Is Jose Mourinho going to spend millions at Chelsea once again?

Chelsea and Jose Mourinho spent millions during his first reign as Chelsea manager. With Chelsea now a "weaker" side, Jose back at the helm and their owner still filthy rich, are they about to splash the cash and make a statement of their intent to win the Premier League next season?

Chelsea have been in a state of limbo for a few years now. They have found themselves debating whether they should sell older players like Frank Lampard, buying multiple players for one position while leaving other positions noticeably weaker. With many of these issues it is thought that Jose will reshape the team and spend millions buying new players, while upsetting others by letting go of older and weaker players.

Who will they try and sign?

Chelsea have been linked with a £50 million deal for Napoli striker Edison Cavani and a £35 million deal for Zenit St Petersburg player Hulk. A deal for the pair could end up anywhere between £50-£100 million, but the £85 million stated above is the rumoured combination of their values. Chelsea have also been linked with Ronaldo, Dzeko and Jovetic, as well as countless of other big name signings.

Where do Chelsea need to add new players?


Chelsea need a reliable and deadly striker, a tough, consistent defender and a few other players that can provide some depth to their squad. Chelsea need to reduce the squad and get rid of players that aren't good enough, while adding the class needed in order to compete with the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

Will Jose get a lot of money? 

Yes! Jose usually gets what he wants, and him and big sums of money created instant success last time, so expect the same tried and tested formula to be used again. Jose will want to create a elite team to dominate the world, and quite simply Chelsea do not have the players to do so. At least £100-£150 million pounds will be needed to see Chelsea compete at the highest level on a consistent basis.

Jose and Chelsea are seemingly destined to be together, and like last time they will spend big, and succeed. This time though, Chelsea may dominate in an even bigger fashion, winning countless of trophies. The system is in place, they just need better players and a consistent and quality coach, all things Jose will easily provide.

Why are England failing to entertain and find success?

England played Republic of Ireland on Wednesday 29th May, hoping for a great performance and a big win. Although Ireland can be a tough opposition, a team of England's nature should have no difficulty in defeating them, however they did, with the game finishing a boring 1-1.

For many years there has been the debate of club vs country inside the world of football. More often that not fans state their love for their club always comes first, but is it supposed to be that way? Being proud of your country and supporting them through thick and thin should be the most important trait of every football fan.

Football works in mysterious ways, and the love for your country seems to fall far beneath the love for your club. England, for example, have a huge history, yet have struggled to find any consistency or success for many years. Manager after manager have been appointed, yet none have found the answer.

Both Spain and Germany have had their problems in the past, yet restructured their teams from the bottom to the top and both are now formidable forces in the international game. England have recently opened St George's Park, which is a training facility designed to help the team in its entirety. But do they need more? The answer is quite possibly yes.

We, the fans are not alone in thinking this and many of the elite football players agree, most recently Rio Ferdinand showed his true beliefs, echoing those of the fans'. Rio had kept quiet throughout his international career, yet spoke of the changes he believes were needed soon after his retirement. With top players like Rio being apart of a faulted system, and unable to speak openly about it, no wonder the team has had its problems.

last 10yrs when have England played consistently well? A coaching strategy for our young teams/kids needs to be implemented to see change
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 31, 2013

Fans spend their hard earned cash to enjoy football, and visiting England's stadium Wembley proves to be very expensive. England have 5 or 6 games at their beautiful stadium each year, but it's fast becoming a trip to see the stadium, and sadly not the football on display. Many fans leave their club after a win or loss feeling more positive than they do leaving Wembley Stadium.

Before, during and after the England vs Ireland game, fans were full of negativity. Negativity that even a heavy win wouldn't of altered too much. The game wasn't horrible, yes it had two goals, both teams tried to win, but something ultimately was missing. England seem like a team lost in translation, something is not quite right. Could it be the consistency? Many players' have stated their love of their management and how they love playing for them, could playing for a different manager harm them?

For example Arsene Wenger may give Theo Walcott permission to play attacking football, while Roy Hodgson may instruct Theo to play in a laid back and controlled manner. Every country has to deal with these issues, but many seem to have adapted, where as England have not. Fans were walking away from Wembley Stadium feeling disappointed, a feeling felt far too often.

What can be done?

