O C TOBER 2011

UPFRONT

22 Top 10 footballers’ revolts Cruyff, Anelka and Big Nev don Che Guevara berets 28 Roll up! Roll up! It’s FFT’s football theme park Will you dare to go for a ride on Fergie’s Teacups? 45 The Games That Changed My Life Players rarely choose own goals. But Gary Mabbutt... 49 FFT columnist: Salgado

Our man Michel on endorsements and that Venky’s ad 51 FFT columnist: The Player

What happens when managers can’t tame a genius? 52 Letters

Bury FC, Robert Prosinecki and a game of ‘Raw Arse’

FEATURES

10 One-on-One: Franz Beckenbauer

Der Kaiser answers your queries on 1966 and all that

56 COVER STORY Lionel Messi exclusive

The undisputed world no.1 gets suited and booted, but has only one thing on his mind: winning... 60 How to beat Barcelona

...but The Flea and co can be stopped – and here’s how. Insight from Jose, Scholesy and Xavi himself 66 Vincent Kompany exclusive

Continuing our Champions League special, words with the leader of its newest contenders, Man City 70 Just who is David De Gea?

Why ‘Van der Gea’ can reign supreme at Old Trafford

72 Youth development Pt.3: Borussia Dortmund

Runaway champs with an average age of 24, Dortmund are leading Germany’s youthful charge

80 Owen Coyle: the man and the myth

The outspoken Bolton gaffer reveals all about tactics, pinball and why he’s proud of his odd middle name

86 The friendliest derby in Europe

Our man looks in vain for aggro at Nottingham’s battle

90 Fans vs players: FIGHT!

Bananas! Chickens! Limbo dancing! Feathers fly with the punches when supporters clash with the big boys

96 Why is it so hard to play away from home?

The eternally baffling question: answered right here

100 Charlie Davies: the greatest comeback ever

Face fractures, broken bones, lacerated bladder... the USA striker shares his incredible return to the game

106 Action Replay: early days of the Crazy Gang

The untold tale of when the Dons first caused carnage

PLANET FOOTBALL

113 Signing unveiled in a lion mask Well, why not? 114 Leonardo speaks about moneybags PSG 121 Maxi Lopez lives in a soap opera Plus Nicked footballers; the perfect bicycle kick; China

PERFORMANCE

123 Funny balls to help keepers. Just don’t head them... 130 England special Masterclasses with Andy Carroll,

Theo Walcott, Joe Hart and John Terry Plus How to find space in midfield; defend from the wings; eat and train like Phil Neville

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SPECIAL

MESSI“What’smymotivation?Tomakehistory”p56

De Gea p70 Kompany p66 How to beat Barca p60

8 October 2011 FourFourTwo.com