Tevez Insists on Man. U

When the name Carlos Tevez pops up into your head, one of the things you don't dare associate with the young Argentinian striker is the bench. Yet unfortunately for him, that's what he's reverted to this season for Manchester United.

After being a key figure in United's run to the Champions League & Premiership League Title double, the off-season acquisition of Dimitar Berbatov and the stellar form Wayne Rooney has been in has benched the 24-year-old Argentinian.

Even though Tevez is on a two-year loan from West Ham United which expires next summer, he believes United is the place for him.

"This club have the most talented forward line in England and the manager has decided that we cannot all play in the team at the same time," said the former Boca Juniors standout to the Daily Mail, "I want to play more and the coach knows this."

Even though he longs for more playing time, Tevez insists he has no problem patiently waiting for his turn to come.

"But I have no problem with (Manchester United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson). We have spoken. There is no way I would want to leave this club. I insist I am calm."

If Tevez continues to start games on the bench, we'll see if his patience with Manchester United has its limits, especially with him knowing that Diego Maradona, the football legend turned Argentina coach, is scouting players for his player pool. Being on the bench would not make the best impression.


What do you think of Tevez's situation? Think he should leave Manchester United once his loan is over? Where do you think he would be a good fit? Share your comments below.

Galaxy Expect Donovan to Play in 2009

If you think Landon Donovan will undoubtedly be playing his club football in Europe next year, then think again. According to reports, the Los Angeles Galaxy are expecting the all-time leading goal-scorer for the United States, to be apart of their 2009 campaign.

"We certainly desire, want and demand that (Donovan and David Beckham) going to be playing with us in March" said L.A. Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena, who also coached Landon Donovan during the initial years of Donovan's career with the U.S. Men's National Team.

It could be that the club is just doing its job by saying all the right things, but what if they're sincere in their approach to making sure the 26-year-old stays put? Well then we'd be in for quite the battle in the next coming months as Donovan would do everything in his power to persuade the L.A. front office to sell him abroad.

Though the former Galaxy captain has stated there's no problem in staying with MLS, he's vigorously expressed his desire to make the move now while he's entering his prime years. But would the Galaxy really want an unpleased Donovan on their roster? One would think not, especially after he's brought the team four solid seasons as well as an MLS trophy. Add in the fact that the cap space he'd free up would allow for a substantial amount of money to be used for other positional upgrades and Donovan's got himself quite a case.

Yet Arena is still a firm believer that the talented attacker is not going anywhere.

"I believe that Landon Donovan is going to be playing with the LA Galaxy in March,"

It's going to be an intriguing off-season for Landon Donovan and the Galaxy.


What do you think of the Galaxy's desire to keep Donovan? Do you believe they should just sell him if he wants to go? What would be best for Landon? Share your thoughts below.

MLS Playoff Predictions

With the MLS play-offs kicking off in just a mere four and a half hours, it's time for me to make my predictions on who will head to the MLS Cup Finals and who will be the initial team to boast the brand-new lustering MLS Cup in their trophy case.

(Note: This is just what I think based on match-ups, team play, individual players' form and circumstances.)

New England Revolution v Chicago Fire

New England would usually be the favorites, but with the injury bug biting them at the worst time of the year I see Brian McBride and the Fire stunning the Revolution and making it to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Columbus Crew v Kansas City Wizards

Is there anyone outside of Kansas City who believes the Wizards can upset the forcible Crew? Didn't think so. Columbus has simply been outstanding this year on the way to MLS' best record
for 2008. With veteran and captain Frankie Hejduk, young stud Robbie Rogers, and the sensational Guillermo Barros Schelotto leading the charge, I don't see any manner in which the Wizards have a chance at advancing.

Houston Dynamo v New York Red Bulls

Call me crazy, but even with all the talent that Houston has at its disposal, I see Juan Carlos Osorio's men overcoming all the adversity they've faced in recent weeks and upsetting the reigning MLS Champions. I think former Colombian National Team standout Juan Pablo Angel is going to have himself quite the play-off series against the Dynamo.

Chivas USA v Real Salt Lake

Both teams are a pretty even match up with both sides scoring the same amount of goals (40) this season and this match-up could go either way especially if Clint Mathis can showcase his talents. However, there's one element in which I see pushing Chivas USA to the next round.

That element is Sacha Kljestan. While he's had himself a solid year with his club, Kljestan has also become a fixture with the United States National Team and has received invaluable big game experience from his matches in the Olympics and World Cup Qualifiers. I can see him being the x-factor against Real Salt Lake.

