Overthrowing an Empire: One Yellow Wall at a time.

Oi don't start on Klopp! Great month though! Shows what a side you've built beating Bayern 5-2 and Juve 2-0! Great stuff

Some great results, except the draw disgrace

Also keep slagging off Klopp

@UTD Stunning ain't it!

@Attobie Sorry my mistake, was a typo

@LFC Klopp started on me!!!! The fraud Cheers dude

@Ninja I know right, imagine your second team drawing Cheers as always dude!

Those results against Bayern and Juve were class

Bean keeps promise as Rooney is dropped from his first England squad

Joshua Bean promised the media and the England fans, that he would be brave enough to drop England captain Wayne Rooney, who is just two goals away from breaking the all time England goal scoring record.

It was a move that caused a lot of controversy, with some claiming Bean was perhaps to arrogant for his own good. But Bean made it clear that due to Rooney's history in forcing out, Roy Hodgson, who ultimately retired as a result and then forcing out Roberto Martinez, added alongside his history at Manchester United of trying to force managers out, Joshua Bean decided he wanted nothing to do with him in his England reign.

At 32 years old, unless Bean is shockingly sacked, Rooney has likely missed his last ever chance to feature in an international tournament again.

Wayne Rooney releases statement lamenting his treatment

Just minutes after the England squad was announced, Wayne Rooney released the following statement via his social media page on Facebook.

"Ever since I first kicked a football, I dreamed of pulling on the white shirt of England. I have been privileged and honoured to have done so for so long now, that it almost became a second skin to me.

When rumours circulated about my club career, one thing in football remained the same, the passion I hold to this day, for my country.

The way I have been treated by Joshua Bean has left a bitter taste in the mouth and he is not a man I wish to have any communication with. He made it clear that my England career is over, even in an injury crisis, I would not be picked again to represent the Three Lions.

I can't express how devastated I am to end my career on such a sour note, especially with being so close to the national record.

I have discussed every possible avenue with the PFA, but we have reluctantly agreed that there is nothing I can do, to fight this ill-treatment, as a manager is sadly allowed to ruin peoples lives like he has done.

I want to wish all the lads the very best for the coming World Cup and will end by thanking the England fans for their time.

However, support for the 32 year old Manchester United striker, has not been thick and fast and he would have hoped, with many fans commenting on his Facebook that they are glad that he is no more and some even more abusive than that.

The squad

With Rooney missing, lets have a look at who did make the squad ahead of the friendly fixture against Mexico.

Goalkeepers

Jack Butland: Joshua Bean also promised that Joe Hart would not be the starting keeper in his England squad and the 25 year old Stoke City shot stopper will be delighted at being made the England number one for the up coming friendly. He will be hoping to keep this place for the World Cup.


Fraser Forster: Former Celtic and current Southampton man, Fraser Forster has been named the number two goal keeper, with his stunning performances and his evident ability he will be a great challenge for Butland to bring the best out of each other.


Joe Hart: The 32 year old Manchester City is here merely to fulfil the requirement of three goal keepers it would seem and it would not be a shock if Joshua Bean replaced him completely when he finds a third choice keeper he likes.

Fullbacks

Calum Chambers: The young Arsenal right back has been in fine form for his club side thus far this season, he has retained his place in the England set up under Joshua Bean who is "a big fan of his work rate".


Ryan Bertrand: One of the best left backs in the world right now in terms of current form. The Southampton man has been wowing fans and neutrals alike with his solidness at the back, as well as being able to contribute with assists when he bombs on.


Kyle Walker: A right back that has always drawn critics for his lack of defensive man marking ability, but some argue that going forward he more than makes up for this, as he is a constant threat for the opposition. When at his best it is like facing another winger on his flank.


Brendan Galloway: The young Stoke centre back has drawn praise for his old school, style of play. He is not the most attacking of players, but he will not let you down in defensive. He can also cover in at centre back and defensive midfield. It may be due to his versatility that he has received his first call up under Bean.

Centre backs

John Stones: The Manchester City player has been labelled as one of the best defenders in the world by some and England will be hoping he can prove that label right.


