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 22 18

MY FOOTBALL:
ANDY BURNHAM

60

YOU ASK... FEATURES

6 Deco talks Barcelona, Chelsea, 28 Messi’s Inter Miami adventure
Jose Mourinho and Porto 2004 After an instant impact, now he

46
wants to become MLS champion
UPFRONT 40 Legends’ oddest career moves
Guardiola to Mexico, Rivaldo to
12 The best pictures of the month Angola: when things get weird
18 Stiliyan Petrov’s greatest games 46 Guglielmo Vicario exclusive
19 Jules Breach tips City for glory Tottenham’s goalkeeper talks
20 Test yourself with the FFT quiz refugees and his love for Buffon
21 Half-and-half scarves debated 52 Xabi Alonso: the puppet-master
22 Andy Burnham chats Everton From Liverpool to Leverkusen
24 Inflatable grasshoppers ahoy 58 Champions League previewed
25 All hail the Catford Carragher Can Arsenal escape the curse?

88 76
40

FEATURES AROUND THE GROUNDS

60 The rise and fall of Portsmouth 78 Billy Sharp on LA and, er, Hull
How Milan Mandaric revitalised 79 Zander Murray: pride of Scotland 58
Pompey – for a while, at least 80 George Weah at Edgeley Park
66 FFT at the Africa Cup of Nations 81 Why Gillingham hate Swindon
What it’s like to be there? We 82 Football Icon: the next chapter
went to Ivory Coast to find out Sky One TV star’s new career
76 The Beckenbauer revolution
How the great changed football THE PLAYERS LOUNGE
98 Jesper Blomqvist’s Perfect XI
84 “I rugby tackled a lion mascot”
THE MIXER How John Moncur angered ’Arry
86 Lianne Sanderson: trailblazer
90 Non-league ladders: buy now! 88 Antti Niemi is still not finished

66 72 52

INSIDE
AFCON
 YOU ASK
THE
QUESTIOnS Interview Felipe Rocha

How did it feel to join Porto not long

“I was upset when Porto didn’t after leaving Benfica, and quickly
help them to win the title? Were you
motivated to prove Benfica wrong?
Matheus Campos, Vila Nova de Gaia
let me join Barcelona in 2003 – I don’t think I left Benfica, to be
honest. I left Alverca. I don’t consider
Benfica to be one of the clubs I played

now, I can’t deny it was good to for, so Benfica don’t mean anything to
me. Porto, on the other hand, was love
at first sight. I remember first seeing
the Estadio das Antas, when I was at

have stayed for one more year!” Salgueiros, and I was really impressed.
I wanted to play for that club.

Did you ever have the opportunity to

How did your move from Brazil to play for Brazil before being called up
Benfica come about? by Portugal at the age of 25?
Luciana Santos, Lisbon Charly Kay, via Instagram
I was playing for Corinthians. I wanted No. Well, I was called up to Brazil’s
to stay, but I belonged to a club called Olympic team once, in 2000, but there
Corinthians Alagoano, the club of my was a bureaucratic problem and
agents. They couldn’t reach an I ended up being taken off the list.
agreement with Corinthians and Then there was nothing more.
ended up negotiating with Benfica,
who then loaned me to Alverca in What was it like to make your debut
Portugal’s second division. That’s how for Portugal against Brazil in 2003,
my story in Portugal began. and to score the winner? Was that
strange for you at all?
Despite a successful season at Leandro Azevedo, Coimbra
Alverca, you left Benfica without It was nice, but definitely weird, yes.
playing a game – did you have many Facing Brazil wasn’t the same as facing
dealings with Graeme Souness, the any other country. But the main thing
club’s manager back then? was to make my debut for Portugal
Chris Sergeant, via Instagram and leave the best possible impression.
Benfica had the chance to keep me, It was a great start for me, and a very
but they didn’t want to, so I ended up important moment in my career.

I
t’s 20 years this month golf cart from the main entrance. The going to Salgueiros and then Porto.
since Porto shocked first team train on the pitch outside I did very few training sessions with Because you grew up in Brazil, there
Manchester United while Deco answers your questions… Souness – there was no relationship were divided opinions in Portugal
en route to a remarkable between us. I was a youngster, in about whether you should be
Champions League triumph. The star Where did you get the nickname a sort of B team; I was only called up selected. Even Luis Figo voiced
of Jose Mourinho’s team? A magician Deco, and what does it mean? three times to train with the first team. concerns. How was that for you?
called Deco, who would later score in Jesse Bailey, Lincoln It was a bad time for Benfica in Igor Faria, Almada
the final as Porto beat Monaco 3-0. [Laughs] Nothing! I’ve been called terms of titles. Porto were controlling I didn’t feel any of that. I never had
At the start of that season, Deco had Deco for as long as I can remember. Portuguese football. When I joined a problem with Figo – he’s a friend of
wanted to fulfil a lifelong dream by My uncle called me Deco, or Dequinho, Porto, the club were on the way to mine – or with any other player. I don’t
joining Barcelona, but Porto snubbed but I don’t know why. Even he doesn’t! winning their fifth league title in a row. recall the context of his statement,
their bid. Things worked out pretty well but it would be contradictory for
in the end, just as they did when the a Portuguese to complain about
midfielder – born in Brazil as Anderson a naturalised player when one of the
Luis de Souza – won 75 caps for greatest Portuguese players of all
Portugal after moving there aged 19. time, Eusebio, wasn’t born in Portugal,
Deco joined Barça in 2004 and won either. But I never talked to Figo about
the Champions League with them, too, it. I always felt welcomed by everyone.
followed by league titles with Chelsea
and Fluminense. This season, after What were your first impressions of
a decade as an agent, he returned to Jose Mourinho when he joined Porto?
Camp Nou as sporting director, eyeing Isabela Vieira, Leighton Buzzard
Champions League glory again – Barça That I was seeing a completely
take on Napoli in this month’s last 16. revolutionary manager, in terms of
FFT meets the 46-year-old in his training and the way he looked
office at the training ground, after we at games. It was just different to
have been generously transported by everything that was being done at

6 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 YOU ASK

CLUBS
1996-97 Corinthians
1997 CSA
1997-98 Benfica
1997-98 Alverca (loan)
1998-99 Salgueiros
1999-2004 Porto
2004-08 Barcelona
2008-10 Chelsea
2010-13 Fluminense

COUNTRY
2003-10 Portugal
 YOU ASK

the time. Mourinho used to organise Clockwise from below

every training session in an impressive Beating Celtic earned
way, always linked to the next Porto the UEFA Cup;
opponent, who he had always studied “I also predict that Paul
in depth. It was way ahead of its time. Scholes will clatter you”;
UEFA Cup success paved
Why did Mourinho succeed so fast? the way for Champions
Luke Spencer, Southend League glory a season
The most incredible thing was his later; should this team
ability to predict what would happen have won Euro 2004 on
in matches. It always happened! He home soil? (Yes); the
would say how the match was going greatest European Cup
to go, then it would happen, and upset of recent times
I was incredulous. How did this guy
know? Today, it’s much easier to study
rivals, with the tools we have available.
Back then, it wasn’t like that. He
was always able to dissect the
characteristics of the opposing team
and show us the way to beat them.
In the Champions League semi-final
in 2004, Deportivo had a very strong
defence, with two centre-backs –
Noureddine Naybet and Jorge Andrade
– plus their holding midfielder, Mauro
Silva. Mourinho told me before the first
leg that I had to take the ball and go
after Mauro Silva. Every time. If he got
a yellow card, he would be out of the
second game and that would
dismantle the balance of their team.
I spent the whole of the first half
trying to dribble past him. I couldn’t
do it. But in the second half, I realised
he was going to be late to a ball, so
I left my foot there and he got booked.
That freed me up to play more, then
Andrade accidentally kicked me and
got sent off. In the second leg, the
player who replaced Mauro Silva had
a hard time marking me, and the
player who came in for Andrade gave
away a penalty. That strategy allowed
us to reach the final.

What did it mean to beat Celtic

in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final, 3-2 in
extra time? Did you deserve victory?
Joe Houghton, Jarrow
Yes, I think we deserved to win. We
played better than them and had
a better team than them, although
Celtic gave us a hard time, especially When you were drawn to face a lot of difficulties. We knew that we and away goals were even more
with Henrik Larsson’s quality and Manchester United in the last 16 of would have to play two practically important. Overall, I think Porto
a very strong team physically. For me, the Champions League in 2004, did perfect games to get past them. deserved to go through.
it was a very special achievement. you genuinely believe you could win?
There was a lot of expectation, I put Chris Johnston, Cleckheaton What did Jose Mourinho say to the How did Porto win the Champions
in a great performance, and we won We always believed. Our team was players before the games against League despite being underdogs? Is
a very important trophy. [FFT: Celtic growing. We’d just won the UEFA Cup, Manchester United in 2004? Did you it the greatest achievement of any
fans criticised Porto’s gamesmanship so a team that wins the UEFA Cup get a bit of luck with Paul Scholes’ club in Champions League history?
– was it a case of doing what you had has to be able to compete in the disallowed goal in the second leg? Sam Willis, Leicester
to do to win?] Ah, if you lose a final Champions League, right? It doesn’t Brian Martin, Oldham I don’t think so at all. The Champions
there are always things to say. They mean you’re going to win the Mourinho reminded us that we could League is made up of stories like this,
are the details that fans are really competition, but it means that your beat anyone and that we had already with victories for teams who may not
attached to, but you do what’s in the opponents must respect you – and proved it. Were we lucky on that be considered the main favourites but
rules, you respect your opponent, they did, because they could see that disallowed goal? Well, yes, but they who manage to do the best work.
and that’s what we and Celtic did. UEFA Cup wasn’t a fluke. were also lucky in the game in Porto won the title because we
It was a beautiful final and we were When you face Manchester United, Portugal when they scored from deserved it; because we had a great
the fair winners. though, you know you’re going to have a free-kick that deflected off the wall – team. If the champions had been

8 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 YOU ASK

Monaco, people would have said the any player up to that point. He always
same thing – that it was the greatest had great technical ability, too. It was
achievement in the history of the amazing to watch him.
Champions League. It’s a very basic
analysis. Look at the squad we had, How did your move to Barcelona
the rivals we left in our wake, and you’ll happen, before and after the delay?
realise that perhaps we should have Jacob Marles, Sabadell
been considered one of the favourites. Barcelona were the club I dreamed of
playing for when I was little. I watched
You provided 10 Champions League a lot of their games in the ’90s, so
assists in 2003-04, and scored in the when I got the chance to play for
final – was it your best ever season? a very sad moment for us – certainly You played with a young Cristiano them, I couldn’t have been happier.
Matias Vila, Guimaraes one of the toughest moments of my Ronaldo in the Portuguese national I had the chance to move to Barcelona
It wasn’t – I had better seasons career. There was a sense of euphoria team. Which moment stands out? when Porto won the UEFA Cup in 2003,
throughout my career, even at Porto – among the fans going into that final. Luka Miller, Southampton but Porto didn’t let me go – I had to
but that season attracted more We beat Spain in the group stage, Ah, simply being around someone wait another year. That was the year
attention because of the Champions then England, then we got past the who was obviously different, on Porto won the Champions League!
League title. Perhaps I had better Netherlands in the semi-final. Maybe and off the pitch. I was struck by his Porto’s president, Jorge Nuno Pinto
performances in the season we won the media and fans didn’t give Greece ability, his speed and the way he da Costa, deserves a lot of praise. He
the UEFA Cup, but of course winning enough credit – they were a very played. His game had a lot of intensity. really believed we could achieve great
the Champions League is much more organised side. People said we were He tired out the opposition – he didn’t things, so he worked hard to keep big
significant. The whole campaign was strong favourites, but Portugal had let the opposing full-back breathe. players in the squad, and it’s not easy
very special to experience, and the never won a major title at that time. That was something I hadn’t seen in for Porto to hold on to those names.
final was unforgettable. Scoring in To tell you the truth, I was a bit upset
a game of that size was very when the move didn’t happen in 2003.
rewarding – a dream come true. I didn’t take it very well – it took me

Why do you think you were named “WITH OUR SQUAD AnD a few months to accept the situation.
But then I realised there was no point
UEFA Club Footballer of the Year
in 2004, but only second to Andriy WHO WE BEAT, PORTO in getting upset, because that way
I wouldn’t be able to play well and I’d
Shevchenko in the Ballon d’Or?
Rhys Cole, Wrexham SHOULD HAVE BEEn OnE be the one to lose out. So I got back to
being happy and playing well, and
I thought it was normal that I won the
UEFA award, and second place in the
Ballon d’Or may have had a small part
OF THE FAVOURITES” after winning the Champions League,
I fulfilled my dream of going to
Barcelona. I can’t deny now that it was
to do with me being a Porto player. The good to have stayed a year longer!
UEFA award was a little fairer, because
I had a very good year; the Ballon d’Or When you joined Barça in 2004, were
depends on the team you’re in, and any other clubs trying to sign you?
maybe they didn’t value Porto’s Martin Cox, Derby
achievements as much. Perhaps if The main offers were from Chelsea and
I had done the same thing at a club Bayern Munich. I knew about Chelsea’s
like Barcelona, the vote would have interest – my agent spoke about it. But
taken on a different dimension. We I was determined to go to Barcelona.
know that. It’s still the case today. Porto’s president was very honest with
Nothing has changed. me: even though there were better
offers for Porto, he let me go to Barça.
After what you’d just achieved with
Porto, were you surprised to only be Barcelona hadn’t won La Liga for
on the bench for the opening game five seasons when you arrived. How
of Euro 2004? You played in every special was it to win the league in
Portugal game after that... your first campaign there?
Matthew Durrant, Bristol Miryam Sacrista, Terrassa
I wouldn’t say I was surprised. Luiz It was an emotional feeling to end the
Felipe Scolari always tried to be as fair club’s long wait. And it was exciting to
as possible. Rui Costa was a great arrive and win such an important
player with an exceptional career, so trophy straightaway, at the club I had
I don’t think it was an unfair decision. dreamed of playing for. Winning felt
like a mission accomplished – a dream
How did you feel when Portugal lost realised. That Barcelona team didn’t
to Greece in the final of Euro 2004? just have a lot of technical quality; it
Lara Carreira, Estoril was made up of players with a great
After the campaign we had, I didn’t desire to win and make history at the
expect that ending. But that’s football. club. That’s what happened.
We thought we were going to win, but
Greece also had a great team. Some What’s Ronaldinho like to be around?
people forget that – we didn’t face an Fausto Leitao, Recife
opponent as fragile as many people We’re very good friends. You can see
believe or want to believe. But it was how much he likes to enjoy life. Even

FourFourTwo March 2024 9

 YOU ASK

for us, his team-mates, it was fun to

watch him play. He was the only one
doing the things he did – he was the
most impressive player I’ve seen, in
terms of his ability to do things with
the ball. He was spectacular.

What are your memories of

Barcelona’s victory over Arsenal in
the 2006 Champions League Final?
Owen Gardner, Truro
It was an incredible feeling to win the
Champions League with Barcelona.
The final had a different script after
Jens Lehmann was sent off: if the
referee hadn’t whistled to send him off
and had instead let Ludovic Giuly’s goal
stand, it would have been a different
game. With one player fewer, Arsenal
– who were also a team that liked to
attack – ended up retreating. They
scored from a set-piece, then retreated
even more, just defending and coming
out on the counter-attack from time
Clockwise from right
Deco fell for the old
‘glue on the ball’ trick;
HIGHS & LOWS
to time, so the game became more a European champion
difficult for us. Arsenal had the chance for a second time; “Race HIGH: 2004
to kill the game off on a counter with you to the exit, Phil”; Scores for Porto against Monaco
Thierry Henry, but Victor Valdes saved looking very sharp in in Champions League final win
us. After we made it 1-1, we started to Brazil with Fluminense
control the game even more, and then LOW: 2004
Juliano Belletti scored. Starts in Euro 2004 Final but
hosts Portugal lose to Greece
Who would win between the Porto
side that won the Champions League HIGH: 2006
in 2004, and the Barcelona side that Secures his second Champions
won it in 2006? League title, with Barcelona
Nathan Gent, via Twitter
In a single game? That’s a good LOW: 2008
question! Porto 2004 were very Sold by Barça in same summer
competitive – very hard to beat. I don’t was called; there were some that Pep Guardiola takes over the player. As an important player,
know... It would depend on which adjustments to the rule and the feeling when the team isn’t winning much,
team I’d play for, right?! [Laughs] was that the referees themselves were HIGH: 2012 the pressure is too great. For me,
a bit lost. My second yellow card was Wins Brazilian league with Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto’o, that’s
Do you think that Frank Rijkaard’s inexplicable – the referee thought Fluminense for second time what happened. I think I could have
contribution to Barcelona is I was wasting time, but there was no stayed and helped the club more,
under-appreciated, given what he context for it. Those strange decisions but Barcelona managed to find
achieved as manager? by the referee made the game winger in those early days – he used to replacements for me and Ronaldinho,
Ross Caldwell, via Facebook nervous. It wasn’t that violent – there get the ball and only think about and I don’t harbour any resentment. It
I think so, but he never worried about were a lot of pointless cards. I didn’t dribbling past his opponents. He grew was the club’s decision. I don’t put
it. He has always been a humble guy really understand that game, either. a lot as a player, becoming the everything on Guardiola.
who never wanted to take centre competitive beast we’ve seen for so
stage. Maybe he doesn’t get enough What do you remember of playing long. He has always been keen to Alexander Hleb gave a surprising
credit from the mainstream press, but with Lionel Messi in his first games develop in every way possible. Messi interview where he claimed that you
from those of us who worked with him for Barcelona? has always been a natural talent. He and Ronaldinho left Barcelona after
and know everything he did, he gets Oli Baxter, Solihull has adapted his game over time, but turning up drunk to training.
all the recognition he deserves. He was a genius. He was already doing his way of moving has always been Presumably that’s not true?
unusual things – we could see it in the same, so it’s hard to choose Seth Stewart, Dulwich
Portugal’s 2006 World Cup match training. When he started getting between one and the other. The ideal That’s obviously not true. When two
against the Netherlands is known as opportunities in matches, he did world would be to have both in my big players leave the squad, both still
the Battle of Nuremberg, with four exactly the same thing. He made team – with them, you just pass them under contract, the press need to find
red cards and 16 yellow cards. You everything look easy. It was a privilege the ball and the rest is done! an explanation; simply saying that the
were sent off yourself, with a second to have followed the emergence of club no longer count on those players
booking for not returning the ball. that footballing genius up close. Do you hold any resentment towards isn’t so easy for the press and some
Why do you think it was all so feisty? Pep Guardiola for letting you go at people, so stories are invented. But our
Patrick Gibson, Fleetwood Who suited your game better: Barcelona? departures were nothing more than
There was a lot of confusion about the Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi? ‘Jacques Mc’, via Facebook a natural process. I didn’t want to stay
refereeing at that World Cup. We had Lee Shearer, via Facebook Not at all. Clubs have the right to because I realised the club no longer
a talk beforehand with the referees [Laughs] Come on! They’re two renew their squads. No break-up with counted on me. For all of the affection
about not touching the ball after a foul different players. Cristiano was a pure great players is easy, for the club or I have for Barcelona, there was no

10 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 YOU ASK

price would drop to €20m, and he was

the best player when Leeds needed
him most – he ran the most, worked
the hardest, and I, as his agent, would
be incapable of influencing any player
for my own benefit. Leeds wanted to
sell Raphinha. Then bids came in, even
bigger than Barcelona’s. The owner of
Chelsea [Todd Boehly] called me and
insisted a lot, putting pressure on me –
he really wanted to sign Raphinha. But
I didn’t push hard for Raphinha to leave
Leeds. It was all by mutual agreement.
The only thing was that the owner of
Leeds had promised, in a desperate
moment for Leeds, to sell Raphinha to
Barcelona for a certain amount. After
the club managed to avoid relegation,
largely due to Raphinha’s contribution
– among other players, of course – the
president changed his stance because
Is it true that, when a Chelsea player of Chelsea’s offer. I did waive my fee,
was criticised by the media, Jose because I thought Raphinha deserved
Bosingwa would pin it up on the to be happy where he dreamed of
dressing room wall as a joke? playing. He wanted to go to Barcelona,
Ronan Berry, Sligo and Barça wouldn’t match Chelsea’s
That is true, but it wasn’t just when the figures. It was an effort I made so that
press gave us criticism – it was about the player could be here.
anything. It was about making fun.
Bosingwa was a funny guy, and when How did it feel to be offered the job
he saw some gossip about one of his as sporting director at Barcelona?
team-mates – anything that was in Rafael Angullo, Girona
the press – he’d do this and everyone I’d already been helping the president
would find it funny. Thankfully I wasn’t from afar, without having any official
in the press that much, so he could role. When Mateu Alemany left [last
never do anything to me! [Laughs] summer], everything fell into place.
The president invited me and of course
How deep is your love for I accepted. I was at a stage in my life
Fluminense, who you joined in 2010? where I could make this change. I felt
reason to stay just because of the @jvbessa, via Twitter ready to take on this challenge, and
contract. It was time to leave.
The president of Barcelona then was
“CRISTIAnO’S ALWAYS Fluminense are the club I support
in Brazil. They weren’t the club
I’m very happy and proud to be doing
it. The ambition is to make Barcelona
Joan Laporta – the same president
who brought me back to Barcelona
BEEn KEEn TO DEVELOP. that I supported when I was a kid,
but I learned to support them because
a competitive team, capable of
fighting for every competition.
recently. Maybe that shows that it isn’t
fair to question our professionalism.
MESSI’S ALWAYS BEEn I was very happy there. They allowed
me to go back to Brazilian football, After playing alongside a young

Had you had opportunities to move

A nATURAL TALEnT” enjoy it and win titles. I had a great
time there. Fluminense means a lot.
Messi, now you’re overseeing
Lamine Yamal’s breakthrough at
to England before joining Chelsea Barcelona. How similar are they?
in 2008, at nearly 31? Did you have stay for a short time, so it was a bit of How did you find your time spent @MikesIconicKits, via Twitter
any doubts about moving here? a surprise, yes. But these are things working as an agent? Similarities? No. It starts with the
Gavin Underwood, via Twitter that happen in football every now and Sam Thomson, Workington name: one is called Lionel Messi, the
No doubts. I had the chance to go to again. It wasn’t the first or the last It was great. I had 10 years as an other Lamine Yamal! [Laughs] They’re
Italy, but the challenge of playing in time that it has happened. agent, building a company from different players with different abilities.
the Premier League really appealed to scratch. I was able to help players like But, when you’re 16 and play for Barça,
me. I enjoyed life in England. I’d been Is it true that Jose Mourinho tried to Fabinho and Raphinha. It’s something it’s natural that you attract attention.
approached by Chelsea before, and sign you for Inter, ahead of their I’m proud of. But it’s in the past now, Lamine has a distinctive technical
there was an enquiry from Manchester 2009-10 treble-winning season? as I’ve been taking on a new challenge ability. He has a good head and a very
United, but on those earlier occasions Gianpaolo Calvo, Melegnano as Barcelona’s sporting director. mature attitude. It’s important that
it wasn’t the right time for me. Yes. It didn’t happen because I chose we create the conditions for him to
[to stay at] Chelsea over Inter. I don’t Why did you push so hard for continue growing like that. The
Were you surprised that Luiz Felipe think about what could have been Raphinha to leave Leeds, waiving comparison with Messi can only be
Scolari wasn’t given more time as somewhere else – life is made up of your agency fee to finish the deal? made in terms of the precociousness
Chelsea boss? He took the reins in choices. I chose to play for Chelsea Adam Smith, via Instagram with which they appeared in football –
the summer you arrived, but was and I don’t regret that choice at all. Actually, I didn’t push hard. You know, although they’re both left-footed and
sacked by February. I also won titles at Chelsea and was club presidents don’t usually tell the play in a similar area of the pitch, they
Robbie Ward, Sutton very happy at the club. I could have whole story. Raphinha was very serious have very different characteristics.
I don’t think it’s very common in gone to Inter and won nothing – and professional with Leeds. He had Barcelona’s ability to develop talent
English football for the manager to you never know. a clause that if they were relegated, his is something we’re very proud of.

FourFourTwo March 2024 11

 UPFROnT

Playing off the last defender, it’s the big-man-

little-man partnership of football and funnies

12 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 UPFROnT

THE
BEAUTIFUL
GAME
↑
A POUR SPORT

LONDON, ENGLAND
Fulham’s Craven Cottage home
is a pleasant location for football
in the summer – slightly less so
in mid-winter, when it’s pouring
down and there are tsunamis on
the Thames. It must have felt
a long way from South America
for Brazil international Andreas
Pereira – although the playmaker
was born in Belgium, to be fair.
Photo Alex Pantling/Getty

←
GREEN ENERGY

HEIDENHEIM, GERMANY
Bundesliga champions in 2009,
Wolfsburg have been mid-table
for three seasons now. Their fans
had to keep themselves occupied
somehow, so donned masks and
lit green flares during their game
against Heidenheim. Inevitably,
it ended in a stalemate. Boring...
Photo Sebastian Widmann/Getty

FourFourTwo March 2024 13

 UPFROnT

↑ ↑ →
“ER, CAN ANYBODY FAREWELL, FRANZ “PETER CROUCH? OUR
SEE THE BALL, LADS?” STRIKER’S 98FT TALL”
MUNICH, GERMANY
AUE, GERMANY During 13 years and 584 games RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
When Erzgebirge Aue took on as a player with Bayern Munich, It’s now more than a year since
Rot-Weiss Essen in the German Franz Beckenbauer won three Pele passed away, and Brazil had
third tier, the pyro display went European Cups as well as four an even grander tribute planned
a bit over the top – there was so Bundesliga titles. Little wonder, to mark the anniversary, sticking
much smoke that no one could then, that Die Roten lit up their the striker’s old Selecao shirt on
see the pitch. The hosts won 2-1 Allianz Arena with his name Rio’s Christ the Redeemer statue.
– maybe they snuck a couple of when he died in January. RIP. Even Pele himself wouldn’t have
extra players on. Clever... Photo Marcel Engelbrecht/ won a header against that...
Photo Thomas Eisenhuth/Getty Firo Sportphoto/Getty Photo Mauro Pimentel/AFP/Getty

14 March 2024 FourFourTwo

UPFROnT
 UPFROnT

→
“OK, THAT’S ENOUGH,
PUT EASTENDERS ON”

KORHOGO, IVORY COAST

A crowd of 42,550 was present
in Abidjan to watch Ivory Coast
face Equatorial Guinea in their
last Africa Cup of Nations group
fixture – plenty more gathered
around televisions in other cities,
too. They were left stunned: the
hosts lost 4-0, before narrowly
scraping into the last 16. Phew.
Photo Fadel Senna/AFP/Getty

16 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 UPFROnT

FourFourTwo March 2024 17

 UPFROnT

C E L T I C , I B ECAME
“AT E A R n E D WHAT
I L
A MAn. O PLAY FOR
IT MEAnS TTH YOUR HEART”
A TEAM WI

STILIYAn PETROV
GAMES THAT CHAnGED MY LIFE
Pirin 3-0 Montana Morocco 4-1 Bulgaria Celtic 2-3 Porto Sweden 5-0 Bulgaria
May 31, 1995 December 23, 1998 May 21, 2003 June 14, 2004
Bulgarian A Group International friendly UEFA Cup Final Euro 2004

“This was my professional debut at 15 “My dad was a fantastic footballer but “I know, yet another defeat, but what “We had a strong, experienced squad
years old. I remember finding out that never had the opportunity to represent an adventure. The journey to that final during qualification for Euro 2004 and
I’d be playing on the Friday while I was the national side, so he lived his dream was brilliant. At Celtic, I became a man did well to top our group above Croatia.
at school. The headmaster called me to through me. I could see it in his eyes and learned what it means to play for However, our captain, Krasimir Balakov,
his office and said I had to leave, as the and in his smile – he was very proud of a team with your heart. You must give retired ahead of the tournament and
first team were playing an away game his son. I was playing regularly for CSKA everything. Not many players around several of our main players hadn’t been
and I’d been picked in the squad. I was Sofia and my consistent form caught the world get the chance to feature in in good form for their club teams going
nervous and excited. Nobody expected the manager’s attention. This was my a European final, but I did. You have to into the finals. We encountered some
me to feature in the match – they just first time pulling on the Bulgaria jersey cherish those moments, because of all tough challenges and sadly lost all of
thought it would be a nice experience and hearing the national anthem. It’s the hard work you’ve put in to get that our games in Portugal, but just to play
for me – but I came on for the last few a moment I won’t forget. I came on in far. Unfortunately we lost in extra time, for your nation in a major tournament
minutes in injury time and loved it. On the second half and did OK. I felt quite but we played really well. I remember should fill you with pride. That was the
the bus journey home, everybody was anxious because Bulgaria still had big the intense heat in Seville that day. The last one Bulgaria qualified for, which
feeling sad because we’d lost the game names who’d shone at the 1994 World atmosphere, the build-up... everything makes it more special and shows how
3-0, but I had the biggest smile on my Cup, like Hristo Stoichkov and Krasimir was perfect apart from the result. We good we were. I was the captain back
face. I was so happy and couldn’t wait Balakov, but being alongside icons like took on an impressive Porto team that then and had to lead other players to
to tell my family and friends about it. them actually helped me to play better. went on to win the Champions League follow their dream. You have your own
This was my very first step into senior There was expectation on me from an under Jose Mourinho a year later, and experience and want to leave a legacy.
football. It changed my understanding early age after that performance, but couldn’t quite overcome them. We got Defeat hurts, but sometimes you have
of why I wanted to make it as a player.” I always loved playing for my country.” so close, but it wasn’t to be our night.” to be happy simply to put on the shirt.”

