Di Matteo the genius - but a problem...Roman has already lined up a new boss

FOOTBALL

THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE EVER

BY AN ENGLISH TEAM IN

THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

I THOUGHT that I’d seen it all when Man United beat Bayern Munich with those two wonderful late, late goals in the Champions League final in Barcelona in 1999. Then Liverpool came back from 3-0 down at half-time in the 2005 final to beat AC Milan on penalties after it ended 3-3.

But on Tuesday night even those two magnificent efforts by English clubs were eclipsed by Chelsea. Their 2-2 draw on the night (which led to a 3-2 aggregate win) was simply the best performance EVER by an English club in the Champions League – given the brilliance of the best footballing team in the world they were up against, the massive odds stacked against them (made even greater when Terry foolishly got himself dismissed) and the fact that they had already lost one of their centre-backs (Gary Cahill) to injury early on.

And the match itself was one arguably THE BEST EVER Champions League game. It had everything – a sending-off, a penalty miss (who would have thought that the world’s best player Lionel Messi would fluff that chance?), a goal of genius (from Ramires), a goal (!) from Torres and a raft of tantalising sub-scripts (including the clear antagonism between Lampard and Fabregas) to back up the main draft of the David v Goliath battle.

I didn’t give the Blues much hope when they were down to 10-men and 2-0 down on the night. Who, in their right minds, would? They also had to overcome the Nou Camp crowd – yet they did it. Of course, the wonderful chipped goal from Ramires was the turning point, but the defensive campaign Chelsea mounted was simply magnificent.

It was also good to see Barcelona brought down to size. In recent years they have crushed opponents like a bully and been universally praised for their football. OK, they do have superb technique and are a joy to watch – but they also do a nice number in the dark arts, which people tend to overlook, I thought there was a certain irony in them having a go at Drogba after the first leg for diving when the great Messi himself is not averse to such tactics. Also, wasn’t it great to see Sergio Busquets brought down a peg or two – I despise this player more than any other in top-level world football. He is a cheat and a whinger – a man who will fall over at the slightest touch – yet is the first to complain that he is being hard done by when he (often) takes a slice of someone else’s legs. I was sick when he scored but felt divine justice was done when he haplessly chased back after Torres and fell down on his back dejected when the big striker put the ball in the back of the net. Busquets, public enemy No 1 in the Champions League, had certainly got his just desserts for once.

There were plenty of other talking points in the game, Yes, Terry deserved to be sent off – one day I hope he reveals just what Sanchez did to rile him. Terry is usually the most disciplined of men, so we must assume it was something verbal or a running battle.

Now Terry misses the final – along with Ramires, Meireles and Ivanovic. He is a big loss in terms of leadership, but the central defensive area seemed more fluid and speedier with him out, so that may not be the end of the world. Certainly, if David Luiz and Gary Cahill can recover in time that would be a fair pairing – although I would be very reluctant to use both from the start as they have both suffered hamstring injuries, which are notorious for flaring back up as soon as players return to action. The last thing Chelsea need is two subs on for those two within the first few minutes; subs could be the key to victory in Munich, you just don’t want to use two of the three you are allowed so early on.

Similarly, Ivanovic is a loss, like Terry, in terms of his physical strength but Boswinga could slot into the right-back role if Cahill and Luiz do make it.

Also, you have a like for like swop with Michael Essien stepping in for Raul Meireles. The Portuguese is probably the least critical of the ban losses – he did tend to give away the ball too cheaply in Barcelona. And it is surely time that Essien stepped up to the plate once again and showed us the talents that made him one of the best, aggressive midfielders in the world not that long ago.

The biggest loss is the Brazilian Ramires. He was the man of the match in Barcelona. Apart from his superb goal, he has the best engine of anyone in the English game since Roy Keane. A different type of player to Keane, he nevertheless does the work of two men, as Roy did, and works brilliantly between all three areas of the pitch – defence, midfield and attack.

He will be sorely missed. I would replace him with Daniel Sturridge, but make it clear to the youngster that he MUST do his share of defensive tracking back.

