Legal eagle wants to lift S.League to new heights

TODAY reports: “My primary goal as club chairman is to support Singapore football and bring back the passion and belief that, in my opinion, have been lost in recent years,” says Tampines Rovers chairman Krishna Ramachandra.

SINGAPORE: He snapped up nine top players from the disbanded LionsXII side, secured a deal with Ronaldinho to set up the Brazilian legend’s football academy in Singapore and, if all goes to plan, he may soon make the S.League’s long-time dream of a former English Premier League star plying his trade here a reality.

That is the remarkable job Krishna Ramachandra has done in his short tenure as Tampines Rovers chairman since taking over from Teo Hock Seng back in November last year.

In just two months, the 44-year-old lawyer has created more buzz in the S.League than the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) could over the past few years — which is exactly what he wants to do.

“My primary goal as club chairman is to support Singapore football and bring back the passion and belief that, in my opinion, have been lost in recent years,” said Krishna in an interview with TODAY.

The father of three — two boys and a girl — said he grew up in the generation of the Kallang Roar and tries his best to watch matches at the National Stadium whenever possible. And he hopes to see that recreated in the coming years.

“Everyone loved the Kallang Roar,” said Krishna, who is the head of Duane Morris & Selvam’s Corporate Finance and Investment and Private Client Practice Groups. “If I can recreate the nostalgia and emotion felt in those days through Tampines, it would be remarkable.”

With such eye-catching collaborations and big-name signings on the agenda, one wonders where the Stags are getting all the resources from. “That’s a good question,” answers Krishna with a laugh.

“The FAS and the S.League have been incredibly supportive with their subsidies and, apart from that, we are still blessed to have the funding from our main sponsors, Hyundai.”

Taking over from Teo, who led the Stags to five S-League titles, was never going to be an easy task, but Krishna, who was recommended for the job by his predecessor five years ago and spent the subsequent years as his understudy, said he has been relishing the experience so far.

“Mr Teo was a great mentor and his style of leadership and management is inspirational,” said Krishna.

“So far, it has been exciting and I can feel a positive buzz around the club. The fact that there are volunteers who want to help out convinces me that there is an innate enjoyment and desire to embrace football, which makes my job much easier.”

BALANCING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AND ACHIEVING SUCCESS

He plans to focus on two main areas in the next five years in his efforts to bring back the lost glory to local football: Youth development and helping the current crop of National Football Academy and national team players to aspire and strive for greater things.

Said Krishna: “For me, these are two philosophies that work hand in hand. There needs to be a right balance of both and one must not be shunned for the other. Or else it won’t work out.”

With so many national players in the squad, and with Jermaine Pennant waiting in the wings, it is clear that Tampines are favourites for the S.League title.

The Stags finished second last season, ceding the domestic crown to Brunei side DPMM. Some observers have even tipped the Stags to make a real impact in regional competitions such as the AFC Cup this season, and the AFC Champions League in future.

However, Krishna is not getting carried away just yet.

“Enjoy the game, I say that to the fans and that’s what I always tell the players as well,” he said. “I don’t want to pressurise the players.

“In fact I would be more than happy if they set their own targets because, as a team, they know what they can achieve.”

Ronaldinho Has Offers From England and No Plans to Retire

Brazil legend Ronaldinho has offers on the table from English clubs and is not considering retiring just yet according to his brother Roberto de Assis Moreira who acts as his agent.

The 35-year-old recently left Fluminense, prompting questions of whether 'Dinho was ready to finally hang up his boots.

His brother, however, has dismissed such talk, revealing that the Barcelona icon's body is 'in perfect condition' and that his competitive attitude will ensure he keeps playing football.

"I have had more than one call from England," he said according to The Sun (via ​Joe.co.uk). "My brother is a competitor. He loves to win. That is what people do not realise about him.

"He still wants to play. He has never had serious injuries; his body is in perfect condition.

"I think he has three or four years left to him, maybe more."

While technically a free agent at the moment, Ronaldinho is set to take the pitch for Fluminense once more as the club take part in the Florida Cup this month.

Fluminense president Peter Siemsen ​confirmed the news last month while speaking to Radio Tupi.

