So, we reach the culmination of the season, the pinnacle of the club game, and a Champions League final that illustrates some splits and divisions in modern football. It's not just a clash of tactical styles but a new style of state ownership against a historic club that has had its own hierarchical issues in recent years. It's also a first final in 21 years that doesn't feature either an English club, Spanish club or Bayern Munich... |
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| Written by Miguel Delaney |
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| The main themes from the main event |
It is a Champions League final rich with politics, narrative and so many modern themes. On the PSG side, the manner in which the club has seen Qatar accumulate even more influence in the running of European football – mostly through president Nasser Al-Khelaifi – is discussed here. Against that, there's this public will for Luis Enrique to do it, for his humanity. But Inter have developed an ability to defy expectations, and it comes from their current manager, as well as that history. The way that has happened is discussed here. |
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| The Premier League's season of unrest |
Of course, the English fans would have relished being here... but they might not have relished the expense, especially after another costly season. The price of football is growing so high, in all areas. Tickets are the big one but it's not just that. Even with this final, it was striking how flight prices to Munich plummeted once Arsenal went out. Such a burden is pushing fans to breaking point, and led to a Premier League season with more supporter demonstration than any outside the Super League. They are, of course, linked to the exact same wider issue, which are discussed here. |
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| | Delap's decision shows market is spinning |
As if the final wasn't enough, the ever-increasing importance of the Champions League was seen with one of the week's headlines. Liam Delap told Manchester United he wants to join Chelsea. It is understood to have been a "swift rejection", although the Old Trafford hierarchy had an inkling once Chelsea confirmed Champions League football - as the Independent reported last week. United are now left rearranging plans. Many in the game are wondering whether they go back in on Viktor Gyokeres, having apparently gone cool on Ruben Amorim's former Sporting striker in January. Arsenal have obviously been looking at the Swedish forward, but the latest is that they're leaning towards Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko. United themselves are considering Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, but they are one of many, and he obviously isn't a striker. Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta remains appealing... but he also wants Champions League football. United's spending ability might at least be aided by the surprising development that Bruno Fernandes is seriously considering Al-Hilal's offer. In general, in the market, there's a sense of lull before it opens with a burst. |
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| United now have very different concerns |
As of Friday morning, Tottenham Hotspur still hadn't made an official decision on Ange Postecoglou but the chances of staying had apparently gone down from last week's "5 per cent". His departure is still expected, whenever that may be. The Champions League final may also force managerial changes elsewhere. If Simone Inzaghi does win it, he may be more inclined to accept long-standing offers from Saudi Arabia. At present, he is seen as much more likely to stay at Inter, because he wants to build. They are one of many major Italian clubs considering Marseille's Roberto De Zerbi, although concerns remain over how well he could work in a big-club environment. Antonio Conte evidently has no issue going between them and Juventus want to bring him back from Napoli. |
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I write to you from Munich, where the weather is superb, and you can already see shirts from both Champions League final clubs. Relevant to the game and its politics, though, I spent the early part of the week at the Oslo Freedom Forum and conducted an interview that will be out later on Friday. It was quite an experience, removed from the football – but so important. Keep an eye out. |
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| The temptation is for Cole Palmer but, for the nature of the moment – and the quality of the goal – it has to be Sunderland's Tommy Watson for his last-gasp Championship play-off final heroics. What a way to get promoted. What a way to sign off your time at Sunderland. |
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I have been wavering on this for weeks, and it feels strange to say it given I write this just after finishing a big article on Luis Enrique... but I'm going to go for Internazionale to win the Champions League. Let's say in extra-time |
Every week I'll make one prediction or talking point for the week. Feel free to email in with thoughts. |
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In the Champions League era, so since 1992, eight players have scored in at least two different finals. Name the eight.
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| Step up your game with these official FA socks from the London Sock Company – now on sale. |
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| This is how Stanley Tucci got into the 'best shape of his life' at 64. |
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