Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Cleats.
Lethal Liverpool Look to Be City's Biggest Title Challenge
Liverpool had an impressive season under Jürgen Klopp last time around, and only fell at the final hurdle in the Champions League. But Klopp has been savvy in strengthening the weakest areas of his squad with some intelligent signings. An injury-laden central midfield, combined with a lack of depth up front cost the Reds last season after a deep run in Europe left them exposed at home. And after Karius's unfortunate performance against Real Madrid, it was inevitable that his position at the club would become untenable.
By Will Luckett7 years ago in Cleats
The Next Galacticos?
After the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo it seems as if Real Madrid’s Galacticos have come to an end. The second generation of football players recruited under this name featured the likes of Kaka, James Rodriquez, Angel Di Maria, and Gareth Bale. The generation started in 2009 when Real Madrid bought Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a total of 161 million euro. But today, the Welsh winger, who joined in 2013 for a record-breaking 100 million euro, is the only one who still plays for the Los Blancos. What is the possible transfer policy in the club? And what are the options that new coach Julien Lopetegui would consider in the quest for new players?
By Ivan Neychev7 years ago in Cleats
Manchester Divided: Could the Third Season Curse Strike for Jose Again?
Manchester United are about to embark upon their third season of Premier League football under the leadership of Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager has won the Prem three times, but notoriously has never managed a club past three seasons.
By Will Luckett7 years ago in Cleats
Future of Juventus FC. Top Story - July 2018.
Today, Juventus are taking on Benfica in the International Champions Cup. Fans will probably neither witness the eagerly awaited debut of Cristiano Ronaldo in the white and black shirt, nor will they see the top players of the club perform, but Juventus will be a team any neutral soccer supporter must follow in the upcoming season.
By Ivan Neychev7 years ago in Cleats
Is a Big Move on the Cards for Harry Maguire?
Now whilst most of us are still dreaming of what could have been in Russia and the fact that if it had "Come Home," none of the lads would have done so, yet it looks like the aptly nicknamed "Slab Head" (thanks Jamie Vardy) himself is on the brink of the biggest move of his career.
By Hollie Bond7 years ago in Cleats
European Dominance at FIFA World Cup 2018
FIFA World Cup—Europe's triumph: What does it mean for the rest of the world? EUROPEAN supremacy continued at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™ with France eventually claiming the prestigious crown, and I believe having a competition like the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is the reason behind the almost two-decade dominance.
By Moiz Munif7 years ago in Cleats
UK's Lower Leagues - Where Soccer's Heart Remains
The metaphorical penny dropped from the scaffolding above the old St. James Park grandstand, clanging against the floor of Exeter City’s temporary ‘press area’. Or what’s left of the stand anyway; thanks to shrewd financial planning, City have secured the necessary funds and began work to replace the stand entirely, as well as selling the land behind the Big Bank standing section to a developer of student houses. The grandstand now stands as a hollow shell, with no seats and only bare wooden planks to house the visiting press and watching Exeter staff. The sound rang clearly, above the singing of the fans and the trains snaking behind the stadium—lower-league football, at least at Exeter City, still captures the romance of the beautiful game that the higher quality leagues seem to have lost.
By Charlie Morgan7 years ago in Cleats
Mesut Ozil Waves Goodbye to Germany
It was a disappointing World Cup for the German national team and German fans everywhere. Not a single German player performed to a high enough level and it saw them take an early exit from the tournament. Much like Arsenal fans do, the German fans singled Mesut Ozil out and blamed him for the failures of the team. Now, I am a strong believer of the fact that you win as a team and you lose as a team, so the fact he is being singled out is ridiculous in my opinion. But being singled out isn't a reason to never don the jersey again, is it? Well, for Ozil it seems to be more than enough reason and I can't say I blame him.
By Karl Hoscik7 years ago in Cleats
Visca Barca
Now, many may think well, of course, he likes the team that always wins! Do they though? The last three years Barcelona have not won the Champions League, and even failed to make it to the finals. They've been in the back seat watching their arch-rivals win it consecutively. Holy crap, if that doesn't infuriate you as a Barcelona fan, then I don't know what does. In actuality, if you're a true soccer fan, that should be so upsetting to see. Real Madrid has made history, and it should be respected, but at the same time being a fan of other clubs, it's sickening to see one club win the best trophy three times in a row!
By David Puca7 years ago in Cleats
