ITY Issue Four by GGArmy

AUSTRALIAN EXCLUSIVE

NO WAY JOSÈ CHELSEA BOSS VILLASBOAS ON SHRUGGING MOURINHO & WINNING EUROPE

TIME TO GROW UP MICHAEL ZULLO ON STEPPING UP FOR CLUB & COUNTRY

MUSTAFA AMINI: HOME & AWAY AUSTRALIA’S MOST COLOURFUL YOUNG TALENT ON HAVING HIS CAKE & EATING IT TOO

ITYS CONTENTS / ISSUE FOUR

P.10

pg 5 Editorial – Opportunity Knocks

EARLY DOORS

pg 6 Johnny Told Us So pg 8 Txt Msg Interview with Rocky Visconte pg 11 180degrees with Michael Lynch pg 10 What if? FEATURES

pg 14 Home & Away – Mustafa Amini

pg 20 In A Strange Land – Michael Zullo pg 26 Striking Twice – Andres Villas-Boas pg 36 Young Gunner – Jack Wilshere THE ZONE

pg 32 In the Zone – Games, Bluray, Books,

Cars, Music and more THE A-Z

pg 42 The A-Z of Season 2010/11

ITYS MAGAZINE

EDITORIAL

Opportunity Knocks www.twitter.com/markvanaken PREPARED FOR GGARMY.com by

GGARMY.com 14 Risley Street RICHMOND VIC 3121 AUSTRALIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mark van Aken mark@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Michael Tarquinio SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR Kieran Pender CONTRIBUTORS Paddy Higgs, Sebastian Hassett, Dr John Bonacci, John Iannantuono, Eli Pfefferberg ART DIRECTOR Carmela D’Alesio PHOTOGRAPHY

ADVERTISING & PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Mark van Aken mark@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 0433 10 10 32 Andy Gusman andy@ggarmy.com +61 (0)3 8415 8413 ©Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd 2011. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced without the permission of the publisher. All information contained in this magazine is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of publication. Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd can not accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. Readers are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products referred to in this magazine. If you submit unsolicited material to us, you automatically grant Green and Gold Army Pty Ltd a license to publish your submission in whole or in part in all editions of the magazine.

Friendlies in football. Useless bloody things, especially for us in Australia where 95 per cent of our national team talent is domiciled on the other side of the planet. That’s becoming the popular opinion amongst local fans. That’s my impression anyway. So heading into this June just past’s duo of games against New Zealand and Serbia I expected very little. With several of the ageing stars of the Socceroos bouncing the matches, opportunity came knocking for a number of players. Michael Zullo was one them, and he answered the loudest of calls at our troublesome position of left-back. Since Scott Chipperfield vacated the position many have tried to make it their own, but none have succeeded. I’m not saying Zullo was brilliant there, nor am I necessarily saying he’s the answer… but he might be. The opportunity came up, and he’s definitely given Holger Osieck something to ponder when the real stuff kicks off in September. This issue we caught up with the former Brisbane Roar man who often is relegated to just one of a trio headlined by Tommy Oar that left the Queensland capital for bigger things in Holland. We’ve also got an Australian exclusive with new Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas. I’m fascinated by the changing in the guard in the European managerial set. As successful as they’ve been, the red-faced boot-throwers of yesteryear are becoming a memory, replaced by young, dare I say it — handsome — and well groomed continental types. Will he achieve what Jose did at Chelsea? Can he go even further and deliver a long awaited European Cup to Stamford Bridge? Tweet me your thoughts, http://twitter.com/#!/markvanaken

Mark van Aken Editor-In-Chief DON'T MISS ISSUE FIVE LIVE MID SEPTEMBER ITYS MAGAZINE

Nowadays the World Cup is an international football extravaganza with blanket media coverage but back in 1974 things were markedly different. The World Cup was only starting to build up into the event it is today. Of course, we had some idea of how big it was, but in reality we really had no idea what to expect. We had never even seen the World Cup on television. Everything about international soccer was pretty new for us in those days because players simply didn’t have that much knowledge about the world outside Australia. We certainly didn’t know anything about the teams as there was no video footage of the teams that we could analyse and study like there is today. The East German players were a mystery, we didn’t know anything about the Chilean team and we only knew some of the West German players by name. Rale (Rasic) had more of an idea of what was awaiting us. He seemed to make a conscious decision that the team needed to be as fit as possible to compensate for some of our shortcomings in terms of skill and technique so he ensured that our preparation for the finals was extremely physically demanding and very well organised. In fact, the entire organisation of our World Cup campaign was very professional thanks to the efforts of Rale and the ASF. On 21 may 1974 we kicked off our preparations by defeating Indonesia 2-1 in Jakarta. It was soon after that match that I was elected the team’s vice-captain. It was a nice moment when the boys immediately chose me although I won’t lie and say it erased the disappointment of not being captain.

D L O T I

O S YOU - Johnny Warren MBE, OAM

From 'Sheilas, Wogs & Poofters' courtesy of Random House Publishing

http://www.betstar.com.au/landingpages/soccer.htm

EARLY DOORS EDITORIAL Former Real Madrid boss and Liverpool striking great, John Toshack, has been announced as the new coach of Macedonia.

THE SURVEY Q: Where should the next A-League expansion take place?

1st WESTERN SYDNEY 41%

the txt msg interview w. Rocky Visconte ITYS: Hi Rocky, how r u? First of all, the serious Q, how did you find this year’s season?

RV: Yeah good thanks mate. From a team view, it was very exciting, experiencing a lot of things that a lot of ppl don’t get to, was v special. On a personal level, I thought I matured as a player on and off the field, and 2 b only 21 and 2 have won the ALeague premiership and championship is a dream. ITYS: What have you got up to in the off season? RV: I didn’t get much of a break being involved with the Olyroos, which was an honour and Im hoping to be in the next squads leading up to the Olympics. Now back with the Roar, looking forward to the ALeague season and the Asian Champs League. ITYS: Busy busy! Who’s the biggest joker at the Roar? RV: Haha it’s definitely got to be Massimo Murdocca, he can sometimes get a bit excited to the point we are laughing at him, not with him haha. He also has a little trademark dance move which gets us laughing. ITYS: Haha nice. What was the best thing about living in Scotland? RV: The culture and the history, you can tell the Scottish r proud 2 b Scottish. The football culture is unbelievable; the fans have such passion 4 the game, being the no.1 sport there.

South Coast NSW 14% Auckland NZ 5% Geelong 6% None of the these- let's make the existing clubs work first 34% 8

ITYS MAGAZINE

ITYS: And finally, tell us 1 thing most people don’t know bout u? RV: That I was the 1st player in any official Asian qualifier to score for Australia, against Indonesia representing the Joeys in 06. ITYS: Cool

Well thanks for talking to ITYS!

BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

WHERE WE GRILL FOOTBALL’S LEADING PUNDITS.

Michael Lynch The Age What was your first job in the media industry? My first job in the industry was as a trainee reporter with the Worksop Guardian, a twice a weekly newspaper which circulated in North Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire in England.

Run us through a day in the life of a sports journalist. There is no typical day. It could be match day, where you have much of the day to yourself until you spend a couple of hours preparing before the game kicks off. You then work frenetically until midnight. Or it could be an early morning breakfast meeting with a player or agent, a press conference at lunch time followed by a training session in the afternoon before filing a news story for the paper having already written something for online and tweeted to update your followers. Today (Tuesday July 12) is just as good an example as any other. Get to Olympic Park in Melbourne at 10am to watch Melbourne Victory training. Did a stand up with captain Adrian Leijer. Then across to watch Celtic training. At 1pm did a stand up with skipper Scott Brown.

Back to the office, spend afternoon writing copy. File by 6.30pm after discussing story angles and lengths with sports editor.

labour movement at a critical time in Britain's political and economic history. In sports journalism I have always found it interesting dealing with Brendan Schwab, the head of the Professional Footballers Association. Schwab always has captivating and clearsighted views on major issues of the day confronting the game.

