Argentina and Ecuador continued their preparations for the 2011 Copa America with a 2-2 draw in a friendly in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.With the Copa America less than three months away, the match was another opportunity for both teams to have a look as some fringe players, with neither nation fielding full strength line-ups.
Argentina had drawn their last two friendlies, against the United States and Costa Rica last month, and got off to a horrible start at the Estadio Jose Maria Minella, with Deportivo Quito midfielder Michael Quinonez opening the scoring for Ecuador on 26 minutes.
Claudio Yacob fired Argentina back into the match when he scored just past the half-hour mark, and it took only three minutes for the hosts to take the lead when Racing Club striker Gabriel Hauche found the back of the net.
Both managers made full use of their benches after the break, with each side making six substitutions throughout the second half.
But it was starting midfielder Segundo Castillo who found the equaliser for Ecuador, netting from the penalty spot on 68 minutes to ensure both sides took something from the match.
Brazilian striker Robinho has lashed out at Manchester City just days after completing a move to Italian giants AC Milan.
The 26-year-old headed to the San Siro ahead of the transfer deadline, having ended last season out on loan with Santos after falling out of favour at Eastlands.
He told The People:"Neither Mark Hughes nor Roberto Mancini understood me. Perhaps they only believed in the sporting side of things, but that wasn't enough for me.
"There was a lack of contact between the players and the club. It was much like an office – to training and goodbye, to a match and goodbye.
"I am Brazilian and I can't offer my best performance if I'm not happy in every aspect of life. That was my problem. I am a special footballer and I need to be happy when I'm playing.
"That was the case at Real Madrid, but never at City.
"Going on loan to Santos was the best solution because if I'd stayed at City, I would not have played in the World Cup.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"The loan was very successful. I recaptured my love of football, won a title and confirmed my place in the Brazil team.
"It was an excellent experience and they tried to extend my loan, but City had made up their minds to sell."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
With recent reports linking Dirk Kuyt with a £10 million move to Turkish outfit, Galatasaray , many have contemplated whether now is the right time to let the Dutchman go. For me, if the amount of money quoted was being offered for Kuyt’s services, I would be happy to see him leave as long as he was replaced by a younger, more exciting talent.
Dirk Kuyt was undoubtedly one of the stars for Liverpool under the Rafa Benitez era, and has rightfully earned himself the status of kop hero. The Dutchman finished last season strong too, reaching his joint best goals total in a season with a tally of 15.
This season however has been a tough one for the former Feyenoord man. For probably the first time in his Liverpool career, Kuyt is struggling to hold down a place in the starting XI and at times seems like he doesn’t quite fit in with the quick, fluid brand of football Dalglish has introduced this season.
In seasons past, Kuyt has been much criticised by Reds fans for some of his performances, but always managed to win over the doubters with his efforts in the biggest games. Kuyt especially had a habit of scoring and making huge contributions in Liverpool’s big Champions League games and showed the world he was meant for the big stage when he played a vital part in Holland’s run to the World Cup Final in 2010.
At 31 years of age however, and with some lacklustre performances this season, I feel the time is right for Dirk Kuyt to move on to a new club to get his career back on track. He is no doubt still a big player, but with the direction Liverpool’s squad is heading in terms of style of play, I don’t see a long term future at Anfield for Kuyt unfortunately.
Under Rafa Benitez for example, Kuyt regularly made up for average performances by scoring vital goals in big games. This season however, there has only been one goal in the League Cup against lower league opposition to make up for his lacklustre performances while even the struggling Andy Carroll has outscored the Holland international.
[ad_pod id=’unruly-2′ align=’left’]
Selling the Dutchman would make sense for all parties. It would earn Liverpool some decent cash for a player who is past his prime, and it would be good for him to be able to refresh his career at a club where he would once again be one of the main men. Most importantly for Liverpool though, selling Kuyt would free up vital space up front for a top new talent who could help bolster the teams attacking options.
I had predicted during the summer that Kuyt would spend a fair amount of time on the bench this season, and the outcome hasn’t surprised many people. It is unfortunate for Kuyt who I appreciate has done so much for the club, but the acquisition which really made the Dutchman redundant for the Reds was Craig Bellamy .
