There Is Only One Sinnacle

- It’s shouldn’t come to a surprise that every team who could clinch this week did. Despite their loss to Mallorca, Real Madrid already handed Barcelona the La Liga crown with their own defeat to Villarreal the day before. Udinese put the final nail in A.C Milan’s late title run and allowed Inter Milan to play free beating Siena 3-0. Finally Porto wins it in style beating lowly Trofense 4-1 to win their 3rd straight title in Portugal.

- If Benfica played more games like their 3-1 road win against 4th place Braga they wouldn’t of finished a distance 3rd this year. Case of too little to late.

- Hibs is doing no one any favours in the SPL. First they trip up Rangers midweek then hand them back the advantage by playing to a scoreless draw against Celtic.

- Felix Magath may leave Wolfsburg a champion after all. A win at home next week against UEFA Cup finalist Werder Bremen will see them win the Bundesliga after Bayern Munich slipped up drawing 2-2 against early season darlings Hoffenheim.

- On the flip side Eric Gerets looks like he won’t be leaving Marseille a champion. Lyon must of finally woken up as their 3-1 win gives Bordeaux a three point lead with two games left in the season.

- We all know Rafa Benitez loves to talk facts but the fact is Manchester United were the best team in England again this year. United are the measuring stick for top teams in England and for the 3rd straight season Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool weren’t able to top the form Manchester United played in over the course of this season. Every team has slip ups along the way but United had the knack of getting a result when it needed it all season long. Once Arshavin put 4 in against Liverpool you knew Manchester United was not going to return the favour and drop points back to Liverpool.

- Credit to Liverpool, while going trophy less is never wanted they ran neck and neck with Manchester United for the first time in many a year. Usually by the new year Liverpool would have to focus on the Champions League. Hopefully with the knowledge they can hang in there for an entire season Liverpool will step it up a level next year.

- While simple, bad times do bad things. No idea what Shelton Martis was doing on the first Liverpool goal. Even 12 year kids on a school yard wouldn’t play a ball like that. After Steven Gerrard was gifted a goal, West Brom despite their best efforts must of felt their EPL status was doomed.

- A lot of fans (read Newcastle/Middlesbrough) could learn from the display on Sunday at the Hawthorns. What great support cheering on their team and even cheering Shelton Martis when he was subbed off. For that display these West Brom players better not take it for granted and give everything they can to repaid those fans next year as they try to get back to top flight football.

- What in the world is Jamie Carragher doing? You don’t show up a team mate like that. For crying out loud they are playing a near meaningless game. You can question Alvaro Arbeloa all you want but do it in the dressing room after the game. Credit to Xavi Alonso for racing in there and defending his team mate. I’ll take a team full of professionals like Xavi Alonso than Jamie Carranger who quite frankly isn’t above the odd mistake himself.

- How big was that Hull goal by Craig Fagan? It would be simple to say Hull control their own destiny next week but the simple fact is Manchester United control Hull’s destiny next week.

- How clutch was Jussi Jääskeläinen? Hull should be happy with the point but they plenty of chances turned away by Jussi Jääskeläinen.

- Wonder how Newcastle fans feel knowing that Sir Alex Ferguson controls their faith in his hands. Even if he fields a B team Newcastle still have a rough go of it against Aston Villa.

- Someone should remind Newcastle they play 38 games in a season not 36.

- Is Mark Schwarzer about to become the next Edwin van der Sar who also went to Fulham and jump started his career? It’s no surprise that other teams are having a close look at Schwarzer for next year.

- You think Middlesbrough doesn’t miss Schwarzer right about now? Losing Alves last week, losing Stewart Downing this week and finally losing a lead against Aston Villa pretty much sums up the type of year it is for Boro fans.

- Too bad Louis Saha is never fit. When healthy there are few strikers in England with his eye for goal. He’d be a 15-20 goal scorer if his body didn’t fail him.

- Nice timing Zola talking up James Tomkins for the national team who turns around and gets himself red carded against Everton.

- Great signing by Tony Pulis in getting James Beattie from Sheffield United. It’s was a combination of Beattie’s goals and Stoke’s grit which saw yesterday’s win against Wigan a nice but meaningless end to their season after ensuring they would stay up weeks ago.

- Don’t think Mark Hughes is going to play the respect card this week in the media. Manchester City wins games simply due to the fact that after spending so much money they should have more talent then some teams in the division. They don’t win games as a collective. This entire season it has looked like 11 individuals running around out there.

- You think Cristiano Ronaldo is going throw a jumpsuit again when he finds out he’ll be on the bench against Hull thus giving Nicholas Anelka a clear chance at the EPL scoring title this season?

I have no idea what this photo is about but I love it.