Favourite Interviewee? Any where you get a good story. Have no real favourites. In fact if you interview some people too much it gets boring. I enjoyed covering the Coal Strike in Britain (1984-85) as a young news reporter on the Sheffield Star and dealing with people like miners leader Arthur Scargill, a fiercely left wing and committed union official, and various members of the Thatcher Government as they waged a fierce battle with the

Hardest Part of Job? Nothing really. It’s always enjoyable. Even when it seems bad it’s much better than being in the real world. Copping criticism and abuse is just part of it. Everyone's got an opinion. Doesn't mean they are informed, or correct. I learned early on to get my facts, marshal my arguments, and stick to my convictions to back up what I had written. ITYS BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

Home Profile Find People Settings Help Signout

TOP TWEETS

GGARMY TWITTER http://twitter.com/#!/ggarmy

@GGArmy No matter who you are; if you're not with a club, not involved in games, not fit, you're not playing. Simple. #socceroos #kewell @footballalmanac Victory Fans Police Peace Dealhttp://bit.ly/psUpBZ - I give it one half of football before some tosser ruins it for everyone @VinceRugari We need Harry Kewell: The Decision. Lebron style. "This fall I'm going to take my talents to Bondi Beach and join Sydney FC" etc @AnthonySiokos Easy to blame Versleijen for the Young Socceroos' performances at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. By that age, he's not there to teach the basics.

ITYS MAGAZINE

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

JOHNNY WARREN FF AND COERVER COACHING AUSTRALIA TEAM FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY FOOTBALL PROGRAM The Johnny Warren Football Foundation, together with Coerver Coaching Australia, has announced an agreement linking the two organisations and signalling the start of the Foundation’s first ever community based charity program.

ITYS MAGAZINE

he alliance sees Coerver Coaching Australia donating to the Johnny Warren Football Foundation a year’s worth of coaching for indigenous children in rural and remote communities around Australia. The clinics, to be run monthly, will provide a much needed avenue to improve the health and lives of many of the country’s most disadvantaged children.

With an estimated 29% of young indigenous Australians not learning or earning an income through employment and a 70% non-attendance of school children in some areas, the Foundation and Coerver see football as a vehicle to help provide not only meaningful healthy activities but a possible way out of trouble.

This partnership signals one of the biggest in the Foundation’s history and will add a new direction to the Foundation’s activities. Previously, the Foundation has catered to the elite in the game but this partnership aims to take the game to those who currently don’t have access to it. There is currently a 20 year gap in the life expectancy between aboriginal and non-aboriginal Australians and we hope football can play a part in helping close this and improve indigenous health. “The foundation is pleased to be working with Coerver. The generosity and professionalism of this donation is reflected in their attitudes towards business and the wider Australian

community. Their coaching will make our entire community programs possible,” JWFF CEO, Lisa Middlebrook said. The announcement comes off the back of a series successful of clinics the two organisations recently ran in western Sydney with Johnny Warren Medallist and former Adelaide superstar, Marcos Flores. The clinics catered to the underprivileged in the area and proved to be a huge success, bringing a lot of fun and happiness to all the children that participated in them. Coerver Coaching Australia is delighted to be partnering with the JWFF as their community technical football program provider. Asia

Pacific Director Jason Lancsar said, “this is a great initiative by the JWFF by enriching the lives of indigenous Australians through football. We are fully committed to this project by using our world renowned pyramid of player development as the basis of the program and look forward to working closely with the foundation in ensuring this beneficial for all involved.” Currently, the amount of indigenous players in the national team set ups is not in line with many other codes – an issue that JWFF and Coerver want to tackle head on. By increasing the numbers of aboriginal children playing the game it is hoped more will make it at an elite level, something the Foundation hopes will help in working towards Johnny Warren’s dream of Australia one day winning the World Cup. “Johnny Warren was a big believer in introducing indigenous children to football and nurturing and developing their talent" said Warren Family representative, Deputy Chairman of JWFF and Johnny’s nephew, Jamie Warren. “So my family and I are extremely proud to see this partnership between JWFF and Coerver Coaching Australia come to fruition. It is the start of many Indigenous initiatives the foundation will undertake in the future," he added. A formal timetable for the camps and clinics along with a list of the destinations is yet to be finalised, but it is anticipated the first clinic will be commenced shortly. To stay in touch with all things JWFF related, follow us on Twitter (@ JohnnyWarrenFF), check www.jwff. com.au or like us on Facebook. Also, to find out more about Coerver, go to www.coerveract.com. ITYS

ITYS MAGAZINE

M U S T A F A He is currently Australia’s brightest young star, he has just concluded a move to German giants Borussia Dortmund, and the vibrant attacking midfielder still gets to hang around for another year in the A-League to terrorise hapless defences. With that unmistakeable afro, Mustafa Amini is the man of the moment in Australian football. So when ITYS Magazine was offered the chance to sit down with the 18-year-old before he jetted off to Colombia, we jumped at the opportunity. WORDS BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES

A M I N I

fter an incredible season in the A-League, Mustafa Amini secured a trial in Germany, a nerve wracking encounter for any teenager. But the youngster flourished in the pressurised environment, and fans and the media quickly jumped on the band wagon over in North RhineWestphalia. Amini certainly impressed Dortmund boss Jürgen Klopp during his trial, who offered the youngster a four year deal and praised him heavily while chatting to RevierSport. de. "He can definitely play football and is a really great talent," the former Mainz legend said of the creative dynamo. Unsurprisingly, the first topic to come up in ITYS’s exclusive interview with the 18-year-old was his move to the Bundesliga champions, with Amini ecstatic about the transfer.

H O M E A W A Y “I was stoked [when the deal was announced]! I was amazed, I was so happy. It had been the only thing going through my head, so for it to finally go through! And I get to play for the Mariners for another year, so everything has worked out, it’s a winwin for everyone. So it’s perfect.”

After another season in the A-League, the 18-year-old will join fellow Australian Mitchell Langerak at Dortmund. The keeper moved to Germany in a similarly protracted transfer, and Amini is enthusiastic about having another Aussie at the club with him. “Mitch is a great kid, he’s one of the nicest guys. I was with him there, and we had lunch, and he was really good to me. It was just great to have an Australian there. So I’m really happy,” His new manager Klopp has been very complimentary about Amini in the press, and the former Central Coast Mariners star fills us in on what the 44-year-old German said to him during his time at the club. “He didn’t say much really. He just told me that, ‘you won’t be playing much next year, but I just want to sign you.’ And also that ‘I think you’re going to be a good player,’ and all that stuff. But he said ‘I want you playing first grade football.’ So it’s all worked out well, and I get to play first grade in Australia, because they looked at the league here and they liked the standard and thought it was good. So it all worked out.” During his trial at the Dortmund, the young playmaker got a rousing reception from fans and the media, with newspaper Bild stating that “[He is an] exceptional talent – a true football exotic from down under.” Back in Australia, Amini tells ITYS how amazing the experience was. “Germany was good. Everyone loves football, it was amazing. It’s like a religion there, it’s crazy. There are 80,000 people at each game, each home game is sold out, and there are no spare seats or anything. Any footballer who goes there and does well at a team that’s winning the competition, they’re always going to ITYS MAGAZINE

“ F H F

I O A O

G R S R

E T T O P L A Y F O R T H E M A R I N E R S A N O T H E R Y E A R , S O E V E R Y T H I N G W O R K E D O U T, I T ’ S A W I N - W I N E V E R Y O N E . ”