The Welshman has been amazing so far this season considering he was a free transfer and unfortunately for Kuyt, he is also a forward who can play on the wings. This puts Bellamy in direct competition with Kuyt for a place in Liverpool’s team and it is fair to say that it’s the former Manchester City man who is winning the battle.
As for Kuyt, I admit there were times when I doubted his ability but time and time again he has proved his value to the team. Under the management of Kenny Dalglish however, Liverpool are adopting a brand of football which may not necessarily bring the best out of the Dutchman and I for one won’t be surprised if Kuyt makes way for an exciting new forward in the near future.
Article courtesy of Mark Wilson from Live4Liverpool
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Hyperbole is not only my new favourite word but it is also so common in today’s ‘beautiful game’ it is hard to decide whether a player has talent or has just had a few decent performances. Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase to sign Aston Villa’s Ashley Young with bids in excess of £25 million being touted in the media, but is the former Watford man worth it?
Ashley Young has phenomenal pace, numerous ‘showboating’ abilities and helps his teams cause with plenty of goals and assists. I can think of lots of players in the Premier League who have the very same attributes though, so is Ashley Young really going to led a new era at Manchester United or pull Liverpool back up into the ‘top four’?
Young joined Villa in a transfer believed to be just shy of £10 million from Watford, initially as a right winger, but Young’s performances in his new role just behind the striker is where he has been making the headlines this season. Ashley Young appears to thrive on the roaming role, much like Dennis Bergkamp did at Arsenal, being allowed freedom to drift to the wings, loiter on the edge of the area or bomb past his fellow striker. The role is suited to the England international because, as most Villa fans will tell you, Young’s crossing ability leaves a lot to be desired, a key skill needed by any winger in their ‘armour’.
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’right’]
Ashley Young has shown he can make the step up to the higher level on two occasions now, which is arguably a trait of a great player. At Watford it was the usual argument surrounding his multi million pound move to Villa Park, ‘big fish small pond’, but Young has appeared in the top 15 of most assists in all of his full seasons at Aston Villa. Furthermore, since Young has donned the shirt of the Three Lions, he has consistently impressed, so much so Wayne Rooney’s place in the side is under threat after Young’s displays against Denmark, Wales and his man of the match performance against Ghana.
The true greats of the game all have one thing in common: great character. Ashley Young is a player who is playing in a team surrounded by a media frenzy over dressing room unrest and hovering perilously close to the Premier Leagues trapdoor, yet week in, week out, Ashley Young continues to produce effective displays for the Villa faithful.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ashley Young may not be worth as much as the reported £25 million but with the ridiculous sums of money being spent in the modern game, if sold, he will fetch a sum in the same sort of region. Young could offer either Manchester United or Liverpool different options but you have to think that under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson or Kenny Dalglish, Young’s talent can only improve, which is a scary thought; because in this writers opinion, Ashley Young is already a class act.
Since the formation of the Premier League in 1992, Manchester United have dominated the landscape of modern day English football by winning 11 league titles in 18 seasons. In the first nine league seasons, United triumphed on a remarkable seven occasions, while in the nine subsequent, their level of success diminished, picking up four. While four titles is still an incredibly impressive return from Sir Alex Fergsuon, it also points towards a slight shift in power at the top of the English game.
United and England star Wayne Rooney believes the Premier League has become increasingly harder to win since he signed for the club in 2004, claiming last season was the most competitive he has ever had as a professional. Rooney confessed;
“I think the Premier League has got progressively harder to win. In previous seasons you might have had straightforward games where the top clubs could afford to rest players, but that’s not the case anymore.
Nowadays it’s hard to leave players out because every game is competitive and difficult. Last season was certainly the most competitive I’ve played in. Many of the top teams lost more games than you probably would expect.”
The statistics certainly appear to support Rooney’s views. Last season the top fop four sides lost a staggering 32 games between them, compared to 17 the season before and just 15 during the 07/08 season. This suggests the gap between the top sides and the rest of the league is reducing, with Tottenham Hotspur managing to break “The Big Four’s” dominance by replacing Liverpool in the Champions league positions last season. But why has the league become more competitive? The astronomical amount of money the Premier League generates certainly has a lot to do with it.
