It is that time of the year again folks. Fans and players alike gather around their club to see which colours and configurations they will be adorning themselves in throughout the coming season. As Real Madrid launch their new kit for the 2013-2014 season, World Soccer Talk is lucky enough to have one brand new shirt to give away in a beautiful presentation box. Thanks to adidas for giving this prize to one lucky winner.

All you have to do it answer this question:

Question: In which year did Karim Benzema make his professional debut for Olympique Lyonnais? 

Answers must go in an email to laurencemckenna (@) epltalk.com in order to be counted for the competition. One winner will be drawn at random. The competition closes at 00:00 Wednesday morning (EST).

Finally, the shirt is a medium size, you do not have to be medium to enter though. As Real enter an exciting new season this would look just as good on your wall or mantle-piece (or games room).

Good luck! To inspire you, here are the prose which accompany the the shirt:

This summer, Formula One Star Nico Rosberg of the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS F1 team, challenged some of the best from the world of sport to try their hand in Formula One. PUMA RACE OFF sees sporting stars such as Michael Carrick, Sergio Agüero, Cesc Fàbregas, Craig Kieswetter and many more given the chance to prove their talent in the fastest sport.

All of the individual player performances on the famous Monza race track can be seen at www.puma.com/raceoff. You can follow PUMA Motorsport Facebook and @PUMAMotorsport on Twitter for regular updates.

To celebrate, we’ve got a set of PUMA PowerCat 1.12 football boots signed by Michael Carrick to give away.

To win, all you have to do is answer this question:

Who did Michael Carrick make his competitive league debut against, for Manchester United?

Your answer must be submitted by email to thegaffer [at] epltalk.com by Friday 30th, at 12pmBST. And be sure to include your full name and mailing address in the e-mail.

Good luck! Christmas will be coming early for one person…

EPL Talk love getting mail so when the post guy knocks on your door and hands you a huge box with a German stamp on it, it’s time to smile. Especially when you know that it’s personalised boots. Something that was only open to the elite football player just a few seasons ago. As time goes on, technology has made it easier to customise your boots with details which make them specific to you. In the paper which came with our boot Messi said:

“In football you express yourself with your feet, which is why I like to feel like I have a connection to my adizero f50s.”

It’s a simple statement, but I like it. A huge amount of any sport is mental, and the more comfortable or expressive anyone might feel in their own boots could make a minor or significant difference to their play. It is no substitute for practice and skill but to feel good whilst you try to achieve those is a detail which I like to factor in.

Stop. There is an opportunity here.

See Messi’s YouTube invite here

From October 22, you can create a unique pair of adidas adizero f50s for Messi by visiting the new miadidas configurator at www.miadidas.com and submitting their designs. The miadidas configurator is a service allowing footballers to “Create Your Own” design and incorporate colour schemes and personal touches. The boot will be worn in a December La Liga match.

Fans in the UK, Germany, Spain, France & Sweden can enter the Messi boot design competition by visiting miadidas.com. For further information please visit facebook.com/adidasfootball or @adidasfootball#miadidas on twitter to join the conversation.

Check out some of the other cool boot designs:

In Bed With Mardona – lovely flag look for these boots. I’m a fan of mixing the Lethal Zone colours.

Hypebeast – “Keep it simple Stupid” seems to apply here and that is often the best policy with boots. These are classy and orange on the heel. I like it.

Breast Cancer

It’s a nice idea, I’m sure there are plenty of players who could make these work. Beckham springs to mind, but who do you see wearing them?

“Create your own – designed by you. Made by adidas”

Check out the link to the YouTube video above, well worth a look from FIFA 13…

In previous years, FIFA players could have been accused of dodging real league politics and injuries; form and formation; fixtures and fixations. They were able to adapt a side with signings which would rock the real world of football and take Aldershot Town to the top of the EPL. That’s fine. Everyone should be allowed their own take on the game. The average player could even be forgiven for not adapting squads or players, that stuff takes time.

Now, EA are presenting people with real-life cross-over stats. Just a glance at the video above and you’ll realise that FIFA and the real world cross-over a whole lot more this season. Live updates are integrated into the game, a great function which not only makes the line between TV and games blurrier but also offers some interesting opportunities to fans.

