Sneijder plans talks with Ranieri
Inter’s Wesley Sneijder intends to speak
with coach Claudio Ranieri over his half-time
withdrawal in Sunday’s 1-0 defeat at
Lecce.
After being handed his first start in Serie A by
Inter since returning from a couple of
months out with a muscular problem, the
Netherlands international failed to shine in
his usual role behind in-form striking duo
Diego Milito and Giampaolo Pazzini and was
replaced by Ricardo Alvarez in the interval.
When asked about his substitution after the
game by Sport1, Sneijder replied: “The
coach’s decision. I’ll probably talk with
him about it tomorrow.”
Ranieri explained the tactical change was
because he he is struggling to work out
exactly what to do with Sneijder.
“He was not playing badly but I wanted to
restore (defensive) security,” he said,
alluding to the fact that Inter had been
caught out on the break a number of times
during the first half.
“We’re still not developing well with
4-3-1-2 (and) we can express ourselves
better with 4-4-2.”
“Can he play in behind the forwards?
We’ve said it many times before, he is a
central player that must be free to make
mistakes.”
“He’s a trequartista, he cannot be
conditioned to play on the outside.”
“He could play in a 4-4-1-1 but we must
then strive to adapt well to a diamond
(formation in midfield).”
“We tried it (the diamond) today but we
have seen again that the team didn’t cope
well with it: we were unable to press well
and I changed it.”
“In future we will try maybe with a
4-2-3-1, with (Diego) Forlan on the wing and
Sneijder a bit behind the striker.”
“We should try that because in the first
half today we did not have the necessary
solidity.”
Sneijder was repeatedly linked with a move
to Manchester United last summer and this
latest development could spark further
speculation over a possible move to Old
Trafford.
Minggu, 29 Januari 2012
Man Utd boss Ferguson: Liverpool defeat SICKENING
Man Utd boss Ferguson: Liverpool defeat SICKENING
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
described their FA Cup defeat at Liverpool as
"sickening".
Ferguson was unable to mask the shattering
disappointment of losing a game he did not
think it was possible United would fail in once
Park Ji-sung had levelled.
"To lose the game is hard to believe," said the
Scot.
"We dominated the game and we were
comfortable.
"Our movement off the ball was good and I
thought we were in the driving seat."
Indeed, so much in command did Ferguson
think the visitors were that he introduced
Javier Hernandez in an effort to avoid a
replay.
"I was looking to win it," he said.
"I thought Javier's pace around the edge of
the box would be difficult to handle.
"To lose it is a real sickening blow."
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
described their FA Cup defeat at Liverpool as
"sickening".
Ferguson was unable to mask the shattering
disappointment of losing a game he did not
think it was possible United would fail in once
Park Ji-sung had levelled.
"To lose the game is hard to believe," said the
Scot.
"We dominated the game and we were
comfortable.
"Our movement off the ball was good and I
thought we were in the driving seat."
Indeed, so much in command did Ferguson
think the visitors were that he introduced
Javier Hernandez in an effort to avoid a
replay.
"I was looking to win it," he said.
"I thought Javier's pace around the edge of
the box would be difficult to handle.
"To lose it is a real sickening blow."
Sabtu, 28 Januari 2012
Real Madrid board favour Arsenal's Wenger to succeed Mourinho
Real Madrid board favour Arsenal's Wenger to succeed Mourinho
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looming large
on Real Madrid's radar.
The Daily Express says they will step up
their interest in Wenger if Jose Mourinho’s
El Clasico torture continues at the Nou Camp
in April.
The Bernabeu board are casting covetous
eyes towardsArsenal boss Wenger again as
opinion in the Spanish capital turns against
Jose Mourinho.
Although Real are in pole position for their
first league title in four years and are in the
last 16 of the Champions League, Mourinho
has hit a brick wall in his attempts to wrest
the balance of power fromBarcelona.
Wenger, along with Germany coach Joachim
Low, is on the shortlist of candidates seen as
a replacement for The Special One.
Wenger, jeered by Gunners fans during last
Sunday’s home defeat by
Manchester United, has a contract until
2014.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is looming large
on Real Madrid's radar.
The Daily Express says they will step up
their interest in Wenger if Jose Mourinho’s
El Clasico torture continues at the Nou Camp
in April.
The Bernabeu board are casting covetous
eyes towardsArsenal boss Wenger again as
opinion in the Spanish capital turns against
Jose Mourinho.
Although Real are in pole position for their
first league title in four years and are in the
last 16 of the Champions League, Mourinho
has hit a brick wall in his attempts to wrest
the balance of power fromBarcelona.
Wenger, along with Germany coach Joachim
Low, is on the shortlist of candidates seen as
a replacement for The Special One.
Wenger, jeered by Gunners fans during last
Sunday’s home defeat by
Manchester United, has a contract until
2014.
A-League: Brisbane Roar 0 Newcastle Jets 1
A-League: Brisbane Roar 0 Newcastle Jets 1
The Newcastle Jets registered their first
away win of the A-League season with a 1-0
triumph over Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
The Jets took the lead in the 23rd minute at
Suncorp Stadium through a clinical right-
foot finish from Ben Kantarovski.
The decisive strike arrived after the visitors
were awarded a free kick 35 yards from
goal, with a fluent three-pass move between
Jobe Wheelhouse and Kantarovski giving the
latter space in behind Matt Smith, where the
Jets skipper rifled his shot past a diving
Michael Theoklitos.
Mohamed Adnan had a chance to equalise
from a free kick in the 90th minute, but the
Jets wall rose to deny him.
A finely balanced first half ended with the
deadlock intact, but the hosts were
reinvigorated after the break, creating a
multitude of opportunities.
The best of them saw a brilliant pass from
Erik Paartalu put Henrique through on goal,
before an incorrect ruling for offside from
the linesman halted play.
Thomas Broich was typically invaluable for
Brisbane, while Jacob Pepper was dangerous
for the visitors, particularly in the opening
third.
Brisbane looked in sync from the first minute
when Mitch Nichols found space in the box,
but despite some dangerous build-up, it was
the Jets who were able to work the keeper
hardest in the opening 10, with Francis
Jeffers twice teeing Pepper up for a crack.
Both sides had chances within the opening
minute of the second half, Henrique blowing
his lines for the Roar and Ryan Griffiths
thwarted by Theoklitos, before the home
side began to assert dominance on the
contest.
Henrique was incorrectly ruled offside with
an open net in front of him at around the 50-
minute mark, and then the lively Brazilian
was twice denied by visiting keeper Ben
Kennedy from short-range flick-ons.
Paartalu, impressive youth-team regular
Nicholas Fitzgerald and goal poacher James
Meyer all threatened to equalise, but the
Jets defence scrambled admirably to the
final whistle.
The Newcastle Jets registered their first
away win of the A-League season with a 1-0
triumph over Brisbane Roar on Saturday.
The Jets took the lead in the 23rd minute at
Suncorp Stadium through a clinical right-
foot finish from Ben Kantarovski.
The decisive strike arrived after the visitors
were awarded a free kick 35 yards from
goal, with a fluent three-pass move between
Jobe Wheelhouse and Kantarovski giving the
latter space in behind Matt Smith, where the
Jets skipper rifled his shot past a diving
Michael Theoklitos.
Mohamed Adnan had a chance to equalise
from a free kick in the 90th minute, but the
Jets wall rose to deny him.
A finely balanced first half ended with the
deadlock intact, but the hosts were
reinvigorated after the break, creating a
multitude of opportunities.
The best of them saw a brilliant pass from
Erik Paartalu put Henrique through on goal,
before an incorrect ruling for offside from
the linesman halted play.
Thomas Broich was typically invaluable for
Brisbane, while Jacob Pepper was dangerous
for the visitors, particularly in the opening
third.
Brisbane looked in sync from the first minute
when Mitch Nichols found space in the box,
but despite some dangerous build-up, it was
the Jets who were able to work the keeper
hardest in the opening 10, with Francis
Jeffers twice teeing Pepper up for a crack.
Both sides had chances within the opening
minute of the second half, Henrique blowing
his lines for the Roar and Ryan Griffiths
thwarted by Theoklitos, before the home
side began to assert dominance on the
contest.
Henrique was incorrectly ruled offside with
an open net in front of him at around the 50-
minute mark, and then the lively Brazilian
was twice denied by visiting keeper Ben
Kennedy from short-range flick-ons.
Paartalu, impressive youth-team regular
Nicholas Fitzgerald and goal poacher James
Meyer all threatened to equalise, but the
Jets defence scrambled admirably to the
final whistle.
Kamis, 26 Januari 2012
Real Madrid defender Ramos slams Barcelona's Busquets over red card
Real Madrid defender Ramos slams Barcelona's Busquets over red card
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos insists he
didn't deserve to be sent off for his elbow on
Barcelona's Sergio Busquets during
Wednesday's Copa exit.
Ramos insists that he did nothing wrong and
believes that Busquets was guilty of play-
acting.
"I am happy that the club are appealing my
second yellow card because even though
some don't stop rolling around [on the turf], I
didn't touch him [Busquets]," the versatile
defender wrote on Twitter.
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos insists he
didn't deserve to be sent off for his elbow on
Barcelona's Sergio Busquets during
Wednesday's Copa exit.
Ramos insists that he did nothing wrong and
believes that Busquets was guilty of play-
acting.
"I am happy that the club are appealing my
second yellow card because even though
some don't stop rolling around [on the turf], I
didn't touch him [Busquets]," the versatile
defender wrote on Twitter.
Barcelona Team Report
Barcelona Team Report
BARCELONA
Coach: Josep Guardiola (since 09/07/2008)
Last Result: 4-1 win at Malaga, January 22
Record: 13-1-5
Streak: Won 2
Next Match: away to Villarreal, January 28
Europe: UEFA Champions League (Round of
16 Second Leg)
Barcelona progressed to the semi-finals of
the Copa del Rey 4-3 on aggregate over Real
Madrid after a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Camp
Nou on Wednesday night. Manager Pep
Guardiola said he believed the better side had
won over the two-legs but was also full of
praise for Madrid after they threatened a
sensational second-half comeback with two
goals in four minutes through Cristiano
Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. “The only
important thing is we played a good tie, just
as much in the first game as the second. I
would have liked it if we had conceded
fewer goals and fewer chances, but we are
playing against Real Madrid and it takes a lot
to beat them.” However it wasn’t all
good news for Barca as both Andres Iniesta
and Alexis Sanchez had to be substituted due
to muscle injuries, Iniesta is expected to miss
the next three weeks, whilst Sanchez is a
doubt for Saturday’s trip to Villarreal.