More consistent squads would help. A structure and tactics that will remain no matter what, no changing it every time a bad result occurs. Building the youth talent and their abilities. There are many other options, but changes need to be made, or England's legacy will continue to fall further in to the laughing stock it has seemingly become. One way or another, England have to start building something the country can be proud of, if not then this will continue and eventually the fans will choose to avoid these games, as many already have.

Is Romelu Lukaku ready to become an elite striker?

Chelsea have been attempting to find their perfect striker and striking partnership, when all along their young, talented forward Romelu Lukaku has been doing the business for fellow Premier League side West Brom. Not deemed good enough for the Chelsea first team, he was loaned out for a season to gain experience.

When Chelsea signed the young star they knew he had all of the potential, but at West Brom he has shown many traits of his stunning ability and potential. He scored 17 Premier League goals, including a final day hat-trick against Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United, making his last game in management an unforgettable thriller that finished 5-5.

Romelu Lukaku has had a few managers decide he isn't ready yet, but with Jose Mourinho expected to return any day, one can wonder will the Belgium international be given a chance at long last? Romelu is apart of an exciting generation of Belgium players.

There are rumours that Lukaku could go out on loan to another Premier League club such as West Ham, Swansea or Everton. Swansea are a top contender if this was to happen, because of their place in next season's Europa League.

With many star players and managers departing, it's up to young, talented players like Lukaku to step up and replace them. Lukaku has all of the attributes to be one of the world's best strikers, possibly making similar history to Chelsea legend Dider Drogba, who he is often compared too. Lukaku is great in the air, can hold the ball up and has a great ability to score. With all of these great aspects, his young age on his side, it appears the forward would find it hard to fail. Watch out Premier League, one way or another, Romelu Lukaku is coming for you!

Soccer 101: All the Footy Facts! [Infographic]

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Are you a soccer aficionado? Do you eat, sleep and pray for the promotion of your favorite division and/or the relegation of all, non-comparable teams? If so, the following football/soccer facts are right up your alley!

The word ‘soccer’ originated in Oxford, England (circa 1880s) as a nickname for the sport’s official title, “association football.”

For those non-believers out there, soccer is the most played team sport on Earth! As a smug side note, you should also know a single soccer player runs about 7 miles during an entire game (that explains those calves).

The first “Bicycle Kick” was performed in 1914 at El Morro Stadium in Talcahuano, Chile, and the first goal scored directly from a corner kick was in 1924 (this move is also known as an Olympic Kick).

The first live coverage of a soccer match shown on television was in 1937. Even earlier than that? The introduction of whistles, back in 1878! This was around the time referees would wave a handkerchief to control the players.

The first ever soccer match was played in Derby, England, and small marks or “scores’’ were originally nicked into the goal post to keep score...hence he widely-popularized term, “scoring a goal!”

Mob Soccer, Anyone?

Between the 7th and 9th centuries, a violent game emerged between villages. The only object of the game was to force a ball into the center square of the opponents’ village, but somewhere along the line, the neighborly sport turned violent. So violent, in fact, that neighboring villages and towns would take cover and block their windows. The only rule of the game? Try not to murder anyone (and you thought you took your sport seriously!).

The Trusty Soccer Ball

A FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) soccer ball is 71 centimeters around its circumference (that’s 28 inches for you Imperial users!).

Ever wonder where soccer balls come from? (Who doesn’t?) Believe it or not, over 80% of all soccer balls are made in Pakistan!

Soccer Ball Juggling

The World Record for juggling a soccer ball non-stop was set in 2003 by Martinho Eduardo Orige of Brazil. He juggled a regulation size soccer ball for 19 hours and 30 minutes, using only his head, legs, and feet to keep the ball from touching the ground. Talk about dedication!

The Name’s “Pele”

Pele, whose real name is Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is the only person to have won the World Cup three times as a player. At just 17, he led Brazil to the FIFA World Cup Championship.

Pele has scored 1,281 goals in his professional career, and is considered by many to be the greatest soccer player of all time.

In terms of richest soccer player, good ole’ David Beckham takes the cake. Beckham is said to be the richest soccer player in the world, with total earnings of over $50 million.

World Cup Stats

Brazil has won the World Cup 5 times since 1930, more than any other country. Following suite is Italy with four World Cup wins; Germany with three; Uruguay and Argentina with two, and England and France with one World Cup win, each!

