Saturday, November 26, 2011

Man City Face Early Exit

After last night's defeat away to Napoli, Man City now have to hope that pointless Villareal avoid defeat against Napoli in the last match of group stages. But more importantly Man City have to get a win against Bayern Munich to stand any chance of qualifying.

The 2-1 scoreline didn't really reflect the match itself as Man City had 70% of the possession and had numerous opportunities but as they say, you have to take your chances. While saying this, City were fortunate that the score stayed at 2-1 as Napoli missed two glorious chances.

Mancini has stated that he feels that his side have a 30% chance of qualifying and that seems about right because you just never know, football is a funny game. I don't think City beating Bayern and Villareal getting at least a point at Napoli is impossible although it wouldn't be far off with the way Villareal have been playing in this years campaign.

Man City will now have to pick themselves up as they face Liverpool this weekend. Liverpool will be heading into the match with a lot of confidence after their victory over Chelsea last Sunday. I think Man City might have a little bit too much class for Liverpool but I do expect a very close encounter.

What do you think? Do Man City stand any chance of qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Some Man For One Man

I know you're probably sick of hearing about Sir Alex Ferguson and the 25 years that he has spent at Old Trafford but I'm sure one more article wouldn't hurt.

It really is an astonishing achievement by the Scotsman especially in this day and age where managers are under pressure to deliver results more than ever before. I can't see United ever being the same when the day does eventually come when Sir Alex Ferguson must hand over the pleasure of managing United to another world class manager.

In his time at the Theatre of Dreams he has won 35 trophies which, in itself is truly remarkable but many more trophies look set to be making their way to the trophy cabinet at Old Trafford in the years to come.

There is no doubt that he is one of the best, but is he the best manager that there ever has been? There aren't many of the same caliber as Ferguson so to say he isn't would be gutsy and brave.

This season though, Ferguson looks set to face his biggest challenge yet as he tries to overcome the "noisy neighbours" City and win a 20th league title. Man United have been quite shaky these past couple of weeks, with a 6-1 defeat still fresh in the memory of both sets of Manchester fans.

What do you think? How much longer will Ferguson be manager at United and will he be able to stop City this season?

I would love to hear any comments you may have.