? Through the ages, the status as a great player is not diminished in Dixie Dean. For England, Camsell scored
Harry Kane is
collecting hardware great players have usually been measured by any way due to his failure, to date, to land a 18 goals in 9 games, averaging two goals
everywhere he goes the number of trophies they have managed major trophy. Indeed, he is a member of that every game, which remains a record.
to win. However, this simple analysis ignores small but exclusive and niche collection of Camsell never won a single trophy. And to
the fact that this is not the best way to legends for whom silverware has proved to round off on this particular track Sir Les
gauge any player’s ability. On the converse be as elusive as Lord Lucan! Ferdinand scored 149 Premier League goals,
side of this coin are those players who have making him the eighth highest scorer in the
lifted many trophies while those who have OTHER LEGENDS WITHOUT A competition’s history. Unfortunately, his goal
witnessed such unexpected triumphs could TROPHY TO THEIR NAME. scoring prowess never won him a trophy of
only raise their eyebrows. Jose Bosingwa, any description. So, there you go. I could
Djimi Traore, David May and Jesper Blmqvist Socrates, the Brazilian midfield maestro throw in Giuseppe Signori, or Jimmy Floyd
and a few more. Champions League winners should have won the 1982 World Cup with Hasselbank but I think we need not labour
all. Great players? Erm … NO. Brazil but didn’t. He never won any league the point any further.
In that context I think we could all agree title of any note either. Matthew Le Tissier,
that greatness and legendary status or God as the Southampton fans referred to ITS NOT OVER.
need not necessarily be conferred by the him, was rightly lauded as one of the most
accumulation of precious metal. If one skilful players of his generation couldn’t Kane’s brilliant career isn’t done yet. The
considers, for example, the Oscars. There is a win an argument. The football aficionados Euro’s beckon this summer. England are
veritable roll call of legends who have never among you will recall the great Tom Finney’s among the favourites and another golden
heard their name at the very of the sentence, religious loyalty to Preston North End which boot would look very nice next to a winner’s
… ‘And the winner of this year’s Oscar is…’ resulted in never winning him a major trophy. medal on his mantelpiece. Maybe, Daniel
Robert Redford, John Travolta, Marilyn One of the greatest goalscorers in English, Levy will trigger the buyback clause and
Monroe, James Dean and Richard Burton and indeed, world football history, is one bring Kane back to his spiritual home where
to name but a few of those acting giants George Camsell. George holds the record he will surely smash Alan Shearer’s premier
who never became acquainted with film for the highest goals to game ratio for the league goal scoring record and maybe
making’s ultimate accolade. None of them England national team. This legend spent bring the Postecoglu revolution to a career
are any less great because of it. That being almost his entire career with Middlesbrough, defining crescendo. Whether any of this or
said, can a player who has won nothing of and once scored 59 league goals and 63 none of it happens. Kane is a genuine great
of the game and a legend.

20 SOCCER360
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 INTERVIEW
WITH
MARK
FLEKKEN

BRENTFORD AND DUTCH INTERNATIONAL

GOALKEEPER MARK FLEKKEN MOVED TO THE
PREMIER LEAGUE LAST SUMMER, FILLING THE VOID
LEFT BY DAVID RAYA’S LOAN MOVE TO ARSENAL.
AFTER LEARNING HIS TRADE IN GERMANY
WITH ALEMANNIA AACHEN, GREUTHER FÜRTH,
DUISBURG AND FREIBURG. LOOKS LIKE HE’S
READY TO MAKE HIS MARK IN THE EPL.

WORDS MATTHEW RICE

“THEY WERE
BIG SHOES
TO FILL THE
MOMENT HE
The goalkeeper admits he learnt to play so LEFT AND THE
MOMENT THEY
impressively with his feet during his time in
the academy at Roda in his native Holland,
a skill he would later come to be renowned
for and which attracted English top-flight

WANTED ME
Brentford to him in the summer of 2023.

TO COME IN.”
22 SOCCER360
 INTERVIEW
WITH
MARK

“I’M JUST GOING FLEKKEN

TO CONTINUE
You’ve said you found it hard to adjust to
English football. After making 12 saves
against Manchester City in the recent 3-1

DOING WHAT I
defeat, do you feel you have “arrived” now?
The moment I got here I was like, “I’m just
going to continue doing what I was doing
the last few years and it should be good” but

WAS DOING THE

during pre-season I noticed I had to step up
my game a lot to get along and get used to
the Premier League, the new team and the
playing style at this club. I underestimated

LAST FEW YEARS

that change and wouldn’t have thought I
would need that amount of time to get used
to everything around me on and off the
pitch, a big change with the family. I was in

AND IT SHOULD
Germany for so many years that there were
a lot of things you were used to. Changing
countries is not that easy. I’m happy to say I
feel I’ve found my place right now.

Goalkeeping has changed hugely in recent

years. Was playing out from the back
always in your blood?
The demands for a keeper are no longer
staying on your line and kicking the ball out,
there are so many more things to do. I grew
BE GOOD”
up with it in the academy at Roda JC and
as keepers there we had to participate in
the technical training, doing stepovers and
things like that.

Have you always had the confidence to put

your foot on the ball and look attackers in
the eye?
In 2009, Flekken crossed the border from
It’s grown over the years, a mixture of having
Holland into Germany, where he spent 14 years
the balls to play out from the back, knowing
playing for Alemannia Aachen, Greuther Fürth,
what you can do without overestimating
Duisburg and Freiburg before making his
over your own abilities. But it’s not only
move to England. He was a DFB-Pokal runner-
about that - I don’t need to just play the ball,
up with Freiburg in 2022. It was the 2021-2
it has to be efficient. The player I’m passing
season which established him as Freiburg’s
to has to have at least two options himself.
No.1, during a run of ten matches unbeaten.
You have to find the right solutions. It’s nice
to play smooth but it’s all about finding the
right balance.

But do you detect a nervousness among Did you watch videos of your predecessor
fans when you are attempting to play out in Raya’s style of play?
tight situations? They showed me some footage because
Yeah, of course, sometimes you hear from it contained the way they wanted to play
behind: “Kick it out!”. They have to know we but the difference between David and
train stuff like that, the manager demands me is in his passing he is a little bit more
things like that from us, playing out from the smooth than me. They were big shoes to fill
back with a certain amount of risk and for the moment he left and the moment they
me it’s about balancing the risk and reward. wanted me to come in. It hasn’t been easy
but that’s the challenge I signed up for and
What was behind the move to the Bees and it’s up to me to get through that challenge.
how have you found the difference to the
Bundesliga? How much of a relief has it been to have
It all fitted well together, the conversations your main striker Ivan Toney back from his
before I moved to Brentford. They have betting ban?
shown me a lot of footage where I could I have to be honest - Neal Maupay is not
see myself playing with them. There is a doing too badly! We have two goalscoring
difference between the leagues and the OPPOSITE PAGE: strikers up front right now, with Neal having
Mark Flekken looks
biggest one is if you try to build out from to make his mark in a real good run, but Ivan gives a dimension
the back and there is one mistake, you get the EPL to our whole build-up play. He’s the kind of
punished by 15/16 teams here. In Germany, if TOP: striker who can flick a ball into space if you
Mark Flekken of
you do that, you get punished by five, six or Brentford celebrates
kick it long. It mixes up your own game and
seven teams. after his side scores you have a few more options. One long ball
a goal to make it 2-1
scoring a goal during can be enough to score a goal.
Do you get less time on the ball in England? the Premier League
match between
Not necessarily. It depends who you’re Brentford and Will you stay up this season?
Nottingham Forest
playing against. Some teams wait for the Yeah, definitely. We have the quality in the
pass to put pressure on the receiver. You can LEFT: team to do that. We just have to put the
Flekken confident in
choose to go long and when you have a guy Brentford threads hard work in and minimise the errors we’re
like Ivan Toney it is a little bit easier. making at the moment.

SOCCER360 23
 ROMA
SPOTLIGHT

IN JANUARY 2024 ROMA SACKED POPULAR

YET OUTSPOKEN COACH JOSE MOURINHO
AND REPLACED HIM WITH CLUB LEGEND
DANIELE DE ROSSI AS THEY LOOK TO
IMPROVE THEIR SERIE A STATUS. STEPHEN
KASIEWICZ EXPLORES THE SERIES OF
EVENTS, AND THE STORY OF THE FRIEDKIN
GROUP’S OWNERSHIP.

he billionaire owners of Roma city rivals Lazio in mid-January, the veteran wins in 17 games in Italy’s second tier in his
cancelled the Jose Mourinho tactician was stunningly removed from his first job as a professional coach last season.
show when they sacked the position before things deteriorated further. De Rossi’s inexperience was clearly not an
‘Special One’ after a turbulent Mourinho’s volatile touchline behaviour issue for the Friedkin family, although the
two and a half years in coupled with a litany of outbursts and 40-year-old was only handed the reins until
charge. complaints proved too much for owners the conclusion of the current campaign.
The Friedkin Group, who Dan and Ryan Friedkin, with the increasing It’s quite a stretch, if not a fanciful notion, to
invested nearly $700 million possibility of missing out on millions in suggest that De Rossi will come anywhere
to take control of the Italian potential European revenue next term also near matching Mourinho’s achievements
giants in August 2020, prompting the pair to pull the trigger before at Roma. It appears as if he is only a mere
regained centre stage from it was too late. stopgap as the Freidkins ponder the pros
the plain-spoken Portuguese The Friedkins sought to shift the spotlight and cons of bringing in another high-profile
by relieving him of his duties away from Mourinho’s departure as they name to the Italian capital.
as the Giallorossi plummeted installed legendary ex-Roma midfielder ABOVE: Mourinho remains one of the most
down the Serie A table. Adrift of the Daniele De Rossi as his replacement. It was Leandro Paredes of AS successful European coaches in the last
Roma celebrates with
European spots in ninth position and an unexpected and surprising move as the Stephan El Shaarawy two decades and has never been shy about
after scoring
dumped out of the Coppa Italia by bitter World Cup winner guided SPAL to just three detailing his past triumphs. Always candid

24 SOCCER360
 MOURINHO -
WHAT NEXT?
Following his sacking by Roma, Stephen
Kasiewicz asks where Jose Mourinho’s
managerial career will lead him next.

Just days before his Roma dismissal

Jose Mourinho likened himself to Harry
Potter. Despite the success he’s achieved
in the past 20 years and constant
personal reminders about the depth of
RIGHT: his trophy cabinet, the self-proclaimed
Roma’s Belgian
goalkeeper Mile ‘Special One’ will have to muster up all
Svilar controls the
ball during the Serie
his magical football powers to conjure
A football match up a new job at a leading club in any of
between Frosinone
Calcio vs AS Roma Europe’s top five leagues.
It might take some convincing for a
BELOW:
The Friedkins have coach that appears to be past his prime.
invested millions of
dollars into Roma
Giallorossi owners Dan and Ryan Friedkin
but are yet to see a became tired of Mourinho’s pointedly
serious return
controversial statements, exaggerated
BOTTOM:
Mourinho was a
off-field antics and repeatedly poor
volatile presence on results in Serie A. European success
the touchline
notwithstanding, the forthright tactician
had become more of a liability than an
asset in the Italian capital and his stock
was firmly on the decline.
A third sacking in a little over five years,
after distinctly underwhelming stints
at Manchester United and Tottenham
Hotspur, suggests that despite his
stature and numerous past successes
there is a growing groundswell of
opinion that the Portuguese is no longer
considered an elite manager.
Regardless of his unimpressive recent
record there are likely to be plenty of
suitors for the 61-year-old. His name, if
nothing else, still has box office appeal.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis
ruled out the possibility of Mourinho
moving to the Partenopei at the end of
the season, while a sensational return
to Old Trafford was one of several
fantastical rumours in the aftermath of
his Roma departure.
Mourinho reportedly rejected a lucrative
deal to coach Al Shabab in the Saudi
Pro League but the Middle East seems a
more realistic destination than a return
to the English top-flight.
Although club management would
appear to be the preference of the
former Chelsea, Inter and Real Madrid
coach, a national team position cannot
be ruled out.
Mourinho turned down an offer from
Portugal in the past and could be
tempted if the top job in his home
country becomes available again.

SOCCER360 25
 ROMA
SPOTLIGHT
and controversial, the Portuguese coach
led Roma to a first trophy in 14 years when
the club from the Eternal City claimed the
inaugural Europa Conference League in
2021-22. While it was jealously dismissed as
a third-rate competition by rivals it marked
a rare success for a club that has frequently
finished runners-up in Serie A over the last
20 years.
The Friedkin family appointed Mourinho in
the summer of 2021 and backed him to the
hilt by shelling out more than $100m on
transfers.
Striker Tammy Abraham and goalkeeper

“THE MOURINHO
Rui Patricio were amongst a host of players
recruited as the Roma tifosi embraced
everything about their larger than life coach,

ERA WILL BE ALL who was still revered in Italy for his Serie
A and European supremacy as Inter boss
between 2008 and 2010.

BUT FORGOTTEN
LEFT:
Jose Mourinho was
dismissed after poor
The Portuguese drove around the club’s
Serie A results and a Trigoria training ground on a Vespa scooter
series of outbursts

IF DE ROSSI
and tucked into pizza on a train journey after
BOTTOM: Roma thrashed Salernitana. Fans flocked
Romelu Lukaku of AS
Roma looks on during to Stadio Olimpico and eventually set a
the Serie A TIM match

CAN LEAD HIS

between Frosinone record of 40 straight sell-outs at the 70,000
Calcio and AS Roma capacity ground.
Yet the Giallorossi were never in title

BELOVED CLUB
contention and slumped to a disappointing
sixth placed finish as Mourinho frequently
lost his temper on the sidelines. He was sent

BACK TO THE
off in a home stalemate with Napoli after
protesting against officials and handed a
two-match touchline ban after being sent

PROMISED
to the stands and kicking the ball into the
crowd after a draw at Hellas Verona.
A stunning 6-1 Europa Conference League

LAND”
group stage reversal away to unfancied
Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt triggered
Mourinho into declaring his squad had real
limitations with only 13 players capable of

Romelu Lukaku received his first

red card in European top leagues
during a match against Fiorentina in
December, after an impressive 388
games without dismissal.

26 SOCCER360
 THE Stephen Kasiewicz looks
back at Daniele De Rossi’s

DE ROSSI
playing career with Roma.

DIARIES
A brief final sojourn at Boca Juniors
excluded Daniele De Rossi from a place
in the exclusive one player club, yet
his status as a bona fide Roma legend
is unequivocal with only the iconic
Francesco Totti playing more games for
the Giallorossi. The combative midfielder
spent 18 seasons in the Italian capital and
made a total of 616 appearances for his
hometown club.

“DE ROSSI WON’T

De Rossi will rightly be remembered
as one of greatest ever Roma players
alongside incomparable forward Totti -

BE FAZED BY THE
who played a staggering 783 times in the
yellow and red - and elegant playmaker
Giuseppe Giannini.

HIGHLY PRESSURISED
If success is strictly defined by trophies
his Giallorossi career can seem
misleadingly unfulfilled. Back-to-back

ENVIRONMENT OR
Coppa Italia victories in 2007 and 2008,
and a Supercoppa Italiana triumph
in 2007, don’t tell the full story of an

LOFTY EXPECTATIONS
inspirational leader.
Fabio Capello gave the versatile
midfielder his debut in the season after

OF LEADING HIS
Roma clinched a memorable third
Serie A title. De Rossi only featured in
a handful of matches in the 2001-02
campaign before becoming a mainstay

HOMETOWN CLUB”
three seasons later.
The Scudetto proved elusive as the 2006
World Cup winner was part of Roma
squads which finished league runners-up
no fewer than eight times. Under Claudio
Ranieri the capital club were edged out
by Inter and placed two points behind
Jose Mourinho’s treble winners in the
2009-10 term.
The Rome-born player never played
in the Champions League final, but
advanced to the last four of the
competition in his penultimate season
at the club, leading by example as Roma
mounted an epic comeback to defeat
playing at the required standard. However, wages as the Portuguese coach entered the Barcelona on away goals in April 2018
Roma bounced back to eliminate Bodo 2022-23 season. before losing out to Liverpool in the
TOP RIGHT: in the quarter-finals and went on to lift He remained an incredibly popular figure semi-finals. Known for his ferocious
Roma moved to
appoint club legend the trophy with a single goal win over despite playing a deeply unattractive drive and long distance shooting, De
Daniele De Rossi as
coach after sacking
Feyenoord in Tirana. brand of football which relied heavily on Rossi ended a memorable tenure in the
Jose Mourinho Deploying a pragmatic style which the individual talents of Italy attacking capital at the conclusion of the 2018-19
prioritised results, the Roma support midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini, Abraham and campaign.
welcomed silverware over entertainment Dybala. More European progress followed
as they basked in the club’s second ever as Roma again fell way behind the league
European title and immortalized Mourinho in leaders and placed a disappointing sixth
murals across the Italian capital. again.
Hampered by Financial Fair Play (FFP) Youth academy products Edoardo Bove
restrictions after posting staggering losses and Nicola Zalewski were handed significant
estimated at nearly $440 million between playing time as Mourinho voiced his
2020 and 2022 the Giallorossi were severely dissatisfaction at the lack of money to
restricted in the transfer market. Yet partly improve the squad. Unable to control his
due to the Mourinho effect they were still emotions, the former Chelsea, Inter and
able to entice Argentine playmaker Paulo Real Madrid tactician was given another
Dybala from Juventus and pay his high two-match ban after a sending off in a 2-1

SOCCER360 27
 ROMA
SPOTLIGHT

loss at bottom feeders Cremonese. But the rarely give interviews, but they can’t have Baldanzi’s signature was a clear signal of
low point came in the aftermath of Roma’s been thrilled with the club’s downward spiral intent, with the 20-year-old playmaker
second consecutive European final. as Mourinho attracted attention for all the considered one of the finest young talents of
Sevilla prevailed on penalties in a bad- wrong reasons before and after almost every his generation.
tempered clash to win the Europa League match. Only Champions League qualification will be
in Budapest as the outspoken one threw The American owners were no doubt acceptable in the modern-day money game.
a tantrum after the spot-kick defeat. He puzzled by the toxic combination of poor It seems like a tall order, but the gap to the
angrily aimed a profanity filled volley at results, an almost unwatchable playing style top four in Serie A is not insurmountable
English referee Anthony Taylor in the and an avalanche of unwanted publicity with lots of teams involved in the race. The
car park of the Puskas Arena. The bitter off the field. After forking out hundreds of Mourinho era will be all but forgotten if De
outburst made world headlines and further millions, and with a commitment to spend Rossi can lead his beloved club back to the
tarnished his reputation. It was a public more on a new stadium, letting Mourinho promised land in the next few months.
relations disaster and marked the beginning - and his reported $10m salary - go before
of the end before the 2023-24 campaign his contract expired was perhaps an easy
began. decision. The billionaire family knows they’ll
Despite continued FFP limitations never recoup their substantial investment
RIGHT:
the Giallorossi were able to pay a hefty but want to stop haemorrhaging money at Stephan El Shaarawy
loan fee for Romelu Lukaku as Mourinho the same time. of AS Roma

convinced the well-travelled forward to Meanwhile, Roma legend De Rossi won’t be BOTTOM: LEFT
return to Italy and choose Roma over a fazed by the highly pressurised environment Tommaso Baldanzi
of AS Roma looks on
permanent return to Inter. Although the or lofty expectations of leading his during the Serie A
match between AS
Portuguese steered Roma through the hometown club. The only guarantee is that Roma and Cagliari
group stages of the Europa League they his time in charge won’t be submerged in as Calcio

again faltered in Serie A and almost dropped much controversy as his predecessor. BOTTOM RIGHT:
Roma Celebrates
out of the top 10 after losing 3-1 at Milan While large sections of the Roma fanbase
in January. A run of just one victory in six were sad to see Mourinho leave, the majority
games and a Coppa Italia exit to perennial of tifosi were quick to welcome back their
adversaries Lazio sealed Mourinho’s fate. former captain. The young coach has already
His off the field conduct veered from the received backing from the Friedkin family
bad - red cards against Monza and Lazio too, with the capture of promising Italy U21
- to the bizarre as he described himself as international Tommaso Baldanzi from Empoli
Harry Potter prior to his exit. The Friedkins in the January transfer window. Securing

“SECURING
BALDANZI’S
SIGNATURE
WAS A CLEAR
SIGNAL OF INTENT”
28 SOCCER360
ALEXANDER-
ARNOLD
SPOTLIGHT

“THIS SEASON
ALEXANDER-ARNOLD
HAS UNLEASHED HIS
FULL REPERTOIRE”
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD CONTINUES TO THRILL
AS HE TRANSITIONS FROM AN OUTSTANDING RIGHT-
BACK TO A NEW MIDFIELD ROLE FOR LIVERPOOL
AND THE ENGLAND NATIONAL TEAM. STEPHEN
DONOVAN ANALYSES HOW HE HAS DEVELOPED INTO
ONE OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE’S BEST PLAYMAKERS.

f the many tactical Europe’s top leagues contain several the club just weeks after his 18th birthday
innovations we have seen examples of players who possess all of to one of the most unique talents of his
in recent times, none have the above. Inter duo Denzel Dumfries and generation has been mesmerising to watch.
had the same sort of impact Federico Dimarco are unrivalled in Serie With his incredible passing range and a ball-
or revolutionised the way A with the electrifying role they have in striking ability that continues to astound, he
football is played to quite their team’s forward play, while Kyle Walker has ripped up full-back manuals both old
the same extent as the rise has been a star of the Premier League for and new on his way to pushing the limits of
of the modern-day full-back. over a decade, with his attacking bursts his position to heights rarely seen before.
Long gone are the days so well complemented by his one-of-a- Born just a short distance away from Anfield,
of full-backs being judged kind defensive recovery runs. For all of it all began for Alexander-Arnold when he
first and foremost on their their brilliance, however, it is an altogether joined the Liverpool academy at the age
defensive capabilities - it’s different phenomenon for a full-back to of six. As he rose through the ranks, he
now virtually impossible emerge as one of the world’s outstanding mainly operated as a winger before being
to make it at the top level without a playmakers. But that is exactly what ABOVE: converted into a right-back, and ever since
combination of blistering pace, quality Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold has Trent Alexander- his ascension into the first team the debate
Arnold celebrates
link-up play, and the ability to create become. The rise of Alexander-Arnold from after scoring for over whether he should play further forward
Liverpool
goalscoring chances on a regular basis. the local boy who was given his debut for has only intensified.

30 SOCCER360
 FULL-BACKS
UNLEASHED
The Evolution of Full-Backs: From Defensive
Flanks to Midfield Maestros - A Trend Set by
Guardiola, Transforming Tactical Dynamics in
Modern Football.

Over the years we have seen plenty

BOTTOM LEFT: of full-backs converted into wide
Alexander-Arnold
holding the Premier
midfielders or wingers, but until recently
League title the very idea of one regularly taking
RIGHT: up a midfield position as part of their
Oleksandr Zinchenko team’s build-up play with the ball would
is another full-back
who comes forward have been received with rather puzzled
into the midfield
looks. But now, with possession-based
BELOW: football and technical ability in every
Pep Guardiola set a
long-standing trend in position being favoured by most modern
football
coaches, it has become the game’s latest
BOTTOM: trendy innovation.
Phillip Lahm was
guided into a full- Just like so many other novel tactical
back position by Pep ploys, a lot of the credit for the
Guardiola
development of a select few full-backs
BOTTOM RIGHT:
John Stones for acting as attacking pivots or even
Manchester City deep-lying playmakers has gone the
way of Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard is
responsible for much of football’s current
look, and when he has a brainwave which
leads to success for his side, coaches at
all levels feel almost obliged to follow
his lead.
Indeed, it was Guardiola who pushed
Philipp Lahm into a midfield role when
he took charge of Bayern Munich in
2013. Already one of the world’s greatest
full-backs, the then Germany captain
was given a new lease of life and was
able to showcase an even wider range
Alexander-Arnold has broken records of attributes in a remarkably fluid and
for the number of assists by a tactically astute Bayern side.
defender in a single Premier League Perhaps surprisingly, it took over six
season, highlighting his offensive years for Guardiola to do something
capabilities from a defensive similar at Manchester City. This time
position. it was with John Stones; a central
defender who had occasionally filled in
at right-back. For the final months of
2022-23 he was pushed forward into a
dynamic midfield role where he could
better utilise his ball skills, and the team
became almost unbeatable on their way
to a historic treble.
In light of Stones’ new role, other
managers followed suit with Trent
Alexander-Arnold taking his game to a
new level with Liverpool and Guardiola’s
former assistant Mikel Arteta giving the
same licence to left-back Oleksandr
Zinchenko. The advantage gained by
pushing full-backs into midfield when
in possession is that it provides more
control in that area of the field as well as
greater flexibility, but only the best can
perform the role effectively.

Halaand with
the Gerd
Muller Trophy
ALEXANDER-
ARNOLD
SPOTLIGHT
From the moment Jurgen Klopp made the
seemingly brave decision to hand him his
first Premier League start away to fierce
rivals Manchester United in January 2017,
he’s never looked back. Soon he’d not only
taken over as Liverpool’s first-choice right-
back, but he was also starting to showcase
what he was truly capable of, scoring direct
from free-kicks and becoming one of the
best crossers of the ball in the Premier
League. In a side full of world class names
including the famed front three of Sadio
Mane, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino,
the teenage Alexander-Arnold had suddenly
emerged as another of their main attacking
weapons.
As his career has progressed, there have
been some obstacles such as question
marks over his defending and a struggle to
LEFT: win favour with the England national team,

“SINCE BEING
Alexander-Arnold
still has to convince
but he’s consistently delivered inspirational
Gareth Southgate that attacking moments for Liverpool, including
he should start for
England on the biggest occasions. Who could

HANDED HIS
possibly forget his improvised corner kick
BOTTOM:
Alexander-Arnold to set up Divock Origi for the goal that
has struggled to win
completed the famous comeback against

INTERNATIONAL
favour under England
boss Gareth Southgate Barcelona in 2019 and sent Liverpool to the
Champions League final? They went on to
lift the trophy, a year after he became the

DEBUT IN 2018, club’s youngest player to start a final in

Europe’s leading competition as they lost

HE’S ONLY GONE

out to Real Madrid.
Then in 2019-20 he was named the Premier
League’s Young Player of the Year for his

ON TO WIN 23
sensational displays as the Reds powered
to their first title in 30 years, and two
seasons later he became the youngest

ENGLAND CAPS”
player in history to win six major trophies,
having added the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA
Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to his
remarkable collection. This was achieved at

Born on October 7, 1998, in

Liverpool, England, Alexander-Arnold
joined Liverpool’s Academy at the
age of six, showcasing his dedication
and passion for football from a very
young age.