ITYS MAGAZINE

get a bit of media. So it was good to get signed and I’ll hopefully move there next year.” After the trial, the cultured midfielder then went to a national team training camp in Duisburg, a new initiative from the FFA aimed at giving manager Holger Osieck the chance to run his eye over the next crop of youngsters, and prevent them from slipping through the cracks. This idea may stop the likes of Ersan Gulum defecting to other countries, and Amini believes it is a great initiative. “It was really good, especially to see all the overseas boys who might not have been seen much before. So I think it was a very good idea.” Born in Sydney into a very multicultural family – to an Afghani father and Nicaraguan mother – Amini was always going to be something special. But few would imagine how quickly he would develop into Australia’s next superstar. After growing up in the heart of Parramatta, Amini attended the prestigious Westfield Sports High, home to a list of famous alumni longer than most. Harry Kewell, Jason Culina, David Carney and Heather Garriock all attended the New South Wales high school, and the 18-year-old gushes about how important the school was in his development. “Westfield Sports High really helped me. When I was young, maybe in year seven, I couldn’t even juggle a ball! I didn’t have the technique and all that stuff. But at Westfield they have heaps of good coaches, and they do one-on-one training, working on your weaknesses. So that helped me out a lot, and it was during school, so that made you want to go to school even more. I think Westfield helped me a lot, and also the school teaches you about tactics at a young age, so when you get older you have a better idea than most people. So it was a really good school to go to.” After finishing high school, the

youngster moved to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in Canberra. While finishing college, Amini developed into one of the most exciting talents to come off the AIS conveyor belt in recent years. “The AIS helped me a lot. Being away from everyone means it’s just football. You go there and learn your trade as a football. Also you’ve got school there. I went to Lake Ginninderra College, and finished my year 12, so I was really happy with that. And then at the end I got my contract [at the Mariners] thanks to the AIS. Playing in the National Youth League, getting looked at by clubs, and the coaching staff there are second to none. It’s amazing.” Amini’s time at the AIS helped him secure a dream move to the Central Coast Mariners, and his first professional contract. Speaking to The Australian after the Sydney-born youngster had signed on, then Mariners’ manager Lawrie McKinna said, "He's only 16, blessed with an outstanding talent and has a huge future. It doesn't matter how old you are, if you are good, you are old enough." However McKinna soon moved upstairs at the club, leaving Graham Arnold in charge at the Mariners. The former Socceroos boss allowed Amini to flourish and, according to the midfielder, was instrumental in his first full season at the club. “Graham Arnold has been my mentor ever since I went to the Mariners. In pre-season, and then when I started playing, and then I just kept on playing and playing. I was lucky with [Patricio] Perez getting injured, but that’s football you know. So he really helped me a lot, and he gives me breaks and stuff when I’m tired. He knows how it is, and I’m really thankful.” Another factor in Amini’s success at the Mariners has been the other young talents around him, with the likes of Bernie Ibini-Isei, Sam Gallagher and Trent Sainsbury all

selected alongside the youngster for the under 20 World Cup. “It’s always good to have those guys around. Bernie and I travel up from Sydney together, so there is a bit of banter in the car!” When the transfer to Dortmund was made official, one of its highlights for Amini, the Mariners and the Australian football public is that it sees the midfielder stay on with the Central Coast for another year. Although this delays his move to Germany for another season, Amini was pleased with the outcome. “I’m very happy with that. I get to play another year of first grade football, develop myself even more, and then hopefully move on into the Borussia Dortmund starting side.” The loan deal means Amini will have the chance to take revenge for the grand final heartache inflicted by the Brisbane Roar, something he believes is very possible. “I think the side is much better, and we want it even more, especially after losing in that way. So we’re even more motivated, and we have a couple of new players, which is good. So hopefully we’ll win the championship!” Another opportunity for Amini in the forthcoming season will be a spell in the Asian Champions League, which the Central Coast qualifies for after being A-League runners up. “I’ve played in Asia with the Australian team, but never at club football level, so it will be interesting. It will be a new experience, so that should be good.” As the interview moves back to his football development, Amini is humble in his acknowledgement of the coaches that have helped him become a professional footballer. While the 18-year-old has undoubted natural talent, he has certainly been gifted with top quality coaching over the last eight years. “I think since I’ve been young I’ve had great coaches. Firstly at under ITYS MAGAZINE

“ I J U S T K E P T O N P L A Y I N G A N D P L A Y I N G . I W A S L U C K Y W I T H [ P A T R I C I O ] P E R E Z G E T T I N G I N J U R E D , B U T T H A T ’ S F O O T B A L L Y O U K N O W. ”

ITYS MAGAZINE

10 level with Blacktown. And then I went to Westfield High and had Trevor Morgan and Casey De Bruin. That was a great school to learn your trade at. “After that I hit the NSW level, and then I went to the AIS and had great coaches there. Gary van Egmond, Jan Versleijen, and they were really good and helped me a lot. And now with the Mariners I have Arnie and the other coaches. So as you can see, I’ve had great coaches.” Alongside his top class coaching, another thing that has helped Amini stand out is his afro. The hairstyle has propelled him to cult status among the Central Coast faithful, and is so popular he wasn’t allowed to cut it off. “Yeah I’ve had the afro since I was young, and last season the boys said I wasn’t allowed to cut it or I’d get a big fine. So I left it and everyone has liked it, so it’s really good.” As the interview winds down, ITYS enquires as to whether Amini, like so many other Australian football stars, was ever tempted by another code. Thankfully however, the 18-yearold is quick to tell us that he never considered another sport. “Nah, not really. I’ve always been more into football, that’s about it.” In two years, Mustafa Amini has gone from attending classes in Canberra to securing a deal with German giants Borussia Dortmund. As this goes to press, the flamboyant attacking midfielder is in Colombia taking on some of the best youngsters in the world at the Youth World Cup. And when he returns, he’ll be driving the Mariners onwards to A-League glory. It sounds like a fairytale story, so does he have to pinch himself sometimes, to make sure it’s not just a football fan’s dream? “Yeah you do! I’m just happy you know. I am enjoying life, and I just want to keep progressing, keep going, and go to the highest level I possibly can. So everything is amazing.” ITYS

Movie tickets on the move With Village Mobile youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never have to line up for your movie ticket again. Just follow these 3 easy steps.

1 2 3

Visit the mobile website, search sessions and purchase ticket. Your ticket is delivered to your mobile instantly.

Find out more, use a QR reader to scan the QR barcode (left) with your mobile.

o No printing. N

Scan the barcode as you enter the cinema. m .v ill ag ec in

queuing.

em as .com .a

m.villagecinemas.com.au To find out more, go to villagecinemas.com.au/villagemobile/guide

IN A LAND He stands at just 168cm, but Michael Zullo is not scared of making a big statement. Not the most heralded of a trio of Aussies that made their way to Dutch club FC Utrecht — the others are Tommy Oar and Adam Sarota — the slightly framed youngster is the one who’s enjoyed the most game time in the Eredivisie. WORDS BY PADDY HIGGS I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES

TYS caught up with 22-year-old Michael Zullo just a few days on from the Socceroos friendly against Serbia in June, with Zullo having started both the 0-0 draw with the European nation and the 3-0 win over New Zealand two days before. Some question the timing of endof-season friendlies, with the absence of Tim Cahill, Mark Schwarzer and Harry Kewell from the Socceroos squad for the two matches through rest or injury lending credence to their argument. In their places, however, Socceroos manager Holger Osieck was able to hand chances to several fringe players with a little more youth on their side than the aforemented trio. In Schwarzer’s place, Adam Federici impressed in goal. James Troisi added spark to Australia’s left-hand side. Rhys Williams showed he could fill several roles for the Socceroos in the near future. And with David Carney absent after shoulder surgery, former Brisbane Roar winger Zullo got his chance at left-back. It was the most definite statement to date that - when the last of the golden generation ride off into the sunset - there will be players capable of shouldering the mantle. But the generational shift has not quite taken yet, believes Zullo. “I think the only thing we’re lacking now is that we need our players to really push on from my age group,” Zullo said. “Now it’s time for us to really take responsibility and become biggame players. “If you look back five or six years, the players were superstars in every sense of the word. Danny Tiatto was captain of Manchester City, Viduka was killing it in England. Timmy Cahill, Harry Kewell, Schwarzer - those guys were still there. They were big characters and big players. “I think it’s time, in my age group ITYS MAGAZINE

of players, to push on and get to big clubs in Europe and playing in big leagues if the Socceroos want to do well in the future.” It is a confident statement from a player with just four caps to his name, but there is logic to Zullo’s sentiments. The Socceroos had the second-oldest squad at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and grave fears were held for future of the national team as the players that had carried Australia’s hopes for so long began to edge off to retirement. Zullo acknowledges how far he has come and that ‘there is still a long way to go’. Five years ago, he was playing Queensland State League for Brisbane Strikers. Just over 12 months ago, he was a left-winger for the Roar. Sold to Dutch club FC Utrecht as part of a package that included Adam Sarota and Tommy Oar, Zullo spent most of the first half of the 2010/11 Eredivisie recovering from two hernia injuries. But he recovered in time to start Utrecht’s final six games, making a tough debut filling in at right-back against Feyenoord on April 9 before settling on his more familiar left side. With Carney missing and Australia needing competition at the left-back position, Zullo’s six games were enough to win him a chance.