BARCELONA
Coach: Josep Guardiola (since 09/07/2008)
Last Result: 4-1 win at Malaga, January 22
Record: 13-1-5
Streak: Won 2
Next Match: away to Villarreal, January 28
Europe: UEFA Champions League (Round of
16 Second Leg)
Barcelona progressed to the semi-finals of
the Copa del Rey 4-3 on aggregate over Real
Madrid after a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Camp
Nou on Wednesday night. Manager Pep
Guardiola said he believed the better side had
won over the two-legs but was also full of
praise for Madrid after they threatened a
sensational second-half comeback with two
goals in four minutes through Cristiano
Ronaldo and Karim Benzema. “The only
important thing is we played a good tie, just
as much in the first game as the second. I
would have liked it if we had conceded
fewer goals and fewer chances, but we are
playing against Real Madrid and it takes a lot
to beat them.” However it wasn’t all
good news for Barca as both Andres Iniesta
and Alexis Sanchez had to be substituted due
to muscle injuries, Iniesta is expected to miss
the next three weeks, whilst Sanchez is a
doubt for Saturday’s trip to Villarreal.
Chelsea make new push for Ajax fullback Van der Wiel
Chelsea make new push for Ajax fullback Van der Wiel
Chelsea are chasing Valencia fullback
Gregory van der Wiel.
Superdeporte says Chelsea are moving for
the Dutchman as a deal with Valencia stalls.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of
Jose Bosingwa, who has been linked with a
move toPSG, Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas
will be keen to sign another right-back.
Chelsea are chasing Valencia fullback
Gregory van der Wiel.
Superdeporte says Chelsea are moving for
the Dutchman as a deal with Valencia stalls.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of
Jose Bosingwa, who has been linked with a
move toPSG, Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas
will be keen to sign another right-back.
Villarreal Team Report
Villarreal Team Report
VILLARREAL
Coach: Jose Francisco Molina (since
22/12/2011)
Last Result: 3-0 win at home to Sporting
Gijon, January 23
Record: 4-8-7
Streak: Won 1
Next Match: at home to Barcelona, January
28
Marcos Senna has said that playing against
Barcelona is a privilege and an occasion to
enjoy rather than fear as Villarreal prepare
to take on the European champions this
weekend. He told Efe, “We are playing
against the best team in the world, but we
will face up to it with excitement. It is a
privilege to play against them. We need to
keep our shape and not just line up to stop
them because we will try to create a surprise
through our own good play.”
VILLARREAL
Coach: Jose Francisco Molina (since
22/12/2011)
Last Result: 3-0 win at home to Sporting
Gijon, January 23
Record: 4-8-7
Streak: Won 1
Next Match: at home to Barcelona, January
28
Marcos Senna has said that playing against
Barcelona is a privilege and an occasion to
enjoy rather than fear as Villarreal prepare
to take on the European champions this
weekend. He told Efe, “We are playing
against the best team in the world, but we
will face up to it with excitement. It is a
privilege to play against them. We need to
keep our shape and not just line up to stop
them because we will try to create a surprise
through our own good play.”
AC Milan coach Allegri pleased with winning Mesbah debut
AC Milan coach Allegri pleased with winning Mesbah debut
AC Milan coach Max Allegri was pleased
with Djamel Mesbah's debut in their Coppa
win overLazio.
Allegri reshuffled his squad for the Coppa tie,
as Mesbah was given his first start in aMilan
jersey.
“Mesbah had a good game and defended in a
very orderly fashion. El Shaarawy is
improving with every match, while Merkel
also played well. It’s just a shame Merkel
picked up that injury and it will be evaluated
over the next few days.”
AC Milan coach Max Allegri was pleased
with Djamel Mesbah's debut in their Coppa
win overLazio.
Allegri reshuffled his squad for the Coppa tie,
as Mesbah was given his first start in aMilan
jersey.
“Mesbah had a good game and defended in a
very orderly fashion. El Shaarawy is
improving with every match, while Merkel
also played well. It’s just a shame Merkel
picked up that injury and it will be evaluated
over the next few days.”
PSG chief Leonardo has hopes over Inter Milan's Motta
PSG chief Leonardo has hopes over Inter Milan's Motta
PSG chief Leonardo is hopeful of signing
Inter Milan midfielder Thiago Motta.
The Brazilian midfielder who plays his
international football for Italy has hinted
many times over the past few days that he
would like a January transfer to Paris.
“We like Thiago Motta,”
Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo told
RTL radio.
“We are evaluating the situation, but the
Nerazzurri want to keep him and for a few
days we have to wait, because we cannot
close the deal unless Inter give the all-
clear.”
PSG chief Leonardo is hopeful of signing
Inter Milan midfielder Thiago Motta.
The Brazilian midfielder who plays his
international football for Italy has hinted
many times over the past few days that he
would like a January transfer to Paris.
“We like Thiago Motta,”
Paris Saint-Germain director Leonardo told
RTL radio.
“We are evaluating the situation, but the
Nerazzurri want to keep him and for a few
days we have to wait, because we cannot
close the deal unless Inter give the all-
clear.”
Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian : Ramires, Luiz convincing me About Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian: Ramires, Luiz convincing me about Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian would
welcome a move toChelsea.
Chelsea are pushing to land the Brazilian this
week.
Willian, speaking from Sao Paulo, told The
Sun: "I have friends in the Brazil side who
play forChelsea, like David and Ramires.
"All they talk about is the thrill of being in a
city like London and playing for a club like
Chelsea.
"I've known David since we played together
in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about
what Villas-Boas is trying to build atChelsea.
He and Ramires feel he wants a core of
young players who can mature and grow
together but also be successful.
"David says how the coach takes a real
interest in all his players, how he can adapt
different cultures together and bring the best
out of them. Then obviously there is life in
London. David and Ramires say there's
nothing like it anywhere else in the world —
it's exciting and challenging at the same
time."
Shakhtar Donetsk star Willian would
welcome a move toChelsea.
Chelsea are pushing to land the Brazilian this
week.
Willian, speaking from Sao Paulo, told The
Sun: "I have friends in the Brazil side who
play forChelsea, like David and Ramires.
"All they talk about is the thrill of being in a
city like London and playing for a club like
Chelsea.
"I've known David since we played together
in the Brazil Under-20 side and he talks about
what Villas-Boas is trying to build atChelsea.
He and Ramires feel he wants a core of
young players who can mature and grow
together but also be successful.
"David says how the coach takes a real
interest in all his players, how he can adapt
different cultures together and bring the best
out of them. Then obviously there is life in
London. David and Ramires say there's
nothing like it anywhere else in the world —
it's exciting and challenging at the same
time."
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: La Liga Giants Show Us How a 'Clasico' Is Played
Barcelona vs. Real Madrid: La Liga Giants Show Us How a 'Clasico' Is Played
These adjectives are perfect
descriptions of one of the best clashes
between Barcelona andReal Madridin
recent history. While previous Clasicos
have been marred by cynical play from
both teams, tonight's match served to
remind everyone just why football
fans mark Clasicos on their calendar
when the season's fixture list is
announced.
Real Madrid came into the match
hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from
their home defeat in the first leg. Jose
Mourinho knew his team had to score
at least two goals to have any chance
of going through, and his team
selection reflected this attacking
mentality.
Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano
Ronaldoand Kakaall started for Real
Madrid. Surprisingly, Karim Benzema
was relegated to the bench—a move
that raised eyebrows and proved to be
costly for Real Madrid, as we will see
shortly. Barcelona played the same
lineup that won 2-1 at the Santiago
Bernabeu.
Both teams were at each other's
throats from the outset. Higuain
almost got Real Madrid a ridiculously
early lead in the 11th second, but he
skewed Dani Alves' backpass wide
when one-on-one with Jose Pinto.
Higuain was the villain again just five
minutes later, when he failed to score
from a great cross from Kaka.
Real Madrid continued to trouble and
harry Barcelona. Indeed, they looked
like the home side themselves.
Barcelona were unable to put together
the strings of passes that they are
accustomed to doing, with Real Madrid
winning the midfield battles in a decisive
manner and feeding their attackers
with deliberation.
Mesut Ozil showed a moment of
individual brilliance in the 25th minute
when his 30-yard shot cannoned out
off the underside of the crossbar. Real
Madrid's performance till the 40th
minute left many wondering just why
they weren't in the lead.
Dani Alves' moment of magic
However, Lionel Messi took the match
by the scruff off its neck with a
beautiful run, which culminated in a
chipped pass over the inattentive Pepe.
Pedro came in completely unmarked
from the left, and Casillas did not even
see the point of attempting to save the
resulting shot.
For all of Real Madrid's dominance,
they went another goal down just a
few minutes later.
Dani Alves rushed in from the right of
the area and unleashed a fearsome one-
touch strike that flew into the angle of
the goal. Barcelona went into the half-
time break with a slightly undeserved
2-0 lead.
People could have been forgiven for
thinking it was all over at this point.
With Barcelona now holding a 4-1 lead
on aggregate, including two away
goals, it seemed unlikely that Real
Madrid would be able to threaten the
Catalans in the second half. They
needed to score three goals, after all,
which was patently impossible to do at
the Camp Nou.
They were almost proven grossly
wrong.
In a fashion not seen in the Clasicos
that preceded this one, Real Madrid
took the second half by the scruff of
its neck. Wave upon wave of white
shirts descended on the Barcelona area
from the first whistle of the second
period. The normally conservative
Mourinho took off Lassana Diarra, Kaka
and Higuain and replaced them with
Esteban Granero, Karim Benzema and
Jose Callejon to give his side extra
firepower up front.
The breakthrough for Real Madrid
seemed to have come in the 53rd
minute through Sergio Ramos' header
at the back post. However, referee
Fernando Teixera Vitienes disallowed
the goal for a foul on Dani Alves by
Ramos as he went to head the ball.