Mind-boggling broadcasting and sponsorship deals have created such vast wealth in the Premier League that most clubs can now afford to fund multi-million pound moves for the best available talent. Or if they don’t, they can easily borrow it from the banks who are more than willing to lend them the money in return for high-interest repayments. Manchester United’s dominance coincided with the formation of the Premier League, giving them a timely advantage over their rivals. United were at the top at the right time, and the increase in wealth brought through the Premier League and the Champions League helped consolidate their position as one of top sides in the country. The rest of the league is now starting to find the finances to match United’s and the club’s dominance at the top is being challenged. The Premier League is the richest in the world and is now being targeted by wealthy businessmen looking for a piece of the Premier League cash cow. The Premier League offers unrivalled financial opportunities and businessmen are clambering for their very own ready-made investment vehicle.
Clubs challenging at the top now have ridiculously wealthy owners who can back their plans in the transfer market by signing the world’s best players. Wealthy owners gave both Blackburn Rovers and Chelsea the resources to challenge United at the top and there will be more teams looking for similar investment in the future. City are now the richest club in the world and will be a real threat to United’s longstanding dominance over the next few years. Liverpool could also soon be able to call upon a bottomless pit of money should Chinese businessman Kenny Huang’s proposed takeover bid go through.
Last season produced one of the most exciting title races in recent history. However with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal all struggling to put a run of results together to pull away in the title race, the quality of the league’s top teams were questioned. While you could argue the top sides were not as ruthless as in previous years, dropping points in games you would normally expect them to win; you must give credit to the rest of the teams in the league. Chelsea won the title with the lowest points tally seen in the last five years with 86, suggesting the teams that make up the rest of the league are becoming a lot more competitive. Where traditionally you would mostly have two sides competing against each other, next season you could have up to six sides competing for the title.
The rest of the league’s clubs will soon be forced to find major investors if they are to continue to compete at the top level. Millionaires are being replaced by billionaires and to be competitive in today’s market you need to have money. Investment is changing the face of English football and Manchester United face tough challenges ahead if they are to continue to dominate for the next 20 years.
Like this blog? Read some more articles from this author below-
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Coloccini ready to prove a point
Barcelona and Fabregas underestimated Arsenal’s resolve
With Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea all at home this weekend, many Fantasy managers will be licking their lips in anticipation of potential points. It shouldn’t be forgotten though that Chelsea are facing Manchester City at Stamford Bridge but this weekend is pivotal ahead of a very busy festive schedule.
The Captaincy Debate
Let’s start with Liverpool though who will be looking to get back on track after their defeat at Craven Cottage on Monday night. One man who’s been on a goal drought of late is Luis Suarez. The Uruguayan forward had a goal disallowed against Fulham but it’s surely only a matter of time before he nets again. Saturday’s encounter against QPR presents the perfect opportunity for Suarez to get back on track as he faces the 5th worst defence in the Premier League.
However, perhaps you want to plump for a more in form option such as Blackburn’s Yakubu. The man known as the Yak netted four in Rovers crucial victory over Swansea last weekend. His record this season is deadly in the Premier League with nine goals in as many games. Even though Martin O’Neill’s Sunderland are likely to improve on last week’s showing at Wolves, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Nigerian forward netted this weekend for Rovers. After all, Blackburn are second in the goal per game stakes, only behind league leaders Manchester City.
Wigan’s form on the road though is shaky at best which means it’s worth considering Shane Long amongst your captaincy possibilities. The former Reading striker has two goals in his last three games and is gradually adapting to the pace of the Premier League. The Latics defence can be generous at times and Long has been quick to pounce on defensive errors this season.
Then again, it is impossible to count out Robin van Persie. Still in a rich vein of form, he added to his tally for the season at the DW Stadium last weekend along with a pair of assists. Everton visit the in-form Gunners on Saturday and David Moyes’ side will have quite a job on their hands trying to keep the Dutchman quiet.
Captain: Robin van Persie – The Arsenal striker has proved to be a reliable option for goals and assists of late.
Vice Captain: Luis Suarez – He may be out of form now but Suarez will surely find his scoring touch again soon. It might just be this weekend against QPR.
Long Term Look
At the moment, he’s still priced reasonably. Should he continue to perform though, Gareth Bale’s price will escalate. The Welshman has four goals and five assists in his last five outings. Compare this to just a solitary goal in his first nine games and it demonstrates how much Bale’s form has picked up.