32 SOCCER360
 HIGHLIGHT
REEL Stephen Donovan looks
back at some of Trent
Alexander Arnold’s
standout moments to date

OLD TRAFFORD DEBUT

He had already turned out for Liverpool
in the cup competitions, but Trent
Alexander-Arnold was handed his first
Premier League start at the so-called
Theatre of Dreams in January 2017. It
was a selection that surprised many, but
he performed assuredly and showed
glimpses of his talent in a 1-1 draw.

A CREATIVE CORNER
Liverpool pulled off the most
phenomenal of comebacks to beat
Barcelona in the 2018-19 Champions
League semi-finals, and Alexander-
Arnold’s amazing piece of quick thinking
led to the winner. With the Barca
defence having switched off, he turned
back and played an improvised corner
kick to the waiting Divock Origi, who
fired high into the net. The Reds went
on to defeat Premier League rivals
Tottenham in the final.

PREMIER LEAGUE PRIZES

Liverpool blew away the competition to
lift their first Premier League title in 30
years in 2019-20, and Alexander-Arnold

“ALEXANDER-
was one of the main driving forces with
his displays at right-back. Matching his
own record of 12 Premier League assists

ARNOLD HAS TAKEN

which he had set the previous season,
he was named the PFA Young Player of
the Year.

THE FIRST STEPS ASSIST KING

Alexander-Arnold holds several records
when it comes to assists from a full-back

TOWARDS BEING AN
position, but one of the most impressive
arrived in April 2023 when he became
the first player in Premier League history

ALL-OUT MIDFIELDER
to claim assists in five consecutive
matches, in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over
Tottenham. He had previously achieved

IN 2023-24.”
the feat in August 2019.

MAN CITY SILENCED

In 2023-24 Alexander-Arnold has taken
up increasingly advanced positions in
general play, and he used his ball-striking
the age of 23 years and 219 days. this season Alexander-Arnold has unleashed technique to perfection in the crucial
Despite all that, his influence in the Liverpool his full repertoire. meeting with title rivals Manchester
team has arguably never been more So many of Liverpool’s attacks are initiated City in November. His sweet low shot
RIGHT:
Trent Alexander- sizeable than it is right now, in 2023-24. by one of his sensational long passes, which from outside the box found the bottom
Arnold has gone from corner, and he put his finger to his lips
attacking full-back to
With club stalwarts such as Firmino, Jordan have become customary but continue to
outstanding playmaker Henderson, James Milner, and Fabinho draw gasps of appreciation, with the equally in celebration as the Reds secured a 1-1
having all left in the summer, Klopp was irrepressible Salah often the beneficiary. draw.
tasked with rebuilding and reinventing his As well as starting moves, he plays a huge
side. And even with the arrival of technically part in finishing them off, appearing in
gifted midfielders Alexis Mac Allister and advanced positions to collect his usual
Dominik Szoboszlai, so much of Klopp’s supply of assists and increasingly get on
gameplan revolves around Alexander- the scoresheet himself - with one standout
Arnold. moment being his well-taken equaliser in the
Still nominally the right-back, he now has 1-1 draw with title rivals Manchester City in
Halaand with
the licence to take up positions all over the November. the Gerd
park, frequently stepping into the midfield. It is all backed up by the stats. Up until the Muller Trophy

He’s far from the first full-back to have this end of January 2024, Alexander-Arnold had
kind of free role, but it’s fair to say that none made more passes into the final third than
can boast quite the same passing range, and any other Premier League player in 2023-24,

SOCCER360 33
ALEXANDER-
ARNOLD
SPOTLIGHT

with a total of 255. Just as impressive is that a constant threat in the right-back position. The result was his best few days in an
he ranks fifth for the number of chances The unrivalled skillset Alexander-Arnold England shirt as he adapted wonderfully to
created with 49, more than any of his brings as a full-back is the topic of his new role, scoring with a terrific strike in
Liverpool teammates. considerable analysis and debate, which the 4-0 win in Malta. If he has any chance of
However, the most telling statistic of all is has been only exacerbated by his ongoing forcing his way into the starting XI for the
that at the age of 25, no defender in Premier struggle to establish himself in the England finals it will be as an attacking playmaker,
League history has more assists to their national team. Since being handed his but even then, he faces extremely fierce
name than Alexander-Arnold’s 57. To put international debut in 2018, he’s only gone competition.
that even further into context, the next right- on to win 23 caps - including just two at Nevertheless, Alexander-Arnold is a
back on the all-time list of assist makers is major tournaments - and has never been generational talent that England can’t afford
Manchester United legend Gary Neville, with first-choice at any stage under coach Gareth to let slip through their fingers. His status
a mere 35 in almost double the number of Southgate, much to the bewilderment of at Liverpool is likely to remain secure, but
appearances, just to exemplify the changes fans and the media, while Klopp has also had the idea that a player of his quality can fail
the full-back position has undergone in his say on the matter more than once. After to have a meaningful career at international
the past 20 years. Indeed, Neville himself all, he’d likely walk into just about any other level is hard to fathom for many. As Euro
has described the Liverpool star as ‘David team in world football. 2024 approaches he could hardly be doing
Beckham and Kevin de Bruyne at right- In an era of quality English right-backs, BOTTOM: LEFT
any more to persuade Southgate that he
back’. Alexander-Arnold is often compared to his Alexander-Arnold has should start their tournament opener against
a record-breaking
Amidst all the praise, there’s still a peers and Southgate has generally preferred number of Premier Serbia, but his hopes very much hang in the
perception that Alexander-Arnold is weak the likes of Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, and League assists for a balance.
right-back
defensively and that saw him begin to be Reece James as he feels they are stronger Whatever happens, he’s already secured
BOTTOM RIGHT:
targeted by opposition teams, leading many defensively and provide a better balance A famous corner kick something of a lasting legacy with his
to suggest that he should be a midfielder to the Three Lions’ 3-4-3 setup. In fact, routine saw Liverpool record-breaking achievements in the Premier
beat Barcelona in
in the long-term. He’s taken the first steps throughout his England career it’s as if the 2019 Champions League, as the Liverpool fans who refer to
League semi-finals
towards being an all-out midfielder in Southgate has viewed Alexander-Arnold as him simply as ‘Trent’ have seen a young star
2023-24, but it’ll be interesting to see if something of an oddity; unsure of where he with no.66 on his back redefine the role
that becomes a more permanent role under fits into the side. That’s where the subject of of a full-back. As he prepares to take up
Klopp’s successor. With the emergence of him playing in midfield comes in again. a permanent midfield role with both club
another promising, attack-minded right- For the Euro 2024 qualifiers against and country, there should be several more
back in youngster Connor Bradley, the Reds Malta and North Macedonia in June 2023, standout moments to come.
may have that option to fully capitalise on Southgate did give him the chance to start,
Alexander-Arnold’s talent while still retaining but in an advanced central midfield position.

“NO RIGHT-BACK
IN PREMIER LEAGUE
HISTORY HAS
MORE ASSISTS TO
THEIR NAME THAN
ALEXANDER-
ARNOLD”
34 SOCCER360
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 ANTOINE
GRIEZMANN
SPOTLIGHT

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN FACED A BATTLE TO

REBUILD HIS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
ATLETICO MADRID FANS UPON RETURNING
FROM BARCELONA, BUT HE’S SECURED HIS
PLACE IN THE CLUB’S HISTORY BY BECOMING
THEIR RECORD GOALSCORER. FEARGAL
BRENNAN HIGHLIGHTS THE FRANCE STAR’S
ATLETICO JOURNEY.

ntoine Griezmann’s career

LEFT:
Antoine Griezmann’s finds itself split into chapters
career has been
defined by his two
with a consistent plotline
successful spells with based around the red and
Atletico Madrid
white of Atletico Madrid.
Across his two separate spells
at first the Vincente Calderon
Stadium and now the Wanda
Metropolitana, the 2018
FIFA World Cup winner has
secured his own special place
in the club’s history under
the tutelage of long-serving
coach Diego Simeone, and been one of the
world’s greatest all-round attacking players.

“AT THE START OF 2024,

Having made his name at Real Sociedad
by helping them reach the Champions
League for the first time in 10 years in

GRIEZMANN BECAME 2013, a year later Griezmann moved to

Atletico and it was there where he fully

ATLETICO MADRID’S
maximised his potential and proved he was
one of the best. Not only was he a quality
finisher and prolific goalscorer, but he also

ALL-TIME RECORD proved himself as an outstanding passer

and playmaker with world-class technical

GOALSCORER”
ability. His boundless energy and willingness
to work hard for the team made him the
perfect linchpin for Simeone’s pragmatic yet
physically demanding playing style.

36 SOCCER360
 RETURNING
HEROES
However, his decision to make a 2019 move
from Atletico to Barcelona was more akin
to a soap opera drama than a thrilling
novel. After signing a contract extension
the previous year, Griezmann antagonised a
fan base which had adored him, by openly
flirting with Catalonia, before eventually Feargal Brennan picks out three other big name
taking the road north. players to have enjoyed two successful spells at
While it would be unfair to label his time one particular club.
at the Camp Nou as a disappointment,
the France international had the constant
sensation of a jigsaw piece that did not quite
DIDIER DROGBA
Didier Drogba is synonymous with Jose
fit, mainly due to the Barca side revolving
Mourinho and Chelsea with the Ivorian
around Lionel Messi and thus diluting some
playing a crucial role in both incarnations
of his creative talents. Ironically, Atletico
of the Portuguese manager’s project at
managed to win the 2020-21 La Liga title in
Stamford Bridge.
his absence.
Drogba was central to Mourinho’s
In 2021, Simeone stuck by his gut, and
successive Premier League titles in
brought Griezmann back to Atletico on
2005 and 2006, although his most
loan, despite the incoming wrath of the Los
prolific campaign came later under
RIGHT, TOP TO
Rojiblancos supporters who weren’t so quick
Carlo Ancelotti, with 29 Premier League
BOTTOM: to forgive. Simeone has previously always
Didier Drogba goals along the way towards another
Ginaluigi Buffon shown a softer spot for Griezmann than he
title crown in 2010. He later played for
displayed for his other star names thanks
BOTTOM: Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic to his on-field attitude and work rate, but
enjoyed two excellent However, as Chelsea turned to Mourinho
spells with AC Milan the perception of Griezmann believing he
again after Ancelotti’s exit, he sent
was better than Atletico, but not quite at
out the signal to Drogba in 2014. As a
Barcelona’s level, made his return
rotating option with Diego Costa, he
more difficult.
added a fourth Premier League winners’
Backed by Simeone, Griezmann kept his
medal to his collection with the Blues.
head down, and openly admitted he had
to prove it all again to the Atletico fans,
ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC
before he could come close to earning
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s career involved
reacceptance in Madrid. As Atletico
a tendency to ruffle feathers and not
continued to utilise the small print of
hang around at one club too long. After
Griezmann’s loan, after renewing for the
falling foul of Pep Guardiola’s regime at
Barcelona, Ibrahimovic accepted a return
to Mlian, but in true style, he joined AC
Aside from his football Milan, despite his superb former stint at
skills, Ibrahimovic is also a Inter.
practitioner of Taekwondo. He netted 11 league goals, as AC Milan
He achieved a black belt in won the 2011 Serie A title, before
the martial art and credits bagging 28 in the following campaign,
it for his discipline and and then packing his bags for Paris
mental strength on the Saint-Germain.
pitch. He returned as an uber-veteran in 2019,
and what was supposed to be a brief
sojourn turned into four seasons and
another league title.

GIANLUIGI BUFFON
Italian icon Gianluigi Buffon has played
for two Serie A sides twice after double
spells at both Parma and Juventus.
His first spell at Juventus was a trophy
filled spell with an incredible 10 Serie
A titles before joining Paris Saint-
Germain in 2018. Overall, during his
time at Juventus, he made 685 club
appearances, a figure only bettered by
former teammate Alessandro Del Piero
in Turin.
However, his career was bookended
with breaking through and then retiring
at Parma, where he would win his sole
European title with the 1999 UEFA Cup.
Buffon infamously lost three Champions
League finals in between the posts
for Juventus with losses to AC Milan,
Barcelona and Real Madrid.

SOCCER360 37
 ANTOINE
GRIEZMANN
SPOTLIGHT

2022-23 season, Barcelona eventually came whenever he had the ball at his feet with his
to the table for a deal and he went full circle coolness in possession and the incisiveness
back to the Spanish capital, where he’s taken of his short passing and long passing. Off
his personal achievements to a new level and the ball, his work rate was exceptional, and
become a truly omnipotent force. he would have gained even more recognition
That firmness over Simeone’s belief that were it not for the focus on Mbappe and
Griezmann could once again be the creative Argentina star Messi.
catalyst for his Atletico team inspired the Simeone has been one of the main
former Real Sociedad attacker to seize his beneficiaries of Deschamps’ decision to
chance. Slowly, but surely, even hardcore switch Griezmann into midfield, as he has
Atletico fans have come back on side, as taken to playing in this role regularly for
Griezmann has run miles and scored goals to Atletico, and the idea of the 32-year-old
win back their love. maybe flying just under the radar is typified
The determined humility shown by by his willingness to play there when needed
Griezmann since coming back to Madrid for club and country.
LEFT:
has also edged into his play with Simeone Antoine Griezmann
His work rate is unmatched; a tireless
looking to mirror France national team netted against presser and strong tackler, he sets the tone
Real Madrid in the
coach Didier Deschamps’ plan for him. Supercopa de Espana to allow the pace and directness around him
Injuries in France’s 2022 FIFA World Cup to become Atletico’s to power forward. Despite not slacking off
record goalscorer
squad forced a reshuffle with Griezmann in his goal output, Griezmann is revelling in
BOTTOM:
redeployed as an attacking midfielder in Antoine Griezmann his creator-in-chief position for Simeone,
Qatar, behind what was still a fearsome front and Rodrigo De Paul popping up in spaces and conducting
of Atletico de Madrid
three led by the magnificent Kylian Mbappe. during Real Madrid Atletico Madrid’s forward line.
vs At. Madrid La Liga
Circumstance forced the changes, but the match
After returning from the World Cup, he
result unlocked a new level from Griezmann. ended 2022-23 with 15 La Liga goals, and
In helping Les Bleus to the final where they even more impressively, 16 league assists.
came within a penalty shootout of retaining Meanwhile the 2023-24 campaign has seen
their crown, he was unquestionably one of Simeone nudge him back into a conventional
the players of the tournament, oozing class front two, alongside his old pal Alvaro

38 SOCCER360
 ANTOINE
GRIEZMANN
SPOTLIGHT

Morata, and goals have overtaken assists.

Griezmann is certain to hit Atletico goal
figures not seen since his ill-fated Barcelona
move this season, but he already has one
new record, which is a sure-fire
legacy builder.
At the start of 2024 in the Supercopa de
Espana against arch rivals Real Madrid, he
scored his 174th goal for Atletico, making
him the club’s all-time record goalscorer,
overtaking iconic former striker Luis
Aragones. If anything else was needed to
reaffirm his status with the fans, he provided
it by setting his name in the history books
RIGHT:
and issuing a timely reminder that he’s one Antoine Griezmann
of the best and most technically versatile of Atletico de Madrid
celebrates victory
players world football has been blessed during the Spanish
championship La
with during the past decade - even if he’s Liga football match
received less coverage than some of between Granada CF
and Atletico de Madrid
his peers.
BOTTOM:
Griezmann refused to be distracted from Griezmann has been
his mission to make amends in Madrid, the main man for
Atletico boss Diego
and he has done that in the only way he Simeone during
knows how, by running until he cannot stop both his spells in the
Spanish capital
and providing those clutch moments for
Simeone, just as he did the first time around.
He grabbed his Barcelona chance, knowing
it wouldn’t come again, but the reality is
that his two combined Atletico spells have
blended together, to confirm his place as a
modern La Liga legend.

“GRIEZMANN IS REVELLING
IN HIS CREATOR-IN-CHIEF
Nicknamed as ‘The Little POSITION FOR SIMEONE,
Prince’ Griezmann is
nicknamed “The Little POPPING UP IN SPACES
AND CONDUCTING ATLETICO
Prince” because of
his diminutive stature,
exceptional playmaking
skills, and intelligent
footballing brain.
MADRID’S FORWARD LINE.”
SOCCER360 39
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
SPOTLIGHT

BAYERN MUNICH’S STRANGLEHOLD

ON THE DOMESTIC CROWN IS UNDER
SERIOUS THREAT THIS SEASON, AND
DIE ROTEN ARE UNDER INCREASING
PRESSURE TO MAKE AMENDS IN EUROPE.
MICHELLE OSEI BONSU PROVIDES A LOOK
AT THE SITUATION FACING THE GERMAN
GIANTS, AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR STAR
STRIKER HARRY KANE AS WELL AS
MANAGER THOMAS TUCHEL.

ince the 2011-12 season, there While die Roten managed to scrape their
has been only one winner 11th successive crown by the slimmest
of the Bundesliga: Bayern of margins, there was a feeling in some
Munich. Their unprecedented quarters that the Bavarian titans had really
level of dominance over the pushed their luck and may not be quite so
past decade has split opinion. fortunate next time around.
Supporters have hailed how This season’s title race has turned out to
die Roten have transformed be another interesting one, with Bayer
the German football landscape ABOVE: Leverkusen really making a huge splash in
FC Bayern Munich -
and raised its status across Manchester United,
Germany and becoming a formidable team
Europe, while critics feel Group stage, Group in their own right. Led by Xabi Alonso, die
A, Matchday 1, Allianz
that they have turned the Arena, Bayern’s Werkself have been truly transformed and
Bundesliga into a predictable Mathys Tel (l) and made a massive statement of their intent by
Alphonso Davies
and boring one-horse league. However, for celebrate after the crushing Bayern 3-0 on matchday 21.
match
the first time in seemingly ages, Bayern’s While there are still plenty of games to go
stranglehold over the Bundesliga title seems LEFT: between now and the end of the 2023-24
Alphonso Davies has
to be finally weakening. In fairness, last had success in Bayerm Bundesliga season, it is safe to say that
Munich and has
season’s title race was one that actually proved to be pivitol in
Bayern Munich will likely be facing a real
kept most fans entertained - perhaps key games challenge to successfully defend their
except Bayern supporters - with Borussia domestic crown for a 12th consecutive time.
Dortmund coming painfully close to finally If they were to win it again, then they will
ending Bayern’s reign on the final matchday. have truly done it the hard way.

40 SOCCER360
 2023-24 SINKING
SEVILLA
Sevilla have enjoyed an unprecedented level of
dominance in the Europa League since the turn

KEY
of the 21st century, but have failed to make the
grade this season. Michelle Osei Bonsu analyses

DATES
what went wrong for the club and what it means
for the remainder of this season’s tournament.

For a number of years now, Sevilla have

ROUND OF 16 been heralded as the “Kings of the
SECOND LEG Europa League”, and with very good
Mar 5-6, 12-13, reason. Seemingly out of nowhere, the
2024 club burst onto the scene in 2006 when
they beat Middlesbrough to win the
QUARTER FINALS UEFA Cup, and became the first team
& SEMI FINALS to win back-to-back titles when they
DRAW successfully defended their crown the
March 15, 2024 following year.
The tournament was eventually
QUARTER FINALS rebranded in its current format in 2009,
FIRST LEG and between 2014 and 2023, Sevilla
April 9 - 10, 2024 would go on to make more history. They
were the first team to win three on the
QUARTER FINALS trot - en route to adding some five more
SECOND LEG titles for a remarkable grand total of
April 16 - 17, 2024 seven in less than two decades. Three of
them came via penalty shootouts, just to
SEMI FINALS underline that it felt like their name was
FIRST LEG permanently etched on the trophy.
April 30 - May 1, Every time Sevilla featured in a Europa
2024 League final, they won it. But now, they
will not have that chance - because

“SEVILLA’S NAME
SEMI FINALS they are not only not featuring in their
SECOND LEG favourite competition, but are out of
May 7-8, 2024 Europe entirely.
Often Sevilla dropped into the Europa

WILL NOT BE ON THE

FINALS League and went all the way after
June 1, 2024 finishing third in their Champions
at Wembley League group, but that will not be
Stadium, London happening this season, and may not

EUROPA LEAGUE
be happening during the next one
either. Placed alongside Arsenal, Lens,
and PSV Eindhoven, Sevilla started
their Champions League group stage

TROPHY IN 2024”
campaign off well, with back-to-back
draws. But their form in Europe soon
began to resemble their poor showing in
La Liga, and they ended bottom of their
group. It seems unthinkable, but Los
Hispalenses are also facing a real battle
to avoid relegation, so qualification
for any sort of European football
The DFB-Pokal has proven to be a bit of
via placement in La Liga is looking
a stumbling block for Bayern as well. Die
impossible, too. So, what has gone
Roten have not won the cup since the 2019-
wrong? Well, arguably it is their Europa
20 season, and since then, have crashed
League success that has helped to hide
out much earlier than expected. Add in
some of the problems the club have
their heavy 3-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in
been facing for a while. Sevilla finished in
this season’s DFL-Supercup and Bayern
12th spot last season yet won the Europa
Munich are actually looking at the possibility
League for the seventh time. They have
ABOVE: of finishing this term sans any domestic
Captain Sergio Ramos had a merry-go-round of managers for
of Sevilla FC reacts.
silverware.
the past few seasons, and age is not on
It is a shocking thought, to say the least,
LEFT: their side. Their starting XI against PSV
Sergio Ramos, especially given a club of this stature.
Fernando Reges of averaged 32 years and 19 days - the
But what about the Champions League?
Sevilla FC during the oldest ever in Champions League history,
UEFA Champions Well, Bayern largely cruised through their
League match, Group and in La Liga, the starting XI average
B, between Sevilla FC
group stage campaign, which given their
age is also over 30.
and RC Lens opponents - Galatasaray, FC Copenhagen,
All in all, Sevilla’s early exit means that
and a Manchester United side still in
there are new opportunities for a slew of
transition - was hardly a surprise. As a result,
sides in the Europa League, with there
die Roten received what many judged to be
already guaranteed to be a first-time
a favourable draw in the round of 16, with
winner of the competition since the
Lazio standing in between them and the
2009 rebrand.

SOCCER360 41
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
SPOTLIGHT

next round. Prior to their first leg meeting

with the Biancocelesti on February 14,
Bayern were enjoying an 11-year unbeaten
run in their round of 16 first leg ties. In

“KANE IS WELL
addition, they had not lost to an Italian side
in well over a decade, and that included
crushing Lazio 4-1 when the two sides met
at the Stadio Olimpico three years ago in

AWARE HE HAS QUITE

February 2021. TOP:
The 2022/23
Well, 90 minutes later, Bayern had set two Champions,
unpleasant records that had ended those Manchester City

long-standing runs with Lazio picking up

A LOT TO PROVE”
ABOVE:
a hard-fought 1-0 victory in front of their With the DFB-Pokal
not an option and the
home fans. Perhaps it was a hangover Bundesliga title in
doubt, Bayern will be
following their chastening 3-0 loss to throwing everything
Leverkusen the weekend prior, or perhaps they can at trying to
win European club
it was something else entirely. But it was football’s biggest prize
certainly not the kind of result die Roten LEFT:
needed, and performances like that have Time is running out for
Harry Kane to win a
only continued to increase the pressure major trophy.
on two key members of the team’s set-up

42 SOCCER360
 ANOTHER WIN
FOR UNAI?
He’s the first manager in history to win three
consecutive Europa League titles. Now, Unai
Emery is trying his luck with Aston Villa in
the Europa Conference League. Michelle Osei
Bonsu discusses his chances of lifting another
continental trophy.

