European Superiority - A Triple Story

[Joshhh]

Figo handed Inter role - alongside Benitez!

Inter Milan legend Luis Figo has been handed his first job in football, managing Inter Milan. However, current Inter boss Rafa Benitez will remain as manager, with the pair bagging a joint managerial role. Figo was on holiday whilst Inter were welcoming applicants for the vacant job, making the former Portugese international unable to apply. A month after current boss Benitez was appointed, tabloids have reported that Figo would have been interested in applying. Inter chairman Massimo Moratti declared he would have looked closely into the appointment of Figo if he had been liable to apply. Now the news has broke in to the media, Moratti has offered Figo a 2 year deal to join Benitez in a joint partnership managing Inter Milan as they look to guide them to another Serie 'A' title.

Benitez hits out at Inter chairman!

Rafa Benitez has today claimed that Massimo Moratti has neither consulted or talked to him about the appointment of Luis Figo as joint manager. He added, "I was appointed here on a 4 year deal worth £50,000 a week. I've now had to take a pay cut as the board can not afford to pay 2 manager's wages. I've now had to reconsider my future as i cannot afford to take such a drastic pay cut, without notice. I've enjoyed my first month but I don't see me getting on with Luís as I have no respect for him, just to walk in and take over". Words from Benitez suggest that he may not be at Inter for much longer.

Benitez quits Inter leaving Figo riding solo.

Rafa Benitez has today ended his short stint at Italian giants Inter Milan terminating his contract 3 years short. He's spoke out twice before about how unhappy he is at the appointment of Figo. Inter fan's have mixed feelings about the future of the club as Figo has no experience in football management of coaching. He's got 2 years to prove himself and his main objective is to win Serie 'A'. Moratti has given him £8.75m to improve the squad, with Anthony Annan thought to be his main target and a £4.5m could be pushed through in the next few days.

 

[Kurtttt]

8th July 2010

Louis van Gaal, former Bayern Munich manager, was sacked by the Bayern board earlier on today, as he threatened the Bayern board for more money after winning the German Cup, The Bundesliga, and Runners-up in the Champions League.

Sky Sports New reported that Louis van Gaal threatened and humiliated assistant manager Andries Jonker at the Allianz Arena with the whole board, in a meeting over finances. Van Gaal instantly stormed out of the meeting furiously. Later on, whilst watching Sky Sports News, some breaking new came through:
'Van Gaal sacked as Bayern manager!'
Van Gaal was not surprised after his out burst at earlier, but was also gutted after he had built a relationship with many players.
Van Gaal quoted 'I'm very disappointed in the decision, and I really hope the new manager does well!'

The possible new Bayern manager:
Gerd Müller 3/1

Pep Guardiola 5/1

Manuel Pellegrini 8/1

Frank Rijkaard 10/1

Fabio Capello 13/1

Martin O'Neill 20/1

Gianfranco Zola 30/1

9th July 2010

After weeks of consideration, ex Bayern Munich and Germany legend Gerd Müller as been appointed as the new Bayern Munich manager and welcomed to the Allianz Arena.

Gerhard "Gerd" Müller, (born 3 November 1945 in Nördlingen) is a former German football player and one of the most prolific goalscorers ever.
With national records for Germany of 68 goals in 62 international appearances, and Bayern Munich, 365 goals in 427 Bundesliga games and the international record of 66 goals in 74 European Club games, he was one of the most successful goalscorers of his era. Müller is now 8th on the list of all time international goalscorers despite playing fewer matches than every player in the top 15. His nickname is “Bomber der Nation” (the nation's Bomber).
Müller told Sky Sports News 'Bayern Munich have a really good set up here and I'm glad to have got the job. Many people say that I'm doing it for the money, I think that's bull sh*t, they could of paid me £1 for all I care, I love the team, that's why I spent my career here. I can't wait to meet the team, there are some real world class players in this team, but in many ways, they're all world class players in there own different ways. I will be looking at youngster's as I don't really believe they need any really big name signings.'
Müller is rumoured to be paid around £37,000 per week and is said to have around £8 million to spend.​