Also on the subject of those banned for the final, I had been surprised by how chirpy Ivanovic had been after the win. Sure, the team had reached Munich but he would not be there because of his booking. Then it became clear just why the Serbian was so upbeat – he hadn’t been aware his booking would cost him his place in the final. He was made aware of the fact by Sky’s post-match interviewere Geoff Meades – Branislav bravely tried to hide his gut disappointment when Meades revealed the bad news but his face was crumbling. I felt so sorry for the big defender – what a terrible way to learn such news, in front of millions of viewers as your team-mates celebrated good fortune.

On the same point, shouldn’t Chelsea’s managerial team have made him – and presumably the others on a yellow card – aware that an indiscretion could cost them so dearly? I’m not saying that they should have been told to play half-heartedly, but certainly it would have meant they knew that any silly booking – such as backchat to the ref or timewasting – should be avoided at all costs.

Which brings us to the manager himself. Yes, step forward Roberto Di Matteo and bask in your well-earned moment in the limelight. The Italian has done everything asked of him as an interim manager – and more. This man is no Avram Grant, he is tactically astute and a fine man-manager – as he proved by moving Ramires to right-back and pinning Ivanovic and Boswinga at the heart of the defence after Terry’s sending-off.

He deserves to be made up to full-time boss. My sources at the Bridge tell me there is a particular reason why he has not been – Roman has already made contact and set up a deal with the man he wants to take over in the summer. If that man is either Mourinho or Guardiola (and I am led to believe it could be Jose) then that is fair enough – you can’t argue with the appointment of one of the top three managers in the world (the other being Ferguson).

But if it is someone of the ilk of Laurent Blanc or Didier Deschamps, then Roman should have a quiet word with them, tell them the deal is off and give them a few quid on the condition that they keep their mouths shut.

It is the least the owner owes to the man who has saved Chelsea’s season.

FRANK WORRALL

FRANKIE’S FLUTTER

ONE football match looms large above all others this next week – Man City v Man Utd in a clash at the Etihad that will have a real outcome on the title race. If City win they are in the driving seat to take the title – but if they lose or draw United are almost home.

I am going for a City win, by 2-1, with Balotelli coming on to score the winner!

(For more information on Frank and his bestselling sports books, see www.frankworrall.com)

Weekly Sport readers can buy Frank’s insightful book on Sir Alex Ferguson for the special price of only £2.74 on Kindle (retail price £17.99 for the hardback)…go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Fergie-Wonderland-Biography-ebook/dp/B00603XJB8/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326291046&sr=1-7

FRANKIE'S FLUTTERS

GOT one right last week – as Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi final at Wembley, just as I predicted.

Looking at next week’s return semis in the Champions League, I’m going to shy away from predicting the Chelsea result in Barca, as I don’t want to put the curse on John Terry and Co!
But I do believe that Bayern Munich will now complete the job they started last week when they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in Munich. I can see Bayern scoring at least once as Real go all out for the goals that will take them to the Final. Madrid’s problem is a very un-Jose Mourinho-like problem…their defence stinks.
Yes, OK, they are brilliant as an attacking force – with the likes of Ronaldo and Higuain and Benzema – but defensively are extremely suspect. Ramos is no central defender; his positioning was all over the place in Munich and the rest of the backline is similarly unreliable…with a yellow or red card simply waiting to happen when they come up against a top attacking force – which Bayern certainly are with the wondrous, if hard-to-like, Robben and Ribery. So it’s Bayern for me in a 2-2 draw on the night and through on away goals.

…AND THE FA ARE SERIOUSLY THINKING ABOUT HODGSON AS ENGLAND BOSS

I ALSO hear that the Football Association may play hard-ball over Harry Redknapp as they head towards finally appointing the man who will become the new England manager.

Apparently some of the behind-the-scenes power-brokers do not like the idea of having to slug it out with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy for ‘Arry’s signature and do not want to pay massive sums of compensation or to pay ‘Arry anywhere near the salary Fabio Capello received.

