more after the cut
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Review: This old pals' act is a riotous reunion DONKEYS' YEARS
DONKEYS' YEARS (Rose Theatre, Kingston-on-Thames)
Verdict: A tour de farce
Rating:
There used to be a cricket writer, Alan Gibson, whose despatches invariably included a description of his calamitous train journey to the county ground from which he was reporting. I thought of Gibson on my way to see Michael Frayn’s ace 1976 farce Donkeys’ Years.
Farce preceded the farce. My head full of politics and cobwebs, I clambered aboard the wrong train, which then crawled at the pace of a slug. When I finally realised my error, it took a while to find a connecting train. That, too, made slow progress.
On reaching Kingston I found no taxis to speed me to the Rose Theatre, so had to run. I arrived with a stitch, bathed in sweat. And I had missed the start.
No matter! Director Lisa Spirling has come up with such a cracking production, I was laughing within a minute. What with my stitch, this hurt. It also brought on a threat of asthma.
Verdict: A tour de farce
Rating:
There used to be a cricket writer, Alan Gibson, whose despatches invariably included a description of his calamitous train journey to the county ground from which he was reporting. I thought of Gibson on my way to see Michael Frayn’s ace 1976 farce Donkeys’ Years.
Farce preceded the farce. My head full of politics and cobwebs, I clambered aboard the wrong train, which then crawled at the pace of a slug. When I finally realised my error, it took a while to find a connecting train. That, too, made slow progress.
On reaching Kingston I found no taxis to speed me to the Rose Theatre, so had to run. I arrived with a stitch, bathed in sweat. And I had missed the start.
No matter! Director Lisa Spirling has come up with such a cracking production, I was laughing within a minute. What with my stitch, this hurt. It also brought on a threat of asthma.
Kate Moss wears towering platform heels as she leads a star-studded guest list at intimate Prince gig
She’s been a regular fixture at
London Fashion Week, but supermodel Kate Moss took a break from the
front row on Monday evening for a night out in central London.
The
40-year-old clothes horse was accompanied by husband Jamie Hince at
legendary Soho jazz club Ronnie Scott’s, where they took in an intimate
performance from Prince.
Review: THE HOTEL PLAYS
THE HOTEL PLAYS (Langham Hotel)
Verdict: Suite ideaRating:
Three Tennessee Williams playlets, with all set in hotel rooms, are being performed at a central London hotel, the Langham (opposite the BBC).
This is a neat little effort. Each scene lasts less than half an hour and is staged in a different bedroom suite.
The audience is limited to about 30 (it is surprising how many you can squeeze on to benches in a small room) but there are three ‘sittings’ a night.
Playwright Williams had a thing about hotels — he even died in one. Hotels capture a certain transient glamour, a suggestion of the flaky rendezvous. Yet intimate. Sitting in these rooms, watching actors play characters in their night clothes, one feels almost voyeuristic.
The Pink Bedroom features an adulterous couple having an argument. She (Helen George) is in a pink nightie. He (Gyuri Sarossy) has come from his bickering wife, only to find yet more grief. He becomes oppressed by the pinkness of the room. Does she want him to stay or is she playing emotional games?
Strictly Come Dancing Live combines twangable thighs and ivory smiles for a night of spangly fun
STRICTLY COME DANCING LIVE (Wembley Arena and touring)
VERDICT: Cha-cha-charming!
Rating:
Sequinned hyperbole is the order of the night at Strictly Come Dancing’s road show.
From the blasting music to the judges’ scripted putdowns, from rugby player Ben Cohen’s biceps to knicker-model Abbey Clancy’s almost twangable inner thighs, everything is madly, merrily exaggerated.
The glitter ball hanging over the ballroom is bigger than a Nasa space pod. The singers who come prancing on are noisier and warblier — and fatter — than Christmas turkeys.
They smack their palms together till the things must sting, such is their determination to agitate the crowd of crisp-munching family groups and hen parties.
Some audience members (ladies, refreshed) scream at the contestants, declaring undying love for beefy Ben or newsreader Susanna (Reid) and her bespectacled partner, Kevin from Grimsby.