Some people don’t like to go out of their way to check up on fixtures lists or delve into a formation, they just want to see the game or enjoy aspects of it. ’13 makes it easier to check ahead in fixtures, play them out and look at how real stats are changing the way you play FIFA. It gives it longevity and life which you could argue some games lack or don’t try to incorporate.

Best thing? I was so superstitious as a child, I wouldn’t play fixtures for fear that I could change the result just by playing out my ideas. There are probably hundreds of people all over the world playing out their fixtures and hoping that their positive result can earn their side the edge this weekend.

This seems to be the predictable progression for sports gaming right now, integration is what the market is providing as each electronic device vies to become the media-hub which 1970s movies fantasised about. In providing real stats FIFA is broadening football horizons for each player, the possible discovery of a new team to support through updates or an obscure player from the squad which you never thought to utilise.

As the first weekend that this is an active feature for the EA community, we’d like to hear your thoughts on the new functions, features and fixtures which are possible in FIFA 13. Are you a fan?

13 might be very lucky for some this season.

Manchester City and Arsenal both feature in the demo, alongside Juventus, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund. The demo will also include EA SPORTS Football Club Match Day, the new feature that links the real world with the game for the first time. The feature will drive real-world news and updates ripped from the headlines around the world and feed it into the game, making FIFA 13 the most realistic game in the franchises history.

In the demo, real-world drama such as injuries, suspensions, team form, and media gossip surrounding Manchester City, Arsenal, Juventus, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund will play out in-game and be reflected through in-game commentary.

Last week EPL Talk had a chance to sit down in the EA training camp to see the full version of the game in development. All teams, all kits, all modes. As you can imagine, we were excited. A full review of that experience is to follow later this week with replies to the questions which you posted for us.

In sitting down and playing a few competitive matches, you already feel the difference: ball control; player movements. All details to follow. The thing we’re most interested in, what you get out of the game; what you see on the demo; how the game has improved. Let us know, there is plenty more to come in the next few weeks as EPL Talk pays more visits to EA’s house: the only kid on the block with the new FIFA.

Here are the release times today for when the FIFA 13 demo will be available:

PC — Now.
Xbox 360 — Now
PS3 — Between 5pm-9pm ET

After experiencing the new game yesterday, I am excited again. A diary of our initial experience is on the way. A full review of FIFA 13 will appear on EPL Talk in the near future. In the meantime, what are your impressions of the previews? Anything stand out to you? Let us know in the comment section. If you have any questions for the FIFA 13 crew be sure to post them here. We’ve got exclusive access to much of the FIFA content to come. EPL Talk has got your back!

Tomorrow morning, EPL Talk will be provided special access to play FIFA 13. The idea of the visit: Play the game. Ask Questions. Show you. So here’s the perfect post for you to pose your questions about FIFA 13. You might want to know about any tiny detail of the game, or just how it plays, so drop a question in the comment box and we will ask it whilst our thumbs dance on the controller.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNnmAlEnUt0&feature=colike]

Incase you missed it, here’s the Gamescon 2012 trailer for the game. Take a look at the rest of the playlist here. With ’13 looking to build on the success that it has already built up through a solid experience both on and off the pitch, the developers are guaranteed to refine and evolve FIFA as opposed to revolutionise the platform. There are some nice details included in this year’s edition of the game. We can’t wait to see what else they’ve included.

Martin Keown’s words about his hero. It’s always great to hear a star speak about their heros and their inspirations. What do they look for in a player? What drives them on and builds their personal drive is a nice insight into the mind of Martin.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEF_ofIbdos]

Terry’s comments about ‘taking your place’ show the mentality that has taken him so far in football. Whether you agree or disagree the mentality has bought him a wealth of respect and memories, I wonder if he’d give the same advice now to a young footballer now.

Wembley FC’s game on 11 August will now be streamed live on the Budweiser Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BudweiserUK

This is a an extra preliminary round tie of the FA Cup on August 11 and as well as getting them ready, the mentors might be selected to the match squad. More information about the Wembley FC project can all be found here: http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/wembleyfc/81463/Home

It’s actually quite often that there are revolutions in football, it’s partly a biproduct or intentional outcome of the league system. If you look at the wider idea of competition it has both a destructive and constructive use: Breakdown is Breakthrough. So when one league progresses it is only natural that others will look over and see how they can move forward. For a while the MLS would look at other models and other sports. Now US Soccer finds itself in the opposite position: the envied. This isn’t a new sensation to many in the States, but for a guy who has come from EPL to MLS this was a particularly striking note in the ‘Smart Soccer’ launch.