His pace is a constant menace to opposition defences. The power and accuracy he is able to generate from his left foot is tremendous. As a result, Bale has been to quick punish any shoddy marking by defenders. Spurs recent form should convince you that the Welsh international is worth a place in your team over the Christmas period.
[divider]
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
When people talk about left backs in the Premier League, they normally mention Patrice Evra and Ashley Cole. This year, Leighton Baines and Jose Enrique have also been praised because they have had impressive seasons. But, as of yet, I have heard very little praise for the Tottenham left back, Benoit Assou-Ekotto.
Assou-Ekotto has caused a stir in the past because of his views on football. He said last May, “Why did I come to England? For a job”. He has confessed openly that football is not his passion and that he plays the game for the money he can earn from it. He has also been reported to not know which team the next game is against.
I think for this reason, when he makes a mistake people think it is because he is clueless about football. But I think this is unfair. He does make the odd error, he would hardly be a Tottenham player if he didn’t, but this season he has been up there with the best in England.
As the statistics below show, he has been very impressive in the Premier League this season, both offensively and defensively.
Left Backs
Tackles Won
% Tackles Won
Completed Passes
% Completed Passes
Key Passes
Clichy
77
80
1094
79
12
Assou-Ekotto
50
72
918
70
17
Evra
50
76
890
82
24
Baines
49
72
826
74
50
Cole
47
67
1072
87
26
Enrique
39
65
977
75
22
[divider]
The Tottenham left back is not out of his depth in terms tackling, passing or creativity. Surely he deserves some credit for this alone?
Now I understand, that these statistics do not tell the whole picture. They do not account for fouls given away in silly positions, or times that a mistake has led to a goal. These are two things that Assou-Ekotto’s critics will highlight. But I think, in general the Cameroonian has had a solid season, and that kind of solidity is exactly what Tottenham have needed at left back. In fact he has been one of Tottenham’s most consistent performers this year.
[ad_pod id=’fox-mpu’ align=’right’]
In truth, the game has changed. There is so much money in football now, I doubt many top players play for the love of it alone. But, Assou-Ekotto admits that he plays it for money. That does not mean that he is does not care about winning, doing the best for his club or becoming the best footballer he can be. It just means that he has perspective on the importance of his career.
I think Assou-Ekotto is misunderstood, he has made a massive improvement to his game over the last year, and that is the result of hard work. It is a testament to that fact that he is a true professional and works hard at his game. Not that many players can honestly say that they put their love of football before their wallet, Tevez? Rooney? I don’t think so.
In interview Assou-Ekotto seems to be one of the most grounded and intelligent players I have seen. He is eloquent given English is his second language, he is environmentally conscious (he drives an electric car), and down-to-earth enough to travel by tube. This is hugely rare these days. In fact, Assou-Ekotto shows a refreshing honesty in the modern game. He is not so bothered about his image that says want people want to hear.
Last year he boldly criticised Wayne Rooney for being a “prostitute sha**er” and he expressed his sympathy for Coleen. As a spectator of the game I could not agree with him more and wish people would stop defending Rooney for his off the field shenanigans, deliberate fouls, and wage demands. It seems Assou-Ekotto is brave enough to tell it how it is.
So, if you asked me which footballer I would most like to go for a pint with, I would most probably say Gomes (he is a hero of mine), but Benoit Assou-Ekotto would be a close second.
If you share an appreciation for BAE, you can contact me directly on twitter @joeaustin8
[ad_pod id=’unruly’ align=’left’]
Left BacksTackles Won% Tackles WonCompleted Passes% Completed PassesKey PassesClichy778010947912Assou-Ekotto50729187017Evra50768908224Baines49728267450Cole476710728726Enrique39659777522
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has admitted pre-season training is 'make or break' time for Jonathan Woodgate.
Woodgate, 30, made just three appearances last season after picking up a campaign-ending groin injury in November which required surgery.
The England defender's career has been plagued by serious injury and Redknapp believes the next few months with a vital for the former Leeds United, Real Madrid and Newcastle centre-half.
Woodgate will miss Spurs' pre-season tour of the United States in a bid to ensure he is fit for the start of the new season.
"It's make or break for Jonathan now," said Redknapp, who has Michael Dawson, Ledley King, Sebastien Bassong and Younes Kaboul already vying for two starting places in the centre of defence.