In the middle stands the compere — not Sir Bruce Forsyth, who like the Queen’s older Rolls-Royces is nowadays reserved for state occasions, but bouncy, bubbly, cartoon-Mancunian chubby chops Lisa Riley. She is wearing a spangled housecoat like a cross between Norah Batty and Dame Edna.
VERDICT: Cha-cha-charming!
Rating:
Sequinned hyperbole is the order of the night at Strictly Come Dancing’s road show.
From the blasting music to the judges’ scripted putdowns, from rugby player Ben Cohen’s biceps to knicker-model Abbey Clancy’s almost twangable inner thighs, everything is madly, merrily exaggerated.
The glitter ball hanging over the ballroom is bigger than a Nasa space pod. The singers who come prancing on are noisier and warblier — and fatter — than Christmas turkeys.
They smack their palms together till the things must sting, such is their determination to agitate the crowd of crisp-munching family groups and hen parties.
Some audience members (ladies, refreshed) scream at the contestants, declaring undying love for beefy Ben or newsreader Susanna (Reid) and her bespectacled partner, Kevin from Grimsby.
In the middle stands the compere — not Sir Bruce Forsyth, who like the Queen’s older Rolls-Royces is nowadays reserved for state occasions, but bouncy, bubbly, cartoon-Mancunian chubby chops Lisa Riley. She is wearing a spangled housecoat like a cross between Norah Batty and Dame Edna.
Pictures: Lady Gaga wears just a fishnet bodysuit in New York
She is known for her outrageous ensembles.
But Lady Gaga appeared to be made of steel as she stepped out in the freezing -5C New York on Monday night wearing just a fishnet bodysuit.
The 27-year-old singer's eye-popping black fishnet bodysuit showed off her fit frame as she left the television studios and headed to her car following an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's new show.
Gaga also courted attention with her almost floor-length, icy blonde wig, which nearly dragged along the ground as she made her way to her waiting vehicle.
But Lady Gaga appeared to be made of steel as she stepped out in the freezing -5C New York on Monday night wearing just a fishnet bodysuit.
The 27-year-old singer's eye-popping black fishnet bodysuit showed off her fit frame as she left the television studios and headed to her car following an appearance on Jimmy Fallon's new show.
Gaga also courted attention with her almost floor-length, icy blonde wig, which nearly dragged along the ground as she made her way to her waiting vehicle.
'I don't wear a bra': Rihanna reveals to US Vogue
Rihanna likes to shock and for her third cover of US Vogue she hasn't broken the habit.
The Barbados beauty told the March issue of the fashion bible, 'If I'm wearing a top, I don't wear a bra. If I'm wearing a bra, I just wear a bra.'
The 25-year-old also revealed to the massive 648-page monthly - in which she modeled suits, sequined slacks and slinky dresses - she dressed like a boy as a child.
The cover girl explained she didn't take to girlish clothes because she really wasn't around her gender growing up.
'When I was 13 or 14, I didn't want to wear what my mother wanted me to wear,' she shared.
The Barbados beauty told the March issue of the fashion bible, 'If I'm wearing a top, I don't wear a bra. If I'm wearing a bra, I just wear a bra.'
The 25-year-old also revealed to the massive 648-page monthly - in which she modeled suits, sequined slacks and slinky dresses - she dressed like a boy as a child.
The cover girl explained she didn't take to girlish clothes because she really wasn't around her gender growing up.
'When I was 13 or 14, I didn't want to wear what my mother wanted me to wear,' she shared.
THE BLOG FROM BRAZIL: Big Phil's pursuit of a big man, Neymar's ups and downs and Hodgson turns smooth operator
Never mind what loudmouth Texans might say, everything is actually bigger in Brazil. And right now, a mere four months out from hosting football's biggest party in their big ol' back yard, the country has a problem. A big one.
It's not unfinished stadia or the protest movements that show no sign of slowing down. Instead it's the chronic shortage of big men.
See, Luiz Felipe Scolari (Big Phil, see a pattern?) loves a big man. Always has, always will. His plan to ensure that the only ending natives can countenance - a glorious triumph - comes to pass, is centred on a big man.
'I like a centre-forward who has a presence in the box, who gets stuck in, who is strong in the air,' Scolari said seven days ago when he named his squad for a friendly with South Africa.