India withdrew from the 1950 World Cup because the players were not allowed to play without shoes (and countless stubbed toes were prevented that day).

The 1950 World Cup game between Uruguay and Brazil at the Maracana Stadium recorded the highest number of spectators: a whopping 199, 854!

Carlos Caszely of Chile was the first player red carded in a World Cup tournament on June 14, 1974.

The Women's World Cup was first held in 1999, and America proudly became the Women’s World Cup winning country (try saying that three times fast!).

Mexico is the only country to host the soccer World Cup event twice.

Most Goals In A Single Game

Stephan Stanis of France scored 16 goals in a single match in 1942, and in 2008, Panagiotis Pontikos of Olympos Xylofagou matched that phenomenal number!

Most Olympic Gold Medals

Soccer became an Olympic sport in the year 1908. So far, the country of Hungary has won the most gold Olympic medals, having achieved 3 wins since its ‘Olympic sport’ induction.

Player Profiles

Norman Whiteside was the youngest player ever to play professional soccer. He broke Pele's record by playing at the age of 17 years and 47 days.

Rotherham United goalkeeper Arthur Wharton, born in Ghana, became the first black professional player in 1889.

April Heinrichs became the first woman to be inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1998.

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Love the game, but need the gear? Visit www.SoccerPlus.net and stock up on all your soccer equipment essentials!

sources:
http://www.sidelinesoccer.com/17-quick-facts-about-soccer-you-might-not-know
http://www.corepower.com/blog/core-power-lists-10-fun-soccer-facts
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/interesting-facts-about-soccer-soccer-fun-facts.html

Tons of Football Legends Retire.

Throughout your years if watching football, there's inevitably going to be changes. Some however, you just don't see coming. Some footballing greats including: Michael Owen, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Jamie Carragher, Phillip Neville, Stiliyan  Petrov and Sir Alex Ferguson have all recently announced their plans to retire in the coming weeks. 

Every year players retire, but this year has a collection of some of the Premier League's , and footballs greatest ever talents. With all of this alongside the many managerial changes, the Premier League is going to be a very different place in 2013-14. There are still plenty of superstars to watch and the contribution of some of these stars gas greatly decreased in the past few seasons, so although it won't have a big impact, it will certainly be a very different place.  

There will be memories of these stars'  that we'll remember for years to come. For example- Beckham's halfway line goal, Owen's wonder goal  against Argentina and many more. These players (and Sir Alex) have contributed a lot to football over their careers' and it'll be sad to see them hang up their boots and retire. Sir Alex Ferguson, Paul Scholes and David Beckham all shared Manchester Uniteds' treble in 1999, and it's these events that will live on in our minds and make their retirements' harder to cope with.

This isn't the end for these stars, however. David Beckham has always been, and seemingly still will be, truly involved in much of the footballing community. Sir Alex and Scholes will be taking new roles at Man Utd. Petrov will be possibly be taking on a coaching opportunity, and possibly Neville too. Jamie Carragher will be a Sky Sports pundit, following in the footsteps of former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp.

Who can step up to replace them? 

There are many players that could create a legacy similar to the stars' listed above, such as Jack Wilshere, Wilfried Zaha and Eden Hazard. Wilshere and Hazard have already been great for Arsenal and Chelsea, but will only improve and could go on to being some of the Premier League's, and possibly the worlds, biggest stars. Zaha will join Man Utd in the coming weeks, and with so much ability and the right teaching (which United will inevitably provide) he could become a name we never forget.

Many involve themselves in the world of football day in and day out, so it is going to feel sad when these famous and influential talents' call it a day. We still have the memories, but now it's time to see what more of the younger generations can provide. Can they top these star-studded names and their impact?

Sir Alex Ferguson announces retirement, with David Moyes the favourite to replace him

Sir Alex Ferguson shocked the world today (8th May 2013) by announcing that he is retiring at the end of the season, after 26 years in charge. The retirement had come as a shock to the world, although there are many reasons that explain his decision. The entire world have been speculating about his future, for many years, however he is finally going to stop terrorising the world of football, with his world-class managerial skills.

Sir Alex is due to undergo a hip operation this summer and was rumoured to miss the start of the season, so this may have influenced his decision. Other impacts include his desire to go out after winning something and the possible availability of the top two candidates tipped to replace him, David Moyes and Jose Mourinho, with Moyes the favoured to land the biggest role in football.

