Football is a funny old game. There is constant upheaval across the footballing world, with top teams falling by the wayside, and new upstarts rising from nowhere to become the kings of the footballing landscape.
However, 2013 is a year so far in which we have seen massive upheaval at the top table, especially on the European scene. English champions Manchester City relinquished the title with a whimper to all-conquering rivals Manchester United, whereas European Champions Chelsea FC threw away their Champions League crown at the earliest opportunity, but picked up the Europa League in its place.
We want to look at clubs who have seen an upward trajectory in the last twelve months, clubs that have done the opposite of Manchester City and Real Madrid, who also lost it all this season. Here are three clubs who have seen an upward curve and an upturn in fortunes in the last twelve months;
1Fiorentina
The Italian side from Florence have been a regular player in the upper half of the Italian game, but have never seen consistent success. Following liquidation in 2002, the Tuscan outfit have went from strength to strength.
Having been a far-cry from the Champions League side of 2007-2009, the club has witnessed a rebirth under the emerging Italian coach Vincenzo Montella. Having structured his squad around an exciting, controlling philosophy, they have arguably been the best side in the whole of Italy to watch.
With a side that contains the likes of Alberto Aquilani, Stefan Jovetic, and the fantastic Juan Cuadrado, the club just missed out on Champions League football and look a good bet for the future, if they can keep the squad together.
2Real Sociedad
The boys from San Sebastian have had to endure the taunts of Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao, as they watched Marcelo Bielsa construct a squad which came so close to Champions League football, and trophies. Now, it is the time for the Erreala.
Having come second in the 2002-03 season, the club has been on a downward spiral, finishing with relegation in 2006-2007. However, since then, the club has rebuilt and continued to restructure and has built one of the most exciting teams in La Liga.
With such financial worry in Spain, with the country crippling in debt, it is good to see a well-run Spanish club build a young side that can compete for glory. Cashing in on the plight of Malaga and Valencia, as well as the dwindling fortunes of Sevilla, Athletic Bilbao and the now relegated Villarreal, the club swooped in and claimed Champions League football on the last day. Again being one the most exciting sides in the division, this cheaply-assembled squad bears several talented players who have through the ranks, and if they can hold the squad together, could replace Valencia as the fourth power in Spanish football for the foreseeable future.
3AS Monaco
Although based in the tax haven Monaco, the club play its football in France. Over the years, despite having a miniscule support, the club has always had marquee players and has even won championships, and has been runner up in the Cup Winners Cup (now defunct) and the Champions League. However, nothing in the past compares to what is about to come next for the principality outfit.
Based in an area where, for the moment at least, no tax is paid, the club were in the doldrums. Relegation in 2011 to the second division, the club was bought by Dmitry Rybolovlev. The Russian has since appointed well-respected Italian coach Claudio Raineiri, and have sealed a return to the top flight.
However, the fun does not stop there – the Russian billionaire has, at time of writing in June 2013, paid for a host of outstanding world talents including the likes of Joao Moutinho, James Rodriguez of Porto and the best forward in the world in my opinion in Radamel Falcao, the Atletico Madrid talisman.
With more money sure to be spent, as well as impending arrivals of experience centre-back Ricardo Carvalho and other stars, the club look already like second favourites to equally loaded Paris Saint-Germain, this year’s title winners. Keep an eye on Monaco – they could be a massive player in the future.