18 March 2024 FourFourTwo Interview Sean Cole

 UPFROnT

OPInIOn

The TNT Sports presenter

pores over English hopes
in the Champions League

hen the Champions League City are a formidable force with Haaland process. Tougher tests are to come, although

W
knockout stages return, leading the line. That, on top of the team’s Porto, who qualified behind Barcelona in the
you know we’re heading statement group-stage displays – winning all group stage, shouldn’t be one of them. The
towards the most exciting six matches with an average possession of last time the teams met, in 2010, the north
part of the campaign. Of 69 per cent – makes it difficult not to picture Londoners prevailed 6-2 over two legs, and
the 16 clubs still battling for the ultimate them becoming the first English side to retain a similar scoreline against Sergio Conceicao’s
prize in European football, the two teams the trophy in the Champions League era. Dragons wouldn’t be a huge surprise.
left representing the Premier League are Arsenal are bidding to knock City off their We’ve seen Arsenal waste opportunities in
genuine contenders. perch and at last claim a maiden Champions recent matches, which over a long campaign
Holders Manchester City and Arsenal both League crown, 18 years after losing the final will prove costly when you’re competing with
finished top of their groups, meaning they to Barcelona. The Gunners’ pre-Christmas dip the likes of City and Liverpool week in, week
avoided the majority of the big hitters in the has left them playing catch-up in the Premier out. There are no second chances in knockout
last 16 like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. League, but in Europe it’s been a case of so football – Arteta’s side must show they can
While every team at this stage of proceedings far, so good. be ruthless and steely when it matters most
has to be respected, bosses Pep Guardiola Their return to Europe’s elite competition against the continent’s strongest opposition.
and Mikel Arteta should be content with their slipped slightly under the radar, partly due to Progress to the quarter-finals and a place in
favourable draws. Ties against Copenhagen being in a meeker group than Newcastle and the June 1 showpiece may start to feel within
and Porto respectively shouldn’t cause either Manchester United, but Arsenal only lost one touching distance for the Gunners faithful,
too many problems, so you’d expect to see of their six matches, scoring 16 goals in the and getting there this year would be handy
England’s remaining duo in the quarter-finals. given it’s at Wembley for the third time since
Copenhagen boss Jacob Neestrup probably 2011. Arteta will be desperate to create some
couldn’t believe his (bad) luck when his men happy memories in Europe for Arsenal fans,
were paired with the defending champions, and for himself after painful Europa League
who he describes as “the best club team in exits to Olympiacos and Villarreal during his
the world”. They were dispatched 5-0 at the reign. We’re yet to see how his current crop
Etihad Stadium in last season’s group stage copes when the pressure begins to intensify –
and Guardiola will be eyeing a repeat, though can previous adversity inspire his team to lift
he won’t underestimate the Danish giants. the trophy the club have craved for so long?
They’re a much different proposition a year Elsewhere, Liverpool, West Ham, Brighton,
on – just look at what they did to Manchester Rangers and Aston Villa have Thursday nights
United in November. Erik ten Hag’s team off until March thanks to topping their Europa
were floored 4-3 at Parken Stadium, where League and Conference League groups. In
City only managed a 0-0 draw on their last the meantime, let’s sit back, relax and enjoy
visit in 2022. However, they don’t have a side what the rest of Europe’s elite has to offer.
full of stars – something the Sky Blues have
a plethora of – and with Kevin De Bruyne and
Erling Haaland back, they have two of their
best ready to finish the campaign on a high.
The Norwegian talisman has been rewriting
the record books since his first appearance in
the competition for Red Bull Salzburg in 2019,
scoring a hat-trick on his debut. His incredible
form has continued, at Borussia Dortmund
and now City, with his goal tally already at
a stunning 40 in 35 games at the tender age
of 23. He could become the youngest player
to plunder 50 Champions League goals this
term, a record currently held by Lionel Messi.

IT’S HARD nOT

TO PICTURE CITY
RETAInInG THE
TROPHY In JUnE
FourFourTwo March 2024 19
 UPFROnT WAnT MORE? VISIT FOURFOURTWO.COM/QUIZ

Try to conquer our latest batch of teasers featuring record goalscorers, Olympic stadiums and top-tier Towns

01 Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf (right)

won the European Cup on four occasions
with which three different clubs?
11 Which Brazilian icon started his career at
Sao Paulo, moved to Milan, then became
the world’s most expensive footballer before
having second stints at Milan and Sao Paulo?

02 Name the League One side based at the

Toughsheet Community Stadium, which
has also bore the branding of two sportswear 12 Ex-Hull gaffer Phil Brown took charge of
which National League club in January?
firms and the local university?

03 Who was England’s all-time top scorer

before Wayne Rooney broke the record
13 A pair of magpies perched atop a football
can be seen on the crest of which League
Two side, founded in 1862?
by scoring his 50th international goal in 2015?

04 Damien Duff, Dan Burn and David Healy

all had spells with which London outfit?
14 Which of these three ‘Olympic stadiums’
has the largest capacity: Hertha Berlin’s
Olympiastadion, Rome’s Stadio Olimpico or
Barcelona’s Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys?

05 Which nations were the first to co-host

a European Championship, and in what
year did it take place? 15 Prior to Luton’s promotion last season,
three teams with the suffix ‘Town’ had
played in the Premier League: name them.

06 Who was the last manager of Liverpool

to hail from England?
16 John Toshack and Chris Coleman are the
only two Welsh people to have coached

07 The USA national team was responsible

for the first-ever World Cup hat-trick and
which former La Liga champions?

clean sheet: true or false?

17 Who are the sole European Cup finalist to
represent Greece?

08 Which French giant bagged all seven of

their Ligue 1 titles consecutively?
18 In what year did Roy Keane (left) pick up
the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award,

09 Which Arsenal forward has hit the most

goals in Women’s Super League history?
Alan Shearer retire from international football
and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink join Chelsea?

10
These are the badges of which four Major League Soccer franchises?
Minnesota United, St Louis City 11. Kaka 12. Kidderminster 13. Notts County 14. Olympiastadion (74,667) 15. Swindon, Ipswich, Huddersfield 16. Real Sociedad 17. Panathinaikos 18. 2000
1. Ajax, Real Madrid, Milan 2. Bolton 3. Bobby Charlton 4. Fulham 5. Belgium and the Netherlands (2000) 6. Roy Hodgson 7. True 8. Lyon 9. Vivianne Miedema 10. Philadelphia Union, DC United,

20 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 UPFROnT

Are half-and-half scarves

acceptable at football?
YES nO
JAMES ANDREW MATT KETCHELL
EDITOR DEPUTY EDITOR

@JamesAndrew_ @Ketchell

In March 2010, a friend and I were walking along Corso Vittorio In 2024, you could argue, anything encouraging harmony should
Emanuele II in Turin ahead of Fulham’s Europa League last 16 be supported. However, we need to draw the line at half-and-half
first leg against Serie A heavyweights Juventus, en route to meet scarves at football.
other supporters in a bar. Football is a battle. Two sets of players attacking one another with
As we strolled down the busy road, a bloke in a black car spotted a piece of thermoplastic polyurethane. I don’t care if this is your first
us, started beeping his horn and shouted things in Italian. We opted visit to the Bernabeu, you can’t watch this figurative combat wearing
to keep our heads low, not engage and walk on, but two tribes’ colours. It’s the footballing equivalent of
the driver continued to bellow at us before eventually pouring milk in your tea cup before hot water.
swerving across the road and pulling his car up onto T H E R E S U LT S A R E I n This season I’ve watched my team play competitive
the pavement. He jumped out and said, “You English?” fixtures in Europe against two historic clubs, in two
At this stage there was little point trying to pretend iconic stadiums, but I was completely unmoved when
otherwise, so we sheepishly nodded our heads. “Wait Social view via @FourFourTwo confronted with a souvenir scarf at €20 a pop. Are there
there,” he said as he went round to the back of his car, followers on X seriously enough neutrals and tourists at matches in
opened the boot and whipped out a large duffle bag. 2023-24 to motivate someone to stand outside Craven
He brought the bag to the front of the car, plonked it Cottage ahead of a League Cup tie and flog Fulham-
on the bonnet and opened it. To our great relief and Norwich half-and-half scarves!? Who are these people?
surprise, he brandished a Juventus/Fulham half-and- What happens to a half-and-half after the game it’s
half scarf, gestured towards the pair of us and asked, been bought at? Surely it’s not worn again in public? Is
“You want to buy?” it adorned proudly for the return fixture? Displayed in
Now that my heart had stopped racing, I was more Yes 8.4% the house? Let’s be honest, they’re expensive shreds of
than happy to part with €10 for a half-and-half scarf. extra loft insulation at best.
Once we’d both bought one, we told him the pub we
No 91.6% Why go for half-and-half when most decent vendors
1,726 votes
were heading to and that there would be plenty more sell traditional football scarves? Heck, scarf technology
Fulham fans there for him to flog the contents of his in the modern era means you can warm your neck with
duffle bag to. a length of material sporting the face of your favourite
But the point is that Fulham were facing the mighty player. I guess we officially live in the future now.
Juventus – all these years later and that still blows my Why buy one bearing the crest and colours of a rival?
mind. Fifteen years prior to that showdown, Fulham It makes no sense, though football doesn’t really deal
were knocking around the Third in the orthodox much any more.
Division, losing to Scarborough, Tell us what you think Like VAR and ‘can I have your
Doncaster and Leyton Orient. So, via #FFTDebate on shirt’ signs, half-and-half scarves
I make absolutely no apologies X, or email us at have their feet so far under the
for the fact that I revelled in every fourfourtwo@ table of football culture, I fear they
second of the Cottagers’ European futurenet.com aren’t going anywhere.
odyssey by hoarding half-and-half The epidemic is spreading too,
scarves, pin badges, programmes with half-and-halves sold outside
and anything else being touted to Alexandra Palace during the World
mark this significant achievement Darts Championship, a wild event
in Fulham’s history. where fancy dress is encouraged.
And so whenever football fans Perhaps the half-and-half scarf
are dismissive of half-and-half has finally found its natural home.
scarves, sneer at them and claim There remains more questions
they’re solely for ‘football tourists’, than answers – I don’t even feel
I don’t buy into that. comfortable classing them in the
Oh, and if you’re wondering what same category as VAR and shirt
I did with them? Well, they’re now signs. For me, they sit alongside
sewn together and draped across selfie sticks and Joey Barton – the
a big chair in my flat. game is better off without them.
The Mayor of Greater the season before, as well
Manchester has been as the Charity Shield. Then,
the following year, we were
an Everton fan since invited back there again to
the ’70s – he tells FFT have a picture taken with the
Canon League Division One
all about cup exploits, Championship trophy and Cup
pitch invasions that Winners’ Cup. I remember my
mum saying on that Sunday
influenced Fever Pitch morning, “Are we going to have
and the striker who to do this every year?” It would
soon come to an end.
jumped over a Mini...
What has been your biggest low
as an Everton fan?
What was the first match that you The mid-90s was a very distressing
ever saw live? time, with Mike Walker as manager.
It would have been around 1973 and I don’t really know how we survived
I would have been only two or three relegation in that 3-2 victory against
years old. I have a very dim memory Wimbledon – it was the greatest ever
of going up the steps to the match escape. How we stayed up is the subject
and seeing the green. A game I do of a lot of debate. It was a poor team at
remember was against Bristol City that stage, we began the ’94-95 season
at Goodison Park in 1976: it was my in disaster, and Walker was still in charge
brother’s eighth birthday and we for about eight games before he got the
won 2-0. The other one to stick in sack. It was terrible.
my mind from that era is against
Sunderland, with big Duncan The cult of Duncan Ferguson started
McKenzie running the show. He at around the same time...
was a flamboyant character – His first game was Portsmouth away in
like a matador. I can recall him
jumping over a Mini. ANDY BURNHAM October 1994 but we’d all heard about
Duncan, and this was long before social
EVERTON media. As Evertonians we were schooled
Who was your childhood in the tradition of a Goodison No.9, with
hero? Did you ever meet them? legends such as Bob Latchford, Joe Royle,
Bob Latchford [below right] was my Graeme Sharp and Andy Gray. Duncan
first idol because in 1978 he scored 30 was a return to that old tradition and he
goals in a season, though I loved him before Steven’s against Bayern Munich, in terms of embodied the fightback. Everybody bought
that. The Daily Express once set a challenge: the significance, as it sent us through to the into him from day one and loved that he’d do
£10,000 for 30 goals in the old First Division, 1985 Cup Winners’ Cup Final. anything for the cause.
and he scored a late penalty against Chelsea
to win the prize at Goodison. He was a proper Did you make it to the final in Rotterdam? Who’s your current favourite player?
swashbuckling English centre-forward. I had We didn’t miss a game that season: home Beto. I’m betting the house on him being the
the pleasure of meeting him a few years ago and away, we turned up for all the matches new Duncan Ferguson.
and telling him that. He’s such a lovely bloke. including Wembley trips –
every one. But I was 15 at Which away ground do you
What’s your favourite goal that you have the time and there was no like the most?
witnessed live? way my mum was letting I loved Highbury – maybe
I remember Graeme Sharp scoring a volley me attend on a school due to that encroachment
from the edge of the box against Tottenham night. We also wouldn’t I mentioned. I featured in
in 1982. Another very famous goal of his was have had the money, so Nick Hornby’s Fever Pitch, as
a similar effort in the Merseyside derby at sadly we didn’t make it he wrote that he loved the
Anfield in ’84. I encroached upon the playing over to Rotterdam. We fact Highbury was used for
surface at Highbury that year, when Adrian were in the family club cup semis until some stupid
Heath struck a late FA Cup semi-final winner at Goodison and got Everton fans darted onto the
[against Southampton]... but the goal a lot invited to have pictures pitch. I consider that my first
of Evertonians my age will point to is Trevor taken with the FA Cup foray into making an impact.

22 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 UPFROnT

“PAUL McCARTnEY IS An
EVERTOnIAn – LET’S GET
THAT STRAIGHT, THROUGH
FOURFOURTWO’S PAGES”
He’s a good man and was very supportive of
all the work I did on Hillsborough. He spoke
brilliantly in the club programme about it and
I was so grateful to him for that. When there
was a proposed move to Kirkby, he was also
involved in trying to stop it from happening.
I was delighted to watch him clinch European
silverware with West Ham [last season] and
I’m confident I’m not the only Evertonian to
wish him well.

You were brought up as a proud Everton

and Celtic supporter – is that right?
I’m a lone campaigner for Everton and Celtic
being the true and original partnership. My
upbringing was, ‘These are the clubs you’re
going to support’. When I see this cult and
love-in surrounding the other lot and You’ll
Never Walk Alone, I struggle with it. There’s
a photograph of Pat Van Den Hauwe wearing
a Celtic ski hat – that was my hat. I handed
it to him as he went to collect the cup. I used
to have a split Everton and Celtic ski hat and
a full Celtic hat as well. For me, it was always
Everton and Celtic, and the links went back
to players like Bobby Collins. John Collins also
played for both clubs. There were at least as
many Rangers/Liverpool supporters’ hats as
Celtic/Liverpool. I remember going to watch
Everton play a friendly at Celtic Park once – it
was a great day.

You’re a big music fan. What well-known

musicians have you encountered who are
also football supporters?
I saw The Smiths at Salford University back
in 1986 and was a big disciple of the band.
I met Johnny Marr shortly after becoming
mayor of Manchester. Everton were playing
Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium and
City invited me as the newly elected mayor.
I was making my way down from a corporate
section to meet someone and bumped into
Johnny on the stairs. He said, “I didn’t know
you were a blue, Andy.” I said, “I am, though
not the kind you think I am.” It was a slightly
awkward moment, to be honest, but Johnny
is wonderful. I went to see Noel [Gallagher]
at Wythenshawe Park recently – I’d been to
Goodison that day, watching us get beat by
Wolves, so he had to endure my misery about
the state of things. We had a nice little chat.
In terms of Liverpool bands, Lee Mavers from
The La’s is an Evertonian but I’ve never met
What is the most treasured piece of Both Howard Kendall and David Moyes Top to bottom The him. He’s always been a huge hero of mine.
memorabilia that you have, or wish that have loomed large over your time as an Cup Winners’ Cup... Between him and Paul McCartney, we must
you still had? Everton supporter... winners; Big Dunc, have two of the most gifted musicians in our
It’s an old-school scarf from the ’70s, which Howard was by far the best manager in our AKA The Prototype support. I have it firmly established (from his
was a Christmas present in 1976. I took it to history. It was an incredible privilege to see Beto; Highbury, RIP; daughter, Stella) that Macca is an Evertonian.
every match in the good times throughout him build that team. David understood the “Did you know Andy I know that for sure, so let’s get that straight
the ’80s and the less good times of the ’90s, soul of Everton – he was a positive presence was a Toffee, Noel?” through the pages of FourFourTwo.
and now it’s a priceless possession of mine. and coined the phrase, ‘The People’s Club’. Richard Purden

FourFourTwo March 2024 23

 UPFROnT

WATCH OUT, HARRY

Harry Kane has put down roots
by buying a house in Munich –
a house where a man previously
had a vasectomy from a ferret.
The plush Bavarian home was
once used for rom-com movie
Vaterfreuden, in which German
actor Matthias Schweighofer –
recently in Oppenheimer – plays
a sperm donor who is strapped

WEIRD to a bed by a ferret prior to the

WORLD OF
procedure. Because why not?
Thankfully, Kane already has
FOOTBALL four children, but we still advise
him to keep a close eye out for
mischievous weasels – and we
don’t mean Thomas Muller...

• Suriname club Robinhood will

bid to steal results from the rich
and give to the poor when they
join Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in
...Zurich, an inflatable grasshopper has attracted investment from Will Ferrell and pals the last 16 of the CONCACAF
Champions Cup next month.
The Paramaribo side qualified
by winning last year’s Caribbean
When one of Swiss football’s back to the top flight at the first Matt Jackson as their president Cup – Trinidad outfit Defence
most famous clubs fell on hard attempt, they summoned the last summer – he’d previously Force missed out on the title
times, they knew how to turn extra large insect, deploying been at Wolves, who have forged after conceding too many goals.
things around – with a 25-foot the inflatable as the tunnel onto a partnership with them.
inflatable grasshopper. the pitch for home matches at This January, in an attempt • Donnacha O’Brien went down
Former Champions League the Letzigrund, which they share to continue their ascent back to like he’d been shot in a match
side Grasshopper Club Zurich, with neighbours FC Zurich. honours, the club were bought for Rear Cross FC in Ireland – he
domestic champions on 27 A grasshopper may not be the by MLS side LAFC, who count actually had been shot, though.
occasions, lost their Hardturm scariest thing in the whole world Anchorman star Will Ferrell as Police said he’d probably got
home when the historic ground (what’s it going to do, nibble you one of their co-owners. hit by a stray bullet from a deer
closed in 2007 and plans for into submission?), but bemused It’s presumably only a matter hunter during the rural fixture in
a new arena on the site stalled. visiting sides wilted and the club of time before he turns up, then County Tipperary – luckily it only
Relegation to the second tier soon charged to promotion, then gets accidentally trapped in the struck an arm, and the referee
followed in 2019 – unable to get recruited former Wigan defender giant grasshopper of emotion. didn’t book him for simulation.

“IT’S FUN TO STAY AT THE K-F-U-M”

Norway’s capital city will have only one club in their top division for the 2024 campaign –
the sports branch of the local YMCA.
Oslo side Valerenga were surprisingly relegated at the end of 2023 – joining fellow capital team
Lyn in the second tier – so the city will instead be represented by newly promoted KFUM, a club that
had never previously been in the top tier at any stage of their 85-year history. It’s unknown at this
point whether they’re planning to go full Village People for their opening match in the Eliteserien
and take to the field dressed as policemen, construction workers, cowboys and American Indians.

24 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 Branthwaite and Joe ‘Catford Carragher’
Gomez. A sturdy centre-’alf with Eindhoven
experience, alongside the man who’s been
a back-up Trent Alexander-Arnold, a stand-in
Virgil van Dijk and an inverted left-back. And
that’s just this season, too. Your dad’s choice
to succeed John Stones and Harry Maguire.
Every promoted club needs an honest wing-
back with a devilish whip and CV stretching
down to the Isthmian League. It’s the rules,
and our Vibes XI will always have a place for
Luton’s Alfie Doughty on the right. On the left,
we have the deceptively decorated Emerson,
now at the height of his credibility having
Mark White selects his alternative top flight side of 2023-24... based on vibes ditched the Parklife years on Chelsea’s bench
for David Moyes’ Demon Days at West Ham.
There’s something brilliantly ‘Barclays’ about
Welcome to the run-in, folks. We’re at that alternative shouts for the standout stars who a Hammers side of multi-million glitz sitting
stage of the campaign where we concede have hoovered up admirers, pulled doubters’ back, low-blocking and winding people up.
our club didn’t really endure ‘a bad start to pants down and enthralled, win, lose or draw.
the season’ – they just weren’t particularly MIDFIELD SCHEMERS
good from the outset. CASE FOR THE DEFENCE We’re going Scottish deep in central midfield,
Give it until Easter and I’m sure you’ll begin Where better to start than Andre Onana? Erik with the fantastic Ryan Christie – reborn from
to see the same old Team of the Season posts ten Hag would have been forgiven for visiting fringe winger to recovery king – next to Tom
clogging up your timelines: your Salahs and the ‘Safe Pair of Hands’ aisle following years Cairney. Director of football Tony Khan looked
Salibas, debates on how many Manchester of tumult, but in the immortal words of Gary to be selling off Fulham’s family silver – first
City players are too many and whether Cole Neville, this is Manchester United. Polarising Aleksandar Mitrovic to the Saudis, then Joao
Palmer has “done enough”. I know how my projects require fitting lead actors and Onana Palhinha’s brush with Bayern Munich – yet
side looks – Declan Rice, you have my heart – has been the Nicolas Cage of this production, Captain Cairney epitomises the Whites’ power
but there are a number of tertiary characters offering Andrea Pirlo-esque playmaking with to surprise over the past three years, evolving
who deserve their spotlight. side dishes of David de Gea howlers. from a supersub role last term to dominate
Like Rinus Michels and Garth Crooks before The Cameroonian custodian patrols behind Rice and many others. A double-pivot to put
me, I wanted to concoct 2023-24’s ‘Vibes XI’: a full-English double act of Jarrad ‘Big Jarrad’ the willies up Germany this summer.
For a proper 2000s feel to this XI, though,

I WOULDn’T BET AGAInST OLISE STAYInG

my No.10 seemingly hibernated over winter
due to injury. James Maddison may avoid the
prodding of more mainstream dream teams
come springtime, but he’s still in my ragtag

PUT TO EMBRACE HIS EnIGMA, A LA ZAHA

gang for the intangibilities he showed before
John Lewis’ Christmas ad landed: marauding
the turf like a modern Juan Roman Riquelme,
slyly placing balls outside corner quadrants
to make opposition fans titter and tweeting
pictures of Son Heung-min as his golf caddy.

MOVING FORWARD
The right-wing spot is obvious. Arjen Robben’s
admittedly effective schtick was predictable,
but science will never perfectly comprehend
Michael Olise: a Hammersmith-born French
under-21 who’s ghosted Chelsea’s overtures
and terrified teams down the flank. Eloquent
on the pitch, yet wonderfully monosyllabic in
interviews, his big, boring transfer beckons –
but I wouldn’t bet against him staying put to
embrace his enigma, a la Wilfried Zaha.
Amid Chelsea’s identity crisis, meanwhile,
seasoned ego-tamer Mauricio Pochettino has
been rendered mortal but Raheem Sterling,
wowing in his own sidequest, gets the left-
wing spot. He took City’s Treble personally to
flourish where team-mates have floundered:
a cheesed-off Sterling is a pretty successful
one, it turns out.
That just leaves a frontman, and you can
stick your Haalands. While he’s the obvious
Scandi striker en vogue, I’ll go for Alexander
Isak: more or less the same skillset, only with
added va va voom. Sorry Erling, but until you
can knee-slide like Wor Alex, you’re nowhere
near featuring in this XI.

361 SPINE LINE: “‘Marek Stanke Dimitrov’ was Sir Alex Ferguson’s first ever European opponent as a manager, with the mighty Aberdeen,” says Richard Crighton, entering via email.
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LIOnEL
MESSI
 LIOnEL
MESSI

Lionel Messi stamped his mark on football in the US from his very first match –
this year, the maestro’s mission is to help Inter Miami become MLS champions

Words Andrew Murray

 LIOnEL
MESSI

eBron James hollered like And what’s next for US soccer, especially
he’d just won a fifth NBA when the world’s greatest player departs?
championship ring. Serena
Williams watched on in THE NEW CARLOS VALDERRAMA
wide-eyed disbelief as if
witnessing herself triumph For five years, Messi to Miami was little more
in a record-equalling 24th than a dream. In early 2018, when Beckham
Grand Slam singles final. invoked the clause in his original LA Galaxy
Beneath Kim Kardashian’s contract allowing him to establish his own
trowel-applied make-up, MLS franchise, one of the first people to get
the reality royalty was in touch was Messi. “Who knows,” quipped
probably smiling the most the Flea in a video message, “maybe in a few
rictus of grins. years you can give me a ring.”
The acrid phosphorus Just over three years later, Beckham did
smell of pink and black pyro just that. The duo have always been friendly,
hung in the humid, heavy but when the latter was forced out of his
South Florida air around beloved Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in
the trio’s pitchside seats. the summer of 2021, Golden Balls and fellow
“Inter Miami golazo scored co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas’ ambitious
by numero diez,” trilled plan began in earnest.
the stadium announcer, “You’re talking about a year-and-a-half’s
“Lionel…” intensive talks to make this finally happen,”
“MESSI!” exploded the ESPN football correspondent Luis Miguel
exultant crowd, responding Echegaray, who has worked closely with
to the same call twice more Messi for years, explains to FFT. “Jorge Mas
with ever-increasing mania. took the lead on conversations with Messi’s
Inter Miami’s new No.10 father, taking flights back and forth to Miami
was barely 45 minutes into just trying to sell the project.”
a bow that had begun with Though Messi considered a Barça return,
a frenzied welcome from the constant stream of updates coming
the substitutes’ from the Blaugrana camp – “there were a lot
bench. There of leaks,” Messi later explained – contrasted
had been goals with Inter Miami, who continued to operate
disallowed for silently in the background.
offside and “The Mas brothers and David Beckham were
Messi-created very patient, prudent and respectful towards
opportunities the Messis,” Nelson Rodriguez, MLS executive
aplenty, but in the 95th minute, the shuffling vice-president of sport and competition, tells
Flea had just struck a free-kick of typical deft FFT. “The family were clear from the outset
precision to secure a 2-1 win over Cruz Azul. that they didn’t want public negotiations. The
A script writer would have been sacked for project and what it would mean, the lure of
stretching the limits of credibility. trying to be a transformational agent for the
“As soon as I saw that the free-kick had sport in a huge nation and up-and-coming
been given, I thought, ‘This is the way we’re league was part of it. And Miami is glamorous,
meant to win’,” said a visibly moved Miami a gateway city for South and Central America,
co-owner David Beckham at full-time. and Europe too.”
“Tonight is about the people. It’s about this. Some 70 per cent of Florida’s second city is
This is what we always saw as our vision.” of Latin origin and one-third of the 300,000
After scoring 10 goals in just seven games, Argentines to call the United States home live
the Argentine’s genius delivered the Herons’ there. Messi, wife Antonela and sons Thiago,
first trophy within a month, Miami beating
Nashville on penalties in the Leagues Cup
final. In 2024, they will play in the revamped
Champions Cup – the CONCACAF Champions
League – for the first time and commence
the upcoming MLS season later this month
as overwhelming favourites.
Sullen, quiet and moody in Paris, he looks
happy for the first time in more than two
years in his home from home. The reigning
World Cup-winning captain is the new face
of the league, bringing the sort of legitimacy,
prestige and billions of eyeballs that not even
Beckham at LA Galaxy from 2007 to 2012
could muster.
“This is our moment to change the football
landscape in this country,” Cuban-American
billionaire Jorge Mas, Miami co-owner with
Beckham, declared at Messi’s July unveiling.
Arguably, Messi and Miami already have
inside seven months, the former’s impact
gargantuan by every metric going. But how?

30 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 LIOnEL
MESSI

“AS SOOn AS I SAW THAT

THE FREE-KICK HAD BEEn
GIVEn, I THOUGHT, ‘THIS IS
HOW WE’RE MEAnT TO WIn’”

Mateo and Ciro were already regular holiday Left and above Even stretching back to its 1970s heyday, in a temporary stadium in the middle of
visitors to Miami. The city reminded them of The stars came the closest NASL side, the Fort Lauderdale nowhere in Fort Lauderdale? Beckham had in
their Rosario home and they owned a couple out to see Leo Strikers, could attract George Best and Gerd mind the waterfront stadium with overhead
of properties in the area. make his Miami Muller. With a new stadium over by Miami views of turquoise water and the beach, and
“Forget the money, the main component is debut; he sure Airport still under construction, Inter play it’s definitely not that.”
the personal,” continues Echegaray. “Messi put on a show on the temporary site of the Strikers’ former Yet the signs for the 36-year-old’s imminent
didn’t totally dismiss moving to Saudi Arabia Fort Lauderdale home, some 35 miles north arrival were there, if you knew where to look.
– he’s already a tourism ambassador for the of downtown Miami. In 1997, the short-lived Not only was the No.10 shirt unassigned for
kingdom – and was seriously thinking about Miami Fusion attempted to tap into the same the 2023 season, the No.5 was left reserved
it, but the one person who said, ‘You can go South American market with Colombian perm for Sergio Busquets and No.18 for Jordi Alba
to hell if you’re doing this’ was Antonela. To Carlos Valderrama. as the pieces began to fall into place. Miami
Leo there are only three things in the world: “Every time I’d see Jorge Mas, I’d ask him were the sole MLS outfit to sell single tickets
football, Antonela and his kids. After being about it and every time he’d say, ‘I think it’s for matches up until July only.
unhappy in Paris, he wanted to have a good going to happen, it’s not out of the question’, “That was very strategic because they knew
time and relax in a city they know and love.” but it seemed pretty crazy on paper,” Michelle if Messi were to come, there would be a whole
Football in Miami is nothing new. Although Kaufman, the Miami Herald’s beat writer for different price point,” recalls Kaufman. “They
the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Miami Heat (NBA), football and college basketball for more than added 3,000 seats that previously weren’t
Miami Marlins (MLB) and the University of 25 years, tells FFT. available, in the corners, later after he signed.
Miami’s various college teams hog the wider “Why would the best footballer in the world “Head coach Phil Neville couldn’t play with
sporting diaspora, soccer is well established want to come and play for the side bottom of a full deck of cards, but it was quite obvious
thanks to the Latin population’s passion for it. the MLS Eastern Conference, who host games they were holding some spots open for Messi

FourFourTwo March 2024 31

 LIOnEL
MESSI

“I USED TO BE THE OnLY

and friends on deals that wouldn’t complete
until the summer.”

