How Slot is continuing Klopp's legacy at Liverpool ?

22 February, 2025- Liverpool- The team which looks Invincibles nowadays, After their studded trophy filled years with German coaching legend Jurgen Klopp. The new coaching era of Dutchman Arne Slot is proving to be as interesting and exciting (i think little bit more interesting) as it was in the Klopp era. What a season it has been for Liverpool, with only one defeat in the premier league, they are the table toppers with eleven-point advantage over second placed Arsenal. They have also topped the league phase of the champions league, securing their place in the round of sixteen. But how Arne Slot has managed to carry the Klopp's legacy at Liverpool, let's find out- 

Firstly the team bonding is the major factor of all these successful years, the German maestro have instilled the brotherhood bonding between the players and a sense of teamwork. This team spirit is still in the heart of the Reds, and gave them distinct identity. 

Second is the clever and precise transfer/signing strategy. Nearly every transfer during the Klopp and post Klopp era is very effective as they are scouted by data driven technology. From Philippe Coutinho to Luis Diaz (and many other players), every move has prove its worth. 

Third is the club's environment, every person from staff to player has friendly relationship, with 'hunger for success' as the core motive, and the passionate fanbase is at another level with the 'Kop' at Anfield, with one of the most intimidating stadium atmospheres in the world. 

All these factors are the hearts of 'The Reds', which makes them one of the most followed and loved clubs in the world. Personally, I am a big Liverpool fan, please tell me your favorite team in the comments.

Also any suggestion and queries are welcomed.

The Champions League Prediction #1

***All the predictions made are solely based on my opinions; I didn't mean to harm the sentiments of the teams and their fans.***

Hello, fanatics, The new Champions League is on the way, and what a season it has been till now, as minnows beat giants, crazy comebacks, enthralling upsets, and many more actions. But now we are on a stage where many predictions can be made, and today I am gonna make one.

Now let's start with Spanish giants Real Madrid (ha ha, they are in REAL trouble). As a hardcore Culer, I couldn't see Madrid winning titles, but this season Madrid is in deep woes, as the positional overlapping of Mbappe and Vinicius has raised the eyebrows of Ancelotti, and the injury list is too long to tell. But as the world says, 'They find a way in every situation,' but their upcoming fixture is a tricky tie at Bergamo against Atalanta, who are in exceptional form. A loss can crash their dreams of even qualifying for the playoffs. On the basis of their current form, I think they will finish their league stage between 20th and 25th position. 

Barcelona: The transformation under Hansi Flick is quite remarkable; their attacking style of play has already thrashed Bayern and Real Madrid, but a slight dip in form is observed in La Liga, as the players looked fatigued and exhausted due to the heavy pressing style of Flick, but the German coach has handled his 'young' squad effectively with rotations and substitutions. I think Barcelona has found their old grooves and is currently in third position with the highest goal difference on the table. It would be surprising if they fell out before the semifinals.

Liverpool- Ohh man what a team it has become to watch, dropping absolute masterclass performances at every level. The slot machine is in its full swing. Also, the individual brilliances of Van Dijk, Salah, and Gravenberch also add an X-factor to the team. The Dutchman's game management is also precise, which is protecting his players from injuries. Till now they are the only team without a loss in the league and currently at the top of the table. The Reds are now a formidable force, and it looks like they are going to add their seventh Champions League title into the trophy cabinet this year.

Bayern Munich- After an upsetting last year without a single trophy, the Bavarians signed new coach Vincent Kompany earlier this year. Under his leadership, the team has changed their tactics to possession-based football. The club is unbeaten in the Bundesliga, but in the Champions League the scenario is different; the team has suffered two defeats, including a 4-0 hammering from Barcelona. Kompany still needs to address its defensive concerns against high-profile teams. I think they can reach the quarterfinals.

Inter Milan- The Scudetto winners, Simone Inzaghi's team is the only other team except Liverpool to remain unbeaten in the league, but the most exciting part is the team's defense who didn't conceded a single goal in the champions league campaign. The rock-solid defense with striking wingbacks and a flamboyant striker, all these factors made 'Nerazzuri' one of the toughest teams to face. Based on current form, I am seeing them into quarter finals. 

Paris Saint Germain- I didn't want to talk about this club, but thought of including a club from one of big five leagues of Europe. The club isn't devouring at all after Mbappe's departure. Although the club has managed to sign some promising players like Joao Neves, William Pacho and Desire Doue. But Luis Enrique's squad is still lacking the clutch play against bigger teams. I don't see them even qualifying for the knockouts round. 