The man who usually gets 'stuck in' is Fred, the Fluminense frontman beloved by Scolari and scorer of nine goals in 10 internationals last year.
The problem is that's when he last scored any goal - last year, August to be exact. It hasn't helped that he's spent a lot of the intervening time injured, and - to the media's dislike - some of it sunning himself on Rio's beaches.
Alternatives include Leandro Damiao or Manchester City misfit Jo, but they boast just eight international goals between them and neither are particularly considered as the fitting foil for Neymar.
Amid this mess, the name that is seemingly on the lips of every chairman in the Premier League's top four, is the one who shall not be mentioned on Brazilian soil - Diego Costa.
While Fred was busy missing another penalty in the Rio state league this weekend, the Atletico Madrid powerhouse continued his remarkable goal-scoring form in La Liga.
But after choosing to represent Spain over his homeland last October, Costa's name is dirt with Big Phil, no matter how badly needed he might be. 'He is turning his back on a dream of millions,' Scolari spat at the time.
As they like to do, the fixture gods have ensured that Spain and Brazil are on a collision course that could see them meet as early as the last 16, raising the terrifying spectre of Costa bringing the hosts down at the second hurdle.
A Brazilian dashing the nation's dreams on home soil? That really would be a big problem.
Fashion conscious Hodgson smooths things over
Roy Hodgson's attempts to bring a flash of London Fashion Week to Manaus with this splendid shirt, slacks and trainers ensemble on Monday grabbed plenty of online attention.
The fact that it didn't create a ripple locally shouldn't surprise as the Amazon, to be fair, has never been a hotbed of sartorial style.
What did register, though, were the England manager's diplomacy skills. The FA's decision to stop off and smooth things over with the locals - even signing a shirt (but, lamentably, no accompanying slacks or trainers) for outspoken Mayor Arthur Virgilio Neto - has to go down as one of the better thought-out PR moves from the association.
Good week: Neymar
Brazil's darling eased national worries as he returned from an ankle injury with a sumptuous goal in Bracelona's thrashing of Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.
Bad week: Eh, Neymar
It wasn't all sweetness and light though as his year-long relationship with actress Bruna Marqeuzine, currently starring in a soap where she plays both a mother and the same mother's daughter (confused? Us too), came to an end.
He'll just have to console himself with that €8.8million annual wage packet. Tough life.
Remember me? Mauro Boselli (Leòn, Mexico)
Well done if the name does ring a bell because, apart from Dave Whelan and Roberto Martinez, not a lot of people can recall Mauro Boselli's contribution to English football.
That's probably because he never made one. Wigan Athletic shelled out £6.5million on the Argentine back in 2010.
He duly played 15 league games, never scored and was never seen again.
This week though he was busy putting Brazilian giants Flamengo to the sword for Leon in the Copa Libertadores.
There was a flash of his Latics form though when he conjured up one of the worst chip penalties we've seen in some time.
Quote of the week:
'We are expecting a quiet World Cup' - FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, blissfully ignoring the protests that are sure to pop up come June, or alternatively is just relieved to be in a host country where every citizen does not carry a vuvuzela. You decide.
Travellers tip:
Keep your cards in your pocket. Toasting triumph or drowning sorrows, either way fans are going to find their way to a late bar where they'll experience another bizarre Brazilianism.
Instead of paying cash at the bar, you're given individual consumption cards that are marked every time you order a drink. You pay on your way out.
Lose the card, though, and you've to settle a hefty fine before you're allowed out of the joint - upwards of £50. We found out the hard way.
Amazon forecast: How's the weather up in Manaus?
A week of thunderstorms, daily highs around 30-33c and humidity checking in around 85%.
But, hey, at least there's a sunnier outlook between city chiefs and the England management team.
Follow Joe's exploits in Brazil on Twitter
Read More »
It's not unfinished stadia or the protest movements that show no sign of slowing down. Instead it's the chronic shortage of big men.
See, Luiz Felipe Scolari (Big Phil, see a pattern?) loves a big man. Always has, always will. His plan to ensure that the only ending natives can countenance - a glorious triumph - comes to pass, is centred on a big man.