Sir Alex will remain as a part of the club, in a director position. It is expected he will help Moyes (if hired) to settle in to the role. There has been some backlash, with some saying Moyes cannot meet Fergie's style or standards and has no essential European experience. David Moyes has not had the chance to manage a big club, and one in the Uefa Champions League, so it is unfair to dismiss his potential in this competition, especially before he has had a chance to prove himself.

Moyes has worked wonders at Everton, on one of the divisions smallest budgets. He has also been efficient at signing great players for cheap prices and developing young talent. With these skills, his commitment and new tools at United, Moyes could continue to add to his own and Sir Alex's legacy. Although it is a risky appointment, Moyes is the closest one to being the 'next Sir Alex Ferguson' and United obviously agree that this is a chance they must take.

Will the players respect Moyes?

Yes. David Moyes has done as much as he can in football and this is his chance to prove he can make the upgrade from a class manager, to a world-class manager. Many believe that Moyes is the right man, and Michael Owen himself tweeted this after hearing of Ferguson's impending departure.

Can I learn more about Sir Alex Ferguson's future?

You most certainly can, Sir Alex Ferguson was on the front cover of the first edition of the world's best football magazine, TwentyFourSeven. In this magazine there is an in-depth interview, that talks about everything from his past and future plans. Who would of imagined this would be his last magazine interview before retiring?

Dortmund and Munich are set to do battle in the Champion's League and then in the transfer window

It seems like Borussia Dormund and Bayern Munich are set to do battle more than once in the coming months. Both sides are set to face-off twice in the coming weeks, once in the Uefa Champions League final, and heavily during the transfer window, with lots of star players set to leave and join the clubs.

Borussia Dortmund had won the Bundesliga twice prior to Bayern Munich's 2012-13 triumph. Dortmund had become the new force in German football, and they aren't handing it back to Bayern without a fight. Bayern, who are twenty points clear of Dortmund, face Dortmund Saturday in a match of little significance.

On May 25th Dortmund and Munich will face-off at Wembley Stadium, England, to decide the winner of the 2013 Champions League. Both teams had been tipped to suffer defeat at the hands of the Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid, however they destroyed them to book ensure an all German final would commence.

Bayern Muncih have become a dominant force this season and are looking to build on that. They have signed up one of the best managers in the world in Pep Guardiola. With the successful manager coming to Munich it looks certain that Bayern will dominate for years to come. Bayern have also been handed a massive boost in the signing of Mario Gotze for a fee of £32m.

The announcement of this deal could not of come at a worse time before the clubs do battle twice in the coming weeks. Gotze is a key-player for Dortmund and will only improve Bayern, while hurting Dortmund. Dortmund would be happy to beat Bayern and then add some new and fresh talent to their squad to rejuvenate their squad as they prepare for the next season.

Bayern Munich are also looking to add Luis Suarez, as the Liverpool striker has a 10-game ban for biting an opponent. Luis Suarez has struggled to settle in England and Bayern believe they can help him, and most importantly he can help them on their quest for footballing dominance. Another striking target for Munich is rivals Dormund's key striker Robert Lewandowski, 24, who is valued at around £25m.

Lewandowski is a great striker and has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, to join former team-mate Shinji Kagawa. The Polish international scored all four goals in their recent 4-1 victory over Madrid, proving his worth at the highest of levels. It is believed that the striker wants to join Gotze and the new regime of Bayern's.

Dortmund will be hoping they can keep the striker or sell him to a rival outside of Germany. With Dortmund being the dominant force of Germany for so long, they cannot afford to sell two of their best players to their arch-rivals.

If that wasn't enough their key man in midfield, Sven Bender, has been linked with a move to many of England's elite sides. The younger brother of Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender, who has also been tipped with a big move away.

Although it seems like Borussia Dortmund are facing nothing bud bad news at the moment, by the end of the month they could be European champions, making a lot of money and able to reinvest with younger players to go alongside their other stars. Dortmund have proven to be the best in the world at finding world-class talent for a cheap price.

Whatever happens it appears the future of both clubs are brighter than could be imagined. Both teams will likely dominate the Bundesliga and Champions League knock-out stages for years to come. As previously predicted, I see Dortmund winning the big game at Wembley in extra-time.