pressure on players in big clubs

the amount of pressure put on a star player for playing a quality team that is losing is great. Within the past few months Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his interest in no longer playing for Real Madrid. In some cases he has been caught on camera crying about it. Most people would say that it is the management and how they are treating him. Truth is i believe they cater to his every need.

UMNT: International Soccer and World Cup Qualifiers!

This week in Soccer there are three televised international games.

We see England host Brazil at 2PM EST Wednesday on Fox Soccer. The England squad are with out Danny Sturridge after a slight hamstring problem picked up over the weekend. 

The US begin their World Cup qualifying run on the road to Honduras after a dissapointing draw against Canada last week. With a better squad and more pressure on the table we hope to see the States live up their expectations and get a win. However, Honduras if given the opportunity will score unlike the last weeks favorable match up Canada. An interesting addition that could get the goals flowing is the return of Jozy Altidore to the squad. That game is set to kick off at 4PM EST on BeIN Sport. 

Major (Feeder) League Soccer

In recent memory, many of the United States' finest players have often packed their bags and set out for Europe to "play with the big boys". Landon Donovan, Michael Beasley, Clint Dempsey, and Brian McBride are just some that come to mind. This poses two questions, is the MLS a feeder league for the larger, more established leagues in Europe? And, is this good or bad for the league as a whole?

Striking out

Coaches,

Teach your players to strike the ball properly……..please!

 

Striking a ball correctly is one of the most basic and important skills that an emerging player needs to learn. Sadly though, it is potentially the most neglected of all fundamental skills. In some cases the only instruction a developing player will receive is, “Kick the ball with your laces.” That’s like coaching little league and simply telling your kids to hit the ball with the bat. Alas, “How very wet this water is.”

Creating Barcelona - La Masia

Barcelona has given the world something special these past 5 years.  Aside from winning 14/19 competitions since 2008, Barcelona has given the world beautiful football for 90 minutes week after week.  This playing style is truly unique and effective as Pep Guardiola saw only 21 defeats in 247 games with Barcelona. 

Stadium Profile: San Siro (Stadio Guiseppe Meazza)

At the end of the number 16 tram line in Milan, you will find yourself in the western portion of the city face to face with one of the world’s most spectacular soccer stadiums. The San Siro is one of Italy's most recognizable stadiums and is home to not one, but two of Serie A's most decorated teams.

The Great Debate: MLS Relegation and Promotion

If I said to you what do Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal all have in common what would you say? Maybe that in the past god knows how many years they have dominated the top division in English football? You’d be right to say that, but no, what I mean is that at one point in their long club histories they have all suffered the heart break of relegation.