 

[Zaiaz]

Pep Guardiola leaves Barcelona

It is officially confirmed that Pep has left Barcelona for pastures new. According to Pep he has "achieved all he could" at Barcelona and will be looking for a new challenge. The players and the staff are extremely disappointed; Pep was considered a legend at the club. However the main question now is who will be his successor? Many managers have opted for the job however there are a few who are likely to get it.​

Martin O'Neil

Fabio Capello

Guus Hiddink

Arsene Wenger

​

Who will get the job will be revealed in the next few days.​

9th July 2010

After weeks of waiting we can finally reveal that the new manager has been announced at Camp Nou. The lucky man is Guus Hiddink, the ex Russian manager has today taken the job after falling out with the Russia FA. It is considered to be because Russia did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Hiddink is reportedly been given a deal worth 38.000 pounds a week until July 2011.

Hiddink has released a short press statement regarding his near future at Barcelona which we have managed to get:​

"I am happy about getting the job. It is a big challenge and I hope to prove that I can achieve here. The team is a brilliant one and the backroom staff are said to be the best in the world. I have managed many teams, clubs and national teams, I can say with confidence this will be the most prestigious job which I have taken. I hope to prove to the fans I will be better then Pep."​

The manager will start managing the club at this very second and we will be following his successes. He will start with a transfer budget of around 15 million according to the official Barcelona website. Pep Guardiola has expressed his joy today at the appointment of Hiddink saying that "this is the best future I could have hoped for Barca". Hiddink is a well respected manager around the world and the Barcelona fans have already expressed their happiness about the appointment of the legend manager. Let's hope he will prove that he can live up to the name.​

10th July 2010

Following the appointment of Guus Hiddink the Barcelona legends Messi and Xavi have expressed their respect for Hiddink.

​

"We have heard a lot about Guus. He led Russia to the semis of the Euro 2008, he saved Chelsea from embarrassment, he showed the world what kind of a player Arshavin is. We will feel proud about playing for a manager with this kind of respect"​

From the other side of the world another player has expressed his joy for Guus,

"Um, it is a great joy that Guus has finally got the job he wanted. The team will miss him but he will prove what kind of a manger he really is"​

Guus has thanked everyone for all the support and told them to expect big things. ​

 

[Joshhh]

Figo puts stop to spending spree.

Luis Figo may only be in his first managerial job but he has certainly made an impact on the transfer market this summer, signing no less than 5 players to the club, totalling £19m. In his official unveiling as boss he did say that he would look at signings and they would be well thought out, and this definately seems to be his way as many pundits and fans are claiming the signings to be "World Class".

Figo's first signing was the unexpected arrival of A.C. Milan legend Dida on a free transfer. He will provide good back up through-out the season and will battle for the number 2 spot with Toldo.

Just 3 days later Figo pounced once again, winning the race to sign highly rated full back Kiko Femenia for around £2.5m. Femenia was wanted by Liverpool, Fulham, Bayern and Santos but Figo pulled out all the stops to make sure he signed for Inter.

After veteran centre half Ivan Cordoba left for Man City in a £6m deal, Figo was keen to replace and he saw Belgian captain Daniel Van Buyten as the perfect replacement joining for a fee of £6m. Figo added "Daniel will add great experience to the back four with players like Santon and Femenia breaking through to the first team"

After sending scouts to every one of the Champions League qualifiers they couldn't get enough of teenage sensation Romelu Lukaku after he bagged 3 goals on his European debut for home town club Anderlecht. Figo had to stump up £7m to bag the 6foot4 striker but he says it'll be worth every penny.

With the deal already half way through when Benitez left, Figo was keen to add young Argentinian striker Jonathan Cristaldo to the squad. The striker has joined on a 4 year deal for around £1.5m, but in the future he and Lukaku could form a partnership to terrorise Serie A defences.