137711820_crop_340x234
DavidDavid RamosRamos//GettyGetty ImagesImages
Madrid's attacking football finally paid
off in the 68th minute, when the superb
Mesut Ozil threaded a pass through
Barcelona's defense, leaving Ronaldo
to round Pinto and score. At this stage,
the goal looked like a consolation, as
Barcelona still held a dominant 4-2
lead on aggregate. Real Madrid still
needed two goals.
Whatever comfort Barcelona fans
held from the two-goal cushion on
aggregate evaporated four minutes
later as Benzema left Puyol scrambling
before finishing coolly past Pinto. Real
Madrid now needed just one goal with
18 minutes left to play. The balance of
power had shifted into their hands, and
suddenly, Barcelona looked worried.
Real Madrid continued to attack
Barcelona's goal with the
relentlessness of a beast of prey who
has tasted his victim's blood.
Benzema almost sent Cule hearts into a
tizzy when he found himself one-on-
one with Pinto, but Puyol did just
enough to miscue the Frenchman and
prevent him from scoring from what
was a golden opportunity.
Just as it looked like Madrid would
continue to harry Barcelona till the
final whistle, Sergio Ramos was sent
off for elbowing Sergio Busquets.
Replays showed the decision to be
more than a little harsh, however, and
that decision took the fight out of Real
Madrid.
Unlike previous Clasicos, this match
saw Real Madrid play to their full
potential. Though Barcelona have
qualified on aggregate, they will be
wary of the sheer doggedness
displayed by their arch rivals tonight.
Madrid simply refused to give up at any
point in the match, constantly
attacking and going toe-to-toe against
a team they have normally shut up
shop against. For the first time in 12
months, Real Madrid actually managed
to outplay Barcelona over 90 minutes.
Most importantly, however, this
match deserved to be called "El
Clasico." Unlike so many of Barcelona
and Real Madrid's matches throughout
the past 12 months, this one
demonstrated the raw footballing skill
of both sides.
From Messi's run that set up Pedro's
goal to Benzema's flick which beat
Puyol, this match was a showcase of
some of the best moments football
has to offer.
Truly, a "Clasico."
These adjectives are perfect
descriptions of one of the best clashes
between Barcelona andReal Madridin
recent history. While previous Clasicos
have been marred by cynical play from
both teams, tonight's match served to
remind everyone just why football
fans mark Clasicos on their calendar
when the season's fixture list is
announced.
Real Madrid came into the match
hoping to overturn a 2-1 deficit from
their home defeat in the first leg. Jose
Mourinho knew his team had to score
at least two goals to have any chance
of going through, and his team
selection reflected this attacking
mentality.
Mesut Ozil, Gonzalo Higuain, Cristiano
Ronaldoand Kakaall started for Real
Madrid. Surprisingly, Karim Benzema
was relegated to the bench—a move
that raised eyebrows and proved to be
costly for Real Madrid, as we will see
shortly. Barcelona played the same
lineup that won 2-1 at the Santiago
Bernabeu.
Both teams were at each other's
throats from the outset. Higuain
almost got Real Madrid a ridiculously
early lead in the 11th second, but he
skewed Dani Alves' backpass wide
when one-on-one with Jose Pinto.
Higuain was the villain again just five
minutes later, when he failed to score
from a great cross from Kaka.
Real Madrid continued to trouble and
harry Barcelona. Indeed, they looked
like the home side themselves.
Barcelona were unable to put together
the strings of passes that they are
accustomed to doing, with Real Madrid
winning the midfield battles in a decisive
manner and feeding their attackers
with deliberation.
Mesut Ozil showed a moment of
individual brilliance in the 25th minute
when his 30-yard shot cannoned out
off the underside of the crossbar. Real
Madrid's performance till the 40th
minute left many wondering just why
they weren't in the lead.
Dani Alves' moment of magic
However, Lionel Messi took the match
by the scruff off its neck with a
beautiful run, which culminated in a
chipped pass over the inattentive Pepe.
Pedro came in completely unmarked
from the left, and Casillas did not even
see the point of attempting to save the
resulting shot.
For all of Real Madrid's dominance,
they went another goal down just a
few minutes later.
Dani Alves rushed in from the right of
the area and unleashed a fearsome one-
touch strike that flew into the angle of
the goal. Barcelona went into the half-
time break with a slightly undeserved
2-0 lead.
People could have been forgiven for
thinking it was all over at this point.
With Barcelona now holding a 4-1 lead
on aggregate, including two away
goals, it seemed unlikely that Real
Madrid would be able to threaten the
Catalans in the second half. They
needed to score three goals, after all,
which was patently impossible to do at
the Camp Nou.
They were almost proven grossly
wrong.
In a fashion not seen in the Clasicos
that preceded this one, Real Madrid
took the second half by the scruff of
its neck. Wave upon wave of white
shirts descended on the Barcelona area
from the first whistle of the second
period. The normally conservative
Mourinho took off Lassana Diarra, Kaka
and Higuain and replaced them with
Esteban Granero, Karim Benzema and
Jose Callejon to give his side extra
firepower up front.
The breakthrough for Real Madrid
seemed to have come in the 53rd
minute through Sergio Ramos' header
at the back post. However, referee
Fernando Teixera Vitienes disallowed
the goal for a foul on Dani Alves by
Ramos as he went to head the ball.
137711820_crop_340x234
DavidDavid RamosRamos//GettyGetty ImagesImages
Madrid's attacking football finally paid
off in the 68th minute, when the superb
Mesut Ozil threaded a pass through
Barcelona's defense, leaving Ronaldo
to round Pinto and score. At this stage,
the goal looked like a consolation, as
Barcelona still held a dominant 4-2
lead on aggregate. Real Madrid still
needed two goals.
Whatever comfort Barcelona fans
held from the two-goal cushion on
aggregate evaporated four minutes
later as Benzema left Puyol scrambling
before finishing coolly past Pinto. Real
Madrid now needed just one goal with
18 minutes left to play. The balance of
power had shifted into their hands, and
suddenly, Barcelona looked worried.
Real Madrid continued to attack
Barcelona's goal with the
relentlessness of a beast of prey who
has tasted his victim's blood.
Benzema almost sent Cule hearts into a
tizzy when he found himself one-on-
one with Pinto, but Puyol did just
enough to miscue the Frenchman and
prevent him from scoring from what
was a golden opportunity.
Just as it looked like Madrid would
continue to harry Barcelona till the
final whistle, Sergio Ramos was sent
off for elbowing Sergio Busquets.
Replays showed the decision to be
more than a little harsh, however, and
that decision took the fight out of Real
Madrid.
Unlike previous Clasicos, this match
saw Real Madrid play to their full
potential. Though Barcelona have
qualified on aggregate, they will be
wary of the sheer doggedness
displayed by their arch rivals tonight.
Madrid simply refused to give up at any
point in the match, constantly
attacking and going toe-to-toe against
a team they have normally shut up
shop against. For the first time in 12
months, Real Madrid actually managed
to outplay Barcelona over 90 minutes.
Most importantly, however, this
match deserved to be called "El
Clasico." Unlike so many of Barcelona
and Real Madrid's matches throughout
the past 12 months, this one
demonstrated the raw footballing skill
of both sides.
From Messi's run that set up Pedro's
goal to Benzema's flick which beat
Puyol, this match was a showcase of
some of the best moments football
has to offer.
Truly, a "Clasico."
David Moyes warns Everton Olympians they will not get special treatment
David Moyes warns Everton Olympians they will not get special treatment
David Moyes has warned any of his players
intent on playing at the Olympics that they
will not receive preferential treatment when
returning to Everton.
A number of Everton’s squad have
received letters asking whether they will be
available to represent Team GB this summer
and Jack Rodwell has already posed for
publicity shots wearing the official strip.
But while he understands the lure of playing
at the tournament, which starts on July 25
and runs through to August 11, Moyes has
concerns.
Fair: David Moyes warned his players that
Everton is their employer
Fair: David Moyes warned his players
that Everton is their employer
Everton’s manager is uncomfortable with
its proximity to the start of the 2012-13
Barclays Premier League season and the
impact it will have on those players who
wish to participate.
‘I am a bit worried about the whole
thing,’ said Moyes.
‘It’s a real difficult one. It would be hard
to say to players not to go but, in the same
breath, this (Everton) is their bread and
butter.
‘This is where they get paid. I think they
have to give that a bit of consideration. They
do need holidays and they can’t then be
asking for spare time off that doesn’t fit in
(with Everton’s schedule).
‘If they say "I’m playing in the
Olympics then I might need a week off to
recover", there can never be anything like
that.
Chance: Jack Rodwell could represent Great
Britain, here shown in the team's kit
Chance: Jack Rodwell could
represent Great Britain, here shown in
the team's kit
‘I think the players going to the Olympics
will have to consider their own holiday time
– it couldn’t eat into club time.’
Moyes has no plans to meet with Team GB
head coach Stuart Pearce to discuss his ideas,
as he says the ultimate responsibility lies
with the players over what their intentions
are.
‘We accept international tournaments,’
said Moyes. ‘We go on pre-season and we
don’t have a lot of the players because
they’re playing through the summer.
‘What we’re willing to do to those boys
is give them a bit of extra time off because
the players definitely need a holiday.
'I don’t know. Maybe other managers will
take a different stance.’
David Moyes has warned any of his players
intent on playing at the Olympics that they
will not receive preferential treatment when
returning to Everton.
A number of Everton’s squad have
received letters asking whether they will be
available to represent Team GB this summer
and Jack Rodwell has already posed for
publicity shots wearing the official strip.
But while he understands the lure of playing
at the tournament, which starts on July 25
and runs through to August 11, Moyes has
concerns.
Fair: David Moyes warned his players that
Everton is their employer
Fair: David Moyes warned his players
that Everton is their employer
Everton’s manager is uncomfortable with
its proximity to the start of the 2012-13
Barclays Premier League season and the
impact it will have on those players who
wish to participate.
‘I am a bit worried about the whole
thing,’ said Moyes.
‘It’s a real difficult one. It would be hard
to say to players not to go but, in the same
breath, this (Everton) is their bread and
butter.