REPORTER AT PRACTICE –
With the football world cruelly denied the
chance to see Neville coaching arguably the

THE CLUB HAD 500 MEDIA

best player in history after his June 2 sacking,
former Barça and Messi boss Tata Martino his

REQUESTS FOR MESSI’S

replacement, rumours turned into something
more concrete. Less than a week later, Messi

FIRST TRAInInG SESSIOn”

sat down with Catalan daily papers El Mundo
Deportivo and Sport to rule out a Camp Nou
return and reveal destination Miami.
“I was in Paris on vacation, literally standing
under the Eiffel Tower, when I learned it was A ‘Messi’s Coming’ billboard dominated the
happening the next day,” laughs Kaufman. airport architecture, while murals began to
That night, she sketched a story on her hotel crop up across the city from Little Havana to
room’s bathroom floor while her other half Argentine stronghold North Beach. The best

Picture @arlexcampos
slept on the other side of the door. of the bunch appeared in the artistic district
“My life changed from that day – my beat of Wynwood, designed by Venezuelan Arlex
is now global, my page views have soared. Campos and featuring the 5ft 7in magician
It was already high-profile, because anything in half Argentine colours and half Miami hot
involving David Beckham is, but the team was pink (left). Elsewhere, in nearby Doral, Prison
struggling. Most days I was the only reporter Pals Brewery released a new beer, the can
at practice – five or six would be a real crowd. locker room and camp out, talking to players Above Mural adorned with the same colour combination
“Now, we must apply in advance to attend as they emerged. That became a logistical mania in Miami and a big No.10.
training sessions, go through metal detectors nightmare and physically impossible because Below 10 goals “It’s the most elation you can feel as a fan,
and have our bags checked by security. They there’s just no space. Journalists couldn’t all in seven games that this pursuit of a player since the club’s
received 500 credential requests for his first squeeze into the press conference room, let inspired Inter first day had finally paid off and we’d got the
session, approving 200. All for just 15 minutes alone somewhere smaller still. It’s a bit more to cup success best player of all time,” smiles Inter Miami
of practice during which the squad stretched impersonal. The media relations team still season ticket holder Morgan Guigon, better
and did a few bits of dribbling.” work incredibly hard to get us who we need, known as podcaster @IMCFTraveller on X.
There was even a helicopter and drone from though it’s never Messi. He’s only spoken to “That month from the announcement was
one media outlet trying to shoot the session us once, last August.” filled with a crazy mix of anxiety, happiness
from overhead, while Argentine media have In the build-up to his unveiling on July 17, and ‘Wow, we’ve actually pulled this off’.”
now sent reporters to live in Miami. “Breaking Miami became overcome with Messi fever. The unveiling, on a typically stormy mid-
stories against those guys is extremely tough summer South Florida evening, included
because they have contacts inside his circle,” contributions from co-owners Beckham and
laments Kaufman. the brothers Mas, as well as retired Argentine
“It was a circus and completely different – basketball legend Manu Ginobili and Miami
the eyes of the world were on Inter Miami. royalty Gloria and Emilio Estefan welcoming
Everybody wanted to know every tiny thing Messi to town. He was beaming.
about where he was living, where he did his “Honestly, I’d never seen him happier,” says
shopping, what restaurants he went to, what ESPN’s Echegaray, one of the few journalists
car he’s driving. A bodyguard accompanies to have interviewed Messi one-on-one since
Messi everywhere – if he goes into a store or the move and who spent last summer in the
restaurant, the crowd that forms outside via city. “Winning the World Cup helped. It took
word of mouth is incredible. that massive pressure off his shoulders. He’d
“We used to have open locker rooms, which achieved everything in the sport in Europe
is standard in MLS and other US sports, where and with his country, so let’s go and conquer
you go to a lobby area at the entrance to the this other thing.”

IMPACT AND INJURY

If Messi thought the pressure would be off
him in Miami, his debut against Cruz Azul in
the Leagues Cup four days after his unveiling
dispelled any such notions, the tournament
presenting the chance for a reset. Bottom
of the MLS Eastern Conference with five wins
from 22 outings, the Herons could attack
a new competition created to bring MLS and
Liga MX sides together.
“It was perfect timing, because the NBA
was coming to an end and there was no NFL,”
says Echegaray. “Under Neville, they were
horrible. Maybe not statistically the worst,
but watching them was painful.
“His debut was mad – it was 50 per cent
Argentina shirts and 50 per cent pink. The
community was so excited; the entire Latin
community reclaimed him as their own.”
As LeBron, Serena and Kim took their seats,
narrative took over. Introduced in the 54th
 LIOnEL
MESSI

SERGIO BUSQUETS:
minute, Messi watched his new team-mates goals and win matches that way.
concede an equaliser almost immediately, So, the most important thing is to
then proceeded to unleash his repertoire of work hard on our defensive solidity.

“OUR InTEnTIOn IS TO WIn”

feints, dinked passes and dextrous vision in
search of a winner. Cruz Azul defenders What have you thought about
blocked Messi shots admirably, and a square the busy pre-season schedule,
pass for Josef Martinez to tap in was ruled with plenty of travelling?
out for offside as it seemed the cameo would It’s about looking at the sporting
remain just that. side alongside a chance to grow
Then, deep into stoppage time, Cruz Azul The former Barcelona midfielder may be 35 now, the club, to earn more revenue and
captain Carlos Salcedo went through the back benefit from that. This is also a big
of Messi on the edge of the area. Free-kick.
but he’s eyeing even more trophy glory in MLS... business and we understand that
He couldn’t, could he? “When he stepped up part, but we’ve also been playing
to take that free-kick, I looked at a friend teams who have given us a chance
next to me and said, ‘This is going in’,” recalls to raise our level. There has been
fan Guigon. “Tied game, new tournament, if Words Franco Panizo travel and changes of time zones,
there’s a script, this is what’s going to happen. but we’re trying to prepare in the
That was the most insane I’ve ever seen that best way possible so that we’re
stadium, because it felt like a culmination of in top physical condition when the
everything – the years the club had worked What has it been like reuniting How do you make this all-star MLS season and other competitions
for, all coming together.” with your former Barcelona team into a side that wins the get going. I trained when the 2023
That perfect start unleashed a juggernaut. team-mates, Lionel Messi, Jordi MLS title? season finished, because I wasn’t
Two goals and an assist against 2018 MLS Alba and Luis Suarez, in Miami? While we have players who have used to having loads of time off
Cup winners Atlanta United. Another brace We’re very happy to meet up again been very successful, have played and didn’t want to go for too long
in a 3-1 swatting of local rivals Orlando City. after many years – that wasn’t the together and get along really well without training, so I cut my close-
Two more goals, including the 85th-minute case with Jordi, because we’d still off the pitch, it’s clear that our season short. I took time to travel
equaliser, as the Herons recovered from 4-2 been playing together at Barça, but ambition and intention is to win. to Spain and yes I rested a bit too,
down with 10 minutes left to defeat Dallas I’m happy to be with Leo and Luis, That’s why we came here, so yes which was necessary, but it’s been
on penalties in the last 16. One strike against and not just because it means we the big names and players may about preparation so that when the
Charlotte and Philadelphia Union in the get to play together once again. It’s be here, but we have to be a solid season starts I’m in good condition.
quarter- and semi-final respectively, plus the more than that – we’re mates and team. Whether we’re considered
opener in the showpiece at Nashville, another have great relationships. Now we the favourites or have star names, What have you thought of MLS
shootout success improbably wrapped up can have our families back together we have to demonstrate it on the so far?
by goalkeeper Drake Callender’s spot-kick. while we live this experience. That field. We’ve had a pre-season and It’s a good league and better than
Miami had their first silverware, less than makes this whole thing even more lots of practice that has served us people think. Perhaps like in other
a month into their brave new era, and Messi satisfying – and hopefully we win, well, especially for Leo, Jordi and leagues, there are some teams
had already hit double figures. Elite European as we did in our last stint at Barça. myself, because last year we got with more defined styles of play.
defences have been powerless to stop him here in the summer and practically For example, we would like to be
for decades, so what chance did MLS and How much time do you all spend had no time to train. We played a team that has control of the ball,
Liga MX have? together there? every three or four days in various that is positioned well tactically,
“It was a dream, totally surreal,” concedes It depends on the day. We see each competitions. We have to work on that runs hard after the ball, that
Guigon. “I was in Nashville and saw us raise other a lot at training, of course, being a solid team, on getting to attacks a lot and pressures in the
that first trophy. It was a top-five moment of but there are many days when our know one another and trying to opposing half. But on the whole it’s
my life so far, being along for that run and kids play football or go to school. concede fewer goals – with the a league that has transitions and
seeing the magic Miami could put together, players we have in attack, I think back-and-forth play, especially as
with Messi at the heart of it.” Do you think Suarez can be a big we’ll always have chances to score the game goes on and the final
It could hardly have gone much better for addition to the team this season? minutes approach. That’s the one
MLS, either. “Miami’s Leagues Cup triumph He’s scored goals throughout his comparison I’d make with La Liga
would have seemed pretty far-fetched even career wherever he’s played. If I’m in Spain, where the teams have
by Hollywood standards,” says executive vice- not mistaken, last season he was more technical and tactical control,
president Rodriguez. “I did a lot of interviews the standout player in a tough old so as to not have many transitions.
with South American media just after Messi’s league like Brazil’s first division and Generally speaking, though, the
arrival and was asked frequently whether he scored a lot of goals, delivered a lot level is pretty similar. I would not
was coming to relax. I was indignant for him. of assists and had a brilliant year. say it’s the same, but it’s similar.
There was nothing in his history that pointed
to anything other than a fierce competitor
who wants to win every game. That title was
validating for him, the club and the city, as
much as the league, because he proved yet
again who he is.”
Miami picked up seven points from nine in
Messi’s first three MLS games against New
York Red Bulls, Nashville and LAFC. In addition
to co-owner Will Ferrell, Leonardo DiCaprio,
Selena Gomez, Tom Holland, Liam Gallagher
and Prince Harry came to pay their respects
to the new king in the 3-1 defeat of the latter.
“The whole team was unrecognisable,” says
Kaufman. The basic 4-2-3-1 shape that Phil
Neville had deployed was the same, but with
a crucial element at the heart of that creative
trident. “Messi single-handedly led that side
 LIOnEL
MESSI

“MESSI WOn An EIGHTH

BALLOn D’OR, FLEW BACK
OVERnIGHT AnD TRAInED
AT 10AM THE nEXT DAY”

to that Leagues Cup title. Yes, Busquets and broadcast rights to MLS and the Leagues
Alba did what they do, but even the players Cup. Apple TV don’t release official viewing
who were here previously – Robert Taylor, figures, but leading subscriptions analysts
Benjamin Cremaschi, Leonardo Campana, Antenna reported MLS Season Pass sign-ups
David Ruiz – all elevated their game, partly to were up 1,690 per cent for Messi’s Cruz Azul
show him they’re worthy of being his team- along with Martino, presided over a sizeable Right and below debut. In July, outlets reported 300,000 more
mate but also because they had more space uptick in standards across the division. Messi merch sales subscribers, taking the total over one million.
to roam and shoot while the big three were “The way they train and approach matches have skyrocketed; A month later, Apple CEO Tim Cook noted,
being marked much tighter.” has already had a profound impact on Miami MLS Season Pass “For MLS, we couldn’t be happier with how
DeAndre Yedlin, Miami captain before you and also the clubs who have to play them,” sign-ups shot up the partnership is going.”
know who rocked up, speaks for many at the says MLS’ Rodriguez. “They realise the level. by 1,690 per cent MLS head honcho Rodriguez agrees. “No
club of the good vibes. “He’s always smiling, You doubt Messi’s commitment? He won an for his Miami bow other league around the world has had the
he talks to everybody,” revealed the former eighth Ballon d’Or [in October], flew overnight courage to try something like that – it’s been
Newcastle full-back. “He’s completely mixed and was in training at 10am the next day. If successful too, and with two clicks of a button
in with the group: the old guys, the young anyone could be excused for arriving late for we’re all over the world,” he says, taking out
guys, just like a regular player. I had ridiculous a session, that was it, but it speaks to his love his iPhone. “Apple have been public about
respect for him as a player before he signed, of the game and respect for his team-mates.” how much this deal has already succeeded
but I have even more respect for him now – their expectations. Upon Messi’s arrival, we
he’s an unbelievable human being.” “HE’S ORDERED PIZZA?!” doubled Season Pass subscriptions. We’ve
Perhaps the only surprise was the end to had matches viewed in nearly 100 different
the 2023 season. Following that LAFC win, Off the field, a financial behemoth exploded nations worldwide.”
Messi missed six of Miami’s nine remaining in capitalism’s spiritual home. Part of the Within 24 hours of Miami’s Instagram
MLS games through a mixture of injury and reason for the month’s delay between account confirming Messi’s arrival, it
fatigue, scoring just once. The Herons, also Messi’s June announcement and July had a 500 per cent increase in followers.
shorn of Busquets and Alba during the same unveiling was to finalise the details of The club now has over 16 million, more
period, won just once without their talisman a contract that will see the Argentine than all US pro sports teams bar NBA
and failed to reach the post-season play-offs. pocket $50-60 million a year, a figure sides the Golden State Warriors and LA
“The minute he got hurt, everything went that includes basic salary – at $20.4m, Lakers. In the same period, the eBay
downhill,” says the Miami Herald’s Kaufman. more than the entire payroll of 25 of market in Messi collectibles increased
“It may as well be called Messi FC because 29 MLS sides – plus bonuses and equity by 75 per cent, and Google searches by
it’s his team. There was a buzz in the games in the club once he retires. 1,200 per cent.
he played, while in the games he missed it Among the biggest commercial Messi’s shirt became the most sold
was deflating on and off the field.” incentives is the cut he negotiated for jersey of 2023 within 45 minutes of its
Yet despite the damp squib finale, Messi, sign-ups to Apple+, the TV streaming launch on MLSStore.com, the league’s
Busquets and Alba’s mere presence has, service which holds exclusive global retail site. Three days later, it was the

34 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 LIOnEL
MESSI

TATA MARTInO:
last 15 seasons. We hope to find
a very good version of him, just like
last year at Gremio.

“WE KnOW THE EYES OF THE The fans understandably want to

see every big star play. What do

WORLD ARE WATCHInG US”

you say to them if maybe that
doesn’t happen in some games,
like when Messi is away at the
Copa America this summer?
We have a responsibility to make
the people feel well represented by
Inter’s boss explains how the presence of Messi us on the field when the biggest
stars aren’t playing. If people know
and other stars has changed things at the club that for different reasons Leo is not
going to be there, or Sergio, Luis or
Jordi, it would be wonderful that
people know they’ll still see a very
Words Franco Panizo competitive side – that way people
can come to games regardless.

Did you find it tricky last season

With Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, a competitive team, and obviously when there were expectations to
Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba that comes with responsibilities. see the stars in every game, and
in your squad, do you think you What we have to do is try to win, there was disappointment when
have a ‘Super Team’ of all-stars, like we did last year. We had good Messi was injured?
as sometimes seen in the NBA? results in some competitions and One thing that was difficult was
I like the NBA – previously the not so good results in others. But this topic of their availabilities and
Super Teams were made of two yes, we’re in a place where the eyes whether ‘More tickets will be sold’.
star players, then it became three of the world are watching because I would love to have them all play
and now there are Super Teams of the names that Inter Miami has. every game, but we cannot make
of four. Even with that, it’s not easy those decisions based on whether
to win a title. I know we’ll finish What’s your favourite moment we can sell more or less tickets with
building a very good team that will managing Messi in Miami so far? them out on the field. The reality is
demand that we compete well. We I always like to focus on football, that if they are healthy then they’ll
also know what that generates in and the one that sticks with me is play the majority of the games, but
our opponents. When the Wizards the pass to Benjamin Cremaschi in we also have an obligation to take
take on Milwaukee in the NBA, the the New York Red Bulls game. care of them and the team.
Wizards play better and want to
outdo Milwaukee because they That was great vision from Messi, You’ve been embarking on a long
have three or four top players. We before the return pass allowed pre-season in different countries.
have to prepare that we’ll get the Leo to score his maiden MLS goal. Have you had any concern that
most sold in history. For Adidas, the official best from our opponents. Does it You’ve added Suarez this season, players might be tired?
kit supplier for every MLS team and Messi’s guarantee that we’ll win titles? what impact can he have? We understand there’s a business
bootmaker, it’s a symbiotic relationship. Only if we prepare well and move We’ll have to take precautions with side and a sporting side – we try to
“Adidas have been working towards this away from the idea that we’ll win his knee, but we hope to see what make both co-exist. Playing in Saudi
for decades,” an insider who used to work just by having players with a proven he has done regularly during the Arabia, Japan and Hong Kong has
for the manufacturer tells FFT. “Since Adidas history. The teams that win are been well organised – it was initially
signed Messi in 2006, he’s never played for the ones that live in the present. planned when we were doing our
a club side whose kit is also made by Adidas final training sessions at the end of
– Barcelona and PSG were both Nike, though Do you feel under any pressure to 2023. We’ve been trying to manage
they had the ‘double bubble’, if you like, with get results, because of the stars? the minutes of each player, while
Argentina. Messi going to MLS, and therefore Not at all. I have the possibility to understanding that the contracts
everyone wearing Adidas kits and kicking manage very good players, to have demand our best players take part.
Adidas balls, couldn’t be a better outcome.”
Even more tangential outlets are reaping
the Messi economic kickbacks. The family
have purchased a $10.75m eight-bedroom,
nine-and-a-half bathroom property in the
Bay Colony community in Fort Lauderdale,
and many local realtors believe house prices
nearby will rocket. Up to $400m is expected
in extra tourism revenue in the wider Miami
area as fans from around the world come to
watch Messi’s farewell tour.
Attendances across the board soared, too.
Miami themselves, assisted by the building of
3,000 extra seats, saw a league-high 40 per
cent increase in their average home crowd,
up to 17,698, while also being the only MLS
side to draw an average of more than 30,000
supporters across their away fixtures. In the
 LIOnEL
MESSI

six MLS away games after Messi’s arrival, that the upward curve. The Miami game at LAFC
average was 45,764. Chicago Fire achieved had prices of $600, up 500 per cent, while
a record 62,124 at Soldier Field, Charlotte they rose by 1,288 per cent from $36 to $500
welcomed 66,101 people (against a 34,476 at New York Red Bulls. Prices on secondary
average) and Atlanta United 71,635. Those markets are higher-still – Dallas tickets had
three kept their new followers, too, in their an alarming 2,060 per cent markup.
next home game post-Miami – Charlotte had At Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium, there was
2,931 more fans than average, Chicago 1,860 a 1,000 per cent hike on the $40 seats behind
and Atlanta a 1,675 bump. To make the most the goal for Messi’s Cruz Azul bow, the single-
of this, Sporting Kansas City have announced ticket average mushrooming from $152 to
that their home match against Miami will be a hefty $935. The cheapest season ticket is
played at NFL side the Chiefs’ 79,451-seater now $884 (up from $484) for 17 MLS games.
Arrowhead Stadium. A $3,600 ticket in the Midfield Club section in
The difficulty comes when Messi isn’t able 2023 now costs $7,650.
to play. Despite the record numbers, and pink “Loads of people got priced out,” laments
Messi No.10 shirts dominating, he missed podcaster and season ticket holder Guigon.
the Chicago and Atlanta trips through injury. “You go from paying $1,500 for two season
On the day before the latter game, Martino tickets to about $4,000 for 2024, and for a lot
had told his Friday morning press conference matchday itself, and by then thousands of Above “We’re only of the working class and even middle-class
that Messi was fit after international duty and people have bought tickets. here for the Messi, people who should be the core support of any
would travel to Atlanta that afternoon with “That’s sport. There’s no guarantee when here for the Messi” football club, they can’t afford that.
the rest of the squad. That night, he posted you buy your ticket four months in advance Below “OK, you’re “The club went about it with an attitude of
an Instagram video of a pizza delivery at his that the star is going to play. At a concert, officially better at ‘Hey, thanks for being with us from day one,
Miami home. On Saturday morning, he was the singer can get sick and cancel, but for taking free-kicks!” but we can make more money if we sell your
filmed at eldest son Thiago’s Miami academy the most part you know you’ll see the show.” seats to someone else, so we don’t really care
match, Martino explaining after a 5-2 defeat The Chicago non-appearance had been if you leave’. We were told in our first season
that Messi and Jordi Alba had been absent foreseen, the Fire announcing $250 or $50 in 2020 that we would always matter and
with “muscle fatigue”. season- or single-ticket credit respectively be central to what the club does. Then Messi
Though some fans stayed sanguine, others for 2024 for fans who paid over the odds to arrives and they chase this extra cash they
were devastated, some driving more than watch a Messi-less Miami. can get instead. The trade-off is too great.”
five hours for a once-in-a-lifetime moment “Even Chicago coach Frank Klopas said, Guigon has noted an increasing disconnect.
that didn’t happen. In the NFL and NBA, sides despite Messi not playing, that it was still Players used to stroll to the stadium from
must list players officially as ‘questionable’ a great thing for the club to have that the adjacent training centre, interacting
prior to each fixture. many people in the stadium who then with supporters as they went. Now, the
“Fans complained that there wasn’t enough came back,” explains Kaufman. “Many squad board a bus after their team
transparency,” says Miami Herald journalist teams found something similar. The meal, are taken 250ft down the road
Kaufman. “If they knew he wasn’t going to league has benefited even in the games and hop off again behind a high-
play, they should have said so earlier in the he didn’t feature, as fans have thought, wire security fence.
week, but the coaches kept insisting that if ‘Hey, this is better than I expected’.” “In the early days, you could
he said he was ready to play, he would play. As teams seek to cash in across the find the Mas brothers or Beckham
Sometimes he would make that decision on board, ticket prices have also followed around the stadium and they were

36 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 LIOnEL
MESSI

“MESSI IS THE HIGH-

“But we believe if people come to watch
Messi, they’ll see youngsters like Benjamin

TICKET ITEM BUT THE

Cremaschi and think, ‘Hey, that’s a tidy little
player there, he’s attractive, good guy, good

FAnS WILL ALWAYS BE

story’. These are the things we have to do to
develop the league. We must capture that

THERE. THEY nEED TO

aspect of fandom. Ecuador fans might come
to this summer’s Copa America, hosted here

BE PROTECTED MORE”
in the States, see their players from MLS and
stick around for more.”

PELE, ALI AND THE POPE

The 2024 season presents a point of flux in
the Inter Miami story. Before the campaign
has even kicked off, the Herons have been
embarking upon a 24,000-mile pre-season
tour to four countries, including El Salvador,
Hong Kong and an inevitable friendly against
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
That’s before a possible 60-plus-game season
featuring MLS, Champions Cup, Leagues Cup
and US Open Cup.
Messi is now 36, Busquets 35, and Alba 34,
with the trio joined ahead of the new season
by 37-year-old Luis Suarez in what is fast
resembling a Barcelona retirement home.
El Pistolero cancelled his Gremio contract
a year early to link up with his best mate –
like Alba, the Uruguayan isn’t a designated
player and has taken a significant pay cut to
willing to talk and be upfront with the fans, do so. Suarez scored 29 goals in 54 goals in
listening to us,” he reflects. Then there’s the all competitions while in Brazil, but admits
difference between the Miami and Messi fan. to needing daily injections just to have two
“I hate to say it, because I’ll get messages vaguely functioning knees.
about this, but it’s very noticeable,” continues “We know how close the pair are, we know
Guigon. “They only come to the ground when his reputation, both good and bad, and what
he plays. They’ll only buy Messi merchandise he’s like as a No.9, which he’s proven for so
and do anything if it involves him. That’s not many years,” continues Echegaray. “But the
a sustainable way to establish a fanbase or medical team will have their work cut out to
culture, catering only to those new fans. get him through the season. Travel is an issue
“Miami are making all their sporting choices in MLS more than many leagues and artificial
around this one- or two-year window. It feels pitches don’t help either.
more Club Internacional de Futbol Messi, not “It’s so important for Inter Miami to have
Club Internacional de Futbol Miami. a deep, collective philosophy under Martino
“I’ve already reached the point where I’m and not just their ‘superstars’. One of the
considering my future support of the club – best stories from last season was Benjamin
I have been for a little while. I know lots of Cremaschi and they need more guys like that
fans who got rid of their season tickets and to keep the engine running. If Messi, Suarez,
went to the local tier-two side Miami FC. I’ll Top to bottom The problem is if he starts to miss a run of Busquets and Alba are the golden stars, the
have a very difficult decision to make around Price hikes and games, or needs a rest.” rest of the squad has to be the coal added
renewing for 2025.” culture shifts ESPN’s Echegaray concurs. “More needs to to the fire to keep it going. MLS Cup winners
Such issues are so divisive that they’ve split are leaving fans be done to protect the regular fans,” he says. don’t just have a star, they have a squad.”
sections of the fanbase. FFT contacted three feeling cut off; “Most fans would expect prices to go up after Messi will miss five MLS matches, maybe
of the four official Inter supporters’ clubs for getting the old you sign Leo Messi and the club changing seven or more, to play in the Copa America
comment, but were ignored or turned down. Barcelona band a bit, but you have to protect the people who this summer – the final is at Miami Dolphins’
Another fan asked not to be interviewed due back together have been there from the beginning and will Hard Rock Stadium, obviously. He’ll feature in
to the backlash in a fervid local community at be there after Messi. Argentina’s World Cup qualifiers, too.
previous comments they’d made. “When you spike the tickets so much, and For a team whose fortunes have depended
Kaufman sympathises, to a point. “If you don’t protect them from secondary markets, so entirely on the man who will turn 37 this
want it to be the old, quaint way with tickets what are you doing? They make all the noise. summer, finding depth is vital. Last season’s
half the price and the ability to have a selfie Messi is the high-ticket item, but they’ll be best centre-back Kamal Miller has been sold
with DeAndre Yedlin or whoever, then you there afterwards.” to Portland Timbers – head coach, Phil Neville
can’t have Messi on the team,” she insists. For their part, MLS say they are monitoring – and replaced by Argentine defender Nicolas
“Fans tend to complain a lot but, if you ask if the situation. “It’s an interesting question,” Freire, although former two-time MLS Cup-
they’d rather Messi go to another MLS team says executive vice-president Rodriguez. “We winning midfielder Julian Gressel is a shrewd
or Saudi Arabia, the answer would always be have to be cognisant of the balance because signing. The former Atlanta midfielder covers
no. Where I agree is on the price. If they’re this is Major League Soccer, not Messi League three roles and has 25 goals and 56 assists in
having to pay double for 17 MLS home games Soccer. Lionel’s time as a player will pass – 200 MLS games. “The biggest question mark
because Messi is on the team, then you want we hope he’ll continue to have an affiliation is the health and fitness of the big four,” says
him to be on the field for each one of those to the club and the league beyond that – so fan Guigon, “because if they’re able to go full
matches you’re paying exorbitant sums for. we have to find that balance. speed in every important match, Miami will

FourFourTwo March 2024 37

 LIOnEL
MESSI

thrive. But if they pick up injuries or

fatigue, Miami will struggle.”
Nevertheless, they’re most people’s
favourites to be champions. “Anything
other than a deep run in the play-offs,
semis at least, would be a big letdown,”
says local journalist Kaufman. “You can’t
have that roster, those four Barcelona guys
back on the same team, and finish in sixth.
That would be a massive disappointment,
and unacceptable.
“There are no more excuses following last
season’s arrivals. They’ve set themselves up
as an all-star team with high expectations.
There will be gigantic pressure on this side to
win from the get-go on February 21 against
Real Salt Lake. They’re the favourite.”
For his part, vice-captain Yedlin isn’t fazed.
“The more time we have together, the more
dangerous we’ll be,” he said. “Tata’s really
possession heavy and wants us to dominate
matches. If that means taking certain risks,
putting numbers forward, then that’s what
we’re going to do. He’s so stubborn on that.
We’ve been learning on the fly, but with
a full pre-season we’ll be able to show how
good we can be.”
Winning is the quickest way to establishing
the sort of legacy Inter Miami and MLS want
from the Messi project. “He has completely
embraced the club, community, everything,”
says Echegaray. All three of Messi’s sons are
in the academy and he’s regularly spotted
“LEBROn COMInG TO
talking to youngsters. “This is why he’s so
happy. Inter Miami told him he’d be a major
MIAMI HEAT WAS SO
part of their identity. It’s not just about being
our leader on the pitch but our ambassador.
BIG, BUT IT WASn’T
“Any other market, obviously Messi takes
over – he goes to Los Angeles, New York, of
AnYTHInG LIKE THIS”
course, but Miami is different because of the
Latin influence. Almost all the academy kids
come from a diverse background and that’s
such a big thing for him.”
All 21 and under, Cremaschi, David Ruiz,
Ian Fray and Noah Allen are South Florida
natives and already first-team regulars. Both
they and Messi will inspire new generations,
who’ll grow up with a Miami Freedom Park
stadium within the city limits from next year.
“I’m a referee for youth football down here
and ended up reffing one of his son Thiago’s
matches,” reveals Guigon. “It was an unreal
experience to do that and thinking, ‘Wow,
Lionel Messi is one of the parents watching
me’. Seeing his impact on youth football, and
players on both teams in disbelief that they’re
being watched by the greatest player of all
time, is just extraordinary to see.” Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel Top Miami fans staying power. Messi has reached a level of
Starting with the Copa America this year, has said Messi in Vice City is “one of the most have high hopes acclaim based on his skill. That resonates.
the US will host the Club World Cup in 2025, monumental things to happen to American for this season The intensity is higher than ever. It’s love.
the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in sports in my lifetime”. That includes Messi’s Above Leo and Love for him reaches every part of the world.”
2028. They’re also favourites to be chosen to co-owner, Beckham. “I’ve been a sportswriter his family have One of those three brought football to the
stage the next Women’s World Cup in 2027. for 35 years and never seen one athlete have fully embraced US in the ’70s, another transcended boxing to
That’s five years, with Messi at the heart of it. such an impact on or off the field,” declares their new home transform what it meant to be a sportsman,
“The world will be on our shores,” says MLS’ Kaufman. “LeBron coming to Miami Heat the other is the Argentine figurehead of
Rodriguez. “I don’t think another nation could was really big, but it wasn’t anything like this.” the Catholic Church, the holiest man on the
put those five events back to back. They’ll MLS’ Rodriguez goes further. “I equate him planet. His compatriot, diminutive of stature
see our game, fans, tifos and culture and say to Pele, Muhammad Ali and the Pope,” he but discernible of reach, is bigger still. John
‘I’ll follow this. My second favourite team is says. “Media itself was so different that those Lennon once said the Beatles might be more
in MLS’. If we make MLS everyone’s second three had global acclaim at a time where popular than Jesus.
favourite league, we’ll eventually become the you’re waiting for the next day’s papers to be Lionel Andres Messi definitely is. This is his
biggest in the world.” shipped around the world. Ali and Pele had world, we’re all just living in it.

38 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 LIOnEL
MESSI

DEAn SMITH:
When you started out as a manager at
Walsall, did you expect to be taking on
Messi one day?

“I’M LOOKInG FORWARD TO PITTInG MY WITS

I’ve had to work hard to get where I am now.
To coach in the Premier League was huge for
me – I remember coaching under-14 teams

AGAInST A TEAM WITH LIOnEL MESSI In IT”

while my daughter did her homework on the
side of the pitch, so to now be pitting my wits
against the world’s best is testament to what
hard work can get you. My job now is to help
build Charlotte FC into a team that competes
regularly, as one of the top six or eight that
The former Aston Villa, Norwich and Leicester boss now manages Charlotte FC fights for the trophy at the end of the season.
I want to create a new identity for them with
– this year, he has to figure out how to stop arguably the greatest player of all a successful style of play.