Little short up front: Big Phil (Felipe Scolari) lacks the big man up front he believes his Brazil team need
Injured: Scolari's first-choice 'big man', Fluminese's Fred, has struggled with goals and injury in recent months
Peripheral: Fred alternatives Jo (left) and Leandro Damiao aren't considered up to partnering Neymar
Bad press: Fred has irritated the Brazilian public by being photographed lounging on the beach while injured
'I like a centre-forward who has a presence in the box, who gets stuck in, who is strong in the air,' Scolari said seven days ago when he named his squad for a friendly with South Africa.
The man who usually gets 'stuck in' is Fred, the Fluminense frontman beloved by Scolari and scorer of nine goals in 10 internationals last year.
The problem is that's when he last scored any goal - last year, August to be exact. It hasn't helped that he's spent a lot of the intervening time injured, and - to the media's dislike - some of it sunning himself on Rio's beaches.
Alternatives include Leandro Damiao or Manchester City misfit Jo, but they boast just eight international goals between them and neither are particularly considered as the fitting foil for Neymar.
Marksman: Atletico Madrid's Diego Costa has pledged his future to Spain, much to Scolari's frustration
Perfect fit: Costa is exactly the sort of player Scolari wants to lead his attack, but Costa has opted to play for Spain
Amid this mess, the name that is seemingly on the lips of every chairman in the Premier League's top four, is the one who shall not be mentioned on Brazilian soil - Diego Costa.
While Fred was busy missing another penalty in the Rio state league this weekend, the Atletico Madrid powerhouse continued his remarkable goal-scoring form in La Liga.
But after choosing to represent Spain over his homeland last October, Costa's name is dirt with Big Phil, no matter how badly needed he might be. 'He is turning his back on a dream of millions,' Scolari spat at the time.
As they like to do, the fixture gods have ensured that Spain and Brazil are on a collision course that could see them meet as early as the last 16, raising the terrifying spectre of Costa bringing the hosts down at the second hurdle.
A Brazilian dashing the nation's dreams on home soil? That really would be a big problem.
Fashion conscious Hodgson smooths things over
Roy Hodgson's attempts to bring a flash of London Fashion Week to Manaus with this splendid shirt, slacks and trainers ensemble on Monday grabbed plenty of online attention.
The fact that it didn't create a ripple locally shouldn't surprise as the Amazon, to be fair, has never been a hotbed of sartorial style.
What did register, though, were the England manager's diplomacy skills. The FA's decision to stop off and smooth things over with the locals - even signing a shirt (but, lamentably, no accompanying slacks or trainers) for outspoken Mayor Arthur Virgilio Neto - has to go down as one of the better thought-out PR moves from the association.
Sartorial elegance? England manager Roy Hodgson caused quite a stir with his shirt, slacks and trainers combination
Good week: Neymar
Brazil's darling eased national worries as he returned from an ankle injury with a sumptuous goal in Bracelona's thrashing of Rayo Vallecano on Saturday night.
Back in the goals: Neymar scores on his return from injury for Barcelona, pleasing people back in Brazil
Bad week: Eh, Neymar
It wasn't all sweetness and light though as his year-long relationship with actress Bruna Marqeuzine, currently starring in a soap where she plays both a mother and the same mother's daughter (confused? Us too), came to an end.
He'll just have to console himself with that €8.8million annual wage packet. Tough life.
Remember me? Mauro Boselli (Leòn, Mexico)
Well done if the name does ring a bell because, apart from Dave Whelan and Roberto Martinez, not a lot of people can recall Mauro Boselli's contribution to English football.
That's probably because he never made one. Wigan Athletic shelled out £6.5million on the Argentine back in 2010.
He duly played 15 league games, never scored and was never seen again.
Rediscover: Wigan flop Mauro Boselli is back on form for Leon after a miserable spell in the Premier League
This week though he was busy putting Brazilian giants Flamengo to the sword for Leon in the Copa Libertadores.
There was a flash of his Latics form though when he conjured up one of the worst chip penalties we've seen in some time.
Quote of the week:
Mark your card: Visitors to bars in Brazil keep a tally of their drinks and pay at the end
'We are expecting a quiet World Cup' - FIFA General Secretary Jerome Valcke, blissfully ignoring the protests that are sure to pop up come June, or alternatively is just relieved to be in a host country where every citizen does not carry a vuvuzela. You decide.