‘This is where they get paid. I think they
have to give that a bit of consideration. They
do need holidays and they can’t then be
asking for spare time off that doesn’t fit in
(with Everton’s schedule).
‘If they say "I’m playing in the
Olympics then I might need a week off to
recover", there can never be anything like
that.
Chance: Jack Rodwell could represent Great
Britain, here shown in the team's kit
Chance: Jack Rodwell could
represent Great Britain, here shown in
the team's kit
‘I think the players going to the Olympics
will have to consider their own holiday time
– it couldn’t eat into club time.’
Moyes has no plans to meet with Team GB
head coach Stuart Pearce to discuss his ideas,
as he says the ultimate responsibility lies
with the players over what their intentions
are.
‘We accept international tournaments,’
said Moyes. ‘We go on pre-season and we
don’t have a lot of the players because
they’re playing through the summer.
‘What we’re willing to do to those boys
is give them a bit of extra time off because
the players definitely need a holiday.
'I don’t know. Maybe other managers will
take a different stance.’
Man City assure Marwood job safe despite Soriano arrival
Man City assure Marwood job safe despite Soriano arrival
Brian Marwood has been assured his job is
safe atManchester City.
The Daily Mail says Marwood is secure,
despite the imminent arrival of former
Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano as
the new chief executive.
There has been widespread speculation from
Spain that Soriano will bring his former
Barcelona colleague Txiki Beguiristain to
head City’s recruitment — the job
Marwood carries out forRoberto Mancini.
But City, who have been secretive about
their hunt for Garry Cook’s successor,
went on the record on Wednesday to make it
clear they are looking to fill "one position
only", says the Daily Mail.
Brian Marwood has been assured his job is
safe atManchester City.
The Daily Mail says Marwood is secure,
despite the imminent arrival of former
Barcelona vice-president Ferran Soriano as
the new chief executive.
There has been widespread speculation from
Spain that Soriano will bring his former
Barcelona colleague Txiki Beguiristain to
head City’s recruitment — the job
Marwood carries out forRoberto Mancini.
But City, who have been secretive about
their hunt for Garry Cook’s successor,
went on the record on Wednesday to make it
clear they are looking to fill "one position
only", says the Daily Mail.
Selasa, 24 Januari 2012
Balotelli risks extra ban
Balotelli risks extra ban
The 21-year-old has until 6pm on
Wednesday to respond to the charge, which
relates to an incident in which he appeared to
catch Scott Parker's head with his foot
during Sunday's 3-2 Premier League win over
Tottenham.
An FA statement read on Monday evening:
"The FA has today charged Manchester City
forward Mario Balotelli with violent conduct
following an incident in his side's home game
against Tottenham Hotspur.
"Balotelli was involved in an incident with
Tottenham's Scott Parker during
Manchester City's 3-2 victory at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday 22 January 2012.
Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday 25
January 2012 to respond to the charge."
If City accept the charge then Balotelli will
miss four games because overall because he
has already been sent off against Liverpool
this season.
The 21-year-old has until 6pm on
Wednesday to respond to the charge, which
relates to an incident in which he appeared to
catch Scott Parker's head with his foot
during Sunday's 3-2 Premier League win over
Tottenham.
An FA statement read on Monday evening:
"The FA has today charged Manchester City
forward Mario Balotelli with violent conduct
following an incident in his side's home game
against Tottenham Hotspur.
"Balotelli was involved in an incident with
Tottenham's Scott Parker during
Manchester City's 3-2 victory at the Etihad
Stadium on Sunday 22 January 2012.
Balotelli has until 6pm on Wednesday 25
January 2012 to respond to the charge."
If City accept the charge then Balotelli will
miss four games because overall because he
has already been sent off against Liverpool
this season.
Abramovich determined to bring Willian to Chelsea before deadline
Abramovich determined to bring Willian to Chelsea before deadline
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined
to close a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder
Willian.
The Daily Mail says Abramovich is attempting to
drive through a move for Shakhtar Donetsk
winger Willian before the transfer deadline.
Shakhtar claim they rejected a £16.5million bid,
with chief executive Sergei Palkin confirming an
offer but insisting: "He is not for sale."
Abramovich, however, remains in dialogue with
his friend, the club's billionaire owner Rinat
Akhmetov.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is determined
to close a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder
Willian.
The Daily Mail says Abramovich is attempting to
drive through a move for Shakhtar Donetsk
winger Willian before the transfer deadline.
Shakhtar claim they rejected a £16.5million bid,
with chief executive Sergei Palkin confirming an
offer but insisting: "He is not for sale."
Abramovich, however, remains in dialogue with
his friend, the club's billionaire owner Rinat
Akhmetov.
Alexis Sanchez could've signed with Real Madrid for DOUBLE his Barcelona salary
Alexis Sanchez could've signed with Real Madrid for DOUBLE his Barcelona salary
Alexis Sanchez rejected a chance to double his
money atReal Madrid by signing with Barcelona,
it has been revealed.
La Tercera says having already agreed terms with
Barcelona while still with Udinese, Sanchez
received a stunning offer from Real chief Jose
Angel Sanchez - almost double what had been
settled with Barca.
A source revealed: "People in Real Madrid,
through Jose Angel Sanchez, sent Alexis a multi-
million dollar salary offer. It was almost double
what he had already agreed withBarcelona.
However, he flatly rejected the offer because he
had decided to leave for the team of Josep
Guardiola."
Udinese chief Andrea Carnevale admitted: "I've
known Alexis Sanchez for two and a half years,
from when he first arrived atUdinese. I can say
with confidence that he always wanted to go to
Barcelona."
Alexis Sanchez rejected a chance to double his
money atReal Madrid by signing with Barcelona,
it has been revealed.
La Tercera says having already agreed terms with
Barcelona while still with Udinese, Sanchez
received a stunning offer from Real chief Jose
Angel Sanchez - almost double what had been
settled with Barca.
A source revealed: "People in Real Madrid,
through Jose Angel Sanchez, sent Alexis a multi-
million dollar salary offer. It was almost double
what he had already agreed withBarcelona.
However, he flatly rejected the offer because he
had decided to leave for the team of Josep
Guardiola."
Udinese chief Andrea Carnevale admitted: "I've
known Alexis Sanchez for two and a half years,
from when he first arrived atUdinese. I can say
with confidence that he always wanted to go to
Barcelona."
Arsenal Want £22m Attack Trio, Man United Trio Set for Exit, Liverpool Chase La Liga Pair and Serie A Winger, Sunderland to Make Bundesliga Attacker Offer, Chelsea Man to Make £4m PSG Move, Everton Sell Winger, QPR Sign AC Milan Full- Back On Loan, Bolton to Make Trio of January Signings and Much Much More
Arsenal Want £22m Attack Trio, Man United Trio Set for Exit, Liverpool Chase La Liga Pair and Serie A Winger, Sunderland to Make Bundesliga Attacker Offer, Chelsea Man to Make £4m PSG Move, Everton Sell Winger, QPR Sign AC Milan Full- Back On Loan, Bolton to Make Trio of January Signings and Much Much More
Arsenal Fear £35m Man City Bid, Man United
Want ‘New Romario’, Liverpool Linked With Five,
PSG Sign One Chelsea Man & Set Sights On
Another, Swansea City Star Going Nowhere,
Everton Target Serie A Attacker, Real Madrid Line-
Up Mourinho Successor, Balotelli Threatens to
Leave Man City, Celtic Winger Turns Down
Tottenham Move, Ibrahimovic Open to MLS
Switch and Much Much More
Arsenal Transfer Shocker, Man United Want
£40m Trio, Liverpool Likely to Sign £10m Goal
Machine, Sunderland & Aston Villa Line Up Swap
Deal, Newcastle United Chase Defensive Quartet,
Tottenham Plan Surprise Premier League
Playmaker Bid, Everton Keen On Serie A Winger,
Chelsea Make Offer for £28m Rated Brazilian,
Fulham & West Ham Want £8m West Brom
Striker and Much Much More
Man United Plan Mega £78m Trio Bid, Arsenal
Close In On £25m Duo, Liverpool Chase Quartet,
Tottenham Plan Audacious Move for Premier
League Playmaker, Aston Villa to Sell Four, West
Ham In Talks to Sign Rangers Striker, Real Madrid
Want Luis Suarez, Wigan Chase Championship
Striker, Everton Boss Fears Big Name Player
Exodus, Fulham Agree Deal to Sign Serie A
Forward and Much Much More
Arsenal Chase Six, Man United Want £45m
Duo, Liverpool Chase Serie A Winger, Chelsea
Launch £20m Brazilian Bid, Fulham & West Ham
Make Rangers Striker Offers, Everton Chase
Portuguese Striker, QPR to Make Fresh Move for
Tottenham Winger, Newcastle United Pursue
English Centre Back, Carlos Tevez Turns Down
PSG Move and Much Much More
Man United Want £80m Quartet, Arsenal
Chase Real Madrid Striker, Liverpool to Make
£15m Man City Swoop, Chelsea Keen On World
Class Strike Foursome, Newcastle United to Make
Blackburn Rovers Contract Rebel Offer, Fulham to
Make West Brom Swoop, Celtic In Keeper Talks,
Rangers Pursue Full-Back and Much Much More
Arsenal Fear £35m Man City Bid, Man United
Want ‘New Romario’, Liverpool Linked With Five,
PSG Sign One Chelsea Man & Set Sights On
Another, Swansea City Star Going Nowhere,
Everton Target Serie A Attacker, Real Madrid Line-
Up Mourinho Successor, Balotelli Threatens to
Leave Man City, Celtic Winger Turns Down
Tottenham Move, Ibrahimovic Open to MLS
Switch and Much Much More
Arsenal Transfer Shocker, Man United Want
£40m Trio, Liverpool Likely to Sign £10m Goal
Machine, Sunderland & Aston Villa Line Up Swap
Deal, Newcastle United Chase Defensive Quartet,
Tottenham Plan Surprise Premier League
Playmaker Bid, Everton Keen On Serie A Winger,
Chelsea Make Offer for £28m Rated Brazilian,
Fulham & West Ham Want £8m West Brom
Striker and Much Much More
Man United Plan Mega £78m Trio Bid, Arsenal
Close In On £25m Duo, Liverpool Chase Quartet,
Tottenham Plan Audacious Move for Premier
League Playmaker, Aston Villa to Sell Four, West
Ham In Talks to Sign Rangers Striker, Real Madrid
Want Luis Suarez, Wigan Chase Championship
Striker, Everton Boss Fears Big Name Player
Exodus, Fulham Agree Deal to Sign Serie A
Forward and Much Much More
Arsenal Chase Six, Man United Want £45m
Duo, Liverpool Chase Serie A Winger, Chelsea
Launch £20m Brazilian Bid, Fulham & West Ham
Make Rangers Striker Offers, Everton Chase
Portuguese Striker, QPR to Make Fresh Move for
Tottenham Winger, Newcastle United Pursue
English Centre Back, Carlos Tevez Turns Down
PSG Move and Much Much More
Man United Want £80m Quartet, Arsenal
Chase Real Madrid Striker, Liverpool to Make
£15m Man City Swoop, Chelsea Keen On World
Class Strike Foursome, Newcastle United to Make
Blackburn Rovers Contract Rebel Offer, Fulham to
Make West Brom Swoop, Celtic In Keeper Talks,
Rangers Pursue Full-Back and Much Much More
Minggu, 22 Januari 2012
Manchester City Vs Tottenham
Manchester City Vs Tottenham
The big macth...Manchester City Vs Tottenham streaming now guys...