Ronaldinho considering European offers – agent

The playmaker only moved to the San Siro from Barcelona last year, but has endured a difficult time in Serie A and has regularly found himself benched by Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Article

It’s not like A.C Milan would miss him. After a good start to the season, the same bad habits from the end of his Barcelona days have come back. Ancelotti stays, Ronaldinho goes since the two aren’t made for each other. A new coach coming in should result in Ronaldinho staying put this summer.

Real Madrid Fail In Latest Pepe Appeal

The appeal board of the Spanish Football Federation have rejected an appeal by Real Madrid to reduce the ten-game sanction for Pepe.

Article

As it should be upheld. It would set a dangerous example if his suspension was reduced and Pepe would be able to play at the start of next season.

Terry at “very top of my game” thanks to Hiddink

John Terry believes he was only able to rediscover his best form after Chelsea sacked coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and replaced him with interim coach Guus Hiddink.

Article

Always love these articles. Let’s have a look back.

Terry hails charismatic Scolari

John Terry believes new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari shares the charisma of former boss Jose Mourinho.

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Captain Terry backs Grant

Chelsea captain John Terry believes that manager Avram Grant’s future should no longer be called into question after he guided the Londoners to the first UEFA Champions League final in the club’s history.

I think he deserves respect and rightly so. It is the first time in the club’s history we have got to a Champions League final – it has never been done by any manager or set of players before and he does deserve it.

John Terry cannot believe that Avram Grant’s future is being called into question.

Article

Even if Alan Pardew was his coach I’m sure John Terry found find some sort of way to hail him too. To be fair there is no denying the job Hiddick has done but it lessens the impact when Terry glows regarding every coach.

Have a good weekend and don’t forget my twitter page is your friend

Twitter

Forward Carlos Tevez could break his ties to businessman Kia Joorabchian to stay at Manchester United for free according to a senior European MP. (The Sun)

Why is an MP even talking about Tevez contact? Don’t they have other issues to worry about? The point made yesterday is the same today. No matter how you feel about 3rd party ownership, Joorabchian has steered Tevez career pretty good thus far. There is no way Tevez is going to turn around and basically give Joorabchian the middle finger by walking away.

Old Trafford officials are reluctant to meet Joorabchian’s valuation of £22m, with a midweek meeting ending with the two parties no nearer a deal. (The Guardian)

But Tevez and his advisor are ready to walk away from negotiations if United continue to haggle over the fee. (Independent)

A deal is a deal. United knew the terms of the deal going in when they acquired Tevez two years ago and what it would take to make Tevez an full fledged United player. There is no way that United should be able to convince Joorabchian that Tevez is worth less than what they paid for Berbatov.

The Argentina star has rejected the chance to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid in a £40m switch as he would prefer to stay in the Premier League. (Daily Mail)

I’m sure Real Madrid are use to the feeling of not being able to sign Manchester United players for one reason or another by now.

Arsene Wenger has refused to rule out the possibility of selling some of his biggest stars to fellow top-four sides, opening up the possibility of Emmanuel Adebayor replacing Drogba at Chelsea. (Various)

Would be like rubbing salt in the wound as far as Arsenal fans would be concerned. I admire their faith in Wenger who to be fair deserves it however a fan base like Arsenal’s at the very least deserves a team which is committed to winning first and foremost and not committed to developing young players.

Blackburn Rovers will demand £20m in exchange for in-demand Paraguayan striker Roque Santa Cruz. (The Mirror)

I have a feeling Blackburn may regret turning down £20m for Santa Cruz back in January.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is in a race with Barcelona to sign Cadiz youngster Jesus Fernandez who has been touted as the new Cesc Fabregas. (The Mirror)

Fabregas is only 22. The words new and Cesc Fabregas should not be linked side by side.

AC Milan’s Carlo Ancelotti has targeted CSKA Moscow’s Yuri Zhirkov as one of the players he would want to bring to Chelsea should he get the Stamford Bridge job. (Express)

I’m sure Roman Abramovich told Carlo Ancelotti to target Yuri Zhirkov since he’ll be a Chelsea player one way or another.

AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to be confirmed on Saturday as Chelsea’s manager for next season after Guus Hiddink stands aside. (The Sun)

But Frank Rijkaard has been earmarked as a fall-back option should the Italian decide to stay with the Rossoneri. (The Times)

A.C Milan should thank Ancelotti for his years of service and right after make the call for Frank Rijkaard who not only has a history with the club but a couple of victories over a certain Special Inter coach.

Aston Villa captain Martin Laursen is poised to announce his retirement after admitting defeat in a battle with a knee injury. (Various)

All signs point to the end for Laursen which I hope isn’t the case. Great servant for every club he has played for.

Sunderland boss Ricky Sbragia has told on-loan forward Djibril Cisse to concentrate on guaranteeing the Black Cats’ survival rather than worry about where he will be playing next season. (Various)

Sbragia sadly couldn’t tell Cisse to brush up on his French again as he’ll return Marseille who will sort out Cisse’s future from there.

