It's been an eventful summer, what with the World Cup keeping everyone's attention firmly fixated on football. Beyond the World Cup, it's been an eventful summer both on and off the pitch for a number of clubs and players. Here are my "pre-season" thoughts on the clubs that interest me... (and my thoughts on a few that don't. I'm looking at all you Mancs out there! No not you Liam... or you Noel.)
1- First and foremost, it's been an exhausting summer for Liverpool and it's fans. We've fired our Champions League winning manager, we've hired an Englishman, sold players, bought few, brought back others we had originally let go, and have seen our club put up for sale. Did I mention that all this is on the back of one of the worst seasons in recent memory?
There is still loads to cheer about. We brought a London lad up north, hired a brilliant manager, and could potentially be sold to the wealthiest of wealthiest investors. Looking at our squad we appear to have quality all over the pitch, despite our obvious lack of depth. Our big three , (Cole, Torres, and Gerrard), are as good as any trio around the world, and did I mention that we have a top 5 keeper?
Still, there is good reason to be cautious. Torres is injury prone, and we have little to no depth. Couple that with the sudden rise of Citeh and I can see us finishing anywhere from 4th to 6th. Two things I know, Arsenal will not challenge for the title and Citeh will challenge United for the title as best in Manchester. The table will look something like this...
1- Chelski
2a- United
2b- Citeh
4- the Gooners
5a- Liverpool
5b- Spurs
You heard it here first.
2- Rangers will not retain the title. The Bhoys are in a "state of flux", to borrow the tag line from my favorite Bloc Party song, this will see them knocked out of Europe after their second leg against Braga. However, this will also allow them to focus on the SPL. Rangers have been selling everything not nailed down, and can't afford to bring in replacements. Boyd.. gone. Wilson... gone. Thompson... gone. Miller... looking to be gone. Do I think the basketcase John Fleck is ready to step up? Doubtful, maybe Lafferty will... again, doubtful. Sorry Steven Davis, I love you but we're in for a long season.
3- Germany will again be dominated by Munich. What else is new? The big question is if Schalke can avoid the dreaded 2nd season slump in Germany. Most clubs in Germany not based in Munich have a tough time competing after earning the right to play in Europe. The toll of playing so many matches begins to pile up for clubs that are hurting to buy quality depth already. Munich gets around it because they have some of the most lucrative sponsorship deals in modern day football. They can afford to splash the cash, but in general the payday from the Bundesliga isn't nearly enough to help clubs purchase the depth necessary to compete on a continental basis. They tend to have to develop players, which is why I look to Leverkusen or Bremen to finish second behind Munich this year and not Schalke. Leverkusen, while not having won anything... well... ever. Have quality everywhere, plus the best keeper in the Bundesliga. Bremen meanwhile, can count on two of the trickiest players in Germany. Ozil and Marko Marin (both of which are only 21).
4- PSG. The less said the better. We'll finish midtable... again. but I'm not holding my breath, we may be even worse than last season. We do have one of the best young centerbacks in the game if that counts for anything. (Mamadou Sakho)
The one good thing about France is that the league is always wide open. The same cannot be said for...
5- Spain will again be dominated by Barca and Madrid. Yawn....
6- Ajax will welcome back Martin Jol who almost found his way to Fulham. Ajax is bringing back the beautiful flowing football of Johan Cruyff, thanks to the wonderful play of Luis Suarez. Suarez looks to be staying at the club, at least until the winter market. Keep an eye out for Christian Eriksen. Despite only being 18, he's already made 15 senior appearances for the club and is being trailed by most of the major clubs in Europe.
7- Inter will retain the title, in a defensive fashion as is the case with Rafa. The big question will be if AC Milan can bounce back. They had a rough season and are seen by most as an aging club. They finished well off the pace and honestly I don't see them improving from last season.