He said: "Ronaldinho and Fluminense maintain a great respect for each other. And for the American market is very attractive brand of player."

Is this Former Chelsea Superstar, the Best Man to Play at Arsenal after David Seaman?

Many have criticised the transfer policy of Arsene Wenger over the years, the fact that he does not spend enough to strengthen his squad has often come back to haunt him in the long road of the Premier League title race. We have seen how his teams have capitulated post-December either due to a dip in form or the numerous injuries, which for some reason happens more at Arsenal than any other club.

While Arsenal are still reeling under the problems of injuries to players this season, one signing was all the French manager made for the club. That was the signing of experienced Premier League veteran Petr Cech from Chelsea. It was a surprise to see Jose Mourinho give up such a talented football to a direct rival and it has paid off for Arsenal this season.

Petr Cech Arsenal

While Arsene sent Szczesny out on loan at Roma, Petr Cech didn’t start the season in the best way by conceding two goals in a 2-0 home loss against West Ham United but his performances have gotten better as the season has progressed and he has added something to the Arsenal backline that has been missing since the days of David Season, authority and dependability between the sticks.

Cech could be the best goalkeeper in years for Arsenal

David Seaman is a legend at Arsenal, apart from the World Cup in 2002 when Ronaldinho caught him off his line, the Arsenal goalkeeper is probably one of the best English goalkeepers to have played the modern game and Arsenal have lacked someone even remotely as good as Seaman over the years.

It isn’t due to a lack of options, Arsenal have tried a range of goalkeepers, starting from the hot-headed Jens Lehmann to Lukas Fabianski to Manuel Almunia, almost every goalkeeper has had their follies which has cost Arsenal sometime or another. Even the latest signing, David Ospina had a recent howler in the Champions League which cost Arsenal at least a draw at home.

Petr Cech is a leader at the back, Arsenal have needed someone like this for years and at only 33-years-old, Cech, unlike most other positions which require players to mull retirement at this age, can continue notching up appearances and performing to the highest level. Just like Gianluigi Buffon, Cech can play for years on end and as in the case of most goalkeepers, get better.

Petr Cech

Arsenal didn’t buy any outfield player in the summer transfer window, unheard of in the Premier League context, but the signing they made was one of the most important. Cech has experience of winning titles, medals and of leading from the back. The defence will be accentuated with the composure and reliability of Cech, we saw that against Liverpool where the Czech goalkeeper did extremely well to keep the likes of Coutinho and Benteke out.

Cech might have been one of the more economical buys in this transfer window but in the case of Arsenal, he could be their greatest buy this season and easily is the best goalkeeper they have got since the days of David Seaman. The question that needs to be asked is, can Arsenal win the league with this squad?

The three secrets of Barcelona star Neymar's adaptation

When Neymar Jr goes out to play he turns the pitch into a huge canvas. He comes from the classic Brazilian school. The Barcelona No 11 is a prodigy of individual technique. His happiness, like with Garrincha, comes from dribbling.

Neymar, however, differs from his compatriots, by being the first "crack" from his country that has run his career so far in a 100 per cent professional way.

From when he exploded at Santos FC in 2010, at just 18, a project was organised around him to give him the fundamentals to go on and win a Ballon d'Or. 

With his family company NR Sports, it wasn't just about image rights, but a comprehensive vision encompassing speech therapy, psychology, 'media training' and personalized fitness. 'Ney' was formed on and off the pitch.

"Neymar Jr is a perfectionist, sometimes it's better to say nothing because he's obsessed, he knows perfectly where he's gone wrong and can improve," said his coach at Santos, Muricy Ramalho. 

The main challenge Ney had when arriving at Barcelona was not to compete with Messi, and much less stoke up memories of Ronaldo, Romario, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho. His opponent was himself. His process of adaptation was completely different to the 4Rs - all of them had come to the Camp Nou after playing for a different European club. 

His professional environment took work. Neymar's father told SPORT: "Neymar Jr is a Brazilian footballer who comes from a culture that trains twice a day and plays many more game. The first year we realized that the culture of Europe is a single workout with more intensity, Neymar needed to know how the new system worked." 