The big macth...Manchester City Vs Tottenham streaming now guys...
Arsenal defender Vermaelen fit to face Manchester United
Thomas Vermaelen will make Arsenal's clash
with Manchester United tonight.
The tough Belgian defender successfully passed a
fitness test yesterday and – provided there is no
reaction – he will start at The Emirates, says the
Sunday Mirror.
Manager Arsene Wenger will welcome back
Vermaelen after successive league defeats to
Fulham and Swansea.
In both matches, a lapse in defensive discipline
costArsenal dearly and Vermaelen’s influence
was sorely missed. With him, the Gunners have
tenacity to go along with his organising skills.
Thomas Vermaelen will make Arsenal's clash
with Manchester United tonight.
The tough Belgian defender successfully passed a
fitness test yesterday and – provided there is no
reaction – he will start at The Emirates, says the
Sunday Mirror.
Manager Arsene Wenger will welcome back
Vermaelen after successive league defeats to
Fulham and Swansea.
In both matches, a lapse in defensive discipline
costArsenal dearly and Vermaelen’s influence
was sorely missed. With him, the Gunners have
tenacity to go along with his organising skills.
Arsenal go from bad to better
Arsenal go from bad to better
START WITH A DRUBBING
28 Aug Arsenal start the season with a draw and
a defeat but things are about to get a whole lot
worse: theylose 8-2 at Old Trafford. It is
Arsenal's heaviest defeat since 1896
TICKET GIVEAWAY
29 Aug Arsenal offer free tickets to the estimated
3,000 fans who travelled to Old Trafford for the
8-2 defeat by way of apology. "We can only
apologise and come back in our strength and
desire in the next game," says Wenger
REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE
31 Aug Having lost Cesc Fábregas and Samir
Nasri against his wishes during the summer,
Wenger bolsters his squad as the transfer
window closes.Mikel Arteta (right) is brought
in from Everton to complement earlier signings,
such as Per Mertesacker and Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlain
DERBY DELIVERANCE
2 Oct On a sweltering autumn afternoon, Kyle
Walker wins the north London derby for Spurs
with a late, long-range strike. The result leaves
Arsenal in 15th place, two points off the relegation
places. Only Wigan and Blackburn have
conceded more goals
BLUES BRUSHED ASIDE
29 Oct Arsenal's season starts to recover with a
riotous victory at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea
take an early lead but Robin van Persie scores a
hat-trick and Theo Walcott is unplayable as
Arsenal inflict a punishing defeat
JOY IN EUROPE
23 Nov Van Persie (left) scores both Arsenal
goals as they beat Borussia Dortmund in the
Champions League, ensuring Arsenal's
qualification for the last 16 with a game to spare.
Manchester City and Manchester United both fail
to progress
CITY STRIFE
10 Dec A 1-0 victory against Everton lifts Arsenal
into fourth-place. Eight days later they lose to
Manchester City. In their games against City,
Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea so far this
season, Arsenal have won only once, lost three
times and conceded 14 goals
ROBIN RELIANT
31 Dec Van Persie scores his 35th goal of the
calendar year, one shy of Alan Shearer's Premier
League record
HERO BITES BACK
9 Jan Thierry Henry (right) scores for Arsenal on
his return to the Emirates. Things go less
smoothly in his next match: Arsenallose at
Swansea and Henry is involved in an argument
with one of his own fans at the final whistle.
Arsenal are now four points off the Champions
League places
START WITH A DRUBBING
28 Aug Arsenal start the season with a draw and
a defeat but things are about to get a whole lot
worse: theylose 8-2 at Old Trafford. It is
Arsenal's heaviest defeat since 1896
TICKET GIVEAWAY
29 Aug Arsenal offer free tickets to the estimated
3,000 fans who travelled to Old Trafford for the
8-2 defeat by way of apology. "We can only
apologise and come back in our strength and
desire in the next game," says Wenger
REINFORCEMENTS ARRIVE
31 Aug Having lost Cesc Fábregas and Samir
Nasri against his wishes during the summer,
Wenger bolsters his squad as the transfer
window closes.Mikel Arteta (right) is brought
in from Everton to complement earlier signings,
such as Per Mertesacker and Alex Oxlade-
Chamberlain
DERBY DELIVERANCE
2 Oct On a sweltering autumn afternoon, Kyle
Walker wins the north London derby for Spurs
with a late, long-range strike. The result leaves
Arsenal in 15th place, two points off the relegation
places. Only Wigan and Blackburn have
conceded more goals
BLUES BRUSHED ASIDE
29 Oct Arsenal's season starts to recover with a
riotous victory at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea
take an early lead but Robin van Persie scores a
hat-trick and Theo Walcott is unplayable as
Arsenal inflict a punishing defeat
JOY IN EUROPE
23 Nov Van Persie (left) scores both Arsenal
goals as they beat Borussia Dortmund in the
Champions League, ensuring Arsenal's
qualification for the last 16 with a game to spare.
Manchester City and Manchester United both fail
to progress
CITY STRIFE
10 Dec A 1-0 victory against Everton lifts Arsenal
into fourth-place. Eight days later they lose to
Manchester City. In their games against City,
Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea so far this
season, Arsenal have won only once, lost three
times and conceded 14 goals
ROBIN RELIANT
31 Dec Van Persie scores his 35th goal of the
calendar year, one shy of Alan Shearer's Premier
League record
HERO BITES BACK
9 Jan Thierry Henry (right) scores for Arsenal on
his return to the Emirates. Things go less
smoothly in his next match: Arsenallose at
Swansea and Henry is involved in an argument
with one of his own fans at the final whistle.
Arsenal are now four points off the Champions
League places
Jumat, 20 Januari 2012
Manchester United striker Rooney: I'll keep taking spotkicks
Manchester United striker Rooney: I'll keep taking spotkicks
Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney says he'll
keep taking their spotkicks.
Despite missing his last two penalties - against
Manchester City and Bolton, Rooney is still
confident of taking another.
"I will still take them," he said. "These things
happen. Sometimes you miss.
"It is not nice but it is not something I worry
about happening again."
Manchester United ace Wayne Rooney says he'll
keep taking their spotkicks.
Despite missing his last two penalties - against
Manchester City and Bolton, Rooney is still
confident of taking another.
"I will still take them," he said. "These things
happen. Sometimes you miss.
"It is not nice but it is not something I worry
about happening again."
Transfer rumors: Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, Blackburn, Manchester United, QPR, Tottenham
Transfer rumors: Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, Blackburn, Manchester United, QPR, Tottenham
As always, here is our collection of the best
transfer rumors we found.
Lukas Podolski is being linked with
Arsenalas help to keep Robin van Persie
around after this season.
Eduardo Vargas’ agent has added Arsenal
and Liverpool to the names of clubs
interestedin the Universidad de Chile winger.
A price may have been set for Chelsea and
Liverpoolin their chase of River Plate striker
Lucas Ocampos.
Andy Polo has been rumored to a sure thing
for Real Madrid, but then whywould he be
learning English?
Juventus striker Amauri wants out of Serie
A, does that mean he’s on his way to
Arsenal or Tottenham?
Olympique Marseille midfielder Lucho
Gonzalez was linked with Arsenal in August
but a loan deal was rejected.He still wants
out and Everton could be a destination.
Newcastle United is said to be chasing
Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud along with
Arsenal
Blackburn and QPRare both said to be
chasing 30-year-old PAOK Salonika
midfielder Georgios Fotakis
Juan Agudelo gets a trial at Liverpool, could
mean more
Lille striker Moussa Sow has dreams of
playing for Arsenal
Chelsea and Manchester United might be
interested in Ricky van Wolfswinkel, but
he’s not as interested in them.
Portugal international Yannick Djalo will
sign with Aston Villa in January
Fulham striker Moussa Dembele could be on
the move in Januarythe club fears, with
Lokomotiv Moscow likely coming after the
24-year-old
As always, here is our collection of the best
transfer rumors we found.
Lukas Podolski is being linked with
Arsenalas help to keep Robin van Persie
around after this season.
Eduardo Vargas’ agent has added Arsenal
and Liverpool to the names of clubs
interestedin the Universidad de Chile winger.
A price may have been set for Chelsea and
Liverpoolin their chase of River Plate striker
Lucas Ocampos.
Andy Polo has been rumored to a sure thing
for Real Madrid, but then whywould he be
learning English?
Juventus striker Amauri wants out of Serie
A, does that mean he’s on his way to
Arsenal or Tottenham?
Olympique Marseille midfielder Lucho
Gonzalez was linked with Arsenal in August
but a loan deal was rejected.He still wants
out and Everton could be a destination.