Levy is a notoriously tough negotiator – as Man United learned to their cost when they had to fork out premium money for Michael Carrick and Dimitar Berbatov – and ‘Arry’s stock has fallen somewhat recently as Spurs have suffered a slump in form.

It is being suggested that if Levy does kick up to much of a fuss, or ‘Arry wants too much money, Roy Hodgson will be rapidly installed as a cheaper, less controversial alternative.

Which, in my humble opinion, would not be the end of the world. Apart from his Liverpool setback – when he wasn’t really given a proper chance – Hodgson has done well. He is also a man who would suit the demands of international management – he is diplomatically competent and arguably more aware tactically fluent (which is of the essence in the international game) than ‘Arry.

He would be a steady caretaker-style boss in the mode of Ron Greenwood, who brought dignity and stability to England after a jittery ride under Don Revie. Much as is needed now for our national side after the incompetence of Steve McClaren and the turbulence of the Capello years…

FRANK WORRALL

DOES FERGIE WANT BALOTELLI TO BE HIS NEW CANTONA?

WHISPER it quietly for now, but my sources at Manchester United suggest that Sir Alex Ferguson would be keen to snap up Mario Balotelli should the Italian finally run out of chances at Manchester City. My information is that the man who could claim to be the greatest manager ever sees the firebrand Italian striker as a man-boy who could present him with his greatest final player challenge as a man-manager – a man-boy whom he could tame and turn into one of the three greatest players in the world.

Of course, there are many imponderables before such a deal could ever be signed off. Not least, that Balotelli will NEVER leave City voluntarily as long as his surrogate father – and the man HE considers to be the greatest manager ever – stays in charge. Yes, Super Mario remains loyal to Roberto Mancini – the only manager he truly respects.

Balotelli was previously managed by Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan – but that was destined never to work out, with two of the biggest (and most fragile) egos at work. The Portuguese said Mario was ‘unmanageable’ and was swiftly dropped him from his plans.

It was only when Mancini came in for him at City that Mario started to show some of the wonderful talent and natural technique that does mark him out as a potential great…if only he can control the demons that so often beguile him. Of course, those very same demons are part of the make-up that also propels him to possible greatness – so it needs a very fine line, and a very fine mentor, to guide him forwards.

Mancini, in my opinion, has all the attributes to do just that. But what if City’s owners suddenly decide they no longer want Roberto in charge – and Mourinho arrives? That would signal the end for Balotelli and that, it has been suggested to me, would be the time for Fergie to make his move.

I am told he sees a lot of Eric Cantona in the boy. And remember the impact Cantona had on United? Certainly United fans will never forget – the Frenchman arrived at the end of 1992 and led the club forward to its first top-flight championship in 26 years the following summer, and a period of non-stop glory.

And Cantona came with much more baggage than Balotelli. He had experienced numerous run-ins with the French FA and several bans and damaging altercations. He had, in Mourinho’s terms, become so ‘unmanageable’ that he had to seek a new start abroad. Hence his arrival in England, initially with Leeds United and then Manchester United...when Ferguson stole in for his signature unexpectedly and the two of them embarked on a partnership that was one of the most profitable in United’s history.

In comparison to Cantona, Balotelli’s misdemeanours are those of a novice, but he continues to be roundly criticised and lambasted – often unfairly in my eyes. So I can see why Ferguson would be interested in turning him into the finished article if Roberto did bite the dust at City…whatever people may say, Balotelli DOES have the potential to be one of the greatest players ever.

Remember where you read it first…

FRANK WORRALL

FRANK WORRALL SAYS - TIME ROMAN MADE JOHN TERRY MANAGER AT CHELSEA..!

FOOTBALL -

TIME ROMAN ABRAMOVICH
MADE JOHN TERRY MANAGER
AND FRANK LAMPARD
ASSISTANT MANAGER
AT CHELSEA


OK, I accept I have been critical of the old-timers at Chelsea over the last few month. I felt that Frank Lampard, in particular, was not supportive enough of Andre Villas-Boas, and that both he and John Terry had acted as though they ran the club below the level of Roman Abramovich. Terry’s touchline gesticulations when he went off against Napoli suggested as much – that he was the REAL manager, not interim boss Roberto di Matteo.