View attachment 103187​

 

[Joshhh]

INTER MILAN 2-0 LAZIO
(Super Cup Final)​

Hello and welcome to Beijing, where Inter Milan look to defend the Super Cup and Lazio look to win it for the first time in their history. This will be Figo's first game in charge of Inter and after a feisty encounter with the Lazio boss earlier on in the week both manager's will be keen to win. So here is how the 2 sides line up today:

View attachment 103205​

The game kicked off with Inter on the attack straight from the off with Samuel Eto'o racing clear of the last defender but he failed to convert the one on one. Within the first 10 minutes Inter had 4 shots, but in the 9th minute they did make one count as Samuel Eto'o latched onto a Milito through ball and he smashed the ball into the roof of the net. Inter carried on the pressure right through to half time but couldn't hit the back of the net. At half time Lazio made all 3 changes but it failed to impact the game as Walter Samuel popped up at the back post to head home from a Sneijder corner. Lazio claimed they were denied a penalty in the 78th minute but the shout was timid. ​

View attachment 103206​

 

[Joshhh]

Champions League Group Stages Drawn​

Lyon
Inter Milan
Tottenham
Rubin​

 

[Midge]

looks good, i'll follow

 

[pimpdollar]

is this 3 stories in one ?

 

[Joshhh]

it's like a joint story, but there's three of us doing it mate

 

[Zaiaz]

Hiddink doesn't need anyone​

Guus Hiddink has revealed that he will sign one maximum two players this transfer season, he says this is because he has a strong squad already.​

SkySports have released the possible transfer targets for Hiddink:​

Demba Ba- 7/10 Hiddink has reportedly been in the market looking for a striker as a backup for Ibrahimovic and Villa.

Robinho- 510 Robinho has been out of favor with Mancini recently and Hiddink might make a move for the Brazilian.

Modric- 710 Luka Modric has expressed a desire to leave Tottenham and Barcelona are looking for a new left winger.

A.Berezutki- 8/10 Hiddink has been looking for a new left defender and having managed A.Berezutki before Guus might make a move for the CSKA player.

Follow our news stories to find out who will Hiddink bring into the team​

 

[AdzKingIV]

Really enjoying this. As it is a triple story what is the aim. Who wins most trophies ?

 

[Zaiaz]

exactly...

 

[Joshhh]

AS Roma 2-2 Inter Milan​

After a good start to their campaign Inter looked to go one step further and get the first three points of the season. With no Pandev, Sneijder of Maicon, Femenia, Coutinho and Muntari stepped in. It took Inter just 23 minutes to break the deadlock when Coutinho struck from 25 yards as the ball flew into the top corner, all Roma keeper' Lobont could do is stand there and admire. 8 minutes later Roma hit Inter on the break as Santon's pass was intercepted by De Rossi, who then played in Totti who lofted the ball over the onrushing Inter keeper. Once again just 5 minutes later there was another goal, Diego Milito played a neat one two with Coutinho on the edge of the box before smashing home from 18 yards. Just 2 minutes before half time Inter were pegged back once again as a wonderful solo effort by Mirko Vucinic ended up in the back of the net with a mind blowing effort from the edge of the area. Bad news was to come for both sides as they lost key players to injury, Mexes and Samuel had to be carried off in the second half.​

View attachment 103233​

Inter Milan 2-0 Brescia​

After being unlucky to draw in the opening game Inter was keen to get 3 points under their belt early on. After impressing in the first game Coutinho kept his place and it was his goal that gave Inter the lead as Eto'o's shot was parried but Coutinho converted the rebound from 8 yards. Inter carried on to dominate through out the game but couldn't finish their one on ones. Brescia had a goal dissalowed on 72 minutes much to the discontent of their manager. On 80 minutes Coutinho was brought down inside the area and Samuel Eto'o stepped up confidently to smash it into the top right hand corner.

View attachment 103234​

Inter Milan 1-1 Cagilari​

Frustrating was the only way to describe this match for Inter fans. Coutinho started up front in place for the injured Eto'o and it was his goal that broke the deadlock as he got past 4 defenders before squeezing the shot into the bottom corner, just out of the reach of the Cagilari keeper. Inter looked as if they were going to win until Conti's free kick flew in, Inter knocked and knocked but just couldn't get that second goal. Good performance but the result just wasn't there.