Newcastle United is said to be chasing
Montpellier striker Olivier Giroud along with
Arsenal
Blackburn and QPRare both said to be
chasing 30-year-old PAOK Salonika
midfielder Georgios Fotakis
Juan Agudelo gets a trial at Liverpool, could
mean more
Lille striker Moussa Sow has dreams of
playing for Arsenal
Chelsea and Manchester United might be
interested in Ricky van Wolfswinkel, but
he’s not as interested in them.
Portugal international Yannick Djalo will
sign with Aston Villa in January
Fulham striker Moussa Dembele could be on
the move in Januarythe club fears, with
Lokomotiv Moscow likely coming after the
24-year-old
LIVERPOOL & TOTTENHAM, Willing to sign Krasic on loan
LIVERPOOL & TOTTENHAM, Willing to sign Krasic on loan
Both Liverpool and Tottenham are willing to sign
Serbian international Milos Krasic (27) on loan
from Juventus. Bianconeri management are
however trying to let him leave on a full basis.
Both Liverpool and Tottenham are willing to sign
Serbian international Milos Krasic (27) on loan
from Juventus. Bianconeri management are
however trying to let him leave on a full basis.
Belgian First Division: Genk 2 Sint-Truiden 1
Belgian First Division: Genk 2 Sint-Truiden 1
Genk came from a goal down at home to defeat
Sint-Truiden 2-1, staying in touch with the Belgian
First Division title race in the process.
The hosts fell behind on 39 minutes, when Wim
Mennes’ tricky run and cross on from the left
handed Pierre Yves Ngawa the easiest of finishes
at the far post.
Genk pushed hard for an equaliser, but had to
wait until the 53rd minute to pull level.
It came in somewhat controversial
circumstances, with Sint-Truiden midfielder Koen
Daerden – formerly of the hosts – adjudged to
have brought down Fabian Camus as the Genk
playmaker raced into the box.
Eli Barda took the responsibility and converted the
penalty well, with his side scoring the match-
winning goal just two minutes later.
Christian Benteke had come on at half-time for
veteran Thomas Buffel, but did his claims for a
starting role no harm by finishing neatly past
Davino Verhulst in the Sint-Truiden goal.
Genk move fourth on the table ahead of the rest
of the weekend’s matches, while Sint-Truiden
remain mired in the relegation zone and could be
more than three points adrift of safety come
Sunday.
Genk came from a goal down at home to defeat
Sint-Truiden 2-1, staying in touch with the Belgian
First Division title race in the process.
The hosts fell behind on 39 minutes, when Wim
Mennes’ tricky run and cross on from the left
handed Pierre Yves Ngawa the easiest of finishes
at the far post.
Genk pushed hard for an equaliser, but had to
wait until the 53rd minute to pull level.
It came in somewhat controversial
circumstances, with Sint-Truiden midfielder Koen
Daerden – formerly of the hosts – adjudged to
have brought down Fabian Camus as the Genk
playmaker raced into the box.
Eli Barda took the responsibility and converted the
penalty well, with his side scoring the match-
winning goal just two minutes later.
Christian Benteke had come on at half-time for
veteran Thomas Buffel, but did his claims for a
starting role no harm by finishing neatly past
Davino Verhulst in the Sint-Truiden goal.
Genk move fourth on the table ahead of the rest
of the weekend’s matches, while Sint-Truiden
remain mired in the relegation zone and could be
more than three points adrift of safety come
Sunday.
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Injuries Will Derail Gunners Against Red Devils
Arsenal vs Manchester United: Injuries Will Derail Gunners Against Red Devils
Arsenalwould be wise to stock the
Emirates Stadium with antiseptic rinse
ahead of Sunday's monumental English
Premier League clash with
Manchester United.
That is, unless the Gunners would
prefer to leave their supporters with
yet another bad taste in their mouths.
The one lingering from the
embarrassing 8-2 travesty at Old
Trafford back in August isn't likely to
go anywhere amidst Arsenal's ongoing
woes on the pitch and in the training
room.
WhatWhat willwill bebe thethe resultresult onon SundaySunday??
WinWin forfor ArsenalArsenal
WinWin forfor ManchesterManchester UnitedUnited
DrawDraw
SubmitSubmit VoteVote votevote toto seesee resultsresults
According to Mirror Football,
Thierry Henry, whom Arsene
Wenger was planning to pair with Robin
van Persie up front, is "no better than
50-50" to feature at all on Sunday,
much less make the starting XI. The
34-year-old once-and-former Arsenal
talisman strained his calf in training on
Tuesday and may need to rest as a
result.
And if that weren't bad enough, the
Gunners may also be without
midfielderMikel Artetaand center-
back Thomas Vermaelen, also on
account of injury. These, on top of the
continued absences of AndreSantos,
Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Jack
Wilshere and Bacary Sagna.
It's hardly an ideal situation for Le
Professeur, whose side was similarly
threadbare the last time these two
powerhouses met on the pitch.
Granted, Sir Alex Ferguson isn't exactly
without his own fitness concerns,
either. His midfield is similarly depleted,
with Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher
and Ashley Young all on the mend at
some point or another, while the likes
of Danny Welbeck, Anderson, Nemanja
Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling
have all struggled to stay fit.
So, on the whole, Arsenal wouldn't
appear to be at too great a
disadvantage, at least when it comes to
those on the first-team squad who are
fit to play.
122594499_crop_340x234
AlexAlex LiveseyLivesey//GettyGetty ImagesImages
Then again, the Gunners haven't
exactly shown much of late to inspire
confidence in their ability to avenge the
six-goal drubbing in question. They've
dropped their last two EPL matches (to
Fulhamand Swansea) and needed a
miraculous goal by Henry to top lowly
Leeds Unitedin FA Cup play.
And that's not even to mention a slim
1-0 victory over QPR or a 1-1 draw
with Wolves just prior.
In other words, Arsenal aren't exactly
on a good run of form, with or without
their walking wounded. They'll have
to hope that Man U are similarly
strapped by knocks on Sunday.
Otherwise, Listerine figures to make a
pretty penny off the legions of
disgusted Gooners roaming through
North London shortly after the match.
Arsenalwould be wise to stock the
Emirates Stadium with antiseptic rinse
ahead of Sunday's monumental English
Premier League clash with
Manchester United.
That is, unless the Gunners would
prefer to leave their supporters with
yet another bad taste in their mouths.
The one lingering from the
embarrassing 8-2 travesty at Old
Trafford back in August isn't likely to
go anywhere amidst Arsenal's ongoing
woes on the pitch and in the training
room.
WhatWhat willwill bebe thethe resultresult onon SundaySunday??
WinWin forfor ArsenalArsenal
WinWin forfor ManchesterManchester UnitedUnited
DrawDraw
SubmitSubmit VoteVote votevote toto seesee resultsresults
According to Mirror Football,
Thierry Henry, whom Arsene
Wenger was planning to pair with Robin
van Persie up front, is "no better than
50-50" to feature at all on Sunday,
much less make the starting XI. The
34-year-old once-and-former Arsenal
talisman strained his calf in training on
Tuesday and may need to rest as a
result.
And if that weren't bad enough, the
Gunners may also be without
midfielderMikel Artetaand center-
back Thomas Vermaelen, also on
account of injury. These, on top of the
continued absences of AndreSantos,
Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs, Jack
Wilshere and Bacary Sagna.
It's hardly an ideal situation for Le
Professeur, whose side was similarly
threadbare the last time these two
powerhouses met on the pitch.
Granted, Sir Alex Ferguson isn't exactly
without his own fitness concerns,
either. His midfield is similarly depleted,
with Tom Cleverley, Darren Fletcher
and Ashley Young all on the mend at
some point or another, while the likes
of Danny Welbeck, Anderson, Nemanja
Vidic, Phil Jones and Chris Smalling
have all struggled to stay fit.
So, on the whole, Arsenal wouldn't
appear to be at too great a
disadvantage, at least when it comes to
those on the first-team squad who are
fit to play.
122594499_crop_340x234
AlexAlex LiveseyLivesey//GettyGetty ImagesImages
Then again, the Gunners haven't
exactly shown much of late to inspire
confidence in their ability to avenge the
six-goal drubbing in question. They've
dropped their last two EPL matches (to
Fulhamand Swansea) and needed a
miraculous goal by Henry to top lowly
Leeds Unitedin FA Cup play.
And that's not even to mention a slim
1-0 victory over QPR or a 1-1 draw
with Wolves just prior.
In other words, Arsenal aren't exactly
on a good run of form, with or without
their walking wounded. They'll have
to hope that Man U are similarly
strapped by knocks on Sunday.
Otherwise, Listerine figures to make a
pretty penny off the legions of
disgusted Gooners roaming through
North London shortly after the match.
Kamis, 19 Januari 2012
Chelsea’s AVB does not agree with Ancelotti’s Drogba/ Torres stance
Chelsea’s AVB does not agree with Ancelotti’s Drogba/ Torres stance
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says he does
not see eye-to-eye with former Blues boss
Carlo Ancelotti regarding his ideas on the Didier
Drogba/Fernando Torres partnership.
The Italian tactician, who has recently taken the
reins atParis Saint-Germain, believes that
£50million signing Torres will not be able to
flourish whilst Drogba is still at Stamford Bridge
but Villas-Boas does not agree.
"For me, it's not the case,” he said.
"Fernando has been with us a year and is in a
great moment of form and looking sharp.
"It's nothing to do with one being present and the
other one not," he added. "In a club of our
dimension, we have top competition.
"The people you compete with are as good or
better than you and you have to compete to
reach the starting XI.
"It's the same with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
You compete with the best within the group."
Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard
news and exciting gossip on Chelsea
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas says he does
not see eye-to-eye with former Blues boss
Carlo Ancelotti regarding his ideas on the Didier
Drogba/Fernando Torres partnership.
The Italian tactician, who has recently taken the
reins atParis Saint-Germain, believes that
£50million signing Torres will not be able to
flourish whilst Drogba is still at Stamford Bridge
but Villas-Boas does not agree.
"For me, it's not the case,” he said.
"Fernando has been with us a year and is in a
great moment of form and looking sharp.
"It's nothing to do with one being present and the
other one not," he added. "In a club of our
dimension, we have top competition.
"The people you compete with are as good or
better than you and you have to compete to
reach the starting XI.
