On the face of it, Ernesto Valverde is doing an admirable job as Barcelona manager. The Spanish tactician’s delivered four trophies since taking over the reins two years ago. Delve a little deeper, though, and all isn’t so upbeat…

When former Australian striker John Aloisi left his position as Brisbane Roar manager in December, it was for a good reason. The Queensland-based side had a poor start to the campaign and there was no sign of improvement. They were placed…

Manchester City proved to the rest of England there’s much work to be done if they’re to ever come anywhere close. Pep Guardiola’s side swept all three domestic titles. The Cityzens couldn’t stop scoring in the FA Cup…

Serie A bears a striking resemblance to playground football. Bear with me. I’m not disparaging Lega Calcio’s quality at all. Nor am I taking a dig at all the ugly name calling and crude mimicry that rains down from the stands although…

The FIFA U20 World Cup is upon us. Proponents of young footballing talent will have their eyes peeled for the next big thing during the next three weeks in Poland.  The U20 tournament is a gateway to stardom. Every two years,…

Just over a week ago, Brighton & Hove Albion took the bold decision to sack Chris Hughton. The 60-year-old has been in charge for almost five years, earning them Championship promotion while consolidating their status as a Premier League…

When we conquer a town, there is always the desire to move forward and conquer a city. That's why it's really no surprise to see Juventus becoming so desperate to win the Champions League - as domestic success has become…

Europe's biggest teams always want to get stronger. That's why they seek the best players in the game. Once a sparkling gem is discovered, they go all out to sign him. The Bundesliga is rich in precious gems. Luka Jovic and…

Last year, West Ham chief scout Tony Henry lost his job for categorising African players as “troublemakers”. He admitted the club avoided signing them after a bad experience or two.  Once Henry was sacked, the furore subsided…

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be handed massive funds to sign players at Manchester United this summer. That's no different to his predecessors. The question is, which departments will the Norwegian lavish his war-chest on? From what’s…

Ever since the Bosman Ruling came into effect in 1995, players within the European Union have been allowed to leave a club for no fee once their contract has expired. Famous cases of this include Sol Campbell’s controversial switch from…

Borussia Dortmund’s season didn’t end with the expected Euphoria. Bayern Munich snatched away the Bundesliga crown, ending Lucien Favre’s impressive debut season in frustration. That being said, it has never been…

If you are first, you are first. If you are second, you are nothing. The late great Bill Shankly's quote was thrown back in Liverpool supporters' faces when they were pipped to the title by Manchester City. How ironic that…

This season has proven to be a difficult one for some 'elite' Premier League sides. While Liverpool and Manchester City pulled away in arguably the best title race in Premier League era, many were left to wonder where they…

A new transfer window swung open on May 16. The fever began months before that date. Clubs secretly courted players they intended to poach from rivals. The real business won't commence until all five of Europe’s big leagues…