Between 2014 and 2016, Unai Emery did

what no manager had ever done before -
to win three consecutive Europa League
titles. At the time of his appointment in
January 2013, Sevilla had already started
to make a name for itself in European
club football’s second tier competition
and had successfully defended its crown
in 2007. Under the Spanish tactician’s
guidance, Sevilla fully embraced its
role as a dominant force in the Europa
League before he left to join Paris Saint-
Germain.
That move didn’t lead to the European
success they were hoping for, but he did
then take Arsenal to the final of his most
favoured competition in 2019, only to
UEFA has
lose to Premier League rivals come
Chelsea.
a long
way since
Arguably Emery’s most impressive Real Madrid
result in the Europa League however won the
very first
came three years later when he guided
Champions
League Cup
Villarreal to their first ever European title
in 1955
by defeating the Gunners in the semi-
finals and then edging out Manchester
United 11-10 on penalties in the final.
In doing so, the former midfielder not

“UNAI EMERY IS LOOKING

only added a fourth Europa League
title to his collection, but also further
solidified his claim to be the most

TO ADD TO HIS EUROPEAN

decorated manager in that competition.
Now as manager of Aston Villa, he will
be turning his attention towards more

TROPHY HAUL BY LIFTING THE

European glory. This time around, the
goal is the recently created Europa
Conference League, which has opened

EUROPA CONFERENCE LEAGUE

further opportunities for more teams to
get involved in continental competitions.
The fact that the Villans are even

WITH ASTON VILLA.”

competing in the Europa League is
quite impressive as when Emery took
over in October 2022, they were a team
in absolute dire straits and lying 16th
in the Premier League. By the time the
dust had settled, Aston Villa had risen
to seventh place and thus a shot at
- manager Thomas Tuchel and big-money favorites to win the upcoming UEFA Euro European football.
signing Harry Kane. 2024 competition this summer, that is The Emery effect has continued to reap
Last summer, Bayern paid well over $100m certainly not guaranteed. Kane is well aware dividends for the club, who based on
to sign Kane from Tottenham. It was an he has quite a lot to prove, as his move to their impressive showings in the Premier
eye-catching move, especially considering the Allianz Arena was not without its fair League are serious contenders to go
that the German side have been very share of criticism. Some detractors have far in the Europa Conference League.
critical of others in Europe who routinely even claimed that the English ace is more The Villans largely cruised through their
spend big on transfers. In addition, Kane, focused on breaking Lewandowski’s single- group stage games, recovering well
despite his impressive personal accolades season goalscoring record than winning from a surprise 3-2 reversal to Polish
and undisputed prowess in front of goal, team trophies - which, in all fairness is a outfit Legia Warsaw to win four of their
had just turned 30, but clearly both sides rather ridiculous notion considering that remaining five matches and finish top of
were desperate for a deal to be done. From Kane himself has won plenty of accolades the table. Given that they are out of the
Kane’s perspective, time was running out for prior to his move to Germany. FA Cup and EFL Cup, and the title race
him to finally win a team trophy to add to his In any case, should Kane fail to claim a looking set to be contested between
collection of Golden Boot awards and club trophy in 2023-24 he could be forgiven Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal,
record feats. And from Bayern’s view, they for feeling short-changed, or even a little 1981 European champions Aston Villa are
really needed to find a proven goalscorer cursed. After all, one of the main factors hotly tipped to end their long wait for
to fill the huge boots left behind by ABOVE: behind his decision to leave Tottenham continental success.
Fulham versus Aston
Robert Lewandowski after the Sadio Mane Villa; An animated was to land some silverware. His hopes of
experiment had gone horribly awry. Aston Villa Manager doing so in North London were dwindling as
Unai Emery
Although England are one of the heavy part of a fading Spurs side, and moving to

SOCCER360 43
CHAMPIONS
LEAGUE
SPOTLIGHT

LEFT:
Bayern boss Thomas
Tuchel will leave at
the end of the season
regardless of their
trophy haul

RIGHT:
Bayer Leverkusen
have a great
chance of ending
Bayern’s Bundesliga
dominance.

Bayern Munich was meant to be as close to Champions League history and are always in
a cast-iron guarantee of success as he could the running.
get. It would be staggering if he were to end An all-conquering Man City overwhelmed
another season trophyless, especially when Bayern 4-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals
considering all of the context. in 2022-23, ruthlessly punishing defensive
As for manager Tuchel, whether they end mistakes in the first leg at the Etihad
up winning the Champions League or not, Stadium and continuing to look the superior
the decision has already been made. In team in the return fixture in Germany.
February, it was confirmed that the former Despite the addition of Kane as supposedly
Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea boss the extra piece in the jigsaw needed for
would be leaving at the end of the season, the club to challenge for the Champions
a decision that serves as an admission that League this term - and act as an equal to
his time in charge has been a failure. The City’s goalscoring superstar Erling Haaland,
announcement came after the club suffered Bayern do not look much better equipped
the ignominy of three successive defeats, to overcome Pep Guardiola’s side, which is
with the losses to Lazio and Leverkusen both a major concern for Tuchel and the die
followed by another damaging one away to Roten fans.
bottom half side Vfl Bochum. Many pundits and neutrals alike are eagerly
Despite his impressive track record anticipating the possibility of a Guardiola
elsewhere, the pressure has never really versus Ancelotti tactical battle in this
Tuchel since he replaced Julian Nagelsmann season’s final, which will be taking place in
in March 2023. There was speculation that June at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.
Bayern would terminate his contract last Given the strength of both of these two
season just months after being appointed teams, the odds really do not look tipped in
as they again failed to make inroads in Bayern’s favour, while there is the possibility

‘THOMAS TUCHEL
Europe, but in winning the Bundesliga title, it of other dark horse contenders to make a
appeared to buy him a bit more time. strong run towards this season’s final as well.
Now, that is not even a guarantee, and as Of course, Bayern could certainly throw a
noted before, neither is the DFB-Pokal. The spanner in the works and finally awaken

IS CERTAINLY WELL
Champions League, then, represents the from their slumber. For the players and
only chance at salvation for both manager their manager, the German juggernaut are
and his big money signing. at a major crossroads, and winning this
Bayern, on paper, are viewed naturally as season’s Champions League will definitely

AWARE THAT HIS JOB

contenders for European club football’s help make serious amends and silence the
premier prize. After all, die Roten have won doubters - especially if they fail to make it
the coveted title on multiple occasions, so a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title. But as
are no strangers to success on the biggest is the case with any significant task, it is

IS ON THE LINE’
stage of all. Yet, prestige and track record always much easier said than done, and time
aside, their showings over the past couple of will tell as to whether Bayern Munich will be
seasons do not put them in the same tier as adding any silverware, whether domestic or
the likes of Manchester City, who are aiming international, to their massive trophy haul at
to defend their crown, and of course, Real the end of this term.
Madrid, who are the most decorated team in

44 SOCCER360
 SOCCER360MAGAZINE.COM
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 KYLIAN
MBAPPE
SPOTLIGHT

EVERY SUMMER, THERE SEEMS TO BE

A TRANSFER SAGA INVOLVING KYLIAN
MBAPPE AND 2024 WILL BE NO DIFFERENT.
THIS TIME MBAPPE HAS CATEGORICALLY
ANNOUNCED HIS INTENTION TO LEAVE
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN AND JOIN REAL
MADRID, SO IAN WATERHOUSE EXPLORES
WHAT THE DEAL IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE.

hen Kylian Mbappe However, into his seventh season at the surrounding his next destination a six-
joined Paris Saint- Parc des Princes the club and Mbappe are monthly occurrence whether the transfer
Germain initially on still waiting to lift a first Champions League window in Europe is open or not. In 2022,
loan in 2017 in what trophy despite often running away with he seemingly surprised everyone when he
eventually became domestic honours. signed a contract extension in Paris even
a permanent move, At 25 years old, 2024 is set to become one though it appeared the gargantuan PSG
it made him the of the most important circulations around walls were internally crumbling down. It
most expensive the sun for the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner included a one-year extension clause which
teenager of all as his contract with PSG expires in the made him one of the most powerful players
time - and second summer. Understandably, this situation was at any club in world football, with it reported
most expensive always going to see the rumour mill go into he would even have a say on how PSG
player ever after overdrive, and the speculation has swirled operated, and any incoming and outgoing
then teammate for what feels like an infinite amount of time transfers.
Neymar Jr. Bankrolled by Qatar Sports now, with any club that has half a dime to A year later PSG’s all-time top scorer
Investments, this heralded an era for the spend linked with the Frenchman. ABOVE: announced he would not be signing a
Kylian Mbappe faces
club in which European dominance was Ever since he left Monaco, Mbappe has a big decision on his contract extension with the club, fuelling the
future
expected to become the norm. been under the spotlight with the saga continuation of the epic never-ending saga

46 SOCCER360
 “MBAPPE’S DAVIES TO
REAL?
we seem to find ourselves in. The stand-

CONTRACT off that followed resulted in the Parisians

exiling him from the first-team squad for a
time, and he was not involved in the pre-
Ian Waterhouse
asks if Real Madrid
can complete the

EXPIRES IN
signing of Bayern
season tour of Asia. However, the air was
Munich and Canada
eventually cleared when an agreement was star Alphonso
reached between the club and the player’s Davies this summer.

THE SUMMER”
representatives which ensured PSG wouldn’t
lose out if and when he leaves. This is likely Spanish giants Real Madrid are big
to involve either a sale with a transfer fee or admirers of Canada’s Alphonso Davies
financial sacrifices on Mbappe’s part. and rightly so. The Bayern Munich full-
That now looks certain to be this summer, back may have had a few injury setbacks
as Mbappe has officially told PSG that he despite only being 23, but that hasn’t
wants to leave at the end of the season, stopped him being an integral part of the
and he has a verbal agreement in place with Bayern setup, especially on the left side
Real Madrid. It isn’t a done deal just yet, of the pitch where he has adopted the
but unless something unexpected happens, nickname ‘roadrunner’ for his exceptional
he will definitely be calling the Santiago speed and sensational ability while
BOTTOM LEFT:
Kylian Mbappe looks Bernabeu his new home at the start of the on the ball. Davies’ contract with the
on in action during a
Ligue 1 match
2024-25 season - ending one of the most German giants expires in the summer
protracted pursuits in recent memory. of 2025 and Carlo Ancelotti’s side are
BOTTOM:
Kylian Mbappe Just like Cristiano Ronaldo and Jude expected to make a move for him this
celebrates after summer. If successful in their pursuit, he
winning the World
Bellingham and many others in between,
Cup the move would be a dream come true would represent a significant upgrade on
BOTTOM RIGHT: for Mbappe. The Frenchman himself Real’s current left-back options, Ferland
Real Madrid have set admitted a long time ago that Los Blancos Mendy and Fran Garcia. As ever, there
their sights on signing
Alphonso Davies would be a preferred destination and are a few stumbling blocks which Real
will have to overcome if they are to get
their man. One of those is that Davies
himself has stated he is ‘comfortable’ at
his current club and has no immediate
intention of leaving. The second is that
Bayern are equally keen to keep their
man too and have reportedly offered
Davies a lucrative new deal to keep him
in Bavaria. Another issue for Real is their
pursuit of PSG’s Kylian Mbappe, as the
vast sign-on fee they would have to pay
for the Frenchman may scupper any
plans to exceed Bayern’s contract offer
to Davies with the likeliest scenario for
the Madrid heavyweights of having to
choose one or the other and not both.
Whatever happens in the unpredictable
transfer market, one thing is certain,
Alphonso Davies will be playing for one
of Europe’s top clubs next season - now
we just need to wait and see whether it
will be in Spain or Germany.

“DAVIES IS
‘COMFORTABLE’ AT HIS
CURRENT CLUB AND
HAS NO IMMEDIATE
INTENTION OF
LEAVING”

Halaand with
the Gerd
Muller Trophy

SOCCER360 47
 KYLIAN
MBAPPE
SPOTLIGHT continuous rumours have existed for an
age that suggest talks between Mbappe’s
representatives have already taken place
and a deal close to being agreed.
For that reason alone, Real Madrid have
always been in pole position for his
signature. There is also the fact that they
are one of a very exclusive group of clubs in
world football with the financial muscle to
pull off a deal. Along with the potential for
a not insubstantial transfer fee, the package
that will bring Mbappe to the 14-time
champions of Europe is sure to involve eye-
watering sums in terms of wage demands,
agent fees, and various additional terms.
The contract is also likely substantial sign-on
fee, which according to various reports this
is believed to be in the region of €150m -
far usurping his loyalty bonus to stay for
another year in Paris - and a clause for
Mbappe to keep a majority of his own image
rights. This is something Real Madrid rarely
agree on so it will have been a test for the

“THERE IS
hierarchy and president Florentino Perez
LEFT:
Kylian Mbappe, PSG to see how far they are willing to push their
captain during the own traditions and standards. But in order

THE SMALL
Uber Eats Ligue 1
match between PSG to get arguably Europe’s hottest property,
and RC LENS
perhaps sacrifices will have to have been

MATTER OF A
made.
The same goes for the player, too. One thing
that Real will not be able to do is match

REPORTED €80M Mbappe’s current salary at PSG. With French

tax laws as they are, Mbappe’s net income

EURO LOYALTY
after tax is believed to be about €56m per
year. At Real, it is more likely to be around
€35m per annum. This is still an enviable

BONUS TOO IF HE sum, and the question was whether the 2022
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner would

STAYS.”
be willing to take a pay cut as he comes into
his prime years. As it turned out, the lure of
the Spanish giants was just too much to turn
down.

“MBAPPE
TURNED DOWN A
MOVE TO SAUDI
CLUB AL HILAL
IN THE SUMMER
OF 2023”
48 SOCCER360
Of the other clubs that could have afforded
NO END IN
SIGHT
Mbappe, many of them are in the Saudi Pro
Ian Waterhouse
League, but that option always appeared
casts an eye
likely to be off the table after what over five other
happened last summer when PSG accepted players involved in
a world record bid of €300m from Al Hilal ongoing transfer
sagas
for Mbappe.
Despite it being rumoured Mbappe was
offered somewhere in the region of €200m
per year and to retain all of his own image
KARIM BENZEMA
After leaving Real Madrid for the riches
rights, the 25-year-old declined to even
of Saudi Arabia last summer, it was
meet with Al Hilal. It was a clear and
reported that after three months the
emphatic sign that Mbappe has his eyes set
legendary striker had had enough and
on gaining the greatest competitive rewards
wanted out. Chelsea were reportedly
club football has to offer so it seems unlikely
very keen to sign the Frenchman but
that any such move to the Middle East will
were put off by his wages. Arsenal were
happen for the foreseeable future.
then touted but it was late revealed that
Inevitably, the other main option touted for
he will stay with Al-Ittihad for now at
Mbappe’s next career chapter was a switch
least. However, having signed a three-
to the Premier League, but that always felt RIGHT, TOP TO
BOTTOM: year contract with the Saudi side, expect
unlikely. At one point or another all of the Karim Benzema
plenty more rumours of a move away for
English top-flight heavyweights have been David De Gea
Raphina the Frenchman.
linked with a move. Following their high- Jadon Sancho
profile takeover in 2022, Newcastle United
BOTTOM: DAVID DE GEA
were linked with an audacious bid to bring Saudi Pro League
clubs are expected to For twelve seasons Spanish goalkeeper
him to Tyneside. Meanwhile, Liverpool are revive their attempts David De Gea graced the goal line
expected to receive further offers from to sign Mohamed
Salah this summer for Manchester United before being
Saudi Arabia for Mohamed Salah, and for a
unceremoniously dumped by the club
long time they’ve been touted as an ideal
in the summer. What is remarkable is
club for Mbappe to ply his trade, but the
that the 33-year-old is still without a
Reds are known for being more restrained
club. Premier League side Nottingham
with their transfer window spending.
Forest made an offer, but de Gea refused
But they’re not the only ones. The Premier
and despite being linked to the likes
League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR)
of Real Madrid, Newcastle United and
rules state that when it comes to losses,
Saudi club Al Shabab, so far nothing has
top-flight clubs cannot exceed £105m across
materialised.
a rolling period of three seasons. This has
already caught out the likes of Everton who
RAPHINHA
were handed a 10-point deduction with
Ever since Brazilian winger Raphinha
Manchester City conscious of potential
joined Barcelona from Leeds United in
charges hanging over them. It has left clubs
2022 there have been reported rumours
of him moving on and back to the
Premier League. Barcelona have very
little money and balancing the books is a
must and Raphinha could be one of the
makeweights especially with a return to
England a likely scenario with London
rivals Tottenham and Chelsea reportedly
keen.

MOHAMED SALAH
The Saudi Pro League have reportedly
made Mohamed Salah their number
one transfer target this summer,
which is news to absolutely no-one.
However, with Jurgen Klopp’s shock
announcement that he will step down
as Liverpool manager in the summer
and with Salah now in his thirties, the
Egyptian may now think that this is
the perfect time for one last bumper
contract.

JADON SANCHO
Sancho may have returned to German
giants Borussia Dortmund on loan for
the rest of the season but his troubled
time at Manchester United had been
going on for some time and a falling out
with manager Erik ten Haag doesn’t look
like resolving itself anytime soon. Come
the end of the season Sancho is likely to
be surplus to requirements and in need
of a permanent new home. Whether that
will be with Dortmund likely depends on
his performances in the coming months.

SOCCER360 49
 KYLIAN
MBAPPE
SPOTLIGHT

in England wary of significant outlays

with a prime example being the recent
winter transfer window in which clubs in
the Premier League spent only £112 million
compared to £815m the previous year.
All of these factors have opened the
door for Real Madrid, and Mbappe’s
impending arrival is one that will not only
be extremely exciting for fans, but they’ll
also make Carlo Ancelotti’s side a truly
fearsome proposition - both in La Liga and
in Europe. If the Italian coach can find the
right tactical structure, then they might
take some stopping. Just the very thought
of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior in the same
team with their irrepressible pace and
quality, is rather breathtaking.
Indeed, Ancelotti has already paid
some consideration to how he will
accommodate Mbappe in his setup. It
is likely to involve Jude Bellingham - so
RIGHT:
prolific in his advanced role for Real Despite making
Madrid in 2023-24 - playing slightly Mbappe and Neymar
the world’s most
deeper, with Vinicius on the left and expensive players, PSG
Mbappe taking up a position slightly left have failed to win the
Champions League
of centre. Should veteran former Ballon
BOTTOM:
D’Or winner Luka Modric leave in the Will Florentino
summer, Mbappe will be handed the no.10 Pérez finally secure
Mbappe’s services this
shirt. summer?
And so, now begins the countdown to
when Mbappe to Real Madrid is surely
announced. The transfer that Los Blancos
supporters have been waiting for is finally
set to happen and after years of falling
short in Paris, the global superstar has the
opportunity of a lifetime to finally fulfil
his Champions League ambitions. The
finances involved are enormous, but both
sides expect to get a handsome return on
their commitment.

50 SOCCER360
 KYLIAN
MBAPPE
SPOTLIGHT

SOCCER360 51
 EURO
2024
FEATURE

A LOT HAS CHANGED SINCE ROBERTO MANCINI

LED ITALY TO EUROPEAN GLORY IN 2021. AFTER
ANOTHER FAILED ATTEMPT AT WORLD CUP
QUALIFICATION, LUCIANO SPALLETTI NOW LEADS
A MUCH MORE INEXPERIENCED SIDE TO EURO
2024. CIRO DI BRITA ASSESSES THEIR CHANCES AS
THEY PREPARE TO DEFEND THEIR CROWN.

“ITALY’S EURO 2024

MAY DEPEND ON
FINDING A GOALSCORER
TO LEAD THE LINE.”
t hasn’t even been three years breaking the world record for the most
since Italy lifted the European unbeaten games in a row and guiding his
Championship trophy at Wembley nation to their first piece of silverware since ABOVE:
after defeating England on penalties 2006, Mancini’s unflinching faith in the Italy celebrates
their Euro 2020
in a dramatic and tense final. Since same group of players and the same tactical championship
then, another catastrophic failure to formula eventually became a weakness, RIGHT:
qualify for the World Cup stained to the point that it looked like some Can Italy retain their
title?
the legacy that Roberto Mancini had fresh personnel and ideas were needed
OPPOSITE PAGE TOP
built during that glorious summer during their ill-fated World Cup qualifying LEFT:
in 2021. campaign. Fabio Cannavaro
reacts after being
A decent showing in the 2022- Scoring goals became a problem for the eliminated from World
23 Nations League gave Mancini Azzurri and draws against Bulgaria, Northern Cup 2010

some breathing space as the Ireland, and Switzerland both home and OPPOSITE PAGE
BOTTOM:
Azzurri topped a group that contained away proved that Mancini was unable to The Italian team poses
Hungary, Germany, and England but the create a solution. Heavy defeats to Germany before the 2010 FIFA
World Cup soccer
warning signs were there that all was not in the Nations League and Copa America match between
Slovakia and Italy
100% right within La Nazionale. Despite champions Argentina in the Finalissima

52 SOCCER360
 AN EVENT
TO FORGET
made Mancini’s side look tired and jaded
and a pale shadow of the team that had
played so carefree and confident between
2018 and 2021.
The Euro 2020 win left enough credit in the
bank and the Italian Football Federation
(FIGC) were unwilling to sack a coach who
had led the nation to triumph and Mancini Ciro Di Brita looks back on the last time Italy
refused to step down, creating a frayed and came into a major tournament as defending
champions, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
sometimes tetchy relationship between
the coach and FIGC. The federation even
attempted to appease their head coach by The Azzurri headed into the 2010 World
appointing Gianluigi Buffon to the backroom Cup in South Africa as holders with an
staff as a replacement for Mancini’s long- ageing and ailing squad that featured
time friend Gianluca Vialli who had sadly eight of the champions from 2006. The
passed in January 2023. man who masterminded their fourth
Surprisingly, Mancini did decide to resign World Cup triumph Marcello Lippi
in August 2023 and two weeks later was returned to take charge and he selected
announced as the new manager of Saudi an experienced squad with nine players
Arabia, leaving behind an Azzurri team over the age of 30, the oldest being
going through a major transitional phase captain Fabio Cannavaro at 36.
and with its chances of qualifying for Euro Having been drawn with Paraguay,
2024 still hanging in the balance. outsiders New Zealand, and World
The FIGC responded swiftly by appointing Cup rookies Slovakia, hopes were
Luciano Spalletti as his replacement, and high that the Azzurri could mount a
the 65-year-old was a very popular choice decent attempt at retaining their title.
across Italy in the wake of his achievement Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed
of leading Napoli to the Serie A title in 2022- in the first match when a creaking and
23. He had completely reinvented the squad cumbersome Italy were lucky to rescue
at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, a 1-1 draw with the South Americans
letting some big names go in the summer of in Cape Town thanks to a goalkeeping
2022 and recruiting a bunch of unheralded error that handed Daniele De Rossi an
players who became stars almost overnight. equaliser.
His task now with the national team is The Italians then needed a Vincenzo
perhaps to do something similar - to help Iaquinta penalty to avert what would
a new generation of Italian talent realise its have been a disastrous and embarrassing
potential. Following his historic achievement defeat for the holders against New
with Napoli, leading them to their first Zealand. This meant a win or draw
Scudetto since 1990, Spalletti parted ways against Slovakia in their final Group F
with the Partenopei in the summer, citing match would see them advance into
the knockout rounds. A Roberto Vittek
brace gave the Falcons a 2-0 lead before
Antonio Di Natale pulled one back with
10 minutes to go. Kamil Kopunek made
it 3-1 at the end of normal time. Fabio
Quagliarella fired in what turned out
to be a stunning consolation goal as
Simone Pepe’s last-gasp close-range
miss sent the holders crashing out of the
tournament.

IMPORTANT
A beaten and bedraggled side,
Italy became the second defending

DATES
champions in three World Cups to finish
bottom of their group. Lippi’s decision
to select several unfit players who
were long past their best spectacularly
GROUP STAGE backfired, while midfield maestro Andrea
June 14 - June 26 Pirlo was only fit enough to come off the
bench in the last game and the Azzurri
ROUND OF 16
sorely missed his presence.
June 29 - July 2

QUARTER FINALS

July 5 - July 6

SEMI FINALS

July 9 - July 10

FINALS

July 14

SOCCER360 53
 EURO
2024
FEATURE
the need for a much-needed rest. That
sabbatical lasted no more than three months
as the Italian Football Federation came
calling despite Napoli President Aurelio De
Laurentiis’s protests and claim that a €3m
release clause needed to be paid to free
Spalletti from his contract.
Looking at the player pool he has available
to choose from as Italy boss, there are some
key ingredients missing compared to the
squad he built in Naples. They are seemingly
without a world class finisher in the mould of
Victor Osimhen, a midfield metronome like
Stanislav Lobotka, and a fast, dominant ball-
playing centre-back like Kim min-Jae. A fit
and in-form Federico Chiesa could arguably
be Spalletti’s new Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, but
the Juventus star has yet to recover his best
form since returning from a 10-month injury
lay-off in November.
LEFT:
Spalletti will want his side to press high as a
Will Luciano Spalletti unit, to be in love with the ball, and attempt
unlock Italy’s
potential? to play quick one-touch football with the
hunger to run up the scoreline. His Napoli
BOTTOM:
Immobile will be one side was insatiable at times last season and
of the veterans that
Spalletti will look to if the veteran coach can bring that desire
lean on. to the national side, then Azzurri fans can
prepare for an exciting summer.
However, the truth is that it’s hard to
know exactly what to expect from Italy
at Euro 2024. They’re a team that edged
through qualifying with a series of mixed
performances, but held their nerve

“SPALLETTI KNOWS HE impressively to draw a tense decider

against Ukraine and secure second

HAS A TOUGH REBUILD

place in their group behind England. The
triumphant squad at Euro 2020 came into
that particular tournament as dark horses

JOB ON HIS HANDS” having hit form throughout qualifying

and in the build-up, but this time around
they’re unlikely to be considered among the
favourites.
So does that make them rank outsiders?
After all, Italy have been known to exceed
initial expectations at major tournaments
before. Well, it depends on whether a
goalscorer can be found to lead the line
in Germany. Despite his consistently
good record in Serie A, Ciro Immobile
never impressed in the role and has been
overlooked after captaining his nation in
Luciano Spalletti’s first game in charge.
The likes of Gianluca Scamacca, Giacomo
Raspadori, and Wilfried Gnonto, have
started under Spalletti in the centre-forward
role but none of them have locked down
the position. Scamacca is injury-prone
and has been unable to get a good run of
games in his legs since moving to Atalanta
in the summer, Gnonto is playing in the
Championship with Leeds United and is
more accustomed to being utilised as a
winger, while Raspadori has spent more time
riding the pine at the Stadio Diego Armando
Maradona than on the field this season.
Although he’s found game time hard to
come by this season, Raspadori could be
vital to how Spalletti wants his Azzurri side
to play going forward at Euro 2024, and
due to Italy’s attacking dearth could have
a leading role against Spain and Croatia in
their final two Group B fixtures.
Spalletti is likely to keep with his favoured
4-3-3 formation and could ask Raspadori to
drop deep and play as an extra midfielder.
Often when Italy face Spain they see less
of the ball and are outnumbered in the

54 SOCCER360
middle of the park. In principle, playing with
Raspadori as a pseudo false-nine could free
up space for Davide Frattesi and Nicolo
Barella, who are both adept at making
surging runs into the opposition’s half to
provide a goalscoring threat against sides
that will be more open at the back.
Against Spain, those late runs could be vital.
The Spanish under Luis de la Fuente will
line up in their version of a 4-3-3 that will
naturally look to keep possession of the ball
and pick away at the Italian defence. Finding
that space in behind the Spanish defence
will be the key to Italy getting a positive
The play-offs for Euro 2024 take place in
result. March with the final three places in the finals
The squad has several other question up for grabs. Ciro Di Brita looks ahead to the
marks surrounding the selection of centre fixtures in paths A, B, and C.
backs, Francesco Acerbi will be 36 by the
time the summer comes around and it Path A of the Euro 2024 qualifying
remains to be seen if Spalletti believes the play-offs sees Wales welcome Finland
Inter man will be a starter, having acted to Cardiff and Estonia travel to Warsaw
as an understudy to Leonardo Bonucci to take on Poland in the semi-finals. The
and the now retired Giorgio Chiellini for winners of both ties will then meet for a
much of his international career. His club place in a fearsome looking Group D.
teammate Alessandro Bastoni will travel, Wales, who have reached three of the
along with Giorgio Scalvini, while Torino’s past four major tournaments and made
Alessandro Buongiorno impressed against it to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, are
the Ukrainians and could be given the marginal favourites in this section. They
opportunity to start in Germany despite his came third behind Turkey and Croatia
relative inexperience. in their qualifying group, and will be
Spalletti knows he has a tough rebuild job on RIGHT:
looking for someone new to inspire them
Roberto Mancini left
his hands and will have to blood a new crop his role as Italy coach to another summer showpiece after the
of players over the next couple of years with in August 2023
retirement of talisman Gareth Bale.
the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, so he BOTTOM LEFT: Qualifying for the play-offs via the
There are high hopes
could place faith in the likes of Buongiorno. for Davide Frattesi Nations League, Estonia are the rank
Elsewhere, Frattesi is another one to watch outsiders while Poland have had a poor
BOTTOM:
after starring during qualifying with three Poland must improve couple of years which included drawing
if they are to make it
goals from midfield. Currently on loan at through the Euro 2024 and losing to Moldova in qualifying.
Inter from Sassuolo, there are high hopes for play-offs
Despite having Robert Lewandowski
Frattesi and he has the kind of progressive and Piotr Zielinski to call upon, a vast
mindset that Spalletti often favours. Athletic improvement is needed to be in with a
chance of making it through.
Due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza,
the encounter is Path B between Israel
and Iceland will take place in Budapest,
with the winner facing either Bosnia and
Herzegovina or Ukraine in the decider for
the right to enter Group E at the Euros. It
looks like it’ll be close, but the Ukrainians
are arguably the more fancied nation in
this path and beat Bosnia 2-0 in Zenica
during qualification for the 2022 World
Cup in Qatar.
Meanwhile, in Path C Georgia and
Greece appear to be the favoured sides
to reach the final. The Georgians can
boast of the exciting talent that is Kvicha
Kvaratskhelia although the winger’s
second season at Napoli hasn’t been as
electrifying as last term.
On the other hand, Greece have been
playing some high-paced and thrilling
football under ex-Chelsea midfielder
Gustavo Poyet. The Greeks were unlucky
to lose to France and the Netherlands
who needed late penalties to win in Paris

“DAVIDE FRATTESI MAY

and Athens by a one-goal margin.
Then again, you cannot rule out either
Kazakhstan or Luxembourg, two nations

JUST EMERGE AS ONE long seen as minnows but now looking

seriously competitive. The winner of

OF THE TOURNAMENT’S
this section will go into Group F at Euro
2024.

