Cultured Football #185
A Very British Scandal. A Disability is not Inability. Manchester United's Wasted Fortune. Stands. Atletico in Trouble.
Managers: A Very British Scandal
By George Elek for
Whilst I wouldn’t go as far as echoing the headline and calling it a scandal, it is intriguing how there wasn’t even a hint of an English manager being in the running for either of the two big jobs (England and Manchester United) that were recently up for grabs. Is this because of lack of talent or do those taking the decisions simply judge English managers too harshly when they take a mis-step?
‘A disability is not inability’: How this blind soccer league is changing lives in the world’s newest country
By Sam Joseph for CNN
There have been a dearth of feel-good stories of late so this piece about how a blind soccer league is changing lives in South Sudan piqued my interest. Supported by an NGO that focuses on disability rights this league provides an opportunity for players previously thought they would never get the opportunity to play sport.
Bonus Read: Amid war at home, Sudan eye World Cup
[John Duerden x DW]
Sadly, north of the border to South Sudan, a massively under-reported conflict is devastating the lives of millions. Yet, in spite of the horrors, the country’s national team is achieving unprecedented results. Offering, maybe, a hope of a better future.
United have spent £1.275bn on transfers since Fergie. Maybe money isn't the answer.
By for
In truth, there is no maybe: Manchester United have wasted a fortune on players who either weren’t good enough or else weren’t given the support needed to improve. A word of warning: the list of those bought by successive manager and the money spent on them is not for the faint of heart.
Bonus Read: Why United Wanted Amorim
[Ryan Benson x The Analyst]
If you’re curious to know why United quickly went after Ruben Amorim, here’s the answer.
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Stand
By Tom Reed for Terrace Edition
To be honest, there’s not much to read in this piece. But scrolling through this collection of photos of football stands makes me happy and that’s good enough for me to share.
Bonus Read: Weird Logos
[ x ]
Did you know that there’s a second division club in Nicaragua which has Tweety on its logo? Well, you do now. And there’s plenty more to trawl through!
What’s wrong with Atletico Madrid?
By Mark Sochon for La Liga Expert
Atletico Madrid has been struggling in the new season despite making big signings in the summer. Their defense has been uncharacteristically shaky, and they have been unable to maintain consistent performance. They have made tactical changes and rotations, but it has not resulted in a strong starting lineup. Diego Simeone has taken the blame for their poor performance, perhaps safe in the knowledge that Atletico would (probably) never fire him. Even so, he knows that he needs to quickly find a solution.
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Last Week’s Most Read: La Guerra Eterna
By Sam White for Football Heritage
That of Boca Juniors and River Plate is one of the fiercest rivalries in the world. At the root of their distaste for each other is a class divide at the birth of these two clubs which, somehow, they have never let go of.
