Rory Smith
Posts
Soccer’s Next Big Thing Is Buying in Bulk
Networks of clubs help top teams streamline their scouting, methods and player acquisition. But who do they really serve?
Luciano Spalletti and the Power of Walking Away
The Napoli coach led his team to a long-delayed title and then left because the job was done. That is worth celebrating.
Champions League: Manchester City Bends the Story to Its Will
This season’s City might be Pep Guardiola’s coaching masterpiece: a juggernaut so fearsome that not even Hollywood writers dared suggest it could be beaten.
Messi and Benzema, Saudis and Soccer, Bread and Circuses
Soccer is the ultimate prize in Saudi Arabia’s push in sports. Karim Benzema’s signing offered a glimpse of the price tag. Lionel Messi’s rejection showed...
Women’s Champions League: Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí Chases Perfection
In her quest to become a “complete” player, Aitana Bonmatí wants to know everything. As she prepares for a fourth Champions League final, it’s working.
Everton Saved Its Premier League Status. But for How Long?
A win on the final day of the season kept Everton in the league and relegated Leicester and Leeds. But those results may be subject...
Dortmund, Bayern Munich and the Chance of a Lifetime
A Dortmund victory on Saturday will end Bayern Munich’s streak of 10 straight titles. The prospect of a new champion should be a cause of...
The Patience of the Next Big Thing
By leading Burnley back to the Premier League, Vincent Kompany has emerged as one of soccer’s brightest young coaches. He is not in a rush...
Manchester City’s Premier League Success Leaves Many Cold
On the verge of another Premier League title, City has the air of a machine. But admiring its excellence is not the same as accepting...
With Stakes at Their Highest, Manchester City Rises Higher Still
City defeated Real Madrid, 4-0, in the second leg of their Champions League semifinal to take another step toward the prize it has long sought.