Travellers tip:
Keep your cards in your pocket. Toasting triumph or drowning sorrows, either way fans are going to find their way to a late bar where they'll experience another bizarre Brazilianism.
Instead of paying cash at the bar, you're given individual consumption cards that are marked every time you order a drink. You pay on your way out.
Lose the card, though, and you've to settle a hefty fine before you're allowed out of the joint - upwards of £50. We found out the hard way.
Amazon forecast: How's the weather up in Manaus?
A week of thunderstorms, daily highs around 30-33c and humidity checking in around 85%.
But, hey, at least there's a sunnier outlook between city chiefs and the England management team.
Follow Joe's exploits in Brazil on Twitter
Man City 0-2 Barcelona: Messi and Alves hand Catalans first-leg advantage after Demichelis is sent off for controversial foul
It is fair to say that Martin Demichelis did not exactly answer his critics on Tuesday night. Nor did he silence the doubters, or confound those who doubted his inclusion in the biggest match of Manchester City’s season.
No, Demichelis eschewed the usual cliches of sporting redemption and played it straight. He gave away the penalty that cost his team the game, and was sent off.
The best that can be said is that this allowed a large number of people to feel good about their understanding of the game.
Picking Demichelis was not a populist decision by Manuel Pellegrini. Many had not forgotten his performance against Chelsea earlier this month — although he was left badly isolated by his team-mates on that occasion — and feared the worst if he was left one on one with Lionel Messi.
In the 54th minute that is what happened, with depressingly predictable results. Demichelis played against Messi for Pellegrini’s old club Malaga last season, too, with uninspiring results. City’s manager clearly sees something in his man, but it is not readily apparent to all.
Read More »
No, Demichelis eschewed the usual cliches of sporting redemption and played it straight. He gave away the penalty that cost his team the game, and was sent off.
The best that can be said is that this allowed a large number of people to feel good about their understanding of the game.
Picking Demichelis was not a populist decision by Manuel Pellegrini. Many had not forgotten his performance against Chelsea earlier this month — although he was left badly isolated by his team-mates on that occasion — and feared the worst if he was left one on one with Lionel Messi.
In the 54th minute that is what happened, with depressingly predictable results. Demichelis played against Messi for Pellegrini’s old club Malaga last season, too, with uninspiring results. City’s manager clearly sees something in his man, but it is not readily apparent to all.
The opener: Messi wheels away in celebration of the first goal as Joe Hart vents his frustration
Fine lines: The argument as to whether the contact was inside or outside the area will run for days
No more criticism: The goal was Messi's first goal at a Premier League ground
As Szczesny relaxes in his luxury pool at home, Arsenal former keeper Lehmann offers £2,000 reward for his stolen bag
It was a mixed bag for Arsenal goalkeepers past and present on Tuesday.
While current No 1 Wojciech Szczesny was preparing for tomorrow's Champions League last 16 clash against Bayern Munich by enjoying a swim at his house, the club's legendary stopper Jens Lehmann was on the hunt for a missing bag.
Lehmann, Arsenal's No 1 for their Invincible campaign in 2004, took to Twitter offering a £2,000 reward for a bag which he claimed had been stolen in London.
'My dear followers, I am asking for some help,' Lehmann, a pundit for BT Sport during Arsenal's FA Cup win against Liverpool on Sunday, wrote.
'My bag has been stolen today out of a red Fiat500 at Duke Street, London, near Selfridges.
'If the bag and all personal contents can be returned to me by Wednesday I will play £2,000. Please contact me by Twitter.'
Lehmann's troubles were in stark contrast to those of Szczesny, who appeared in a relaxed mood 24 hours before Arsenal host Bayern Munich at the Emirates.
The Poland stopper posted a picture to his Facebook account where he was seen relaxing in his indoor pool at his house.
'No better way to relax before a big game then having a swim at home,' Szczesny wrote.
The Gunners will face an in-form Bayern Munich side who are unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season.
But speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Wenger is confident of upsetting the German giants.
'We know we face the favourites of the competition,' said Wenger. 'Since the start of this season we have had to be 100 per cent for every game. I believe we can do it.'
