Do Manchester City have a genuine 'Group of Death' to navigate?

In his debut article for The Football Front, Brett Curtis takes a look at this season's Champions League group A teams.

Every time World Cup groups are drawn, one of the first things many observers enjoy, whilst scanning through the illustrious names, is selecting a ‘Group of Death’.

The name, while overly dramatic, generally speaks for itself: it is the group that every other side looks upon breaking a sigh of relief, with the sides within it cursing that they will have no easy match in attempting to reach the knock-out stage.

In the Champions League, however, this generally hasn’t been the case. The expansion from 24 to 32 teams in the group stages over a decade ago has clearly made Europe’s elite competition a bigger spectacle, but quality was slightly sacrificed for quantity as a result. The group stages, then, arguably became a lucrative ‘warm up’ -- listen closely and I’m sure you will hear Graeme Souness utter “this competition begins in the knock-out stages” at some point in the next few months – especially for the big clubs and UEFA alike. Moreover, Platini’s recent alterations to the qualifying format have allowed champions and/or runners-up from ‘lesser’ nations an easier route in qualifying, with those finishing 3rd or 4^th (depending on coefficients) in more competitive leagues suffering as a result, meaning the Champions League ‘proper’ has witnessed more debutants, in terms of clubs and nations, than before, with many limply exiting at the first major hurdle.

Two of these debutants this year are Manchester City and Napoli, who both finished 3^rd in the Premier League and Serie A respectively. Generally, that sort of form in a major league would cement a club as a favourite to finish at least second in a group. However, while the Champions League looks stronger in general (or on paper at least) this year, there is little doubt that the aforementioned two sides have been handed a genuine ‘Group of Death.’ Both sides will also face four-time European Cup winners Bayern Munich and the 2006 semi-finalists Villarreal. A group containing four sides from Europe’s top four leagues is quite incredible; but clearly it is as a result of Manchester City’s and Napoli’s lack of European success and experience in recent years. This is in stark contrast to their group rivals: Bayern Munich who were competing in the Champions League final a mere 16 months ago. While Villarreal reached the Europa League semi-final last season, beating a certain Napoli along the way.

The ‘Group of Death’ completed its first match day on Wednesday; though it is obviously early days in the group. There were some interesting points to take from the two matches’ patterns of play, and of course results. It is Bayern Munich that take the early initiative after a comfortable 2-0 win at Villarreal, prior to which the Spanish side hadn’t lost their last nine European home matches.

Tactically, a slight change from their standard 4-2-2-2 to a more defensive 4-3-1-2 system may well have been their downfall; though Bayern achieving 54% possession away from home, as well as attempting twice as many shots, would suggest this was well and truly an off-day for the El Submarino. Though I would not rule them out entirely, I do feel that they are currently the weakest side in this group; but I expect them to improve on this defeat nonetheless.

Manchester City and Napoli, meanwhile, gained a point each after an entertaining 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium. After this impressive draw, those looking for a dark horse within this group should probably favour Napoli over Villarreal. Last season, despite finishing behind Inter, they were Milan’s closest title competitor throughout much of the season, before falling away towards the end of the season. Perhaps this was a result of the demands of their relatively unique 3-4-3 formation, which requires an intense pressing game and maximum effort from all of its components. However, it is certainly one that suits the majority of its players -- in stark contrast to their Serie A rivals Inter, who are currently implementing a very similar system, despite possessing an ageing back-line that, equally, isn’t blessed with the dynamism in forward areas that Napoli possess. Indeed, a front three of Hamsik, Lavezzi and Cavani is surely one of the more complete and threatening forward lines in Europe: in Marek Hamsik they have a player that, despite sometimes going missing in big games, has the potential to be the complete attacking midfielder. While Lavezzi and Cavani are two strikers that complement each other perfectly, with the Lavezzi’s ball-carrying skills and admirable work rate working off Cavani’s link-up play both provide a genuine goal-threat. On the counter-attack, the three of them, aided by wing-backs Zuniga and Maggio frightened Manchester City all match. Of course, every front-line needs a platform to succeed, and those defending the backdoor for Napoli certainly have that – Walter Gargano is the perfect example, he and Inler also illustrating the importance of holding midfielders as they stifled the likes of Silva, Nasri and Aguero between the lines; which is certainly no easy task, as shown by the trio wreaking havoc in the Premier League so far this season by their contemporary in-roads runs and devastating creativity.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City will remain favourites to reach the knock-out stages: the German side, though relatively youthful, should have enough European pedigree and nous to see them through, while Manchester City now have one of the best and biggest squads in Europe following their gigantic spending spree in recent seasons. It says a great deal about the strength of these two sides when a ‘Group of Death’ can have two evident favourites – but when they contain players such as Lahm, Kompany, Schweinsteiger, Silva, Robben and Aguero it’s perhaps a little surprise. Both teams should qualify, as expected, but both may well consider anything less than a semi-final appearance a disappointment.

However, they must first qualify from this undoubted ‘Group of Death’ – and with the likes of Nilmar, Cavani, Rossi and Lavezzi waiting to hurt them.