At north-east neighbours Newcastle Michael Owen’s agent has dismissed suggestions the 30-year-old could be ready to quit football as “totally untrue”. (Various)

Owen is far from done and would be leaving way too much money on the table if he decided to retire. Owen’s main problems have been staying fit and finding a club which is a right fit for him. A club who doesn’t change coaches every couple of months. I’m sure Owen is looking forward to being able to decide his future this summer.

Mark Hughes believes that he hasn’t got the plaudits he deserves for the job he has done at the Manchester City helm. (Various)

Someone should tell Hughes that Sven Goran Erickson was fired for less last year. Manchester City have been playing better when the games didn’t matter.

Premier League officials will take the Premier League trophy to Old Trafford on Saturday ready to be presented to Manchester United if they take a point from their lunchtime meeting with Arsenal. (The Sun)

It’s been so long Wenger may ask, “what is this piece of metal that Giggs is lifting over his head.”

Louis Van Gaal Appointed As New Bayern Munich Coach – Official

The German giants have found a permanent replacement for Juergen Klinsmann…

Article

Funny how things can change. A year ago van Gaal was a coach on the downside. Remembered equally for his great Barcelona teams in the late 90′s but also remembered for failing to lead Holland to the 2002 World Cup. Now is in charge of the top club in Germany.

Report: Juventus Set To Announce Diego Signing From Werder Bremen

A Bianconeri delegation is in Bremen to iron out the final details that revolve around the player’s transfer fee.

Article

Considering Juventus haven’t exactly been ahead of the curve regarding transfers lately it’s sheer genius if they can lock up Diego before the madness which is the summer transfer window swings into full gear.

Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland is on the verge of signing a new contract at the the club, worth about £80,000 a week. (Various)

Good for Stephen Ireland. Despite all the money Manchester City has spent the last two seasons it’s a homegrown player in Ireland who has been their best player.

Manchester United are favourites to beat Liverpool in the £20m race for Wigan winger Antonio Valencia. Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also interested in the Ecuadorian. (The Sun)

Wigan must of loved the fact Tottenham paid £15 for Wilson Palacios since it allows them to tack on a few million for any club after Antonio Valencia.

United are also set clinch the £6m signing of Brazil defender Dodo from Corinthians. (Daily Mirror)

One for the future as they say.

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has his eye on former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan, who is now at Atletico Madrid. (Daily Star)

Forlan did have one of his few good games while playing in England against Liverpool. Once thing is for sure, Forlan has done his reputation a world of good since going to Spain. First at Villarreal and now at Atletico Madrid.

Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a host of top clubs, will not be leaving Anfield this summer, according to his agent. (The Guardian)

One of the few times you’ll hear an agent stating his client is staying put. Still won’t end the Alonso exit rumours. If Liverpool needed to sell before they can buy this summer Alonso would be one of the most valuable players they could cash in on.

Drogba will depart and the club are lining up Arsenal’s Emmanuel Adebayor as his replacement. (Daily Mirror)

Can’t sell Arsenal selling Adebayor to Chelsea. Fans are losing running out of patience with Wenger as they see the gap growing between themselves and Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United. It would send an awful signal to Arsenal fans if they then went out and sold Adebayor.

Carlo Ancelotti will bid for Aston Villa’s Ashley Young if the AC Milan coach takes the job as Blues boss this summer. (The Sun)

Ancelotti is not even the Chelsea coach and already newspapers are guessing his transfer targets.

Chelsea will send Ricardo Quaresma back to Inter Milan but the Portugal winger is then likely to make a permanent switch to Benfica. (The Sun)

Quaresma should of packed his packs and left London the second Guus Hiddink took over. Even with Joe Cole injured Quaresma couldn’t crack the starting lineup.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz will turn down Arsenal and Tottenham if he can secure a move to Manchester City or Liverpool.
(The Sun)

But Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is determined to sign Cruz after putting the Paraguay forward top of his wanted list. (Daily Mail)

Roque Santa Cruz would turn down Arsenal for the simple reason that a club like Manchester City will over pay in order to sign him. If I’m in charge of a club I’m not running out to spend 20 million on a player who spent most of this year on the sidelines hurt.

One player on his way to Blackburn is defender Gael Givet, who will complete a £4m permanent switch from Marseille. It will also pave the way for Stephen Warnock to leave Ewood Park. (Full story: Daily Mirror)

The former Champions League finalist with Monaco has adapt to the English game well since his loan move started in January.

Newcastle manager Alan Shearer insists striker Michael Owen has a big part to play in their relegation battle. (The Sun)

It’s not like Shearer can tell the truth and say Owen has been a non factor the second half of this season who will sign with another club this summer.

Part One

and Part Two

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