Read More »
While current No 1 Wojciech Szczesny was preparing for tomorrow's Champions League last 16 clash against Bayern Munich by enjoying a swim at his house, the club's legendary stopper Jens Lehmann was on the hunt for a missing bag.
Lehmann, Arsenal's No 1 for their Invincible campaign in 2004, took to Twitter offering a £2,000 reward for a bag which he claimed had been stolen in London.
Hit back and relax: Wojciech Szczesny posted this picture to his Facebook account on Tuesday afternoon
Plea: Jens Lehmann took to Twitter in a bid to hunt down a person who he claims stole his bag from a Fiat500
'My dear followers, I am asking for some help,' Lehmann, a pundit for BT Sport during Arsenal's FA Cup win against Liverpool on Sunday, wrote.
'My bag has been stolen today out of a red Fiat500 at Duke Street, London, near Selfridges.
'If the bag and all personal contents can be returned to me by Wednesday I will play £2,000. Please contact me by Twitter.'
Lehmann's troubles were in stark contrast to those of Szczesny, who appeared in a relaxed mood 24 hours before Arsenal host Bayern Munich at the Emirates.
On the mic: Lehmann, with his wife Conny, right, has offered a £2,000 reward for the stolen bag
Club legend: The German goalkeeper starred for Arsenal in their 49-game unbeaten streak
The Poland stopper posted a picture to his Facebook account where he was seen relaxing in his indoor pool at his house.
'No better way to relax before a big game then having a swim at home,' Szczesny wrote.
The Gunners will face an in-form Bayern Munich side who are unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season.
But speaking at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Wenger is confident of upsetting the German giants.
'We know we face the favourites of the competition,' said Wenger. 'Since the start of this season we have had to be 100 per cent for every game. I believe we can do it.'
Pole position: Szczesny will start for Arsenal in their Champions League clash against Munich on Wednesday
Ozil is soft, Podolski is lazy... and Arsenal are chokers! Ex-Bayern star Babbel sticks boot into Wenger's men on eve of clash
Markus Babbel has launched an attack on Arsenal ahead of Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
The former Bayern and Liverpool player accused Arsenal of being chokers, who would be 'no problem' for Bayern.
Both Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Arsene Wenger had spoken in the last few days as saying that Arsenal had a better chance against Bayern than at this time last year, and that the north London side had raised their level in the last 12 months.
Scroll down to watch Arsenal training ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich
Asked if he agreed that Arsenal were stronger in an interview in Munich newspaper Münchner Merkur, Babbel replied: 'No. And they’ve got a lot of injuries. If Bayern concentrate, they won’t have any problems. You see it in the Premier League: Arsenal always mess things up in big games.'
The former Liverpool man also had a lot of criticism for his compatriots at Arsenal, saying that Mesut Ozil 'still needs to work on his physicality', and that he was surprised with how well Lukas Podolski had settled in the Premier League.
'I didn’t think he’d make it in England, to be honest, he was always far too lazy at Bayern and Cologne', said Babbel.
For Arsenal’s third German star, Babbel was full of praise, albeit of a slightly backhanded nature: 'Per Mertesacker is rated very highly, because he’s fought his way into this team. His performances haven’t been amazing of late, but he fights, and that impresses the British'.
Babbel is convinced, though, that even Mertesacker’s fight will not be enough to stop Bayern. He rates this Bayern side as one of the best ever, saying that Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger will one day be mentioned in the same breath as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller.
The former Germany international, who has a well documented love for English football and England since his time in Liverpool, also said that he would not advise Bayern sign Chelsea’s David Luiz.
'He’s a great player, and it’s good that he can play in midfield too, but if they were going to sign someone from the Premier League, I would advise them to get Nemanja Vidic. He’s cheaper.'
Whether Uli Hoeness, Pep Guardiola and Co will follow his advice, though, seems unlikely.
Babbel has been out of a coaching job since he was sacked by Hoffenheim in 2012. A year beforehand, he was forced to leave Hertha BSC just months after leading them to promotion, following a breakdown in relations with the club hierarchy.
Read More »
The former Bayern and Liverpool player accused Arsenal of being chokers, who would be 'no problem' for Bayern.