“AROUND 150 SUPPORTERS CAME TO TRAINING ONE DAY AND STOPPED TRAINING AND JUST ABUSED US FOR A WHILE." 20

ITYS MAGAZINE

If Zullo ever needed a reminder of just how fickle the world of football can be, he got it during a giddying few days with the Socceroos. In the 3-0 win against New Zealand on June 5, Zullo showed that he had lost little of his attacking instinct despite his shift into defence. Striking up an at-times spooky understanding with winger James Troisi - by no coincidence Zullo’s room-mate for the week - the pair made Australia’s left flank look like Road Runner tryouts, with the All Whites cast as the hapless Wile E. Coyote. It took just minutes of the Socceroos’ encounter with Serbia two nights later for Zullo to realise that the then-world number 16 nation would be a far trickier prospect. The sight of winger Zoran Tosic cutting in from Zullo’s left flank in Serbia’s first foray forward was all it took. “It was completely different circumstances,” Zullo said. “No offence to New Zealand, but they’re a different calibre to Serbia. Players like Stankovic and Tosic – they’re world-class footballers.” Zullo was replaced at half-time by Troisi, with Matt McKay pushed back into left-back. Two games in as many days had caught up with him. But as tough as it was, he had learned more about his new position in 45 minutes than he had in 90 against New Zealand two days earlier. “It was good to see the different roles,” he said. “Sunday was about showing what I could do and what I could bring to the table. Tuesday was more about defensively my duties and I didn’t get the chance to get forward as much, with Serbia being such a good side and me physically not being there. “But that’s not an excuse. Everyone was tired.”

THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MICHAEL ZULLO… He is the same height as the equally-diminutive Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona (170cm). The fleet-footed Aussie can also boast to be one centimetre taller than Lionel Messi. His younger brother, Julian, appeared on the third season of Fox8’s ‘Football Superstar.’ He made his debut with Utrecht in February of this year against NEC Nijmegen – the club that first attempted to lure him to Holland in 2009. He wears number 26 on his back for the Dutch club. At the age of 16, he spent a year injured on the sidelines with a restrictive Osteitis Pubis problem. He believes that it was only after he recovered from the bout of OP that he was able to acquire his noteworthy speed – something was never a particular strength of his game at junior level. Three of his idols growing up were Roberto Baggio, Gianfranco Zola, and Francesco Totti. A fake twitter account exists (@insidezullo) claiming to be the Socceroo rising star – a true sign that Zullo has made it into superstardom! At the time of writing his official Facebook page has only 19 ‘likes’

ITYS MAGAZINE

The experience showed a ‘Work in Progress’ sign still hangs over Zullo’s development as a left-back. The appearance against New Zealand was Zullo’s first for the national team since March 2009 in qualifying for the 2011 Asian Cup, when he was employed in midfield by thenmanager Pim Verbeek. He wants to add ‘five or six kilos’ to his frame to suit his new role better. “It’s still the start of a long development. I’ve only been playing (left-back) a year and I’ve played left-wing for the best part of 15 years,” he said. “I’m still learning and I’m still working on my body to try and meet the demands of that. “Attacking-wise, we’re pretty sorted with the Socceroos, but if I can provide some extra cover at left-back and even get a starting berth at some stage I’d be really rapt.” Importantly, Zullo has confidence from both Osieck and within. “Holger made me feel really at home from the start,” he said. “He was very open with his intentions and what he wanted from the players during the game. That kind of put me at ease, I guess, because obviously I was a little bit nervous coming in. “I felt comfortable with the level we were playing at, even against Serbia. I may not have looked it, but in my mind I felt comfortable that I was there. “I know I could have played much better than I did. But as far as the level was concerned, playing in Holland with the players I’ve been playing with has definitely prepared me for playing with the national team.” He will continue his development back at Utrecht under new manager Erwin Koeman, who replaced Ton du Chatinier in May. Older brother of Robert and a former manager of Feyenoord, Koeman also has a stint coach of PSV’s famed youth academy on his resume.

“He’s got a pretty good track record as a trainer, but as a player he was very, very good in Holland,” Zullo said. “I think I’m becoming a much better player since I went over to Holland. Very similar to what happened with the national team, the trainers at Utrecht were very open with their thoughts and their belief in me. “At Utrecht, I think (left-back) was the best position for me to crack in. The wingers that we have at the club are very strong.

“It’s my time now to put my hand up and take responsibility. I’m not a teenager any more.” Housemate Adam Sarota experienced it first, chased by a group of rival supporters after Utrecht’s away match with FC Twente in March. Zullo saw it first hand a few weeks later, after the team slumped to four losses in succession. “Around 150 supporters came to training one day and stopped training and just abused us for a while,” he said.

“They got chased by 30 or 40 people to a car park, which is terrifying really,” Zullo said. “They were going to smash him if they caught them.” The two experiences have failed to put a dampener on the life the trio lead in Utrecht, a city of just over 300,000. The club urges all foreign players to be accessible to fans, and the three Queenslanders are beginning to get their head around the language.

“They were obviously just voicing their opinions. The team wasn’t doing well and to be honest we probably deserved it. It shows the passion of the supporters. For them, it’s not just about football. It’s about being able to go into the office the next day and be proud to wear their shirt and stuff like that. “Literally their whole life revolves around FC Utrecht, so that was totally understandable.” As Zullo points out, ‘that would never happen in Australia’, illustrating the added pressure fans and their expectations bring to club football Europe. Zullo said the incident with Sarota - with team-mates Frank Demouge and Ismo Vorstersmans was ‘pretty isolated’, but eye-opening nonetheless.

New living arrangements in Utrecht have the three still living together but with a little more privacy. Trips to Paris or Amsterdam and regular visits from friends and family from home help keep the balance between life on and off the pitch. “I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t realise the factors at play when you move overseas,” Zullo said on adapting to life overseas. “I’d never moved out of home before, let alone to a different country, but being with Tommy and Adam made that so much smoother. “Utrecht’s very similar to Brisbane in a way. It’s multi-cultural and not too big. “And let’s be honest - there are three of us, so it was always going to be a bit of an adventure.” ITYS

''IT’S MY TIME NOW TO PUT MY HAND UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I’M NOT A TEENAGER ANY MORE.” “That’s where I love playing, but I also take it as a challenge to learn a new position and be useful in different ways.” Well-spoken and polite, Zullo would have finished his business-law degree if not for football. It means he has little trouble doing the sums on what challenges stretch ahead this season at both club and international level. “The next six months to a year is a potential turning point to my career. It’s probably the most important six months of my career,” Zullo said. “Getting in the door is one of the hardest things - staying there is almost as hard. “I’m getting to the stage where I want to be a first-team player. I don’t think in football terms you can call me a youngster any more, and that’s the reality of it.