How will you find the travelling for each

away game?
Words Ryan Dabbs It’s different – the mode of travel is normally
a plane, because the country is so vast. Going
back to my first coaching job at Leyton Orient,
when we had to travel to Carlisle it was an
You became manager of North Carolina won MLS last year. I played with Kwame [at eight-hour bus journey, so I’ve been used to
club Charlotte FC in December. How did it Leyton Orient] and asked him for his opinion travelling before and I’ll be used to travelling
come about? – he was at Montreal before also. He certainly here by the end of it.
I was asked whether I wanted to join the believed it’s a really improving league, and
process to become head coach here – I’d one I’d enjoy managing in. Do you see managing Charlotte as a chance
met the directors before, when I came to to build your profile again, after a couple
watch a Charlotte game about 18 months All eyes are on MLS now because of Lionel of difficult jobs with Norwich and Leicester
ago. When I joined the process for the job, Messi. Are you looking forward to facing that resulted in relegation from the top
I thought about it and asked questions to him and Inter Miami later on in the year? flight in each case?
people I know who coach and play in MLS. Yeah, the name’s synonymous with the sport Well, first thing’s first, I can’t get relegated
I also spoke to my family, because it’s not in general, and he’s certainly helped to build here! Despite relegation, I was quite happy
just a big move for me, but also for them as a massive interest in MLS. But it’s growing with what I left behind at Leicester – when
well. Fortunately, I’ve got a son who’s been more than just because of the impact of one I arrived, the team had only picked up one
playing out in the Carolinas for the last six player. It’s a young league, a growing league, point out of the previous 30, so we needed
years, so that obviously helped our decision. so having the world’s best player here can a lot more to try to stay up. Unfortunately
We’ve had vacations here over the last six only enhance it. I’m really looking forward to we didn’t, but I thought we still managed to
years because of that, so we know it fairly pitting my wits against a side with Messi in it. get the players working really hard again for
well. I really liked what I’d heard about the the club, and in the end we were unfortunate
club, then when I visited the facilities I was to go down. At Norwich, I left them in fourth
impressed with them. I thought it was going position in the Championship, so there can’t
to be the right challenge for me at this time. be too much disappointment.

You’re one of five English managers in Do you still have ambitions to return to the
MLS, together with Phil Neville (Portland), Premier League in the future?
Nick Cushing (New York City), Gary Smith My focus right now is, and always has been,
(Nashville) and John Herdman (Toronto). whichever club I’m managing at and going
Did you talk to any of the other four while through as many lessons as I can to become
considering the job? a better manager. I’ll give everything here at
No, although I did speak to Kwame Ampadu, Charlotte, so that’s where my concentration
the assistant coach of Columbus Crew, who and focus will be.
 MADDEST
MOVES

Long before Lionel Messi headed to MLS, these stars also travelled the world – ending up in surprising places...

Words Tom Hancock

40 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 MADDEST
MOVES

30 DIXIE DEAn 28 LES FERDInAnD 26 TERRY MCDERMOTT

Above Taribo
West followed
a well-trodden
One of the greatest goalscorers in England path: Plymouth These days, everyone goes to Turkey – that McDermott got his hands on no shortage of
football history, Dean joined Ireland’s Sligo Argyle to Iran wasn’t the case when QPR loaned a young trophies throughout his career, the majority
Rovers in 1939. Understandably, that sent Ferdinand to Besiktas in 1988. It was the with Liverpool – but he also tasted glory twice
the locals wild – Sligo’s railway station was only time that Sir Les played abroad – and it at Cypriot club APOEL. After a brief spell in
overcome with hordes of people, desperately yielded one of his two major trophies, the the Republic of Ireland with Cork, the former
clamouring to catch a glimpse of the striker. Turkish Cup under English boss Gordon Milne. England midfielder wrapped up his career in
HOW’D IT GO? Dean netted 10 times in just MOST NOTABLE MOMENT Being instructed the eastern Mediterranean.
seven league outings, although he had his to release a dove on the pitch – he threw it HOW’D IT GO? McDermott spent two years
cup final runners-up medal stolen – it was up into the air, but it plummeted like a stone with APOEL, lifting the league title and the
returned to him years later. and crashed to the ground. Oh… big one, the Cypriot Super Cup.

29 PETER BEARDSLEY 27 TARIBO WEST 25 DIMITAR BERBATOV

A little-known youngster for Carlisle United, It would have been noteworthy enough if Six years after scooping the Premier League
Northumberland-born Beardsley headed to West had finished his career at Plymouth Golden Boot, Berbatov rocked up at Indian
Canada in the early 1980s – signing for NASL Argyle, but the groovy-haired Nigerian had Super League outfit Kerala Blasters. The
club Vancouver Whitecaps under manager time for one more club: Paykan of Iran, of Bulgarian great spent a little more than six
Johnny Giles, the former Leeds United star. course. The Asian nation became the eighth months with the Blasters, where he found
HOW’D IT GO? His goalscoring form helped country in which he plied his trade. himself deployed as a defensive midfielder
to earn him a transfer to Manchester United HOW’D IT GO? It didn’t get going at all: he by manager David James.
– that didn’t go brilliantly, so he was soon left after three months without starting HE SAID “Worst wannabe coach ever, worst
back at Vancouver again, before making his a game, then claimed he was joining Xerez, tactical advice” – Berbatov was not a huge
name in England with Newcastle United. who denied all knowledge of it. Awkward… fan of James’ management, it’s fair to say.

FourFourTwo March 2024 41

 MADDEST
MOVES

24 DAnIELE DE ROSSI 22 KAZUYOSHI MIURA 20 nICKY BUTT

Above “It’s true,
I got the man of
the match, and
De Rossi was very nearly a one-club man for Moving from Japan to Portugal is uncommon I only played for David Beckham wasn’t the only member of
Roma, only for the World Cup winner to then – doing it at the age of 55 is more unusual. 26 minutes...” the Class of ’92 to secure silverware on two
make an unexpected switch to Argentine Japanese legend Miura did exactly that last continents – Butt did it too, after a surprise
giants Boca Juniors at the end of his career, year, heading to second-tier club Oliveirense move to Hong Kong’s South China in 2010.
signing a one-year contract in July 2019. He on loan from Yokohama FC. MOST NOTABLE MOMENT After an eventful
immediately snapped up 100 replica shirts HOW’D IT GO? The veteran played rarely – debut, scoring from a free-kick (good) and
for friends and family. Why not? an opposition boss called it ‘a circus’ when missing a penalty (not so good), the six-time
HOW’D IT GO? Boca won the league, but a cameo earned him man of the match. But Premier League champion finally bagged the
De Rossi had left by then, retiring six months he still had his loan extended ‘indefinitely’, trophy he’d dreamed about since he was
into his stay, citing personal reasons. which isn’t generally how loans work. Odd. a kid – the 2010-11 Hong Kong League Cup.

23 PAUL MARInER 21 JACKIE MILBURn 19 ZICO

A UEFA Cup winner with Ipswich in 1980-81, One of the biggest legends in the history of The man dubbed the ‘White Pele’ was one
Mariner spent the latter years of his career in Newcastle United, Milburn spent the first of Brazil’s greatest ever players and also the
Australia, the USA and then most intriguingly 14 years of his career on Tyneside before country’s Minister of Sports when he came
Malta, where he turned out for Naxxar Lions. making the move to Northern Ireland with out of retirement to join Japanese club
The ex-England forward commuted to and Linfield in 1957. Wor Jackie was appointed Kashima Antlers in 1991, ahead of the start
from Suffolk for matches, while also working as player-manager at the Belfast club. of the inaugural J League season.
as Diego Maradona’s European agent. Fancy HOW’D IT GO? The forward finished as top HOW’D IT GO? Zico scored 46 goals in 66
a move to Malta, Diego? scorer in each of his two seasons, winning games for Kashima, including a memorable
HE SAID “It was a bit of a tough commute, two league titles and the Irish Cup. To be scorpion kick, earning a statue, before later
but you’ve got to pay the bills.” expected really – he was Jackie Milburn. returning as manager and technical director.

42 March 2024 FourFourTwo

18 MICKY QUInn 16 DALIAn ATKInSOn 14 GABRIEL BATISTUTA
Right “What do
you mean, this
is Newcastle KB
Quite the cult hero, Quinn racked up plenty United? There’s Aston Villa favourite Atkinson had already An Argentina, Fiorentina and Roma legend,
of goals for Portsmouth, Newcastle United been a mix-up” had spells abroad in Spain (Real Sociedad), Batistuta went out with a bang (sort of) by
and Coventry during his career – rather more Turkey (Fenerbahce), France (Metz) and Saudi scoring prolifically for Qatari club Al Arabi.
unexpectedly, he also got on the scoresheet Arabia (Al Ittihad) during the 1990s – he Batigol signed in 2003, racking up 27 goals in
for PAOK after moving to the Greek city of then went even further afield in 2001, joining 24 appearances – including 25 in his first
Thessaloniki in 1995. South Korea’s Daejeon Citizen. Qatar Stars League campaign.
HE SAID “Greece wasn’t the word” – unpaid HOW’D IT GO? The striker’s stay there was HE SAID Speaking in 2010, as he assessed
bonuses, and the club making the switch to brief, as was his stint at fellow club Jeonbuk the prospect of Qatar holding a summer
a boss who didn’t speak English, left Quinn Hyundai Motors, before he hung up his boots World Cup, Batistuta insisted, “I’m sure the
seeking a swift return home. and called time on his playing career. climate won’t be a problem”. Er…

17 MARTA 15 MAICOn 13 BOBBY CHARLTOn

One of the all-time greats of the women’s Having made a sizeable chunk of his club It’s easy to think that Charlton only ever
game, Marta’s 2004 transfer to Sweden’s appearances at Inter’s San Siro, a stadium played for Manchester United, such is his
Umea was an eye-catching move. True, the that could hold the population of San Marino untouchable hero status at Old Trafford, but
club had pedigree – they were the reigning twice over, Maicon then moved to actual San he actually ended his career in Australia (via
European champions – but swapping Brazil Marino, finishing his career with Tre Penne a shift as Preston gaffer and spell in Ireland).
for a small city in northern Scandinavia was (that’s Italian for ‘Three Feathers’, FYI). HOW’D IT GO? Charlton fleetingly lined up
quite the change of scenery. MOST NOTABLE MOMENT Fulfilling a dream for the confusingly-named Newcastle KB
HOW’D IT GO? Four Swedish titles, one of playing in the Europa Conference League, United, plus Perth Azzurri and Blacktown
Swedish Cup and the UEFA Women’s Cup – his side were thrashed 7-0 on aggregate by City, scoring for the latter aged 42, still
even if she probably shivered through it all. Georgians Dinamo Batumi. Taxi for Maicon! a record for an Australian top-flight game.

FourFourTwo March 2024 43

 MADDEST
MOVES

12 ROBBIE FOWLER 10 DAVID ROCASTLE 08 STEVE ARCHIBALD

Top left Robbie
Fowler: a true
MUFC legend
Michael Owen ruined his reputation among A two-time English champion with Arsenal, When Diego Maradona left Barcelona in
Liverpool fans by signing for Manchester where his legend still endures, Rocastle 1984, Terry Venables knew who to replace
United, but Robbie Fowler played for MUFC finished his career with temporary stretches him with – not Hugo Sanchez, as the board
too – that’s Muangthong United, of course. at Norwich City and Hull City, then a move to had recommended, but Scotland forward
The striker headed to Thailand after spells Malaysian side Sabah. Archibald, recruited from Spurs for £1.15m.
with North Queensland Fury and Perth Glory. MOST NOTABLE MOMENT The ex-England HOW’D IT GO? Possibly the first ex-Clyde
HOW’D IT GO? Fowler was a hit and later midfielder proved a success in Asia, reaching player to line up for Barça, he helped them
ended up managing Muangthong, before the final of Malaysia’s FA Cup and scoring to their first league title in 11 years, then
heading to Brisbane Roar, East Bengal and some stunning goals, including a volley that the European Cup final, before restrictions
Saudi Arabian club Al Qadsiah. Quite the CV. found the net from fully 50 yards. on foreigners saw Gary Lineker usurp him.

11 ALFREDO DI STEFAnO 09 CLAUDIO CAnIGGIA 07 EMMAnUEL ADEBAYOR

Despite being promised to Torino in the wake There were several Argentine internationals After time in Turkey with Istanbul Basaksehir
of the 1949 Superga air disaster, which killed in Serie A at the turn of the century; not so and Kayserispor, Adebayor’s next move was
their entire team, Argentine Di Stefano was many in Scotland, which made Caniggia’s obvious: er, Paraguay. At 35 years old, the
instead lured from River Plate to Colombia. arrival at Dundee quite a story. Linking up striker headed to join Olimpia, just before the
What first attracted Alfredo to the top-flight with boss Ivano Bonetti, who he knew from pandemic in early 2020.
club Millonarios? It’s impossible to say. his time in Italy, Caniggia starred. MOST NOTABLE MOMENT Weeks after being
HOW’D IT GO? Di Stefano scored 267 goals HOW’D IT GO? The forward had one season paraded to much fanfare, he was sent off for
in 292 games for Millonarios, during an era with Dundee – two years after he left for booting an opponent in the face, then swiftly
in which the Colombian league broke away Rangers, the Dee signed Fabrizio Ravanelli, went home to Togo because of COVID and
from FIFA, then headed to Real Madrid. too. That went less well... never returned. Thanks for the memories…

44 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 MADDEST
MOVES

06 GEORGE BEST 04 PEP GUARDIOLA 02 ROBERTO CARLOS

Right Luiz Felipe
Scolari explains
the deal: “One
After spending the first 11 years of his senior million for you, Having won it all as a player at Barcelona, Anzhi Makhachkala were dissolved in 2022 –
career at Manchester United, Best rocked up Rivaldo, four Guardiola left for Italy and Qatar before 11 years after billionaire Suleyman Kerimov’s
at South African side Jewish Guild – the start million for me” donning a sombrero and heading to Mexico, takeover allowed the Russian club to attract
of a tour that would take him to Stockport, rather than accepting an offer from Bolton. some very big names indeed. Roberto Carlos
Cork Celtic, Los Angeles Aztecs, Fulham, Fort He linked up with his future Manchester City was the biggest, even receiving a Bugatti for
Lauderdale Strikers, Hibernian, San Jose, AFC assistant Juanma Lillo at Dorados, the club his birthday from Kerimov.
Bournemouth and Brisbane Lions. Eclectic. Diego Maradona would later manage. HOW’D IT GO? He helped Anzhi qualify for
HOW’D IT GO? He only played five games for HOW’D IT GO? Injury restricted Pep to just the Europa League but suffered racism, had
Jewish Guild, criticised for missing training 10 appearances, before he retired – if only a banana thrown at him and retired (only to
sessions. Yep, that sounds like Best… he’d signed for Sam Allardyce, eh? un-retire and join India’s Delhi Dynamos).

05 PELE 03 PAUL GASCOIGnE 01 RIVALDO

Even Lionel Messi’s US move couldn’t match Seven years after the dentist’s chair incident The older Rivaldo got, the weirder that his
the razzmatazz around Pele’s switch to New in Hong Kong, Gascoigne was back in the Far destinations became. Lured to Bunyodkor in
York Cosmos in 1975, the signing that truly East. What could go wrong? Well, he played Uzbekistan by a lucrative offer in 2008 – the
put America on the football map. So feverish just four games for Gansu Tianma, and the club were also coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari
was the mania, he was injured by a crowd of Chinese club threatened to take legal action – he then moved to Angolan side Kabuscorp.
fans during a public appearance in Boston, after he left amid the SARS epidemic. Ah. Who knew Angola had that sort of money?
and had to be evacuated on a stretcher. MOST NOTABLE MOMENT Visiting the local HOW’D IT GO? Actually, they didn’t: they
MOST NOTABLE MOMENT Retiring after zoo, attempting to throw a horse’s head to stopped paying him, he left, and they were
winning the 1977 NASL, and a jape when he some tigers, but missing their enclosure and relegated by FIFA because of debts owed to
smuggled a small shark into a hotel bath. throwing it to the penguins instead. Tuck in... the Brazilian. A successful venture all round...

FourFourTwo March 2024 45

GUGLIELMO
VICARIO
 GUGLIELMO
VICARIO

Guglielmo Vicario isn’t your

average Premier League keeper.
Having spent six seasons in Italy’s
lower leagues and welcomed
Ukrainian refugees into his family
home, he tells FFT why taking
risks means he’s appreciating
every moment at Tottenham...

Words Ben Hayward

 “I DIDn’T WAnT TO LISTEn
or almost a dozen years at chance to join Spurs, to play in the Premier
Tottenham Hotspur, there League and to live in a big city like London.
was a constant presence
between the sticks.
France international Hugo
You also had some interest from Italy...
Maybe, I don’t know, but when I listened to TO AnYTHInG ELSE EXCEPT
SPURS. LIFE’S TOO EASY TO
Lloris appeared 447 times Tottenham, I said, “OK, Tottenham.” I didn’t
under eight Spurs want to listen to anything else, I wanted to
bosses, including come here. I don’t need comfortable stuff in

LIVE In A COMFORT ZOnE”

interims – nine if my life. Life is too easy to live in a comfort
you count Ryan zone – for me this was a challenge. The level
Mason’s pair of here is the best in the world. It was also an
spells separately opportunity to experience how people live in
– and was a safe, reliable a different way to Italy, and to learn a new
comfort blanket for Mauricio language in a new dressing room.
Pochettino’s nearly men,
Jose Mourinho and Antonio Is it true that it was also your mother’s
Conte’s joylessness and Tim dream to move to England one day?
Sherwood’s banter era. Yeah, she always had that dream. When she
Under Ange Postecoglou, was at university, she spent a lot of time in
though, a new-look Spurs England in the summer. She was in Oxford
have had a new goalkeeper, for a course after university – she often told
and it already feels as if me that you have to improve your English,
Guglielmo Vicario has been because you don’t know what could happen
at the club for years. in life. Maybe you can enjoy it if you go on
Last season at Empoli, the holiday, but also if you want to work abroad.
Italian made more saves English is spoken in every part of the world.
(227) than any gloveman in My mother and father are now retired, so
Europe’s top five leagues – they can spend part of their life in England –
Inter, Juventus and Napoli I’m very happy they come over, spend maybe
were all reportedly interested in securing his 20 days here, go back to Italy and then come
services, before his transfer to north London over again. They really like London. It’s been
for an initial £17.2 million. an opportunity to try to rebuild a little part
As the last line of defence in Postecoglou’s of our family here, because my cousin has
swashbuckling side, the 27-year-old has been been in London for 12 years. He had a child
both busy and brilliant this term, conceding two years ago, so we meet on days off, have
a league-high five goals fewer than his xG dinner and spend nice family time together.
(expected goals) figure. Nominated for the
Premier League’s Save of the Month award Not long after the outbreak of war in early
in every month from August to December, 2022, your family took Ukrainian refugees
Vicario also has the slick distribution so vital into your Italy home. How did that happen?
to his manager’s methodology. He’s an Italy My parents made the decision – of course
squad regular, too, even though he’s yet to they asked me what I thought. It’s a big thing
make his debut, with Gianluigi Donnarumma we can do as a family, if we can help people,
long since established as first choice. so we did it. We decided to host a couple of
On a wet and windy afternoon, FFT is at people from Ukraine, a mother and a boy.
Tottenham’s training ground to meet a man They stayed for nearly two years and recently
who speaks impressively good English, given decided to go back to Ukraine, because the
he’s barely been in the country six months. father was there during all of that period – for
Engaging and thoughtful, the Gianluigi Buffon
superfan is keen to tell his Postecoglou- a boy of 11 or 12 not to see his father for two
esque underdog story, from overcoming self- years, that’s very hard. But when they left, we
doubt in Italy’s fourth tier to the N17 elite... said the door of our home is always open to
them – they’re welcome to return any time.
How did your move to Spurs happen?
My agent said to me, “Tottenham might be You started at your local club Udinese, but
interested in you.” I said, “Oh, Tottenham, joined Fontanafredda in fourth-tier Serie D
OK… that’s very nice!” What can you say on loan. How was that experience?
when you hear that name? From Empoli to It was a decision of mine, to try to play and
Tottenham, it could be a big deal for me. get experience. My next step was to have an
Then the gaffer called me, we spoke about opportunity in a first team, with big men. It’s
football and also about life, and he made completely different, because you’re in the
a massive impression. In just two days, we dressing room with people who have children
arranged everything. After a week’s holiday, and you can see how they behave, what
I came to London to sign my contract – it sacrifices they make to play football and do
was one of the best days of my life, because the best for their family. In the morning they
it was one of my dreams to come to the went off to work, then we trained from 6pm
Premier League. Many Italians don’t want until 8.30pm. I was in my last year at school
this opportunity – because of the different and also had to do homework after training,
culture, it’s not easy to say, ‘OK, we go to so it was a tough period but I really enjoyed
another country, maybe we don’t know the it. We fought against relegation and achieved
language, and it could be a little bit colder our goal. I met a lot of fantastic guys who I’m
during winter’. But I only thought about the still in touch with.

48 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 GUGLIELMO
VICARIO

Radja Nainggolan and Diego Godin – superb it was not my time, so I adapted and worked
players with lots of experience. I was second hard. I watched goalkeepers who were much
choice [having spent 2019-20 on loan at Serie better than me and copied minor details, in
B Perugia], but I’ll never forget the campaign every aspect on and off the pitch – adjusting
when I made my debut. my communication, having more confidence.
I try to do that. I study the goalkeepers of all
How important was it to establish yourself the sides I come up against and the way they
as a top-flight keeper at Empoli from 2021? behave on the field.
After a season without playing much, my aim
was to become a Serie A goalkeeper. I was Your father says you’ve bonded well with
thankful Empoli chose me – with the coaches Ange Postecoglou because you’ve had
In 2015-16, you returned to Serie D with Clockwise from and fans, it was like a family and we finished similar career paths?
Venezia to great success. What happened? above Vicario has 14th, which was a big achievement. We won Yeah, we do have that in common – we both
It was a historic club that had failed the shone as the ideal at Juventus and our derby against Fiorentina, started literally at the bottom. Inside, maybe
season before, but there were new owners Ange-ball keeper; beat Atalanta away and Napoli home and we both have an aim to never be satisfied
from America with the aim to get back up “Just... one... more... away. Then, last season was about trying to and to work hard every day, because we saw
again. We won the league two years in a row stretch...”; he only remain at that level – we improved our points what it meant to work at the lower levels. You
to return to Serie B, and Filippo Inzaghi was ever wanted Spurs tally, which was a major accomplishment. just have to work hard every day – that’s the
my coach. I watched him win the World Cup one thing you can control.
in 2006 – you don’t imagine he could be your What was Empoli like?
manager 10 years later. It was a very good You didn’t have much pressure, because the What’s it like to work with Postecoglou?
experience – he’s a great man. [FFT: What’s crowd was quiet and you lived in a very small He’s such a big communicator – the way he
Venice like to live in?] You don’t properly live city. When you walked around, people would speaks is unbelievable. Of course he speaks
in Venice, as the training ground is outside of talk to you and were very kind. Also, the club about football, he analyses every game, but
the lagoon, outside of the city, but of course afforded you the opportunity to make some he also speaks about life. He tells us some
you can still enjoy the city. It’s unbelievable, mistakes, which is crucial for a young player. stories that stay inside our dressing room
with so much history, excellent restaurants... You have more time to show everybody who but give you a different way of seeing football
everything is terrific. The atmosphere is magic you are and what you can do. Empoli was an – what you do, the commitment you have to
– it’s a special place. enormous part of my career. put in every day, because our life in football
isn’t long and you must enjoy each moment.
In July 2019 you joined Serie A Cagliari – How did these lower-league experiences We have a great group of lads, a wonderful
how did you find the step up? make you a better player? training ground and one of the best stadiums
My Serie A debut in 2021 against Inter was You have to take the best from every single in the world, so we have to enjoy it. We’re at
a great moment. We had Giovanni Simeone, experience. Maybe there were periods when a brilliant club.

FourFourTwo March 2024 49

 GUGLIELMO
VICARIO

As a goalkeeper with Postecoglou’s style I feel inside a family. I have to be grateful to

of football, you have to be very brave in them. It’s really important when you feel at
possession. Do you enjoy that pressure? home, and when you go to the stadium and
It’s a skill you can add to your game. You see the supporters. Of course when you make
have to be brave, show your courage and a save or when you win, everything is better,
learn a lot, because the direction football but even when we had some bad moments,
will take in the next few years might be this. some losses, the crowd was by our side every
You need to have this high pressing of the time. We have to thank them.
opponents, a high defensive line, and, of
course, the last third of the pitch could be You’ve described your compatriot Destiny
covered by the keeper. You must do some Udogie as like a “little brother”. How much
sweeper things. Occasionally you have to do you enjoy working with him?
come out and sometimes you have to take We have a great relationship because we’re
risks, like during the build-up when you play Italian – we spend loads of time together at
out from the back. Perhaps some passes the training ground. I try to push him to do
are risky, but you have to take those risks. extra work, maybe not just to train but also
to come with me to the gym, because he’s
The fans are loving the style of play. When got huge potential. He can still improve a lot.
you arrived, you spoke of wanting to enjoy
their reaction when you make a save. How
is that in front of 60,000 at home?
Unbelievable. Every time you pull off a save,
you’re absolutely buzzing. When you play in
front of 60,000 people in a stadium like we
have, it’s amazing. Maybe after a save, a big
moment follows and you score a goal, you
win the game and you see all of the crowd
going crazy. That’s an awesome moment.
We want to play quickly, keep attacking and
show our character, because we can engage
the fans with that style of football.

The team went unbeaten for the first 10

league games this season, then came that
ridiculous match at home to Chelsea when
Tottenham were reduced to nine men but
kept attacking and playing with a high
line. What was that like to be involved in?
Even down to nine men because of two red
cards, we tried to play our game, we didn’t
change. We had the desire to win the game.
We cannot try to stay safe, sit deep inside
the box and defend. We think, ‘OK, we have
the ball, we try to play, we try to press’. We
know it’s hard, but it’s a new challenge and
we tried to do that. We also lost Micky van
de Ven and James Maddison to injury, so it
was the craziest game in the season, but we
learned a lot and had more self-confidence.
We showed that we’re also able to compete
with two men missing.

After that loss, then defeats to Wolves

and Aston Villa, some pundits suggested
Spurs should play more defensively. How
important was it to stay true to your style?
Very, very important. We would like to play
that football against everyone, not looking at
the time of the game or the result. We need
to have the ability and the mentality to play
that style of football in every minute of every
game, to try things and take risks. If you stay
safe, you don’t really enjoy the match, and
I also think to win a game, you have to enjoy
it and the way you play. We have to carry on
in that manner.

Tell us about your new team-mates...

I have a good relationship with everybody –
it’s been very easy since day one. When you
first come in, all of the lads want to help you
integrate yourself inside a new environment.

50 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 GUGLIELMO
VICARIO

“In EVERY MInUTE YOU MUST TAKE RISKS.

He’s not simply of the best left-backs in the
Premier League, but also the world. He’s only
21, so he must have the drive inside him to
improve day-by-day – I try to push him. He’s
a very good lad, an unbelievable player, and IF YOU STAY SAFE, YOU DOn’T EnJOY THE
MATCH – TO WIn, YOU HAVE TO EnJOY IT”
he has all the qualities to reach the top – he’s
quick, he has superb technique, he’s a good
defender and attacker... he has everything.

Probably like a lot of Italian goalkeepers, Totti’s late penalty against Australia in the Italy’s history: we are four-time World Cup
your idol growing up was Gianluigi Buffon. last 16, and a big 3-0 win against Ukraine. winners. You wait for that time once every
What made him so special? The semi-final against Germany was one of four years to see your country compete in the
He was a machine. He started back in 1995 the best games in Italian football history – biggest competition in football – Buffon was
and retired last year at the age of 45. During you defeat the hosts 2-0 after extra time to the goalkeeper, and the captain, and maybe
his career, he always had the same desire: reach the final. We had a solid team: Fabio he could have had the opportunity to play at
to try to achieve his best year-by-year, and Cannavaro won the Ballon d’Or, Andrea Pirlo a fifth World Cup [he was in the 1998 squad
his mindset helped him to get the best out in midfield, Totti, Luca Toni, Inzaghi, Buffon in but didn’t make an appearance], so it was
of himself and win so many trophies. He’s goal. He was outstanding – Italy conceded a bad moment. As he was crying on the TV,
a world champion, he won 10 Serie A titles two goals: an own goal and then a penalty. I was crying at home. Italy didn’t qualify and
with Juventus, what more can I say about Against Czech Republic, and Pavel Nedved, Buffon didn’t have the opportunity to play at
the man? He’s one of the greatest keepers he made five or six tremendous saves. In the his fifth World Cup.
history gave to football, also because of his Clockwise from final, he tipped over an unbelievable header
personality, character and how he behaved below Bend it from Zinedine Zidane. The most iconic stop Buffon has since taken up an off-field role
with his defenders. like Vicario; he of his career. in the national team setup, and previously
just needs one praised your performances on a number of
You were nine when he won the 2006 World hand; winning is Is it true that you cried when Italy missed occasions. How did that feel?
Cup. What memories do you have of that? all that matters; out on the 2018 World Cup, and it looked When you hear that, you just can’t believe it.
Woah, I remember literally all the matches everybody loves like that play-off defeat to Sweden was Really, Gianluigi Buffon is saying good things
of that World Cup! From the beginning when Big Ange; it’s his Buffon’s last game for the national team? about me? When I saw him with the national
we beat Ghana, the draw against the USA, Destiny to bring Yeah, because you’re not used to not seeing team, I was grateful to him for what he said
a 2-0 win against Czech Republic, Francesco Spurs silverware Italy at the World Cup. There’s pressure from about me. When you’re a kid and you watch
your idol on TV, then you have the chance to
meet him and spend some time with him
while on international duty, it’s a dream that
becomes reality – sometimes dreams really
do come true.

Euro 2024 is in Germany this summer, and

the final at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, just
like in 2006. How much would it mean to
be involved in the squad, and return to the
scene of Buffon’s greatest hour?
Whenever you have the opportunity to wear
the shirt of Italy, it’s a big honour for every
player. Everyone wants to wear that Azzurri
jersey and try to play at the Euros. We know
that history gives us a great responsibility as
defending champions. We have to prepare
ourselves in the best way possible because
we have a tough group, with Croatia, Spain
and Albania. But when they saw the draw,
and saw Italy were in the fourth pot, I don’t
think anyone wanted to face Italy. We know
it will be difficult, but we have the ambition
to go there and do our best.

What is your dream at Spurs?

Of course, as everyone knows we haven’t won
a trophy for a long period. We have to work
and fight to do it, because if you win a trophy
now, you forever remain in the history of the
club. Maybe in 30 years’ time, your picture
could be on the walls, holding a trophy. You
need to have those kind of thoughts in your
mind, because to make a dream reality is to
dream big. We must do that, but it’s not only
about dreaming. We have to train hard, give
100 per cent commitment on the pitch and
try to do what we did until now, to stay with
the manager’s methods. If we focus on that,
we’ve seen it gives us plenty of opportunities
to win matches.

FourFourTwo March 2024 51

 XABI
ALOnSO
 XABI
ALOnSO

THE PUPPET-MASTER PRInCE

Xabi Alonso has emerged as Europe’s next top boss after putting Bayer Leverkusen in
contention for a maiden Bundesliga crown. Having learned under Pep, Jose, Carlo and
Rafa, how long before the apprentice from an unlikely coaching hotbed rejoins a giant?