And after the first year, Neymar and his father decided to establish in Barcelona their own sports structure, with two professionls from Santos FC, whom they knew perfectly: Ricardo Rosa as a trainer and the physiotherapist Rafael Martini. They subsequently denied that the decision did not sit well with some of the Blaugrana coaching staff.

"We coordinated with Barcelona and introduced his own trainer and a physiotherapist, we judge it necessary to leave Neymar in the best possible physical condition along with the club and the results have come - Neymar has a higher percentage of finishes [in games], we managed to protect him from injuries," said his father.

"It is true that Neymar has gained muscle mass, but we are looking for other things, this structure is to prevent certain injuries occurring, preventive work is done."

Meanwhile, the forward was very receptive to the indications of the club. "The club nutritionist changed his diet," added his father. "Culturally this is something difficult for Brazilians, who have a base of rice and beans."

"Everything changes with respect to Brazil. Schedules, habits need to adapt and we have done everything possible to speed up this process, last year this was ok, we won the treble, and this year we go for more!"

Ronaldinho struck down with virus

RIO DE JANEIRO, Sept. 8 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldinho has been ruled out of Fluminense's next two Brazilian Serie A matches due to a virus, the club said on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old missed Fluminense's 3-1 defeat to Flamengo on Sunday after complaining of fever and muscle soreness.

Doctors ordered the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner to rest after he underwent tests on Tuesday, newspaper O Globo reported.

Ronaldinho has made six appearances for Fluminense since joining the Rio de Janeiro club in July.

He has yet to score and was jeered by fans during the team's 2-1 loss to Atletico Mineiro on August 30.

Fluminense will meet Coritiba away on Wednesday followed by a trip to Sport Recife on Sunday.

The four-time Brazilian Serie A winners are currently ninth in the standings with 33 points from 23 matches.

Done Deal: Liverpool seal transfer for 'over-achieving' attacker who idolises 'Ronaldinho' and Gerrard

Over the last couple of months, a whole host of Academy players have secured long and short-term loan deals, and promising winger Ryan Kent is the latest youngster to leave the club on loan.

On Thursday, Liverpool FC posted the following confirmation on the club's official twitter account:

"Liverpool FC can confirm that Ryan Kent has completed a youth loan move to Coventry City".

The Liverpool Echo further clarified:

"The 18-year-old winger will join Tony Mowbray’s League One outfit on a youth loan until January".

Reacting to the deal, Mowbray enthused:

“He [Kent] is my type of footballer. He can handle the ball, play off both feet, travel with the ball and play anywhere behind that main striker, so it makes sense".

Kent - who is yet to feature for Liverpool's first team - added:

"Coventry are a club with a lot of pedigree, with a lot of good players, and a good manager and I can't wait to get started. I hope I can bring a lot of flair and energy to the team."

Kent's description on the official LFC website:

"A dynamic winger who can play on the left or right side, Kent loves to take on defenders and cause endless problems for the opposition".

Hmmm. A 'dynamic winger' who can play 'left or right', and 'loves to take on defenders'. Well, it's not like Liverpool need a player of that description right now, is it?

Steve McManaman certainly thinks that Kent is destined for great things. In May, he told the Liverpool Echo:

“Sheyi (Ojo), Ryan Kent and Harry Wilson, when they attack players, they’re very, very confident and they’re playing very well. I think they’ve come on leaps and bounds this year, I’m really impressed. If anything they’re over-achieving".

Kent - who idolises Ronaldinho and Steven Gerrard - is the same age as Jordon Ibe, so why didn't Rodgers just keep him in the squad and give him a chance to make an impact?

Ronaldinho in need of rest at Fluminense

Ronaldinho had a quiet game as Fluminense beat Paysandu in the Copa do Brasil yesterday, being substituted after 70 minutes and is not yet at his best according confirmed to his coach Enderson Moreira, who wishes to give the former AC Milan star a little rest despite his club’s hectic schedule.

Moreira told gathered press that it would not be easy to do without his side’s playmaker: "We had a fitness program for him already. But the big problem is the sequence of games. You will see the injuries that will effect all teams. This will be true of muscle injury or glitches. We saw Ronaldinho a little tired today and the idea is to let him rest for the match against Joinville. But we'll see after the trainings how he feels. "