"He has got to come back and play. If he is not ready for the start of the season it will be difficult for him. When he gets his boots on and starts playing hopefully he will be all right.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
"He is a fantastic player – one of the best centre-halves around. We just take it day by day with him and see how he progresses."Subscribe to Football FanCast News Headlines by Email
Cast your mind back a little less than two years, when Roberto Mancini was unveiled as the new Manchester City manager in December 2009. With the remit of guiding City first into the Champions League, then towards the league title, Mancini had a tough job ahead with the team sat in 6th place. Nevertheless, with the players and funds available to Mancini the goals were certainly achievable.
The appointment seemed shrewd, with the Italian having clear pedigree following his successes at Inter Milan and Lazio. However, with expectations high, City would go on to miss out on the final Champions League spot to Spurs in the 2009/10 season.
A rethink was in order, and Mancini strengthened his squad with the summer signings of David Silva, Yaya Toure, James Milner, Mario Balotelli and Aleksandar Kolarov. While Edin Dzeko would go on to join the club in the January transfer window.
12 games into the season City sat 4th, and following a dour 0-0 draw with rivals Manchester United criticism of Mancini mounted. For a side that had went on such a lavish spending spree, as a team City seemed to distinctly lack in terms of attacking ambition. Although it seems hard to contemplate now, there were even some who argued Mancini could be sacked.
Yet, all the while Mancini remained calm, arguing that his side were consistently improving. Indeed, the 2010/11 season would become a historic one for the Manchester club. In the league Mancini guided the team to a 3rd place finish and the consequential Champions League qualification.
Perhaps even more significantly Mancini lead the club past rivals United in the FA Cup semi finals and to cup final success against Stoke City at Wembley, finally ending the clubs 36 year trophy wait.
The bandwagon for Mancini was well and truly rolling by now, and with the supreme talents of Sergio Aguero and Samir Nasri just two of the summer additions, the club was suddenly being talked about as serious title challengers.
Now, in late October, Manchester City sit five points clear at the top of the table following their stunning 6-1 victory over fierce rivals Manchester United. Some will argue that Mancini has thus far achieved the very least that could be expected of any manager in the job given City’s vast resources. On the other hand, many have praised Mancini, the soave Italian coach has moulded City into a free flowing attacking unit that remains defensively responsible.
The player’s commitment to the cause in recent games has been significant. Indeed, it is clear following the Carlos Tevez debacle that Mancini has created a sense that the club is more important than any one player.
City still have a lot to prove, the winter months when the games come thick and fast have proved a stumbling block for countless Premier League contenders. Yet, Mancini, with his famous blue and white club scarf, will be confident the clubs squad depth will be able to see them through.
They may go on to win the title, they may not, either way Mancini should be applauded for the job he has done so far, even if it is far from complete.
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
For now, Roberto Mancini should enjoy the praise he is receiving, after all it was a little over a year ago that the future was not so bright.
Comment below and follow me on Twitter @CamHumphries for cutting edge debate regarding all things sport.
Commercial revenue is made up from sponsorship links with companies, deals with shirt makers (Liverpool with Adidas) and shirt sponsors (Manchester United with AON). This is a very good representation of a club’s ‘size’ as a commercial deal is reflective of a club’s historical achievements and present day success.
For example, Liverpool who may have not achieved great domestic success in the last ten years, received more money in commercial deals in 2010 than Chelsea. This is because Liverpool has a history of such greatness attached to it, that a company would rather be associated with Liverpool than Chelsea, who have won 3 Premier League titles in the last ten years.
Of the 20 richest clubs in Europe in 2005, their revenue through commercial deals was as follows. In 2005, Manchester United were ahead of Barcelona. However, looking at the same side’s commercial revenue from 2010, you see that is no longer the case.
Commercial Revenue 2005 (£m)
Commercial Revenue 2010 (£m)
R. Madrid
83.7
Bayern
141.6
Bayern
79.3
R. Madrid
123.5
Juventus
55.5
Barcelona
100
Man United
48.7
Man United
81.4
Barcelona
42.4
Schalke
64.7
AC Milan
39.1
Liverpool
62.1
Schalke
38.9
Chelsea
56.3
Liverpool
38.3
AC Milan
51.9
Chelsea
37.2
Man City
46.7
Arsenal
29.7
Juventus
45.5
[divider]
In 2005, Barcelona earned less than Manchester United (England’s richest club). By 2010 they earn £20m more. However, unlike with broadcasting deals (where Spanish clubs organise private TV deals), and match-day revenue (where some clubs have old stadiums), the reason for the gap between the best English clubs and their Spanish counter parts is not obvious.