Chris Smalling: His performances with Manchester United in the Premier League are everything a team wants from their star centre back. Smalling alongside Stones, is a truly stunning centre back pairing.


Steven Caulker: While maybe not being the most talented of players, in comparison to those he plays with. But he is strong, quick and good on the ball. He has everything required to be a decent centre back at the international level.

Central and defensive midfielders

Eric Dier: While being one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, Joshua Bean has hinted that for the upcoming friendlies he may in fact play him as a centre back and try to assess whether England play better with an attacking midfielder, due to the depth they have in that position. Either way he is a special talent.


Jordan Henderson: A hugely underrated player in the eyes of some. A waste space in the eyes of others. Henderson brings work rate to this team and on his day, he can bring goals, crunching challenges and assists. It is now Bean's job to make sure he can bring this side of Henderson out more regularly.


James Ward-Prowse: The 23 year old, former Southampton player, has been enjoying a strong season in the Premiership with Welsh side Cardiff and despite being in a lower positioned team to most players, not many can see a reason as to why he shouldn't be given game time in an England shirt.


Dele Ali: Ever since his move to Tottenham in 2015 from League One side MK Dons, Ali has been tipped to become that special player England have been searching for. His form for his club side have been sensational so far this season and Bean can rely on him.


Lewis Cook: The former Leeds United and current Aston Villa man may not be a household name internationally, but while he may yet not even make the final squad for the World Cup, many agree that he at least should be given some minutes to run out on the Wembley turf, so why not in a friendly where Bean will be experimenting as it is.

Wingers and attacking midfielders

Raheem Sterling: The Manchester City man has been a hugely important player at his club side and he is everything Bean looks for in a winger Pace, aggression and the ability to contribute assists and goals to his side.


Adam Lallana: A player that has been picked due to injuries rather than anything else. Lallana hasn't played for his club side Liverpool for a year and a half now. Lallana admitted via his Twitter that Bean has informed him as to why he is in the squad, but he is desperate to impress the England fans and not to let them down.


Theo Walcott: Current Arsenal man may be struggling to keep his spot in the international set up for much longer, but during this injury crisis, he has been able to retain his spot.


Ross Barkley: Here is a man who clearly has this game against Mexico to impress, or risk being placed on the bench. Bean told the press that "if he wants me to change my trusted formation, then he has to prove to me I should. He has this chance to do so".

Strikers

Daniel Sturridge: The Liverpool man has been struggling with fitness again this season, but with Rooney dropped for good and Harry Kane out injured, he has a chance to cement a place in the side for himself.


Danny Ings: The 26 year old, has impressed with Liverpool in recent weeks and is desperate to show fans and manager alike that he deserves to be on the plane to Russia for the World Cup.


Danny Welbeck: Struggling on and off the field, Bean has made it clear that the short stint of time he may get against Mexico may be the only he has to impress outside of training.


Saido Berahino: A man who is not shy of a few off the field issues himself, is current playing well for Manchester United as Wayne Rooney's form continues to drop. He has a chance to surprise a few.

Who missed out

Wayne Rooney, dropped: Wayne Rooney has been publicly shamed by new manager Joshua Bean, who stripped him of his captaincy and place in the squad in his first ever press conference. It would appear the former Everton and current Manchester United striker will never play for England again.

Harry Kane, injured: The striker who currently has 34 goals in 30 games for England, has a very minor groin injury so will miss this friendly with Mexico but will not miss the World Cup unless he is injured yet again.

Jay Rodriguez, injured: Jay Rodriguez has like Kane, the smallest of injuries that has prevented him from playing in this friendly. But he has been in world class form for Aston Villa so far scoring 15 goals in the season.

Nathaniel Clyne, injured: The expected starting right back for England, he has a toe injury so will be out for two weeks, therefore missing this weeks friendly. He is no doubt the starter.

Luke Shaw, suspended: Suspended for a red card he picked up during Roberto's reign in charge, he is also the certain starter at his position.

Jamie Vardy, withdrawn by club: Leicester City turned a few heads when they withdrew Vardy from the England squad, but it was later agreed between England and Leicester as the striker was struggling with off the field problems at the time.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, poor form: He has not been starting for Arsenal recently and when he does get game time, he is unable to make an impact.

