In Retrospect: Chelsea's Big Phlop, Real Banking On Santander And Mestalla To Host Weddings

Chelsea Sack World Cup Winner, Appoint World Cup Semi-finalist

First Jose Mourinho, then Avram Grant and now Luiz Felipe Scolari. Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has now done away with three managers in a very short space of time. And it has been confirmed, as if anyone needed any confirmation, that the Russian oligarch himself 'purged' the club of the World Cup winning coach.  Acaz Fellegger, a spokesman for the Brazilian told newspaper Lance, "It seems that Abramovich made the decision. He [Scolari] was not in a comfortable situation despite having the support of the squad and Peter Kenyon." Chelsea are fading in the title race in the Premier League and Scolari had lost the confidence of a number of senior players, who complained of his coaching methods and tactics. 

So exit Scolari and enter Guus Hiddink, the man famous for taking teams to the semi-finals of major competitions. Hiddink still retains his position as the coach of the Russian national side but as he says, it was the presence of Abramovich that lured him to Stamford Bridge. Can Hiddink rescue the Blues? Let's wait and watch…..  

Tony Adams Gets The Sack 

Poor old Tony Adams. He might have earned legendary status as a player but it appears that he has a lot to do before he earns the same as a manager. He became the manager of the Premier League club Portsmouth in October last year after Harry Redknapp left. At the time Pompey were in contention of a European place but now they are struggling for survival. He was sacked earlier in the week after Portsmouth's 3-2 defeat to Liverpool in which they conceded their lead twice against the Reds.

And so the dagger reached his throat. The former Arsenal and England international defender is now out and is available for a managerial job.

Real Madrid Are the World's Richest Club

According to figures released from global accounting firm Deloitte, Spanish and European powerhouse Real Madrid are the richest club in the world. According to the figures, the Merengues had generated a massive €366 million during the 2007-2008 season, over €40 million more than the second richest club in the world Manchester United. Real's archrivals FC Barcelona came third, having earned €309 million last season.

But Europe's Biggest Bank Is Still Willing To Help Them.....

But in any case, Real Madrid wouldn't have to use that money to sign Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United in the summer. To help them, Banco Santander, the largest bank in the Euro region, are eager to loan the Whites the required money. According to an informer, Jose Ramon de la Morena, who spoke to Cadena SER radio programme, the Santander-based group 'El Larguero' have already granted the club a whopping €70 million credit to assist them in signing Ronaldo this summer.  

Of course, Ronaldo's price, if at all Man United are ready to put a price-tag on him, could be more than that and the Santander bank would not able to release more money.  In any case, Real can manage the rest €30 million or so, if indeed €100 million is the asking price.

Manchester City To Top The World In Ten Years 

By now you must have realized that Robinho is the grand brand ambassador of Manchester City. He has been banging how great Man City are after leaving Real Madrid in the summer amidst controversial circumstances and he now seems to think that in ten years' time the club that not so long back were struggling for survival in the English top flight will be at the top of the world. The Brazilian international has been quoted in The Daily Star as saying that in ten years' time, Man City will be perceived as "a respected club, one that every player will want to play for."

The perennial New Pele further says, "Hopefully by then the club will have won many titles, such as the Premier League and Champions League. Our objective is to be big but we must work hard. We can be bigger by winning titles. The owners have been buying excellent players. I don't know anything about their business but they are showing they understand football. They are investing in the team, which I believe will bring good results. I think City has excellent players." 

Okay, we will check after ten years, Robinho. 

Emmanuel Adebayor is Africa's Best Player 

Arsenal star Emmanuel Adebayor was named the CAF Player of the Year for 2008, ahead of Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt and Ghana's Michael Essien. This is the first time that a Togolese player has been voted Africa's best player. Adebayor was quite influential last season in the wake of the departure of Thierry Henry to FC Barcelona in the summer of 2007. He scored 30 goals for Premier League club Arsenal in the 2007-2008 season and also helped his nation reach the final qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations.  

Come And Host Weddings At Valencia's Home Ground 

Valencia's financial difficulties have been well documented. They are said to owe around 15 million euros in wage to the players, although defender Emiliano Moretti has played down any frustration among the players over this matter.  But the situation is so dire that the club has been forced to use their stadium for non-footballing issues.

According to the Madrid based sports daily Marca, the financial situation at Valencia has grown so bad that the club's directors are now looking at allowing the fans to hire the Mestalla for weddings, baptisms and simple business functions. The perk is that the fans would be able to invite the Valencia players to their event. This is indeed something not very good for a club of Valencia's stature but for a fan it would not be bad if David Villa is present at his son’s baptism, assuming of course that the Spain international stays at the club beyond the summer. 

Oh, if you are thinking that this lending out of grounds is something new, then you are wrong. Barcelona's pitch at Camp Nou has been available for rent in the summer for  €40,000 while Real Madrid lent their Bernabeu pitch for only €6,000.  

Ryan Giggs Signs New Contract  

Ryan Giggs might no longer be the player he once was but the 35-year old is still considered an important piece of the puzzle at Old Trafford. So much so that it has been confirmed by Manchester United that the Welshman has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until June 2010. So Man United supporters would be able to watch the legend for one more season, at least. 

Subhankar Mondal