View attachment 103235


Player Of The Month

COUTINHO has dazzled me with his performances. 3 Goals in 3 games says everything and he's contributed with alot more.

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League Table​

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[Zaiaz]

Pre- Season goes well for Barca.​

Vs Reserves​

6-0​

'25 Ibrahimovic
'39 Villa
'45, 74 Pedro
'55 Jeffren
'86 Soriano

MoM

- Pedro

Vs Antwerp​

4-0​

'2, 39 Villa
'45 Puyol
'71 Keita

MoM

- Villa

Vs Bunyodkor Toshkent​

3-0​

​

'25 Villa
'50 Daniel Alves
'71 Muniesa

MoM

- Villa

Vs SBV Excelsior​

2-0​

​

'53 Pique
'58 Hleb

MoM

- Hleb

VS Academica de Coimbra​

3-0​

​

'28 Messi
'34 Villa
'79 Pedro

MoM

- Messi

Vs Reus​

4-0​

​

'4 Ibrahimovic
'6 Xavi
'43 Alves
'57 Henrique

MoM

- Xavi

Vs Al-Ittihad​

2-1​

'20 Bojan
'41 Soriano

MoM

- Bojan

***​

Hiddink signs his man...​

Guus Hiddink has made his 'first and last' transfer for this window by buying a promising left back for a massive 22 million pounds. Gareth Bale is Guus's new signing.​

"I will not be making any more signings as I have got my man..." are the words of the barcelona manager.​

Gareth Bale has arrived to Camp Nou today and has already said that this is a dreamcome true for him, despite loving Tottenham he admitted he wanted some silerware at home and he was more likely to achieve it here. Acoording to rumors Luka Modric has expressed his anger at the fact Bale signed for Barcelona. Some argue that is because he wantedto be Barcelonas new signing this summer.​

 

[Joshhh]

good signing mate, and a good pre season

 

[Poppa_ChesterCityFC]

Great start lads really liking this.
One question is this a network game or are you all doing seperate saves.

 

[Joshhh]

it's just a separate save mate and thanks

 

[Joshhh]

INTER MILAN 0-0 RUBIN
(Champions League Group Stage)​

Inter Milan, champions of Europe began their quest to defend the title against Rubin. Rubin looked dangerous throughout the first half with Obafemi Martins the main threat to the Inter defence. In the second half Inter looked a completely different side with Eto'o rattling the bar on more than one occasion. Coutinho came on in the last 20 but failed to make an impact.​

View attachment 103274​

INTER MILAN 3-0 GENOA​

After a disappointing start to the domestic season Inter turned on the style as they knocked 3 past an average Genoa side. On paper Genoa looked decent but on the pitch a completely different side. Toni, Palacio and Zaki looked threatening but failed to produce. Pandev opened the scoring with a good finish on 24 minutes. Cambiasso then doubled Inter's lead with a 30 yard screamer just before half time. Milito completed the rout as he headed in a Maicon cross to wrap up the points.​

View attachment 103275​

INTER MILAN 2-0 CHIEVO​

Another win for Inter as they look to defend their title. At half time it was 0-0 with neither side pushing for a goal. But in the 61st minute Coutinho got the break through netting his 4th of the season from close range. Eto'o doubled Inter's lead in the 90th minute after rounding off a well worked move as he finished from 16 yards or so.​

View attachment 103276​

Player Of The Month​

MAICON with an average rating of 7.41 he's put in some defensive masterclasses to deny opposition attacks.​

View attachment 103281​

League Table​

View attachment 103283​

Champions League​

View attachment 103282​

 

[Zaiaz]