BREAKOUT STARS”
SOCCER360 55
 EURO
2024
FEATURE

and comfortable on the ball, he may

just emerge as one of the tournament’s
breakout stars.
Looking ahead to the tournament itself,
the Italians open their title defence with
a game against Albania on June 15, and
it will be the first time the two sides face
each other in a major competition. Many
of the Eagles players will be familiar to
viewers of Serie A with several plying their
trade on the peninsula. Albania are not to
be underestimated, but the Azzurri will be
expected to take three points in this one,
setting them up for the big clashes against
Spain and Croatia.
Italy’s record against Spain in recent years
has been decidedly in Spanish favour, JULY IN GERMANY, AND EACH DAY
although the Azzurri will be hoping to UNFOLDS LIKE A VERDANT SONNET,
make it three successes in three at the
RESONATING WITH THE INEFFABLE
European Championships since a 2-0 win
in Euro 2016. The meeting with Croatia is
MAGIC OF SUMMER’S EPHEMERAL
likely to be similarly tight, but the margin SPLENDOUR. OH, AND OUR GERMAN
for error is high in the early stages with COUSINS ALSO JUST HAPPEN TO BE
four of the best third placed sides heading HOSTING EUROS 2024.
into the last 16, so three points and an
adequate goal difference is likely to be
enough.
If the Azzurri get out of the group, they’ll IS GARETH SOUTHGATE THE
be awkward opponents for anyone, and a RIGHT MAN?
confident and brash Italy is an opponent
The man who might eventually lead us all
every other nation will hope to avoid. The
to footballing glory, and deliver us from
lack of firepower up front could be the
the worst drought since the American
death of Italy’s chances of retaining their
Dust Bowl, is Gareth Southgate. Gareth
title and on the face of it, a repeat of their
is a nice guy, and is perceived by some
Euro 2020 win seems unlikely. However,
in that typical English way, as having
stranger things have happened and they
done a good job without ever winning
can’t be completely ruled out.
anything. However there are many more
RIGHT:
Gareth Southgate for
who harbour the kind of suspicions about
England him that would normally be reserved
LEFT: for someone like Claude Anelka! As July
Has Federico Chiesa approaches, Gareth has managed that
recovered from his
injury woes? rare feat of uniting the country on two
fronts. Firstly he has managed to unite
the country’s expectations that England
can at last win this thing.

HAS THE MANAGER LEARNT

FROM PREVIOUS DEFEATS?
Unfortunately he has also managed
to unite the country into thinking that
he’s not necessarily the man to do
it? But surely after snatching defeat
from the jaws of victory against those
tournament savvy Italians, and after
he had done the exact same against
the creative Croatians in a World Cup
semifinal, has he finally learned the
painful lessons of the ineffectiveness of
playing international tournament football
with the handbrake fully engaged? In
the most defining moments of England’s
matches, Southgate approaches them all
with circumspection, and loiters in the
technical area with judicious restraint,
cloaked in meticulous uncertainty. This
innate cautiousness is the ammunition his
detractors use against him. Particularly
when at his disposal is another golden
generation? Oh dear. There’s that phrase
again!

56 SOCCER360
 EURO
2024
ANOTHER GOLDEN GENERATION! FEATURE
Of course many of you will recall that
we’ve had a golden generation before.
This unfortunate term was coined by the
FA Chief Executive at the time, Adam James Maddison, a player blessed with
Crozier to label the likes of Owen, Terry, creativity, gile, and who finds more
Lampard, Gerrard, Scholes and Rooney gaps than your local dentist, is a better
et al, for the period covering 2000- footballer than Rashford, Grealish or
2010. Sadly Mr Crozier obviously didn’t Raheem Sterling with whom he is in
envisage at the time that this collection competition.
of supposedly world class footballing And Declan Rice. The holding midfielder,
virtuosity would go on to prove as confident on the ball and a reliable
effective as a one legged man in an arse putter out of fires. As comfortable in the
kicking competition when it came to opposition third as he is in his own.
winning the games‘ premier international
competitions. Surely we are not going SO. WILL ENGLAND MAKE THAT
to be the only footballing nation in FINAL STEP?
history to have two trophy-less golden
generations!! They have the players. But they had the
players in 2020 and they had the players
in the last World Cup. So, Unfortunately
CAN SOUTHGATE FIND A KILLER as much as Gareth is a decent man, who
INSTINCT? has done a decent job, he remains, I
fear, a serial recidivist doomed to repeat
It kills your correspondent to say it but past indecision. Will this rabbit in the
the answer is probably not. I say this headlights hesitancy that plagues his
because like many others, I distrust managerial make-up doom him to failure
Southgate’s instincts for the game. and for a fourth time? Or will the players
that his meticulous deliberation acts as triumph in spite of him? This summer will
an anchor upon him and his undoubtedly finally end the debate around him once
talented group of players. His failure and for all.
to act proactively and decisively when
his team are on top has done for him
on three occasions. It was particularly
telling when the score was one apiece
in the World Cup quarter final against
the French. England were lauded for
being the better team for periods of this
game. However, such analysis fails to
grasp the essential point that Southgate
TOP RIGHT:
Harry Kane has been only reacted once he lost control of it.
one of europe’s most He didn’t go for the jugular while his
dangerous strikers for
quite a while. team were on top. It is this in-game
RIGHT:
management that makes the crucial
Raheem Sterling has difference at the highest level of the
been a staple in the
England foundation. sport.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
Marcus Rashford has

THE PLAYERS THAT MIGHT MAKE

17 goals in 59 games
for England.

THE DIFFERENCE.
Southgate has an embarrassment of
riches at his fingertips, and four players in
particular who might prove the difference
between winning and another bitter
disappointment. Harry Kane is still the
deadliest striker in Europe, and scoring
for fun in Germany even though Bayern
Munch have, at the very time Kane
had trophies within his grasp, suddenly
morphed into Bayern Hotspur! No matter.
He’s still Southgate’s main man up front.
Jude Bellingham is the midfield revelation
every England fan has been dreaming
of for generations. His impetus, link-up
play and eye for goal is certainly putting
a smile on the face of his team mate and
master, Luka Modric!

SOCCER360 57
 IN ANY DISCUSSION ABOUT THE TOP SOCCER NATIONS OF
THE WORLD, ITALY IS BOUND TO BE MENTIONED MORE THAN
A FEW TIMES. WITH FOUR WORLD CUP TITLES, ITALY IS TIED
WITH GERMANY AND SECOND ONLY TO BRAZIL WITH FIVE WINS,
AS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT PARTICIPANT OF
ALL TIME.

FIRST TIME GLORY entire Torino football team lost their lives
in the infamous Superga air disaster.
In 1934 Italy hosted the World Cup, making This had a severe impact on Italy, as the
their first appearance in the competition. Torino players were the lynchpin of the
This squad was led by the legendary national team. Following this accident,
Giuseppe Meazza, arguably the greatest the team started traveling by boat.
Italian player of all time. Known as “Il Genio” The following period saw the Azzurri
by the Italian press, Meazza was a prolific struggle to establish their previous
goalscorer and a virtuoso with the ball. The dominance. After failing to advance
team was coached by Vittorio Pozzo, who from the group stage at the 1950 and
popularized a 2-3-2-3 formation with two 1954 World Cups, they missed the 1958
half-backs and inside-forwards. edition of the tournament altogether.
After defeating the United States 7-1 in their The 1962 and 1966 World Cups saw
first match in World Cup history, Italy was Italy return with more talented teams,
set to play Spain. The game ended in a 1-1 but they were again knocked out
draw, with various controversial decisions in the group stage. The team also
favoring the home team. In the replay match, missed out on the first two European
Italy defeated Spain 1-0 on a Meazza winner. Championships in 1960 and 1964.
TOP RIGHT:
Giuseppe Meazza for They then beat Austria 1-0 in the semi-
Italy during the 1934
World Cup finals and Czechoslovakia 2-1 in the finals,
winning the World Cup title in their debut
RIGHT:
The team was coached appearance, with Meazza voted player of the
by Vittorio Pozzo, who
popularized a 2-3-2-3
tournament.
formation with two
half-backs and inside-
forwards.

BOTTOM RIGHT:
ITALY REPEAT
Silvio Piola was a key
ingredient in Italy’s With the addition of the talented young
second straight World
Cup win in 1938
striker Silvio Piola, many pundits believed
that the Italian squad at the 1938 World
Cup was even stronger than the previous
one. Italy proved them right by beating
Norway, France, Brazil, and Hungary on its
way to the second consecutive World Cup
title.

TRAGIC TURN
With the ongoing WWII, the 1938 World Cup
turned out to be the last major tournament
in 12 years. One year before official national
competitions would resume, however, Italy
was struck by a terrible disaster. Namely, the

58 SOCCER360
 CHAMPIONS AGAIN goalkeeper Dino Zoff receiving most of the
blame for getting beaten by a 30-yard shot.
Italy finally broke out of the slump in 1968,
at their first European Championship. After SUCCESS AND SCANDALS
making their way through the qualifiers, Italy
Two years later, Italy would host their
was chosen to host the final tournament.
second European Championship. This time
Their semi-final match with the Soviet
around, the final tournament consisted
Union ended in a 0-0 draw, which saw Italy
of eight teams, which were separated
advance on a coin toss. The match against
into two groups. After winning the match
Yugoslavia in the finals also concluded in a
against England and drawing against Spain
draw, but Italy won the replay 2-0, claiming
and Belgium, Italy finished in second place
their first major trophy in 30 years.
and qualified for the third-place match. They
The azzurri carried this good form to
then lost to Czechoslovakia in a high-scoring
the 1970 World Cup. Led by talented
9-8 penalty shootout, with Fulvio Collovati
offensive players such as Gianni Rivera
missing the decisive penalty.
and Luigi Riva, Italy made it all the way to
The preparations for the 1982 World
the finals, where they were defeated by
Cup were plagued by the Totonero match-
Brazil 1-4. Their most memorable match in
TOP RIGHT: fixing scandal, which saw numerous players
Gianni Rivera for Italy the tournament was the semi-final against
at the 1968 Euro -- including Rossi -- get suspended from
West Germany, which became known as the
TOP LEFT: the Italian league. However, Rossi returned
“Game of the Century.” Italy won the game
Luigi Riva was a key to the national team just in time to take
part of Italy’s Euro 4-3, with 5 of 7 goals coming in extra time
1968 victory part at the World Cup, which proved to be
and Rivera scoring the late winner.
FAR RIGHT:
a huge boost to the team’s fortunes. Still,
Roberto Baggio fully
came into his own as UNEXPECTED AZZURRI their group stage matches left something
one of the best players to be desired, as they advanced with three
in the world The 1974 World Cup was far less successful consecutive draws.
for the Azzurri, as they bowed out in the The Azzurri later imposed a press black-out,
group stage after a shock loss to Poland in which seemed to improve the team’s spirits.
the final round. They also failed to qualify In the second round, they won against
for either of the European Championships in Argentina (2-1) and Brazil (3-2), with Rossi
1972 and 1976, which caused a lot of murmur scoring a hat-trick in the latter match. He
in the Italian press. Nonetheless, the future followed that up with a brace in the semi-
seemed bright thanks to the arrival of a final match against Poland, leading Italy to
talented new generation of Italian players the finals against West Germany. Winning
led by star striker Paolo Rossi. the match 3-1, and claiming their third World
Their first opportunity to establish Cup title. Unsurprisingly, Rossi won both the
themselves came at the 1978 World Cup, Golden Ball and the Golden Boot.
where they won all three games in the
group stage. Most notably, they were the NEXT GENERATION
only team to defeat hosts and eventual
After failing to qualify for the Euro 1984, Italy
champions Argentina. However, a loss in
entered the 1986 World Cup with lowered
the second round against the Netherlands
expectations. This pessimistic approach was
spelled the end to their title aspirations, with

SOCCER360 59
 AZZURRI FLASHBACK CONTINUED
and Denmark went through on goal
difference.

RETURN TO GLORY

“I AM PROUD TO BE Following this slump, the Italian Football

Federation appointed Marcello Lippi as the

ITALIAN BECAUSE I new manager. His debut game in charge

against Iceland ended in a shocking 0-2

WAS BORN IN ITALY,

loss, but he still managed to secure a
spot at the 2006 World Cup. By the time
the group stages rolled around, Italy was

I GREW UP IN ITALY, performing like a well-oiled machine. With

two victories over Ghana and the Czech

I WENT TO SCHOOL
Republic and a draw against the United
States, they had little trouble advancing
from the group.

IN ITALY AND I HAVE The knockout stages saw Italy continue to

perform well, especially on the defensive

WORKED IN ITALY.
end. They defeated Australia, Ukraine,
and Germany without conceding a goal,
setting up another final match game

I’M ITALIAN.” with France. This time around, the finals

were shrouded in controversy. The game
ended 1-1 and went to penalties, but not
before Zinedine Zidane was sent off for
headbutting Marco Materazzi. Italy won
the penalty shootout, claiming its 4th
World Cup title.

not without merit, as they were knocked Italy rediscovered their form in the knockout NEW ERA
out by France in the round of 16. This stages. They went on to beat Nigeria,
uninspiring showing led to a renewed Spain, and Bulgaria on the way to the finals, Following this achievement, Italy started
interest in young talent, and players such with Baggio scoring five goals during that struggling to return to its winning ways.
as Paolo Maldini, Roberto Baggio, and stretch. He also picked up a hamstring injury, They went out in the first round at both
Gianluca Vialli were all introduced to the however, which caused him to play with the 2010 and 2014 World Cup and missed
national team within the next two years. painkillers in the final match against Brazil. out on the 2018 World Cup altogether.
This new squad made its debut at the Euro The game eventually went to penalties, with Their appearances at the European
1988, where they were drawn into a tough Baggio missing the decisive penalty and Championships were a bit more inspiring,
group containing West Germany, Spain, gifting Brazil the title. though. Both the 2008 and the 2014
and Denmark. Italy proceeded to hold its edition of the Euro saw the Azzurri make
own, drawing 1-1 with West Germany and UPS AND DOWNS the quarter-finals, but they were knocked
winning the remaining two games. These out on penalties on both occasions.
By comparison, the following two major Their most successful showing during
results saw them advance to the semi-
tournaments were disappointing affairs for this period arrived at the Euro 2012.
finals, but the experienced Soviet Union ABOVE:
Mario Balotelli kicked Italy. At the Euro 1996, they didn’t manage After escaping a tough group containing
squad was too tough to overcome. In a off Italy’s “New Era”
and began as a solid to advance from a group that contained Spain and Croatia, Italy defeated England
closely contested match, Italy lost 0-2.
striker for the county’s eventual finalists Germany and the Czech
squad
on penalties. They followed it up by
BAGGIO’S REIGN BELOW:
Republic. The 1998 World Cup saw them beating Germany 2-0 in the semi-finals,
Gianluigi Donnarumma
make the quarter-finals, but they lost to with Mario Balotelli scoring both goals.
In 1990, Italy got to host its second World proved to be a great France in a penalty shootout. Similarly to the The final match against Spain was quite
addition between the
Cup. Contrary to expectations, the biggest woodwork previous showing, their opponents went on anticlimactic, though, as their opponents
star of this Italian team ended up being to win the tournament. took an early lead and controlled the
Salvatore Schillaci. Despite being used The Euro 2000 saw Italy bring a strong game on the way to a 4-0 rout.
as a substitute at first, Schillaci went on squad that included rising star Francesco In 2021, Italy would triumph by winning the
to score a goal in 6 out of 7 games he Totti and established big names such as European Championship for the second
played, for which he was voted player of Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo “Pippo” time. England stood as opponents and
the tournament. Italy made it to the semi- Inzaghi. After recording all three victories the result was 1-1 after full time and no
finals, where they were knocked out by in their group, they beat Romania and the goals were made during the extra time.
Argentina in a penalty shootout. They then Netherlands on their way to a rematch with In the following penalty shoot-out, Italy
beat England 2-1 in the third-place match. France in the finals. Despite Italy holding succeed three out of five times whereas
Despite missing out on the Euro 1992, a 1-0 lead for most of the second the goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma
most pundits held Italy in high regard half, France equalized in injury time made two saves (a third England penalty
prior to the 1994 World Cup. By this and won on a golden goal from was going in the post).
point, Roberto Baggio fully came into Trezeguet. This heartbreaking loss In contrast with the European
his own as one of the best players turned out to be a tough pill to Championship success, the Italians failed
in the world, and many felt that this swallow for the Azzurri, as they went to qualify for the World Cup two times
would be his tournament. However, Italy straight back to mediocrity. The 2002 World in a row (2018, 2022), a big failure for
underperformed in the group stage, losing Cup saw them get knocked out by hosts a country that had participated in all
the opener against Ireland and barely South Korea in the round of 16, despite editions of the tournament since the
making it to the knockout round. Baggio being overwhelming favorites to win. At 1960s.
himself was unrecognizable, and most of the Euro 2004, they didn’t advance from
the public blame was directed at him. the group despite accruing 5 points from 3
In a twist of events, though, Baggio and games. In a 3-way tie to advance, Sweden

60 SOCCER360
 Timeless Design. Endless Possibilities.
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 MLS 2024
SEASON
PREVIEW

WORDS SEAN MASLIN

honors. A highly experienced side that has a

bonafide number nine in Cucho Hernandez
(16 goals, MLS Best XI honors last season)
up top.
But isn’t a surefire bet that we will see the
s an any Major League Soccer steadying forces which should in turn lead Crew in the finals in December. Messi and
supporter will tell you: it is to enticing storylines. Of course at the top of Miami aside, the Eastern Conference features
always best to expect the all fans minds is Messi and Miami. Although a bevy of young and exciting teams that
unexpected. At this point last Lionel’s Lethal Legion failed to make the will be looking to upend the champions.
season very few people had playoffs, the summer of Messi certainly At the top of that list are Cincinnati and
the Columbus Crew winning made major waves throughout the summer. Philadelphia. Cincy will once again lean
the MLS Cup, a Houston That he was able to capture the Leagues heavily on talisman midfielder Luciano
Dynamo US Open Cup victory, Cup at a time when the league faced little Acosta, who put the attack on his back
St. Louis City SC capturing competition on the airwaves certainly and led the team to their first Supporters’
the Western Conference or helped the league’s image and drive fans Shield. The reigning MLS MVP will be looking
FC Cincinnati claiming the towards purchasing subscriptions to their to cement his status as one of the best
Supporters Shield. There AppleTV+ platform. But there was a bit of midfielders in league history and with a
were even strong rumors a decline towards the end of the season. strong defensive line led by Best XI defender
that seemed to point to Lionel Messi joining Messi mania did yield a US Open Cup final Matt Miazga, he will certainly have a chance
TOP:
Inter Miami CF, but anyone really see Jordi appearance, but they fell short in securing Lionel Messi for Inter to do it.
Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez that trophy and did not make the playoffs. Miami
The Union will also have a major say in who
joining him? There is a certain element of That he is already dealing with hamstring wins top honors in the East. After falling
the unknown that makes each MLS season issues which forced him out of an exhibition just short in MLS Cup 2022, Philly had a
exciting but also maddening to predict. in Hong Kong (which also earned him a red bit of a decline in 2023. But with one of
With the league’s single-entity structure and card from the government of China) should the top youth academies in the Americas
rosters being overhauled every year knowing be a cause for alarm for not just Miami, but replenishing their depth each season,
who exactly will stand out and who will fall the league as a whole. Philadelphia looks stronger than ever
to the bottom can be a bit of a challenge. Miami is a major piece of the MLS puzzle especially with midfielders Quinn Sullivan
That the Colorado Rapids went from winning this season, but they are not the only piece. (19) and JackMcGlynn (20) expected to take
the Western Conference just two years ago After rocketing past FC Cincinnati and the on heavier workloads .
to finishing at the bottom of the Conference Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup Playoffs, Also keep an eye on Atlanta United FC,
last season is perhaps the biggest indication Columbus Crew and their head coach who made a deep run late and very nearly
of how quickly the winds can change in Wilfried Nancy should feel that they are pipped the Crew in the second round of the
the league. There do seem to be some the front-runners to once again claim top playoffs. The one-two combination of Thiago

