Alterations at Atletico: Simeone’s summer recruitment points to subtle change of philosophy

Back in May, I wrote of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone’s summer dilemma and, perhaps, a defining moment in his managerial career to date: Would he stick or twist? To add context, Atletico were in the midst of many confirmed and rumoured player departures. Key ones at that. Long term defensive linchpins Juanfran, Filipe Luís […]

Patrick Bamford: the forlorn forward looking for some spark in 2019/20

Shortly after finishing my pint and trudging back to the car following the full time whistle between Leeds and Nottingham Forest, I first wondered how the officials hadn’t spotted a foul on Stuart Dallas in the area during the closing stages which would’ve given my team the chance of sealing three points in the first […]

Why this transfer window has been a success for Manchester United

After another disappointing season by many accounts for Manchester United, it was clear that a pattern was emerging in the post-Ferguson era that, regardless of the manager in charge or the marquee acquisitions that were brought in, a club so rich in a history of its own making, be it from homegrown or native talent, […]

CR7 Mania in Nanjing

By Tom Lamming (@t_lamming) Just moments after arriving into a Nanjing Metro station at the foot of my hotel, it was abundantly clear what major event was taking place tomorrow (25thJuly). Upon stepping off the metro, a dozen Juventus fans were donning the new Juve home shirt with Ronaldo 7 on the back. Cristiano Ronaldo […]

Joan Capdevila: the unsung hero of Spain’s golden era

When reminiscing fondly upon the unstoppable reign of Spain’s national team between 2008 and 2012, their legacy remains in many aspects of modern day football. Tiki-taka, defensive domination and the infamous trophy trifecta, the Spanish created a breath-taking template of football perfection with a squad that oozed finesse and flair to provide all of football’s […]

The Hongkou’s astonishing atmosphere, SIPG’s stellar showings and a stadium match day hotel: My Shanghai Experience

By Tom Lamming (@t_lamming) Two months into my summer internship in Shanghai, at That’s Shanghai, and it’s safe to say during my time in China I’ve witnessed my fair share of CSL football. I’ve taken in a handful of games across the city divide, witnessing some vintage man of the match Oscar performances and less […]

Red Wine and Arepas: Jordan Florit talks about his upcoming book on “How football is becoming Venezuela’s religion”

Venezuelan football may have gone under the radar in times gone by, even within it’s own homeland. The national team(s) have struggled to make waves and the domestic game has often been overshadowed by other sports and political issues dominating the news more regularly. But things are changing. Slowly but surely football in Venezuela has […]

The rise of the London Underground Football League

While everyone is talking about the likes of Paul Pogba’s future, Jesse Lingard’s Instagram antics and Neymar’s troubles, it’s easy to miss what’s bubbling away closer to home. Away from the mainstream, the desire for shirt sales, corporate spending and the sometimes hyperbole media circus surrounding the game are many fantastic and long serving grassroots […]

Surely no coincidence: Valverde gets Barca reprieve as Xavi learns his trade

After Barcelona lost the Copa del Rey final against Valencia, hot on the heels of their Champions League capitulation at Anfield, the writing seemed on the wall for coach Ernesto Valverde. Indeed the Catalans were mooted to have drawn up a four man shortlist of suitable candidates to take over this summer. Massimiliano Allegro, Unai […]

Atletico’s summer of change: Simeone arriving at a crossroads?

When Diego Simeone was appointed as manager of Atletico Madrid in 2011, it just felt right. Although Simeone had a lot to prove after a fairly nomadic start to life in the dugout, the playing squad he inherited at Los Colchoneros were almost tailor made for the fiery Argentinian. The likes of Luis Perea, Miranda, […]