ITYS MAGAZINE

STRIKING TWICE “I didn’t take this challenge because of José” boasts new Chelsea boss André Villas-Boas. Nevertheless, the comparisons have come thick and fast. We sat down with the 33-year-old wunder-manager to talk inevitable comparisons, the challenge ahead and the task of getting Chelsea continental glory. INTERVIEW BY OLIVER LAURENCE I PICTURES BY GETTY IMAGES

André, it was only months ago that you were creating history with FC Porto, but now you find yourself as manager of Chelsea. Can you tell us what the change for you has been like and why you felt compelled to succeed Carlo Ancelotti as Chelsea manager?  It has been a frenetic time, there is no doubt about that. It was something that happened like a bombshell, but the most important thing was to try and project a brighter future for this club. It has changed dramatically in the last

six or seven years. It is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that is the challenge we have in front of us. We have to keep it that way. Winning three trophies was a fantastic achievement and, perhaps, beyond the club’s wildest dreams, but at Chelsea there is an expectation to deliver silverware. How do you envisage dealing with that intense pressure?  I achieved so many great things last season thanks to the structure of FC Porto – the staff, the players around

me. But I have taken this step – it is a big, big step – because it is a challenge I wanted to take. I’m confident I can respond to Chelsea’s expectations and win the trophies that we have to win. I’m pretty sure people will like my way of doing things. Does it help that you had a spell working at Stamford Bridge during Jose Mourinho’s time as manager? What are your abiding memories of that period and do you think you will be able to emulate Mourinho’s achievements?   They were happy times, we won two titles after a 50-year break and it was something massive. It is good to be back to a club where I know the people and hopefully we can start the season with a big impact and a new empathy. I am just one gear in this big club that wants to be successful every year. The challenge (facing us) is no different to any other top club. It has often been said that Chelsea’s squad needs a dramatic overhaul and there were suggestions last season that some players needed to be moved on. What are your plans with regard to reshaping the identity of a group that has rarely changed in the last five years?  I am more than happy with the squad. It is normal when a new manager comes in that radical changes are expected but we just have to judge things carefully and make wise decisions. There is plenty of time to judge the market and see how it will be valuable for us. Did you speak with Mourinho before moving? How much of an impact has he had on your management style and the way you go about things?  I didn’t take this challenge because of José. Comparisons will be inevitable but Chelsea are one of the biggest clubs in the world, they showed interest in me and decided to take the offer. It is a massive challenge but with the past success that we have had, we have to maintain that. ‘It’s important that

ITYS MAGAZINE

Boasting the impressive title as the youngest manager to ever win a European trophy, Andre Villas-Boas rise to coaching stardom has been a fairytale story in the truest sense of the phrase. An ardent Porto fanatic, a 16 year-old Villas-Boas took umbrage with the then manager of Os Dragoes, the late Sir Bobby Robson, over the fact that his favourite striker, Domingos Paciencia, was being used as a substitute far too often for the young fan’s liking. The fact that by chance Robson was residing in the same apartment building as Villa-Boas led the teenager to write a detailed letter to the English great – utilizing his ability to both fluently read and write English to make a case for the benched Portuguese striker. Robson was so impressed with Villas-Boas’ letter that he challenged his young neighbour to support his opinion with statistical evidence. Over Porto’s next number of games, the young fan collated a series of team statistics and outlined specific gameplay tends that gave weight to his contention. Reportedly, the reports that Villas-Boas collated were so strikingly impressive that soon Robson offered him a traineeship with the club (where he soon became part of Porto’s youth team coaching staff) and eventually encouraged him to undertake a managerial course. It was during his time at Porto where Villas-Boas was able to form a relationship with Robson’s translator and coaching confidante, Jose Mourinho – who he famously went on to work with during his successful term at Chelsea. MICHAEL TARQUINIO

people do not focus a lot on me, this is all new but we need to broaden things. We have got top quality players – we have been to four European semi-finals in the last six years – and have won three titles. Chelsea is used to success and that is the challenge. This is not a one man show. This is a common bringing together of ideas – my ideas, with the club’s prospects and the owners ambitions. This is the most important 26

ITYS MAGAZINE

thing in the modern era – I want to feel that everyone is in it together. The natural progression is to keep winning and that’s what I want to do. How do you assess the quality of teams you will be up against in the Premier League? Chelsea came close to beating Manchester United in the race for the title last season, but next year the competition looks as if it will be even more intense.

There are so many strong teams. You see the way Tottenham played, the way Man City is being revolutionised by Mancini and the ambitions and quality they have. You see Arsenal with that hunger for success year after year and the way last season slipped away from them, so for sure Mr Wenger will again provoke them to respond in every single fixture and the way Man United are about in their business. They are here to be successful, as we are, so the references are pretty clear and it is not impossible that even Liverpool with the arrival of Dalglish, the way he built on them and took them up, just missing out on the Europa League spot, so big challenges are ahead for us. That’s what we face. Mourinho had some memorable battles with Sir Alex Ferguson – are you looking forward to battling with a manager who has been winning honours since you were born?   It is not just a question of me taking on Sir Alex or the other Premier League managers. It's a question of a top club like Chelsea challenging for the title again. Last year we ended up on a very good run to threaten for the title in the last couple of games and I want us to be up there from the beginning. It's all part of the empathy I want to create with the players and to challenge them, to challenge their motivations to be successful again. It is not just one man against the other. It is trying to build something again that can make us powerful to threaten for the title as we have been in the past six years. I have the utmost respect for Sir Alex, but I don't know him personally. I am not a confrontational guy. To respond outside the pitch is nothing that interests me as long as we are up there in motivation, ambition and performance on the pitch. Have you spoken with Roman Abramovich and are you worried that Ancelotti was sacked 12 months after

IT IS NOT JUST A QUESTION OF ME TAKING ON SIR ALEX OR THE OTHER PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGERS. IT'S A QUESTION OF A TOP CLUB LIKE CHELSEA CHALLENGING FOR THE TITLE AGAIN.

ITYS MAGAZINE

OUR COMPROMISE IS THE SAME AS ANY TOP CLUB, TO WIN STRAIGHT AWAY ON A WEEKLY BASIS AND THAT'S THE CHALLENGE I FACE, THERE IS NO RUNNING AWAY FROM THAT.

winning the Premier League and FA Cup double? Does the obsession with the Champions League that Abramovich appears to have worry you?   The challenges you face in your dayto-day life are to be successful in what you do and that's the challenge that I face in Chelsea. The managers that sat in this chair for the last seven years have been challenged for the trophies. There is nothing the owner didn't tell me, just to challenge in every way for every trophy. This is the kind of expectation at a top club like this one or Manchester United or Arsenal. The other top clubs in England, they face this challenge for trophies and we want to get a big share. Our compromise is the same as any top club, to win straight away on a weekly basis and that's the challenge I face, there is no running away from that. I'd be surprised to be kept on the job if I don't win. It's as straightforward as that. If I cannot challenge myself to be successful I fail and I don't want to fail, I want to win so it is pretty straightforward for a club of this dimension and for the quality you have around. Who expects a Chelsea manager to stay if he wins nothing? It's just like that. Does the prospect of making history – potentially becoming the first Chelsea manager to win the Champions League – provide an added motivation?   I want to be here to be a winner not to be unsuccessful. That's the challenge I promote to myself and promote to my technical staff. I think most of them took this challenge to be successful, not to be here just passing time because the city (London) is good. You have to base it on the challenge. For us to remain in Porto would have been good, the players are great, the structure is great, the stadium is great, it's our home city. We knew everything we had won the year before and we could face the following year with

confidence but in the end when you feel extra confident maybe you make mistakes you shouldn't do and I just had the feeling inside me it was time to make the move and I took it. How do you assess Chelsea’s start to the new season? Manchester United are the only team from last year’s top six that you face before October 29. Is this a good opportunity for Chelsea to put pressure on their rivals from the start?   It's an awkward start. We go to Stoke who had a very successful year last year, who represent the culture of this game as being an aggressive team and a straightforward, forward-thinking team so it's a big challenge in the first game. Then we play two home games before Sunderland and before Man United, so we are happy to start in this way. We have to be competent enough from the start to be able to perform. We have a good two weeks of preparation in Cobham, then we move to Asia. It's important for the club to expand in the Asian market as people love us so much there as they love us here, so it is important for us to go there and show ourselves a little bit to them as well, and then back for another two weeks before Rangers and before Stoke, so I think we have a good enough time for preparation and to be up to our standards for the Stoke game. How do you envisage Chelsea playing next season? Abramovich is well known for wanting Chelsea to win with style and panache. How have you set your teams up in the past and what type of influence will your backroom staff have? The appointment of Roberto di Matteo, for instance, has been well received by supporters.   In my small past experience I was able to manage Academica and Porto in a very successful way, thanks mainly to the quality of the players I had. We were able to play good quality football. From the technical staff you see with me, you see like