Barcelona Vs Athletic Club
View attachment 103285​

Spanish Super Cup final (1st leg)​

View attachment 103286​

Well the game started off with Barcelona playing from left to right as we see it, it took 9 minutes for Barcelona to open the scoring through Messi. Athletic really build up the pressure in the next few minutes until Carlos Puyol finally erupted and fouled Llorente to receive a yellow card. The next 20 minutes were Barcelona attacking the opposition goal. Messi's strike separated the teams at half time. Jeffren replaced Pedro at half time and Barcelona kicked off. With 64 minutes on the clock Keita made it 2-0 after a wonderful volley. Just 4 minutes later Villa's strike made it 3-0. Hiddink decided to bring in some fresh legs and Bojan replaced Ibrahimovic whilst the injured Bale was replaced by Abidal. Just a second after being brought on Bojan put one into the back of the net. With seven minutes to go Puyol was shown a second yellow and a red to follow. That was the last highlight of the match as Hiddink achieved his first competitive win.​

View attachment 103287​

4-0​

MoM- Keita​

Finishing with two assists and a goal the midfielder really proved what he can do.​

Barcelona Vs Athletic Club​

(4) - (0)
View attachment 103284​

Spanish Super Cup final (2nd leg)​

View attachment 103288​

Leading by four goals Hiddink decided to play some youngsters and reserve team players out there today. Since both Puyol and Xavi were missing from the first team Valdes had to take the captain armband. The team seemed to struggle but confidence went sky high when Villa placed one past the Athletic keeper. The teams went into half time Villa's strike separating them. Hleb replaced Nolito whilst Onyema replaced the goal scorer Villa. In the 62nd minute of the game Onyema placed a through ball to Bojan… Bojan had no problem placing it past the keeper. In the 64th minute of the game Llorente finally pulled one back for Athletic but there was little hope for the Bilbao Club. That was the last highlight f this match. Barcelona won the match 2-1, but won 6-1 on aggregate.​

View attachment 103289​

2-1​

(6 )-(1)​

MoM- Bojan​

Having scored the winning goal and challenged the keeper a good 5 times there was no reason why Bojan should not get the award.​

 

[Zaiaz]

European Super Cup Final​

Vs Shakhtar​

View attachment 103438​

Kick off 20:00​

Well Shakhtar face a big injury problem as they go into the match without Eduardo whilst Barcelona are missing Iniesta. The first chance of the game came 9 minutes into the game when Villa hit the woodwork. With 20 minutes on the clock Ibrahimovic made it 1-0 after a wonderful cross from Villa. From then till half time it was a rather one sided game with Barcelona testing the keeper a few times and hitting the woodwork. The teams went into half time with Barcelona leading 1-0. Hiddink changed the formation a bit allowing Messi to have more freedom and brought on the young forward, Bojan, on for Pedro. Just minutes after half time Messi scored, however the flag was already up. Disaster struck for Barcelona as Gladkyi made it 1-1 after a sloppy mistake by Valdes. Hiddink decided to risk it and brought on the injured Iniesta for Keita. With 70 minutes of the match gone Messi worked his magic as he skipped past three defenders before calmly placing the ball into the corner, Barcelona ahead 2-1.With just 8 minutes to go Ibrahimovic got his second and Barcelona's third. With Shakhtar giving up it wasn't hard to score once again; Daniel Alves scored what had to be the goal of the match so far. A volley from outside the box into the bottom corner. Fantastic! There were a few more chances for Barcelona but they knew they had done it, they had won the European Super Cup.​

View attachment 103439​

4-1​

MoM- Ibrahimovic​

Finishing with 2 goals and an assist Ibrahimovic deserved the man of the match award.​

Barca lift the cup for the first time since 1997​

Well the streets of Barcelona are full of supporters today, this is a magnificent achievement and the only names on everyone's lips are Hiddink and Ibrahimovic. Frankly the game was won the second Messi put the ball into the net a second time and the fans realize that they hammered the opposition. Guus Hiddink was quite modest about the win saying only that-​

"It was all the players; they are the real heroes tonight!!!"​

We have also been told the groups for the Champions league, well following Barca's success I'm sure they can beat anyone but this group might hide a challenge.​

Champions League Groups announced​

Group B​

Barcelona (Spain)​

Inter Milan (Italy)​

Tottenham (England)​

Bate (Bulgaria) ​

"Well this is certainly a tough group with last years winners and newly promoted Tottenham in it however I am confident of coming top of the group"​

View attachment 103440​