Well, now I have decided to eat humble pie – of sorts – and am suggesting to you (and my old friend Roman) that the best thing Chelsea FC could do now is plan for the future – by making John Terry manager and Frank Lampard his assistant.

To an extent, they ARE already in those roles already – whatever they might say. Sure, Di Matteo is the man on the touchline and the man who is picking the team…up to a point. But you’re telling me that Terry and Lampard haven’t had much input into his decisions and tactical changes? Di Matteo himself has admitted he talks to the senior players and takes their views into account. He is not a stooge, but he neither has he the authority to do something that would cross Terry or Lampard.

The other week he ‘dropped’ Lampard – a signal many commentators claimed only highlighted his strength. But my insiders at the Bridge tell me that it was agreed with Frank – that Frank realised that resting is part of the game at this crucial juncture of the season.

Since Di Matteo took command, Chelsea have settled and done well – because Terry and Lampard have settled and done well. The old boys are back in the driving seat. Put it this way: do you really think the unimpressive Avram Grant was the reason Chelsea got to the final of the Champions League in Moscow in 2008? Do me a favour! Look at Grant’s record before and after Chelsea – he is a managerial flop. He was a mere figurehead at the Bridge as Terry, Lampard and Drogba psyched up the team and took them so close to glory.

So, surely it now makes sense for Roman to do the inevitable: you make John player-manager and Frank player-assistant manager. You mererly put on record the situation behind closed doors. Di Matteo? Well, he is another Steady Eddie and Frank and John like him – so why not make him, or Guus Hiddink, director of football? You use one of the two to attract worldwide stars because of their names and standing in the international game. Simple as that.

And I’m predicting that if Roman did give John and Frank the reins, they would be a major success. Frank is the ideal foil for John: a calm, composed, intelligent assessor to John’s more passionate, hand-on-heart approach. A sort of Clough and Taylor designate for the modern era.

Go on Roman – give them a go. They love you, too, and would work within your framework. I am sure it’s a move you would not regret…

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MOTOR RACING -

Chinese Grand Prix

The Formula One show heads for China this weekend – and Lewis Hamilton will be aiming for a repeat of his super show in Shanghai last year. Then, he stormed home in front of Red Bull pair, runner-up Sebastian Vettel and third placed Mark Webber. Lewis drove brilliantly – but then so did Webber, the Australian pipping Jenson Button for third after starting 18th on the grid!

The Chinese GP is traditionally a thriller – last year Lewis and Jenson both stole a march on Vettel at the start – so stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed that our two super Brits can come home in first and second. The last thing we want this year is another triumphant procession by German Vettel – and judging by what I’ve seen so far in Australia and Malaysia , Lewis and Jenson are BOTH going to have a major say in where the title ends up.


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FRANKIE’S FLUTTER

THE BIG footie matches are both in the FA Cup this weekend – with two semi-final derby clashes taking place at Wembley.

The first on Saturday sees Everton and Liverpool go head to head. The Mersey giants are also competing to see who can finish highest in the league with nothing between the two in recent weeks.

I am taking Liverpool to beat Everton 2-1 after extra time and continue their fine form in the domestic cup competitions this term.

On the Sunday it’s the turn of London ’s footballing giants to do battle – with Chelsea and Tottenham at Wembley.

I’ve got a feeling that Spurs will emerge victorious – by 3-2.


