JM Red Bull’s win the inaugural All-Stars Series

JM and his team of selected all-stars have taken out the first official Red Bull All-Stars title in a hugely popular series.
Played out over 4 games, and in packed stadiums across cities including Madrid, Milan, London and Cardiff, JM’s All-Stars took out the series 3 games to 1.

“I’m ecstatic about the win” JM said after sealing the series in the 4th game.
“I think the neutral fans would have loved a 5th game, but we wanted to seal it here in Cardiff. I’m extremely proud of the lads, I was always confident in this group of players we picked and really happy for them they can celebrate here tonight.”

With TV ratings and attendances breaking records for the event, there is chatter it will be expended to an annual 7 game series from next year, with draft night to be broadcast worldwide.

SB was unavailable to comment, visibly annoyed his star studded team were unable to take the game into a final decider. He was seen mumbling about missed chances before disappearing into the tunnel following the full-time whistle.

Player of the Series went to Manchester United and France‘ Paul Pogba, who controller matches throughout the series in midfield, scoring crucial goals in big moments.
“Yes, Pogs was a general for us through the series. The one game they managed to shut him down was the game they beat us convincingly 3 nil. Credit to Pogs - great effort.” JM said of his midfield star.

Notable mentions to JM All-Stars keeper Manuel Neuer, who was huge throughout the 4 games, and Golden Boot winner Leo Messi, who scored a hat-trick in SB All-Stars only win of the series at Wembley.

Final Verdict: Great series. Pundits and fans alike can’t wait for the next installment next season.

Chelsea fall short while Arsenal steal title

Some time ago we stated that this season was Chelsea's to lose. Well, they lost it. Won at the death by unlikely champions Arsenal. Locked on the same points after 38 games, it was only for and against separating the two sides.

"Just one draw would have given us the title" A dejected SB said yesterday when asked about the final result.

Chelsea's failure to bring home the trophy once again means that SB and JM have still never won a league outside of Spain. And despite winning the FA Cup recently, questions still remain over SB's long term job security at Chelsea. Failure to win the Premier league or Champions League after so many attempts is beginning to frustrate the club and Owner. Official word is he will be given another season, however if its another season without a major trophy it will most definitely be his last.

Over at Manchester United, JM is on more solid ground. He has taken on legendary status since their heroic Champions League victory last season, and fans have overlooked a 4th place league finish this season due to the horrid injury toll which decimated his side all year long.

Our attention now moves to the Champions League, with a huge Chelsea v Manchester United Round of 16 clash ahead, with both teams having taken their preparations behind closed doors - with a fairly smooth passage through to the final almost guaranteed for whoever comes out on top of this epic encounter.

Chelsea will look to put their poor season finish behind them and concentrate on winning that elusive Champions League title - while Manchester United will want to become the 1st team in FPA history to win 2 successive Champions League titles.

History awaits gentlemen...

Update to the 'Trophy Cabinet'

SB's latest addition to his Trophy Cabinet is official. A 3rd Cup to add to his previous two Copa Del Rey triumphs with Barcelona.

SB now takes the overall lead in Cups won 3 to 2 over rival JM. (JM won both with Real Madrid - Copa Del Rey).

Well done SB!

 

Chelsea the Cup Kings!

Finally the footballing world can get off the back of Chelsea boss SB. He has finally won a title outside of Spain, away from Barcelona - even if it is a cup no other team seemed to want to win.

Chelsea suddenly found themselves in the depths of this competition with no decent opposition left, with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Spurs, all eliminated rather early after showing lack of ambition to progress any further.

Only Manchester City seemingly stood in the way of Chelsea, however even they appear to have turned out a team of ghosts with little to no interest of fighting for this cup. Chelsea easily progressed.

A unlikely struggle against Championship side Nottingham Forest in the semi-final was a little closer than it perhaps ought to be, however Chelsea managed to scrape through an extra time winner.

Middlesbrough won a deserved place in the final, however showed little resistance once conceding early ending any chance of an epic final encounter.
The Cup was won in fine style by Chelsea 4-1 the final score - a title which surely means more to the man in charge than the team of players or fans will care to admit.



Chelsea win FA Cup

They do however have the chance to make this a rather historic season, claiming a League/Cup double would propel this season for Chelsea to new heights - and no doubt ensure their manager leaves a long lasting legacy. A potential treble is certainty also not out of the question either - although they have struggled in the group stages of the Champions League thus far and must win their next match to qualify to the next stage.

The dream is still alive - Chelsea currently lead the Premier League as we head into the final weeks.

John Terry lifts the trophy to start the celebrations

 

Party time for the boys in Blue

 

The Heat is on!

