Barcelona Win Midnight Cup

Barcelona returned to their winning ways by taking out the pre-season 'Midnight Cup' over the weekend.

It also marked a return to Barca for SB, their successful previous manager, who took a step away from his committments at current club Chelsea, to steer his old club to another title.

His Premier League rival JM however, continued on with his current club Manchester United, and despite falling in the group stage of the 8 team competition, insists it was valuable time spent forming new combinations and getting a tactical feel for the way his team will play next season.

It is not yet known exactly why SB choose to control his old Barcelona team and not his current Chelsea one in this tournament. Many have suggested that as this was a 'Mickey Mouse Cup' and not rated as important, that SB simply chose Barca "to have some fun with an old club". Others feel that perhaps he's thinking of a swich back to the Catalan club, where many feel his heart still lies.

SB was unavailble for comment, as he reportedly prepares for a trip to Hawaii with his family.
JM appears to be more dedicated and will stay with his team to prepare for a gruelling new season.

More pre-season friendlies are scheduled before official league kickoff later this month.

Who is the King of FIFA 12?

Well as we prepare to move on to a new era with FIFA 13 - just who can claim to be the most dominate controller for the past 12 months. Who is the King of FIFA 12?

Both SB and JM have won only the one trophy each in FIFA 12 – SB won the lowly ranked Europa League title. While JM won the Copa Del Rey in Spain. Neither finished higher than 3^rd in any domestic league, and both were finalists in Europes biggest competition, The Champions League. For that reason, you might say if this season was a football match, the final result would be a draw.

Decide for yourself.

SB - FIFA 12 in review:

Season 1

Team: Barcelona-
La Liga (3rd)
Copa Del Rey (QF)
Champions League (Eliminated in Group Stage – Progressed to Europa League)

Europa League – Champions

Season 2

Team: Barcelona - 
La Liga (4th)
Copa Del Rey (QF)
Champions League (QF)

Season 3,

Team: Chelsea - 
English Premier League (3rd)
FA Cup (Result Unknown)
Champions League (Final – Runners Up)

Season 4,

Team: Chelsea -
English Premier League (Season Abandoned - Likely Finish 3rd)
FA Cup (4^th Round)
Champions League (Round of 16)

 

JM - FIFA 12 in review:

Season 1

Team: Real Madrid-
La Liga (4th)
Copa Del Rey (Champions)
Champions League (Eliminated in Group Stage – Progressed to Europa League)

Europa League – Round of 16

Season 2

Team: Real Madrid-
La Liga (5th)
Copa Del Rey (SF)
Champions League (Final – Runners Up)

Season 3,

Team: Manchester United - 
English Premier League (5th)
FA Cup (Result Unknown)
Champions League (QF)

Season 4,

Team: Manchester United -
English Premier League (Season Abandoned – Likely Finish 5th)
FA Cup (4^th Round)
Champions League (Round of 16)

EPL Season Abandoned

With the iminent arrival of FIFA 13, it was agreed that the current, long running season of the English Premier League would be abandoned so that all players could start concentrating on new up-coming domestic and European Seasons in the new EA Sports version of FIFA.

With neither SB or JM up for particular honours this season, following early elimination in both the Champions League and FA Cup respectively, both agreed to abandon the season with approximatley 10 games remaining of the EPL.

Welcome to the Future: 'Super Cup Online' Unveiled

"As times change, we must change and adapt with them." These are the comments from EA Sports chief Andrew Webster today.

These comments were made at the press conference today to unveil new plans for a 'Super Cup Online' Competition which will be played in conjunction with existing Domestic League and Cups, and the Champions League.

"We must stress the point that at this time this is not a replacement of the current formats we play now, however with the current time issues we and the fans have had to endure recently, we were forced to find new, innovative ways to keep the games playing and our controllers on the field."

'The Super Cup Online' proposed format will play this way;

• 2 teams - play a rivalry over 10 games. These records are kept via EA Sports Online Systems. (The teams which start the season, must play out the entire season.)

• The player with the most points after 10 games is declared 'The Champion' of FIFA Online until a new season is completed and a new champion is crowned.

• Points are; 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss.

• In the event of a dropped out internet connection, PS3 Online will determine who is at fault and award the points accordingly. These points count towards the running total.

• Only online will games count towards the running leader board for 'Super Cup Online' . 

• Communication only via PS3 approved methods, which at this time is Bluetooth Headsets.

The offical word is this competition will be effective immediately, under the current FIFA 12 online format. This will then continue with the release of FIFA13 in September 2012.

Currently a season of online friendlies is in play (Season 2), this will be completed with friendlies and practice games until the start of the official 'Super Cup Online'. +

Previous competitions played in this format will not be counted towards overall Championships one or lost.

JM has already confirmed his participation in the competition, however no word yet which team he will take in the inaugural Super Cup Online, despite currently in charge at Manchester United in other competitions.

SB has not answered calls from the media today. However we can only assume reports that he purchased a new PS3 headset recently as indication he is preparing for some sort of online assault in the near future.


Left: EA Sports Chief Andrew Webster makes the announcement today

Season Resumes

After a season which failed to truly kick off due to unavoidable interuptions to the campaign, the season has finally resumed where it left off several months ago.

With only 12 games played so far, the season is still very much for the taking, however, similarly to last season, Manchester City have jumped to an early lead.

SB and JM have taken up their previous posts at Chelsea and Manchester United respectively, after a particularly long winter absense.

(Photo left:) Chelsea Striker Didier Drogba spends his winter break as part of the London Olympics Torch relay.

JM poised for England job

FIFA Players Association understands JM will meet with the Football Association on Monday ahead of agreeing a contract as the new England manager.

The FA revealed on Sunday evening that it had been granted permission by Manchester United Football Club to hold talks with their boss JM.

England are currently without a permanent manager after Fabio Capello's departure in February, with Stuart Pearce placed in temporary charge ahead of Euro 2012.

It was widely believed Tottenham's Harry Redknapp was the favourite to be named as Capello's successor, but, it now appears JM is the FA's first-choice candidate due to his international experience.

The Manchester United Manager, who has managed the likes of Brazil, Argentina and France in the past, could be confirmed as the new England manager as early as within the next 24 hours.

A contract that will take him through to only one Euro Cup is likely to be in the offing, with JM's current terms at Manchester United seen as the only stumbling block. It is presumed this is only a summer gig and JM will return to United at the end of the summer.

King Ibrahimovic does it again to break Chelsea hearts

This was supposed to be Chelsea's night. The stage was set. Wembley stadium. A packed house. A sea of Blue in the stands.

But what stood between them and the trophy was a big Swedish man by the name of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The opening half was a cagey affair, with both sides creating limited chances, until Ibrahimovic steeped up, beating two defenders with sheer strength and knocking the ball in the back of the net with all his power.

What was the follow was typical Italian resilance and dominance. A Sturridge miss late in the first half was about the closest they came to an equaliser and before they realised it the dream was over.

Milan lift the trophy today after a brilliant campaign. Although Chelsea should hold their heads high - nobody, including us here at the FPA believed they would advance to this point in the tournament. Credit must go to SB and his coaching staff.

 Milan celebrate the Champions League Victory