62 SOCCER360
 6 FACTS
IMPORTANT ABOUT THIS
DATES
Season Kick-Off -
February 21
Inter Miami vs Real
Salt Lake

First weekend back

(all the other teams
Almada (17 goals. Young Player of the Year)
and Giorgos Giakoumakis (11 goals) lit up the
SEASON
Everyone loves fun facts. Whether it is
stumping fellow supporters or being prepared
for bar trivia night, knowing ones soccer facts
will play) is important! To better prepare supporters
February 24 & 25
Eastern Conference last season and should ahead of the upcoming season, here are six
continue to give their supporters hope that interesting facts about Major League Soccer.
Rivarly Week- more silverware is coming. The caveat is,
May 11-18
May 11- FC
Cincinnati vs
of course, that Almada stays in the South.
THE TEAMS REMAIN THE SAME Shield (2016 for Dallas, 2021 for New
The Argentine international has had strong England, and 2013, 2015, and 2018 for
Columbus Crew
“Hell is Real Derby” interest from Europe and could see a move For the first time since 2019, there were New York). But as for the MLS Cup? Still
in the summer. no new MLS teams added for the 2024 looking for it.
May 11- Seattle
As for the Western Conference all eyes will nor were there any teams that moved
Sounders vs
Portland Timbers be on LAFC. After finally winning MLS Cup from city to another. While that may THE RETURN TO THE US OPEN
“Cascadia Derby” in 2022 The Black and Gold fell short in seem like that may hinder the growth of CUP
May 18- Orlando MLS Cup 2023. On paper, they should have the game here in the United States one
City vs Inter Miami little reason to worry about making it back also has to remember that the league This winter, MLS sent shockwaves
“Florida Derby” throughout the footballing world by
to the final, with the team adding French has added five teams since that time
May 18- Toronto FC International Hugo Lloris to steady the ship and that between 2010 and 2019 they announcing that they would be leaving
vs CF Montreal in goal and bringing back Carlos Vela for one had added ten teams. Expansion has the US Open Cup, one of the oldest
“Canadian Clasique”
final ride. But one has to wonder how much grown the league in many positive ways football club tournaments. In place of
El Trafico- July 4 of the acrimonious contract discussions this but it appears that league is settling in their senior teams, MLS said that they
LAFC vs LA would send their NEXT Pro teams. The
Galaxy at the Rose winter between star striker Denis Bouanga with the teams that they have. Although
Bowl(Last year MLS and the club will carry over onto the field. San Diego will be joining in 2025, response from supporters, both within
record with 82,110
Perhaps the biggest question of 2024 is there doesn’t appear to be much more their fanbases and from lower division
Fans in attandence)
whether St. Louis can once again climb to movement for new clubs entering the teams. US Soccer’s response was swift,
2024 MLS All Star the top of the Western Conference. Led by league. making their own announcement that
Game - MLS cannot use their NEXT Pro teams
July 24 goalkeeper Roman Burki (MLS Goalkeeper
Columbus’s of the Year) the Lou’s bend but don’t break CUP HALF FULL to replace their senior teams in the
Lower.com Field competition and that MLS failing to play
mentality shot them to top of the West in
While MLS does not have promotion/ in the tournament would affect their
MLS All Star Game their first season. Although they will not
is where the MLS relegation it does offer supporters a sanctioning as a league. MLS backed
catch anyone by surprise this year, a year of
All Stars with face little different an equal opportunity at
experience as a group should pay off. down from their earlier proclamation and
a european side
success. Since the league’s foundation thus MLS is back in the Open Cup!
in a friendly, last Speaking of paying off, MLS supporters
season they faced in 1996, only fifteen of the league’s
know never to write off the Seattle
Arsenal at Audi
field. Arsenal won Sounders. In a league where the standings
thirty teams have won the MLS Cup. KAMARA THE GREAT
the game 5-0. Still Los Angeles Galaxy, D.C. United,
can quite volatile, the Sounders have bucked
no confirmation Seattle Sounders, Columbus Crew SC, MLS’ active leading goalscorer is Kei
on who the MLS all the trend missing the playoffs just once
Toronto FC, Portland Timbers, San Kamara, who has scored 144 goals over
stars will be facing since 2009. While making the playoffs is
this year Jose Earthquakes, Sporting Kansas the course of his 18 years in the league.
great, Seattle have designs on going deeper
City, Houston Dynamo FC, Los Angeles The journeyman forward (he has played
Leagues Cup- and winning their first Cup since 2019.
July 26 to August FC, Chicago Fire FC, Colorado Rapids, for nine teams in MLS and 13 teams
Although stalwart midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro
25 Atlanta United FC, and New York City FC across his professional career) is just
Its a month long is gone, the team is still led by a contingent
have all won at least one MLS Cup. As a one goal shy of Landon Donovan for
competition where of players with extensive playoff experience
MLS sides and Liga point of comparison, only six teams have second place in league history. He still
MX sides take part including goalkeeper Stefan Frei and
won the English Premier League title in has a bit of work to catch up to San Jose
of. Last year Inter forward Jordan Morris.
Miami won it with the same time frame (Arsenal, Chelsea, Earthquake legend Chris Wondolowski,
While there may not be a clear cut favorite
Messi. There is a Leicester City, Liverpool, Manchester who has 171 goals.
complete break to win it all this year, MLS will certainly
from MLS while this City, and Manchester United).
tournament plays
provide plenty for supporters to watch
MCCARTHY MINUTEMAN
throughout the summer heading into the
MLS Decision Day stretch. The hope from the league is that
LOOKING FOR THAT FIRST TITLE As a midfielder, it is expected that
(Last games of the
season for every
those watching for Messi, Vela, and Lloris will While a lot of teams have won the players will play a lot. But 36, 701
team)- also catch Sullivan, McGlynn, and Almada. MLS Cup there are a few teams who minutes? That is a lot of running.
October 17 If they can catch lightning in a bottle the Entering his 18th MLS season with
have famously never won the title.
2024 MLS Cup possibilities for 2024 to breakthrough year From the original ten MLS teams, three Atlanta United McCarthy sits just a
Final- December 7 for MLS are endless. little shy of the 37k minute mark, fourth
have yet to win top honors: FC Dallas
(formerly the Dallas Burn), the New all-time in league history behind Kevin
York Red Bulls (formerly New York/ Hartman (37,260), Kyle Beckerman
TOP RIGHT:
The New York Red New Jersey Metrostars), and the New (41, 161), and Nick Rimando (46, 336).
Bulls are one of three
original MLS teams England Revolution have all yet to win McCarty could pass Hartman this year
that have never won
the league’s oldest trophy. Each side has (last year logged 1898 minutes for
the MLS Cup
won other trophies/silverware: Dallas Nashville SC) but at 36 he is chasing
TOP:
The all-time MLS and the Revolution have each won the father time if he wants to pass two Real
leading scorer, Kei
US Open Cup (1997 and 2016 for Dallas Salt Lake legends in Beckerman and
Kamara
and 2007 for New England). Meanwhile Rimando.
BOTTOM:
McCarthy looks to each team has won the Supporters’
climb the minutes
played leaderboard

SOCCER360 63
 MLS 2024
SEASON
PREVIEW BELOW:
Columbus Crew with
the 2023 MLS Cup

CHARLOTTE FC
2023 Record: 10-11-13, 43 points (Eastern
Conference Wild Card)
Head Coach: Dean Smith
Key Returning Players: FWD Karol
Swiderski (12 goals, 4 assists), Enzo Copetti
(6 goals), and DEF Nathan Byrne (29 starts)
Key Additions: GK Chituru Odunze (Crown
Legacy) and DEF Joao Pedro (Crown
Legacy)
Key Departure: FWD Karol Swiderski (Loan-
Hellas Verona)

CHICAGO FIRE
2023 Record: 10-14-10, 40 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)
The 2024 MLS season is upon us! Head Coach: Frank Klopas
Soccer360 Magazine reporter Sean Maslin Key Returning Players: MID Xherdan Shaqiri
has a breakdown of each team heading into (5 goals, 5 assists), DEF Rafael Czichos
the season and what supporters can expect (Captain), and MID Fabian Herbers (24
in the season (oh, and of course Messi). starts)
Key Additions: DEF Andrew Gutman
(Atlanta United FC) , DEF Chase Gasper
(Houston Dynamo), and FWD Tom Barlow
(New York Red Bulls)
Key Departure: DEF Alonso Aceves
(Pachuca)

ATLANTA UNITED FC
2023 Record: 13-9-12, 51 points (Eastern
Conference Round 1)
Head Coach: Gonzalo Pineda
Key Returning Players: MID Thiago Almada
(Best XI, Young Player of the Year), FWD
Giorgios Giakoumakis (17 goals), GK Brad
Guzan (Captain) FC CINCINNATI
Key Additions: MID Dax McCarty (Nashville
SC) and FWD Bartosz Sliz (Legia Warsaw) 2023 Record: 20-5-9, 69 points (Supporters
Key Departures: DEF Miles Robinson (FC Shield, Eastern Conference Semifinalist )
Cincinnati) and FWD Ezequiel Barco (River Head Coach: Pat Noonan
Plate) Key Returning Players: MID/FWD Luciano
Acosta (MLS MVP, 17 goals, and 14 assists),
GK Roman Celentano (12 clean sheets), and
DEF Matt Miazga (Best XI)
Key Additions: DEF Miles Robinson (Atlanta
United FC) and FWD Corey Baird (Houston
Dynamo)
Key Departure: FWD Brandon Vasquez
(Monterrey)

AUSTIN FC
2023 Record: 10-15-9, 39 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: Josh Wolff
Key Returning Players: FWD Sebastian
Driussi (11 goals, 5 assists), DEF Jon
Gallagher (8 assists), and MID Dani Pereira
(88.2% passing percentage) TOP:
Luciano Acosta
Key Addition: MID Micah Burton (Austin Thiago Almada

FC II) ABOVE:
Nathan Byrne
Key Departure: DEF Nick Lima (New
England Revolution)

64 SOCCER360
 D.C. UNITED
2023 Record: 10-14-10, 40 points (Did Not
COLORADO RAPIDS Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: Troy Lesesne
2023 Record: 5-17-12, 27 points (Did Not Key Returning Players: FWD Christian
Make The Playoffs) Benteke (14 goals, 4 assists), MID Mateusz
Head Coach: Chris Armas Klich (4 goals, 9 assists), and MID Ted Ku-
Key Returning Players: MID Cole Bassett (6 DiPietro (26 appearances)
goals) and MID Conor Ronan (11 assists) Key Additions: DEF Aaron Herrera (CF
Key Additions: GK Zack Steffen Montreal), MID Matti Peltola (HJK Helsinki),
(Manchester City), MID Djordjie Mihailovic and MID Jared Stroud (St. Louis City SC)
(AZ Alkmaar), DEF Sam Vines (Royal Key Departure: MID Chris Durkin (St. Louis
Antwerp) City), DEF Donovan Pines (Barnsley), and
Key Departure: DEF Andrew Gutman FWD Andy Najar (CD Olimpia)
(Chicago Fire)

CHRISTIAN BENTEKE

JORDI ALBA
HOUSTON DYNAMO FC
COLUMBUS CREW 2023 Record: 14-11-9, 51 points (Western
Conference Finalist, US Open Cup
2023 Record: 16-9-9, 57 points (MLS Cup Champion)
Champion) Head Coach: Ben Olsen
Head Coach: Wilfried Nancy Key Returning Players: MID Amine Bassi
Key Returning Players: FWD Cucho (16 (10 goals, 4 assists), MID Hector Herrera (4
goals, 11 assists) , MID Alexandru Matan (11 goals, 17 assists, Best XI), and GK Steve Clark
assists), and MID Darlington Nagbe (32 (85 saves)
starts) Key Addition: DEF Kieran Sargeant
Key Additions: MID Derrick Jones (Atlanta (Homegrown Player)
United FC) and MID Marino Hinestroza Key Departure: FWD Thorleifur Ulfarsson
(Pachuca) (Debrecan)
Key Departure: MID Julian Gressel (Inter
Miami CF)

INTER MIAMI CF
FC DALLAS 2023 Record: 9-18-7, 34 points (Did Not
CUCHO
Make The Playoffs, Leagues Cup Champion,
2023 Record: 11-10-13, 46 points (Western
US Open Cup Finalist)
Conference Round 1)
Head Coach: Tata Martino
Head Coach: Nico Estevez
Key Returning Players: MID Lionel Messi (11
Key Returning Players: FWD Jesus Ferreira
goals in 14 appearances), DEF Jordi Alba (5
(12 goals, 6 assists), DEF Marco Farfan (32
starts), and MID Sergio Busquets (10 starts)
starts), DEF Sebastien Ibeagha (26 starts)
Key Additions: FWD Luis Suarez (Gremio),
Key Additions: MID Derrick Jones (Atlanta
MID Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps),
United FC), FWD Peter Musa (Benfica), and
and DEF Tyler Hall (Homegrown Player)
MID Marino Hinestroza (Pachuca)
Key Departures: FWD Josef Martinez
Key Departure: FWD Jader Obrian (Austin
(CF Montreal), DEF Kamal Miller (Portland
FC)
Timbers), and DEF Leandro Pirez (River
Plate)

Sergio Busquets

Jesus Ferreira

SOCCER360 65
 MLS 2024
SEASON MATEUSZ BOGUSZ

PREVIEW

CF MONTREAL
2023 Record: 12-17-5, 41 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: Laurent Courtois
LOS ANGELES FC Key Returning Players: MID Mathieu
Choiniere (5 goals, 5 assists), GK Jonathan
2023 Record: 14-10-10, 52 points (MLS Cup Sirois (32 starts), and MID Victor Wanyama
Finalist) (20 starts)
Head Coach: Steve Cherundolo Key Additions: DEF Raheem Edwards (Los
Key Returning Players: FWD Denis Angeles Galaxy), FWD Matias Coccaro (Club
Bouanga (20 goals), MID Carlos Vela Athletic Huracan), and FWD Josef Martinez
(9 goals, 12 assists), and DEF Ryan (Inter Miami CF)
Hollingshead (25 points) Key Departures: FWD Aaron Herrera
Key Additions: GK Hugo Lloris (Tottenham (DC United), FWD Romell Quioto (Tractor
Hotspur), DEF Omar Campos (Santos SC-Iran), and Ahmed Hamdi (SC Zamalek-
Laguna), and FWD David Martinez Egypt)
(Monagas)
Key Departures: DEF Giorgio Chiellini
(Retired), DEF Diego Palacios (Corinthians),
RAHEEM EDWARDS
and MID Filip Krastev (Lommel-Bulgaria)

NASHVILLE SC
2023 Record: 13-11-10, 49 points (Western
LOS ANGELES GALAXY Conference Round One, Leagues Cup
Finalist)
2023 Record: 8-14-12, 36 points (Did Not
Head Coach: Gary Smith
Make The Playoffs)
Key Returning Players: MID Hany Mukhtar
Head Coach: Greg Vanney
(Best XI, 15 Goals, 11 Assists), DEF Walker
Key Returning Players: MID Riqui Puig
Zimmerman (Best XI), and MID Alex Muyl
(7 goals, 8 assists), DEF Maya Yoshida (12
(23 starts)
starts, Japanese International), and FWD
Key Additions: MID Dru Yearwood (New
Dejan Joveljic (6 goals, 4 assists)
York Red Bulls), FWD Tyler Boyd (Los
Key Additions: FWD Gabriel Pec (Vasco
Angeles Galaxy), and MID Isaiah Jones
de Gama), DEF Miki Yamane (Kawasaki
(Homegrown Player)
Fortune), and GK John McCarthy (LAFC)
Key Departures: FWD Fafa Picault
Key Departures: MID Douglas Costa
(Vancouver Whitecaps), MID Dax McCarty
(Fluminense), FWD Chicharito (Chivas de
(Atlanta United FC), and FWD Ethan Zubak
Guadalajara), and FWD Tyler Boyd (Nashville
(Los Angeles Galaxy)
SC)
SAM SURRIDGE

MINNESOTA UNITED FC
2023 Record: 10-13-11, 41 points (Did Not NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
Make The Playoffs)
2023 Record: 15-9-10, 55 points (Eastern
Head Coach: Cameron Knowles (Interim)
Conference Round One)
Key Returning Players: MID Mathieu
Head Coach: Caleb Porter
Choiniere (5 goals, 5 assists), GK Jonathan
Key Returning Players: MID Carles Gil (11
Sirois (32 starts), and MID Victor Wanyama
goals, 15 assists), DEF Dave Romney (34
(20 starts)
starts), and DEF DeJuan Jones (24 starts)
Key Additions: MID Alejandro Bran
Key Additions: DEF Nick Lima (Austin
(Herediano), MID Carlos Harvey (Phoenix
FC), DEF Jonathan Mensah (San Jose
Rising), and DEF Victor Eriksson (Varnamo-
Earthquakes), and GK Henrich Ravas
Sweden)
(Widzewn Lodz-Poland)
Key Departures: MID Jan Gregus (Houston
Key Departures: FWD Gustavo Bou
Dynamo), DEF Ethan Bristow (Loan-
(Talleres), FWD Justim Rennicks (AC Oulu),
Stockport County), and FWD Cameron
and DEF Omar Gonzalez (FC Dallas)
Dunbar (Orange County SC)

66 SOCCER360
NEW YORK CITY FC
2023 Record: 9-11-14, 41 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: Nick Cushing
Key Returning Players: FWD Talles Magno
(4 goals, 3 assists), MID Santiago Rodriguez
(8 assists), and MID Keaton Parks (30 starts)
Key Additions: GK Tomas Romero (Toronto
FC), FWD Agustin Ojeda (Racing), and
Strahinja Tanasijević (Spartak Subotica)

While everyone is aware of Inter Miami’s

star power, Marco D’Onofrio lists five other
Designated Players to keep an eye out for in
2024.

NEW YORK RED BULLS

2023 Record: 11-13-10, 43 points (Eastern
Conference Round One)
Head Coach: Sandro Schwarz
Key Returning Players: MID Daniel Edelman
(22 starts), DEF John Tolkin (27 starts), and
DEF Kyle Duncan (38 tackles)
Key Additions: MID Emil Forsberg (Red Bull
Leipzig), DEF Noah Elle (Malmo), and FWD
Roald Mitchell (New York Red Bulls II)
Key Departures: MID Omir Fernandez
(Colorado Rapids), FWD Tom Barlow
(Chicago Fire), and FWD Luqhinas
(Fortaleza)

ORLANDO CITY SC DENIS BOUANGA - LOS

ANGELES FC
2023 Record: 18-7-9, 63 points (Eastern
The 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner has
Conference Semifinalist)
been a dream signing for Los Angeles
Head Coach: Oscar Pareja
FC. He arrived from French club Saint-
Key Returning Players: MID Facundo
Étienne in August 2022 and made an
Torres (18 goals), GK Pedro Gallese (10
immediate impact. He helped the club
clean sheets), and MID Wilder Cabrera (88%
win an MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield
accurate pass percentage)
in 2022 and was one of the best players
Key Additions: FWD Ivan Angulo
in the league in 2023. Expect another big
(Palmeiras) and FWD Nicolas Lodeiro
campaign from the French winger.
(Seattle Sounders FC)
Key Departures: DEF Antonio Carlos
EMIL FORSBERG - NEW YORK
(Fluminense) and FWD Dominic McGuire
RED BULLS
(Loan-Blackburn)
The Swedish international midfielder
joined the New York Red Bulls this
off-season from Red Bull Leipzig as a
Designated Player. Forsberg spent the
last nine and a half seasons in Germany
with Leipzig and will be a welcomed
addition to Sandro Schwartz’s side.

SOCCER360 67
 MLS 2024
SEASON QUINN SULLIVAN

PREVIEW

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES

2023 Record: 14-9-11, 53 points (Western
Conference Wild Card)
Head Coach: Luchi Gonzalez
Key Returning Players: FWD Cristian
Espinoza (13 goals, 13 assists), FWD
Jeremy Ebobisse (10 goals, 4 assists), DEF
PHILADELPHIA UNION
Rodriguez (34 tackles)
2023 Record: 15-9-10, 55 points (Eastern Key Additions: DEF Vitor Costa (CS
Conference Semifinalist) Maritimo), GK William Yarbrough (Colorado
Head Coach: Jim Curtin Rapids), and FWD Preston Judd (NYCFC)
Key Returning Players: FWD Julian Key Departures: FWD Cade Cowell (Chivas
Carranza (14 goals, 6 assists), MID Daniel de Guadalajara), MID Matthew Hoppe
Gazdag (14 goals, 11 assists), and GK Andre (Middlesbrough), and DEF Jonathan Mensah
Blake (1.06 Goals Against Average) (New England Revolution)
Key Additions: FWD Markus Anderson
(Rayo Majohonda), MID Sanders Ngabo
(Lyngby Boldklub), and MID Nick Pariano
(Homegrown Player)
Key Departures: MID Andres Perea ALBERT RUSNEK
(NYCFC), FWD Nelson Pierre (Loan-Skovde
AIK), and DEF Anton Sorenson (Out of
Contract)

SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
2023 Record: 10-10-14,44 points (Western
Conference Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Brian Schmetzer
Key Returning Players: FWD Jordan Morris
(11 goals, 1 assist), MID Leo Chu (5 goals, 8
assists), GK Stefan Frei (.88 Goals Against
Average)
Key Additions: MID Pedro de la Vega
PORTLAND TIMBERS FC
(Lanus), DEF Danny Musovski (Real Salt
2023 Record: 11-13-10, 43 points (Did Not Lake), and DEF Jonathan Bell (St. Louis City
Make The Playoffs) SC)
Head Coach: Phil Neville Key Departures: MID Nicolas Lodeiro
Key Returning Players: MID Diego Chara (Orlando City SC). MID Kelyn Rowe
(28 starts), MID Evander (8 goals), and FWD (Retired), and GK Stefan Cleveland (Austin
Santiago Moreno (3 goals, 9 assists) FC)
Key Additions: GK Maxime Crepeau (LAFC)
and DEF Kamal Miller (Inter Miami CF)
Key Departures: FWD Sebastian Blanco
(San Lorenzo) and MID Yimmi Chara (Junior
FC)

DIEGO LUNA

SPORTING KANSAS CITY

2023 Record: 12-14-8, 44 points (Western
Conference Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Peter Vermes
Key Returning Players: FWD Alan Pulido
REAL SALT LAKE
(14 goals), MID Erick Thommy (5 goals, 11
2023 Record: 14-12-8, 60 points (Western assists),
Conference First Round) Key Additions: MID Deybi Flores (Fehérvár
Head Coach: Pablo Mastroeni FC) and FWD Tyrese Spicer (MLS
Key Returning Players: FWD Cristian SuperDraft)
Arango (6 goals, 2 assists), DEF Justen Glad Key Departures: MID Roger Espinoza
(25 assists), and FWD Anderson Julio (5 (Option Declined), MID/DEF Roger Espinoza
goals, 21 Shots On Target) (Option Declined), and DEF Kortne Ford
Key Additions: MID Fidel Barajas (Option Declined)
(Charleston Battery, Mexican Youth National
Team), DEF Alexandros Katranis (Plast
Giwice-Poland), and MID Tommy Silva
(Homegrown Player)
Key Departures: DEF Jefferson Savarino
(Botafogo), MID Jasper Loffelsend
(Colorado Rapids), and FWD Damir Kreilach
(Real Salt Lake)

68 SOCCER360
 ST. LOUIS CITY SC
2023 Record: 17-12-5, 56 points (Western
Conference regular Season Champions,
Round One)
Head Coach: Bradley Carnell
Key Returning Players: GK Roman Burki
(Best XI, Goalkeeper of the Year, 123 saves),
DEF Tim Parker (Best XI), and FWD Joao
Klauss (10 goals)
Key Additions: DEF Nikolas Dhyr (FC
Midtylland), DEF Tomas Totland (BK
Hacken), and MID Chris Durkin (D.C. United)
Key Departures: FWD Nicholas Gioachinni
(Como 1907), DEF Lucas Bartlett (D.C.
United) and MID Jared Stroud (D.C. United)

TORONTO FC
2023 Record: 4-20-10, 22 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: John Herdman
Key Returning Players: FWD Federico
Bernardeschi (5 goals, 4 assists), FWD
Lorenzo Insigne (4 goals, 5 assists), and MID
LORENZO INSIGNE -
Jonathan Osorio (88.5% accurate passing
TORONTO FC
percentage)
Key Additions: MID Deybi Flores (Fehérvár It is no secret that things haven’t exactly
FC) and FWD Tyrese Spicer (MLS worked out for Lorenzo Insigne and
SuperDraft) Toronto FC since his arrival to the club.
Key Departures: MID Michael Bradley They haven’t made the playoffs once
(Retired), GK Tomas Romero (New York City since Insigne has been with the club and
FC), and MID Victor Vazquez (East Bengal) 2024 will likely be his final chance to get
things right at the Canadian franchise.

GABRIEL PEC - LOS ANGELES

GALAXY
The 22-year-old Brazilian winger signed
a Designated Player deal with the Los
Angeles Galaxy at the end of January.
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS The Galaxy paid a club record fee of
$10m plus incentives to Brazilian side
2023 Record: 12-10-12, 48 points (Western Vasco da Gama for the youngster’s
Conference Playoffs First Round, Won services.
Canadian Championship)
Head Coach: Vani Sartini DIEGO ROSSI - COLUMBUS
Key Returning Players: FWD Brian White CREW
(15 goals), MID Ryan Gauld (11 goals, 12
Rossi was traded to the Columbus Crew
assists), and DEF Tristan Blackmon (28
from Los Angeles FC in the middle of the
starts)
2023 campaign and the move couldn’t
Key Additions: FWD Damir Kreilach (Real
have worked out better for both the club
Salt Lake), FWD Fafa Picault (Nashville SC),
and the player. Rossi instantly settled in
and FWD Bellai Halbouni (FC Magdeburg-
with his new teammates, helping them
TOP TO BOTTOM: Germany)
Stephen Frei win the 2023 MLS Cup. It’ll be interesting
Santiago Moreno Key Departures: MID Caio Alexandre
Jonathan Osorio to see whether he can continue his fine
(Fortaleza), FWD Simon Becher (AC
form in Columbus.
Horsens), DEF Karifa Yao (Rhode Island FC),
and MID Julian Gressel (Inter Miami CF)

SOCCER360 69
 MLS 2024
SEASON
PREVIEW hen David Beckham
announced he’d be
using his right to buy
an MLS franchise to
bring a team to Miami,
he made it clear right
from the start that he
had high hopes and big
dreams for the club.
“This is something that
has been a dream for
many, many years,”
Beckham said back
in 2018. “When I was awarded the team
there was only one city for me and it was
here. I was drawn to this city for the same
reasons millions of people are - the diversity,
the culture, the people, the weather, the
beaches,” he said.
Never could he have imagined though
that within five years he’d have one of
the greatest players of all time plying his
trade for his franchise. Of course, Lionel
Messi alone was enough to have fans and
neutrals alike excited, but Inter Miami wasn’t
just thinking about the 2022 World Cup
winner. They also decided to bring in his
former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba and
Sergio Busquets. While the new additions
helped the club lift its first ever trophy with
their Leagues Cup triumph in 2023, they
ultimately failed to win the league’s most
prestigious prize - MLS Cup. In fact, they
MARCO D’ONOFRIO TAKES A weren’t even close.
DEEP DIVE INTO LUIS SUAREZ’S However, Inter Miami is hungry for
MOVE TO MAJOR LEAGUE silverware, and they opted to go back to
the well one more time during the off-
SOCCER AND WHAT IT MEANS
season to secure the services of another
FOR INTER MIAMI’S SEASON. former Barcelona superstar, Luis Suarez.
The Uruguayan striker spent six seasons
with Messi at the Catalan club, helping them
win four La Liga and Copa del Rey titles, a
Champions League, a UEFA Super Cup and a
Club World Cup. Along with Neymar, Suarez
and Messi formed one of the most dynamic
striking tridents in the history of the sport.
Even though Suarez and Messi haven’t
played together since 2020, they are hoping
ABOVE:
Luis Suarez is Inter to rekindle the magic in Miami. While
Miami’s latest big- neither player is necessarily in the prime of
name signing
their careers anymore, both are more than
RIGHT:
Luis SUAREZ (9)
capable of terrifying even the best opposing
in action during defences MLS has to offer. Suarez is coming
a friendly match
between Inter Miami off a campaign with Gremio in Brazil where
CF and Vissel Kobe he scored 17 goals in 33 league appearances.
LEFT: Despite his success in Brazil though, the
Lionel Messi for
Inter Miami 37-year-old was looking for a new challenge.
“I’m very happy and excited to take on
this new challenge with Inter Miami. I can’t
wait to get started, and I’m ready to work
to make the dream of winning more titles
with this great club a reality. I’m optimistic
about what we can achieve together with
our shared ambition,” said Suárez in a club
statement announcing his signing.
“I will give my all to bring joy to these great
fans I’ve heard so much about while I wear
Inter Miami colors, and look forward to
reuniting with great friends and players. I’m
also eager to meet my new teammates and
coaches.”
Inter Miami was already the betting favourite
to win MLS Cup in 2024 before the club
made the Suarez signing official but are
even bigger favourites now that they have
secured the striker’s services. Los Angeles
FC remain a distant second according to