Eastern Conference Championship: Columbus Crew v Chicago Fire

What a match-up this would be, the top two seeds in the East fighting to represent in the MLS Cup Finals. Though I see the Fire coming close, I can't envision Columbus falling to Chicago. The Crew are simply too talented for any team in the East to match up against. I see central defender Chad Marshall shutting down Brian McBride and though Cuahtemoc Blanco is playing some inspired football, I don't think he'll be able to do it alone against a side with so much depth, they would make the Deep Ocean jealous.

Western Conference Championship: Chivas USA v New York Red Bulls

Though I see the Red Bulls pulling off a massive upset over the Dynamo, I don't see lightning striking twice for the New York based squad. Juan Pablo Angel will be key, but I have a feeling that Chivas USA will give him fits thus rendering the Red Bulls' offense helpless. Expect Chivas in the finals.

2008 MLS Cup: Columbus Crew v Chivas USA

In a final that would surely be intriguing based on talent and style of play, I would expect nothing more than a good old fashioned scorefest with both teams scoring multiple goals. Both teams have enough fire power to make this match very entertaining and easy on the eyes.

But with that said, though I believe Chivas are destined to make a big run behind Sacha Kljestan's efforts, it just appears to be the Crew's year. I see Sigi Schmid's Columbus Crew coming out victorious and raising the 2008 MLS Cup when everything is all said and done.

(My Predicted) 2008 MLS Cup Winner: Columbus Crew


What do you think of my predictions? Where you do agree? Disagree? Who do you see winning it all? Share your thoughts below.

Officially Official

After a week of never-ending news, it has been finally made official that David Beckham will be heading to Italy to play for AC Milan on a two month loan.

It's time to bid farewell to Beckham (at least for now) as he will be joining the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo on a team that has an abundance of talent, especially in the midfield. There is no guarantee that he will play, much less start.

''He will train with the other Milan players and the selection will be up to the coaches.'' remarked Milan director Umberto Gandini.

Speculation has begun on whether or not Beckham could be leaving MLS permanently, but everyone involved in this move has declared those rumos as false, stating that he is focused on the 2009 MLS Season and aiding the Galaxy in having a successful season.

The Posh Boy's loan begins on January 7th but Becks will reportedly be back by the start of the MLS season.

''Next season is an important one for the Galaxy,'' Beckham claimed. ''We haven't been in the play-offs for three years now and for a team like LA Galaxy we all know that isn't good enough."

Hopefully for MLS' sake, Beckham stays true to his word and returns in March.


Happy the move finally took place? Think Bruce Arena is steaming over this move? Will Beckham have a successful stint with Milan? Ready to order a Beckham-Milan jersey? Share your comments below.

Ronaldo Returning to Brazil

Ronaldo, the Brazilian legend that shined as one of the best players in his generation, has called it quits in terms of European football and expects to return to his native homeland to play for Flamengo as he finishes the final stages of recovery from his latest injury.

"I've been in Europe for 16 years. Flamengo are my favourite," said the three-time FIFA World Player of the Year "But I don't want to play there as a favour. I want to deserve to play there.''

Ronaldo, who has been training and rehabbing with Flamengo since becoming a free agent, also stated that he is considering retirement if he cannot return to top playing shape.

He added: "If I think I am not fine, I will retire. It's useless if you are physically fit but you are not fast. I already lost some weight but I must lose more.''

Rumors have been swirling on whether or not an MLS side could possibly offer the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer a contract, but it appears that Ronaldo will stay put in Brazil, where he will stay close enough to home to perhaps warrant a national team call-up.

''I am a wounded soldier who is recovering, but not dead. The national team is part of my life. I have big history with it, with a number of titles and defeats. I am making a big sacrifice and I do dream of the national team.''

The clock is working against Ronaldo, so for him to give it one more go he's going to have to make a full recovery, and do so expeditiously.


Do you think Ronaldo is finished? Do you ever see him playing for the National Team again? Think an MLS side should attempt to snatch up his services before Flamengo makes him one of their own? Share your comments below.

Maradona Hired as Argentina Manager

Did your jaw hit the floor earlier today when you heard the news of Diego Maradona being hired as the new Argentina manager? Mine did. I knew it was a possibility that the football legend could land the vacant Argentina position, but I didn't see him realistically being hired.

Well I, like many, were stunned today as reports leaked out that Maradona had come out of a meeting with Argentinian Football Association president Julio Grondona. The meeting confirmed that Maradona would be the new man in charge of the albiceleste.