Details are currently wide brushstrokish in their nature, so we’re hoping to add details to the ‘Smart Soccer’ idea as we learn them. Under their latest video adidas offer:

“Revolutions are born from simple ideas. Insights that become emotions. Desires that become innovations. Systems that unleash true potential.”

I fly to Philadelphia to join podcast host Earl Reed and the EPL Talk team in taking the All-Star game in. So soon enough we’ll see the details below the kit and learn more about what becoming smarter actually means.

For now, I can tell you that I’m excited but holding fire on the judgement. Recent experience has taught me that shooting from the hip might get hits but sometimes becoming smarter with the product means trying it out first. People have spent months and years developing this idea, for me to spend a few lines on it: well it almost doesn’t do the idea justice.

Here’s to making the writing smarter with the soccer.

adiCams flew to Kiev on 1st July to create a very special film of the final day. Featuring the Spain players and fans watching the game in the spectacular Kiev Fanzone, super slow-motion cameras and cutting edge drone-mounted cameras operating high above the city make this piece stand out. There is nothing better than slow-mo emotion; fireworks; and lens flare to make you feel like you were there.

Take a look back at Euro 2012 through the adidas football Tumblr.

If you want to listen back to the atmosphere and action then adidas football SoundCloud is the place to be.

In a dream like situation, I was lucky enough to join adidas in Poland and Ukraine as I took in the games, met the people and tried my best to have you there with me. If the blog does it’s job then you’ll get a feeling for the incredible time that 2012 was. I’m still processing my thoughts on the competition, but in the meantime enjoy this ditty of a ‘Tube’.

This upcoming season, McBride, along with several other footballers for Wembley FC, will be mentoring a non-league team. He’ll be joined by former internationals Ray Parlour, Martin Keown, Graeme Le Saux and Claudio Caniggia in their FA Cup campaign this season.

Wembley FC has hired David Seaman as goalkeeping coach and former England boss Terry Venables as technical advisor. The club has agreed a sponsorship deal with Budweiser, which is in the first of a three-year deal as sponsor of the FA Cup.

More details regarding the Wembley FC project can be found at http://youtube.budweiser.co.uk/

As adidas travel to Poland and Ukraine they launch their latest innovation. The adidas football Tumblr:

Leo Messi, Xabi Alonso, Robin Van Persie, Iker Casillas, Angel Di Maria and Sandro launch adidas Football’s new Tumblr page ahead of UEFA EURO 2012.

Follow http://adidasfootball.tumblr.com for the very best photos and videos from Poland and Ukraine.

As Darren Bent launches ‘Fly Your Own Flag’ with New Era, EPL Talk sits down to talk: football, fashion and free time. The relaxed Villa striker has hooked up with New Era and seems extremely proud of his new links with one of the preeminent brands in hip hop culture.

It’s offseason now, what is your favourite part of the time away from football?

Being away from football gives me time to relax, chill with friends and get some holidays in. I love the chance to travel and take in different countries during the offseason.

Which 3 words describe your mentality and why?

Dedication – to be the best I can be.

Determination – in everything I do.

Perseverance – working hard reaps results.

Euros coming up. Which teams/players are you looking forward to watching? Predictions?

My heart says England will win it, but if not I fancy Germany to do well. Thomas Muller from Germany is a big game player with real ability. Obviously Cristiano Ronaldo has a massive role to play for Portugal. From an English perspective, I am looking forward to seeing how Danny Welbeck fares. He has come on a lot this season and he has a chance to impress now on a massive stage.

With a new manager coming in at Villa, what is it like to transition into a new management regime and how do you try to make that easier?

At a club like Aston Villa, everybody is gunning for the same thing- to have success on the pitch so with a manager on board who shares that mentality then it is an easy transition. You have to respect that a new manager may have his own way of doing things and it is up to the players on board to adapt to that.

You’re an NBA fan, is there anything that you’ve learnt from american sports that you try to bring to your game?