Words Ed McCambridge
 XABI
ALOnSO

estled in the foothills of the “A PRODUCT OF HIS EDUCATION”

Basque province of Gipuzkoa,
northern Spain, lies the small, A dozen games into the 2022-23 campaign
sun-kissed town of Tolosa. There, in all competitions, Bayer Leverkusen’s board
along the tranquil banks of the bit the bullet. Gerardo Seoane had steered Die
River Oria, thousands of people Werkself to Champions League qualification
flock each year to learn more that May, but a dismal beginning to the new
about the peculiar art of Basque campaign saw the Swiss boss’ credit deplete:
puppetry. From processional suffering an early DFB-Pokal exit to third-tier
giants to wooden marionettes, Elversberg, winning only one of eight league
Tolosa’s puppetry centre is home games and starting languidly in Europe. A 2-0
to countless lifelike figurines; loss against Porto in the Champions League,
its local residents committed to keeping an leaving his team joint-bottom of their group,
ancient tradition alive. proved the final straw.
Fittingly, the town’s most famous son made “Alonso took us all by surprise,” Sport Bild’s
a name for himself as a string-puller of an chief Leverkusen reporter Phillip Arens tells
entirely different kind. Xabi Alonso’s ability FFT of Seoane’s replacement on October 5.
to make those around him dance to his own “We weren’t aware that [sporting director]
rhythm was feted throughout a decorated Simon Rolfes had been secretly sounding him
18-year playing career that took him from out for weeks already.
nearby San Sebastian to the grandest stages “It was seen as a significant risk. He’d been
of Liverpool, Madrid and Munich. Accolades a wonderful player and knew German football
included four league titles, two Champions from his time with Bayern, but he was hugely
Leagues, two European Championships and, inexperienced. Leverkusen were 17th and in
biggest of all, the World Cup in 2010. a relegation battle.”
As a pupil, Alonso studied under masters
of the modern game – the only man to have
counted Rafael Benitez, Jose Mourinho, Carlo
Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola as mentors, not
to mention John Toshack, Vicente del Bosque
and Luis Aragones. His father, Periko, was
a similarly gifted midfield operator, winning
La Liga three times, twice with Real Sociedad
and once at Barcelona. At every opportunity,
Xabi endeavoured to learn.
“I tried to be curious about the manager’s
work,” revealed the Spaniard. “It was never
just about playing. I was always trying to ask
questions and be close to them – I had that
desire to coach already.”
It was never in doubt, as soon as the curtain
came down on his playing career at Bayern

“I’VE TAKEn THIS STEP BECAUSE

Munich in 2017, that the string-pulling would
continue in the dugout. “I’m sure that when
he hangs up his boots, he’ll become a great
coach,” then Real Madrid boss Mourinho said
in 2010. “He reminds me of Pep Guardiola as IT JUST FELT RIGHT. WE’LL PLAY
MODERn AnD InTEnSE FOOTBALL”
a player – already a coach on the pitch.”
Guardiola himself echoed the sentiment.
“He has a curiosity to understand the game,”
declared Alonso’s one-time Bayern gaffer.
“He knew during the week what we had to do the helm. “But then I got caught up in it all. Above “I suppose
to win the next game. He will be a manager It’s like an itch and then you say, ‘What the getting kung-fu
and he will be good.” f**k, I like this!’” kicked by Nigel de
Pep is seldom wrong. After a season’s rest, Alonso led his side to the Segunda Division Jong was worth it”
some family time and indulging his passion B title in his second season, returning them Top Alonso lifted
for motorbikes – “I’ve had one for years, but to Spain’s second tier for the first time in 59 the European Cup
it’s written into most footballers’ contracts years. Inevitably, the rumour mill churned. in 2005 as part of
that you can’t ride them,” he told FFT shortly “I want to take things slowly and not force a glittering career
before retirement – Alonso’s first coaching them,” Alonso insisted in 2021. “These first
role was a success. While finishing his UEFA few steps in San Sebastian, my home, where
badges, he guided Real Madrid Under-14s to I started my playing career, make sense for
a league title. “It’s their victory, not mine,” he me. I still have much to learn.”
said like a proud padre. “They get the credit.” The Spaniard’s third year as Sanse supremo
Persistent talk regarding a promotion to featured a tough lesson indeed; his starlets
Los Blancos’ Castilla reserve team ended in relegated at the first time of asking. Dejected,
the summer of 2019, when Alonso accepted he announced his decision to leave the club
an offer to boss alma mater Real Sociedad B. in May 2022.
“At first you don’t know how it’s going to be,” Despite that setback, Alonso was still linked
he explained after leading La Real’s reserves with top-flight jobs across Europe, though it
to fifth place – just outside the play-off spots wasn’t until last term was already underway
in Spain’s third tier – in his first campaign at that a concrete proposal emerged.

54 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 XABI
ALOnSO

Legendary Leverkusen manager Klaus Eintracht Frankfurt routed 10-man Bayer 5-1 2022 was an unwelcome interruption. Those
Toppmoller, who led the club to an infamous in Alonso’s second game, while fixtures three not flying out to the Middle East, including the
anti-treble – runners-up in the league, cup and four against Wolfsburg and RB Leipzig coach, seized the opportunity for some time
and Champions League – in 2001-02, was yielded a solitary point. off, with only injured players required to visit
surprised the role even appealed. “Alonso “After he’d been in the role for a few weeks, the training ground.
had been building a reputation in Spain and I asked him what the most important thing In the latter group was youngster Florian
the obvious move would have been to take he’d witnessed was – he said that first defeat Wirtz, the playmaker slowly returning to full
charge of a La Liga club,” the 72-year-old against Frankfurt,” says Arens. “He knew then fitness after an anterior cruciate ligament
tells FFT. “Leverkusen represented a risk for that things had to change.” injury. Even at 19 years of age, Wirtz would
him as well. A fantastic challenge, but a risk.” Alonso jettisoned the 4-2-3-1 formation have been a shoo-in for Hansi Flick’s Germany
Alonso returned to Germany to immense prevalent during Seoane’s tenure in favour of squad had he not been sidelined, and was
hullabaloo, as newspapers, podcasts and a 3-4-3, and also demanded fast, attacking understandably upset. Yet the international
television networks assessing his credentials. football with more emphasis on possession. break helped to create a bond between the
TV channel Sport 1’s Doppelpass panel show “Coming in and changing a team’s tactical teenager and his new gaffer.
dedicated an hour to Leverkusen’s coaching blueprint is always a risk,” says ex-Leverkusen “Alonso turned up at the training ground
change, with Stefan Effenberg opining “big coach Toppmoller. “Alonso’s players weren’t one afternoon just to catch up with his staff,”
names don’t guarantee success”. The Bayern used to a back three, but he saw it as the best remembers Arens, in attendance that day
luminary highlighted Wolfsburg’s disastrous way to get results.” to offer readers fitness updates. “He spotted
2021 appointment of Mark van Bommel – The switch soon took effect, as Leverkusen the players doing a light workout and spoke
the Dutchman lasted less than five months. tore Union Berlin apart in their next league to them for a moment before heading back
Alonso handled his first press conference Below “Look, if encounter, triumphing 5-0. Victories against inside. A short while later, he reappeared in
with trademark composure. “I’ve taken this you want me to Köln and Stuttgart followed in their final two a training kit.
step because it just felt right,” he said, sitting show you how games before the World Cup. “He took part in the session,” smiles Arens.
alongside Rolfes. “We’ll play modern football it’s done, lads, Three successes on the spin had propelled “For a young player like Wirtz, that was a big
that’s intense both with and without the ball. I don’t mind...” Leverkusen to 12th in the standings, so Qatar deal. It set a brilliant example. That gesture
I don’t look at the table.”
It wasn’t only what he said that impressed.
“I informed the club that we’d be happy to
conduct the conference in English if it made
Alonso more comfortable,” recalls journalist
Arens. “But he insisted on German, as he has
in every interview since that day. German isn’t
an easy language and he’s done remarkably
well to communicate so clearly.”
Alonso’s first on-field test came three days
later: a relegation six-pointer against Schalke.
Leverkusen secured only their second league
win of the season courtesy of a 4-0 drubbing,
but the new-manager bounce wouldn’t last.
 XABI
ALOnSO

said, ‘I’m here for you, even on my day off –

we’re all in this together’.”
If inspiring Wirtz had been the manager’s
clandestine plan that afternoon, it worked.
The attacking midfielder returned to action
in the first game back after the winter break,
playing the final 16 minutes in a 3-2 away
victory over Borussia Monchengladbach. He
then provided an assist in his first start, a 2-0
triumph at home to Bochum that extended
Die Werkself’s winning streak to five matches
and moved them up to eighth.
By that point, Alonso’s tactical tweaks were
increasingly conspicuous. Bayer dominated
possession, shifted the ball around quickly in
the opposition’s half and made the pitch as
wide as possible in a bid to create openings
for pacy forwards, such as Moussa Diaby and
the deep-lying Wirtz. Off the ball, Leverkusen
looked well-drilled, extremely hard-working
and knew exactly what was required in every
single phase of play.
“It was instantly clear that he’d benefited
from a tremendous coaching education,”

“HE’S MADE THE CLUB BELIEVE.

adds Leverkusen favourite Toppmoller. “In claimed the Portuguese, possibly suffering
possession, he wanted his team to be brave, from a kind of acute amnesia at the time.
open up the field with wide players and play “Xabi is a friend.”
through pockets of space, like Guardiola.
“When defending, his teams are compact I HAVE nEVER SEEn AnYTHInG The narrow Roma defeat ended any hope
of silverware, but Leverkusen sealed a sixth-

LIKE THE XABI ALOnSO EFFECT”

and disciplined. They regroup in their own half placed finish in the league. It represented an
and press deep, like a Mourinho side. He has emphatic recovery.
a calmness, a likeability, like Ancelotti, and
an understanding of when to make changes, THE END OF NEVERKUSEN?
how to combat an opponent’s strengths and “I love Jose, I learned so much from him,” Above “And there
how to prey on weaknesses, like Benitez. He’s the younger coach said prior to the first leg was me thinking Ahead of the current season, Alonso outlined
his own man, but a product of his education.” in Rome. “It will be a special occasion for me.” we were pals, Xabi” three areas for Leverkusen’s recruitment
After a February wobble, losing at Augsburg The pair embraced at the Stadio Olimpico, team to focus on: a specialist left-wing-back,
and then at home to Mainz, Leverkusen took before master bested apprentice 1-0. In the forwards to replace the Aston Villa-bound
a staggering 20 points from the next 24 on return leg at the BayArena, Leverkusen took Diaby and sidelined Patrik Schick – ruled out
offer, in a run which included wins against the game to their opponents, boasting 72 per until November – plus a number six capable
Alonso’s former club Bayern and RB Leipzig. cent possession and registering 23 shots to of dictating tempo.
So dramatic was their turnaround in fortunes, the Italians’ sole effort. It ended 0-0 – classic Benfica’s Alex Grimaldo arrived on a free
the official Bundesliga website published an Mourinho. The same couldn’t be said, though, transfer to help address the first issue, while
alternative league table including only those for the Special One’s post-game comments. a combined £25 million was splashed on
matchdays since Alonso replaced Seoane. “I don’t like celebrating in the face of a guy strikers Victor Boniface – the 2022-23 Europa
According to that metric, the Spaniard’s side who has lost if I have a relationship with him,” League’s joint-top scorer, who struck against
were the fourth best in Germany. Leverkusen for Union Saint-Gilloise – and
They dazzled on the continent, too. After experienced Monchengladbach man Jonas
dropping down from the Champions League Hofmann. The final piece of the jigsaw was
into the Europa League knockout stages, they the most eye-catching, though.
vanquished Monaco, Ferencvaros and Union “Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka had been scouted
Saint-Gilloise to tee-up an enticing semi-final a year earlier but was too expensive,” recalls
tie against Roma – managed by Alonso’s old Arens. “They were able to go back and close
Madrid boss Mourinho. a deal last summer. Xhaka said that working
under Alonso was a key factor in his decision
to return to Germany.
“You’ll also notice the age of many of the

GIPUZKOA GAFFERS players brought in. Xhaka and Hofmann are

31, and Grimaldo is 28. Alonso felt his side
was too inexperienced the year before. He
intentionally increased his squad’s average
The Basque Country has long had Navarre and the Northern Basque Villa chief Unai Emery, plus Julen age, which is unusual at Bundesliga clubs.”
a reputation for punching above Country in France, too. Lopetegui and Imanol Alguacil, Leverkusen began with three straight wins
its weight when it comes to the The number of elite-level gaffers whose Real Sociedad topped their to rocket to the top of the table, new signing
production of top-flight players. hailing from Gipuzkoa – a small Champions League group this term. Boniface notching four times to set up an
Take Athletic Bilbao, for example: Basque province about the size of In fact, Alonso, Arteta and Iraola early six-pointer against Bayern, champions
Spain’s third-most successful club West Sussex – is even more head- played together for the same youth in each of the previous 11 campaigns. Alonso
in terms of trophies won have only spinning. As well as Xabi Alonso – side, Antiguoko, once upon a time. rubbished any premature chat of a title tilt,
ever fielded players from within born in Tolosa (above) – there’s If FFT didn’t already suspect there but the game told a different story. His team
the greater Basque Country, which Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Andoni may be something in the agua, we twice came from behind in a fiery clash at
(somewhat confusingly) comprises Iraola of Bournemouth and Aston certainly do now. the Allianz Arena, equalising in injury time to
snatch a draw. The ensuing bundle in front

56 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 XABI
ALOnSO

of the away end suggested Alonso’s players is already assured. “Every home game is sold
saw it as more than “just another test for us”, out and thousands more are going to away
as he’d insisted pre-kick-off. matches,” reveals Arens. “He’s made the club
“He showed himself to be an incredibly believe once again. I can honestly say, in all
shrewd manager that day,” says Toppmoller my years covering Leverkusen as a reporter,
of the Basque. “Not only in the way he set his I’ve never experienced anything quite like the
side up to hit Bayern on the break, but in the Xabi Alonso effect.”
way he managed the flow of the game. They Inevitably, the man himself has had to deal
were being dominated in the first half, so he with increasing questions regarding his future
introduced Exequiel Palacios to beef up his – rumours point to a clause in his contract
midfield. That gave Leverkusen a foothold in that would allow him to leave for one of his
the game.” It was Palacios, too, who scored old clubs: Liverpool, Real Madrid or Bayern.
the equaliser from the penalty spot. Thankfully for Werkself fans, those positions
The Bayern draw preceded a run of eight are filled. Alonso refuses to be drawn on the
straight Bundesliga victories: Heidenheim, Above Alonso Bayern, who could count on England captain subject. “So far, I’ve been clear,” he stated in
Mainz, Köln, Wolfsburg, Freiburg, Hoffenheim, has endeared Harry Kane up front. January. “I will make my own decisions when
Union Berlin and Werder Bremen dispatched himself to all at Xhaka confirmed that exceptional coaching I feel it’s right.”
by a combined scoreline of 24-5. Four games the BayArena was behind the team’s stellar performances. Unsurprisingly, those associated with Bayer
and two successes later, Leverkusen could “Xabi is a proper coach,” said the midfielder in feel the best option would be to stay beyond
look back on an unblemished Hinrunde (first December. “He explains things simply and, his contract, which runs to 2026. “For a young
half of the campaign), including a perfect six when possible, he will even show you how he coach, there’s nowhere better at this time,”
wins in their Europa League group and three would do it.” suggests Toppmoller. “Leverkusen are a club
consecutive DFB-Pokal triumphs. Several times this season, videos of Alonso moving in the right direction, the team is his
Alonso’s additions had catapulted his side playing defence-splitting passes in training now and the players admire him. I personally
to a whole new level. Boniface posted 24 goal sessions have gone viral. “I still miss playing,” think he should stay for a few more seasons
involvements (16 goals, eight assists) in all he smirked when asked about it in November. and then complete his dream move. But, of
competitions, Hofmann 15 (seven goals, eight “I shouldn’t say that, but I do.” course, I’m biased.”
assists) and Grimaldo, a wing-back, 17 (nine With his team performing way beyond all Liverpool fans will watch Alonso’s situation
goals, eight assists). Ex-Arsenal man Xhaka, expectations, Alonso’s main task has become with keen interest. The Spaniard, who made
meanwhile, was a revelation. No midfielder keeping everyone’s feet on the ground. “He’s 210 Reds appearances between 2004 and
in the Bundesliga had covered more grass or brutally honest with us,” said Xhaka. “That’s 2009, has spoken of his deep-rooted love for
been more reliable on the ball at the halfway very important. When everyone is praising us, the club, respect for current manager Jurgen
stage of the season. “He’s like an additional it’s not so easy to stay grounded. The coach Klopp and desire to return to Anfield one day.
coach on the pitch,” enthused Alonso. “He’s makes sure we do.” “I’ve dreamt of that, but I’ve got to prove
the brain of the team.” As Leverkusen sat top at the winter break myself,” he said in 2018, building up to his
Those already in the squad last term had (four points clear of Bayern, who had a game first coaching role. “My link, commitment and
also raised their game. German international in hand), talk of a maiden Bundesliga crown passion with Liverpool is there, so why not?”
Jonathan Tah has prospered as the fulcrum in the club’s history escalated. For Toppmoller, Before any of that, Alonso has Leverkusen
of Alonso’s back three, right-back Jeremie who fell agonisingly short in that 2001-02 to concentrate on, and a rare opportunity to
Frimpong had made more sprints than any season that saw them branded ‘Neverkusen’, write himself into history as the first man to
other player in the league and Wirtz, now 20, there’s no reason why they can’t go all the pilot the club to a Meisterschale. Should he
finished the Hinrunde among the top three way. “They’ve absolutely earned their place at be the guy to end Bayern’s stranglehold, you
for assists, key passes, dribbles and sprints. the table’s summit for much of this season,” can be sure that, just as he did after bagging
By the time the Christmas geese were carved, he proclaims. “It would mean everything to his debut dugout title with Real Madrid U14s,
Leverkusen had collectively averaged more the fans to finally win the league. If Xabi can he’ll let his players take the credit.
than 60 per cent possession across their 16 do it, he will go down in history.” Those who have witnessed his sensational
Bundesliga matches, conceded fewer goals Whether or not Alonso gets his hands on impact at the BayArena will know the truth,
than anyone else and been outscored only by his first top-flight title as a coach, his legacy though. It was the string-puller from Tolosa.

FourFourTwo March 2024 57

 CHAMPIOnS
LEAGUE

THInGS TO WATCH
OUT FOR In THE
CHAMPIOnS LEAGUE
KnOCKOUT STAGES
Xabi Alonso will have to wait until next season for a crack at
Europe’s premier club competition – before then, though, the
bunfight to lift Ol’ Big Ears enters its business end once more
3 MANCHESTER CITY’S
TITLE DEFENCE
Words Ed McCambridge, Chris Flanagan If there’s one thing Manchester City fans love
more than hoarding trophies, it’s rubbing salt
into their neighbours’ wounds. This round
provides the motivation to do exactly that,
with opponents Copenhagen responsible for

1 ARSENAL’S LAST 16 CURSE 2 BELLINGHAM AND KANE’S

putting the final nail in the coffin of United’s
group-stage embarrassment.

QUEST TO RULE EUROPE

The Gunners are back in the knockout phase The Blues’ annual hammering of a last 16
of the Champions League for the first time in minnow – Erling Haaland smashed five past
ages (2016-17 to be precise), which usually Brits abroad haven’t historically done the RB Leipzig in a 7-0 walloping 12 months ago
means one thing: humiliation over two legs. national reputation many favours, so it’s just – would be all the sweeter this time around
In their most recent showing seven years as well that Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane given the Red Devils’ shock 4-3 defeat to the
ago, Arsene Wenger’s men were blitzed 10-2 – arguably England’s two standout players – Danes in November.
on aggregate by Bayern Munich – the latest are doing their best to reverse old prejudices. Kevin De Bruyne & Co are favourites to go
in a run of seven straight last 16 eliminations For Real Madrid and Bayern respectively, the on and defend their crown this term – doing
to Bayern, Barcelona, Milan and even Monaco duo have been the driving forces behind their so would not only equal United’s tally of two
in 2014-15, with the Bavarians responsible teams’ trophy ambitions, injecting goals and successes during the Champions League era,
for three separate strudelings. Grim stat: the leadership into squads already jam-packed but potentially usher in a period of European
Gunners lost those seven ties at with international superstars. dominance at the Etihad Stadium.
a combined scoreline of 32-16. This season represents Bellingham’s first

4 BARCELONA’S RETURN
But there’s hope: unlike five real chance of winning the competition –
of those seven campaigns, RB Leipzig are Los Blancos’ opponents
Mikel Arteta’s side won their in the last 16 – while Kane has been in Yes, everybody’s beloved basketcases have
group this season to set up a final once before at Spurs. Facing Lazio rejoined the last 16 elite, after financial chaos
a meeting with (the slightly in the opening knockout round, he’ll and two successive group flops.
less scary) Porto. Moreover, be hoping that gaffer Thomas Tuchel, The relentless genius of Barça’s glory days
unlike the late-era Wenger who masterminded Chelsea’s already seemed a distant memory when
outfits, this crop doesn’t second triumph in 2021 they lost 4-1 at home to Paris Saint-Germain
wilt like a biscuit in hot and could become the at this stage three years prior, having been
tea at the slightest sign first coach to reach the systematically destroyed 8-2 by Bayern in the
of danger. They’re final with three clubs, 2020 quarter-finals.
the bookmakers’ can help him to go one Now they take on Napoli, still recovering
fourth favourites step further on June 1. off the field with a hodgepodge squad, an
to lift the trophy for Send a couple more overreliance on 35-year-old talisman Robert
the very first time – talents across the Lewandowski and matches being played at
breaking their last continent and we the 1992 Olympic Stadium while the Camp
16 hoodoo could might be let off Nou is redeveloped. They’re not expected to
be the catalyst for for desecrating claim a sixth title but, honestly, who knows
glory at Wembley. Magaluf... what they’re capable of any more…
 CHAMPIOnS
LEAGUE

his first BVB stint as the German giants lost

to Spurs and PSG, then sunk Sevilla in 2021.
Dortmund haven’t progressed beyond the
quarter-finals since 2013 – they’ll fancy their
chances of sending PSV packing in the last 16
aided by Reading-born Jamie Bynoe-Gittens,
the latest young Brit to get bums off seats at
the Westfalenstadion.
The explosive teenage winger – like Sancho,
a product of Manchester City’s talent factory
– scored in Dortmund’s November victory at
Milan as BVB topped a horrid group featuring
PSG and Newcastle.

7 THE RACE TO REACH

THE CLUB WORLD CUP
Are we all excited for the inaugural 32-team
Club World Cup in summer 2025?
Variously predicted to be the greatest club
tournament in history or the event that finally
pushes exhausted players over the edge –
prompting them to escape to the mountains
and await the apocalypse, Carlos Roa style –
the 12 European participants will be finalised
based on their achievements in this edition of
the Champions League.
Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid
are safely in having lifted the trophy since
2021, and June’s victors will also book their
ticket. The remaining spots are reserved for
sides posting the best average Champions
League performance spanning a four-season
period, capped at two teams per country.
Bayern, PSG, Inter, Porto and Benfica can’t
be caught in the standings so are guaranteed
places, while Barcelona need to significantly
outperform Atletico Madrid this term to steal
Spain’s second spot (Real Sociedad may also
nick it should they win the final).
Likewise, RB Leipzig are bidding to overhaul
BVB, with Napoli and Lazio attempting to oust
Juventus. The other berth will go to Red Bull
Salzburg unless Arsenal, PSV or Copenhagen
win the Champions League. It could happen…

8 THE NEW PSG

5 WHO WANTS AN EXTRA Clockwise from
top City are out
the first time since 2013. Blighty could boost
its ranking if Manchester City and Arsenal go
PSG never do things by halves. After signing
Lionel Messi, Sergio Ramos and Georginio

GROUP STAGE SPOT?

to tie United’s deep, emulated by Liverpool, West Ham and Wijnaldum – ageing heroes with Champions
tally; Jadon has Brighton in the Europa League’s latter stages, League-winning nous – in 2021, they ditched
The Champions League’s new 36-side group a point to prove; plus Aston Villa in the Conference League. the lot, plus stalwarts Neymar, Marco Verratti
extravaganza kicks off next season, and this Raphinha could The battle between Italy, Germany, England and Julian Draxler, at the end of last season.
term’s results may determine whether there inspire Barça to and Spain could stretch all the way to April, Maybe they studied City’s triumph in Istanbul
are four or five Premier League teams in it. success; Arteta: May or even June 1 – whoever comes fifth in and realised that, even for a mega-rich club,
The two countries boasting the best record hoodoo-ender? the Premier League might face a nervy wait. the secret to success isn’t simply hoovering
across all three European club competitions up established stars after all.

6 BYNOE-GITTENS AND
in 2023-24 will earn an additional Champions The squad revamp considerably lowered
League place, which could be very handy for the Parisians’ average age, with 17-year-old

SANCHO AT DORTMUND
the club finishing fifth in the Premier League. Warren Zaire-Emery and 22-year-old Manuel
Currently, however, Italy and Germany are Ugarte bossing the midfield and Randal Kolo
set to grab those bonus spots – all of Serie A’s Fresh off the naughty step, Jadon Sancho has Muani, 25, supporting Kylian Mbappe up front.
representatives reached the knockout stages returned to Borussia Dortmund on loan after This could well be the latter’s last chance
of the Champions League, Europa League and a substandard spell at Manchester United – to deliver the trophy to the French behemoths
Conference League, while the Bundesliga has what better way to defy the doubters than by before he swans off, in trademark Mbappe
three sides in the Champions League last 16. shining in the Champions League? swanning fashion, to Madrid. Failure to win it
England and Spain sit third and fourth – the Frozen out at Old Trafford, he didn’t make this spring could prompt coach Luis Enrique
former haven’t been helped by Manchester a single appearance for the Red Devils in their into another U-turn: perhaps a team made
United and Newcastle exiting the Champions group-stage exit this season. He did, though, up entirely of left-footers, or Scandinavians,
League early, leaving two last 16 qualifiers for figure in the last 16 on three occasions during or gingers, or...

FourFourTwo March 2024 59

PORTSMOUTH
 PORTSMOUTH

Twenty-five years ago, Milan Mandaric landed in England after

a spell at Nice, Jim Ratcliffe-style – via a love-hate alliance with
Harry Redknapp, he paved the way for Portsmouth’s glory days

Words Richard Edwards

glass of red wine, a glass of white, DINENAGE AND DORCHESTER

a heated argument, a Tiswas star,
a huge dry-cleaning bill and Yakubu. In late 2002, Harry Redknapp was midway
It’s a sentence that FourFourTwo through his first full season as Portsmouth
never thought we would write, but manager when things erupted.
one that sums up the simultaneous “There was a supporters’ club event one
fusion of madness and magic at night,” recalls Neil Allen, chief sports writer
Portsmouth in the 2000s. at the Portsmouth News. “Harry was having
At the heart of it was Serbian businessman a glass of red in the boardroom. He and Milan
Milan Mandaric, who became one of the first weren’t very happy with each other, because
major foreign owners in English football in Harry wanted another player.
1999, and who rescued a second-tier club in “They had a few words and Harry’s red wine
deep financial trouble and dire straits on and ended up all over Milan. Milan’s white wine
off the pitch. went flying elsewhere. They both stormed
Within a decade, Portsmouth were a top- out, swearing about one other. Harry huffed
half Premier League side, FA Cup winners for he’d had enough. Milan replied, ‘Fine, just go’.
the first time since 1939 and giving AC Milan Harry’s assistant, Jim Smith, had to stand in
an almighty scare in Europe. From one Milan for the pair of them at the event.”
to another, it was a hell of a ride – and not The man to mediate was Fred Dinenage, TV
without its dramas. presenter and Pompey board member, who

FourFourTwo March 2024 61

 PORTSMOUTH

MAnDARIC TRAVELLED On THE

had once notably appeared on Tiswas and into one of the biggest and most successful
received a custard pie to the face from Chris in Yugoslavia. That caught the eye of the
Tarrant for the privilege. country’s socialist regime under Marshal
“The next morning, Fred got a call from
Milan, asking what it would take to get Harry
Tito, which frowned upon private enterprises.
Denounced as a capitalist traitor, he and TEAM BUS FOR HIS FIRST GAME:
THEY LOST 3-0 TO DORCHESTER
back,” says Allen. “Fred reckoned it’d probably his family departed for Switzerland, before
cost him a player. Fred phoned Harry and told Mandaric headed to the USA – to Chicago,
him that Milan was really sorry and said he then California, where he became a leading
could buy someone else. Harry quipped that figure in the early days of Silicon Valley. One
he wanted Thierry Henry.” of his very first business contracts came with
Redknapp had to be content with Yakubu a fledgling tech company called Apple.
Ayegbeni from Maccabi Haifa, though that In the US, he not only made a wad of cash Below Mandaric Portsmouth were recommended to him by
turned out well. Boosted by the 20-year-old but developed a passion for football, forging took charge at Preki, the Yugoslav-born USA midfielder who
Nigerian striker’s seven goals, Portsmouth friendships with some of the most famous Pompey with big had plied his trade at the club for a solitary
finished the season by securing promotion players on the planet and assisting in the plans and even campaign in 1994-95 and fallen in love with
to the Premier League. launch of the North American Soccer League bigger pockets the Fratton Park atmosphere. In May 1999,
In four years, Mandaric had transformed (NASL) franchise at San Jose Earthquakes. Pompey were languishing near the foot of
Pompey. He’d arrived on the south coast to “That experience definitely stayed with him,” the second tier under boss Alan Ball, after
find a club in utter turmoil, but nothing could reveals former defender Linvoy Primus, who going into administration during the team’s
compare with the distress he’d experienced joined Portsmouth a year after Mandaric’s 1998-99 centenary season.
when he was young. During the Second World 1999 takeover. “You’d look into the stands at “Alan is the right man to take Portsmouth
War, Yugoslavia was occupied by the Axis Fratton Park and spot George Best watching forward,” declared Mandaric. “I have money
powers of Germany, Italy and Hungary from you. It was all a bit surreal.” available and I know things need to be done
1941-45. “For four years, we were up in the Before Portsmouth, Mandaric had made his on the playing side.” But instead of an instant
mountains, hiding from enemies – my father first moves into European football by taking return on his investment, the owner got three
was taken to a concentration camp,” he later a stake in Belgian side Standard Liege, then years of carnage – some of it self-inflicted.
explained. “When we returned, our village buying Charleroi and Nice, the club which new It started badly, when Mandaric jetted in
had been destroyed.” Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe from Miami to travel on the team bus for the
Those painful experiences made Mandaric. purchased in 2019. The French outfit actually first game of the new era, against Dorchester
Graduating from the Mechanical Engineering won the Coupe de France under Mandaric – Town that July, only for Portsmouth to lose
Facility in Novi Sad, he took over his father’s a hint of what was to come for Pompey – but 3-0. Ball was booted out by Christmas, failing
workshop at the age of 21, helping to turn it were relegated, whereafter he sold his shares. to deliver with a squad on which Mandaric
had already spent £4 million. Tony Pulis was
next through the door.
“Milan gave him a fair amount of money,”
says Allen. “Though Tony bought a couple of
players who’d help the club to win promotion
a few years later, Milan wasn’t happy about
the style of play. He was placed on gardening
leave so he could fight a court case against
another club.”
 PORTSMOUTH

