One year after THAT Sergio Aguero goal won Manchester City’s first Premier League title, silver haired boss Roberto Mancini has been given the sack after four years in charge since 2009.
The often-scarfed Italian’s reign as manager was an ego juggling act which often came tumbling back on top of him. Public spats with Carlos Tevez and the infamous fisticuffs with compatriot Mario Balotelli appear to have been the tip of an iceberg of discontent among his squad of young millionaires.
So Roberto, if you’re reading this don’t feel so down, here is a top 5 list of other gaffers who have fallen out with their colleagues inside the dressing room pressure cooker. It’s happened to the best of them.
Read MoreSovereign city state nations with populations less than 1,000 find themselves irresistibly drawn to soccer. Or perhaps that pertains only to one-man rulerships like Vatican City, right smack in Rome, that can’t help but intersect with soccer and watch it blow up in their faces.
Read MoreThe last few weeks has been dominated by the theme of departure. First Jose Mourinho revealed he's on his way to the Premier League, Sir Alex announced his retirement and Roberto Mancini was unceremoniously sacked. This Viral Friday, we've highlighted David Beckham, Michael Owen and Mark van Bommel's retirements via some cracking videos - some much more complimentary than others. Plus we champion the dancing skills of Ian Holloway and giggle at the misfortunes of a Real Madrid star.
Chelsea have often been accused of having no history, but that statement seems increasingly misplaced. In Europe alone they have amassed four historic trophies and given English football some of its most memorable moments on the continent. Last night was no different as Chelsea followed up last year’s Champions League heroics with a Europa League title – all in typically dramatic fashion. To raise a glass to the West London side’s victory last night, we’ve picked out their top five most glorious European nights.
On this week's showcase of our favourite blog writing we have several big talking points covered - an article examining how much patience David Moyes might receive at Manchester United, a tactical breakdown of Wigan's magnificent FA Cup final win and a pictorial look at the highs and lows of Roberto Mancini's time at Manchester City. All that, plus some very simple advice on how to score a penalty.
Read MoreIn the latest of their fantastic ‘Fantasy XI’ series Football Week afforded Bantr blog's very own Ben Davies to select his team of Premier League cult heroes…
Read MoreAs the season comes to a climatic end, Bantr member’s have jumped in on the frenzy with bucket-loads of comments on the biggest games of the week and the debates that have been raging on the terraces. This week’s fan opinion circles on Wigan’s historic FA Cup final win over Manchester City. Plus Manchester United fans go all misty eyed as Sir Alex Ferguson goes out at Old Trafford with a bang and Frank Lampard is congratulated on his record-breaking goals against Aston Villa.
Read MoreWhilst Norwich, Southampton and Newcastle finally secure their Premier League status for another year, the likes of Villa, Sunderland and Fulham will be nervously watching Wigan's match against Arsenal. It’s a game that will map out the mathematics of last day survival and reveal whether Tottenham's Champions League destiny will reside in Arsene Wenger or AVB's hands.
Away from those frenetic winds of panic, was a calm breeze of pride, respect and nostalgia as Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes triumphantly checked out of Old Trafford and Goodison Park Read our match reports, talking points and stats from this weekend’s games.
Read MoreDespite the footballing world seemingly standing still in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, there’s no stopping the flurry off odd, bizarre and brilliant viral videos flooding YouTube. We’ve fished out our favourite five of the week, including a keeper knocking himself out and some highly entertaining title winning celebrations in Italy and Denmark. Plus a trip down memory lane when David Moyes and Fergie were not always as chummy as they are today.
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