James Milner, retired: Retired from international football, not that many were too sad by this.

Kieran Gibbs, no game time at club: He has literally not featured a single minute this season and with no injury crisis he does not make the side.

Phil Jones, poor form: Struggling to make an impact when he comes off the bench for Manchester United has resulted in Jones being dropped.

Interesting to see Galloway and Cook in the squad.... And a very move to drop Wazza!

Solid squad! Keep on the great work bro

Justice Some players are being tested before the World Cup, the pains of only having two games to prepare!

LFC Thanks as always my dude!

March madness sees Bean take control over seven fixtures

March sees me taking control of England for the first ever time, against Mexico in a pre-World Cup friendly. With my club side Borussia Dortmund, I was faced with six fixtures.

Stuttgart VS Dortmund 0-3

Borussia Dortmund were surging away with the title and things were made easier as they were given some relatively easier fixtures in succession. First of all they travelled to Stuttgart who hadn't won in five games and Dortmund comfortably made that six.

World record signing Paul Pogba was enjoying himself in his first ever season at Borussia Dortmund, pitching in with goals and assists. Today he opened the scoring after five minutes, placing a rebounded shot just past the wrong footed keeper, Dragowski who did so well to stop the initial shot.

Just five minutes the French international had his seventh goal of the season, as he curled in a wonderful shot following a volleyed cross from Jorge.

The game petered out for a long period time after this, but on the 69th minute mark Scottish international Leigh Griffiths completed the goal scoring for the day, striking the post from point blank range and seeing it roll over the line.

Dortmund VS Ingolstadt 5-2

A seven goal thriller here, saw Dortmund claim all three points as the fans truly got their money worth.

Gonzalo Castro scored the first goal of the game, with a screamer from the edge of the area, the veteran midfielder collected a pass from Aubameyang on the edge of the area and let fly with a rocket into the top corner.

The Ingolstadt goalkeeper Mathenia gifted Dortmund their second goal as his sloppy pass intended for his centre back, was picked off by Aubameyang who casually rounded him and passed it home. Julian Weigl then latched onto a header from Mustafi to score from less than a yard out, seconds before half-time and the half ended 3-0.

Just five minutes into the second half, fullback Jorge was gifted an empty net following a great cross from Mkhitaryan as he scored his second goal of the season.

Ingolstadt scored twice in two minutes, late on as they regained some respect t the score line, before Marco Reus headed home following yet another perfect ball from Mkhitaryan.

Dortmund VS Juventus, Champions League Last 16: 0-2 Dortmund win on penalties

A truly disappointing performance from Borussia Dortmund saw them throw away their 2-0 aggregate lead against Juventus.

It was a truly dire performance from the home side and for some reason, no matter what Bean did, his side were unable to drag themselves out of the slump and Mario Mandžukić punished them twice, scoring two bullet headers from two corners.

As the game went to extra-time, Bean knew that conceding another goal would be game over and his side counter-attacked, but with very little success. A tie that the fans expected to already be over, was suddenly going to penalties.

But it was not to be for Juventus, as they missed two penalties and slumped out of the tournament after losing 4-2 on penalties.

England VS Mexico 2-0

In Joshua Bean's first ever game, he fielded what he called 'an experimental side and formation' in which he decided, instead of playing his usual formation at Borussia Dortmund which involves a defensive midfielder, he will test to see if England can perform well with an attacking midfielder.

Line Up:

Jack Butland
Calum Chambers
Ryan Bertrand
John Stones - Chris Smalling 45'
Eric Dier - Steven Caulker 45'
James Ward-Prowse - Dele Ali 45'
Jordan Henderson - Lewis Cook 71'
Adam Lallana
Raheem Sterling - Theo Walcott
Ross Barkley
Daniel Sturridge - Danny Welbeck 45'


The game:

I walked out onto the pitch at Wembley stadium for the first ever time, I was taken by surprise by just how big this place is, due to the shape and depth of the stadium.

The first national anthem of my career came and went and I knew I would draw fire, as I refused to take part in the singing of the anthem, as I told the FA I would. It was a personal decision that I will take time and time again based on my political beliefs.