The American commitment to excellence is something that shines through across the major sports and this is something I look to incorporate into my training regime and performance on the pitch.

If you could design your own boot what would you add/what colours would you go for?

I’d have to base it on the Umbro Speciali boot which is the most comfortable boot I have ever worn. Comfort is a major factor for me. Colour-wise I’d look to push the boundaries and go for something maybe yellow/green or similar to make an impact.

What does it mean to you to represent New Era?

It means everything to me, to be representing a brand I have loved from a very young age. I have been wearing the brand for years and it’s the perfect fit for me. I try to embody exactly what the brand is about.

Why do you think you are such a good cross over for New Era?

I genuinely love New Era baseball caps and all the brand represents, and have done since I was a kid. I love the Fly Your Own Flag campaign as I too believe you need to be the best you can be, be proud of who you are, focus on your own game and on your own goals and do the very best you can to achieve your dreams. I love what I do, everyone should aim to live their passion.

Who do you think rocks the cap best (apart from yourself)?

For me, it has to be Jay Z.

What’s the best look to wear with a cap?

I’d go for a casual look with jeans and trainers. Everyone has their own style to wear with a baseball cap but I have to say casual is the best fit for me.

Who else on the New Era roster do you look up to?

Wow all of them, they are all so talented and such incredible achievers in their respective fields. From Emmanual Callender an amazing sprinter, Ezekiel Lau a brilliant surfer, and DJ Irie.

If you could design a cap what would you have on it?

My baseball cap would have the Cleveland Cavaliers logo on it and it would be black and leather. Jay Z was wearing a black leather baseball cap at his Watch The Throne concert and it looked amazing.

Blackberry or iPhone man (favourite app)?

I’m an iPhone man and my favourite apps are the Sky Sports app and the ESPN Sports Center app.

Is there anyone you base your style on?

I like to take different influences and infuse them around my style. I like the way Jay Z and Kanye West dress so I would say they influence my style, but it is not solely based on them. I think you mix different influences and have success.

Best dressed players?

David Beckham is the best dressed player for me. And I like the way the Italian squad are dressed with their big-name labels like Hugo Boss and D&G. They look sharp.

Commentary is something that I think and talk about a lot. I host the EPL Talk podcast and whilst that isn’t live commentary, it does make you think about what you’re going to comment on: goals, incidents, opinions. There are 1,000 things that we could and should comment on. Potentially, 1,000 thoughts when it comes to helping someone understand a game. After all, that is what a commentator does; they synthesise the game to make it more enjoyable or easier to understand.

So, when I got the opportunity to commentate one of my favourite goals of all time I jumped at the chance. Even though I was painfully aware of how difficult commentary can actually be. As an official sponsor of Euro 2012, Coca-Cola is teaming up with talkSPORT to offer budding young sports reporters the chance to become the Coca-Cola Fan Reporter for this summer’s tournament. Not only that, but the winner will get a six-month paid internship at talkSPORT learning how to become a top sports reporter.

I am not one of these sports reporters, but you could be. How, you say? Well:

• Visit talksport.co.uk/coke
• Select your favourite goal of all time and video yourself commentating on it.
• They’re not looking for imitations of existing commentary; it’s time to be unique and offer the insight that you want to hear.
• Competition closes on Wednesday May 16th so get your Motty Jacket on and climb up to the gantry.

I have always been aware of how difficult it could be to commentate on a game. We all spend hours chatting or opining every day, so try speaking for 90 minutes. To get it right must be incredibly rewarding. Think of it this way, you are part of a special footballing moment, whether it be for one person or millions, possibly completing their memory of a game, or laying the foundations for an immortal player. Everyone knows: “Take a bow son” or “Remember the name…” even “GoooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAaaaaaaaal!” Okay…

So I sit in talkSPORT studios, not far from Southwark station. Lovely. Next to me, Teddy Sheringham, a United and Spurs legend. Smiling, in the handsome way that he does, Teddy nodded towards the screen and asked: “What goal have you picked then?” Why didn’t I know which goal I’d picked? I couldn’t pick one, because I thought it was a bit strange to commentate on a goal that had already happened a long time before today. I did pick one though, Heskey to make it England five, Germany one.