That case saw Pulis eventually settle out of

court with Gillingham, having claimed unpaid
bonuses following his messy exit after their
play-off final loss to Manchester City. By the
time that suit had been resolved, Pulis was
out on his ear at Pompey and announced his
intention to contest that, too.
Steve Claridge had been appointed in his
place as player-manager – or had he? “Milan
said he was only ever a temporary caretaker
manager, not player-manager,” insists Allen.
Whatever Claridge’s official title, his tenure
ended after 25 games. Graham Rix was then
given the job, despite being jailed two years
earlier for indecently assaulting and having
sex with a 15-year-old girl.
“It was probably the strangest end to any
managerial reign – it just summed up all of
the turmoil,” reflects Allen. “I’ll never forget
Steve Claridge playing his last game for the
club. Graham Rix was watching in the stands,
Guy Whittingham took the team, and Steve
looked completely destroyed.”
Above Harry for a manager to lose the dressing room. It
“I WILL NOT GO DOWN THE ROAD” Redknapp, the was completely disrespectful to a very good
man to unite group of players.”
Portsmouth survived relegation to the third rival fanbases Perrin lasted only seven months, by which
tier on the final day. Ten months later, and Left “Can I have time Pompey sat 17th in the Premier League.
still in the wrong half of the league even with another player? It appeared as though there were no twists
the arrival of Croatia hero Robert Prosinecki, Go on, just one. left, but two days later Chelsea won 2-0 at
Rix was replaced by Harry Redknapp, who Or two. Or six” Fratton Park. Frank Lampard Sr – the ex-West
had already been brought to Fratton Park as Ham assistant boss and Redknapp’s brother-
director of football. in-law – was in attendance to watch his son
“There was a buzz about the whole place – convert a penalty for the visitors. “Frank had
the whole club felt different,” recalls Primus a cup of tea with Milan, then phoned me on
of that moment. Further signings ensued. the way home,” Redknapp later revealed.
“Suddenly you were turning up at the training “Frank said, ‘I think he would have you back’.
ground and seeing players like Shaka Hislop, It went from there.”
Paul Merson and Svetoslav Todorov,” the Suddenly, from being the most hated man
defender tells FFT. in Hampshire, achieving the rare feat of being
Redknapp’s charges won eight of their first disliked equally by fans of both Saints and
nine league matches in 2002-03, sprinting Pompey, Redknapp was back. And Mandaric?
into a lead at the top of the First Division He couldn’t have been happier.
that they never threatened to cede. “We got Patrik Berger, Redknapp’s side came 13th in “After many hard-working days in the last
to Christmas and it was no longer about their maiden Premier League season, beating couple of weeks,” stated the owner, “it has
reaching the play-offs – it wasn’t even about bitter local rivals Southampton 1-0 at Fratton finally come to the conclusion that I hoped:
going up automatically; it was about winning Park in March. bringing back the man who left us a year ago,
the title,” says Primus. Instead of providing a platform for bigger bringing him back to his home – our home.
That’s what they did, finishing six points and better things, it preceded a meltdown in He has been the best manager in my time at
above Leicester. The Mandaric and Redknapp relations between owner and manager. In this football club.”
bromance had hit its peak. After promotion November 2004, Mandaric announced that Having lost the manager he had recruited
was rubber-stamped, Redknapp laid bare the Velimir Zajec had been hired as the club’s new 12 months prior, vexed Southampton chief
mutual reliance of their relationship. executive director. Within a week, Redknapp Rupert Lowe described the whole soap opera
“If I hadn’t taken the manager’s job, I don’t and Smith were gone. as an “embarrassment to football”. Despite
think Mandaric would have stayed,” claimed “I will now take a short period of time to slipping into the drop zone, Redknapp helped
Redknapp. “He said, ‘If I have a go with you recharge my batteries before contemplating Portsmouth to take 20 points from their final
and I fail, then at least I’ve had a go – a last my future,” explained Redknapp. “I will not 10 matches and remain in the top tier. Their
throw of the dice’. I felt it was more important go down the road – no chance.” Two weeks greatest days still lay ahead.
for the club that Milan stayed. That’s the sole later he was saying, “I’m delighted to join
reason I took the job there. It wasn’t because Southampton,” in his unveiling at St Mary’s. RONALDINHO: FRATTON PARK FAN
I wanted it.” [Very noble – Ed.] “You couldn’t make it up, could you?” reflects
In keeping with the uncertainty that would Primus, laughing. “I joined a club that wasn’t expecting to be
pervade the pair’s alliance, Mandaric didn’t At Fratton Park, things went from bad to competing for trophies – even in my wildest
commit to staying at Pompey after securing worse. Zajec became Mandaric Manager No.6 dreams, I didn’t believe that we’d win an FA
their path to the promised land. “It’s not just but had moved back upstairs by April. In his Cup or qualify for Europe,” says goalkeeper
a question of whether I want to go or don’t place stepped Frenchman Alain Perrin, who David James, who swapped Manchester City
want to go,” he confessed. oversaw a 4-1 rout of Redknapp’s relegation- for Portsmouth in the summer of 2006.
That summer proved the height of harmony bound Saints but soon alienated himself from Just weeks beforehand, Mandaric had sold
between two hotheads who, it seemed, were the dressing room. his stake in the club to 29-year-old Alexandre
never more than five minutes from another “He basically suggested the players weren’t Gaydamak, who had become co-owner at the
bust-up. After signing Teddy Sheringham and trying,” says Primus. “There’s no quicker way beginning of the year. “I can do this safe in

FourFourTwo March 2024 63

 PORTSMOUTH

the knowledge that I will place Portsmouth times – equalised in stoppage time (below
Football Club in the control of a person that left). Portsmouth exited at the group stage,
has massive ambitions and will take this on and that was as good as it got. Redknapp
to the next level,” said Mandaric, who would had left for Tottenham weeks ahead of that
later buy Leicester, then Sheffield Wednesday. Milan game; replacement Tony Adams was
Acquiring Sol Campbell, Glen Johnson, sacked inside four months; Pompey slumped
Nwankwo Kanu and, of course, Niko Kranjcar, to 14th; and off-field chaos started to set in.
Redknapp guided Portsmouth to ninth place Gaydamak flogged the club to Sulaiman
in 2006-07, their highest finish for 52 years. Al Fahim, who then sold it to the mysterious
A season later, after the arrivals of Jermain Ali Al Faraj six weeks later, after star players
Defoe, Lassana Diarra and Papa Bouba Diop, had been shipped out and others had begun
they rose to eighth and remarkably won the to go unpaid. Al Faraj’s reign at Fratton Park
FA Cup, triumphing at Manchester United in lasted four months, before Balram Chanrai
the quarter-finals before Kanu’s goal sealed completed a takeover.
glory over Cardiff in the Wembley showpiece. Avram Grant had succeeded Paul Hart as
‘When Sol went up to lift the FA Cup’ is still manager in November 2009, and Pompey did
a song that reverberates around the stands remarkably reach another FA Cup final that
at Fratton Park, 16 years since the Pompey campaign, losing to Chelsea. In the Premier
skipper raised the trophy. Even that moment League, they hit rock bottom: 16 points from
was surpassed on Southsea Common the safety, having been deducted nine of them
following day (bottom). for entering administration, 11 seasons after
“It was magical,” smiles James. “Looking Mandaric had bailed them out of a similar
out and seeing more than 200,000 people is muddle. Following the Serb’s departure, years
something that will stay with everyone who of overspending on a dream that was never
was there for that parade. It seemed like the sustainable had put the club’s very existence
whole of the region had come out to support in jeopardy once more.
us. That was when it really sunk in; when you Pompey were denied entry to the Europa
realised just how much it meant.” League due to their financial woes. Two years
Victory at Wembley earned Pompey a first later, in 2012, they entered administration
ever appearance in Europe. In the UEFA Cup, yet again, and the resulting 10-point penalty
they led 2-0 with six minutes to go against ultimately precipitated their relegation from
a Milan side that featured three Ballon d’Or the Championship – a level to which they are
winners, thanks to goals from Younes Kaboul still to return. They finished as low as 16th in

MAnDARIC LEFT, AnD YEARS OF

and Kanu, on a night that led Ronaldinho to the fourth tier in 2015, but have led League
hail Fratton Park as “the best atmosphere in One for much of this campaign amid hopes
world football”. Primus, who was on loan at that they might finally find their way back to
Charlton, reminisces now: “Even watching on
TV, you could almost feel the reverberations”. OVERSPEnDInG PUT POMPEY’S the top two tiers of English football.
Portsmouth dream of rekindling the glories

VERY EXISTEnCE In JEOPARDY

Yet Ronaldinho’s 84th-minute free-kick gave they enjoyed under Mandaric and Redknapp.
the Rossoneri a lifeline, then Filippo Inzaghi – The pair delivered days few thought possible
who had been denied by the woodwork three – even if they never did sign Thierry Henry.
AFCOn

e
w n for th
is kno
o be
Na tions ally like t t
c a Cup of hat’s it re st to mee
fri w oa
The A cted, but to Ivory C Drogba...
p e d r
unex FT heade n d Didie
?F ats a
there ramp, go
rt
Supe

Words Chris Flanagan

One problem: the hotel wasn’t actually in
Korhogo – it had been mislabelled and was
back in Abidjan, 300 miles away. Airbnb
seemed the last option, only for us to book
ur twice and be cancelled on as prices hiked up
y Coast, and fo
t’s 35C in Ivor ng a dirt ever further. With a rare influx of visitors to
nd er ing alo
goats are wa T, as the biggest tournament this tiny city had
a confused FF
path towards ever hosted, locals sensed an opportunity.
r ou r ac co m modation
we look fo be A third booking was more expensive than
at could best
along a road th intended but at least looked reliable, until we
as , we ll, a go at track.
described landed and received a WhatsApp message in
expected
sure what we
We’re not quite ht s in pretty much French, needing Google Translate to decipher.
ed two nig
when we book og o, for £100 “Agree on the minimum reservation, which
le room in Korh
the last availab is three days.” That’d be another £100, but
wasn’t th is.
a night, but it the Africa where would we stay if we said no?
ed to head to
When FFT decid so m e adventure. A few hours later, having trekked to our
, we fa nc ied
Cup of Nations ot e of the five given location on that goat-laden track, we
the most rem
Korhogo was of Iv or y Coast, so gaze around baffled, wondering which of the
the far no rth
host cities, in the country’s makeshift buildings around us could possibly
to travel from
we made plans ta ke in the mighty be our accommodation. Well, none of them.
idjan an d
biggest city Ab ia vs Namibia. Welcome to AFCON 2023. In 2024. Obviously.
ture of Tunis
group-stage fix th en tic Africa, and
We hoped to
see th e au
fit ou r schedule, “OK, IT’S NOT REALLY A MOUNTAIN”
ort flight that
there was a sh air travel is
ere domestic
in a country wh s appeared a ris
k Africa’s premier tournament has always
requent. Buse
sparse and inf etab les – in been organised chaos – it’s part of its vibrant
k of online tim
because of a lac a hotel on Expe
dia
e wa s ev en
Korhogo, ther rfe ct .
le price . Pe
at a reasonab
AFCOn
 AFCOn

beauty, and why it intrigued us to come and When FFT arrives at the Namibians’ hotel,
experience it. Expect the unexpected. we bump into a couple from England (above,
Even the location of the competition has middle). “We crazily decided to combine the
been perennially uncertain in recent times. Africa Cup of Nations with a holiday – we’d
Libya were due to stage the 2013 edition, but always talked about doing it,” reveals David
withdrew because of civil war, then pulled Bell, an Arsenal fan from Suffolk. “We’ve been
out again in 2017. Plans for Morocco to host travelling through Burkina Faso for 10 days.
in 2015 were scrapped when west Africa’s When we were young, we had a trip through
Ebola epidemic made them reluctant, then Africa for six months, all the way through the
rebel violence and preparation delays meant southern half of the continent.”
Cameroon were stripped of 2019. Thirty years later, they say not much has
Switched to Egypt, that event was the first changed. “It’s been interesting, a lack of
held in the summer since a CAF vote that all running water…” chuckles partner Lorraine.
tournaments would be in June from now on, “But it’s full on Africa, wonderful. And the
avoiding a clash with Europe’s club season – weather’s better than at home.”
then COVID forced the 2021 competition to As we turn the first corner en route to our
be staged in January 2022, and CAF moved accommodation, a boy looks a little startled.
‘AFCON 2023’ to January 2024 to avoid Ivory “Oh, le blanc!” he exclaims, with a friendly
Coast’s rainy season. Got it? Good. wave. Proud Korhogo locals are desperate
Sadly, AFCON has suffered tragedies, too: to show off their city – visitors are a thrilling
three were killed when gunmen attacked the novelty here. According to Tripadvisor, the
Togo team bus in Angola in 2010, while eight biggest tourist attraction is Mont Korhogo –
died in a crush to access the 60,000 Olembe less a mountain, more a very small hill.
Stadium when Cameroon finally got to host Unable to find our accommodation in the
in 2022. In the run-up to this tournament, the supposed location, which turns out to be
Gambia squad’s flight with Air Cote d’Ivoire – wrong, we head back to the Namibian duo’s
the airline taking us to Korhogo – made an hotel and discover there is a spare room –
emergency landing due to a lack of oxygen useful leverage in our next conversation with
inside the plane. our Airbnb host, who drops the demand for
We haven’t even left Abidjan’s airport toilets the extra £100 and sends a free taxi to pick
before someone tries to sell us something. us up, along with their father “for security”.
“Taxi?” asks a chap, as we wash our hands heads. Outside the bus station is a truck full Above Football- We feel perfectly safe here, so we suspect
and take a malaria tablet. A little while later, of armed police, just in case. crazy locals in they mean security for their money, fearing
after wandering past a grinning elephant’s After a wander around, we amble back to Korhogo come we might stay at the hotel instead.
giant cut-out – the tournament’s mascot, the airport for our propeller plane (top right) out in support From there on, our host couldn’t be more
Akwaba – we do jump into a cab to the city. to Korhogo. There’s no sign of public transport of AFCON 2023 helpful. The very pleasant accommodation
The sign says it’s 4,500 West African Francs or taxis when we arrive, but some Namibians is in a suburb of makeshift buildings on the
(about £6) – the driver tries to charge 20,000. kindly let us board their minibus into town. edge of the city, in a walled-off compound
Morning has broken and there’s a beautiful Bishi and Nelson are both part of Namibia’s accessible only by uneven dirt roads.
view across the Ebrie Lagoon – connected by official delegation. “The squad have been in
a canal to the nearby sea – albeit a view Ghana for around three weeks to get used to “WHAT THE F**K ARE YOU DOING HERE?”
marginally spoiled by hundreds of discarded, the climate – it’s humid here,” says Nelson.
floating plastic bottles. Litter is an issue here. “In Namibia, it’s a dry heat – it’s a desert.” The next morning, we walk towards the
Abidjan’s population has exploded from only The Brave Warriors have never won an AFCON city’s central market, encountering a group
5,000 a century ago to 6.3 million – wherever game in three previous finals, but are hopeful. of Mali fans blowing air horns – Korhogo’s
you look there are people and motorbikes, “We had good warm-up matches – we drew Stade Amadou Gon Coulibaly hosts both
while women carry goods in baskets on their with Ghana and South Africa,” enthuses Bishi. opening Group E matches today in a double-

68 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 AFCOn

documents, trying hard not to go too Stan- but that diminished because of the money in
Collymore-in-Lille as we say ‘Journaliste!’, our domestic league. Players don’t have the
they won’t let us through for a good while desire to leave, because they can get a big
before eventually relenting. Security is tight, house by staying in South Africa, or a Bentley
probably an attempt to avoid a repeat of the or a Lamborghini.”
crush outside the stadium in Cameroon two Siphiwe Tshabalala, scorer of the opening
years ago. Ivory Coast have experienced two goal at the 2010 World Cup, is here today
disasters of their own at Abidjan’s Stade Felix as an AFCON ambassador, but doesn’t come
Houphouet-Boigny: 19 people died in similar across as big time as he pops over for a quick
circumstances before a World Cup qualifier word with FFT. “After 2010, I’m known by fans
in 2009, while 61 perished at a New Year’s Eve everywhere I go, not only in Africa,” he says.
fireworks display four years later. “I always get messages from fans across the
We arrive to find several reporters angrily world – I’m moved by that. I also remember
screaming at each other in the chaotic queue my first AFCON in 2006, it was a dream come
for accreditation – thankfully South African true for me. After this tournament, someone
journalist Lorenz Kohler is much calmer, albeit is going to be known because of this, just like
header, with Mali taking on South Africa in Above Abidjan puzzled why we’ve travelled to AFCON’s most I was after the World Cup.”
the second fixture. Because of the city’s put on a vibrant remote location. “You’re the only person from The day’s first game – Tunisia vs Namibia –
proximity to the border, there are thousands show to kick off FourFourTwo at the tournament? So what the does indeed produce a hero, but there aren’t
of Malians living here, and many more have the competition f**k are you doing here?!” he laughs. “I took many people in the stadium to see it. Tickets
arrived. “I live in Massachusetts, in the US, Top “How much a nine-hour bus from Abidjan – it was terrible. start from £6 but there’s maybe only 5,000
but it’s always good to be home – I came to for a Hull shirt?” I was expecting a s**thole, although actually inside the impressive 20,000-capacity venue,
Mali, then drove here,” explains Bo, another I prefer this place to Abidjan and all of the built for the tournament, but surely way too
supporter we meet. “It took us about 12 or traffic chaos there.” big once AFCON has departed.
13 hours – the border line was long.” The Bafana Bafana have been down in the The few visiting Namibians seem the most
The stadium is three miles from the centre doldrums – despite AFCON increasing to 24 enthusiastic, shrieking and waving flags
– our decision to walk, in 35C heat, to soak teams in 2019, they didn’t even qualify for whenever their team gets anywhere near the
up the atmosphere was ill-advised. “Are you the previous edition of the tournament. “As opposition penalty area. Their players – Derby
OK? You look unwell,” asks a woman as we media, we understand we’re underdogs, but defender Ryan Nyambe included – appear
take a breather halfway. No, just knackered. the country still believes we’re Brazil,” says a whole lot more enthusiastic too, compared
We’re stopped a mile from the venue at Kohler. “When we won AFCON back in 1996, with a lethargic Tunisia who beat France at
a police checkpoint. Despite presenting our we had players in the top European leagues, the 2022 World Cup but have since derailed.

FourFourTwo March 2024 69

 AFCOn

“Tunisian football is now in a mess,” sighs and, without him, the Eagles instantly seize Top to bottom but would you like to buy this random thing?’.
journalist Ahmed Fares – federation president the game, scoring twice, prompting euphoric Pre-defeat Mama He gives up. During our time in the country,
Wadi Al Jari was imprisoned in October on scenes in the stands. The drumming goes Joy; Troost-Ekong we notice Ivorians in a wide range of jerseys
a corruption charge. into overdrive. Mama Joy stands stony-faced bags the winner; – Newcastle, Rangers, Nottingham Forest,
Deservedly, Namibia’s Deon Hotto nods – more Mama Disconsolate, or Mama I Really Equatorial Guinea Hull, Paris Saint-Germain, Galatasaray and
home the game’s only goal with a couple of Wish We’d Scored That Penalty. celebrate seeing inevitably Inter Miami and Al Nassr. You can’t
minutes left, celebrating with a somersault. On the walk back to the city, we overtake off Guinea-Bissau escape Messi vs Ronaldo even here.
“It feels… it feels marvellous,” he beams in the Malian lugging his giant drum – it looks At the airport for the flight back to Abidjan,
the press conference, so soon after the final heavy – and stave off attempts from a local we meet some Germans from Hanover. “This
whistle that he’s still out of breath. “This is in a Manchester City shirt to sell us something is my first ever AFCON, and it’s been great,”
history – our first victory in the Africa Cup of or other. “Yaya Toure!” we say in an attempt states one, who introduces himself as Felix
Nations.” It’s clear what it means to him. to be friendly – he shoots us a look of, ‘Yes, Supertramp, “like the band”.
“We did it!” bellows Bishi, the delegation He continues: “Things happen – we were
member we met a day earlier. “Imagine the in Bouake and the hotel said they didn’t have
messages we’re getting from home – I can’t our reservation. They were saying, ‘It’s not
count them all, but it’s a lot!” here, f**k off!’ It’s all part of the trip, right?”
The morning afterwards, we’re on the bus
MAMA JOY IS NOT HAPPY to the new 60,000 Stade Alassane Ouattara,
named after the country’s president, who’s
An hour after the hors d’oeuvre is the Mali vs used the tournament to nation-build after
South Africa main course in front of a much Ivory Coast endured civil war from 2002 to
fuller stadium. Thousands of Mali fans sing 2007, then again between 2010 and 2011.
passionately to the national anthem, despite It’s a stunning three-tier stadium, which cost
it being played by someone who sounds like £200 million to construct.
they’re taking their first ever trumpet lesson. We’ve been warned to expect traffic hell
When the match begins, hundreds gather on the way to this venue, a 17-mile journey
at the top of one stand to dance to the Malian from the centre of Abidjan, though the roads
drummer’s incessant beat – even Ivorians are quiet, largely because the first match of
just want to join in. Near us, there’s a dance- today’s double-header is Equatorial Guinea
off between a man who’s painted his whole vs Guinea-Bissau – the Guinea derby that’s
body as the country’s flag, strutting around not really a derby, as the two countries are
comically like a Malian Bez, and South Africa nearly 2,000 miles apart. Equatorial Guinea
supporter Mama Joy, a large garishly dressed is east of here and was part of Spain, while
woman with a Zulu hat who’s at every Bafana Guinea-Bissau is to the west near Senegal,
Bafana game. She’s accompanied by fellow with Portuguese roots. In the 15th century,
superfans Botha, sporting novelty headgear, the entire 2,000-mile region, Ivory Coast
the gap-toothed Macheke and Saddam, who included, was known as Guinea.
is wearing bizarre oversized yellow glasses. We estimate there’s about 7,000 present
They and the Ivorian locals celebrate when for the 2pm kick-off, played in the heat of
South Africa win an early spot-kick, only for the day, but each country’s pocket of fans
Percy Tau to blaze it over the bar. The locals generates an atmosphere – Guinea-Bissau
cheer that as well – everyone can appreciate have a drummer, while Equatorial Guinea
a rotten penalty. Mali are favourites, but they supporters are playing trumpets and waving
do little until Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma is flags in choreographed fashion.
taken off – he’s been suffering from malaria An Equatorial Guinean woman in the press
box dances every time her team score in
a 4-2 win – you wouldn’t see it in Europe, but
why not? Ex-Middlesbrough and Birmingham
man Emilio Nsue, now 34 and representing
Spanish third-tier club CF Intercity, notches
three. “This is amazing – I didn’t even believe
this yet, I didn’t expect this hat-trick, but God
helped me,” he tells FFT.
Bolton midfielder Carlos Mendes Gomes,
who was born in Senegal but switched to
Guinea-Bissau in November via his heritage,
is sad about a loss that puts his nation on the
verge of elimination. They have zero points
after two games, but he’s very proud to have
played at AFCON. “The temperature here is
really tough – I’m from Manchester and the
contrast is crazy, but looking back at where
I’ve come from, I’d never have imagined
being here,” he tells FFT, having moved to
England as a teenager and turned out for
non-league side West Didsbury & Chorlton.

“DIDIER WILL BE HERE ANY MINUTE”

An altogether bigger crowd of 49,517 has
arrived for the second showdown of today’s
double-header between hosts Ivory Coast
 AFCOn

and Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen up front. Top to bottom Drogba, Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Didier Zokora, team must win. We want to show we can not
Some Nigerians have travelled for two days Ivorian fans get Salomon Kalou. This stadium is fantastic, and only host the competition, but perform in it.”
by road across Benin, Togo and Ghana. in the spirit of we hope all of black Africa gets these kinds Ten minutes into the second half, after FFT
“To host this tournament is a huge joy for the tournament; of grounds and we maybe try to host a World legs it back up about eight flights of stairs –
us – we’ve been waiting for 40 years since “Didier, do you Cup one day. That’s our hope – to share with a bad idea in this humidity – Drogba doesn’t
the last time,” says journalist Salia Drame, of have to speak to Ghana and Nigeria, plus Senegal is near too. get his wish as Ivory Coast go 1-0 down to
Abidjan Sport. “We’re trying to rise up after FFT?”; Osimhen Even if we don’t win this tournament, we a penalty won by Osimhen and converted by
the hard times the country witnessed, and spoils the party want it to be the best in history, so that when ex-Watford defender William Troost-Ekong.
development is going well. people go home, they have a good reminder The crowd attempt to rally the hosts, but
“Ivorians love football – when there were of Ivory Coast.” instead the team panic, lashing shots way
problems in the country, the national team Most of the crowd are covered in orange wide from 40 yards.
was the only thing that united us, with Didier and their rendition of the national anthem Unable to find an equaliser, they miss the
is stirring, accompanied by a gigantic Cote injured Sebastien Haller, whose face adorns
d’Ivoire flag that’s supposed to drop down to every Abidjan billboard selling bottled water.
cover two tiers – had they not chosen to do Nigeria’s joyous substitutes surge onto the
it over a section of the bottom tier filled with pitch at the final whistle, while home fans
Nigeria fans, who are having none of it. make for the exits, save for the musical crew
Nigeria’s brass band is in a decibel duel with who continue dancing to the same rhythm,
Ivory Coast’s musical section at the other seemingly oblivious that the match is over.
end, featuring supporters dancing to a drum, “We needed to win to make a statement,”
rhythmically bowing down and then rising to says Osimhen post-game, smiling as Nigerian
put their hands in the air, repeating the move journalists chant his name on the way out.
every two seconds for pretty much the entire Vexed Ivorian reporters skewer their French
match. Mexican waves go round, and there’s boss Jean-Louis Gasset – fired days later after
a fevered roar every time Ivory Coast attack, a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea – then we grab
but the game’s goalless at half-time. a few seconds with Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi in
At that point, FFT nips down from the top a hectic mixed zone. “It feels amazing to win,
tier to find Drogba. He and Jay-Jay Okocha against the hosts,” says the Fulham man,
were initially due to meet the media at 1pm missing Premier League fixtures and a League
– instead former Equatorial Guinea forward Cup semi to be here. “Clubs do understand
Rodolfo Bodipo arrived, speaking little English when we miss games – I’m proud to be here,
but doing his best, laughing at the absurdity representing my country and playing against
of two press officers trying to translate FFT’s the best African teams. It was my childhood
question from English to French, then French dream to win this competition.”
to Spanish, like an AFCON game of Chinese Soon we’re sauntering out, ready to brave
whispers. By the time it had reached Spanish, the Abidjan traffic. We’ve only been in Ivory
it wasn’t the question we’d asked. Coast for four days, but it’s given us memories
Drogba and Okocha were rescheduled to to last a lifetime. Was it relaxing? No. Was it
4pm, then half-time of the Ivory Coast game. sometimes chaotic? Absolutely. Things rarely
With still no sign of either, the second half run smoothly at AFCON – hosting a World Cup
about to begin and journalists getting irked, in this country one day still feels a big ask –
Drogba appears. There’s a scrum to get within but the mayhem is part of its charm.
10 yards of the Chelsea legend. “This is the Next up is Morocco in 2025. If you’re feeling
African celebration of football,” he says. “Of adventurous, why not give it a try? There are
course I want Ivory Coast to win, but the best few experiences in football quite like it.

I A n S L O V E THEIR
“IVOR W E ’ V E B EEn
–
FOOTBALL 0 YEARS TO
WAITInG 4 TOURnAMEnT”
HOST THIS
 TACTICS

01
THE nEW ROLE GIVInG
HOW SALAH WORKS
FOR THE nEW LIVERPOOL
First things first, Liverpool as a collective are
a more dangerous attacking outfit this term.
After falling behind their rivals, Jurgen Klopp

MO SALAH HIS BEST

has restructured his system and refreshed
his personnel, and the results are apparent.
Naturally, if you’re the starting attacker in
a side that’s creating more chances, you’re
going to benefit.
But without wishing to chicken-and-egg
this too much, Salah is as much the cause of
this as he is the beneficiary.

GOALSCORInG SEASOn
The previous ’Eavy Metal version of Liverpool
took its width down the right flank from the
overlapping of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Salah
would receive the ball wide on the touchline,
but then direct his movement inside to wind
up in the central space vacated by Roberto
Firmino’s false nine role.
However, with Alexander-Arnold moving

FOR SIX YEARS

from full-back into midfield, the responsibility
for the right channel is Salah’s alone. Darwin
Nunez acts as a focal point in the middle and
one of the No.8’s (often Dominik Szoboszlai)
supports the Egyptian on that side, so where
Salah’s first priority used to be finding space,
it’s now finding a team-mate.
Case in point: in his first two seasons in the
Premier League, Salah ranked in the bottom
Liverpool’s quest to win a second league title in five seasons 20 per cent for number of crosses into the
box. This season he’s more than quadrupled
has featured their star running riot from the flank once more – his output, putting him in the top 30 per cent.
FFT’s tactics ace explains how the Egyptian King has evolved

Words Adam Clery

ere’s a fact for you. Walking off the

field after his team’s annihilation of
Newcastle in January, Mohamed
Salah was tracking to have his best
season in front of goal for Liverpool
since his first campaign in 2017-18.
Back then he posted a staggering
44 goals in all competitions. As he
entered 2024 – roughly the season’s halfway
point – he was up to 18. If he continues at
the same rate after injury, and Liverpool go
the distance in the remaining cups, he’ll net
close to 35, his finest figures for six years.
What’s more impressive than the numbers
is that he’s done it in a campaign where his
role in this Liverpool side has shifted away
from primarily being a goal threat. He’s now
the Reds’ principle chance-creator as well.
By late January, despite also missing games
due to AFCON, the Egyptian didn’t only top
these statistics for his team, but the entire
division. He’d created 17 ‘Big Chances’ in the
Premier League, with his nearest rivals some
way back – Trent Alexander-Arnold on 12,
and Bukayo Saka and Son Heung-min on 11.
Registering nine assists in all competitions,
this lethal season he’s enjoying could also
include his highest return for laying on goals.
So, what’s changed?

