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