Hope you like this prediction blog. Please comment me your predictions.

Contact- sarthakkhode@gmail.com 

Ugarte's late goal sealed win for La Celeste

November 16, 2024- The most exciting match of matchday 11 as both South American heavyweights Uruguay and Colombia clashed at Estadio Centenario in the Uruguayan capital, Montevideo. Both teams desperately wanted the win to strengthen their position on the table. The home sides were under pressure as they were winless in their last five outings, which also includes the shocking loss to Peru. Coach Marcelo Bielsa had a tough job against Colombia. The opponents started with aggressive intent and posed constant attacks around the Uruguayan post. In the 31st minute, Juan Quintero's thunderous free kick gave the visitors the lead. The match was typical South American football, full of physicality. The hosts, Uruguay, leveled the score during the 57th minute when Marcelo Saracchi's cross was netted by Davinson Sanchez in an attempt to clear it, which resulted in an own goal. Uruguay took multiple attempts from outside as well as inside the box but was denied by the Colombian keeper Vargas. Uruguay took the lead in the 60th minute as debutant Rodrigo Aguirre scored past the Colombian defense. But the main drama started during the stoppage time when Colombia drew the score 2-2 in the 90+6 minute through Andres Gomez's goal. After five minutes, Manuel Ugarte's low shot past the keeper sealed the three vital points as they beat Colombia 3-2. Currently, Uruguay is in second spot in the Conmebol World Cup qualifiers, whereas Colombia is in third place with the same points but a lower goal difference. 

Uruguayan Players celebrating the last minute goal, which resulted in win.

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Sarthak Khode

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2024 Transfer Saga #1

August 29, 2024- As the transfer window is coming to an end with only 48 hours remaining, the clubs are trying their best to loan, sell, buy, and exchange their players to build a strong team. As always, this transfer window has also come up with many unexpected transfers. Some teams are buying players for necessity, some for backup, and some for just luxury (nope! Not Real Madrid). Let's dwell on some big clubs and their big moves. 

Bayern Munich (Germany)

After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, the club was expected to make some big moves. After the departure of Thomas Tuchel, the club announced veteran defender Vincent Kompany as the new head coach of the team, who achieved a remarkable feat with Burnley in his first top-flight managerial stint. In order to strengthen their midfield, they heavily poured money on young Frenchman Michael Olise from Crystal Palace for 53 million euros, Portuguese Joao Palhinha from Fulham for 51 million euros, and Spaniard Bryan Zaragoza from Granada for 13 million euros (currently loaned to Osasuna). Apart from this, the Bavarians also sold their two key defenders, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, to Manchester United for a total of 60 million euros.

Finally, the squad looks resilient and has players that fit into 'passing an possession'-based football, which is the managerial style of Kompany. 

Atletico Madrid (Spain)

The Spanish giants have done serious business in this transfer market. The club sold their striking duo of Alvaro Morata and Joao Felix to AC Milan and Chelsea, respectively, for a combined 65 million euros, whereas Memphis Depay departs from Madrid after the end of his contract. The Los Rojiblancos have brought in some top players, like Julian Alvarez, who has been signed for 75 million euros from Man City, Alexander Sorloth joined from Villareal for 32 million euros to boast the team's frontline alongside Antoine Griezmann and Angel Correa. Midfielder Conor Gallagher has also joined the team from Chelsea after Atleti triggered his release clause of 42 million euros. Atleti also focused on deepening the backline, as they signed center-back Robin Le Normand from Real Sociedad, who contributed in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph. 

Coach Diego Simeone has created squad depth with many options, and the team will try to minimize the injury list on this long campaign with over 56 matches. 

Manchester United (England)

Coach Erik Ten Hag's team spent heavily on defenders in the window: Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and teenager Leny Yoro have been signed to strengthen the backline, which was weakened after the departure of experienced center-back duo Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Whereas young Dutch sensation Joshua Zirkzee has been brought in from Bologna after a promising season with the team. The club also sold forward Facundo Pellistri to Greek club Panathinaikos, and Anthony Martial, who played an important role in the team's 2017 Europa League victory, departs after the end of his contract. 

Though Manchester United has squad depth, they have to use and rotate their players effectively. The team also has to sort out their midfield problems as Casemiro is going through a patchy form, whereas the team had to lessen their dependability on Bruno Fernandes for their counter and direct attacks. 

Report By- 

Sarthak P. Khode

Contact- sarthakkhode@gmail.com