The heat is most certainty on right now. Just several weeks ago it appeared to be Chelsea's title to lose, and to some extent it remains that way, however its a much tighter race now than ever between title hopefuls Chelsea and Arsenal.

Let us not forget the constant threat JM and his men from the red half of Manchester still pose. Although another draw at home dents their own hopes of an unlikely assault at the title themselves, they still hold the key to the title race with big games against both Chelsea and Arsenal still ahead.

First up its at home against Chelsea. Perhaps the moment of the season that awaits us. We have waited so long for SB or JM to win a title in England - is this the moment which propels SB closer than ever before. A loss could be fatal, and would be a 3rd loss in a row for the would be champions, surely giving Arsenal full control in the title race.

SB sure has his critics. A champion in most people's books. Countless titles to his name with Barcelona, including an unforgettable 'Treble' winning season. However, having never won a title outside of Spain - is his legend just a myth? Was he simply blessed with a magnificent line up, or was it his genius and tenacity to bring them together as a group to win those titles. The jury is still out on that one.

There is no doubt JM has always trailed when it comes to the 'Trophy Cabinet', however he can boast winning significant titles with 2 teams from different leagues. A point not lost on many pundits. After winning a league title and 2 cups with Real Madrid in the past, it was JM's Champions League victory with Manchester United last season that was no doubt his greatest ever achievement having come so heartbreakingly close in the past.

The moment of truth is upon SB now, can he live up to his billing. Or will he leave Chelsea trophyless after a handful of seasons in charge. Lets not forget he is still also alive in the Champions League and FA Cup, so his chances of an unlikely 'Treble' still exist for now. Surely a title in at least one of these competitions is a must in order to keep his job in London.

First up, he meets Manchester United in a what promises to be a true classic. We simply cannot wait for this one...strap yourselves in kids!

A tense SB in a press conference following Chelsea's 2nd loss on the trot

Season Update - "It's Chelsea's season to lose now"

How time flies when your having fun as they say - and isn't SB and his merry Chelsea men having some fun this season. Riding a cloud of free flowing, (almost) injury free football all the way to the top of the English football ladder.

With little more than 10 games to still to play, lets be honest anything can happen, however many industry pundits have already declared it Chelsea's season to lose now.

SB deserves the credit thus far, however he'll need to step up his game for the reminder of the season as those lowly ranked teams will now no doubt muscle up in defence while they scrabble in that relegation battle for points.

Costa has been tremendous for Chelsea this season

The main challengers to Chelsea should they slip up (pardon the pun Steven Gerard), comes from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United. At this stage Arsenal seem the most likely to finish top should Chelsea lose a few games, considering the wretched luck United has had this season by way of injuries.

"It's been a very unlucky season." JM spoke to MUTV yesterday.

"We've lost Zlatan and Pogba to long term injuries, and now Pogba is out again. We lost Martial, Rashford for a period, Eric Bailly...Valencia - its been very difficult to manage.
"But the loss of Zlatan at a time when he was really finding his feet here was the hardest to take."

Some might even say had Ibrahimovic not been out for such a period time the Red Devils may have given this title a serious run.

Zlatan and Pogba have been key to United this season despite long term injuries

In the Champions League things are less certain for Chelsea as they face a must win or draw game in their group in order to progress. Considering their European form this season it is by far from guaranteed.

Defending European Champions Manchester United on the other hand appear safely through as group winners with a game still to play.
"We just hope the next draw will be kind to us."

The season continues....

Chelsea struggle in the group stages, Man U find a way to win

The contrasting fortunes of Chelsea and Manchester United are once again clear to see.

One side dominating their games, having tons of scoring chances, yet somehow conceding late to lose very winnable games. You would say a typical Manchester United performance.

The other side battling, not really playing well, yet staying resilient before finding a way to win. A trait of every SB coached side.

Yet, hang on, the roles now appear reversed. SB and his Chelsea side dominating their opposition in the two opening group games yet conceding late to lose both games - very uncharacteristic and showing signs of a team lacking confidence.

"I don't know how we lost this game." SB spoke after the loss to Napoli.
"I know we'll get through this group stage but clearly these results have been disappointing."

Finding a way to win, usually late in the game, well that's usually a SB side. Not at the moment. Manchester United absorbed and defended, and waited for their moment before scoring late in both opening occasions to sit top of their group. This shows how far this United team has come under JM, and just what sort of confidence they took from winning that Champions League crown last season.

"We are defending Champions - and so we must play like one's" JM spoke to the media after the win against CSKA Moscow.

"We have new additions to the team, and no doubt this makes us much better than last year. We now have more confidence we can find a way to win with every chance we create. I am proud of the team today."

Chelsea's Hazard has been a shining light despite their struggles to start the new UCL campaign