in an appointment like Roberto with the way his team played last year, and all of my technical staff that has followed me from before, and Steve Holland, these are people that like quality in the game and have a philosophy in their game and like to play well. It is not just a question of winning. It is a question of winning with a certain amount of flair. Everybody likes attacking football. The Premier League is the most exciting league in the world. It is a league where a certain amount of goals happen in every game and we want it to be like that. We have people who most of all defend to the death a philosophy that the game should be an entertaining game for the fans and that will be one of our main focuses as well. So the win at all costs approach that certain coaches favour, like playing on the counterattack and being more concerned with keeping a clean sheet, is not something you will copy?   We are proud defenders of the beauty of the game, it makes no sense for us to get into a club like this and play dreadful football. People like quality of football, that's why this technical staff was picked, based on a philosophy of playing well and playing as a team. But you have to adapt to the English culture, the way this game runs, the speed of the game, the objectiveness of this game. Putting the two together is our challenge and hopefully we will be up for it. Do you envisage, then, being known as a ‘Special One’ in years to come? Mourinho wasted no time in giving himself that title – what would you call yourself? Am I a special one? I will let others decide the title. I hope I get a good title in the end! This is not a one man show. Maybe I should be called the ‘Group One’ because I want everyone to be in it together. ITYS ITYS MAGAZINE

THE ZONE EDITORIAL AC Milan recently overcame their bitter cross-town rivals 2-1 in Beijing to lift the Italian Supercup.

NEW TO BLURAY AND DVD THE RITE - $34.99 > HORROR Inspired by true events, “The Rite” follows sceptical seminary student Michael Kovak (played by Colin O’Donoghue), who recently attends exorcism school at the Vatican. While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, Father Lucas (played by Anthony Hopkins), who introduces him to the darker side of his faith. LIMITLESS – $24.99 > DRAMA Unlock your potential. A paranoia-fueled action thriller about an unpublished writer whose life is transformed by a top-secret smart drug that allows him to use 100% of his brain and become a perfect version of himself. JERSEY SHORE: SEASON 2 - $31.99 > REALITY The housemates of Jersey Shore are back for another season of GTL, fist pumping, and battling grenades. But this time the party has moved south to Miami Beach, but the drama remains the same. FIFA 06 > XBOX FIFA 06 on the original Xbox transformed football gaming. It added plenty of features that were lacking in previous versions of the game and helped transform the FIFA series into a yearly phenomenon. When discussing the best football games of all time, FIFA 06 would definitely make our top 5 and is still fun to play today. Gameplay was taken to a new level with this title – as the player you actually felt in total control of the tempo of the game. The soundtrack also complemented the game, with many first class artists such as Bloc Party, Jamiroquai and Oasis AME CLASSIC G lending their beats to the game. The addition of manager mode was great too and to this very day we’d give it a 5 from 5 without a second thought.

ITYS MAGAZINE

GAMES UFC PERSONAL TRAINER – THQ > SPORT Over the years we have seen an abundance of DVD workouts released – and now it seems fitness training is coming to gaming consoles. Billed as the ultimate fitness workout – UFC Personal Trainer finally makes Microsoft’s Kinect useful. In the short history of the Kinect we have already seen a proliferation of fitness related games hit the shelves. None of these titles, however, have really excelled. Fortunately for THQ, the aid of the UFC license and the fact that the game actually makes you work means the title is a hit. UFC Personal trainer appeals to both the hard-core MMA fan and your every day gamer, teaching you how to punch, kick and grapple and providing a fairly extensive cardio workout. However be warned, the activities will not stand you in good stead if you decide to enter the octagon! In order to get the best out of this title and the Kinect in general, you will need plenty of space and a stable cushioned flooring. If you want to burn fat and increase cardio stamina, a larger space is required to ensure that the Kinect sensor can correctly capture your every move. While playing the game I was extremely impressed with its general feel. The sensor reacted well to each motion, and unlike many other games available on the Kinect, I felt confident that the sensor would capture motions fluidly. The presentation is also first class and overall this is the best fitness game we’ve seen on the Kinect to date and, for mine, definitely worth the purchase price. Graphics Presentation Lasting Appeal Gameplay Online Play N/A You have the ability to track progress Able to create your own workouts to suit your physical abilities Utilises real MMA moves CLICK FOR MORE ON

AVAILABLE NOW

Large selection of intense workouts Repetitive audio Motions can be missed if you are not playing the game in a spacious area http://tinyurl.com/3z75gt7

WWW

http://tinyurl.com/437tfrw

ITYS Playlist

DRIVE | 2011 HOLDEN CRUZE SERIES II Holden recently released the all-new series II Holden Cruze to the Australian market. The next generation of Australia’s best selling small car delivers new levels of style, comfort and sophistication. While the series II variant is built on the same platform as its predecessor, the build quality and overall drive has been substantially improved. The all-new Cruze is the only small sedan built in Australia and the new styling and engine options make this an interesting prospect for us Down Under. Holden offers four models of the Cruze – the SRi and SRI-V have now joined the CD and CDX. In addition

to this, Holden has also introduced a brand new 1.4 litre iTi turbo petrol engine. This engine can be found in the SRi and SRI-V models and can be optioned into the CD model. The 1.4 litre engine provides superior performance and great fuel efficiency with consumption estimated to start at 6.4L/100km.

DANCE

ALTERNATIVE

CDS THE ENDING IS JUST THE BEGINNING REPEATING / THE LIVING END - $19.99 The Living End return with their sixth studio album. Their songs require of the listener a social conscience and mosh pit stamina, and give in return a visceral experience that's http://www.youtube.com/ flawlessly executed.

IF NOT NOW, WHEN? /INCUBUS - $21.99 Multi-platinum rock band, Incubus, have re-engagedrenowned producer Brendan O’Brien (Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, Bob Dylan) to produce the http://www.youtube.com/ band’s sixth studio album.

ANNUAL: 10 YEARS / MINISTRY OF SOUND - $29.99 10 Years Ago Ministry of Sound Australia brought you their first ever Annual, a compilation destined for greatness. Here’s the best http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lof.

Overall the difference between the Series I and Series II models is vast, while the body may appear to be similar – behind the scenes the car has been improved dramatically. With a variety of options and with prices starting as low as $20,990, this just may be Australia’s new best selling vehicle for many years to come.

ITYS's Top Played KURTIS GOOD - MELBOURNE HEART

Feder - Temper Trap

ITYS Top 5 Singles Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve You Get What You Give – New Radicals Khe Sanh – Cold Chisel Can't Tell Me Nothing – Kanye Feder – Temper Trap

BOOKS THE WORLD GAME - LES MURRAY Part history, part critique, all commentary, Les Murray's book shares what it is about the artof football that makes it so irresistible. The World Game tells the story of the truly global game of football: where it sprang from, why it mutated and migrated and how Australia too, is being conquered. There might also be something in there about Lucas Neill, Pim Verbeek and the World Cup… or so we’ve heard.

MY LIVERPOOL HOME KENNY DALGLISH My Liverpool Home tells the story of King Kenny’s relationship with the Liverpool football club as both the superstar player and manager.

RYAN GIGGS: MY LIFE, MY STORY RYAN GIGGS Ryan Giggs is a living legend. My Life, My Story, recalls the glorious memories of his recordbreaking career at Old Trafford.