It amazes me how I can think about these things when I have a football game to concentrate on!

I made it clear that it was an experimental side I was putting out. By that I meant, a different formation and a couple of players who don't regularly play. Just so I can get a full grip of my squad.

As a result the game was clunky and slow, but it was one in which we were easily the better team.

We were gifted an own goal midway through the first half courtesy of Hector Moreno and the game was over after 61 minutes, when Dele Ali headed home from a corner to make it 2-0.

The fans were happy with what they saw, with me trying out new formations, just to get a grip before the World Cup.

I applauded the fans and did a lap of the turf to thank them all for being so welcoming in my first ever game, I could feel a buzz around the ground as I did so, they believed in me and they believed in the players.

Augsburg VS Dortmund 1-1

A fully rotated side took to the pitch today, as Borussia Dortmund were held to a draw against lowly Augsburg.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos scored for the table toppers with three minutes remaining in the first half heading home from a free-kick, which in the eyes of the home fans, should not have been given in the first place.

The first half ended with this controversy spilling over, as a rough challenge from fellow centre back Douglas, saw the Augsburg players surround the referee. Douglas was eventually booked for his challenge as the players continued to stand toe to toe.

The home fans had the last laugh when ageing midfielder Caiuby scored a close range header to win them a point in the dying moments of the game.

Dortmund VS Barcelona, Champions League Quarter Finals, 1-1

If you ever want proof that statistics don't mean anything in football, then this game is what you are looking for.

Dortmund had 22 shots, 16 on target and ever so slightly more possession in comparison to Barcelona who had just five shots and only one on target. But that one on target shot was good enough from Neymar to take the lead.

German winger Marco Reus, had the chance to put Dortmund in the lead after just six minutes, but watched as his penalty effort struck the post. The rebound fell kindly to Julian Weigl who then struck the opposite post with his first time effort.

In the following 37 minutes, Dortmund managed to hit the woodwork twice more and forced some of the best saves out of Marc-André ter Stegen you are ever going to see.

Suddenly however, Lionel Messi found himself with space on the far side and he was able to find Neymar with an perfect ball, allowing the Brazilian to curl a stunning shot into the far corner to silence the home fans.

The second half was yet more disappointment for the home side as they managed to strike the woodwork another three times, making it seven times in total. They even had what looked like a nailed on penalty appeal waved away.

But with 17 seconds left in added time, a hopeful long ball from Ruben Neves was headed towards the keeper by former Dortmund man Mats Hummels, who slipped as he did so, allowing Aubameyang to latch onto the weak header and chip Marc-André ter Stegen in goal.

Barcelona were the favourites now, but that late goal has given the holders a chance.

Dortmund VS Leverkusen 5-1

Dortmund were without a win in three games. Juventus, Augsburg and Barcelona. It was not usual under Joshua Bean and he was keen to change it and fast.

His sides rout of visitors Leverkusen ended the month on a positive.

A fizzed cross by Marco Resu was turned into the net by defender Tah, who looked around ashamed as the Dortmund players celebrated the own goal.

But former Real Madrid midfielder Isco scored soon after from the penalty spot so after 10 minutes the scores were level once more. It was the turn of a Dortmund defender to score next, but this time in the right net as José Giménez leaped the highest at a corner and headed home with minutes remaining in the first half. José Giménez scored his second of the game in the 70th minute, this time thundering in a header from a free kick.

Ruben Neves made it 4-1 with a well placed finished from point blank range and Marco Reus tapped the ball into an empty net to make it 5-1.

Managers review

Well the three games we went without a win was of course a struggle for me, I am not used to that kind of form this season and I was worried that it was the beginning of a collapse at the worst possible time. As it happens, we are still in the Champions League, if only by our finger tips, we are still top of the table and undefeated in the league. It was a shame to lose to Juventus as it means we have in fact lost this season. But I am still on for an invincibles much like Arsenal did.




*Note!! I forgot to screenshot the competition overview as I usually do for the next few updates so I will just have to write it up. I am top of the Bundesliga, waiting to face Barcelona in the second leg and have Koln in the semi-final of the DFB-Pokal.