Teddy seemed happy with the pick, it wasn’t too much pressure and we all knew the outcome. Others had done preparation, and I mean preparation: unless you know the England squad from 2006 off the top of your head. I was starting to wish that I had done the same as Mr Sheringham sat, expectantly, next to me. Nevermind, I was here and ready to pretend to be a commentator.

As we pressed play, I tried to clear cliches and stock phrases out of my mind. Goodbye “Sensational”. Hello, intelligent comments.

No. I imagine that a similar look went across Teddy’s face at about 4.55pm on Sunday, May 13th. Of the three attempts, it would take some kind editing and some re-dubbing to make the piece broadcast worthy. I wasn’t the worst, frankly, I quite enjoyed it. Given the chance again I would do a little preparation and avoid alluding the England’s ultimate demise. What it did make me realise is that we might all be capable of commentary in some form or another, so if you are reading this and would never consider yourself as a commentator, well, you might be the perfect candidate.

I do have a copy of the attempts, I am aware that the internet holds these kinda things forever. Instead, why not take a look at Adrian Durham of talkSport trying his hand at it:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jZXlwhV_Kg&feature=youtu.be]

If you think that you can do better or have always been a closet-commentator then why not enter? talksport.co.uk/coke

Coca-Cola, official sponsor of the UEFA European Championships, is offering a lucky fan the chance to become a Fan Reporter at UEFA Euro 2012 as well as a six-month paid internship at talkSPORT learning how to become a top sports reporter. It’s all part of Coca-Cola’s goal to leave a positive legacy and create happier futures for young people. To take part in the competition visit talksport.co.uk/coke (closing date Wednesday May 16)

The Allianz Arena is a fitting place for this years final. With so many narrative-threads in the semi-finals, converging on Germany seems like a perfect end for the teams which define the modern era in four unique ways. Should Chelsea make it through tonight, here is what we can expect in Germany:

As the teams prepare, in the dressing room. Fans will file in and likely have a view like this.

With just over 100 days to go until the start of the Olympic Games, adidas has revealed their biggest UK campaign ever entitled take the stage. An all-new 60 second TV ad kicks off the multi-channel campaign on Saturday 7^th April that will showcase that there is a stage for everyone in 2012, whether you are in to Sport Street or Style.

Featuring Team GB athletes Victoria Pendleton, Louis Smith and Tom Daley alongside entertainment stars such as music artist Example and comedian Keith Lemon, the narrative of the advert tells the story of how you can go from the top deck of the bus to the top of the charts overnight.

The campaign will be followed (14^th April) by 3 x 30 seconds TV spots which show how to take the stage.  Through these 30 second adverts, fronted by David Beckham, music star Wretch 32 and US Basketball player Derrick  Rose, adidas is giving the Great British public truly amazing once in a lifetime opportunities to take the stage and showcase their talent. Beckham calls for the public to submit their own photography to win the opportunity to be the photographer on set with him. Wretch 32 is in search of one lucky music artist to open on tour for him this year and one lucky winner will get the chance to play ball in the States with NBA star Derrick Rose.

Recording artist Wretch 32 was commissioned by adidas to create the exclusive soundtrack for the 60 second TVC, which is based on insights from young people across Britain and is focused on the different ways in which talent today can be showcased. The ad premiered to an audience of millions at 20:12 on Saturday night during the first commercial break during Britain’s Got Talent and was then available to watch, alongside additional content on the adidas website and YouTube channels.

To mark the occasion, British adidas players were given specially marked boots to wear on match-day. Whilst Chelsea warmed up in #takethestage gear:

Gareth Bale's blue and orange combo

Stewart Downing takes the stage in yellow and black

Stevie G customised his kicks with the hashtag too

What do you think of the British take on the games?

Which football fan doesn’t love a good kit launch? Well, today, adidas presented the ground-breaking team kit that will be worn by the British athletes at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Designed by acclaimed British designer Stella McCartney, the kit is the most comprehensive range that’s ever been supplied to a national team, combining the best in performance technologies and stand-out British style.

Over two years in the making, McCartney’s design of the kit focusses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it, creating a modern and contemporary twist.  The result is a bold design that features on all items of the kit to ensure the British athletes stand out in front of the home crowd as a unified team.

