Spain: the main story in Spain involves the after effects of the battle between Valencia and Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. Domestically it is seen as a refereeing problem, as Jose Mourinho continues to float the idea that his tactical "brilliance" has been outshone by referee bias against such an idea, but neutrals are applauding Unai Emery's squad at serving up a direct plan at defeating the league leaders. Is there a league race? Most certainly. In fact, I predict FC Barcelona will actually win the league.
England: can we all agree that money can't buy you everything? Manchester City have begun their much anticipated downturn. First for much of the league, Roberto Mancini's team have suffered from much of what other clubs in England have over the last 20 years. Manchester United, under Sir Alex Ferguson, are the best run club in England over that time period. They may not have had the most expensive squad, or the best players, but at the end of the day they have been able to count on the services of the best manager over the last 30 years. Mourinho, Sacchi, Lippi, or whomever you want to bring into the equation, there is no one who compares. Ferguson is the best.
Italy: How can I say this? Juventus is now top of Serie A, and few people are complaining? I have to say that even as much of a Juve hater as I was 6 years ago when we started covering Serie A on a weekly basis, I never thought that the Juve story deserved to be set aside, second fiddle, certainly to Inter Milan who it seems has been able to cast itself in the light of the honest purveyors of calcio that neither AC Milan, AS Roma, Lazio o r anyone else was allowed to. Now Inter have fallen off the map, victims to the Mourinho curse, and everyone else has begun the process of rebuilding that Juve were forced to contend with when they were relegated to Serie B.Be careful what you wish for: punish Juve and like the Hydra she will regenerate stronger and more cunning than before.
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