Audi Cup next on the agenda

The busy pre-season build up continues for 4 of the world's best clubs as they prepare to line up against one another in the Audi Cup to be staged in Germany.

Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and hosts Bayern Munich will play off in the short event with the draw yet to be decided.

The Audi Cup is a two-day football tournament that features four teams, and is staged at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The competition's first edition in 2009 was organised and promoted by car manufacturer Audi to celebrate their 100th year of trading and was won by hosts Bayern Munich. This will be the second edition of the Cup.

It may be the first time rivals Bracelona and Real Madrid will face off in the new season if they meet at some stage during the tournament.




P.S Get cracking on the transfers SB - squads need updating!

Un-Eventful Confed Cup ends the International Season!

The most uneventful and uninspired Confederations Cup campaign in history has signalled the end of the International season with players and coaches alike heading back to their respective clubs to plan for their upcoming domestic seasons.

With SB taking the reins of England for the 1st and only time in his career, he failed to inspire the likes of Rooney, Gerrard and Lampard to the great heights he was able to accomplish with his previous nation Argentina.

England bitterly disappointed with their final showing of the year

Knocked out in the group stages has been an all too familiar feeling for SB over the past few weeks. Since taking out the inaugural Confed Cup 1 some time ago - he hasn't really done all too well - this of course led to his controversial sacking by the Argentinean Football Federation.
So back to Barcelona he goes - hoping to make the most of his new summer signings.

Sanchez is all but confirmed as a Barcelona summer signing

As for JM - also with only the one Confed Cup win but showing plenty of promise with a young Brazilian team - he has promised he will return in the future and achieve a World Cup victory with the nation in their home country.

Brazil down and out in the final Confed Cup for this season

Until then, the prospect of taking back the reins of Real Madrid has everyone excited.

"I'm looking forward to getting back to my club." JM stated at Rio Airport yesterday morning.

"We are now on our way to the US for pre-season training - we cannot wait."

The Real Madrid boys in town to face Beckham's LA Galaxy

This really has nothing to do with anything I just thought it was hilarious!!

Where to now for SB....

The rumour mill is still in overdrive as speculation continues as to where current Argentina controller SB will be by the time we kick off a new and all important 4th Confederations Cup.

Recent reports have suggested he had all but accepted the Spanish national team job - although team officials in Spain have been quick to deny a deal had been done.

SB himself has recently been spotted in Australia which has led to speculation he was negotiating a deal with the Socceroos - however his rep's were quick to hose down the rumours instead saying he was in town awaiting the birth of his first legitimate child.

The press in Argentina can be a fickle bunch and have been relentless on the former managerial god who once upon a time took the Argies to Confed glory - however that must seem like light years ago now.

* A recent photo leaked to the media of SB lighting with appears to be an illegal substance.

Seems he takes his down time very seriously.

* photo may not be of actual person

Confed Cup 3 - a farce from start to finish

The third instalment of the Confederations Cup has been a farce from start to finish, or atleast that's what the big boys from South America are saying as hot favourites Brazil and Argentina both fell victim to lowly opponents and for the first time neither took home the trophy.

With administration and system issues causing chaos only moments before kickoff on match day 1, drama brokeout amongst competing teams and a redraw was later conducted once issues were resolved.

Argentina, were without doubt the duds of the Cup this time round, failing to win a game and for the first time failing to reach the final 8 of the Cup since its inception. A draw in their opening game against Russia was their best result of the Cup as two losses were to follow and as was an early plan trip home.

Brazil, on the other hand flew through their group games as they scored at will against quality opponents in Holland, Portugal and to a lesser extent Australia. They were expected to breeze through their quater final opponents Russia with ease, instead despite a positive start looked uncharacteristicly flat and playing without flare or confidence. They were punished by the Russians and sent packing 3 - 1.

Where to now for current natinal team coaches SB and JM - coaches of Argentina and Brazil respectively.
Rumours are SB has fielded offers from Spain, Russia, and Australia in recent days as it appears Argentina have lost faith in the former god.

As for JM, despite only just recently lifting the Confederations Cup for the first time, it is thought he will be given more time with this squad to see if he can add another trophy to the cabinet.

Brazil win Confederations Cup!

They promised they would do it and they didn't disappoint - Brazil are the new Champions of the Confederations Cup after defeating a determined Spain in the Final in front of a packed Wembley Stadium.

In the process, they eliminated the likes of rivals Argentina (in the Quarter Final) and France (in the semi-final ) to take their place in the Final.

"This is a special day for us, our fans and our Country." Captain Lucio said after the famous win.

Coach of the heroic Brazilian team JM, said before the start of the tournament that he would promised a trophy for the people of Brazil and now that he has delivered, many are wondering whether he will continue on in this current role or move on to another nation before the start of the next Cup.

It is however thought the pursuit of a second tournament victory which is yet to be achieved by anyone is a major factor in JM's decision - which most are predicted will be to stay on in Brazil for the time being.

Jubilant scenes as Brazil celebrate

Thanking the fans

It's almost that time...to lift the famous trophy 

whoop..there it is!! CHAMPIONS!!!