"It's the same with Barcelona and Real Madrid.
You compete with the best within the group."
Click here to reach the No1 destination for hard
news and exciting gossip on Chelsea
Villas-Boas unconcerned with Torres 'statistics'
Villas-Boas unconcerned with Torres 'statistics'
Andre Villas-Boas today said Fernando Torres' form
has nothing to do with competition between
himself and team-mate Didier Drogba.
Villas-Boas was confident Torres had not become
the latest Blues striker to be affected by Drogba, as
Carlo Ancelotti had said this week. Ancelotti, who
Villas-Boas succeeded as Chelsea manager last
summer, insisted Drogba had to be sold for Torres
to flourish at Stamford Bridge.
But Villas-Boas rejected Ancelotti's analysis this
afternoon, saying: "It would be unfair for a player of
Fernando's personality and dimension to conclude
that one is inflicting on the other one's belief. If that
was the case with any player, it would be a mental
weakness or a mental block, which is not the case
in my opinion."
Ancelotti picked Torres ahead of Drogba after the
Spaniard's record-breaking £50 million move from
Liverpool almost a year ago, but soon recalled the
Ivorian. Villas-Boas began his own reign with
Torres as his first-choice striker, but the 27-year-old
only began scoring when Drogba was out injured.
He then lost his place again to the Ivorian before
being restored to the starting line-up following
Drogba's departure for CAF Africa Cup of Nations
duty. With Drogba on national duty, Torres has
begun to find his form once more. But Villas-Boas
insisted the only link between the two was "the fact
that it's one less competitor for a position", rather
than anything more sinister.
Villas-Boas compared Torres' lot to that of £27
million Edin Dzeko at Manchester City, with the latter
also finding himself dropped despite a far greater
goal return. "We have a player like Dzeko with
plenty of goals but he's not used all the time by
City," Villas-Boas said.
"The numbers, statistically, are impressive for
Dzeko. He had scored ten goals in the first few
weeks of the season. But [Roberto] Mancini feels
others offer something positive and different for the
team."
He added of Torres, who has netted only five times
in almost year at Chelsea and not for three months:
"It hurts everybody in the sense of goal statistics,
but he's doing tremendously for the team. He's a
striker with a hunger for goals who wants to be in
the box. We've seen him in the box, we've seen
him arrive and create danger.
"As long as he's working well for the team, I don't
care how the statistics will finish and how dramatic
people think they are."
Torres was by far the most expensive signing in
Chelsea's history and highlighted again the club's
preference for spending big rather than for
promoting within. Villas-Boas claimed the only way
to ensure a conveyor belt of young talent for the
first team was to revolutionise the structure of
English football.
Calling for Chelsea to be allowed to field a second-
tier side in the Championship, Villas-Boas said: "The
youth development system in England is not
right. The reserve team league is not competitive.
The youth levels are not competitive enough.
"In my opinion, there is a missed link between age
groups in all competitions. They should be national
championships played between teams from
around the country. The older ones should play
nationally. The younger ones should play
regionally. It is that which generates talent."
Spanish clubs are allowed to field sides in lower
divisions, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid
doing so. "If the European model is applied in
England, it could be tested," Villas-Boas said.
"The reserve team, for all the people who work
hard, is not competitive. It serves the first team, but
it doesn't serve the progression of talent coming
through."
John Terry was the last academy player to become
a first-team regular at Chelsea, who regularly send
out their youngsters on loan.
Andre Villas-Boas today said Fernando Torres' form
has nothing to do with competition between
himself and team-mate Didier Drogba.
Villas-Boas was confident Torres had not become
the latest Blues striker to be affected by Drogba, as
Carlo Ancelotti had said this week. Ancelotti, who
Villas-Boas succeeded as Chelsea manager last
summer, insisted Drogba had to be sold for Torres
to flourish at Stamford Bridge.
But Villas-Boas rejected Ancelotti's analysis this
afternoon, saying: "It would be unfair for a player of
Fernando's personality and dimension to conclude
that one is inflicting on the other one's belief. If that
was the case with any player, it would be a mental
weakness or a mental block, which is not the case
in my opinion."
Ancelotti picked Torres ahead of Drogba after the
Spaniard's record-breaking £50 million move from
Liverpool almost a year ago, but soon recalled the
Ivorian. Villas-Boas began his own reign with
Torres as his first-choice striker, but the 27-year-old
only began scoring when Drogba was out injured.
He then lost his place again to the Ivorian before
being restored to the starting line-up following
Drogba's departure for CAF Africa Cup of Nations
duty. With Drogba on national duty, Torres has
begun to find his form once more. But Villas-Boas
insisted the only link between the two was "the fact
that it's one less competitor for a position", rather
than anything more sinister.
Villas-Boas compared Torres' lot to that of £27
million Edin Dzeko at Manchester City, with the latter
also finding himself dropped despite a far greater
goal return. "We have a player like Dzeko with
plenty of goals but he's not used all the time by
City," Villas-Boas said.
"The numbers, statistically, are impressive for
Dzeko. He had scored ten goals in the first few
weeks of the season. But [Roberto] Mancini feels
others offer something positive and different for the
team."
He added of Torres, who has netted only five times
in almost year at Chelsea and not for three months:
"It hurts everybody in the sense of goal statistics,
but he's doing tremendously for the team. He's a
striker with a hunger for goals who wants to be in
the box. We've seen him in the box, we've seen
him arrive and create danger.
"As long as he's working well for the team, I don't
care how the statistics will finish and how dramatic
people think they are."
Torres was by far the most expensive signing in
Chelsea's history and highlighted again the club's
preference for spending big rather than for
promoting within. Villas-Boas claimed the only way
to ensure a conveyor belt of young talent for the
first team was to revolutionise the structure of
English football.
Calling for Chelsea to be allowed to field a second-
tier side in the Championship, Villas-Boas said: "The
youth development system in England is not
right. The reserve team league is not competitive.
The youth levels are not competitive enough.
"In my opinion, there is a missed link between age
groups in all competitions. They should be national
championships played between teams from
around the country. The older ones should play
nationally. The younger ones should play
regionally. It is that which generates talent."
Spanish clubs are allowed to field sides in lower
divisions, with both Barcelona and Real Madrid
doing so. "If the European model is applied in
England, it could be tested," Villas-Boas said.
"The reserve team, for all the people who work
hard, is not competitive. It serves the first team, but
it doesn't serve the progression of talent coming
through."
John Terry was the last academy player to become
a first-team regular at Chelsea, who regularly send
out their youngsters on loan.
Real Madrid Team Report (AP)
Real Madrid Team Report (AP)
REAL MADRID
Coach: Jose Mourinho (since 01/06/2010)
Last Result: 2-1 win at Mallorca, January 14
Record: 15-2-1
Streak: Won 3
Next Match: at home to Athletic Bilbao, January 22
Europe: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16
Second Leg)
Jose Mourinho accepted responsibility for Real
Madrid’s 2-1 first-leg defeat to Barcelona in the
quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but insisted he
will not be affected by the club’s fans calling for a
more attacking style of play against the Catalans.
The Portuguese coach started with a combative
4-3-3 formation on Wednesday, leaving more
creative players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Jose
Maria Callejon on the bench. He told AS, “I always
understand the fans point of view, but I don’t
listen, not before and not after this game. The
responsibility is mine, particularly when my team
loses. Victory has many creators, but defeat only
one.”
REAL MADRID
Coach: Jose Mourinho (since 01/06/2010)
Last Result: 2-1 win at Mallorca, January 14
Record: 15-2-1
Streak: Won 3
Next Match: at home to Athletic Bilbao, January 22
Europe: UEFA Champions League (Round of 16
Second Leg)
Jose Mourinho accepted responsibility for Real
Madrid’s 2-1 first-leg defeat to Barcelona in the
quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey, but insisted he
will not be affected by the club’s fans calling for a
more attacking style of play against the Catalans.
The Portuguese coach started with a combative
4-3-3 formation on Wednesday, leaving more
creative players like Mesut Ozil, Kaka and Jose
Maria Callejon on the bench. He told AS, “I always
understand the fans point of view, but I don’t
listen, not before and not after this game. The
responsibility is mine, particularly when my team
loses. Victory has many creators, but defeat only
one.”
Rabu, 18 Januari 2012
Sao Paulo demand Kaka included in Real Madrid bid for Lucas
Sao Paulo demand Kaka included in Real Madrid bid for Lucas
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is being lined up for a
sensational return to Sao Paulo.
El Confidencial says Sao Paulo have demanded
Kaka in negotiations with Real over the sale of
young midfielder Lucas.
Kaka faces being squeezed out at Real and has
attracted interest from PSG this month.
Sao Paulo have slapped a €30 million price-tag on
Lucas, but are willing to drop their valuation if
Kaka is included in Real's offer.
The former AC Milan star's wages won't be a
problem for Sao Paulo, whose board are
confident they can secure sponsors to cover his
salary - just asFlamengo did with Ronaldinho
and Santos for Neymar.
Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is being lined up for a
sensational return to Sao Paulo.
El Confidencial says Sao Paulo have demanded
Kaka in negotiations with Real over the sale of
young midfielder Lucas.
Kaka faces being squeezed out at Real and has
attracted interest from PSG this month.
Sao Paulo have slapped a €30 million price-tag on
Lucas, but are willing to drop their valuation if
Kaka is included in Real's offer.
The former AC Milan star's wages won't be a
problem for Sao Paulo, whose board are
confident they can secure sponsors to cover his
salary - just asFlamengo did with Ronaldinho
and Santos for Neymar.
Selasa, 17 Januari 2012
Tottenham want Tim Krul Newcastle United
Tottenham want Tim Krul Newcastle United
Tottenham will bid for Newcastle United keeper
Tim Krul but are prepared to wait and make their
move in the summer.
Chelsea and QPR are also known to be among
the Dutch goalkeeper’s admirers but Tottenham
hope the 23-year-old will opt to join them once
they agree a fee with Newcastle.
In demand: Tim Krul has been in fine form for
Newcastle United this season
In demand: Tim Krul has been in fine form
for Newcastle United this season
The North East club value Krul at £15million but
that won’t deter Tottenham as they look to shape
a side that can challenge for the Premier League
on a consistent basis.
