Cultured Football #109

New genius at Mainz. And more.

Welcome to Cultured Football where the best football writing of the past seven day is carefully curated for you.

Mainz 05: The Charming Carnival Club Storming Through the Bundesliga

By Adam Khan for The German Football Weekly

In Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, Mainz 05 has already given the world two great coaches of the modern game. Is Bo Svensson, the current incumbent, about to become the third? Given how he has rebuilt the side and how he has got them playing, that seems very possible.

---

Why Are Under 16’s Seemingly More Reluctant To Sign Scholarship Deals At Their Current Clubs?

By Callum Campbell-Aplin for The Secret Scout

An increasing number of youth players are rejecting contracts put to them by their club, conscious of the many opportunities that they’d be forgoing if they did sign. What lies behind this trend?

---

The Italian Wrexham

By The Modern Game Italia

Given all the interest around Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s Wrexham, it was inevitable that copy cats would eventually emerge. And so they have, with Campobasso being the earn (well, claim) the title of the Italian version of Wrexham.

How PSG Owns French Football

By Athletic Interest

PSG are the richest (by far) club in France and virtually guaranteed to dominate the domestic league. Unsurprisingly, that isn't good for the league's attractiveness. And, yet, in some ways French football has become dependent on PSG doing well.

---

The Definitive Guide to Premier League Time-Wasting

By Oliver Hopkins for The Analyst

A fascinating look into which Premier League club wastes most time.

LET OTHERS KNOW OF CULTURED FOOTBALL SHARE THE GIFT OF GOOD FOOTBALL WRITING

Something Else I Loved This Week

The Sunday Times announced the shortlist for this year’s Sports Book Awards and they include a host of fantastic football books, each won well worth reading

Last Week’s Most Read: Leverkusen Revolution: Promising Signs Under Xabi Alonso

By Luke Bissett for The Analyst

Of all the managerial changes to happen this season, two have worked better than most. One is Unai Emery. The other is Xabi Alonso. The latter - his first serious managerial job - has attracted plenty of attention particularly among fans of his former clubs who see him as someone who could eventually take over.