It would not be a major surprise to see one of them failing.

This article was written by Brett Curtis, you can follow him on Twitter here: @bcurtis92 .Brett is a regular contributor to Football Speak.

Why more English players should play abroad‏

Kevin Leonard explains his thoughts on why more English players should ply their trade abroad.

It is not often today or at any point in history that an Englishman will venture abroad for anything else other than a barmy drunken holiday or to invade a foreign land, take it over and tell the terrified locals to speak English from now on. And let's be honest, there isn't much difference between those two activities especially in the case of Gaza's transfer to Lazio. However, so far in this transfer window two young English players have transferred to two former European Cup winning clubs in Germany. Michael Mancienne has swapped the blue shirt of Chelsea and London's eloquent West End for the black and blue shirt and ice bars of Hamburg. Where as 18 year old Dale Jennings has some how landed a transfer from Tranmere Rovers to the German giants Bayern Munich, odd times indeed. It seems the transfer window had taken on a nostalgic feel to them with rumours of Scottish strikers like Kenny Miller joining Italian clubs and Irish strikers allegedly heading to Arsenal. But two young English talents signing for the elite of the Bundesliga does not represent any bygone era at all.

We are ‘well and truly in the twilight zone’ to quote a bygone Belgian rock band.

Besides the mysterious nature of these German shopping habits, we as English men and women (half of me actually) will inevitably ask the question; is this good for English football?

The egotistical nature of the TV presentations of the Premier League often leave the claim "best league in the World" ringing in our ear. Naturally most English fans believe this, which is fine. However when it is uttered from the mouths of pundits who don't actually watch any other league in the World one most question their claim. The fact is other leagues are very very good as well. The Bundesliga is perhaps one of the fastest improving leagues in Europe at the moment.

This is an environment which will excel the development of Michael Mancienne and Dale Jennings. It will give them an alternative view of the game in comparison to the one they would have viewed and experienced in England.

A lot of these clever pundits were very quick to belittle the Bundesliga, when Schalke were beaten by Manchester United in last seasons Champions League. Where as others like me have a slightly longer memory and can all too vividly recall 11 Bundesliga players humiliating 11 Premier league players in South Africa 12 months ago.

I would dare to say that this could be the catalyst of a new era of English football. That wonderful memory I mentioned can also recall football from further back than South Africa 2010. In fact it can recall a time before 2008 where the Spanish national team were not very good. Plenty of players that now make up Spain's first choice 11 were present in the years where La Liga sides would consistently perform well in European club competitions with an abundance of Spanish players. Yet Spain would fail on the international stage. The Spanish national side’s first choice 11 pre Euro 2008 was 100% La Liga players. The players were mostly from the very best La Liga clubs such as; Real Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia etc.

What was slightly different at Euro 2008? Xabi Alonso, Pepe Reina, Cesc Fabregas and Fernando Torres were not playing in La Liga. They were playing in the Premier League.

Another fact that some would claim makes the Premier league the ‘best league in the World’ is because it some how hardened up the Spaniards. This is not what happened. Believe it or not they do have tackles in Spain too. If you want to really talk about the physicality of both nations, us English don't wave red flags in an attempt to piss off a raging bull that would quite happily impale you onto it's horn and shake you until you were unable to wave a flag ever again.

What the English league gave those players was a different style, a different point of view on the game if you will. On the international stage you will of course encounter more contrasting styles than in club football. This variety gave the Spanish a little something extra and even though Alonso is now back in Spain and Fabregas soon will be too, they have that little experience of another footballing culture which has helped the Spanish win a World Cup.

If Manchester United's Owen Hardgreaves, was fit he would be picked in the England squad every time. His time with Bayern Munich made him a unique player, not necessarily better than some English central midfielders, but he has a discipline in the holding role that other English players just don't have. This is no doubt a direct result from playing in the German mindset which places great emphasis on tactical awareness and positioning rather than work ethic and passion. Brains over brawn you could say. Having viewed Michael Mancienne’s display for the Under 21 side against Spain last month, I would say he greatly needs a brain and to immerse himself in a more tactical thinking environment or at least one where he can learn to pass a ball.

The foreign journalists in attendance at the Under 21 European tournament remarked that England had changed somewhat, they felt that our problem was we tried to play too much football. England are making a transition into the modern game by placing the emphasis on technique now rather than power, hence the inclusion of Jack Wilshere at senior level. The problem is changing a countries ethos is not like flipping a switch. It takes time. With defenders like Rio Ferdinand and midfielders like Jack Wilshere England has shown they can produce players of a more intelligent and technical calibre. We just need to do this on a wider scale.

Two youngsters in Germany is a good start to a new approach. They are not just any German clubs mind you. Only three German clubs have won the European Cup and two of them are Bayern Munich and Hamburg.

Personally I would send every 16 year old we have over to Brazil and tell them to do whatever it is those Brazilian kids do all day long. Or just hire Pelè to shag 11 English women so we can raise a team of English/Brazilians in time for the 2030 World Cup.

