Jose Mourinho's personality, the mind games and doublespeak, are now features. His understanding of the pushes, pulls, and politics may end up setting Roma free. Read more »

There are openings for challengers to become the incumbent, however scarce. All you need is Antonio Conte to transform a vulnerable moment into its own dominant era. Read more »

Brighton's gap between xG and goals isn't an outcome of luck, but rather of design. And with such a difference between underlying analytics and table place, who is Graham Potter performing for exactly? Read more »

In an age of hyperbole, we immediately recognized the significance of the potential Super League. But the day of truth was still surreal even considering the years of rumors that prepared our reactions for when theory turned reality. Read more »

The richest clubs in Europe were ready to detonate the sport as we know it: bleaching identities, cheapening domestic leagues, starving a great many clubs that are rich in history if not in funds. Read more »

In MLS terms, Austin is firmly in the "move the needle" group based on being the first major sports team in a city that has been part of the national story for decades, whose relevance will only increase throughout the technological age. Read more »

West Ham have built an efficient roster in their own way. The emphasis isn't running or pressures, but in winning aerial battles, intercepting passes, and controlling the uncontrollable elements that define the Premier League. Read more »

In examining the relationship between a domestic league and its national team, you could even argue an inverse strength with exported players able to bring back different experiences to international play. Read more »

What's happening at Inter is happening all over the sport. Some new badges and kits and color schemes are better than others and some old badges and kits and color schemes were pretty lousy in the first place, but everything smells strongly of disinfectant and money. Read more »

It's not the results that ruin seasons from the inside out, but the attempt to keep up within the trappings of billion-dollar television deals and European places. Chris Wilder and United lost their way in the transfer market, then lost each other altogether. Read more »

It is very much too early to deliver a final verdict on Andrea Pirlo's career, but Juventus as any manager's first job is almost set up to fail by expectations and scale alone. Read more »

While Thierry Henry has had a pair of short managerial stints, his fellow Premier League legend, Steven Gerrard, has helped complete a turnaround for Rangers. Read more »

Pele appeared at the right time in technology and history, winning the right trophies with the right skills for the right country. His trophies cemented the ability to tell his own story through his lens. Read more »

Does messaging equal trophies at the end of a season? That answer is an obvious no. But does a compelling story create an opportunity for current and future supporters to invest in, thereby raising a club's value? That seems attainable, and more at one's control. Read more »

Even through the on-field impact of the pandemic, going in direct contrast to contemporary styles, Pep Guardiola has always played at his own tempo. This season of contradictions presents Guardiola at his most and least expressive. Read more »

We all got what we wanted. Analysts were proven right that Diego Simeone needed to update his style, while Simeone could argue that he's never been able to work with a striker like Luis Suarez. With Atleti topping the table, we'll agree to split the difference. Read more »

The relationship, as productive and mutually gratifying as it's been, might be at an end. For now, Sergio Ramos will get himself healthy while not knowing exactly what he's getting healthy for. Read more »

Why wouldn't Barcelona’s board spend recklessly: is the club actually going to go out of business? European football needs Barcelona as much as Barcelona needs European football. Read more »

What does the perfect Chelsea manager look like? Somewhere between Jose Mourinho's ability to message to the masses, with Carlo Ancelotti's laissez-faire approach, and Antonio Conte's clear structure? Yet even if Chelsea were to find perfection, it would only be for a couple seasons anyway. Read more »

At the bleary and miserable end, there wasn't much left to recommend Frank Lampard, beyond the fact that he's one of the best players in club history. Read more »