70 SOCCER360
the betting odds. “Luis is an outstanding
striker with a track record of excellence
at the very top levels of the sport. He has
proven himself to be a singular talent in
every league he’s played in over the course
of his career thus far,” said Inter Miami’s
Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director
Chris Henderson in a club statement. “We’re
looking to build on the successes of last
season in 2024 and think Luis will be an
important addition for us as we prepare to
compete in several top competitions.”
It wasn’t all about the money either for
Suarez as unlike Messi or Busquets, the
Uruguayan signed as a non-Designated
Player. Designated Players can earn as much
as a team is willing to pay them without
their salary counting against the salary cap,
but clubs are only allowed three. Suarez’s
commitment to Inter Miami proves that he
isn’t just looking for a big payday in the
United States.
The arrival of Suarez also means even more
eyeballs on Inter Miami this season. Messi
had already helped garner the attention of
the planet, but Suarez will only help add to
that. Before the Suarez signing was even RIGHT:
announced, Inter Miami’s club value grew Jozy Altidore
celebrating a goal
an absurd 74% over the past year according
BOTTOM RIGHT:
to Sportico. The team is now worth an Jozy Altidore and
estimated $1.02bn - behind only Los Angeles Michael Bradley
holding MLS Cup
FC and Atlanta United in all of MLS. Marco D’Onofrio discusses whether Toronto
It remains to be seen whether Inter Miami’s FC’s Italian duo of Lorenzo Insigne and
star power will lead the franchise to their Federico Bernardeschi will be able to get their
act together for the 2024 MLS campaign.
first ever MLS Cup triumph, but either way
fans will be having fun tagging along for the
ride throughout the 2024 campaign.

orenzo Insigne’s plane touched

down in Toronto on June 24,
2022, with fans and media
alike eagerly awaiting his
arrival. Outside of legendary
Italian restaurant Café
Diplomatico on Toronto’s
College Street, TFC threw a
street party welcoming the
Euro 2020 winner. The Reds
even included the Napoli Club
of Toronto as part of their
celebrations, leading fans in
chants that the player was familiar with.
He wasn’t the only Italian stud arriving
either as fellow European Championship
winner Federico Bernardeschi also
signed with the club shortly after. It

SOCCER360 71
 MLS 2024
SEASON
PREVIEW

hen Michael Bradley

signed with Toronto FC
in 2014, it wasn’t the
‘bloody big’ success
that the club had
promised. Bradley was
unveiled alongside
English striker Jermain
Defoe and together the
pair were supposed to
lead the Reds to glory.
The team even brought
in Brazilian legend Julio
Cesar to play between the posts.
It was an exciting time for fans of the club
considering that they had never even made
the play-offs before. TFC have some of the
most passionate supporters in the league,
but the product on the pitch could never
deliver what the fans truly deserved. But
2014 was supposed to be different.
Unfortunately, the year didn’t exactly pan
out as planned with the club failing to make
the play-offs again and Defoe desperate to
get out of Toronto. The former Tottenham
man was quickly sold to Sunderland, but
Bradley was committed to making things
work in Toronto and was named team
captain heading into the 2015 campaign.
While Defoe’s time in Toronto was over
much faster than most anticipated, the club
didn’t give up on trying to win. Not only did
they ink Italian striker Sebastian Giovinco,
Bradley’s good friend and fellow American
international Jozy Altidore was also acquired
just a few days later. Together, the trio of
Designated Players would make history.
And they did, as 2015 was the first season
the club ever made the play-offs, with
Giovinco becoming the 2015 MLS Landon
Donovan MVP. Bradley speaking Italian
fluently because of the time he spent with
Roma certainly helped Giovinco settle in and
feel comfortable in his new surroundings.
While there had been a plethora
of excitement and highlights, the
2015 campaign ultimately ended in
MLS LEGEND MICHAEL disappointment when they were eliminated
BRADLEY RETIRED AT THE in the opening round of the postseason at
the hands of their bitter rivals the Montreal
END OF 2023 AND LEAVES A Impact. Led by Didier Drogba, the Impact
HOLE IN THE TORONTO FC humiliated Toronto 3-0.
MIDFIELD. MARCO D’ONOFRIO The embarrassing loss to Montreal would
DISCUSSES HIS LEGACY AND be the catalyst TFC needed though, as they
became one of the most feared teams in the
THE ROLE HE’S HAD IN TFC’S league. With Bradley captaining the club,
GREATEST SUCCESSES. the Reds found a way to reach the MLS Cup
Final in 2016. Not only did they get revenge
on the Montreal Impact by ousting them in
the Eastern Conference Final, but they had
also earned the right to host the MLS Cup
Final at BMO Field.
Unfortunately for Bradley and TFC though,
2016 would end in even more heartbreak
as the club was defeated on homefield in
penalty kicks after a scoreless draw that saw
the Seattle Sounders keep both Giovinco
and Altidore in check. In defeat however, the
club would only go stronger once again.
2017 was a dream campaign for Toronto and
one that still doesn’t quite feel real. Toronto
cruised through the MLS campaign - setting
a single-season points record in the process.
The club took home both the Supporters’
Shield and Canadian Championship,

72 SOCCER360
providing them with the opportunity to win
a historic treble. Once again, TFC would
find themselves playing the MLS Cup Final
on home soil against the Seattle Sounders.
This time would be different though. With
Bradley leading the way, TFC were finally
able to lift the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy as
MLS Cup Champions.
Giovinco would be the first of the trio to
leave, departing the club in 2019. The club
did reach the MLS Cup Final that season
despite the Italian leaving, but they fell short
against the Seattle Sounders for the second
time in four seasons. Altidore would remain
with the club until he signed with the New
England Revolution prior to the start of the
2022 season.
Bradley though, played with the Reds until
he called it quits on his playing career.
Not only did he finish with a total of 308
appearances for the club - second only to
current captain Jonathon Osorio - he won a
total of seven trophies during that span.
“For the last 10 years I have spilled my
blood, sweat and tears trying to help this
club be the best it could be,” Bradley said
in a statement announcing his retirement.
LEFT:
“There were some incredible days - Michael Bradley led
what many consider
moments that will stay with me for the rest to be the greatest
of my life - and some bad ones too. But I MLS team in history
to a historic treble
never stopped giving everything I had. in 2017 after Toronto
FC won the Canadian
“Thank you to all my teammates, coaches, Championship,
and everyone inside the club. Thank you to Supporters’ Shield and
MLS Cup.
the fans for the unforgettable nights at BMO
Field. This city and this club will always be RIGHT:
Lorenzo Insigne and
home.” Federico Bernardeschi
Bradley will forever be remembered as a BELOW:
locker room leader who helped change Sebastian Giovinco in
his prime with Toronto
the culture of a franchise that had been FC.
the laughingstock of the league prior to
his arrival. One of the greatest Americans
to ever play the sport chose to come to
Canada during the prime of his career and
call Toronto home for 10 seasons.
proved the Reds were willing to spend
big to get back to the glory days. After
all, it couldn’t have worked out any
better the first time they opted to sign
an Italian international as Sebastian
Giovinco flourished, what could go
wrong this time?
Well, apparently, everything.
The team has been a complete disaster
since the arrivals of Bernardeschi and
Insigne, having failed to even make
the play-offs despite having one of the
highest squad salaries in the league.
Even worse, the Reds finished the 2023
MLS campaign with the least number of
points in all of MLS. The duo will also be
playing under their third different head
coach during their time in Toronto, with
John Herdman taking over the reigns.
There had been rumours running
rampant that both wanted out, but
neither could find a club in Europe that
suited their needs, and the duo are
likely staying in MLS for at least another
year. Fans have lost patience with the
Italian superstars, and it’ll be interesting
to see how they respond in 2024 but
experienced former Canada men’s and
women’s national team boss Herdman
certainly has his work cut out for him.

SOCCER360 73
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW

WORDS SEAN MASLIN

he National Women’s Soccer soccer, extensive media coverage, and a

League (NWSL) is ready for significant step forward for women’s soccer
an exciting 2024 season.The globally. Soccer 360 Magazine’s reporter
season, featuring 190 games, will Sean Maslin has a breakdown of each team
showcase a new playoff format as they head into the new season looking
and an updated NWSL Challenge for glory.
Cup. With a groundbreaking
media rights deal ensureing that
118 games will be aired on major
national channels will bring a lot
more attention to the league.
The season will briefly halt for
the Paris 2024 Olympics, during
which a special tournament, beginning
between July 19-21, will take place. ANGEL CITY FC
Each team will play a balanced 26-game
2023 Record: 8-7-7, 31 points
schedule over 25 weeks, avoiding clashes
(Quarterfinalist)
with FIFA dates and accommodating players Head Coach: Becki Tweed
with club and national commitments. Key Players: FWD Clarisse Le Bihan (4
From July 15 to August 18, coinciding with assists last season), DEF Sarah Gorden
the Paris Olympics, the NWSL will pause, (2023 Best XI), DEF M.A. Vignola (2023
introducing a tournament featuring all 14 ABOVE:
Best XI Second Team), DEF Ali Riley
teams, starting the weekend of July 19-21. NY/NJ Gotham won (Captain, New Zealand international),
last year’s trophy
The playoff format has been revised, and FWD Alyssa Thompson (19 years old,
allowing eight teams to compete, starting LEFT: played for USWNT at 2023 World Cup)
Allysha Chapman has
with quarterfinals on November 9-10, 99 appearances for
Canada and will look
followed by semifinals on November 16-17, to bring Houston to
and concluding with the championship on glory

November 23. The 2024 NWSL season is set OPPOSITE PAGE

(RIGHT):
to be a landmark year, promising thrilling Debinha scored 9
goals last season

74 SOCCER360
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW
TITLE
Head Coach: Lorne Donaldson
Key Players: MID Julia Bianchi (5 assists
last season), GK Alyssa Naeher (starting
goalkeeper for the USWNT, two-time
World Cup winner), MID Jill Aguilera
(Puerto Rican international), FWD Mallory
Swanson (32 goals for the USWNT, 2019
World Cup winner), DEF Maximiliane Rall
SHOWDOWN
(won the Bundesliga in 2022-203 with WORDS MATTHEW RICE
Bayern Munich), and DEF Natalia Kuikka
(2022 Finnish Footballer of the Year)
n exciting end to the season
is in prospect and it looks
nothing but unpredictable.
We appear to have a three-
horse race for the Women’s
Super League crown and in
Europe, reigning champions
HOUSTON DASH Barcelona will have fierce
competition from Chelsea
2023 Record: 6-8-8, 26 points (Did Not
when the competition
Make The Playoffs)
Head Coach: Fran Alonso resumes in March. For
Key Players: GK Jane Campbell the Blues, this is all about
(Goalkeeper of the Year, Best XI), DEF giving outgoing boss Emma
Allysha Chapman (99 appearances for Hayes the perfect send-off with a host
CANWNT), MID Yuki Nagasoto (World Cup of silverware. But Manchester City have
winner for Japan), MID Sophie Schmidt been hot on their heels domestically
(223 appearances for CANWNT), and FWD all campaign, sending out a statement
Diana Ordonez (Mexican international) of intent with their victory at Chelsea
recently. Don’t write off Arsenal, who
are still in it in third, but it will still be a
huge job for someone to prise the trophy
away from Hayes and her team yet again.
BOTTOM: At the bottom of the table, Bristol City
Mayra Ramirez is the
chosen one to replace
can reel in Brighton and West Ham but
Kerr their form suggests it could be a return
KANSAS CITY CURRENT BELOW: to the Championship for Lauren Smith’s
Zecira Musovic for strugglers.
2023 Record: 8-12-2, 26 points (Did Chelsea
Not Make The Playoffs, Challenge Cup
Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Vlatko Andonovski
Key Players: FWD Debinha (9 goals last
season), FWD Alex Pfeiffer (USWYNT

BAY FC
2023 Record: Did Not Play (Expansion
Team in 2024)
Head Coach: Albertin Montoya
Key Players: FWD Racheal Kundananji THREE-WAY BLUES BATTLE
(Signed record women’s transfer fee of The battle for the No.1 spot at Chelsea
625,000 pounds, Zambian international), has been one of the stories of the season
DEF Kiki Pickett (fourth overall pick in so far, with boss Hayes happy to rotate
the 2021 NWSL Draft), DEF Jenn Beattie the gloves between Germany keeper
(Scottish international), FWD Asisat Ann-Katrin Berger, Sweden’s Zecira
Oshoala (Played for Nigeria at 2023 World Musovic and England International Hannah
Cup, two-time UEFA Champions League Hampton, who joined from Villa in the
winner at FC Barcelona, six-time African
summer. It’s an unusual situation but one
Women’s Footballer of the Year), and DEF
which will keep all three on their toes as
Savy King (Picked second overall at the
2024 NWSL Draft from the University of they chase silverware on four fronts until
North Carolina) the end of the season.

GOAL KERR-AZY
Chelsea fans will be eager to see if
Mayra Ramirez can successfully fill the
boots of Sam Kerr and fire the Blues to
yet another WSL title and maybe even
CHICAGO RED STARS European glory. Kerr sustained an ACL
injury in January and the club moved
2023 Record: 7-12-3, 24 points (Did Not
Make The Playoffs)

SOCCER360 75
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW
U-17), MID Sophia Braun (Argentina
international), GK Adrianna Franch (two-
time NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year),
MID Desiree Scott (186 appearances for
CANWNT), and DEF Stine Pedersen
(Denmark international)

NJ/NY GOTHAM FC
2023 Record: 8-7-7, 31 points (NWSL
Champions)
Head Coach: Juan Carlos Amoros
Key Players: MID Jenna Nighswonger
(2023 Rookie of the Year), FWD Esther
Gonzalez (World Cup Champion with
Spain), MID Crystal Dunn (World Cup
Champion with USWNT, 2015 NWSL
MVP), DEF Tierna Davidson (World Cup
Champion with USWNT), and FWD Lynn
Williams (7 goals last season, 2023 Best
XI)

NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE

2023 Record: 9-7-6, 33 points
(Quarterfinalist, Challenge Cup
Champions)
Head Coach: Sean Nahas
Key Players: MID/FWD Kerolin (2023 MVP,

2023 Best XI), DEF Kaleigh Kurtz (Best

XI Second Team), MID Denise O’Sullivan
(Republic of Ireland international, 2023
Best XI Second Team), GK Casey Murphy
(17 appearances for USWNT), and MID
Ashley Sanchez (27 appearances for
USWNT)
PORTLAND THORNS FC
2023 Record: 10-7-5, 38 points
(Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Mike Norris
Key Players: FWD Sophia Smith (2023
Golden Boot winner, 11 goals last season,
Best XI), MID Sam Coffey (Best XI), MID
Olivia Moultrie (18 years old and has 44
ORLANDO PRIDE appearances for the Thorns), MID Hina
2023 Record: 10-11-1, 31 points (Did Not Sugita (44 appearances for Japan), DEF
Make The Playoffs) Becky Sauerbrunn (Captain, USWNT
Head Coach: Seb Hines captain, two-time World Cup winner), and
Key Players: MID Marta (175 appearances FWD Christine Sinclair (330 appearances
for Brazil), MID Morgan Gautrat (two-time for CANWNT)
World Cup champion with USWNT), FWD
Adriana (47 appearances for Brazil), GK
Anna Moorehouse (7 clean sheets last
season), and DEF Mariana Larroquette (80
appearances for Argentina)

RACING LOUISVILLE FC
2023 Record: 6-7-9, 27 points (Did
Not Make The Playoffs, Challenge Cup
Semifinalist)

76 SOCCER360
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW
TITLE (CONTINUED)
Head Coach: Beverly Goebel Yanez
Key Players: GK Katie Lund (6 clean sheets
last season), MID Savannah DeMelo (Played
at 2023 World Cup for USWNT), DEF Abby
Erceg (146 appearances for New Zealand),
DEF Carson Pickett (two-time NWSL
Best XI), FWD Uchenna Kanu (Nigerian
SHOWDOWN
fast to bring in Levante striker Ramirez
international, played at 2023 World Cup),
as her replacement. But without Kerr, so
FWD Reilyn Turner (Selected sixth in the
often Hayes’ key player, the reigning WSL
2024 NWSL Draft)
champions have faltered so far.

ALL ABOUT EMMA

Hayes, meanwhile, has taken the
BOTTOM:
headlines herself as she looks to finish
Alessia Russo arrives her final season at Chelsea in style. The
at Arsenal with
confidence Englishwoman already has six league titles
SAN DIEGO WAVE FC BELOW:
to her name, and another this year would
Emma Hayes looks to make it five in a row, but it is arguably the
2023 Record: 11-7-4, 237 points finish her final year
Champions League which will be taking
(Supporters Shield Champions, at Chelsea with new
hardware her attention, given that the 47-year-old
Semifinalist)
Head Coach: Casey Stoney 2 BELOW: heads to the USWNT at the end of the
City’s Bunny Girl,
Key Players: Naomi Girma (two-time Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw
campaign.
NWSL Defender of the Year, Best XI,
played at 2023 World Cup for USWNT),
MID/FWD Jaedyn Shaw (2023 Best XI),
GK Kailen Sheridan (2023 Best XI Second
Team), FWD Alex Morgan (2023 Best XI
Second Team, two-time World Cup winner
for USWNT, 2022 NWSL Golden Boot
winner), and DEF Abby Dahlkemper (81
appearances for USWNT)

CITY’S BUNNY GIRL

City’s pursuit of the leaders has seen
Jamaica striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw come
into her own this term, topping the WSL
goal charts and firing her side towards
the summit. Teenage England goalkeeper
Khiara Keating, 19, has been sensational
between the sticks, too, not least in
the key 1-0 victory at Kingsmeadow on
February 16.

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY

Manchester United lost star striker
Alessia Russo to Arsenal last summer and
manager Marc Skinner will not want to see
Mary Earps follow the same path this time
around. England No.1 Earps - FIFA Best
goalkeeper two years in a row - is out of
contract at the end of the campaign and
teams, including the Gunners, have been
linked with a move for the 30-year-old.

ABOVE:
Crystal Dunn has
joined Gotham

OPPOSITE PAGE
(LEFT):
Marta continues to
shine as she kicks off
with Orlando

RIGHT:
2023 Best XI Second
Team, two-time
World Cup winner for
USWNT, 2022 NWSL
Golden Boot winner
Alex Morgan

SOCCER360 77
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW

ABOVE:
Trinity Rodman is a
well decorated star.

SEATTLE REIGN FC UTAH ROYALS FC

OPPOSITE PAGE (FAR
RIGHT):
Rachel Daly scored 22
2023 Record: 9-8-5, 32 points (Semifinalist, goals during her last
term at Aston Villa, 2023 Record: Did Not Play (Expansion
Challenge Cup Semifinalist) earning top goalscorer Team)
Head Coach: Laura Harvey Head Coach: Amy Rodriguez
TOP LEFT:
Key Players: DEF Lauren Barnes (Captain, Ji So-yun has 154 Key Players: FWD Ally Sentnor (Drafted
two-time NWSL Best XI), MID Jess Fishlock appearances for
South Korea, seven- first overall in the 2024 NWSL Draft out of
(134 appearances for Wales), MID Ji So-yun time South Korean North Carolina), FWD Ifeoma Onumonu
(154 appearances for South Korea, seven- Women’s Footballer of
the Year (Nigerian international, played at the
time South Korean Women’s Footballer 2023 World Cup), MID Dana Foederer
of the Year), DEF Alana Cook (Played for LEFT:
Aubrey Kingsbury, (Netherlands under-23 international), DEF
USWNT at 2023 World Cup), and FWD Washington Imani Dorsey (2023 NWSL Champion with
Jordyn Huitema (75 appearances for Goalkeeper.
NJ/NY Gotham FC), and GK Cristina Roque
CANWNT) (Puerto Rican international)

78 SOCCER360
 NWSL
SEASON
PREVIEW
TITLE (CONTINUED)
SHOWDOWN
ROB DOES THE JOB
Tottenham, who flirted with relegation last year before
ending ninth in the standings, are enjoying a quiet
revolution under Robert Vilahamn, the Swedish coach
appointed in July - just a month after Ange Postecoglou
took over the men’s team. Both men have impressed and
Vilahamn has helped Spurs to the safety of mid-table this
time around, with midfielder Grace Clinton earning an
England call-up.

DALY UPDATES
Rachel Daly has not been as prolific as she was last term
for Aston Villa, when her 22 goals made her the league’s
top goalscorer, beating even City striker Shaw to the
accolade. Her three-match ban for violent conduct in
February, for an apparent elbow on Bristol City’s Megan
Connolly, has been disruptive and Villa have missed their
focal point up front but Daly remains one of the
division’s sharpest shooters when she returns.

TAKING THE MIKE

Former London City Lionesses boss
Melissa Phillips took the helm at
Brighton last summer and after a
relegation battle in the wake
of Hope Powell’s departure
last season, it appeared
stability had arrived for
the Seagulls. However,
Phillips was axed in
February with the team
tenth in WSL, leaving Mikey
Harris - switching from the
men’s academy to the women’s
set-up - to try to lead Albion to
safety in the coming months.

RE-ENERGISING HAMMERS
Rehanne Skinner has bundles of
experience, having managed Spurs
and Leicester and been No.2 with England,
Wales and Arsenal, but has found it tough-
going in her first campaign in charge of
West Ham. The 44-year-old’s side have
floated just above the drop zone but must
now kick on, bolstered by the loan signing
of Canada defender Shelina Zadorsky from
Tottenham in January and the talented
Honoka Hayashi in midfield.

A WINTER SUNDERLAND
While Bristol City look favourites to
drop into the second tier, it is much
more unclear as to who will replace
WASHINGTON SPIRIT them. Sunderland have been leading the
Championship table but Crystal Palace,
2023 Record: 7-6-9, 30 points (Did Not Southampton and Charlton are pushing
Make The Playoffs) them all the way as they look to make it
Head Coach: Adrian Gonzalez into the top flight. Saints are managed
Key Players: FWD Trinity Rodman (2023 by Arsenal and England legend
NWSL Best XI Second Team, Played for
Marieanne Spacey-Cale.
USWNT at 2023 World Cup), MID Andi
Sullivan (Played for USWNT at 2023
World Cup), FWD Ouleymata Sarr (French
international), DEF Casey Krueger (42
appearances for USWNT, two-time NWSL
Best XI), and GK Aubrey Kingsbury (Played
for USWNT AT 2023 World Cup)

SOCCER360 79
 INTERVIEW
JILL ROORD

WORDS MATTHEW RICE

“WOMEN’S
SOCCER IS
With her Mum’s basketball links, it is no
surprise Roord is a fan of the NBA and has one
particular inspiration from the best league in GETTING TO A
LEVEL WHERE
the world. “Michael Jordan was always one of
my favorite athletes in the world,” she has said.

THE EXPERIENCED MIDFIELDER IS THERE ARE MANY

BACK IN ENGLAND AFTER LEAVING
WOLFSBURG, GETTING USED TO NOT
TEAMS WHO ARE
VERY GOOD”
HAVING EUROPEAN FOOTBALL TO
CONTEND WITH, AND CONTEMPLATING
HER PRIME YEARS

80 SOCCER360
 INTERVIEW
Roord helped Holland to the
JILL ROORD
World Cup final in 2019 and is
set to feature in this summer’s
Paris Olympics squad.

Champions League so I know what it’s like,

it’s something special and as a player these
are the games you dream of. With the club
and the team and all the qualities we have,
that is the main goal.

Is it a strange feeling to not have European

football when you’re so used to it?
Yeah, but on the other hand, it’s okay. The
focus is on the domestic league and cups
but I know when you are in Europe and
you go far, like we did at Wolfsburg last
season, it’s difficult to be successful in all the
competitions and that’s something we don’t
have so we focus on the league. We would
have all loved to have played Champions
League but that’s the positive to have
come out of not being in it and we focus on
playing in the Champions League next year.

What lessons did you feel you learned from

last term with Wolfsburg?
It is really difficult to compete in everything.
We made it to the Champions League final
but at the same time I think that cost us the
league because we had so many games and
it’s so hard to focus on and give 100 per
cent in every game.

Is there a clear reason why English teams

have not been as successful in Europe as
German or French clubs?
I find it difficult to say. Women’s football
has grown a lot these last few years and
before that it was always Lyon, Wolfsburg,
Barcelona… the other teams were a bit
behind. Now it’s really getting to a level
where there are many teams who are very
good, very successful, so it’s coming up.

Do you feel like a senior player now, despite

being just 26?
I do. Especially with the national team. I’ve
been there for ten years now and I’ve always
been at the tournaments so I’m not the
Were you pleased to return to the Women’s oldest but not the youngest anymore. I like
Super League in the summer? this role, to take a bit more responsibility
Yeah, definitely. When City came in for me now.
I got really excited. First of all, I loved how What remaining goals do you have in the
City play and it suits me very well, but a Do the young players at City come and game now?
lot has happened during the years I was in speak to you for advice? I would love to win that with the
Germany. England have been very successful Do the young players at City come and Netherlands, I think we have a really good
and WSL is very competitive. I was excited speak to you for advice? squad, a pretty young squad, so who knows
to go back. If they want to ask something, they can in this summer and the next few years.
always come to me. I think they know that
Had you hoped for a second spell in but we have several experienced players In England, Sarina Wiegman has been a
England? here so they can learn from many others. huge success, guiding the Lionesses to
It wasn’t like I was looking to go but they European glory. You won the Euros with her
came in and I was open and had a lot of With so much experience behind you, are in 2017. What has she done for the game in
thought about it and believed it could these your prime years now do you think? your home country?
be the right step for me. The League and I’m getting older! Physically I feel very good For Dutch football, massive. She’s a legend
competitiveness in England has grown right now and they say these are the good in Holland and in England right now.
massively, there are so many good teams years, I hope so. Together we’ve achieved so much and
and you have to fight to get a Champions helped women’s football in the Netherlands.
OPPOSITE PAGE:
League spot. You don’t see that in many Jill Roord returns to Your Mum was a basketball player. Did you Her combination with Arjan is a pretty good
other leagues. the Women’s Super have a choice between that and football? team. She gets a team to work for her, she
League with Man
City after a stint with If I hadn’t played football, I’d probably knows how to trigger players.
Arsenal
You’re not in Europe at City this season. Is have played basketball. My Mum played it
qualifying for the Champions League the TOP RIGHT: and I really like the sport. To be honest, I Do you feel you have learned something
Roord posing for
absolute priority in the second half of the Man City really come from a football family, my Dad, from her that you can use yourself in the
campaign? my brothers, and really I was obsessed future once you stop playing?
OPPOSITE PAGE
That’s the one thing we have to do and we (SMALL): with football. It was all I wanted to do. I hope so! I’ll definitely stay in football, I love
Roord in a lifestyle
desperately want to achieve it. Since I’ve photoshoot My brothers were pretty good but not as football. Maybe not as a manager, though,
been a professional, I’ve always played in the obsessed with it as me. maybe as an assistant coach or something!