Stella McCartney said: “The first place to start on a project like this is to look at the Union flag. For me it’s one of the most beautiful flags in the world and it was important for me to stay true to that iconic design but also to modernise it and present it in a contemporary way.  Ultimately, we wanted the athletes to feel like a team and be proud with the identity we created.”

The kit was revealed in spectacular style at the Tower of London where over 30 athletes including Jessica Ennis, Phillips Idowu and Ellie Simmonds showcased the performance range including competition kit, training wear, the presentation suit, footwear and accessories.

Speaking about the new adidas kit, British triple jumper Phillips Idowu said: “With a global audience watching London 2012 every little detail matters. I love what Stella has done with the design. Looking good is psychologically important but my sprint suit is also technically advanced, so not only do I look good but I also have confidence in the technology in the kit.”

Nick Craggs, Marketing Director, adidas UK said: “All eyes will be on the British athletes when they take the stage at the Games so we wanted to ensure that they would be the best equipped team through a combination of leading technologies,  including TECHFIT^TM PowerWEB and Climacool and a unified, striking team identity.”

adidas will supply over 900 British athletes across the 26 Olympic and 20 Paralympic sports producing a total of approximately 175,000 items of clothing. This is made up of 590 individual articles that have been created to ensure the British team will be the best equipped nation for the Games.

Replica ranges of the British team kit will go on sale in April, including football, tennis, cycling, basketball, athletics and swimwear.

What do you think?

• Would you like to see more kits with ‘stand-out’ style like this?
• Does the Olympics factor change the way the kit is designed?

Another weekend of upsets and setups as the EPL rocketed towards two huge collisions. So how did your team do?

It was London v Manchester as the potential top four make an effort to distinguish themselves from the rest. With Christmas form forgotten, Super Sunday promised so much? But did it deliver for you? Let the podcast know and be part of the voice!

Equally Saturday threw up some surprises in the form of Bolton and Norwich, who out-balled both Liverpool and Chelsea respectively. Does this change where both the Blues and Reds will finish this season? Both AVB and KD demand more from their players…but are they to blame for the problems?

Post a comment below and be heard on the EPL Talk podcast!

Leo Messi’s place at the pinnacle of world football was confirmed by his third consecutive Ballon d’Or, but he didn’t do it alone. To celebrate his win, Leo has thanked everyone who has supported him in his career, from his team-mates and family to the fans that help make football the most beautiful game of all: http://a.did.as/zBJcQB

To honour Leo’s third Ballon d’Or adidas has sent him a pair of very special boots for his upcoming matches. The customised adizero F50 boots have been produced in a celebratory gold colourway and feature the flag of Argentina, the years of Leo’s Ballon d’Or successes and a thank you message to fans.

While those boots are just for Leo, you can pick up your own gold adizero F50 boots through miadidas.com

To celebrate Leo’s win, EPL Talk has teamed up with adidas to give away five pairs of gold adizero F50 boots.

The winners of the contest are:

• Guy Klein, Hunter Stevison, Justin Yerina, Jesse Middleweek & Chengchao Qu

Not all the big names have played this weekend but that didn’t stop the football from flowing, so what did you find entertaining this weekend?

• What are the big talking points? Does the referee still frustrate you and your side or have decisions gone your way?
• With United winning 4 – 1 has that relieved the pressure?
• Does this put more pressure on Chelsea and City to win tomorrow?
• Has Martin O’Neill impressed you?

Add your points and and opinions in the comments below!

The weekend has been an emotional roller-coaster for so many reasons, so what do you make of the action so far?

• Spurs success – Part of the North London dominance, but what about their opponents?
• Who deserved their red this weekend?
• United’s power to underwhelm is growing.
• What do you make of the international draw?

Share your view and compare with other people before the podcast is recorded, if you have a view point: express it!

The Champions League has surprised and baffled the press, but were you bamboozled by the odd happenings in Manchester or do you see what needs to change?

This is the Open Thread for you to give your opinions on the games to come this weekend and the Champions League happenings. So before we record the podcast tonight be sure to be part of it in the comments below.

With big games this weekend between:

United v. United

and

Liverpool v. Manchester City

Who will be top by the end of the weekend? Why will they be top? Could Liverpool still have a say in the title race despite being out of the running?

