Hey guys and gals! Happy Thursday to you! We’ve got some big headlines for you today. From Chicharito out of the Olympics, to goal-line technology reports and drama with Messi. It’s all here in your Thursday Daily Kick Around!
English Premier League
I don’t think anyone can say that Sir Alex Ferguson tends to get his way when it concerns his players. And it turns out Mexican International Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez is not exempt from this. In a battle with the Mexican Football Association, ol’ Fergie has won out and pulled Chicharito from the Olympic roster. Ferguson has stated Chica would only have 28 days of rest if he competes in the summer games before joining back with United in pre season. And as Chica has struggled in his second season at United, a good rest is probably needed.
If you think it’s tough staying in EPL, imagine trying to get back in it. That’s what USMNT international Jonathon Spector and his Birmingham City team attempted to do this week as they faced off with Blackpool. Unfortunately, Spector picked up an injury and Birmingham City lost.
Manchester City may be on the brink of winning their first EPL title in some odd years, but that hasn’t stopped the Blues midfielder Yaya Toure from talking about where he really would like to finish out his career, former club Barcelona.
Chelsea’s interim boss Roberto Di Matteo is probably on pins and needles right now as the club announce they haven’t picked him to be manager next season…. but they haven’t ruled him out either. Reports yesterday buzzed that Di Matteo had already been told he wouldn’t lead Chelsea next season. But club chief executive Ron Gourlay has dismissed those claims.
La Liga
A surprising claim about Barcelona wonderkin Messi came to light today. Many news sources were reporting today Everton winger Royston Drenthe has claimed Messi had used a racial slur against him several time when Drenthe played for Real Madrid and Hercules.
I hope it’s not true, but unfortunately there is a lot of racism in football across the world.
Major League Soccer
Houston Dynamo fans are buzzing! The official opening and first home match in their new stadium, BBVA Compass Stadium, is this weekend! Today is the soft opening for season ticket holders. If you’ve seen any of the photos the team’s twitter account have been putting out, you probably agree how beautiful it is. This is a huge step for MLS and the Dynamo! Congrats!
Midweek game results:
New York 1 – Houston 0
Seattle 2 – Dallas 0
Chicago 0 – Real Salt Lake 0
Finally today, the discussion of goal-line technology is coming to a head, my friends! Equipment has been tested and July 2, International Football Association Board will convene to make a huge decision – will FIFA approve the use of goal-line tech?
