Another game, another victory, another step forward in the race for the Premier League title. More than halfway into the season, Liverpool continue to set the standard that nobody, not even Manchester City, are able to live with at present. Arsenal were the latest victims, thumped 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday evening having had the temerity to score first. And the watching national media believe Jurgen Klopp's side are now showing all the hallmarks of a team that can last the distance. Read More Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal John Cross of the Daily Mirror writes: “At the final whistle, Jurgen Klopp leapt to his feet, marched over to the Kop and thumped his chest in delight. “The noise and excitement inside Anfield was overwhelming and the sense of anticipation grew among fans who believe that, finally, this will be their year. “It is only going to get stronger with every passing week but, while pressure makes some teams crumble, Liverpool rose to Saturday night's … [Read more...] about Guardiola tried mind games – but Liverpool won’t be intimidated
Challenging mind games
Guardiola told he’s playing Champions League mind games with Man City
Manchester City legend Shaun Goater says Pep Guardiola's claim that the club are not ready to win the Champions League is an attempt at 'smoke and mirrors.' Goater was speaking after City's impressive 3-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk, and praised the level of performance the side produced in Ukraine. He told talkSPORT : “It’s absolutely frightening. We say this every season with Pep, he’s got the players really playing together, understanding each other with a good tempo and creating loads of chances. “Previous seasons, City seemed to start really slower. The Lyon game not too far back was a surprise result, but I think this is as good a chance for City as any. “The players know exactly what Pep’s after and he’s always got this high standard.” Shakhtar 0-3 Man City reaction PLAYER RATINGS: Laporte lives up to Pep's world best billing. TALKING POINTS: City look deadlier than ever as De Bruyne makes first start. OPINION: Silva's magical … [Read more...] about Guardiola told he’s playing Champions League mind games with Man City
Millions spent & mind games — it’s the start of the Premier League season
(CNN)Millions of dollars have been spent, mind games have already begun and fan optimism is at its peak which can only mean one thing -- the English Premier League is about to raise the curtain on another campaign which promises to be full of intrigue. The 2018/19 season gets under way with Manchester United taking on Leicester City at Old Trafford Friday. Follow @cnnsport United manager Jose Mourinho, entering his third season at Old Trafford, has looked like a Bassett Hound for most of the summer, predicting a "difficult season" for a team which finished second in May. Not enough money has been spent, says the Portuguese, who has seen three players added to his squad over the summer -- Brazil midfielder Fred for $60 million, Portuguese defender Diogo Dalot ($24 million) and third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant ($2 million). "The other clubs who compete with us are really strong and already have fantastic teams. Or they are investing massively like Liverpool, who are buying … [Read more...] about Millions spent & mind games — it’s the start of the Premier League season
Steven Gerrard admits Rangers mind games as he looks to build ‘siege mentality’
A cycling event passed the front gates of the Rangers training centre yesterday and yet Steven Gerrard was in no mood to back pedal. The European Championship time trials brought traffic chaos to the streets of Glasgow, but the Rangers squad were bunched tighter than the peloton that passed the bottom of the road. No one likes us, sing the Rangers fans, and we don’t care. It’s a mantra being echoed at the Hummel facility in Milngavie, where the chain link fence that surrounds the perimeter could quite easily be replaced by three foot thick stone walls. Rangers are in siege mentality ahead of tonight’s sell-out Europa League clash against Maribor at Ibrox - and Gerrard wouldn’t have it any other way. The abrupt nature of his comments in the aftermath of his team’s 1-1 draw at Pittodrie surprised many, as he claimed 10 men Rangers were a “class above” Aberdeen. He also railed against the officials for red-carding Alfredo Morelos - a decision that … [Read more...] about Steven Gerrard admits Rangers mind games as he looks to build ‘siege mentality’
World Cup: Winning mind games is bringing success for England’s young Lions
0 Have your say The term ‘owning the process’ is one that has frequently been uttered by England manager Gareth Southgate during this World Cup. It reflects a new, positive aura that he wants his players to transmit when representing the nation.No longer is this a Three Lions team burdened by decades of under-achievement and scared to make an impact on the biggest stage – less Cowardly Lion, more Mufasa.This positivity is reflected by the manager’s willingness to open up to new ideas and cherry-pick methods and coaching tips from other sports such as gridiron and basketball.Dr Pete Olusoga, a sports psychologist at Sheffield Hallam University, believes the psychological overhaul instigated by Southgate proved crucial to the last-16 victory over Colombia on penalties.England had lost all three previous shootouts at the World Cup, seven of 14 of the takers having missed their spot-kicks.Against Colombia four out of five players were … [Read more...] about World Cup: Winning mind games is bringing success for England’s young Lions