72 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 TACTICS

02 HOW LIVERPOOL
WORKS FOR SALAH
Liverpool haven’t mounted a title tilt purely
Jones
because Salah has awoken his inner Marc
Albrighton. This new system, while it has him
operating much wider, had to enable him to Jota
get into goalscoring areas for it to be worth
anything. Fortunately it does and, thus, is.
While the club has allowed the bulk of its
Salah
key players to leave over the past two years,
they’ve been replaced by a specific profile of
footballer: intelligent, adaptable, able to play
in multiple positions and seamlessly switch
between roles. Liverpool boast an in-game

03
flexibility currently unrivaled across Europe.
Critics still lament his profligacy, but Nunez
remains one of the smartest forwards going. HOW IT WAS nEVER
He can start on the left and scare full-backs
with his speed and strength, or drag a marker
into the right-hand space to allow the likes
nOT GOInG TO WORK
SCAN H
ERE TO
of Salah to exploit the gaps. Of the latter’s WATCH There’s a reason why Liverpool’s frontline is
18 goals, six were assisted by the Uruguayan. THE virtually unrecognisable from the one that
VIDEO
Likewise, Szoboszlai has spent much of his sealed their first league title in 30 years, but
career as a wide forward, and usually carries there’s a better reason why Salah wasn’t part
the ball down the wing to allow Salah to play of the change. Some stars you can’t replace.
nearer the penalty area. Individually the trio Elaborate formations and innovate tactics
have defined roles in Klopp’s XI, but together help, but all they really do is allow you to get
they’ve developed a fluidity that makes them your best players in the right situations. What
more than the sum of their parts. happens from there is down to the individual,
and what magic they’re capable of conjuring.
The reason Salah’s last game before leaving
for the Africa Cup of Nations was mentioned
in our introduction was because there were
few better examples than in its 75th minute.
Salah carries the ball down the right flank
– as Liverpool’s most advanced attacker, the
Newcastle defence has to take its line from
his position and backtracks. With the Reds’
support racing to catch up, Salah drags the
opposition to the edge of their own penalty
box, then cuts back inside, halts their retreat
and slips through a killer ball at the precise
moment Diogo Jota darts in behind (above).
In real-time it’s no more than a clever pass,
but the vision, technique, and split-second
reading of the situation required to pull it off
is something only the greatest are capable of.
Liverpool’s new system might have put him
in that position, but only Salah could do what
Salah has done in it.

SALAH’S FIRST PRIORITY

FOR THE REDS USED TO BE
FInDInG SPACE – nOW IT
IS FInDInG A TEAM-MATE
 TACTICS

01 THE KUDUS YOU SEE

If the most you’ve caught of Kudus
this term has been the occasional highlights
package on Match of the Day, you probably
still have a good idea of the sort of player he
is. Blistering pace, a deadly eye for goal and
that all-too-rare-ability to fly past the finest
defenders like they’re a set of errant cones.
In fact, second only to Jeremy Doku (who
in a possession-orientated Manchester City
side sees a lot more of the ball), no player in
the Premier League prior to the AFCON break
had completed more take-ons than Kudus,
driving past an opponent four times a game.
This is by design, of course. West Ham’s
deep defensive structure is intended, firstly,
to restrict space for the other team. Despite
pushing up into the European places, they
enjoy as much possession as outfits in the
bottom three (a mere 40 per cent on average
this season), looking always to strike quickly
on the counter-attack.
The logic is that with acres of space now
behind the opposition, technicians like Lucas
Paqueta and James Ward-Prowse can quickly
pop passes into it, while Kudus and Jarrod
Bowen can get there directly with the ball at
their feet. It’s simple, but it’s pretty effective.

The machine-like wideman

has impressed at both ends
of the pitch since swapping
Amsterdam for the London SCAN H
ERE TO
Stadium – FFT reveals what WATCH
THE
VIDEO
makes the Ghanaian great

very now and then, a team outside

the Premier League’s ‘big clubs’ picks
up a player so good you can almost
hear the fax machines in Cobham
being thrown against a wall in anger.
In fact, so impressive has Ghanaian
wideman Mohammed Kudus looked
in his debut campaign at West Ham
after arriving from Ajax, that every director
of football across Europe should be made to
explain what on Earth they felt was a better
use of £38 million last summer.
The 23-year-old has been in sensational
form for the Hammers, bagging six Premier
League goals, one in the League Cup and
three in Europe before briefly popping to the
Africa Cup of Nations. However, his absence
from the XI wasn’t just an enormous blow to
West Ham because of the individual quality
he brings; he’s become an essential piece in
the David Moyes tactical puzzle.
Whether you judge it on ability or value,
the Londoners could not have made a better
signing in 2023-24.

74 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 TACTICS

02
Aguerd
THE KUDUS YOU DOn’T
Sitting in the proverbial ‘low block’
and trying to catch your opponents on the
break is all well and good, but it falls apart if
you’re unable to win the ball back. There isn’t
much point creating all that space in behind
if you’re never able to get into it. Kudus
Kudus has dazzled the London Stadium this
season with what he can do in the attacking
part of that plan, yet it’s been his contribution
to the other part that has marked him out as
the perfect addition to this team. Without
exception, no forward in the Premier League
this term has been better in the tackle.
Heading into the AFCON hiatus, Kudus led

03
the division for number of tackles attempted
(2.90 per 90 minutes), number of tackles won BLInK AnD YOU’LL MISS IT
(2.24 per 90) and number of tackles won in
the middle third of the pitch (1.52 per 90). The last point can make it sound
He was also comfortably in the top 10 per like the Hammers are a defensive team who
cent for tackles in the defensive and attacking just lump long balls. While it’s not an unfair
thirds, as well as the overall number of passes criticism (and even one you hear from their
intercepted. The man is, frankly, a machine. own fans), it’s more forward-thinking than
Common sense suggests the way to break that. Moyes wants his side to have space to
down a defensively resolute team is to double play in, while denying it to their opponents,
up out wide and hope their mercurial winger and seeing less of the ball is how he’s chosen
won’t bother tracking back. Not here – West to go about that. At present, it’s difficult to
Ham have a man who works back every inch argue with the results.
as hard as he works forward, even if it’s less But they’re also capable of doing this when
likely to make the highlights. they’re on the front foot, and Kudus again is
the focus of the approach. In the final third,
West Ham will attack narrowly down the left,
hoping to draw their adversaries across and
leave space on the right. Kudus, rather than
shifting over with the rest of the team, holds
his width to see if a chance arises (above).
If it does, then what comes next isn’t easy.
Rather than slowly pass the ball around the
outside of the opposition to move them back
across (horseshoeing, as it’s known), West
Ham immediately hit a long, accurate pass
into the gap on the far side for Kudus to run
on to. This requires near-perfect timing, and
the recipient’s ability to trap a ball that has
travelled that hard and that far.
As he showed in November’s League Cup
victory over Arsenal, though, Kudus can not
only create from this situation, but score too.

WITHOUT EXCEPTIOn, nO
TOP-TIER FORWARD THIS
TERM HAS BEEn BETTER In
THE TACKLE THAn KUDUS
 TACTICS

01 BECKEnBAUER THE PLAYER

If there’s one player synonymous
with their unique position, it’s Beckenbauer
as ‘The Sweeper’. Roughly translated from the
term ‘Libero’ (‘free’), the new defensive role
originated in Swiss football almost 100 years
ago before arriving on the world stage when
adopted by both Milan giants in the 1960s.
While there were many ways to implement
it, at its core a ‘Libero’ was an extra defender
given the responsibility of covering the space
left open by their team-mates man-marking
attackers. Without a specific foe to marshal,
they would move around, cut out passes and
drop deeper to prevent balls in behind.
Beckenbauer, one of the best defenders in
the world at Bayern Munich, revolutionised it.
Not only was his reading of the game a huge
asset to the role, but his ball-carrying, passing
and vision meant his defensive prowess also
became a deadly attacking weapon.
Regaining possession across the backline,
he would immediately look to carry the ball
upfield to instigate a counter-attack. Driving
into midfield, linking up with forwards, even
combining out wide, he became his club and
country’s tactical focal point. Bayern bagged
a hat-trick of European Cups from 1974-76,
while Germany were still using a sweeper at
Euro 2000. But that’s another story...
Ball-playing centre-backs may now be ten
a penny, but the sight of one striding forward
will always elicit comments of ‘He looked like
Beckenbauer today!’ over post-match pints.

FFT salutes the late German

juggernaut’s groundbreaking
effect on the game, first as
a player and later a manager

or all of the opulent sums involved,

legacy is the true currency on which
the beautiful game trades. Whether
that’s calculated by trophies, trinkets,
or just being the face fans are quickest
to recall when the talk turns nostalgic,
how we view players after their career
often matters more than during.
By that measure, there is no one richer, no
man sat on a higher throne, than Der Kaiser.
The Emperor. Franz Beckenbauer.
While many other greats have their status
elevated above his purely by virtue of scoring
goals as a day job, none of them can claim
to have dominated, defined or developed the
sport as a whole in the way he did.
And while his trophy cabinet is one of only
three to include World Cups won as a player
and manager, his exploits are best judged by
simply… watching football. Even now, almost
three decades since he retired as a coach, his
impact is visible in whatever nation, whatever
division you choose to watch.
Footballers change games; Beckenbauer is
one of precious few to have changed football.

76 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 TACTICS

02 BECKEnBAUER THE BOSS

Like his role as a player, the system
that would define Der Kaiser’s time as a boss
wasn’t something he actually invented, but Muller
was certainly something he innovated upon.
The 3-5-2 that took West Germany to Italia
90 glory had been seen on pitches in the past, Beckenbauer
but not in the way he implemented it.
Building from the back, defenders were, to
a man, required to be strong and technically
adept. With the formation featuring wing-
backs, the outside two defenders needed to
quickly cover across into the wide areas, but
remain rigid in the middle if that’s where the
threat was. The central of the three, it won’t

03
surprise you, was a sweeper.
As for the wing-backs, they were asked to BECKEnBAUER THE MAGICIAn
do a previously unthinkable amount of work
out wide – dropping into the backline to form After a number of near misses, the
a five-man defence, but then instantaneously Germans eventually lifted the World Cup in
offering the width of an attack. In 2024, we’re SCAN H 1974. But it was the European Championship
ERE TO
used to watching full-backs cover that much WATCH final two years prior that was – and in some
MORE
ground, but in the ’80s and ’90s? Unheard of. TACTIC circles still is – considered the highest point in
S VIDEO
S
The genius of the system lay in midfield. By the country’s football history.
rotating the personnel from game to game, They swept to a majestic 3-0 win, brushing
Beckenbauer could tailor the team to be as aside a USSR team who had no answer to the
steely or spirited as the fixture necessitated. overall control Beckenbauer exerted. Seizing
on any loose pass or slight miscontrol from
a narrow attack, he routinely strode forward
through a terrified midfield, at times making
them look like kids who’d naively asked the
semi-pro PE teacher to join their playground
kickabout. They couldn’t get near him.
Rotating with No.6 Herbert Wimmer, as well
as playmaker Gunter Netzer, Beckenbauer is
the architect for the game’s first goal (above).
Collecting the ball on halfway, he glides into
the space behind the attackers and attracts
the two covering players towards him, only to
effortlessly breeze beyond them.
From there, and now at the edge of the box,
he rolls the ball to Gerd Muller, who flicks on
for Netzer to wallop a volley off the crossbar.
After a scramble, West Germany take a lead
that Beckenbauer ensures is never in doubt.
Der Kaiser creates and the Emperor protects.

FRAnZ REVOLUTIOnISED
THE SWEEPER POSITIOn.
HIS DEFEnSIVE PROWESS
ALSO BECAME A DEADLY
WEAPOn GOInG FORWARD
 InTERVIEW
which is another thing that excites me.
I believe I can help the club get up to

BILLY SHARP
the Premier League, which this squad
is more than capable of. My aim is to
chip in with some goals and offer my
experience on and off the pitch – I’ve
The veteran Hull striker got a few promotions under my belt.
on his promotion hopes, At this stage of my career, I won’t be
knocking on the manager’s door and
leaving the Blades and demanding minutes. It’s about giving
that headbutt by a fan... everything I can when I’m called upon.

You’ve scored more than 250 league

Interview Ed McCambridge goals in your career, from League
Two to the top flight – how have you
managed to keep adapting?
Now that you’re back in England The Premier League is the best in the
with Hull, after a stint at LA Galaxy, world and I was always playing in
what did you make of MLS? a struggling team there, so goals were
Leaving Sheffield United at the end of tougher to come by; realistically, I see I was eager to use the opportunity as
last season was tough, as I thought
I was going to be there for this season
myself as a Championship-level striker.
I’ve scored a lot of goals at this level
“I WAnT TO ADD TO MY a stepping stone to eventually return
to the Championship. Fortunately, I did
as well. I was initially told I would be,
so it was hard to get over that. I had
and secured three promotions out of
this division. I hope I can get another
CHAMPIOnSHIP TALLY TO that: we got promoted and I ended up
being bought back by Sheffield United.
offers from Championship clubs, but it
felt too early. When the opportunity
one this term. I think I’ve just always
had a habit of being in the right place
MOVE FURTHER AHEAD Why didn’t things work out for you
at LA Galaxy came up, it was perfect.
They were in the middle of the season,
at the right time, whatever the level.
OF WHO’S BEHInD ME” at Bramall Lane the second time?
I was never going to score as many
but I got off the mark early and ended What does it mean to you to hold goals as I did for Scunthorpe in League
up with six goals in nine starts. Their the records for the most goals in the Going back to the beginning of your One. I was still just 20 years old and
manager had said I’d be given a new history of the Championship, and career, at 19 you departed Sheffield learning my trade. Opportunities were
12-month contract, but sadly it didn’t the EFL in the 21st century as well? United, your boyhood club, to make limited and I had to move away again.
materialise. That was disappointing, I’m especially proud of having scored a name for yourself at League One I went to Doncaster, played well, and
because my family and I had jumped the most goals in the Championship, Scunthorpe – was that a tough call? then helped Southampton to go up.
at the chance to go there. That’s when and it’s another reason why I came Not really, because I’d already been
Liam Rosenior showed interest in me. back to the Championship with Hull – out on loan at Rushden & Diamonds in After firing Saints to Premier League
to try to add to that tally. Once you League Two and it was the best thing promotion in 2011-12, were you
Having just turned 38, how do you start hitting milestones and moving I ever did. That gave me a little taste disappointed not to be given more of
see your role at Rosenior’s Hull? past players, you want to keep doing of first-team football and I couldn’t a crack at the top level in 2012-13?
I’ve come in at a time when the club that. Now it’s about moving further go back to the reserves after that. So, I was. Nigel Adkins made it clear that
are in and around the play-off places, away from the guy who’s behind me. when I heard of Scunthorpe’s interest, Rickie Lambert was going to be his

78 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 AROUnD THE
GROUnDS

main man, but Rickie had injury issues

and I thought I’d be his backup. Rickie SCOTTISH nEWS
was struggling before the first game of
the season, away at Manchester City,
but still started. I came on and made
my Premier League debut, which was
nice, but then the following week, Nigel
said he wanted to sign another striker
and that my minutes would be limited.
It was very tough to take, because I’ve
always wanted to play football. I went In September 2022, Zander Murray became Scotland’s first male professional
on loan to Nottingham Forest, Reading
and Doncaster, then moved to Leeds
footballer to come out. After a “mad” 2023, he says he’s aiming to inspire others
permanently – all great Championship
clubs, but it felt like several seasons out
in the wilderness. For many professional footballers October 2021, while Blackpool’s Jake to play at a higher level throughout
over the age of 30, thoughts of Daniels became the UK’s first in May his career, fearing he would become
You went to Sheffield United, then in retirement can cause sleepless 2022. “Both of them reached out to more easily identified. “I missed out
League One, for a third spell – and nights. But for 32-year-old Zander me after my announcement,” says on so much with those anxieties and
this time you stayed for eight years, Murray – now in his final season as Murray, with fondness. “Around the that’s a big regret now,” he laments.
winning two promotions and scoring a player with Scottish fifth-tier side world, there are still only about seven After coming out, Murray felt
109 league goals. What’s it like to be Gala Fairydean Rovers – it’s the male players who have come out. We empowered to accept a move to
a legend at your boyhood club? memories of his younger days that need to stick together. However, it’s League Two outfit Bonnyrigg Rose in
As a kid, all I ever wanted was to score cause anxiety, while a future filled so uplifting to see more joining us.” January 2023, becoming the SPFL’s
one goal for Sheffield United in front of with exciting opportunities awaits. Murray realised he was gay long only openly gay footballer. And while
the Kop, so to be able to do that more That’s because, in September 2022, before he embarked on a professional there was some “pretty nasty” abuse
than 100 times was amazing. To have Murray came out as gay – the first football career, initially at Motherwell, from a minority of people on social
been captain and help the club I love professional footballer in Scotland to media, reaction was largely positive.
get promoted to the Premier League
was even better. Those memories will
do so. Aged 30 at the time and tired
of concealing his true identity, the “HOPEFULLY, THE MORE Team-mates, coaches and fans have
been supportive. Murray was touched
live with me forever. We finished ninth
in that first year [2019-20], which was
striker decided to share details of his
sexuality on social media following WE CAn MAKE THIS THE to hear of a teenage player coming
out to his own friends and coaches
incredible. My one regret is that I didn’t
get a proper chance to say goodbye to
a Pride march in Benidorm with pals.
Had Murray been a lawyer or a lorry nORM, THE EASIER IT after watching a BBC documentary
about Murray. “I was moved by it,”
the supporters – I didn’t know that last
season would be my final one there.
driver, no one would have cared. Yet
men’s football has quite a complex BECOMES FOR OTHERS” remembers the Scot. “Hopefully, the
more we can make this the norm, the
relationship with homosexuality, and easier it becomes for others.”
In the 2021-22 Championship play- the news caused a splash. but says he didn’t feel ready to come Murray is focusing on giving his best
off semi-final, away at Nottingham “It’s been absolutely mad,” Murray out. “Changing rooms are full of the for Gala Fairydean after returning to
Forest, a pitch invader headbutted tells FourFourTwo today. “I popped ridiculous old ‘banter’ we all know his old stomping ground in November,
you after Forest beat the Blades on it on my Facebook page and, within about, and it can be tough in that but admits to having one eye on the
penalties. What are your memories hours, it was on every single news environment,” he sighs. “I’d put on future. “I need to take advantage of
of that incident? site. I was inundated with messages a macho front and pray I was never the opportunities coming my way,”
I wasn’t involved in the game as I was and opportunities. I even ended up spotted in gay bars. I wasn’t able to he smiles, “from leading marches in
injured, but I was making sure that all on Lorraine Kelly to talk about it!” be the real me away from the pitch.” different countries to giving talks to
of our players got off the pitch when Murray (below, centre) went public The Glasgow native – a club legend children in schools. It’s about being
their fans started running over. I was after Australian A-League midfielder at Gala Fairydean after scoring more myself, inspiring others and helping
in the wrong place at the wrong time. Josh Cavallo became the world’s only than 100 goals there – reveals that to change football for the better.”
Some mindless idiot just caught me actively gay professional footballer in he turned down numerous chances Ed McCambridge
unawares – I wasn’t expecting it at all.
A policeman came dashing across to
see if I was OK; he had a bodycam on
and I remember thinking, ‘Don’t worry
about me – get after the bloke who hit
me’. It obviously wasn’t a nice thing to
happen. A small number of idiots can
go too far sometimes. Sadly, it was me
at the centre of that incident.

What does the future hold for you?

Are you considering coaching?
My focus is simply on scoring as many
goals as I can and having the biggest
impact I can for Hull until the end of
this season. At my age, you only ever
get offered short-term deals, so you
re-evaluate at the end of each season
and go from there. I see myself playing
football again next season, though.
Beyond that, I’ve been doing all of my
coaching badges so, when I do call it
a day, I hope to remain in the game.
 AROUnD THE
GROUnDS

Lifelong Hatter Chloe Beresford on George Weah, Boxing Day batterings, mass brawls and cup giant-killings

XI
BEST: Ben Hinchliffe, Sean Connelly,
SIGnInG
B: Snagging Ashley Williams [below]
Mike Flynn, Ashley Williams, Michael from Hednesford and handing him his
Rose, Anthony Pilkington, Kevin first professional contract when he was
Cooper, Tom Bennett, Chris Marsden, 19. After a superb four and a half years,
Paddy Madden, Alun Armstrong. we sold him to Swansea for £400,000.
WORST: Andy Dibble, Simon Travis, Jeff W: See Kenan Dunnwald-Turan.
Eckhardt, Lee Mair, Fredrik Bryngelsson,
Layton Maxwell, Carlton Palmer, Eddie
McGoldrick, Barry Conlon, Tes Bramble,
Vasilios Kalogeracos.
OWnER
B: Current chief Mark Stott will
never be forgotten for taking

PLAYER
B: My all-time hero is Alun Armstrong.
us back into the EFL with his
smart investment and astute
running of the club.
His last-gasp equaliser against Everton W: Ex-Sale Sharks boss Brian
in the 1995-96 FA Cup third round is Kennedy. His reign was full
the entire reason that I fell in love with of false promises and ended
football in the first place. He moved to with us losing ownership of
Middlesbrough for £1.6 million in 1998, our stadium and ultimately
which is still County’s record fee going into administration.
received for a player.
W: A German midfielder called
Kenan Dunnwald-Turan, loaned
from Scunthorpe a couple of finals of the League
AWAY TRIP
B: We reached the FA Cup
years ago. He came on during Cup, beating top-flight Blackburn, West fifth round in 2001 and went to Spurs.
a 3-0 defeat to Yeovil, missed Ham and Southampton along the way. A young Ledley King scored after five
a sitter and never played for us W: 2012-13, when we dropped into the minutes and we got spanked 4-0, but
again. His career path is one of Conference North after a 4-0 defeat at it was the funniest day out with loads
the most random imaginable. Kidderminster on the final day. of train antics, a streaker and a mass
brawl in the pub.

MOMEnT
B: Tony Dinning [top] scoring a penalty in non-league. It might not compare
MAnAGER
B: Dave Jones [below] for the 1996-97
W: Macclesfield on Boxing Day 2005 –
a 6-0 battering by traditionally smaller
rivals completed a miserable afternoon
to beat Manchester City at Maine Road to previous giant-killing exploits, but it cup exploits and promotion to the in the pouring rain. Bah humbug!
in 1999, then celebrating it by goading was a sign that we were finally on the First Division. Jim Gannon did so
goalkeeper Nicky Weaver. It’s hard to
believe that happened considering the
club that City are now.
way back after years in the wilderness.
W: The game that never was in 2006.
We’d driven 250 miles to Torquay, only
much for us over three spells
and our current gaffer Dave
Challinor is up there, too.
OPPOnEnT
B: Not a team, but in 2000 we
W: Losing our Football League status for the referee to call it off half an hour Is three cheating? hosted Manchester City for
in 2011 after 106 years as an EFL club. before kick-off. When we returned for W: Dietmar Hamman Jim Gannon’s testimonial
the rearranged match, County lost 4-0. won just three of his 20 and seeing George Weah

GAME
B: Beating League One Bolton 5-3 after SEASOn
games in 2011. Despite
his fame as a player,
he’s never managed
grace Edgeley Park was
pretty special.
W: Vauxhall Motors in
extra time in the 2021-22 FA Cup first B: It has to be 1996-97 – promotion to a club since. Tells you the Conference North.
round [above right] while we were still the second tier and reaching the semi- all you need to know... Say no more...

80 March 2024 FourFourTwo

 AROUnD THE
GROUnDS

WEIRD RIVALRIES

IT’S SWInDOn VS GILLInGHAM...

Most bitter rivalries involve neighbours going head-to-head, though that’s not always the case – from terrible
tackles to title race tomfoolery, these 10 teams have found very different reasons to bear a long-held grudge

SUNDERLAND VS COVENTRY “He got the hump after I said Colchester was a more DUNDEE VS HEARTS
attractive destination for signings, because we were
Separated by the best part of 200 miles, there was no ‘the professional club’,” said McDonough. “I couldn’t In 1986, Hearts needed a draw at Dundee on the final
beef between Sunderland and Coventry (below) until care less how upset he was. I fanned the flames and day to win the Premier Division for the first time in 26
Jimmy Hill got involved back in 1977. questioned his bottle, predicting we’d batter them at years. Albert Kidd netted twice for the Dark Blues and
Both teams were battling to avoid the drop to the Layer Road. We hammered them 3-0 – with a quarter the Edinburgh giants are still to claim another crown.
second tier on the last day of the season. The Black of an hour to go, I shouted, ‘No more goals, lads, let’s The dislike between the teams increased during the
Cats visited Everton while the Sky Blues hosted fellow just play keep-ball’. O’Neill gave me a murderous look pandemic, with Hearts relegated in 2020 on points
relegation candidates Bristol City, only for the latter – he realised I was taking the piss.” per game after SPFL clubs chose to curtail the season.
kick-off to be delayed – supposedly at the behest of The disrespect continued when McDonough fielded Dundee had originally voted against the plan, but the
managing director Hill. Sunderland lost 2-0 and Hill his strikers in defence and defenders in attack during SPFL didn’t get their email – given extra time to send
insisted the result be announced over the PA system a Bob Lord Trophy tie against Wycombe, then took his it again, they changed their mind and voted in favour,
– Cov and the Robins then knew a draw was enough squad to Wanderers’ penultimate game of the season condemning the Jambos to the drop. The first league
to save their First Division status and gave up seeking at Dagenham and placed them right behind the goal. fixture in the second tier the following season? Hearts
a winner in the closing stages. Sensational wind-up tactics. vs Dundee – the hosts romped to a 6-2 win and made
Relations have been bitter ever since, not helped by sure to reference the ballot bother in a taunting tweet.
City’s Steve Froggatt having his career cut short by an Sweet revenge…
awful Nicky Summerbee challenge in 2000.
SWINDON VS GILLINGHAM
WYCOMBE VS COLCHESTER
The duo were vying for promotion from the third tier
Wycombe and Colchester became mortal foes while when things kicked off at Priestfield in 1979. Danny
both amassing a then-record 94 points at the top of Westwood was incensed as multiple Swindon tackles
the Conference in 1992, making them the Wrexham not only went unpunished, but led to the Gillingham
and Notts County of their day. Only Colchester sealed forward being dismissed for dissent. One home fan
promotion to the Football League, however, with no was so irate, they invaded the field and punched the
love lost between U’s manager Roy McDonough and referee, before Town earned a draw from 2-0 down.
Wycombe counterpart Martin O’Neill. The return clash at the County Ground was no less
lively, featuring a tunnel brawl that led to a court case.
Neither the Gills nor Robins got promoted – finishing
fourth and fifth – but both have borne a grudge ever
since, fuelled by a 1987 play-off final that ended 2-2
on aggregate and required a replay at Selhurst Park.

TRANMERE VS BOLTON

A 1991 play-off final lit the fuse for this salty rivalry
(above left). Six bad-tempered years later, Tranmere
revelled in denying Bolton 100 points with the last kick

O BEEF
of the campaign, prompting John McGinlay to moan

W A S n that if Rovers had been so motivated all season, they

THERE n THESE TWO

might not have finished 11th.
Things turned petty when bosses John Aldridge and

BETWEE nTIL JIMMY

Sam Allardyce fell out. In 2000, the Trotters actively
avoided Prenton Park’s facilities, arriving and leaving in

T E A M S U T I n V O LV E D . . .
full kit. “Now I’m managing in the Premier League and
he’s doing Merseyside radio, so I think we know whose

HILL GO
management style’s the best,” Big Sam later smirked.
There was even some quarrelling when the two sets
of players renewed acquaintances in the final of Sky’s
Masters tournament in 2009. Time to let bygones be
bygones? Apparently not…

FourFourTwo
FourFourTwoMarch
March2024
20248121
 AROUnD THE
GROUnDS

nOn-LEAGUE nEWS

FOOTBALL ICOn: THE nEXT CHAPTER

Carl Magnay almost skipped Football Icon trials before going on to win the reality television show – now, after
a career spent in the lower leagues, the former Chelsea defender aims to pass on his star-studded experience

C
arl Magnay nearly walked away from trials to why not?’ I was working at an envelope factory and The defender dazzled again as the show advanced
be the new Football Icon. The then 17-year-old had trialled at Middlesbrough after being released by to phase two, a round-robin competition at the Blues’
arrived at the North East auditions, held in his Leeds. I didn’t have much to lose.” Cobham training complex, securing a spot in the final
native Newcastle in 2006, took one look at the Inside the venue – “a huge sports centre filled with 14 and a ticket to the contenders’ mansion.
“massive” queue and decided to head home. astroturf five-a-side pitches” – Magnay impressed in “That was when it really evolved into a television
The first edition of Sky One’s popular talent show – a range of tasks aimed at assessing physical, mental show,” remembers Magnay. “It was like Big Brother –
which put budding professional footballers through and technical ability. “One tested your first touch by we were living in this ridiculous house quite close to
a string of challenges before crowning a champion – firing a ball at you, which you had to control and pass Cobham and there were cameras all over the place.
had seen Chelsea supporter Jaimie Ashley handed into different goals,” explains Magnay. “Another was Puberty had hit me hard – I was spotty, gangly and
a six-month contract with the west Londoners. The an assault course to judge your agility, and we played didn’t like the way I looked. Some of the other boys
Roman Abramovich era was in full swing and Jose loads of small-sided matches against the other lads. were full of confidence and telling the cameras they
Mourinho’s side had bagged a second consecutive It was a strange atmosphere, as there were dozens of were definitely going to win the contract. That wasn’t
Premier League title that year, so there was arguably cameras set up and you were competing for a place my style – I chose to keep my head down and see
no more exciting team to play for. Series two lured in the next round.” how far I could go.”
thousands of hopefuls, much to Magnay’s chagrin. At the end, Magnay was told he’d made it through, Each week, the housemates trained together before
“As I went to leave, I was shouted over by a mate though his mate wasn’t so lucky. “He probably wished two were eliminated. Once 14 was whittled down to
at the front of the line,” Magnay recalls to FFT now. he’d just let me go home,” chuckles Magnay. “I was eight, they joined Chelsea’s academy youngsters for
“He told me to cut in with him, so I thought, ‘F**k it, thrilled to bits.” group sessions. For many of the participants, this was
 AROUnD THE
GROUnDS

where reality struck. “We’re talking about the best kids the reserve team and train with the senior side. During After three seasons at hometown team Gateshead,
in Europe, the majority of them youth internationals,” a four-year stint at Stamford Bridge, he counted Jose he joined Grimsby and then League Two Hartlepool,
continues Magnay. “A lot of the guys who’d said they Mourinho, Luiz Felipe Scolari, Andre Villas-Boas and for whom the stopper accumulated more than 100
were going to win it started to come unstuck, causing Carlo Ancelotti as first-team managers. “Jose was the appearances. A spell at Spennymoor in the National
passing drills to break down and having spats with the most terrifying,” reveals Magnay. “When he walked League North followed before returning to Gateshead,
Chelsea boys. I kept things simple. I was never a flash into the canteen, everybody sat up a little straighter. where he retired in November. “I don’t look back on
player anyway, and as the weeks went by I began to Standards were always high, even among the stars. my career with immense pride, to be honest,” laments
gain the respect of the academy lads.” Ancelotti was very chilled – he’d stroll over and say Magnay. “Those wretched injuries meant I was never
A prize for finishing top of the group one week gave hello to everyone, asking how you were. Scolari barely capable of hitting the heights I had at Chelsea, while
Magnay the opportunity to join a first team training spoke English and Villas-Boas was standoffish, as he the Football Icon banter was constant. I’d be marking
session. The teenage talent suddenly found himself wanted to come in, rip everything up and start afresh.” someone at a corner and hear, ‘Hey lads, it’s Wayne
rubbing shoulders with John Terry, Frank Lampard and In order to aid his development, Magnay was sent Rooney’s Street Striker’ and loads of that s**t. It grew
Joe Cole. “That was surreal,” reflects Magnay. “I was on consecutive loans to League One outfits MK Dons tiring pretty quickly.”
alongside megastars and trying to mark Didier Drogba and Northampton, yet a serious knee injury, coupled Magnay remains grateful for Football Icon, though.
in a practice match – it was honestly bizarre.” with a broken kneecap sustained in a Chelsea reserve Without it, he may not have turned professional at all.
Ultimately, Magnay was named the series winner, team game, put paid to his hopes of ascending the He may never have guided Gateshead to the National
despite conceding a penalty in the final-round game. Blues’ ranks. “I’d been close to making the first-team League North title in 2021-22, or run out at Wembley
“It changed my life overnight,” he says. “They made bench a few times, but I was up against John Terry, for the FA Trophy final a year later. The opportunity to
the announcement in front of my friends and family Ricardo Carvalho, David Luiz and Alex – all world-class move into coaching could have evaded him, too. “I’m
and it was the greatest feeling in the world. I was now players. I was never close to that level, sadly.” very lucky,” Magnay tells FFT with a smile. “I’ve always
a professional footballer.” The severity of Magnay’s injury meant he was forced wanted to be a coach and it’s amazing to be granted
Magnay initially linked up with the Blues’ under-21s, to drop into the National League to stay in the game. the chance at Gateshead. I’m helping the trainees to
coached at the time by a rookie Brendan Rodgers. “He develop and handle the pressures of modern football.
was fantastic even back then,” beams Magnay of the I know how that feels more than most. I got to work
now-Celtic manager. “His sessions were intense, fun
and educational. He knew how to push you and when
“FEW COACHES In nOn-LEAGUE under some incredible managers in my career, from
Mourinho to Ancelotti, and learned countless things
us young lads needed advice or time away for family
stuff. He also spoke Spanish, which helped several of
CAn SAY THEY’VE BEEn TAUGHT about coaching from Rodgers. Few young coaches at
this level of the game can say they’ve been taught by
the foreign boys to settle in. My game came on leaps
and bounds because of Brendan.”
BY A CALIBRE OF BOSS SUCH that calibre of manager.”
Life hasn’t always been plain sailing for Carl Magnay,
At the end of the campaign, Magnay earned a new
contract at Chelsea, where he continued to represent
AS MOURInHO AnD AnCELOTTI” but this sure beats making envelopes.
Ed McCambridge
 TEAMS
Tottenham
Doncaster (loan)
Cambridge (loan)
Portsmouth (loan)
Brentford (loan)
Ipswich (loan)
Swindon
West Ham

JOHN MONCUR
LIANNE SANDERSON
ANTTI NIEMI
 JOHn MOnCUR
Was it a difficult decision to join West Ham
after that, having played for Tottenham?
To be honest, I let my heart rule my head on
that one. I spoke to Chelsea, as Glenn [who’d

“I RUGBY-TACKLED
moved there after Swindon’s promotion] had
agreed a contract as well, but all of my family
are from the East End and it was basically like
going back home. At the time, the gulf wasn’t

1860 MUnICH’S LIOn

huge between Chelsea and West Ham, plus
I’d had a soft spot for the Hammers as a kid
despite playing for Spurs.

