The English media, fans of the Three Lions, and Premier League aficionados were aghast when Pep Guardiola arrived in England in 2016 to take over at Manchester City, almost instantaneously declaring then…
Tag: la liga
HAVE YOU HEARD the story of Sir Michael Caine and the Brazilian footballer? Understandably, it sounds ludicrous. Can you really picture Neymar hanging out with Alfred or Dani Alves dancing with Harry…
Oriol Tort was on the sidelines again. He was always there. Every weekend, without fail, without stopping to rest. He was not seen, just another old man amongst the spectators, but he…
If the National Football Museum were to open an exhibition entitled ‘Hat-Tricks’ then surely Geoff Hurst’s famous Wembley treble would be its showpiece; the combination of left foot, right foot, header representing perfection when…
FEW MANAGERS IN the history of football boast as impressive a CV as Vicente del Bosque. A largely underrated and often underestimated tactician, the former Spain boss has won it all, including…
This feature is taken from the Spain issue of These Football Times magazine. Order your copy of this beautifully crafted, timeless print edition via our online shop. In the process, you’ll support…
IN AN AGE where footballers drive the world’s most expensive cars, wear incredibly expensive clothes and eat at the most exclusive restauarants, it is hard for the regular fan to find much…
ÉRIC SYLVAIN ABIDAL is one of the most decorated French footballers in recent history. A powerful left-back, he amassed over 400 club appearances, as well as 67 international caps, across a career…
THE DIVISIVE FOOTBALL nomad from Glasgow is back in the Premier League. After a slow and steady building job at Everton, it seemed like David Moyes’ managerial career has nosedived after taking…
The strength of Bilbao is in its unity. Yeray Álvarez knows this all too well, as it’s been his city which has helped him through the worst of his cancer
CERTAIN FOOTBALLERS DISPLAY AN ABILITY and grace that draws admiration from fans of all clubs. A level of talent that crosses allegiance and attracts appreciation. Santi Cazorla is the perfect example. Injury has…
FC BARCELONA’S LA MASIA ACADEMY has been amongst the most efficient of youth systems over the past 25 years. Following Johan Cruyff’s reconstruction that dates back to 1988 (his original idea was…
“Those watching from afar may not appreciate everything Busquets does on the pitch, but those who play with him know he is unique”
THANKS LARGELY TO THE EFFORTS of Cristiano Ronaldo and his pulsating pectorals, Real Madrid have now won the small matter of 12 European Cups. Squeezed in alongside those 24 bendy rabbit ears…
REAL MADRID ARE WELL KNOWN for the stars who have donned the famous white shirt and a well-oiled spring under the manager’s seat with few having lasted more than two years. During…
THE CURRENT ERA WILL GO DOWN alongside some of the greatest in Atlético Madrid’s storied history. A La Liga title has been won, as have two Europa Leagues – and they have…
The year 2004 was one of multiple shocks in football. Werder Bremen won the Bundesliga, Porto won the Champions League, Valencia won the UEFA Cup and LaLiga, while Greece won the European…
In 2017, Real Betis unveiled a bust of former manager Patrick O’Connell at the Estadio Benito Villamarín to honour their only LaLiga title, won under the Irishman’s management in 1935. The bust…