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Wolves manager Bruno Lage has imported the wisdom and techniques he garnered coaching at Benfica into the Black Country.

The Portuguese has also learned a lot from life in England: about the incredible football passion and, paradoxically, how not to dwell too much on a setback.

Also in part one, amazing insight into Benfica’s talent conveyor belt.

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The simmering transfer of Casemiro from Madrid to Manchester United would be the most disappointing in my many years reporting on this game.

For Madrid, it's sabotage: their midfield can't be the same without one of its keystones and the domino affect could mean the end of an era.

For a footballer who turns 31 this season, it's bad timing: he is dropped into a team with no Champions League football this season and likely none next season. He does not speak the language. But he will make a lot of money.  

For United, it's a challenge: they are moving for one of my favourite players to watch and analyse - a risk-taker, an improviser, a jazz player. Does that sound like the perfect pivot for an Erik ten Hag team to you?

Here's my take on an extraordinary and incomprehensible transfer saga. Feel free to throw it back in my face at the end of the season if it all works out great. 

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It means football is for the smart guys - Dani Alves told me that a few years ago now, but last weekend the evidence was as clear as ever.

Inspired by the quick thinking of, among others, Casemiro, Davide Ancelotti and CS Osasuna, this is from my writing for ESPNFC.

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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Virgil van Dijk from season five.

The world’s greatest defender’s big break was his move to Celtic, which grounded him in British football. Next up Southampton, where coach Ronald Koeman picked on Virgil – only to bring out the best in him.

You’ll hear about risk taking, passing and pressing at Anfield, and why Lionel Messi was Virgil’s most challenging opponent.

And I ask, just how the heck did Liverpool turn around the 3-0 defeat away to Barcelona in the semi-final of the Champions League in 2019?

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Hola!

In part two of this month's Q&A, me and Pete Jenson go big on Atleti. Is Simeone in his comfort zone? Can they challenge this season?

There's our take on Riqui Puig's move to LA Galaxy, Girona's chances of survival, what impact the World Cup break will have on teams... and we even squeeze in some chat on the mighty Aberdeen!

Enjoy!

G

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com

Hola

We're back for the first Q and A of the season (with special guest Pete Jenson)... and we've been inundated with questions on Barca's financial situation, player registration and Frenkie de Jong. You'll also get an update on Real Madrid, as they prepare for another momentous season.

Enjoy

G

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In part two of my second Big Interview with David Moyes, we hear about the ecstasy of beating Seville and the agony of going out to Eintracht Frankfurt in last season’s Europa League.

There’s moving testimony about man-managing Andriy Yarmolenko after his native Ukraine was invaded.

And David also breaks down the stirring talent and mouth-watering potential of Declan Rice, who would do well to observe the likes of Harry Kane when on England duty.

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Only Bayern and Barça have swept the board (all six trophies) in a season. Madrid want to emulate them. Rivals in turmoil, or weakened …but no Mbappé, or a Plan B signing - can they do it? This is my latest column for ESPN FC. 

Enjoy!

G

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Here we go friends – a new season of The Big Interview, and we open with David Moyes, a guest so enthralling the first-time round that we invited him back.

In part one we chat about how the phenomenon of pre-season has evolved from afternoon bevvying to the era of the perma-fit player.

Returning to West Ham as manager felt like a big gamble for David, but he was courageous enough to graft style onto his core values – and for that, he deserves all the success he is currently enjoying.

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Jules Kounde once kicked his mum as a furious kid but Barcelona's new signing now has an even temperament to match his talent. In my latest column for EPSN FC, I reflect on Kounde's musical passion, the influence of Gus Poyet on his career and how patience proved to be his biggest virtue in snubbing Chelsea for a move to the Camp Nou.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit revistadelaliga.substack.com