MASCOT AnD DID HIS

You definitely endeared yourself to West
Ham supporters over the next nine years…
They’re not fools. Even though they like their
technical players, you have to work hard and

KnEE. IT TURnED OUT

leave nothing out there. Over the years that’s
how they took me, as I showed I was West
Ham through and through. I became a bit of
a hero – but you have to earn that.

TO BE a CLUB HERO!" What was it like to be part of a West Ham

squad with so many big personalities?
It was amazing. There were many great lads
down the years: Steve Lomas, Paul Kitson,
John Hartson, Razor Ruddock, Ian Wright...
The cockney playmaker recalls Hoddle’s and Dicksy [Julian Dicks], who was a stalwart
genius, shipping goals at Swindon and at Upton Park. You looked around and saw
warriors, but they were also top footballers.
banter in the Hammers dressing room
Harry Redknapp brought together some big
characters so we punched above our weight
Interview Chris Evans for a period, coming fifth in the league and
qualifying for Europe via the Intertoto Cup.

You broke through at Tottenham at a time Manchester City or Liverpool now. We didn’t What exactly happened when you couldn’t
when they had an embarrassment of riches have a big budget but we went up through get your shirt back on after scoring in the
in midfield – how was that to contend with? the play-offs, and that was all down to Glenn. Irons’ 5-4 win against Bradford in 2000?
It was a really good place to be a midfielder I took my shirt off because I hadn’t expected
because you had Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles That 1993 play-off final against Leicester the shot to go in, so I just went berserk. Then
and a conveyor belt of players out of the was a classic, Swindon winning 4-3 with I couldn’t get my shirt back on! I had one arm
same mould, with the likes of Micky Hazard, a late penalty. What was it like to play in? in the shirt, one arm out, and the game was
Ian Crook, Vinny Samways, David Howells It was unbelievable. About 10 minutes into going on – the referee hadn’t spotted it. No
and myself. The competition was very tough the second half, we were 3-0 up and I said sooner had I pulled the shirt back on, the ball
and in the first team there was Chris Waddle to [team-mate] Nicky Summerbee, “Light up came out of our box to Dean Saunders, who
and Paul Gascoigne, too. When I was ready your cigar – we’re on our way to the Premier was a clever player, and he bought a penalty.
to go in there and make a mark consistently, League”, right in front of this Leicester player I had a row with Harry at half-time because
I had Gazza in a similar position. Teams back I used to clash with. When the score went to he was moaning about my shirt – talk about
then played with two central midfielders, not 3-3, this opponent said to me, “Do you still a football rollercoaster...
three, so any chances were narrowed down. want that light?” It was a complete reversal.
I remember Glenn saying, “Keep playing and You were renowned for your antics at West
Did you learn much from them, at least? keep passing”. It was a masterstroke, as he Ham – which stories stand out the most?
With Hoddle, I learned from afar. Glenn was wasn’t panicking and we were. I think that’s I could write a book! One was when we were
pretty much the complete technical midfield what got us over the line. out in Munich, celebrating the anniversary of
player. I based a lot of my training sessions West Ham playing 1860 Munich in the 1965
on just watching him. My strengths were the Why did Swindon struggle in the top flight? Cup Winners’ Cup Final. Munich’s lion mascot
same as his, in that I could pass the ball and The gap is enormous. We had came onto the pitch and the reception it had
was comfortable off both feet, so I learned players who went on to sign was incredible. The lads said to me,
from the way he positioned his body and how for other top-flight teams – “Go on, do something to the lion”,
he could hit short and long. I picked up loads me, Nicky Summerbee, Colin so I ran over and rugby-tackled it.
from Gazza as well. At least once a week, we Calderwood – but you’re up I got dog’s abuse during the game.
had a match between the first team and the against Manchester United, After the match, Harry was called
reserves, and none of the lads apart from me Eric Cantona and all that. upstairs and came down raging as
wanted to mark him. It’s like doing sparring We weren’t clinical in both he hadn’t seen it happen. He said,
in boxing: you may get beaten up five times penalty areas. We played “Who the f**king hell did something
a week, but it makes you a better footballer. some nice stuff and were to the lion?” The lads stared at me.
in games – we were 2-1 up I said, “Oh come on, Harry, it’s only
Hoddle must have seen something in you, at Anfield with five minutes a lion.” He said, “That was the 1860
because he later signed you for Swindon... to go and even drew with captain from 30 years ago – you’ve
That was a massive confidence boost for me. United and Arsenal, things done his knee ligaments and we need
He was a brilliant manager. He’d come back like that – but as a group to get a police escort to the airport.”
from Monaco and the system we played at we probably weren’t quite It’s a prank that went very wrong, but
Swindon was to overload the midfield, like good enough to survive. everyone found it hilarious.

FourFourTwo March 2024 85

 LIAnnE SAnDERSOn

“PEOPLE LIKE ME AnD EnI

ALUKO SPOKE OUT AnD GOT You’re a big supporter of Project Marta,
a competition to help young female stars

OSTRACISED FOR IT – nOW

earn a trial at a professional club. What
does it mean to you?
Project Marta fits with exactly what I’m all
about. I have my own football academy in

I HAVE PEOPLE TELLInG ME

New York and am a strong believer that you
can always find diamonds in the rough. Just
because people haven’t been found yet, they
think they’ll never be found, but that’s not

THAT I’VE InSPIRED THEM”

how it works. What I like about Project Marta
is that the players aren’t exclusively young
kids. Many have had opportunities but not
been picked up, even though they’re good
enough. Sometimes you can let a negative
situation define you, whereas one coach’s
The pioneering Lioness on battling sexism as a young player, opinion may not be the reality.
thriving in the USA and putting England Women on the map
What was your journey to being scouted
by Arsenal as a youngster?
Interview Chris Evans Women my age have similar stories, where
you’re the only girl on an all-boys’ team prior

50 February 2016 FourFourTwo.com

86 March 2024 FourFourTwo
 TEAMS
Arsenal
Chelsea
Philadelphia Independence
Espanyol
DC United
Boston Breakers wide open: he couldn’t believe it, because I’d
Apollon Limassol (loan) been like a zoo animal that people came to
Portland Thorns watch. They’d turn up at my school and say,
Orlando Pride “There’s that girl who’s playing for Arsenal”.
Western New York Fash In those days, it was almost unheard of to be
Juventus a female footballer.
England
You were one of several players to move
from England to the USA. Why did you go?
It was fully professional in America and we
were semi-pro here, training on Tuesday and
Thursday before playing on a Sunday – that
was even the case when Arsenal won the
Champions League in 2007. Everything was
better in the US – the facilities, the mentality.
It wasn’t until I moved to America that I felt
embraced as an individual. I always felt like
I was being held back in England and, to be
honest, many of the coaches were reasons
why I left and went to America. I was never
understood here, but there’s nothing to really
understand about me. Just because I had I’ve been trying to fight for certain things for
a mohawk, different-coloured hair and liked the past 10 or 12 years. Now, finally, people
to be a little bit different, coaches would say have a voice. I wish they had a voice when
I believed I was better than everybody else. I needed them to, but it’s players like myself
But I thought, ‘You don’t even know me – my and Eni Aluko – and I’m not looking to take
team-mates love me and we get on so well’. credit for everything here – who stood up and
I was one of the only English players, apart got ostracised. Now lots of teams, especially
from Rachel Daly and Jodie Taylor, who chose England under Wiegman, are allowed a voice
to stay out there for so long, because I loved and they’re empowered to make change. It
the freedom. You didn’t have to walk around can be a lonely place when you’re standing
with a polo shirt buttoned up to the top all of up there alone, hoping to make change, but
the time. We were quite rigid in England, and many people tell me that I’m inspiring them
in America there was more freedom. and that’s why I do what I do.

Has that changed now? One of the crucial Despite those challenges, you won 50 caps
things that the current crop of Lionesses for England. What was your highlight?
talk so positively about is the environment The bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup –
around the squad… I won the penalty in extra time [in the third-
It’s night and day. I’m delighted the players place play-off against Germany] and Fara
have that now, because we didn’t. There were Williams scored. It put the Lionesses on the
elements under [ex-England manager] Mark map. Hitting the winner in the 2015 Cyprus
Sampson where we were allowed to wear our Cup was amazing; it was a pretty good finish
own clothes, which sounds crazy, but we still and I enjoyed that. Those moments in 2015,
had to sign a book when we were in the base when we won and danced and sung in the
camp and leaving the hotel. Loads of things dressing room, are the things you remember.
to getting spotted. I’d hear comments like, made you feel as if you were suffocating in Before games, I was one of the dancers with
“What, am I playing against a girl?” – those that environment, whereas I interviewed the Jill Scott – we’d have fun and dance to Steps
sort of things. What makes me happy now is England players in Richmond during the last and S Club 7. Lucy Bronze recently said that
that girls can be at football tournaments and Euros and they were able to be around other as a player you think these big moments will
boys don’t make jibes, because they’re seeing people and go for a walk – it’s brilliant. I think come around again, but they usually never
female footballers on television and realising that’s one of the reasons why the players are do because it’s not the same team. Different
that you can have a good career – that the performing so well. I compare that to when dynamics come into the squad. That doesn’t
women’s game isn’t a joke. I was quite lucky, I went to major tournaments: my mum and mean it’s worse – it’s just reality.
though. I signed for Arsenal when I was nine dad came out to the 2007 World Cup in China
and they were always way ahead of the time. and I saw my dad about twice in six weeks. Having played in England, the USA, Spain,
It was viewed as a distraction to see people, Cyprus and Italy, how do you see the state
There was still a sense of mistaken identity but you need those you trust who understand of the global women’s game?
when you signed, though… the balance between football and family, and Nobody is really fleeing England to play in the
At first they thought I was a boy, because I’d relationships too. Sarina Wiegman gets that. US any more. When I went, there were about
been playing on an all-boys’ team. But when 10 of us – myself, Kelly Smith, Karen Carney,
they spoke to my mum and dad and got a bit You were very outspoken about having to Alex Scott and others – because we saw the
closer, they saw I was a girl. They hadn’t seen conform to England’s rules, describing the massive opportunity out there. But the league
anyone like me with my ability, and I take it Lionesses under manager Hope Powell as in this country, and those in Europe, is much
as a compliment that I was scouted for the being treated “like robots”. Do you think better now. Ultimately, people go where the
boys’ side. I went to Highbury for a trial and your words played a part in the changes? money is. There’s less in America these days,
it was so refreshing to encounter more girls Ask anybody about my career and they’d say and more in the WSL and around Europe, so
playing football. Even my dad had his mouth there were situations that happened because players are staying put. I hope that continues.

FourFourTwo March 2024 87

 AnTTI nIEMI

“I EnDED UP SPEAKInG TO
THE ‘HE’S nOT FInISHED,
HE’S OnLY 28’ GUY On THE
PHOnE YEARS LATER – HE
APOLOGISED FOR THE JOKE”
The Finnish goalkeeper talks
Gazza at Rangers, his FA Cup
final heartache with Saints…
and a certain talkSPORT clip

Interview Sean Cole

How did you end up joining Rangers from

Copenhagen in 1997?
Going from Finnish football to the Superliga
in Denmark was a huge jump for me – it was
only over the last six months in Copenhagen
that I found consistency, but I never thought
something bigger would happen. A Rangers
scout came to see Per Frandsen in our League
Cup semi-final against Brøndby, a massive
derby, and I had a good game as we won 2-0.
It was just one of those days: with skill and
pure luck, I managed to get in front of every
single shot, so the scout said, “Wow, we need
to sign this guy.”

How did it feel to sign for such a big club?

Surreal. Experienced guys like Andy Goram,
Ian Durrant, Ian Ferguson and Ally McCoist –
they were all legends, and really good fun as
well. Scottish people have a great sense of
humour, but they were nice too. They knew
it wasn’t easy for a young guy coming from
Finland. I only played 20-odd games because
there was always someone ahead of me, but
it was a valuable learning curve.

How was Paul Gascoigne as a team-mate?

He’s one of the nicest people I know. He was
interested in everything you said to him, and
we both enjoyed fishing. Even though he was
a big star, he was a normal guy. It’s probably
fair to say he wasn’t the same player he had
been, but he was still an unbelievable talent –
and a good man.

52 February 2016 FourFourTwo.com

88 March 2024 FourFourTwo
 How important was your spell at Hearts in
TEAMS establishing yourself in British football?
OLS At Rangers, I was second or third-choice all
Rauman Pallo of the time. Dick Advocaat pulled me into his
HJK office one day and told me Hearts had made
Copenhagen an offer and the club had accepted it. He was
Rangers strict and straight to the point, saying, “You’re
Charlton (loan) a very good goalkeeper, but at Rangers you’ll
Hearts never show that to anyone because we have
Southampton better keepers here at the moment.” It was
Fulham an easy decision after that. At Hearts, we had
Portsmouth a decent team and I felt appreciated. I had
Finland lots of responsibility and have fond memories
– it was a fantastic period.

“He’s not finished, he’s only 28!” You must

have heard that talkSPORT clip a thousand
times. What did you make of it? collectively you lose self-confidence and it
Oh god – it was extremely funny at first, but becomes tough. There are no bad teams in
I’ve heard it a million times! I actually went the division and the competition is fierce.
to a Hearts game a few years ago and a guy
in the lounge asked me if I’d heard about it. Why couldn’t Harry Redknapp turn things
I thought, ‘Here we go again’. He said it was around after he came in from Portsmouth?
his friend who’d made the call. He phoned The damage was done. It was a very difficult
the guy and I spoke to him. He said, “I’m so task. The first thing Harry tried to do was get
sorry – it was meant to be a joke.” He didn’t confidence back in the players, always being
believe for a moment that the host would positive. I don’t blame him one bit for going
think he was serious, but it went on and on. down. They were unfortunate circumstances
He was nice and I told him to stop worrying. and there wasn’t enough time.

What was Gordon Strachan like to play for, Brief as it was, how did you find your time
after he took you to Southampton in 2002? working with Roy Hodgson at Fulham?
I loved Gordon as a manager. In the first two I miss those team-mates. We had a superb
years I was there, we reached the 2003 FA dressing room. We had a challenging season
Cup Final and finished eighth and 12th in the when Roy came in and it looked like we were
league. I still wonder what could have been getting relegated, until the last minute! I lost
if he’d stayed. He was so passionate. He was my place in the team to Kasey Keller because
very positive if everybody tried their best, but I wasn’t performing well, and we survived so
if he saw any slip in standards on the training that decision was probably right. Roy is great.
pitch or in matches, he could be quite nasty. He had a natural aura. I remember the first
Everybody loved him for it, though, and the meeting after he came in. He was mentioning
results spoke for themselves. It all went a bit the fringe players and younger ones by name,
downhill after he left. rather than the stars, which proved that he’d
done his homework and was prepared.
What are your memories of facing Arsenal
in the 2003 FA Cup Final? Did you get on well with Jussi Jaaskelainen
I was lucky I could play. I was waiting for an when you were competing to be Finland’s
operation on my knee and had an injection first-choice goalkeeper?
before kick-off to take the pain away. I tore We spent quite a few years together with the
my calf while taking a goal-kick just after the national side. Most of the time, I was the No.1
hour mark – annoying, but nothing serious. and he was the second choice. He’s a brilliant
I got to experience the match, at least, even guy. We got on well even though there was
if we lost 1-0 to Arsenal, who were arguably competition between us, and he’s a Premier
the best team in the country. We gave them League legend having played more than 500
a game and they had to work hard to win it. games in it. He was incredible.
The Millennium Stadium was full but I wasn’t
nervous – I wanted to enjoy the day. How did it feel to make history by helping,
as a coach, Finland to reach Euro 2020?
Why were Southampton relegated from the Qualifying for our first major tournament was
Premier League in 2005? emotional. As a coach, you see young players
It was just a horrible campaign and we went coming into the side and developing, and you
through two or three different bosses. We’d develop a tight bond with the staff. After we
lost some of our top players, such as Wayne qualified, I saw people I’d known for 40 years
Bridge and James Beattie, and didn’t really – who’d worked their socks off for the Finnish
replace them. Strachan had been important game – in tears, proud of us. The first time is
because he could make a good team out of always the toughest; I hope we can achieve it
players who weren’t superstars. When things again soon. We’ve shown it can be done and
start going wrong and you’re losing matches, that’s the most important lesson.

FourFourTwo March 2024 89

THE BEST OF FOOTBALL
KIT • FASHION • ART
DESIGN • TECH

EMBROIDERED
FULHAM
CLASSICS
HOODIE
£60
art-of-football.com
They just never miss,
do they? Art of Football
have loaded up their
sewing machines with
football nostalgia and
subtly installed it into
a garment that is as
perfect for working from
home as it is going to
the game. Heck, you can
even wear it for a spot
of pre-match rowing
like this Fulham fan is.

GOT GEAR? GET IT IN THE MIXER SEND IT TO @KETCHELLFC ON INSTAGRAM

MIAMI SOCCER SHIRT £725 NIKE MERCURIAL X AIR MAX £275
balenciaga.com prodirectsport.com
Premier League players live in clothes by French fashion house Balenciaga, and Two of Nike’s standout products, the Mercurial boot and Air Max trainer, have
the brand have recently dipped their toe into football. Here they go again with crashed into a 50/50 and some very special edition cleats have emerged from
some oversized jerseys and tracksuits in black, red, pink and bright yellow. Each the smoke: Nike’s speed boot meets its legendary street shoe. Kylian Mbappe’s
feature the names of the cities where the collection will be available, including career has been one massive purple patch, so the colour choice makes sense.
Miami. Whatever next, Kayne West rocking a ’90s Portsmouth goalkeeper shirt? Underneath is a uniquely designed forefoot airbag. Does he really run that fast?

PUMA
FUTURE 7 £210
puma.com
These wheels headline
Puma’s ‘Phenomenal
Pack’, with support acts
in the form of the Ultra
Ultimate (in very bright
pink) and King Ultimate
(in hi-vis yellow). The
German footwear giant
have formed something
of a supergroup when
it comes to their roster
of talent, now featuring
Neymar, Jack Grealish
and James Maddison.
Puma say the boots are
for ultimate playmakers
and difference-makers,
although don’t let that
put you off if you’re an
old-school centre-back.

FourFourTwo March 2024 91

 REQUIRED
READInG

WATFORD FOREVER
John Preston with Elton John
penguin £22
On the face of it, the unlikely alliance
between the strait-laced method
coach and the flamboyant rock star
chairman should never have worked.
But when lifelong Watford fan Elton
John appointed Vera Lynn devotee
Graham Taylor manager in 1977, it
sparked the club’s astonishing rise
SOKITO from league basement to top flight.
SCUDETTA Watford’s ‘long passing’ game - as
£TBC Taylor called it - may not have been
sokito.com to the purists’ taste, but with wingers
Nigeria captain William Nigel Callaghan and John Barnes
Troost-Ekong sported creating (and taking) chances and
these at AFCON and is forward Luther Blissett bagging goals
an investor in Sokito, aplenty, it was certainly fast and often
a groundbreaking new entertaining. Their style was effective
football brand. Here’s at the highest level too, as Taylor’s
why: the Scudetta is side finished second in Division One
expected to become the in their first top-flight campaign, then
most sustainable boot reached the FA Cup final a year later.
to hit the market when Interesting though the football
it goes on sale this year. story is, it’s the fascinating nuggets of
The suede lining and insight into the relationship between
tongue are made from manager and chairman (card games
corn waste, the sole at Taylor’s house) and Watford’s work
plate from castor beans in the community (pancake races and
and the knit collar from risqué sketch shows abound) which
tencel wood fibres. Oh, makes this account so appealing. At
and it weighs just 181g. down-at-heel Vicarage Road, a million
Sensational scenes. miles away from the rock ‘n’ roll circus,
Taylor and Elton, chewing on Wrigley’s
sugar free gum during games, worked
a footballing miracle in the provinces.
A rollicking good read.
Jon Spurling

92 March 2024 FourFourTwo

NON-LEAGUE LADDERS £11.75 ADIDAS PREDATOR ELITE TONGUE £240
leagueladders.club adidas.com
We’ve all done league ladders, but why not take things up (down?) a notch with FFT recently spoke to Sam Handy, VP of product design at Adidas, or the guy
non-league variants? Follow your Stourport Swifts, your West Allotment Celtics behind the latest generation of the iconic Predator boot. He revealed that the
and learn that Shifnal Town play at the Acoustafoam Stadium. These are high- inspiration for the return of the fold-over tongue came from a Generation Z
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cut on high-grade card, you’ll be tracking away until May, or until you get bored. modern boot. Adidas granted their wish, though their identity stays a secret.

WXM
OVERSIZED
HOODIE £70
wxmclothing.com
Don’t recognise the man
in the middle? He’s huge
in Hollywood and north
Wales. It’s Ollie Palmer,
the ex-AFC Wimbledon
and Crawley striker who
has been banging them
in for Wrexham over the
last two years. He’s now
created a clothing range
inspired by the club that
propelled him to fame,
and them garms look
decent. Ollie’s boss Rob
McElhenney donned one
of his hoodies when the
Dragons beat Gillingham
2-0 in November. Palmer
thanked him by scoring
inside the first minute.

FourFourTwo March 2024 93

 NEW BALANCE TEKELA V4 & FURON V7+ £220 NSC CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT £59.20
newbalance.co.uk neighborhoodsc.com
New Balance have been poking around with their Tekela and Furon franchises, When coffee, culture and football collide, cool jumpers emerge. Neighborhood
and though they don’t class as a full, next generation update, you’ll be tempted Sports Club are a soccer-inspired brand from Oakland, California, who organise
to ‘ADD TO BASKET’. The Furon’s new upper has offset lacing to the side of the community activations and are planning to open a space for indoor football,
instep, providing a cleaner striking zone. They’re for your speedsters, while the drinks and shopping if you’re ever in the ’hood. If not, grab a sweater on their
Tekela are for your creators, so make sure you have your ID handy at checkout. website, which also boasts some vintage football shirts at very friendly prices.

VOLOS FC 2024
COLLECTION
£TBC
volosfc.com
Regardless of how up on
the Greek top flight you
are, a wonderful looking
football kit will always
be a wonderful looking
football kit. You may or
may not have heard of
Volos FC, who are based
in the coastal region of
Thessaly, but you will
be familiar with famous
British firm Admiral, who
have assumed Volos’
manufacturing duties.
A red-and-blue stunner
and a walk-out track
jacket in all red? Yamas!

94 March 2024 FourFourTwo

ADIDAS SPZL GAZELLE £110 NIVELCRACK X VENEZIA SWEATSHIRT £75
endclothing.com nivelcrack.com
If you were to mate an Adidas Gazelle with an Adidas Spezial, this is what they Bullseye! Slap bang in the Mixer sweetspot, Nivelcrack have collaborated with
would produce. The bloodline is impressive, with elements of late ’60s, ’70s and Venezia on a host of trackies, badges, scarfs and hats. Regular Mixer readers
’80s Gazelles in that lightweight suede, including a traditional ‘dimple’ tongue. will know Nivelcrack are a South Korean-based design studio, while Venezia are
There’s often risk attached to genetic modification, but this study has spawned an Italian fashion brand that sometimes play football in Italy’s second tier. Two
a practically perfect trainer to wear to the football - as long as it isn’t raining... unique forces in football culture – your bank balance doesn’t stand a chance.

MANCHESTER
CITY YEAR OF
THE DRAGON
COLLECTION
From £75
mancity.com
Yes, football clubs have
incorporated elements
of stadium architecture
into their kits before, we
know, but City have now
cranked it up a gear. The
Etihad Stadium turrets
appear in this capsule,
along with a hat-tip to
Chinese New Year 2024
– the year of the dragon.
Hello, Asia market! The
bespoke jersey features
hand-drawn illustrations
of a Wood Dragon, but
bringing the real flames
are the little serifs on the
numbers which emulate
a dragon’s tail. Scorcher.

FourFourTwo March 2024 95

The jet-heeled Swede picks a team packed with Manchester United Treble winners
(including himself, of course...), plus several stars from Italian football’s golden era

PETER SCHMEICHEL isn’t credited anywhere near enough. He had

GK “I could have picked Gianluigi Buffon, whom
I played alongside when he was starting out
many qualities to make him one of the best.”

PETER at Parma, or Sweden’s Thomas Ravelli, who ROY KEANE

SCHMEICHEL was the best goalkeeper at USA 94, but it was “Roy would be my captain. You’d need him in
Peter’s personality and physical size that set the team for his drive and to push everybody
him apart. Being a keeper can be a punishing else. He’d relish the challenge of leading this
position if you don’t have a strong mentality.” side of iconic names, and definitely wouldn’t

CB CB
be shy about giving someone an earful if they

RB LB
LILIAN THURAM weren’t meeting his standards.”
“I’d often come up against him in training at
JAAP FABIO Parma, and he was so athletic. I was very fast PAUL SCHOLES
LILIAN STAM CANNAVARO PAOLO – I used to live off my speed – but in Thuram “Scholesy sat deeper in midfield at the end of
THURAM MALDINI you had a full-back with the pace and power his career, but was far more box-to-box when
to handle any opponent. Lilian’s a good man I played with him and that’s where I see him
who does excellent work combating racism. in my side – making late runs into the penalty

CM CM
I’ve seen him doing speeches in Stockholm.” area to score goals. That’s how I remember
him. He was a wonderful player and is rightly
JAAP STAM lauded as an all-time Premier League great.”
ROY PAUL “He was so tough but also calm and cool – he
KEANE SCHOLES had such a presence. If you went one-on-one JESPER BLOMQVIST

rM LM
with Jaap Stam, you didn’t want to challenge “I’m more than happy to be the water-bottle
him, yet off the pitch he was nice.” carrier in this team! There are three different
sides coming together – Manchester United,
DAVID JESPER FABIO CANNAVARO Milan and Parma – so I’ll be the glue and do
BECKHAM BLOMQVIST “It was a really difficult call to give Cannavaro the running. I might be the quickest player in
the nod over Franco Baresi, as they were both the team. I used to be among the fastest at

CF CF
brilliant. Fabio was quick and strong, so if you United when we did speed tests, so hopefully
played him and Jaap together, no one would that qualifies me for this XI.”
beat them. Fabio dominated one-on-ones –
DWIGHT GEORGE he’d win them all – and was handy with a ball DWIGHT YORKE
YORKE WEAH at his feet as well.” “Dwight bagged many goals for United when
we won the Treble in 1999, but he was a good
PAOLO MALDINI all-round striker. He was constantly involved
“To play with and against him in training and in the game and build-up play. It made sense
matches for Milan was a tremendous honour. for us midfielders to link with him – he’d hold
Left foot, right foot – it didn’t matter, he was the ball, then you’d charge forward
superb using either. He was loyal and friendly and receive it back off him. He was
THE GAFFER away from football, too. A special guy.” also terrific at heading and always
had a huge smile – that helps!”
SIR ALEX FERGUSON DAVID BECKHAM
“As long as he saw you were giving 100 per cent “David was under- GEORGE WEAH
and committed, he’d back you. He wasn’t afraid appreciated, in my “Weah [left] was different.
to develop and try different ideas, otherwise he’d opinion. He’d get He’d do things you didn’t
never have stayed at the top for so many years.” so much stick, with expect and would never
people suggesting he prepare for... and, wow,

THE SUBS
generated unwanted publicity and could he dribble! He used to
was a poster boy, but he was a great take on Baresi and Maldini during
footballer and incredibly hard-working. training – I’m not sure who won

01 02 03
He had a wand of a right foot, sure, but those battles, but at that stage
GIANLUIGI FRANCO ROBERTO his ability to read the game and George was at his strongest.”
BUFFON BARESI BAGGIO
know where to put his passes Ryan Baldi

YOUR nEXT FOURFOURTWO IS On SALE MARCH 7

9000 9001