SOCCER360 81
 DER
KAISER
MEMORIAM

ONE OF FOOTBALL’S GREATEST EVER PLAYERS,

FRANZ BECKENBAUER, PASSED AWAY IN
JANUARY AT THE AGE OF 78. FEARGAL
BRENNAN LOOKS BACK ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS
OF LEGENDARY GERMAN, WHO WAS ONE OF
ONLY THREE MEN TO LIFT THE FIFA WORLD CUP
AS A PLAYER AND A COACH.

“THE PASSING
OF THE BAYERN
MUNICH AND
GERMANY
ICON AT THE
START OF 2024
SHOOK WORLD
FOOTBALL”
82 SOCCER360
 DER
KAISER
MEMORIAM

he status of club legend is feat demonstrated just how crucial and

protected ferociously by fans consistent a figure Beckenbauer was in two
across the globe with the golden chapters for the German national
accolade reserved for special side as joined Brazil’s Mario Zagallo - who
individuals who are etched into passed away just days earlier at the age
the annals of team folklore. of 92 - as the only person to achieve that
The belief of needing to be particular double on the international stage.
a genuinely transformational France manager Didier Deschamps has
figure allows for the moniker since added his name to the list, but
to be distributed once or Beckenbauer’s name remains held aloft
twice in a generation to avoid within European circles, with his years as the
its power being diluted, but bedrock of Bayern’s defence marking a true
there’s absolutely no doubt that change in footballing tactics.
Franz Beckenbauer was a legend by any Just as Johan Cruyff was changing
possible measure. The passing of the Bayern perceptions of positions via Total Football
Munich and Germany icon at the start of at Ajax and with the Netherlands national
2024 shook world football with his home side ultimately overcome by Beckenbauer’s
nation plunged into mourning a significant side in the 1974 World Cup final, his old rival
loss. Beckenbauer’s legacy includes major was bringing defending into the modern era OPPOSITE PAGE:
Beckenbauer won four
titles for club and country throughout a across the border in West Germany. Bundesliga titles and
glittering playing career, but the length of Central defenders in the 1960s and 1970s an unrivalled three
consecutive UEFA
his time involved in the game saw him join were exactly that. Hardened operators, European Cups as
captain
a small group of former stars that were whose first job was to keep the ball
able to match their on-field excellence with out of their own net, by any means TOP:
Der Kaiser guided
coaching success. necessary. Aerial battles with strikers and a West Germany to
victory at Italia ‘90
He captained the famous West Germany commitment to keeping the ball as far away
side to the 1974 FIFA World Cup title in his as possible was the order of the day for the RIGHT:
Beckenbauer for the
home city of Munich before leading them to majority with clearances celebrated as goals. New York Cosmos
glory as manager at Italia ’90. The double Beckenbauer changed that with a swagger

SOCCER360 83
 DER
KAISER
MEMORIAM

“ONE OF ONLY
THREE MEN TO
LIFT THE WORLD
CUP BOTH AS A
PLAYER AND A
HEAD COACH”

and determination to do things his way d’Or award wins in 1972 and 1976. He
despite the status quo pushing to remain remains the only defender to win the iconic
stuck in the past. After being promoted trophy more than once, and it remained
to club captain at Bayern Munich in 1968, in the domain of forwards, until Matthias
Beckenbauer was permanently moved into Sammer’s win in 1996.
central defence, where he carved out a new With the calmness and passing range above
‘sweeper’ position. his midfield contemporaries, Beckenbauer
The basis of Beckenbauer’s hybrid place flourished for over a decade, as rival
baffled, and in some cases enraged managers often tried in vain to block him
opposition players and fans, as he constantly out of matches, before eventually looking to
found himself as the free man. Instructed imitate his brave new approach. Innovation
to play behind his own defenders when out brought success for Beckenbauer and
of possession, but burst forward when he Bayern Munich, as he won four Bundesliga
had the ball, Beckenbauer set in motion titles and an unrivalled three consecutive
a changing time for defenders, which he UEFA European Cups as captain, before
carried out with an air of nonchalance as he TOP: a spell in charge in Bavaria saw him lift a
made the game look so easy. Beckenbauer lifting league title as manager in 1994.
the world cup as a
The best way to illustrate just how impactful player Figures from across the footballing world
Beckenbauer was, and the shift in thinking LEFT: lined up to honour Beckenbauer following
on what defenders should being doing at Beckenbauer for the news of his death with the broad
Bayern Munich
the highest level, came via his two Ballon spectrum of those involved showing just

84 SOCCER360
 DER KAISER
IN THE NASL
Away from his achievements at Bayern Munich,
Franz Beckenbauer also made his mark
across the pond with two spells at the New
York Cosmos in the 1970s and 1980s. Feargal
Brennan reflects.

In 1977, Beckenbauer opted to step

away from his place at the heart of the
Bayern Munich defence, to accept a bold
move to the New York Cosmos. Despite
coming to the natural end of his time
at the peak of European football, it was
expected he would remain in Germany,
but the challenge of a developing project
appealed to him. The burgeoning North
American Soccer League (NASL) had
undertaken a charm offensive in Europe
to bring world stars to the United States
to grow the game’s profile within the
domestic market with Beckenbauer and
others signing big money contracts.
Beckenbauer’s game nous saw him
advance into midfield in New York,
FRANZ BECKENBAUER’S CAREER 1965 - 1996 with his debut campaign featuring a
Soccer Bowl title win, as part of an
XI which included Brazil legend Pele.
Despite Pele’s departure later that year,
Beckenbauer stayed on in New York,
with the game level allowing him to
remain active, and lend his experience
to the side which was fighting for
honours each year. Two further Soccer
Bowl titles followed for Beckenbauer,
World Cup UEFA Cup EURO Bunedlisga US Champ in 1978 and 1980, before accepting
a return to Germany after the latter
1974 (Player) 1974 (Player) 1972 (Player) 1969 (Player) 1977 (Player)
campaign came to an end, leaving for
1990 (Coach) 1975 (Player) 1Runner-Up 1972 (Player) 1978 (Player)
Runner-Up 1976 (Player) 1976 (Player) 1973 (Player) 1980 (Player) a two-year stint at Hamburg. However,
1966 (Player) 1996 (Coach) 1974 (Player) despite appearing to be finished with his
1986 (Coach) 1982 (Player) connection to New York, Beckenbauer
Third Place 1994 (Coach)
1970 (Player)
was persuaded for one final swing at
the NASL in 1983, before hanging up his
boots permanently and moving back
to Germany. Rumours of being offered
the New York Cosmos manager’s job
how deep his impact on German football surfaced following his retirement but the
In recognition of his outstanding
was. Long time friend, and honorary club chance to replace Jupp Derwall as West
contributions to the game, Beckenbauer
president Uli Hoeneß, led a memorial service German boss proved to be too tempting
was inducted into the FIFA World
at Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena home with an offer as he led them to the 1986
Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
teammates from the 1974 World Cup final World Cup final in his debut tournament
win including Paul Breitner and his captain and then went all the way to lifting the
at Italia ’90 Lothar Matthaus in attendance. trophy four years later.
His presence for both Bayern Munich and
Germany right up to and including their
2014 World Cup title was shown by the
kind words of Philipp Lahm and Bastian
Schweinsteiger. Describing him as ‘like a man
from the future’, Lahm said Beckenbauer
‘gave more to German football than
anyone else’, while Schweinsteiger simply
labelled him ‘the greatest’. Liverpool boss
Jurgen Klopp also had his say, stating that
Beckenbauer was a figure of huge relevance
in his own coaching journey. TOP:
Former Germany
As Germany prepares to host its next captain Philipp Lahm
major tournament with Euro 2024 getting was among those
to pay tribute to
underway in June, it promises to be tinged Beckenbauer
with emotion and touched by further
RIGHT:
tributes to the man they serenaded as Der Beckenbauer reading
the New York Times
Kaiser (The Emperor), for his 103 caps and ontop of a skyscraper
the success upon which he blessed his in New York City

nation’s football for many decades.

SOCCER360 85
 90TH MINUTE

WHO SAID WHAT

“The only thing I wouldn’t do
is celebrate Cristiano. I would
score the goal and I would do
like (Lionel) Messi does. I’ll stick
with that.” – Former Real Madrid
and Manchester United star Angel Di
Maria would never emulate Cristiano
Ronaldo’s celebration after scoring, but
he would be thrilled to replicate the
celebration of his national teammate,
Lionel Messi.

WAYNE’S LAW NOT LOVE ISLAND

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has Fans were left gasping, “I thought this was Love Island,” after
revealed the major role he played in his wife’s James Tarkowski’s overly cheesy flirting on a reality TV show
Wagatha Christie trial. The case dates back went viral. The Everton ace, 31, is mainly known for his defensive
to 2019 after Coleen Rooney alleged Rebekah work and no-nonsense attitude in the Premier League. But
Vardy had leaked stories about her private life Tarkowski is now taking a turn as a TV star. The center-back
“They’ve been brilliant, back in the to the press. Vardy subsequently filed a libel appeared on Prime Video show Married to the Game. The six-
title race... get down the tunnel. lawsuit against Rooney and lost. The ex-DC part series, which premiered on February 23, lifts the lid on the
I’m serious, honestly...” United manager has now claimed he told life of a football Wag. Prime Video teased a clip of Tarkowski’s
– Jamie Carragher did not approve of Coleen’s barrister the questions that should be relationship with his wife Samantha. Tarkowski turned on the
Arsenal’s wild celebrations following asked. He also revealed his interest in the law charm in the video while displaying his corny flirting.
their crucial 3-1 victory over Liverpool. did not go away after the case as he applied to
study the subject at university.

“I want my players to have desire

to be better and be demanding. If
not, it’s Disneyland.”
– Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants
his players to continuously push
themselves.

HAIRSTYLE HARRY
Gary Neville apologized live on air to Harry Styles after failing
to recognize the pop star. The duo were both present as
Manchester United narrowly beat Luton 2-1 at Kenilworth Road.

JUST FOR KICKS Before kick-off, One Direction star Styles popped into the Sky
Sports studio to greet pundits like Jamie Redknapp and Tom
Lockyer. But Neville failed to recognise Styles, who was dressed
Former Chelsea star Eden Hazard has
smartly with a snazzy new haircut.
explained why he was happy with receiving
a three-match ban after infamously kicking a
ball boy. The 33-year-old states that it afforded
him the opportunity to spend valuable time
ONCE BITTEN...
“They called me because they with his wife, who was expecting their first Luis Suarez has claimed
needed me, and I said, ‘I will come child at the time. However, the Belgian denies that his notorious bite on
and help.” that he did it intentionally. Giorgio Chiellini led to
– Idrissa Gana Gueye explains his return
Arsenal missing out on
to Everton.
signing Karim Benzema.
22 He claims that the incident
caused Real Madrid to
Liverpool have
withdraw from signing
recovered 22 points
from losing positions him. If Suarez had signed
in the Premier for Madrid, Benzema would
League this season, have been released from
more than any the club, and Arsenal was
other side, and their
one of the Frenchman’s
joint-most in a single
campaign in the biggest admirers at the
competition (also 22 time.
in 2008-09).

86 SOCCER360
 90TH MINUTE

DID YOU KNOW?

• Galeno has scored the first ever
90th-minute winning goal conceded by
Arsenal in a UEFA Champions League
game, and FC Porto’s latest winner on
record (from 2003-04, excl. extra-time) in
a match in the competition

• In Mo Salah (19) pictured right, Diogo

Jota (14), Darwin Núñez (13), Cody Gakpo
(11), and Luis Díaz (10), Liverpool are the
first club in Europe’s big-five leagues to
have five players reach 10+ goals in all
competitions this season.

SPECIAL DAY
James Maddison gave a young Tottenham
fan a day to remember. The kind-hearted
playmaker, 27, took six-year-old Samuel
under his wing at the Tottenham Hotspur
Stadium. Samuel, who has cerebral
AHEAD, BUT BEHIND
palsy, was one of the club’s mascots Luton Town players have devised their own Premier League table
when Wolves made the trip to North strategy to avoid relegation. Everton’s involvement in the relegation
London. Maddison walked out of the battle intensified after the Premier League docked them 10 points
tunnel at the back of the Spurs starting for financial irregularities. Sean Dyche’s team has lodged an appeal,
XI, holding hands with the kid. He urged seeking to recoup some of the deducted points. However, Luton is not
the 62,000-seater stadium to give him a banking on any assistance from Premier League officials in their fight
wonderful ovation and the home fans duly for survival. The club’s CEO revealed that they use modified league
obliged with a warm applause. tables during training, ignoring point deductions. They’re considering
Everton as ten points ahead to prevent finding themselves in a
precarious position if Everton’s points are reinstated.
THESE ARE THE RULES...
Nottingham Forest have appointed former YOU’RE ON !
Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg as
Cadiz star Robert Navarro
the club’s new referees’ analyst. Forest have
had to be pushed onto the
been frustrated over a number of controversial
pitch by his own manager
decisions by officials and VAR this season.
after spending too long being
The appointment of Clattenburg is seen as an
interviewed on the touchline.
attempt to improve their understanding of
Navarro spoke to a DAZN
decisions and also improve relationships with
reporter during half-time of
the PGMOL and match officials.
their clash with Real Betis. But
he clearly lost track of time as

NOT ALL GLITZ the match was about to restart

with Navarro still in full flow.
He received a shock reminder
Nottingham Forest
of his duties when a Cadiz
goalkeeper Matt Turner’s
coach shoved him back onto
wife Ashley Herron revealed
the pitch, with Navarro quickly
she suffered a broken
taking up his position.
nose due to a team-mate’s
wayward shot. She recently
attended a match where
she had a front-row seat
NO LAUREL FOR HARDY
close to the action. But all Matt Hardy has responded to
the “glitz and glamour” Brennan Johnson’s goal celebration
went out the window after against Brighton. After scoring
Gonzalo Montiel fired a against the Seagulls, Johnson
powerful shot that missed celebrated by pulling off Hardy’s
the target but smacked signature pose for the cameras. He
her in the face leading to a held down one of his fingers on his
broken nose. left hand and pointed out two on his
right to pay homage to the WWE
legend. Hardy has now responded
SAKA - ONLY ECONOMY by sharing a snap of the celebration
to X, formerly Twitter. Alongside the
Rio Ferdinand has made an announcement picture, he also attached a photo of
onboard his Ryanair flight to Portugal after being himself doing the pose alongside his
trolled by Arsenal fans. Gunners supporters brother Jeff Hardy.
chanted “Saka’s world class” in Ferdinand’s

KALVIN IS NOT A FATTY

direction on board the flight. The TNT Sports
pundit earlier claimed Saka is “not world class yet”,
despite his impressive performances this season.
Ferdinand took the banter in good spirits and Pep Guardiola has issued a belated apology to Kalvin Phillips for
addressed the Arsenal fans on board, reasserting saying the player was overweight on returning from World Cup duty
his belief that Saka is a fantastic player but has not with England back in December 2022. Phillips gave an interview in
yet reached world-class level. His announcement January in which he admitted Guardiola’s comments had “a big knock
was met with laughter and further chanting from on my confidence” and revealed his family had been particularly
the Arsenal fans on the flight. unhappy after the subsequent backlash.

SOCCER360 87
90TH MINUTE

A RASH DECISION 21
Erling Haaland has
Manchester United fans have been questioning Marcus Rashford’s decision now scored against
to give free tickets to a supporter who has previously slammed him. The all 21 sides he’s
England star shared a photo of his unfinished jigsaw puzzle and asked his faced in the Premier
League; he’s just the
fans what he was working on. Rashford then asked his followers to name
second player to have
what it was - promising to reward the person who guessed it correctly with played against more
two tickets to United’s Premier League clash with Fulham on February 24. than two teams in
The lucky winner was an influencer named UTDTrey, who expressed his the competition and
gratitude after getting the tickets, but fans were quick to point out that scored against all
of them after Harry
Trey had trolled Rashford only weeks earlier. Kane (32/32)

MESUT SIN BIN CYNICISM

Arsenal and Real Madrid icon Mesut Ozil trolled Atletico
Madrid with a cheeky comment about football’s
new blue card. It was revealed on Thursday that blue
cards could be brought into the game. Players on the
receiving end will have to spend 10 minutes of the
match on the sidelines. If implemented, they will be
given for cynical fouls or dissent towards an official.
Ozil responded to the announcement by poking fun
at Atletico Madrid. He tweeted: “So Atletico Madrid will
only play with 6 players then?”

GILL’S SOUR GRAPES

Legendary former Manchester United CEO
MUD CHALLENGE David Gill has named his three top Red
Devils signings, but he interestingly kept out
Mykhailo Mudryk has called out an angry Cristiano Ronaldo. Gill spent 16 years with
Chelsea fan for a 1 vs 1 game worth £10,000. United between 1997 and 2013 after first
A leaked Direct Message from Instagram arriving as finance director. In an appearance
showed a bizarre exchange between a Blues on Rio Ferdinand’s Vibe with Five podcast,
supporter and the £88million Ukrainian he was asked to name the top three signings
winger. In it, the fan slammed Mudryk for an whilst he was United CEO. He mentioned
inability to score goals, prompting an angry Wayne Roonie, Edwin van der Sar, and Michael
response from the player himself. Carrick has the best trio he brought to Old
Trafford.

DID YOU KNOW? THE WIFE KNOWS

• Robert Lewandowski (below) became
the oldest goalscorer in Barcelona’s history The wife of Chelsea defender Thiago
at the age of 35 years and 184 days.
Silva seems to have called for
manager Mauricio Pochettino to be
fired. Silva’s partner Belle, who has
previously criticized individuals like
Graham Potter and Timo Werner,
took to social media right after
Chelsea’s 4-2 loss to Wolves. In the
post, she seemed to take aim at the
manager as she urged the club to
shake things up.

NICE GESTURE
Kobbie Mainoo has been
praised for his touching
gesture to a Manchester
United fan. Red Devils
supporter Daniel Killeen
shared devastating news that
his father Vincent had passed
away after a battle with
CARDBOARD LOVE
CONSPIRACY THEORY cancer. The fan explained
in a social media post that
Eagle-eyed fans spotted a bizarre detail
in Dominik Szoboszlai’s living room as he
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag one of the final memories he revealed his new tattoo. Fans were left
asserts that referees harbor a negative bias has with his dad is of them chuckling as they spotted a hilarious detail
against Casemiro, frequently penalizing him watching United’s thrilling in one of Szoboszlai’s social media post. The
for minor infractions. Casemiro got sent off 4-3 victory over Wolves background of his living room was visible in
twice for United last season, against Crystal together. Mainoo, 18, scored an incredible winning goal to the photo, with a life-size cardboard cut-out
Palace and Southampton, and was banned give the Killeen family a moment of joy alongside Vincent in of Szoboszlai himself easily noticeable. The
for a total of eight matches, tarnishing an hospital. Daniel expressed his gratitiude to Mainoo for the unconventional living room fixture sparked
otherwise excellent debut campaign at Old special moment, and the post was and eventually brought a flurry of funny responses from fans like
Trafford. His form has taken a nosedive this into Mainoo’s attention. The youngster sent a personalized “We can’t pass over the fact Szoboszlai has a
season, while disciplinary issues continue to message to Killeens to express his sadness at their loss and cardboard cutout of himself in his house,” and
haunt him. invited them to Old Trafford. “The level of self-love I want to reach.”

88 SOCCER360
CROWNING MOMENT
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was left
with a big pearly smile after a hilarious
incident during his press conference. The
German tactician attended his pre-match
press conference to face the media before
the Reds’ trip to the Emirates. The ex-
Borussia Dortmund boss picked it up and
noticed it was the dentist calling one of
the reporters. Klopp said while showcasing
his own pearly white teeth: “The dentist is
calling, this might be important.”

KING OF THE BLOCK

Cheeky Tottenham supporters hijacked new
signing Lucas Bergvall’s Wikipedia page after
they beat a host of rivals to sign him. Spurs fans
were delighted by the news – especially at the
fact that their new boy had rejected Barcelona
in favor of them. And they even swooped on to
Bergvall’s Wiki page and edited it to hilariously
celebrate that fact. The page read “he became
another in a series of players to reject one of
Europe’s giants of yesterday for new-kings-of-
the-block Tottenham Hotspur.”

CHELSEA OCD
Chelsea legend John Terry has revealed he turns off
plug sockets around the training ground to avoid
seeing the color red. The Blues icon, 43, returned to
Stamford Bridge last summer as an academy coach.
And he has now shown off an unusual habit he
completes to get rid of any red around the complex
- the colors of Chelsea’s rivals Arsenal. Terry shared
a picture on Instagram of a turned on switch in the
corner of a room - which has a small amount of red on
it. And he added the caption: “When I’m at the training
ground I have to switch these off because I hate the red

Boys
in our building, I done this everyday as a player also.”

DID YOU KNOW? Everything

• Sheffield United are the first
English top-flight team in history
to concede 5+ goals in three
consecutive home matches in all
competitions.

• The USWNT has kept 12 straight

clean sheets in California, the
longest run of consecutive shutouts
in a single state in team history,
outscoring opponents 41-0 in those
games.

• PSV’s Sergiño Dest and Malik

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 90TH MINUTE

WHO SAID WHAT

“On the wing they hear each
other, they smell each other, they
know each other, they kiss each
other, I kiss them too when they
score a goal.”– AC Milan boss Stefano
Pioli hilariously describes the on-pitch
chemistry between Rafael Leao and
Theo Hernandez.

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Thibaut Courtois has put his off-field career into overdrive by

GOLDEN BOY LOGO splashing nearly $450,000 on a custom-built Porsche. The

former Chelsea keeper, 31, is a well-known petrolhead. Belgium
international Courtois already owns a fleet of supercars,
Jude Bellingham is reportedly set to be the
including a Lamborghini Urus, Ferrari Roma, and Mercedes
subject of Adidas’ new signature logo. The
AMG G63. The Real Madrid star also set up Formula 4 team TC
England star capped off 2023 by winning
Racing last year to compete at events in Spain. He has now
the Golden Boy in recognition of his startling
spent a fortune to get a Porsche 992 GT3 RS. He took delivery
performances for Real and Dortmund. He is
earlier this month after waiting two years for it to be built to his
already the elite ambassador for the Predator
specification. The basic version would have cost a $150,000 less,
boots silo and even helped create the 30th
but the Belgian custodian chose to spend the extra cash for a
anniversary edition of the iconic adidas
customized build.
footwear.

HONG KONG PHOOEY

“There’s a chance he will miss it.
And regret it. When you miss it, it
starts with regret.”
4.9 Lionel Messi has been faced with huge
backlash following a video explaining
why he didn’t play for Inter Miami in
– Former Arsenal manager Arsene
Kevin De Bruyne is a Hong Kong friendly. Inter went on a
Wenger reacts to Jurgen Klopp’s creating 4.9 chances pre-season tour of the Far and Middle
decision to leave Liverpool at the end per 90 minutes in the
East ahead of the new MLS season,
of the season. Premier League this
season, the best ratio including a fixture against a Hong Kong
of any player to play XI on 4 February. The Herons ran out
at least 300+ minutes 4-1 winners, with Robert Taylor, Lawson
this season. Sunderland, Leonardo Campana,
and Ryan Sailor all on target. Messi,
however, was an unused substitute
and did not enter the fray. It was later
communicated that the eight-time
Ballon d’Or winner was suffering from
a muscle injury. However, Messi ended up playing a friendly in
Japan days later, much to the anger of 38,323, fans who had paid
up to £500 to be in attendance at the Hong Kong Stadium.

“I was hoping… when you get a

trial you think it’s going to work
out. And at a club the size of
Manchester United, it makes you
anxious. But things happen for
a reason. It wasn’t where I was
supposed to be, it was at Arsenal.”
– Gabriel Martinelli opens up on his
failed trials at Manchester United.

MASKED - AGAIN !
Kanye West has baffled fans after he was
spotted arriving for Inter Milan vs Atletico
Madrid at the San Siro. Ahead of the match,
MISFIT ROONEY
a video went viral on social media as West In a surprise turn of events, former Manchester United and
arrived at the stadium wearing a rather bizarre England forward Wayne Rooney has reportedly held talks with
outfit. The American musician had a mask Misfits Boxing over a potential fight. The 38-year-old, who was
that covered his whole face as he was filmed sacked by Championship side Birmingham City in January
walking into the San Siro, the mask also stayed after recording just two wins from 15 matches, is considering an
on when the match got underway. Fellow US unexpected in-ring debut. In fact, a move to Misfits – a crossover
hip-hop artists Playboi Carti and Rich the Kid boxing promotion founded by YouTuber KSI and run by Kalle
were also in attendance as Inter beat the La and Nisse Sauerland – is seen as a ‘serious option’ for the retired
Liga side by 1-0. footballer following talks, according to the Mirror.

90 SOCCER360
 90TH MINUTE

RUN OUT OF SPACE ON THE SHELF ??

