Photo: AFP file
As we embark on a fresh season, the possibilities are endless. In my new weekly column, I’ll be guiding you through the highs and lows of the Premier League and Champions League, where unpredictability reigns supreme. For those unfamiliar with my background, I spent 11 years in the Premier League, the most fiercely competitive domestic league, which I still regard as the pinnacle of football. Having played for both Manchester United, where we clinched five Premier League titles, and Arsenal, these leagues are as much my home as the Champions League itself.
To this day, the Champions League remains the most thrilling competition in Europe. I participated in 13 consecutive campaigns, and these two leagues continue to be the essence of my football life. Throughout my career, I represented the French national team, fortunate enough to play in two World Cups between 2001 and 2008, earning 40 caps and winning two FIFA Confederations Cup tournaments.
Mikael Silvestre
However, my family and I have since relocated from Europe to Dubai. Our move here was somewhat spontaneous, occurring during the second wave of Covid. We were on a trip to the Maldives and stopped over in Dubai on our way back home. Living in the UK at the time, we decided to stay in Dubai when the second lockdown was announced in November 2020. The kids enrolled in school, we rented a place Downtown, and we’ve been here ever since.
For families, Dubai is an excellent place to live. It offers top-tier education, a plethora of sports activities, and fantastic weather year-round. We appreciate the sense of safety and the vibrant culture and fashion scene. My career in sports has also flourished—now working as an analyst in Qatar for BeIN Sport and Nassr TV in Saudi Arabia. It’s an exciting time to be in the region, as football is set to evolve and grow, with Saudi’s potential World Cup bid in 2034 on the horizon. This makes the next decade a promising time to be here.
This season promises to be a thrilling one, far less predictable than previous years. The title race in the Premier League is particularly exciting, as Manchester City’s absence opens the door for Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea. I’m eager to see how this unfolds. It will also be intriguing to observe how Manchester City recovers from their recent seven-game winless streak, a significant setback for this powerhouse.
Additionally, new managers at Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester United add another layer of intrigue. The question now is whether Arsenal will capitalize on City’s struggles. Meanwhile, Brighton, under their new, youngest-ever manager, could be a surprise contender, potentially disrupting the top six—Tottenham, Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
As Newcastle enters its third season under Saudi ownership, it will be fascinating to see their January moves, particularly in reinforcing the team. So far, they’re doing okay, but expectations were higher regarding big-name signings. However, with league rules on profit and sustainability, their hands are tied.
I’m also keeping a close eye on the new Champions League format, which brings a refreshing change. This new structure could alter the dynamics of the final rounds, making the competition more exciting for fans. With the aim of pleasing both big and small clubs, it promises to be a more exhilarating season.
The big question remains—who will step up to fill the void left by Ronaldo and Messi? For now, their absence is keenly felt, and no one has yet reached their level. It’s a work in progress, but anything can happen, making this an incredible season ahead.
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