"I'm putting everything aside for this," said Maradona "There is nothing that can make me look past the national team. Today my path is the national team, my task is to talk to the players and build a solid group. I am sure the guys and Argentinian football will pull through."

The 47-year-old also appointed Carlos Bilardo as director of football. Bilardo was the head coach of the Argentina side that Maradona was on when they found World Cup glory in 1986.

"I am going to listen to everything Bilardo has to say. He is going to help me as we can't leave someone with the success, experience and knowledge he brings on the sidelines." said the former Napoli star.

The player with the infamous Hand of God's first task will be to watch the players as often as possible before establishing his player pool in the build-up to his first match in charge of the albiceleste, which will be a friendly with France on February 11th. Argentina will resume their World Cup Qualifying campaign in March and are sitting in third place, seven points behind leaders Paraguay with eight games to play.

Some Argentinian fans may be skeptical of the hiring due to his lack of experience at the coaching level, but Diego Maradona wants nothing more than to help Argentina achieve World Cup glory, just as he did in 1986.

"I think we must make the players understand that our shirt is the most important thing, that they cannot exchange money for glory. Glory is much more than money. I know they know that, but we must make them remember that every day."


What do you think of Maradona as the man in charge of the albiceleste? Will he be a good coach despite his lack of experience? Think bringing Bilardo along for the ride is a good choice? Who would you have hired if not Maradona? Share your thoughts below.

Ronaldo Wins FifPro Award

Breaking News: Cristiano Ronaldo is the best footballer on the face of the planet. Well at least if you consider winning the FifPro Award to give a player that distinct honor. Ronaldo was given the award after a year that saw him win the double with Manchester United, and also saw him lead the Premiership in goals scored.

"I would like to thank my teammates and coaches and everyone involved at Man United and the national team, as well as my family and friends for their support," Ronaldo said. "Thank you also to FIFPro for this award and for your work in protecting the interests and welfare of players around the world."

Ronaldo's 42 goals in the English Premier League will most likely see him win the Ballon D'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year award as this year comes to a close, but that isn't too shocking. However, the Portugal winger did make one surprising comment.

''I insist that I am a Manchester United player and now I think that next year I will continue here,''

After a summer full of turmoil between Ronaldo and Manchester United, the 2007-2008 Golden Boot winner appears to have Deja Vu as he has completely forgotten of his fierce desire to play for Real Madrid.

''But what happened in the summer is finished. Now my head is on the club. My focus is solely on playing well for Manchester United and winning the Premier League and Champions League again.''

Something tells me the former Pro Evolution Soccer cover boy is not being entirely honest, but regardless, if Ronaldo can manage to duplicate last season's accomplishments, then he'd undoubtedly be considered for the FifPro award again next year. A big question remains however; would he receive the award as a Manchester United standout or a Real Madrid star? Only he knows what his mind is set on and for now he's satisfied being named the #1 footballer on the planet.

"'I am still young and if I am being honest, I did not think I would reach this level so quickly."


Happy Cristiano was awarded the FifPro award? Or should someone else have won it? Think he's telling the truth when he says that he'll be at Old Trafford next season or is he just trying to make up for his semi-tarnished image? Share your thoughts below.

Donovan Done in MLS?

Has Landon Donovan played his final match in MLS? Maybe not, but today's 2-2 draw against FC Dallas will probably be Donovan's last game in Major League Soccer for quite some time. Donovan has made it abundantly clear that he wants to make the move to Europe during this winter's transfer window.

Departing from the Galaxy means that the 26-year-old believes he has accomplished all he could in MLS and that he needs to make a move to Europe while he enters the prime years of his career to become the best player possible. A move to the Premiership or to Spain's La Liga seem to fit him best, but don't count out another attempt at playing in Germany as Bayern Munich have shown interest in the Galaxy star since this past summer.

"'I'm ready and I wasn't ready before in any way or capacity," said the all-time leading goal scorer for the U.S. about his previously troubled European stints, "I'm ready and I want to make the most of that. I've only got one career and I want to make sure that I give myself a chance.''

All of his critics will now be keeping a watchful eye on him to see if he will be as unsuccessful as he was with Bayer Leverkusen before signing with Los Angeles in 2005. But the Galaxy forward is ready to prove his critics wrong.

''Competitively I have that itch and I want to go and I will make that very clear to people,"

The 2008 MLS Golden Boot winner sounds hungrier than ever to push himself to the limit.


What do you think of Donovan giving Europe another shot? Should he just stay in MLS? What league/team do you think would fit him best? Share your comments below.