Follow along on Twitter:

Kartik: @kkfla737

Kristan: @kheneage

Laurence: @lozcast

Andreas Konrads, Senior Product Manager, adidas Football

Why was the adizero f50 football boot in particular chosen to feature miCoach technology?

Our aim is to make every athlete better. The f50 boot is engineered to make the fastest players in the world even better. The question was how to make them even faster and the miCoach SPEED CELL^TM was the simple answer to that.  It helps players to analyse their performance and give them tips on how to become even faster, and we thought it would be great to offer our consumers the opportunity to compare themselves to the best player in the world, wearing this boot – Leo Messi.

miCoach has been used primarily in running, how can this now benefit a football player?

With the introduction of 360 degree speed and distance tracking, and the combination of on-board memory, we now move from it being a running / training device to an on-pitch performance monitor. We can now accurately track and analyze game data, simply and easily via a seamless integration into the new adizero f50 outsole. Professional football players have long had access to this level of performance data, we are now making this available to all consumers, to compare your game stats, and help guide you to becoming a better player.

F50 miCoach

What information does the miCoach SPEED CELL^TM gather and what is the process?

The miCoach SPEED CELL^TM is an advanced accelerometer that tracks your speed and distance in all 360 degree directions. From this measurement, we are able to provide your max speed, average speed, time and distance in determined speed zones, as well as number of sprints.

How do you access the data the miCoach SPEED CELL^TM collects and how can this be used to improve your performance?

The performance data is measured and then stored in on-board memory, and after the game is wirelessly transferred to your mobile phone or PC. The miCoach SPEED CELL^TM uses ANT+ wireless data transmission in order to communicate with your phone or PC, which can then be viewed directly on your mobile phone handset, or viewed on your miCoach.com account.

What was the goal from a product and innovation perspective when developing the adizero f50 miCoach?

The goal was to build the lightest football boot possible, whilst at the same time, achieve perfect player acceptance, quality and performance. In addition, we wanted to bring the miCoach functionality to the shoe. Capturing your performance data during a game was possible only for professional players with costly equipment. Our goal was to make performance data accessible also for our consumers at an affordable price. The guiding principle for the miCoach functionality was to keep it simple, but fun to use.

What has been the testing process for the boot and which players have been involved?

The testing has been extensive. We had to come up with new testing methods, as it’s not only about testing a football boot, but also an electronic device and application where all these elements have to perform together as a system.  We brought in experts from the various functions and formed a project group to work on miCoach with a holistic approach.

We involved professional and amateur players and also tested the products ourselves.

What has been the feedback from players in regards to the new adizero f50 miCoach?

The players love the boot and are very excited about the new miCoach functionality. They can see that it opens new opportunities to understand their strengths and areas where to improve – and they are extremely curious to compare themselves to the best players in the world as well as their team mates!

Adidas presents new boots to Lionel Messi

Which players will wear the boot?

Leo Messi, Arjen Robben, Lukas Podolski, Thomas Mueller to name a few.

Having developed such an advanced boot, where does product innovation go from here?

We consider the miCoach functionality through miCoach SPEED CELL^TM as an exciting first step into a whole new era of football. It will revolutionise the way football is analysed, trained, experienced and ultimately will help to make the players even better. We will continue to work on adding new digital functionalities to our products and are excited to bring more innovative miCoach products to our consumers.

If it’s mystery that you want, then this time of the pre-season is perfect for it. Teams and trademarks are trying out their latest ideas and gadgets for the new season, and adidas are no exception. After attending an invitation-only event in Germany, I’ve learned that they appear to be testing a “boot with a brain” concept (see above photo).

You can credit the leg to Milan defender Mattia de Sciglio at the Adidas Campus just outside Nuremberg.

For now I like the idea of calling these the adidas Blackouts for obvious reasons. There is little information available about them, but imagine being able to track your game and fitness through a boot. Even the most basic of information could help you improve how you approach the game when you step out on the turf.

Speculation is that this will be part of the mi-coach range. Adidas are pushing the envelope in boot technology right now and our inside information suggests that this is just the beginning. Not just a pedometer, but a “brain” which would imply a lot more beyond tracking speed and distance.

Football doesn’t have much like this commercially available right now, so what would you do with it?