ITYS MAGAZINE

JACK WILSHERE

young gunner

Last season, 19-year-old Jack Wilshere surprised all, including himself. Now it’s time to tackle a second campaign at an Arsenal club that’s faced a summer of discontent. WORDS BY KEVIN MCCARTHY I IMAGES BY GETTY IMAGES

Jack, you had an amazing first full season in the Arsenal and England team. How do you feel when you look back on it? I think I surprised myself, really, but hopefully I can do the same next season. I’m still 19 and I’ve got a lot of work to do. There are good players at Arsenal who want to take my position and there are even better players with England who want to take my position, so I've got to work hard and try to keep myself in every team that I play in. That’s very modest. Why do you say you surprised yourself? At the start of the season, there was talk of me going back to Bolton on loan and Arsne Wenger, the manager at Arsenal, said he would be happy with me if I played 25 games. I ended up playing 60 games. Twenty-five games was my target because I had just come back from Bolton and I wanted to establish myself here. I just have to thank the boss for that really. He put me in the team for the first game against Liverpool and stuck with me ever since really. Hopefully I have done enough to keep my place, and paid the manager back. That game against Liverpool at Anfield on the first day of last season really did seem like you were being thrown in at the deep end, didn’t it? But you played really well and you did not look back. Yes, that was always going to be a big day for me. When you’re standing on the pitch and you see Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard, people like that, you obviously think that they’re top players, but if you play your game then you’ll be alright. I think if you let things faze you, it can sort of slow

you down in a way. If you just go out there and play your game, it’s better for you and things can happen more naturally. Luckily it went well for me and I stayed in the team. If you could pick out one highlight from the season, what would it be? From a match point of view, I’d have to say beating Barcelona in the Champions League – the home game. Sadly we couldn’t finish the job away, but that was possibly more down to a big decision by the referee than us. But the home game was an amazing night. The fans were brilliant and we played brilliantly as well, especially in the second half. To be a goal down and win against a team like that is great and I was pleased with my performance. What was it like to play against players like Xavi, Iniesta and Messi? It was brilliant. They are the best players around. They showed it at the World Cup and they showed it again throughout the Champions League. I'd seen them play against us the year before at The Emirates and everyone kept saying you have to defend or you're not going to get near them. I thought 'it can't be that bad'. But for that first 20 minutes I don't think I'd ever run so far in my life. We got the ball and they had three closing us down every time and just got it back. We couldn't keep the ball. We ended up winning, but they could have killed us in the first half. It could have been over by half-time. They are on a different level, aren’t they?   Yes. It’s three passes – bang, bang, bang – and they are through. We knew ITYS MAGAZINE

we had to try to stop Messi playing, but if you focus too much on trying to stop him, there are other players who can hurt you like Iniesta and Xavi. For me, Messi is the best player in the world. If you give him any time to turn and run at you, he will kill you. He scored that amazing goal against you in the second leg at Camp Nou, where he took that touch to flick the ball over the goalkeeper and put in. On the pitch, were you aware at the time of what he had done? No. It wasn't until afterwards on the bus. I thought Almunia had flicked it up but afterwards you saw it was Messi who did it and and there's probably only him who could do that, in that second to just flick it up and over him and put it in. He’s an amazing player. I have him in my team on Fifa 11. He's the best on there as well. I think most people had some sympathy with Arsenal over the Barcelona defeat, but it ended up a frustrating season, didn’t it? That’s six seasons without a trophy now. Yes. Arsenal is a big club and we need to be winning trophies and we need to win them to keep our big players. We need to do it sooner rather than later. It will be a disaster if we don't win a trophy next season. We know that. The fans feel it. We feel it. We just need to win a trophy. Looking back, would you say that losing to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final was a real turning point in Arsenal’s season? You went into a real downward spiral after that. It was a freak moment in the final, a mistake from a couple of our players, and that happens in football. To be fair to both Laurent [Koscielny] and Wojciech [Szczesny], they were brilliant all season apart from that. We don’t blame anyone, because we’re a team. But had we won that game, then maybe…

Did it feel like a huge psychological blow at the time? It was obviously disappointing and we had to pick ourselves up. We did actually have some good performances after that, like beating Man United 1-0. But I know people will say that had we beaten Birmingham we could have pushed on and hopefully won the league. That tells you how small the margins are in football. So what do Arsenal need to do in order to make sure you get on the right side of those margins? It is a question of getting more experience, more maturity, stronger characters? I think we need to be a bit more streetwise. We have to be more of a team and be more aggressive and show more authority and take control a bit more. A lot of people perceive Arsenal as being soft and naïve. Is that fair?

I think we are at times and some of our players would be the first to admit that. We've been too nice in our defending. I've heard Bacary Sagna say this year we've been too nice. We have to be a bit more nasty, especially on set-pieces. We've conceded too many goals from set-pieces. Arsène Wenger is always very protective and very loyal to you as a group of players. Sometimes he gets criticised for that.    At the end of the day it's down to the players he puts on the pitch. He can't run on the pitch and perform instead of us. Why do you feel he is so protective of you as a group? Because he's a good manager and he wants to protect his players. But we know we have to take responsibility. Do you think you will face a tough challenge next season to stay in the top four?

I thought 'it can't be that bad'. But for that first 20 minutes I don't think I'd ever run so far in my life.

ITYS MAGAZINE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB1jp8VWqCo NEW ARSENAL/WILSHERE COMPILATION➻ please click play http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W8Ie4MyRX0&feature=related WILSHERE PERFORMS AGAINST BARCA➻ please click play

young gunner is the talk of the town

Having played a total of 52 games for club and country last season – and immensely impressing during each – Jack Wilshere has undoubtedly become one of the hottest talents in English football… irrespective of his extremely tender age. As such, it wasn’t long before the collective tongues of all English supporters began wagging at an incredible rate… one could feel the expectations start to increase… had they found a new England saviour to lead them to future international glory? But so far, the adaptable midfielder has seemingly been able to relish the pressure being heaped on his shoulders. Even when the Gunners fell into a heft form slump at the tail end of the campaign, the 19 year-old’s form continued to be a highlight. Definitely the talk of the town, ITYS looks at some of the young gunner’s most vocal supporters. “He's a box-to-box player, more than just a holding midfielder. But to be honest he can play in any position across the midfield. He can play behind the striker because he can penetrate.” -Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger “Jack Wilshere is the best young midfielder I have seen for his age. He will be England captain one day. He needs more caps but he is a real leader.” -England manager Fabio Capello

ITYS MAGAZINE

“I know Wilshere is 19 but I remember the best players I managed; [Franco] Baresi, [Paolo] Maldini, Raul. They all started really young. It is the same talent…” -Capello again “You have to have that steel about you if you are to succeed in the modern game and Jack has got it in abundance… He plays with no fear whatsoever. His success with Arsenal and with England has took him up another level and it’s clear that he will be an absolute stalwart for club and country over the years.” -Bolton midfielder Matt Taylor (MirrorFootball) “He reminds me of Gascoigne. He loves to play football” -Stuart Pearce, former England great and current under 21’s coach “Wilshere is an offensive player and he's only been playing in a defensive role because he's good enough to do it. He can see a pass and even Wayne Rooney was excited about playing alongside him for England.” -Legendary Gunner, Ian Wright (The Sun UK) “He’s an exceptional talent, he’s the future of England. And he will bring them glory in a few years time, for sure.” -Cesc Fabregas (The Sunday Star)

We know we need to keep up with the top four. We need to stay in top four and push on for a trophy. We were so close this year. And what about England? You started the season by making a brief debut as a substitute against Hungary in August, then dropped back down to the Under21s, but now you’re seen as an integral part of Fabio Capello’s midfield. It has gone well, but I wouldn’t say I’m a regular in the team. I’ve only played a few games. And there are still big players missing – the likes of Wayne Rooney and obviously Steven Gerrard, who plays centre midfield. I’ve got to come back and have a good pre-season and see if I can get back in the team next year. Looking ahead – hopefully – to Euro 2012 next summer, is that one of the reasons why you missed the Under-21 tournament this summer, to make sure you’re fresh for what will be a huge season for you? It wasn’t just about the Euros. It was about me looking after myself. Over the last few weeks of the season, I had been feeling tired and my GPS results showed that. It showed that I was heading for an injury and that was the last thing I wanted – especially heading into the Euros. I have been playing and I want to keep my place in the team and I have to be 100 per cent to do that. With the Euros coming up, it was in everyone's best interests for me to rest. I think Stuart Pearce [the Under-21 coach] agreed with me. Was it a difficult time for you, with so much discussion and debate about whether you should go? It was a bit. And it was a long process, starting in February. Obviously I wanted to go and represent my country and I said that. I spoke with the manager at Arsenal and I spoke with Capello. Then I started to get tired towards the end of the season

despite the pressure, despite the fact that you all get criticised when you don’t win. England is really important. It has been hard since the World Cup when it wasn't going well and when everyone is getting on to you. But playing for your country is everyone's dream. It is certainly my dream. I have always wanted to do that. Every time I get in a provisional squad now, I am buzzing. To put on an England shirt is a dream. Other players feel just the same as I do, especially the younger players coming through and to play with the experienced players that have been there and done it is great. You mention other young English players. Who are the ones to look out for? In my generation, there are the likes of John Bostock at Spurs, Tom Cleveley and Jordan Henderson, all really good players. There’s another, Josh McEachran, who is at Chelsea, who is a really good talent. Some of these are coming in and playing week in, week out in the Premier League, which is great. How good is McEachran? A lot of people compare him to you. He’s quality. He’s only 18, but if it was up to me, he would be in the Under21s. He is probably one of the best lads in my opinion.