One answer may be the following. Looking at Barcelona as a brand, they are very individual and marketable. The style of football they play is synonymous with the football club. And it is attractive football. They have also seen more on-field success than Manchester United in the last 5 years.
Furthermore, Barcelona’s side is made up of almost the entire World Cup and European Championship winning Spanish team. For these reasons, the club draws in supporters from all over the world. The amount of support of Barcelona is reflected in their commercial deals.
Real Madrid, the other Spanish giant, have secured lucrative sponsorship deals as well as extremely high shirt sales. The earned £60m more than Manchester United through commercial deals in 2010. One contributing reason for this is because of their signing the best players in the world, or ‘galacticos’. In the last two seasons Real Madrid have spent more than €300m on players. Firstly, they bought Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Xabi Alonso and Benzema at the start of the 2009/10 season, and then Khedira, Ozil and Di Maria, who had all starred in the World Cup, in 2010.
To some extent, the margin between Manchester United and the Spanish giants could be down to the weakness of the pound compared to the Euro. If the pound was still as strong, the gap would not be as severe. But you could also argue that it is down to the extra TV money they receive.
The increased revenue from television allows Spanish clubs to spend more money on their players and therefore they become more marketable, thus they generate more money through commercial deals. The more the Spanish clubs spend, the more marketable they become.
Continue to the NEXT PAGE…
This fact, that that spending can increase commercial revenue, is highlighted most glaringly looking at Arsenal and Manchester City. When comparing the data from 2005 and 2010, you will notice that Arsenal slip off the list and Manchester City creep on to it.
Commercial Revenue 2005 (£m)
Commercial Revenue 2010 (£m)
Arsenal
29.7
Man City
46.7
Man City
19.7
Arsenal
44
[divider]
Arsenal have not spent anywhere near the money on players in the last two years as Manchester City. While Arsenal, like Barcelona, play a famously attractive style of football, they have not had the same on-field success to rival Barcelona’s marketability. The attraction of Arsenal may be recognised by supporters but companies are not as willing to sponsor them.
On the other hand, the commercial revenue of Manchester City has more than doubled in the last year. Firstly, since their take-over, Manchester City have established many new links with businesses in the Middle East. But secondly, like Real Madrid, their profile has also been increased by some serious spending on players. What this shows is that, although Man City may be currently spending much more than they make, their revenue is increasing as a result of their increased spending.
This growth in revenue is not restricted to commercial deals alone. Manchester City’s match-day revenue has also flourished in the last year. The average home attendance in 2010 was 6% larger than it was in 2009. This is no doubt, in part, due to big name signings. Emmanuel Adebayor, Yaya Toure, James Milner, David Silva, Carlos Tevez, Joleon Lescott, Mario Ballotelli and Edin Dzeko have all played for Manchester city in 2010, and cost over £20m .
FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast. FootballFanCast General Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
The point is that while they may be reliant on their chairman for their growth, in time their revenue will grow and could potentially match their spending. The question for Manchester City is if they can grow their revenue to be big enough by the time the financial fair play rules come into action.
The biggest worry for a club like Manchester City (or Chelsea) will be that the Fifa rules will require a club to become ‘self-sufficient’. This will mean that Manchester City will either have to dramatically increase their current revenue or reduce their current costs. Given the fact that Manchester City’s ‘pre-sugar daddy revenue’ was 30m short of Chelsea’s, and their spending is now equal to Chelsea’s, this might look like an impossible task.
But, Manchester City have increased their revenue by 50% in the last year, despite playing in the second tiered European competition. Champions League football would see Manchester City increase their revenue on match-days (there would be more home games and more sell-out games) as well as give them a huge boost in broadcasting rights and commercial deals.
Furthermore, in Eastlands, they have a more recently developed Stadium than Stamford Bridge. As I have already discussed, this could be the difference between a club like Manchester City attaining self-sufficiency and a club like Chelsea.
It is a large, but not impossible task for Manchester City to achieve self-sufficiency within the next 5 years. This may hinge, most importantly, on Champions League qualification.