Lionel Messi has given away his eighth Ballon d’Or trophy, just four months after he
fended off competition from Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to win the award. the
Inter Miami forward has donated his most recent Ballon d’Or prize to the Barcelona
Museum, according to journalist Miquel Blazquez. Footage from the Museum
soon emerged showing the 2023 Ballon d’Or trophy alongside the rest of Messi’s
achievements, including two Golden Boot awards.

DID YOU KNOW?

• With the appointment of Francesco
Calzona, Napoli are the third Italian side
ever to have three different managers in a
single Champions League campaign, after SCHMOOSING WITH DELE & KIMBERLY
Internazionale in 2003-04 and Roma in
Dele Alli was spotted at the Burberry Show alongside girlfriend
2004-05 (both three).
Kimberly at London Fashion Week. He missed catching Everton taking
• Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen
(right) is the first Dutchman to score
on Crystal Palace in a crucial Premier League encounter to attend
the event. It was a star-studded affair at the Fashion Week as Premier
against a Dutch team in the Champions League stars like Saka, Son, Ben Chilwell, and Martin Odegaard were
League since Arjen Robben for Bayern
Munich against PSV in October 2016. also in attendance. Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale was also spotted
at the event as he continues to enjoy his retirement.

MILLSY - A CLASS ACT OH HAPPY DIAZ

Sheffield United manager
Rasmus Hojlund has been given a new nickname
Chris Wilder was given a
by a Manchester United teammate following his
chuckle following a humbling
brace against Luton Town. When things weren’t
5-0 defeat against Brighton.
going well for the Denmark international, fans
Long-serving local journalist
on social media trolled Hojlund with videos of
Alan Biggs asked the Blades
‘lookalike’ Sean Millis. Mills rose to fame on the
boss about those currently
Australian Voice in 2023 but is now known for his
ruled out through injury, with
supposed likeness to Hojlund. Hojlund celebrated
the question posed of whether
United’s fifth win in a row in all competitions on
there is “any prospect of getting
Instagram, captioning his post: “Big win away
Archer and Cameron Diaz back
from home. One step closer to Where we need
quickly?” Wilder, who was
to be!” Several United players commented on the
without Cameron Archer and
post, but veteran defender Jonny Evans’ managed
Ben Brereton Diaz, saw the
to stand out. His reply, later liked by Hojlund,
funny side of that mix up as he
reads: “Class Millsy.”
quipped back with: “Cameron
Diaz? She can play up front for
CHASE THE DREAM AT THIS STADIUM us! Like that. You’ve brightened
me up for five seconds!”
JPMorgan Chase, the US multinational investment bank and financial services
company, has struck a short-term naming rights deal for the home stadium of Major
League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF. This is JPMorgan Chase’s first stadium naming rights GAEL FORCE
deal in professional soccer. The firm’s wider sports sponsorship portfolio includes
Eden Hazard has sprung a
Madison Square Garden, tennis’ US Open, the Formula One Miami Grand Prix, the
surprise by naming a Chelsea
Golden State Warriors’ Chase Center, and the Atlanta Hawks.
flop as the most talented player
he has ever called a team-
MR. POPULARITY mate. Appearing as a guest on
John Obi Mikel’s The Obi One
A fixture between Argentina and Nigeria podcast, former Blues and Real
has been canceled amid a growing backlash Madrid attacker Hazard was
against Lionel Messi’s failure to play in an asked to name the best player
Inter Miami match in Hong Kong last week. he had ever lined up alongside.
The anger soon spread to mainland China, Although he namechecked
with state media and Hong Kong legislators the likes of Luka Modric and
suggesting that the incident may have been compatriot Kevin De Bruyne,
a politically motivated snub. The debacle took his answer in terms of pure
another turn as Chinese sporting authorities talent was surprisingly former
canceled the friendly in Hangzhou between Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta.
Argentina and Nigeria, which was supposed A 15-year-old Kakuta was signed
to take place in March, amid the growing by Chelsea from French side
backlash. Lens as a touted wonderkid in
2007 but failed to ever make
QATAR CARD SHARK the grade at Stamford Bridge,
becoming part of the club’s
Qatar forward Akram Afif performed a never-seen-before loan army before finally making
card trick celebration after he scored the opener for his a permanent exit in 2016 with
country in their much-anticipated Asian Cup final clash just 16 appearances to his
against Jordan. After running over to the camera, he name. Although he resurrected
collected a card from his sock before shaking the card his career back in France, he is
with his hand to reveal an ‘S’ – which was a tribute to his now plying his trade in Ligue 2
wife, according to beIN Sports. It’s safe to say Afif’s unique with Amiens.
celebration inside the Lusail Stadium soon went viral.

SOCCER360 91
 90TH MINUTE

AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG ?

WHO SAID WHAT Apple Music launched a playlist with Lionel Messi’s top
songs called “Messi: The Warm-Up”. The playlist got
“Age is not important. I everyone talking, mainly because we’ve never really
experienced it firsthand, because known what type of music Messi likes, but also because of
when I was just sixteen years old the variety of songs he chose for the playlist. The playlist is
I made my debut for Arsenal, and heavy on Latin music, which shouldn’t be a surprise given
from then on my career rose to the Argentinian’s roots. There, we see Bad Bunny, J Balvin,
a level very rapidly. I don’t regret Maluma, and more pop up.
anything, although it is true that,
by starting so strong, early, and
with enormous pressure… This YEAH, HE’S OKAY
means that when you are older,
Spanish outlet Cadena Ser reported that a
you may fall faster” – Former
representative of Mbappe caught up with City
Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas has
Football Group officials in Manchester. The person
warned that playing some of their La
was reportedly spotted at the club’s training ground
Masia graduates too much too young
where the team were preparing for their Champions
could shorten their career.
League clash against Copenhagen. Pep Guardiola
was asked about MBappe later, and the Catalonian
delivered a hilarious response. He replied, “I think
he’s quite good. He has a future.”

EXCERCISE IS A BEACH
Eden Hazard admits to always returning for pre-
season overweight, with the ex-Chelsea and Real
Madrid star making sure that he enjoyed his summers.
Hazard accepts that he would come back a little heavy,
but makes no apologies for that as he was determined
to make the most of a break in competitive action.
With his body pushed to breaking point during
grueling domestic, continental and international
“I can’t do what I love anymore. campaigns, he was reluctant to do any kind of serious
I’ve been away from the field for exercise when there was too much fun to be had.
over a year now. It’s been very
complicated. I can’t say much,
but it’s a real ordeal, you can’t
imagine. I’ve known for months
that there’s a chance I’ll never play
again. I’m trying everything to get
back but I’ve accepted the idea
that I wouldn’t be able to play
again.” – Udinese star Gerard Deulofeu
contemplates retirement at 29 years old
after recurrent injuries.

DELIGHTFUL COLABORATION
Manchester City’s owners, the City Football Group, announce new
“No, because the first one when ‘football collaboration’ with Turkish club Istanbul Basaksehir. The
we beat Barcelona 3-1 was better. Turkish club announced it had signed this agreement with CFG
And people forget it.” which will aim for “growth and success.” Under the agreement,
– Jose Mourinho doesn’t believe that CFG will provide Basaksehir with guidance on transfers, academy
the famous Camp Nou match, in development, and data-driven insights. The group will also offer
which a 10-man Inter Milan prevented support with player screening and football strategy. CFG is already

GUEST OF HONOR
Barcelona from scoring more than once the majority or co-owner of several clubs across the world. Most
to maintain a 3-2 lead on aggregate, notably, the group owns Manchester City and Girona.
is the best tactical achievement of his
Hispano-Georgian fighter Ilia Topuria, who

8
career.
recently became the UFC featherweight
champion in mixed martial arts by defeating
Australian Alexander Volkanovski, performed
the honorary kick-off at the match between
Real Madrid and Sevilla at the Santiago
No team in Europe’s top five leagues Bernabéu. while expressing his desire to fight
has scored more goals from high
against Irishman Conor McGregor in the same
turnovers than Athletic Club in
2023/24 (eight, tied with Stuttgart). stadium. Topuria, who admitted to being a fan
of Real Madrid upon his arrival in Spain, stating
that the club “best represents the values
of Spain,” also expressed his admiration for
Florentino Pérez.

92 SOCCER360
DID YOU KNOW?
•
FINE FOODS
Aged 21 years and 14 days, Rasmus
Højlund (right) is the youngest player ever
to score in six successive Premier League
appearances, surpassing Joe Willock’s
record (21y 272d).

• Erling Haaland’s nine shots and 1.71 xG

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Former United States men’s national team
goalkeeper Tim Howard has defended NFL
star Travis Kelce after his clash with coach
Andy Reid. Kelce clashed with coach Andy
Reid, screaming in his face during the Super
Bowl, as the Chiefs beat the San Francisco
49ers. The video went viral, with Taylor Swift’s
boyfriend - as he is rapidly becoming known
- later apologising for being too “fired up”,
but Howard has defended his compatriot,
insisting that it reminded him of clashes
between Manchester United legends Roy
Keane and Sir Alex Ferguson when he played
at Old Trafford.

8
Atletico Madrid have
conceded at least
one goal in each of
their last eight away
games in the UEFA
ChampionsLeague
(12 goals in total), the
worst streak without
keeping a clean
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Javier Tebas has insisted losing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo “didn’t damage”
La Liga, while weighing in on Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid talk. Mbappe is expected
to move to Spain this summer to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, after he informed
Paris Saint-Germain that he will be leaving the club when his contract expires at the
end of the season. Mbappe’s presence in La Liga could spark more interest in the
Spanish top-flight, much like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s did when the pair
were at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively.

LOVEY DOVEY
Douglas Luiz surprised Alisha Lehmann
with a Valentine’s Day gift live on camera,
with the Swiss star of Aston Villa’s women’s
team left stunned. The pair, who rekindled
their romance over New Year, looked
loved up as they celebrated February 14
together. They were keen to share their
happiness with the world, as a number of
images and videos were shared on social
media. One of those saw Luiz and Lehmann
enjoying a celebratory drink, with neither
in midweek action with Villa. It had already
been revealed that Brazil international Luiz

ITS ALL ABOUT

had sent his beau a huge bouquet of red
roses – but the present-giving did not end
there. Lehmann had no idea that Luiz had
another gift lined up as they casually spoke
on camera, but the South American pulled
out a specially wrapped box. He said: “Now
GOOD TASTE!
my girlfriend [will] open the present. Let’s Hours:
see if she likes or not.”Lehmann added: “I’m Mon 9-6 • Tues-Wed 9-7
so excited!” She went on to say “I love you so Thurs-Fri 9-8 • Sat 8-6 • Sunday 9-2
much” after discovering that she had been
treated to a glamorous piece of jewelry. 2414 Major Mackenzie Drive, Maple
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BOOK IT
SOCIAL MEDIA Argentina along with Lionel Messi
and company will play exhibitions

ROUND-UP
against Ecuador on June 9 at Chicago’s
Soldier Field and five days later against
Ian Waterhouse Guatemala at FedEx Field in Landover,
Maryland, ahead of defending their Copa
America title. Argentina, the defending
world and South American champion,
open the Copa América against Canada
or Trinidad and Tobago on June 20 in
Atlanta, then play Chile five days later in
East Rutherford, New Jersey, and Peru on
June 29 at Miami Gardens, Florida.

Instagram DID YOU KNOW?

• Ollie Watkins (right)
has been involved in 23
HELLO DADDY Premier League goals
Cedric Soares made his fourth Arsenal appearance of the this season (13 goals, 10
assists), only Dwight Yorke
season when he came on against Porto - prompting a in 1995-96 (27) has been
heartwarming reaction from his daughter. involved in more in a single
season in the competition
for Aston Villa.

HISTORIC ALLEGRI
Max Allegri made history by becoming the first
ever coach to achieve 1,000 Serie A points in his
Instagram
career, thanks to a last- winner over Frosinone.
It took his tally to 1,002 ‘real points’ – so two for
a win before the 1994-95 season switched to
three. Coaching in 496 Serie A matches, Allegri
WHEN IN ROME has averaged 2.02 points per game at Cagliari,
Neymar Jr. sports a traditional Saudi look as he remains Milan and Juventus. He won six Serie A titles,
sidelined with a ligament injury. five of them in a row at Juve from 2014-15 to
2018-19, and the first at Milan in 2010-11.

3
Since the start of 2021-22, no player has
been given more red cards in the Premier
League than Mason Holgate (3). In the
Instagram 13th minute, it’s the earliest straight red
card in the competition since Nathaniel
Chalobah for Fulham v Newcastle in
October 2022 (8th min).
HE’S BAAAACK ... MAYBE
Mesut Ozil has hinted at a return to football after posting
a training video to Instagram where fans say he looks
unrecognizable.
MONEY MONEY
Cristiano Ronaldo continues
his legal battle with former
club juventus over the €19.5m
in outstanding wages and with
a decision expected at the
end of April. The row has been
going ever since he left Turin
for a return to Manchester
Instagram United in August 2021, with the
Ballon d’Or winner insisting
he was still owed €19.5m in
wages. Juve maintain he had
completing the transfer to
LOVE IS IN THE AIR
Manchester United, a situation
Aston Villa stars Douglas Luiz and Alisha Lehmann enjoying
that was rushed through on
the evening on Valentine’s Day
deadline day.

94 SOCCER360
birthday wishes
Pauline Peyraud-Magnin - March 17
France, Juventus
Peyraud-Magnin is currently the indisputable
first choice between the posts for her country.
Her career, meanwhile, is more extraordinary
than normal, becoming the most expensive
goalkeeper in women’s football when she ALL FORDS ARE CREATED EQUAL...
joined Juventus from Atlético Madrid in 202. IT’S THE DEALERSHIP THAT MAKES THE DIFFERENCE
Began playing soccer as a forward before
stepping in to assist as a goalkeeper once.
Always wears something green beneath
her jersey as a homage to her superhero
nickname: the Hulk.

Ronaldinho - March 21
Brazil, PSG, Barcelona, AC Milan
Ronaldinho is the only player ever to have
won a World Cup, a Copa América, a
Confederations Cup, a Champions League,
a Copa Libertadores and a Ballon d’Or.[4]
Ronaldinho was renowned for his technical
skills, creativity, dribbling ability and accuracy
from free-kicks, his use of tricks, feints, no-
look passes and overhead kicks, as well as his
ability to score and create goals, all prominent
2024 RAPTOR R
characteristics of his early-age background
playing futsal. He is known by the nickname
“O Bruxo” (“The Wizard”).

Antoine Griezmann - March 21

France, Atletico Madrid
He was nominated for the Ballon d’Or and
Best FIFA Men’s Player in 2016 and 2018.
In 2019 he signed for Barcelona and won a
Copa del Rey, before returning to Atlético
Madrid in 2021, becoming the club’s all-time
top goalscorer. He has earned over 120 caps
and scored 44 goals. Griezman finished as
top goalscorer and Player of the Tournament
as France finished runners-up at UEFA Euro
2016. He won the Silver Boot, the Bronze Ball,
and was named man of the match in the final 2024 MACH E
as France won the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Jadon Sancho - March 25

England, Manchester United
Jadon Sancho signed his first senior contract
with Borussia Dortmund in 2017. Over
four seasons with the club he made 137
appearances and won the 2019 DFL-Supercup
and the 2020–21 DFB-Pokal, where he finished
as the tournament’s top scorer. Sancho
returned to England to sign for Manchester
United in 2021, winning an EFL Cup in his
second season, before being loaned back to
Dortmund in 2024.

Leah Williamson - March 29 2024 F150 LIGHTNING

England, Arsenal
Leah Williamson has spent her entire senior
domestic career at Arsenal. The fullback also
represented Great Britain at the Olympics in
2021. Williamson captained England to their
first UEFA European Championship victory,
and the women’s team’s first international
title, in 2022, for which she was named in the
Team of the Tournament.

Sergio Ramos - March 30

Spain, Sevilla 2024 RANGER RAPTOR
Widely regarded as one of the greatest
defenders of all time, Sergio Ramos is known
for his tackling skills, aerial abilities and
leadership.[3][4][5] He is best known for his
sixteen seasons spent playing for Real Madrid,
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90TH MINUTE

birthday wishes
Ferenc Puskas - April 02
Hungary, Budapest Honved, Real
Madrid)
He scored 84 goals in 85 matches for Hungary.
He became an Olympic champion in 1952 and
played in the 1954 World Cup final. He won
three European Cups (1959, 1960, 1966), ten
national championships (five Hungarian and
five Spanish Primera Division). Known as the
“Galloping Major” in 1995, he was recognized
as the greatest top division scorer of the 20th
century by the IFFHS. Scoring 806 goals in
793 official games during his career, he is the
seventh top goal scorer of all time.

Julie Ertz - April 06 PENALTY CUT

USA, Chicago Red Stars
Ertz helped the US win their titles at the 2015 Everton’s fight against a hefty 10-point deduction for breaking financial rules
and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup. At 23, paid off, as their penalty was cut to six points after a successful appeal. This
she was the second youngest member of move not only bumped them up two spots to 15th in the Premier League
the 2015 team behind 22-year-old Morgan but also gave them a bit more breathing room above the dreaded relegation
Brian, going on to the World Cup final. She
was named to the FIFA Women’s World Cup
zone. Despite the financial struggles that triggered the penalty, with losses
All-Star Team. After the 2023 World Cup, piling up over the years, Everton remains determined to tidy up their finances
Ertz retired from international soccer. Playing and stay on the right side of the league’s rules.
center midfield for club and country in 2017,

BLUE BOTTLES ?
Ertz was awarded U.S. Soccer Female Player
of the Year and was again nominated in 2018
she won the title again in 2019.
Gary Neville branded Chelsea as “blue
Franck Ribery - April 07 billion-pound bottlejobs” following their
France, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina heart-wrenching 1-0 loss to Liverpool
In 2007, Ribery joined Bayern Munich for a in the cup final, a match decided by
then club-record fee of €25 million. With
Bayern, he won nine Bundesliga titles, six a late goal from Virgil van Dijk in the
DFB-Pokal, one UEFA Champions League 118th minute. Despite Chelsea’s massive
and one FIFA Club World Cup. In 2012–13 spending spree, exceeding $1 billion on
treble winning season he was nominated transfers in the past two years, they faced
alongside Messi and Ronaldo for the 2013
their sixth straight domestic cup defeat.
FIFA Ballon d’Or. Ribery was also known for
his fruitful partnership with fellow winger Neville praised Liverpool’s young squad for their outstanding performance,
Arjen Robben—together they were referred to underscoring the lack of sympathy for a Chelsea team that failed to rise to the
as Robbery. He left Bayern in summer 2019, occasion under Mauricio Pochettino.
and joined Italian side Fiorentina.

Rivaldo - April 19
Brazil, Barcelona, Olympiakos
One of the greatest, most skillful, and most
creative players of all time. He was renowned
for his bending free kicks, bicycle kicks, feints
and powerful ball striking from distance. In
1999, he won the Ballon d’Or and was named
FIFA World Player of the Year. In 2004, he
was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the
world’s greatest living players. With success
at club and international level, he is one of
only nine players to have won the FIFA World
Cup, the UEFA Champions League and the
A NEW POSITION ?
Ballon d’Or.
Rio Ferdinand stirred speculation on
Kaka - April 22 the potential for Mikel Arteta to move
Brazil, AC Milan, Real Madrid to Manchester United if Erik ten Hag

A GOOD MOVE
In his prime as a playmaker at AC Milan, a departs, either due to being sacked or
period marked by his creative passing, pace, taking up a position at Bayern Munich.
goal scoring and dribbles from midfield, Despite Manchester United’s struggles
Kaka was widely considered one of the best David Moyes has transformed
players in the world, and is regarded by
this season, including ten losses and a
Jarrod Bowen’s career at fight to secure a Champions League
pundits as one of the greatest footballers
of his generation. With success at club and West Ham by moving him berth, Ferdinand’s comments suggested
international level, he is one of nine players to striker, resulting in Bowen that Arteta would “100 percent” switch
to have won the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA scoring 14 goals, including a from Arsenal to Manchester United
Champions League, and the Ballon d’Or. hat-trick against Brentford. under such conditions.
This shift not only proved
Moyes’ tactical acumen but
Johan Cruyff - April 25 also positioned Bowen as a
Netherlands, Barcelona, Ajax
Johan Cruyff won the Ballon d’Or three times,
standout performer, catching
the eye of England manager 6
in 1971, 1973, and 1974. The forward was a Gareth Southgate ahead of the Victor Osimhen has
proponent of the football philosophy known European Championship. Amidst scored six home
as Total Football developed by Rinus Michels, goals in the UCL with
a challenging season, Bowen’s
which Cruyff also employed as a manager. Napoli (all in the last
Because of the far-reaching impact of his scoring spree, culminating in
six home games),
playing style and his coaching ideas, he is matching top Premier League joining Lorenzo Insigne
widely regarded as one of the most influential scorers, demonstrates his in terms of goals in
figures in modern football. He is also viewed adaptability and potential impact home games with
as one of the greatest managers of all time for the Partenopei in the
at Euro 2024, as he continues to
Ian Waterhouse his achievements as a manager. competition; only Dries
refine his skills in this new role. Mertens (11) did better.

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AC Milan and England International

A N O I P M A H C C D R E S E D T E HOME PIX
T E E C R I A N A E S L E H C D N N Rio Ferdinand shares a photo with an Arsenal fan who clearly
holds different views about Bukayo Saka compared to the ex-
I T N O I T A R B E L E C E T A T I Manchester Untited star.
S I R C I A P O R U E E E S O R K S
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O D E E A R E I M E R P E E O A A S
Luke Shaw and girlfriend Anouska Santos threw a lavish
N N S R A R S E T A M M A E T C D D baby shower - with guest Molly-May Hague calling the event
A M I D F I E L D E R E C E N T E R “adorable”.

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WHAAAAT ?
Douglas Luiz’s bizarre celebration after scoring against
Manchester United receives a dig from Rio Ferdinand.

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THE WIFE’S RULES

Thiago Silva’s spouse, Belle Silva, is advocating for changes at
the club following Chelsea’s loss to Wolves.

SOCCER360 97
 LAST
WORD

WHEN EVEN A PASSIONATE

COACH LIKE JURGEN KLOPP “WE CANNOT FORGET
THAT THE RACE FOR
IS FEELING BURNED OUT,
SUSY CAMPANALE KNOWS

QUANTITY OVER QUALITY

FOOTBALL IS BECOMING ALL
ABOUT QUANTITY RATHER

IS ALSO AFFECTING
THAN QUALITY.

obody can begrudge Jurgen

Klopp for wanting to take COACHES, DIRECTORS
some time out to himself
after nine years in charge AND WILL ULTIMATELY
HIT FANS TOO.”
of Liverpool and winning
practically everything there
was to win. Just hours after
the shock announcement
from Anfield, Xavi Hernandez
confirmed that he too would
be walking away from the of avoidable muscular injuries. The because this feels like the moment coaches
Barcelona bench at the end lack of training routines leads to worse are hitting that brick wall and Klopp is only
of the season. Despite his performances, more approximate defending the first.
assurances that he needed time to live a and attacking, the focus becomes more I continue to see football as art every bit as
normal life for a little while, the speculation on just giving the talented players the ball much as sport, so it is like seeing the movie
started within minutes on which job Klopp and hoping for the best. That might be fine franchise you once loved get the original
would go into next. in the short-term, but over the course of idea stretched out over sequels, spin-offs
So much has been said about the risk of a campaign it is inevitably going to take and merchandise until you can’t quite be
player burnout with an increasingly packed away from the level of football we get to bothered to keep up anymore. I have for
schedule, but we cannot forget that the race watch. Why have a coach at all if his job is years pushed for Serie A to go back to 18 or
for quantity over quality is also affecting merely to select a starting XI? Perhaps this even 16 teams, as it felt like expanding to 20
TOP:
coaches, directors and will ultimately hit is just leading up to what some clubs really Jurgen Klopp realised was when things started to go badly wrong
fans too. We run the genuine risk of ruining want, namely to use artificial intelligence he cannot continue for the League. We need to bring the focus
at Liverpool without
the sport we love because it continues to be and algorithms to pick their transfers and losing enthusiasm for back to quality rather than quantity, which
the sport
treated as a business venture. squad, doing away with costly managers might mean some clubs and nations feeling
Maurizio Sarri of Lazio really rang the alarm altogether? ABOVE: left out when the major tournaments come
Maurizio Sarri warned
bell with his repeated comments warning The response from UEFA and FIFA to any the reasons he got along, but it is necessary to preserve the joy
that the reason he left a job in banking to questions over the popularity of the sport into football are of the sport.
dissipating fast
work in football is dissipating fast. When is simply to create more fixtures, more That absolutely does not mean the
teams play a big game every three days, tournaments, more trophies, spread the European Super League, by the way, as it
which usually involves a lot of travelling games out over more kick-off times. It’s is just a way of ensuring the traditionally
and scheduling slots to give a series of already starting to feel like too much and it big clubs don’t miss out on the cash cow
interviews, there is hardly any time left for is just going to escalate. We are losing sight that is the Champions League. It is about
actual training. of quality in order to provide more quantity giving everyone an opportunity to earn
One of my favourite Klopp anecdotes was and that is no way to create new supporters, their place in the top tier tournaments,
during a tough clash between his Liverpool let alone bleed the enthusiasm of the providing coaches with the time and space
and Sarri’s Chelsea, where the German existing fans dry. to form a vision within their team on the
looked over at his colleague, let loose that There doesn’t seem to be a single day of the training ground. If we want to see tactical
mile-wide smile and said: “Isn’t this fun?” The week now without some top-level match innovations in the mould of Arrigo Sacchi
endless cycle of matches is starting to make on television and even the most committed and Pep Guardiola when they first emerged,
even Klopp lose his enthusiasm. supporter of the game is going to struggle we need to give them the opportunity to
The repercussions of this are not just eventually. I hope that the problem is practice their craft, or fear it will be lost
physical, draining the players to within an spotted before we reach the point where forever.
inch of their lives and creating a multitude even the fans are suffering from burnout,

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