and I spoke with the manager at Arsenal and the fitness team, who showed me the data about my fitness and my GPS results. I spoke with Stuart Pearce and I told him I wanted to go but I was a bit concerned with my fitness and I didn't want to break down next season or going towards the Euros. Some people criticised you, but you never actually pulled out of the squad,

did you? You left it for Stuart Pearce and the FA decide. One hundred per cent. If I was in the squad, I would have gone. I would never have pulled myself out and said ‘I'm not going’. A lot of top players find it hard to play for England, but you seem to love it –

And what would be your advice to those other young players who are coming through and hoping to follow in Jack Wilshere’s footsteps? Well, they just need to get their chance and, when they get it, they have to take it. I was lucky to get my chance. Hopefully when they see me, it gives them a bit of hope that they can do the same next season. And at the same time I need to make sure I work hard to stay in the team next season. I’m only 19 and I know I’ve got a lot to improve. ITYS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8aw0pqsxEc&feature=fvst ANOTHER COMPILATION➻ please click play ITYS MAGAZINE

AN { A to Z } OF THE EUROPEAN SEASON 2010/11 With the new season almost here, ITYS take a look back on the winners and losers of 2010/11 throughout the various European leagues. BY KIERAN PENDER – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

is for Athletikos Podosferikos Omilos Ellinon Lefkosias (APOEL FC), who won the 2010/11 Cypriot First Division. The side were founded in 1926, and are one of the most successful sides in Cyprus; their victory last season moves them one ahead of local rivals Omonia in all-time first division titles.

is for Barcelona, arguably the greatest team of the last several decades. They once again swept all and sundry aside, ending the season as Spanish and European champions. But it will be their five-nil demolition of rivals Real Madrid that will be remembered most fondly by their fans, with the victory comprehensively emphasising their dominance over the side.

is for the Copa del Rey, the one battle Barcelona couldn’t defeat Real Madrid in. Jose Mourinho’s side secured the trophy during a run of four el Clasico’s in 18 days, while defender Sergio Ramos notably dropped the trophy off a bus.

Ukrainian powerhouse (Shakhtar) Donetsk secured the Premier League title with ease, finishing seven points off rivals Dynamo Kiev. 38

ITYS MAGAZINE

the English Premier League was full of excitement and intrigue last season, with interesting battles taking place for the title, Champions League positions, and to avoid the drop. With heavy spending from the big sides during the off season, the league promises to once again entertain.

IS FOR FC BASEL, HOME TO AUSTRALIAN VETERAN SCOTT CHIPPERFIELD, WHO WON THE SWISS SUPER LEAGUE LAST SEASON.

Belgian side (Racing) Genk dramatically took hold of the Pro League title last season, winning by half a point. The Belgian league consists of a normal league season followed by an interesting playoff for the title, at the start of which the team’s tallies from the season are halved. As such, Genk finished half a point ahead of rivals Standard Liege.

IS FOR BRAZILIAN STRIKER HULK, WHO NOTCHED UP 23 GOALS IN THE PORTUGESE PRIMEIRA LIGA AS HIS SIDE FINISHED CHAMPIONS, WHILE HE FINISHED TOP OF THE GOAL SCORING CHART.

The Italian league saw AC Milan triumph over rivals Inter, who, without Jose Mourinho, struggled to match their feats of the previous season. While there was only a six point margin between the Milanese sides, Massimiliano Allegri’s team will nonetheless be happy with the achievement.

is for Jose. The one, the only, the Special One - Jose Mourinho took La Liga by storm last season, bringing with him controversy and hype. Yet he ultimately failed to dethrone rivals Barcelona, and the Portuguese manager faces potentially his biggest ever task this year, to beat the mighty Catalans.

is for (Wisla) Krakow, one of the most successful sides from Poland who last season once again triumphed in the Ekstraklasa.

French side Lille won the Ligue 1 title last season, triumphing over traditional powerhouses Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille and PSG. The side will compete in this season’s Champions League, and will be hoping to hang on to star player Eden Hazard, who is wanted by other clubs.

is for the city of Manchester, which saw its two major teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, claim the Premier League and FA Cup respectively. With both sides buying big over the off season, expect more success from the industrial city.

IS FOR ITALIAN SIDE NAPOLI, WHO HAD A FANTASTIC 2010/11 SEASON IN SERIE A. LED BY URUGUAYAN STRIKER EDISON CAVANI, THE SIDE WERE STRONG ALL SEASON AND, WHILE THEY MISSED OUT ON THE TITLE BY 12 POINTS, WILL BE HOPING TO PUSH ON IN THIS YEAR’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE.

Old Trafford played host to the English Premier League champions this season, as Manchester United clinched their 19th league title. The League One playoff also took place at the stadium, where Sir Alex Ferguson’s son Darren secured Peterborough’s third promotion in four years.

is for Porto, who comprehensively won the Portuguese Primeira Liga by a massive 21 points. However, with talented manager André Villas-Boas moving to Chelsea, Porto may find it difficult to repeat the feat.

is for Queens Park Rangers, who won the English Championship last term, and in doing so secured themselves a place in the forthcoming Premier League season.

Adam Federici’s side Reading came tantalisingly close to joining QPR in the top flight, but lost the play off final to Welsh side Swansea.

is for Senegalese striker (Moussa) Sow, who was top goal scorer in the French Ligue 1 last campaign, helping his side Lille to the title.

the Tangerines lit up the English Premier League last season, picking up big wins, big losses, and playing entertaining football along the way. Sadly Blackpool was unable to pick up the points required for survival, and Ian Holloway’s side plunged back into the Championship.

is for the United, Sheffield and Scunthorpe, who both finished the 2010/11 English Championship at the bottom of the league table, relegating the two sides to League One.

IS FOR VALLETTA AND VIDEOTON, WHO WON THE MALTESE AND HUNGARIAN LEAGUES RESPECTIVELY. VALLETTA FINISHED THE SEASON UNBEATEN, WHILE VIDEOTON’S FIRST EVER LEAGUE TITLE WAS A BITTERSWEET MOMENT FOR THEIR COACH, WHO WAS SACKED SOON AFTER.

is for Wembley Stadium, which played host to this year’s Champions League final. The event was a huge success for UEFA, both commercially and from a fan’s perspective, and will again host the final in 2013.

SPANISH SIDE XEREZ HAD A SLUGGISH START TO LIFE BACK IN THE SECOND DIVISION AFTER BEING RELEGATED THE SEASON BEFORE. THE SIDE ULTIMATELY FINISHED EIGHTH, AND FAILED TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS.

Young Boys finished third in the Swiss Super League last season, after running English side Tottenham close in the Champions League qualifiers.

is for Georgian side Zestafoni, who won the Umalglesi title for the first time in the club’s history. ITYS ITYS MAGAZINE

DON'T MIS S THE

NEXT ITYS LIVE MID S EPTEMBER

EXCLUSIV E INTERVIE WS WITH AT THE GR LUKE WIL ASSROOT KSHIRE AN S GAME A D CRISTIA ND WHY W NO RONA E PAY MOR LDO + WE E TO PLAY LOOK THAN THE REST