(For more information on Frank and his bestselling sports books, see www.frankworrall.com)
Weekly Sport readers can buy Frank’s insightful book on Sir Alex Ferguson for the special price of only £2.74 on Kindle (retail price £17.99 for the hardback)…go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Fergie-Wonderland-Biography-ebook/dp/B00603XJB8/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326291046&sr=1-7

Man City would be mad to sack Mancini

FOOTBALL

 

CITY WOULD BE MAD TO SACK MANCINI

I HEAR rumblings of discontent emanating from Eastlands in Manchester. Apparently the fans and the owners are none too happy that Man City might not win the Premier League after all. That they thought they had it all sown up – and cannot comprehend why the Sky Blues have fallen at the last hurdle to the relentless title machine that is bitter neighbours United. That maybe it is time for a change of manager – that Mancini is a busted flush.
What a load of rubbish. Roberto Mancini has done a great job at City and is continuing to do so. He came to a club that had won nothing of import for 35 years when he led them to the FA Cup last year. And this season, even if he ‘fails’, he has led them to their best league position – also for 35 years – if they finish as runners-up.
Mancini has also, through his own standing in the game, brought in world class players such as David Silva, Yaya Toure and Sergio Aguero. Would Mark Hughes have been able to entice such figures to the City of Manchester Stadium?
The Italian has done a great job in the time he has been in command and deserves real credit for lifting the club into the Champions League and on the brink of the Premier League title. I believe that if he is given more time he will build on those successes and bring even more glory to the club.
The only two managers I can think of in the world who might improve City are Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. So unless you can persuade them to come to Eastlands, be grateful for what you have got you City fans who are complaining now. Remember, it ain’t that long ago that the club was a shambles and in the lower leagues. Now, thanks to Mancini and the owners, it stands on the brink of being viewed as one of Europe’s big outfits once again. So be careful what you wish for…

FRANK WORRALL

RORY WILL PROVE HE'S THE MASTER!

GOLF

RORY HAS THE PERFECT
CHANCE TO PROVE HE
IS THE MASTER
 

IT WAS arguably the biggest story of the sporting calendar for us Brits (and Irish) last year. The incredible drama that saw young Rory McIlroy on his knees as he lost out at The Masters after leading the field - and then the boy’s elation a couple of months later as he won the US Open. From utter despair to undiluted joy; a story of true valour and redemption as he pulled himself up off the floor to reach a massive height within weeks.
The win at the US Open was his first Major win and was the real beginning of the legend surrounding the likeable young man from Holywood. That’s not Hollywood USA - but Holywood in Northern Ireland. The town where Rory learnt his golf and put in the hours that would ultimately propel to the accolade of World No 1 just last month.
Now Rory has the opportunity to erase the nightmare of Augusta from his system for good. This coming weekend he will be taking part in the Masters; the event that appeared to have broke him but now can be seen to have forged him as a person and a golfer.
Rory has a great chance of winning the tournament. He knows he can charge into the lead and now he also knows how to ensure he keeps the lead. Last year I wrote the first biography on Rory’s life and was particularly struck by his fortitude and ability to learn quickly from his mistakes.
And I have a feeling there may be a symbolic victory this Easter weekend - that the boy who looked down and out last year will rise again this year to claim the prize that should have been his then.
A resurrection that will truly do justice to Rory and the Easter celebrations.

FRANKIE'S FLUTTER

THE biggest sporting event of the weekend is the Masters - and (as mentioned above) I am betting on Rory McIlroy to put right his blow-up at the event last year - to win his second Major. If anyone is to push him close, bet on Tiger Woods who is finally regaining some of his old brilliant form.
Meanwhile, the big game in the Premier League comes at the Emirates on Sunday as Arsenal take on Manchester City. Both teams desperately need a win - the Gunners to consolidate their chances of finishing in the Champions League spots, and maybe even third above bitter local rivals Tottenham. City, meanwhile, must win if they are to keep the pressure on their local rivals United in the battle for the Premier League title. After a barren spell for City, United took top spot - and, of course, the Reds are past masters at making it count on the vital run-in. I’m going to go for a 1-1 draw, honours even in a pulsating encounter.

FRANK WORRALL

(For more information on Frank and his bestselling sports books, see www.frankworrall.com) Weekly Sport readers can buy Frank’s insightful book on Sir Alex Ferguson for the special price of only £2.74 on Kindle (retail price £17.99 for the hardback)…go to http://www.amazon.co.uk/Walking-Fergie-Wonderland-Biography-ebook/dp/B00603XJB8/ref=sr_1_7?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1326291046&sr=1-7