Both Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Arsene Wenger had spoken in the last few days as saying that Arsenal had a better chance against Bayern than at this time last year, and that the north London side had raised their level in the last 12 months.
Scroll down to watch Arsenal training ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich
Chokers: Ex-Bayern Munich Markus Babbel has labelled Arsenal chokers ahead of the Champions League tie
Personal criticism: Babbel has been surprised by 'lazy' Lukas Podolski's (centre) progress at Arsenal
No bottle: Babbel said Arsenal are notorious for losing the big games when it really matters
Asked if he agreed that Arsenal were stronger in an interview in Munich newspaper Münchner Merkur, Babbel replied: 'No. And they’ve got a lot of injuries. If Bayern concentrate, they won’t have any problems. You see it in the Premier League: Arsenal always mess things up in big games.'
The former Liverpool man also had a lot of criticism for his compatriots at Arsenal, saying that Mesut Ozil 'still needs to work on his physicality', and that he was surprised with how well Lukas Podolski had settled in the Premier League.
'I didn’t think he’d make it in England, to be honest, he was always far too lazy at Bayern and Cologne', said Babbel.
Soft: Babbel criticised Mesut Ozil (right) for lacking the required physicality to excel in the Premier League
Outspoken: Babbel has been out of work since being sacked by Hoffeinheim as their manager in 2012
Qualified praise: Babbel did however say that Per Mertesacker had shown enough fight to 'impress the British'
For Arsenal’s third German star, Babbel was full of praise, albeit of a slightly backhanded nature: 'Per Mertesacker is rated very highly, because he’s fought his way into this team. His performances haven’t been amazing of late, but he fights, and that impresses the British'.
Babbel is convinced, though, that even Mertesacker’s fight will not be enough to stop Bayern. He rates this Bayern side as one of the best ever, saying that Toni Kroos, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger will one day be mentioned in the same breath as Franz Beckenbauer, Sepp Maier and Gerd Muller.
Final preparations: Bayern train in Munich ahead of their visit to London to take on Arsenal
Star turn: Mario Gotze works out in training before Bayern's Champions League clash with Arsenal
Legacy: Babbel believes current players such as Toni Kroos (right) and Phillip Lahm can become club legends
Targets: Babbel suggested Bayern pursue a deal for Nemanja Vidic (right) over Chelsea's David Luiz (left)
The former Germany international, who has a well documented love for English football and England since his time in Liverpool, also said that he would not advise Bayern sign Chelsea’s David Luiz.
'He’s a great player, and it’s good that he can play in midfield too, but if they were going to sign someone from the Premier League, I would advise them to get Nemanja Vidic. He’s cheaper.'
Whether Uli Hoeness, Pep Guardiola and Co will follow his advice, though, seems unlikely.
Babbel has been out of a coaching job since he was sacked by Hoffenheim in 2012. A year beforehand, he was forced to leave Hertha BSC just months after leading them to promotion, following a breakdown in relations with the club hierarchy.
Ferne McCann recreates Dirty Dancing with TOWIE co-star Elliot Wright
With the new series of The Only Way Is
Essex recently begun filming, Ferne McCann is preparing to return to
the small screen as a single lady as splitting with Charlie Sims
off-camera.
And it looks like she's revealing in her single status as she's been posing for flirty photos with co-star Elliott Wright.
After recreating a pose from a particularly racy scene from The Wolf Of Wall Street last week, Ferne and Elliott took on a saucy sequence from Dirty Dancing.
With Elliott taking on the Patrick Swayze role as Johnny Castle, he holds up Ferne, who wraps her legs around him as she leans back as Jennifer Grey's Baby.
Hairdresser Ferne posted their attempt on Twitter alongside the original shot from the classic 1987 movie.
And it looks like she's revealing in her single status as she's been posing for flirty photos with co-star Elliott Wright.
After recreating a pose from a particularly racy scene from The Wolf Of Wall Street last week, Ferne and Elliott took on a saucy sequence from Dirty Dancing.
With Elliott taking on the Patrick Swayze role as Johnny Castle, he holds up Ferne, who wraps her legs around him as she leans back as Jennifer Grey's Baby.
Hairdresser Ferne posted their attempt on Twitter alongside the original shot from the classic 1987 movie.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)