Monthly Awards

great stuff as usual, March madness ey

Borussia Dortmund prepare for crunch fixture at Camp Nou

- Borussia Dortmund are the reigning European Champions
- Barcelona grab a potentially vital away goal in the first-leg
- Joshua Bean claims "Barcelona are the heavy favourites now"

Two weeks ago the reigning European Champions Borussia Dortmund, hosted FC Barcelona, in what many were predicting to be the hardest tie of the round.

Barcelona still featured player such as Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in their side, showing just how ferocious their attack can be. Setting up more defensively than they do in La Liga, Barcelona actually played Messi as a right winger, as they took to the turf in a 4-4-1-1 formation.

Ahead of the tie at the Camp Nou, they have no new injuries and we may possibly see a very similar formation in an attempt by the Catalonia side to cancel out Dortmund, who need to score to stay in the tie.

Of course fans of the German outfit will be praying for the kind of form that saw them lift the trophy last season, after beating Manchester United on penalties, but coming off the back of a 2-0 defeat to Juventus and that disappointing 1-1 draw in the last leg, the fans are not as confident as they should be.

In fact, Joshua Bean, in his pre-match press conference, told the worlds media that "Barcelona are the heavy favourites" when asked to expand on this statement he merely added, "We were held to a score draw at home, meaning they have an away goal and their home fans to cheer them on. The emphasis is on them to show that they are still a truly great side. We are on the back foot and no one is expecting at the moment."

Coming into this game, Borussia Dortmund have netted an impressive 14 goals, but have also conceded a less than impressive eight goals, this is however, balanced out when one takes into account the three games which saw Bean play rotated Dortmund sides.

Barcelona on the other hand come into this tie scoring a breathtaking 19 goals and only conceding a meagre three goals.

Barcelona Watch

Player to watch: Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are of course the big three in terms of this Barcelona side. However, the game may be decided by goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who played a blinder in the first-leg. The German goalkeeper, will be looking for his side to hold possession, to keep him out of the firing line like last match but if they fail to do so, his obvious ability will be shown for all to see.

Potential weak link: The Turkish winger Arda Turan was given the run around last week, but with no real replacement options, he is set to start yet again. At the age of 31, his best attribute, his stamina, is slowly starting to evade him. The likes of Marco Reus and Mkhitaryan, were simply too much for him last week.

Dortmund Watch

Player to Watch: Ruben Neves, in the eyes of many pundits, holds the key to the success of failure of this Borussia Dortmund side tomorrow night. If he players poorly, the chances are his back four are exposed and Barcelona can rack up a few goals. If he performs well however, he prevents 'MSN' as they are dubbed, from running riot and allows his own attacking players to do what they do best. Score plenty of goals.


Potential Weak Link: Jorge is the unlucky one here. Yet again it involves 'MSN'. Can the 21 year old left-back who until this season, was rather unknown in the footballing world, prevent arguably the best attacking force in World Football, from running riot down his flank? Well he has the ability to defend against them but it is whether he can keep his head under pressure.

Pundit Prediction

Well we are seeing two of the heavyweights of the tournament this season square off for the last time this year, as in 90 minutes or perhaps a bit more, one of these sides will be sent home, waiting for next season.

If Borussia Dortmund came into the game with a win under their belt, then I would believe that they would be able to hold firm and perhaps pick up an away goal to solidify their lead.

But as it is, Barcelona go into the match, currently in the lead with that away goal, despite the scores being 1-1 and they have the backing of their home fans. Very few teams win at the Camp Nou, in fact just two teams have beaten Barcelona at home so far this season.

I am predicting a 1-0 win for Barcelona, as they look to play more defensively than expected and Dortmund struggle to break them down.

It'll be a very difficult contest against Barcelona but if you can snatch a goal early on, I'm certain you'll be in with a good chance of winning... provided you can hold them off

Not heard of those attacking players for Barca but they look decent

Good luck though, I have faith

Atoobie Madness mate just pure madness

Juatice It will be a tough challenge but we have the ability to pull it off!!

Ninja Never heard of them myself, but apparently they are quite decent

They're definitely a tough nut to crack, but I reckon the Bean can be the one to do it!