A World Cup we'll hopefully be hosting, hint hint FIFA!

You can follow Kevin on his Twitter - @megatronSTALIN, Kevin regularly writes for Away Goals too.

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Are Bayern Munich right to let Louis van Gaal leave at the end of the season?

So, Bayern Munich and Louis van Gaal have agreed part company at the end of the season. Crazy. This time last season, Bayern had just knocked out Fiorentina in the Champions League, courtesy of the away goal rule. Arguably, that game was the start of Bayern’s brilliant adventure in Europe that season. Even though Bayern were hugely successful last season. As they won the German cup and the Bundesliga with relative comfort. But the success of last season wasn’t enough for the Bayern hierocracy to keep faith in their Dutch manager.

It’s fair to say, instant success was pretty much expected in Van Gaal’s first season at Bayern. Simply because the club had spent a shed load of cash on new acquisitions. In total, the club spent £72 million. Bringing in the likes of Arjen Robben (£21 million), Mario Gomez (£30 million) and Anatoliy Tymoshchuk (£12 million). All of which are quality players who added to the array of talent already at Bayren.

The new acquisitions swiftly clicked into place as Louis van Gaal’s first season was brilliant. However, one must remember, the team only won 1 of their first 4 opening games. Maybe foreshadowing the shambolic second season. However, they managed to overcome their poor start and won the league with 5 points clear and only lost 4 games throughout the league season. A fantastic Bundesliga campaign. Van Gaal’s 4-5-1 system suited the Munich side perfectly. Bayern had Frank Ribery on the left side of midfield, while on the other flank, the new acquisition Arjen Robben occupied the right hand side. Robben had a fantastic debut season. The flying Dutchman was the team’s top goal scorer with 22 goals. While upfront Bayern played Mario Gomez. The team had absolutely no reason to fail. As they clearly had quality and depth running through the team.

Louis van Gaal’s European pedigree assisted Bayern on their Champions League journey last season. Bayern picked up 7 wins in 13 European matches. Including impressive wins such as hammering Juventus 4-1 in Italy, beating Man Utd 2-1 and smashing Lyon 3-0 in the second leg of the semi final. It’s a common criticism that the team were lucky to go through against Man United and Fiorentina. As they won by the away goals rule. But Louis van Gaal’s Bayern had it tough. They had to perform well in their first leg matches at home. This is something they did. But not in a satisfying manner. As the team conceded crucial away goals against Fiorentina and Man United. But Bayern’s quality attack proved the difference. As the team scored two or more goals in all of their away matches in the knock out stages.

Bayern had a tense rollercoaster of a journey on route to the Champions League final. Although in the semi’s against Lyon they comfortably beat them over the two legs. But the ties against Man United and Fiorentina were nothing short of scarped wins. But Bayern made into the final, their first Champions League final since winning the trophy in 2001. But, it’s fair to say Van Gaal’s men were nullified by a calculated Inter Milan side in 2010 final.

But has Louis van Gaal been fairly treated by Bayern Munich? The Dutchman offered the club instant success. Yes, it was expected. After all, the club spent over £70 million on new players. Plus they already had arrays of talent in their squad. But expecting something in football and something practically happening in the game are two different things. But Van Gaal proved he could manage the squad and find a system which would quickly reap success for the side.

But of course, this season has been nothing but a disaster. Bayern Munich are a massive 19 points behind the league leaders Borussia Dortmund. And are 5 points away from the Champions League spots. Munich are in huge trouble. There is no doubt about that. But does Louis van Gaal deserve the sack for this catastrophic season? One would have to say yes.

On paper, Bayern Munich are the best side in Germany. The team has quality running throughout the side. Furthermore, being a massive 19 points behind in the league leaders is absurd. Especially as Bayern won the league last season. Bayern Munich are the biggest side in Germany. The club generates a huge amount of revenue and has the biggest stadium in Germany. Yet, there is a strong possibility that they may not even qualify for the Champions League next season.

Louis van Gaal did an incredible job in his first season at Bayern Munich. His instant success was supposed to be one significant step towards the Bayern’s sustained domination of German football. But this season has been a horror show. The team were knocked out of the German cup at home by Schalke. This is something which is totally unheard of in the history and culture of Bayern Munich.

After it was confirmed Van Gaal was to leave at the end of the season. The club commented that Louis van Gaal and the Bayern hierarchy had ‘differing views on the club's strategic direction.’ In other words, the club doesn’t want to see another horror show like this season again.

When Louis van Gaal joined the club, he described Bayern Munich as being a ‘dream job.’ The first season was a dream season. Everything fell into place for the side. But that dream quickly turned into a nightmare in the second season.

No one can take away the achievements of Louis van Gaal’s first season at Bayern Munich. But the club haven’t just taken a step back this season, they have taken huge step in decline. Bayern Munich are the 4^th richest club in the world. The club has it all. They have the stadia, the fans, the economic resources and the players. Challenging for the league and playing in the Champions League should be a minimal expectation.

And Louis van Gaal has had to pay the price for not being able to sustain the fierce expectations of a massive club.