Krul is chasing better terms at Newcastle after
excelling this season and Tottenham will be
willing to double his salary.
Although Brad Friedel has had a steadying
influence on their defence, Heurelho Gomes is
expected to move on in this window.
As an interim measure Spurs have made an
approach to sign Real Valladolid goalkeeper Jaime
Jimenez, 31.
Meanwhile, Stockport goalkeeper Ian Ormson,
17, has started a week’s trial at White Hart Lane.
Scouts watched a Tottenham XI beat Celtic 4-1 in
a friendly on Tuesday.
Sebastien Bassong, Steven Pienaar, Vedran
Corluka, Niko Kranjcar, Giovani dos Santos, and
Tom Carroll all figured.
Tottenham will bid for Newcastle United keeper
Tim Krul but are prepared to wait and make their
move in the summer.
Chelsea and QPR are also known to be among
the Dutch goalkeeper’s admirers but Tottenham
hope the 23-year-old will opt to join them once
they agree a fee with Newcastle.
In demand: Tim Krul has been in fine form for
Newcastle United this season
In demand: Tim Krul has been in fine form
for Newcastle United this season
The North East club value Krul at £15million but
that won’t deter Tottenham as they look to shape
a side that can challenge for the Premier League
on a consistent basis.
Krul is chasing better terms at Newcastle after
excelling this season and Tottenham will be
willing to double his salary.
Although Brad Friedel has had a steadying
influence on their defence, Heurelho Gomes is
expected to move on in this window.
As an interim measure Spurs have made an
approach to sign Real Valladolid goalkeeper Jaime
Jimenez, 31.
Meanwhile, Stockport goalkeeper Ian Ormson,
17, has started a week’s trial at White Hart Lane.
Scouts watched a Tottenham XI beat Celtic 4-1 in
a friendly on Tuesday.
Sebastien Bassong, Steven Pienaar, Vedran
Corluka, Niko Kranjcar, Giovani dos Santos, and
Tom Carroll all figured.
Fulham want Billy Sharp
Fulham want Billy Sharp
Fulham are rekindling their interest in Doncaster
striker Billy Sharp.
The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal by
the Championship club, while an offer from
Leicester remains on the table.
Fulham are also closing on a deal for Aberdeen
midfielder Jack Grimmer. The 17-year-old will
move to London with another youngster,
Denmark Under 17 midfielder Lasse Vigen
Christensen, who is signing from FC Midtjylland.
Fulham are rekindling their interest in Doncaster
striker Billy Sharp.
The 25-year-old has been offered a new deal by
the Championship club, while an offer from
Leicester remains on the table.
Fulham are also closing on a deal for Aberdeen
midfielder Jack Grimmer. The 17-year-old will
move to London with another youngster,
Denmark Under 17 midfielder Lasse Vigen
Christensen, who is signing from FC Midtjylland.
Mancini: Only Barcelona could cope with Man City problems
Mancini: Only Barcelona could cope with Man City problems
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has again
declared he's working under difficult
circumstances.
Mancini believes no side other than Barcelona
could cope with the problems he is encountering.
"Maybe Barcelona could. Manchester City no," he
said.
"In four or five years, Manchester City probably
yes. But not now.
"When I said one month ago that December and
January would be the crucial months it was
because I know football.
"Every year in every squad you have one difficult
moment. At the moment we are not strong and
we have lost important players, so it is difficult."
Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini has again
declared he's working under difficult
circumstances.
Mancini believes no side other than Barcelona
could cope with the problems he is encountering.
"Maybe Barcelona could. Manchester City no," he
said.
"In four or five years, Manchester City probably
yes. But not now.
"When I said one month ago that December and
January would be the crucial months it was
because I know football.
"Every year in every squad you have one difficult
moment. At the moment we are not strong and
we have lost important players, so it is difficult."
Thierry Henry apologises for swearing to Arsenal fan
Thierry Henry apologises for swearing to Arsenal fan
Thierry Henry has issued an apology to Arsenal
fans for his x-rated outburst at one of the club's
fans.
The French forward, 34, admitted that he lost his
temper after the Gunners' unexpected 3-2 defeat
at the hands of Swansea.
One fan had shouted abuse at the players as
they applauded the travelling support, and Henry
admitted to losing his cool.
'I was really shocked and disappointed on
Sunday - and not just at the result,' Henry told
The Sun.
'After the final whistle of a very tricky game, I
insisted the whole team go and applaud the
Arsenal supporters.
'When I arrived in front of our own fans, I
couldn't understand the abuse the team were
getting from one of them.
'I wanted to tell the fan in question that we need
their support not abuse. The sentiment was right
but in hindsight could have been better
expressed.
'So I would like to first and foremost apologise
for using inappropriate language to that particular
'supporter'.
Apology: Henry admitted to losing his cool
'I didn't intend to be malicious or
threatening and am aware that it
could have been said in a calmer
manner.
'We have had great moments at
this club but we are all in this
together. We need your support
in the good times but more
importantly the bad.
'Let's get behind the team against Manchester
United on Sunday and try to get three points to
get the season back on track.'
Henry, meanwhile, will escape
punishment for his angry
confrontation with an Arsenal
fan after Sky decided not to re-
run potentially damning
television footage.
Viewers of Swansea’s 3-2
victory over the Gunners on
Sunday saw Henry react to an
away supporter and appear to
beckon the fan on to the pitch
at the Liberty Stadium.
Arsenal insist the altercation
was not heated and Henry
merely told the fan he must
support the team despite the
disappointing result.
But Sportsmail understands
Sky Sports consulted a lip-
reading expert to decipher the
Frenchman’s response, which
they deny, and have
subsequently decided not to
replay the film.
Sky have also refused to
release the footage to this
newspaper and do not plan to
broadcast it again.
The FA, who have not
received any complaints about
the incident, would need to see
the footage before deciding
whether to act.
Thierry Henry has issued an apology to Arsenal
fans for his x-rated outburst at one of the club's
fans.
The French forward, 34, admitted that he lost his
temper after the Gunners' unexpected 3-2 defeat
at the hands of Swansea.
One fan had shouted abuse at the players as
they applauded the travelling support, and Henry
admitted to losing his cool.
'I was really shocked and disappointed on
Sunday - and not just at the result,' Henry told
The Sun.
'After the final whistle of a very tricky game, I
insisted the whole team go and applaud the
Arsenal supporters.
'When I arrived in front of our own fans, I
couldn't understand the abuse the team were
getting from one of them.
'I wanted to tell the fan in question that we need
their support not abuse. The sentiment was right
but in hindsight could have been better
expressed.
'So I would like to first and foremost apologise
for using inappropriate language to that particular
'supporter'.
Apology: Henry admitted to losing his cool
'I didn't intend to be malicious or
threatening and am aware that it
could have been said in a calmer
manner.
'We have had great moments at
this club but we are all in this
together. We need your support
in the good times but more
importantly the bad.
'Let's get behind the team against Manchester
United on Sunday and try to get three points to
get the season back on track.'
Henry, meanwhile, will escape
punishment for his angry
confrontation with an Arsenal
fan after Sky decided not to re-
run potentially damning
television footage.
Viewers of Swansea’s 3-2
victory over the Gunners on
Sunday saw Henry react to an
away supporter and appear to
beckon the fan on to the pitch
at the Liberty Stadium.
Arsenal insist the altercation
was not heated and Henry
merely told the fan he must
support the team despite the
disappointing result.
But Sportsmail understands
Sky Sports consulted a lip-
reading expert to decipher the
Frenchman’s response, which
they deny, and have
subsequently decided not to
replay the film.
Sky have also refused to
release the footage to this
newspaper and do not plan to
broadcast it again.
The FA, who have not
received any complaints about
the incident, would need to see
the footage before deciding
whether to act.
After Chelsea offer, Man Utd open Lille talks for €30M Hazard
After Chelsea offer, Man Utd open Lille talks for €30M Hazard
Manchester United have launched a shock bid for
Lille sensation Eden Hazard.
Journal di Dimanche says United have
approached Lille about opening negotiations over
a €30 million deal for the Belgian.
It's suggested United will push for an agreement
this month, but are prepared for Hazard to spend
the remainder of this season on-loan.
United have moved for Hazard after it broke last
week thatChelsea had failed with a £25 million
offer for the midfielder last week.
Manchester United have launched a shock bid for
Lille sensation Eden Hazard.
Journal di Dimanche says United have
approached Lille about opening negotiations over
a €30 million deal for the Belgian.
It's suggested United will push for an agreement
this month, but are prepared for Hazard to spend
the remainder of this season on-loan.
United have moved for Hazard after it broke last
week thatChelsea had failed with a £25 million
offer for the midfielder last week.
David Beckham and Ryan Giggs confirm Olympics interest
David Beckham and Ryan Giggs confirm Olympics interest
David Beckham and Ryan Giggs are among
players who have indicated they wish to be
considered for the British men's team at the
London 2012 Olympics.
Of 191 players written to by the Football
Association last month, only seven have ruled
themselves out.
Olympic football is for under-23s but Beckham,
36, and Giggs, 38, could both be included as
over-age players.
"Players recognise how special this opportunity
is," said Darryl Seibel of the British Olympic
Association.
Former England captain Beckham's availability for
Olympic selectionhad been widely known but
the fact he and Manchester United midfielder
Giggs are among those sounded out by the FA
indicates they are being considered for the three
over-age picks the Team GB squad can include.
Players did not have to respond in writing to the
FA's letter if they wanted to be in the Team GB
player pool, from which coach Stuart Pearce will
pick his squad for the Olympics, only if they did
not wish to.
However, a large percentage of the 184 players
did contact the FA to confirm their interest.
"This is an outstanding response and it confirms
what we have believed all along, which is that
there is widespread interest among players in
competing for Team GB at theLondon 2012
Games," continued BOA communications
director Seibel.
The seven players who have said they do not
wish to be involved are reported to be from
across the home nations, including at least one
Englishman, and are from a variety of clubs.
David Beckham and Ryan Giggs are among
players who have indicated they wish to be
considered for the British men's team at the
London 2012 Olympics.
Of 191 players written to by the Football
Association last month, only seven have ruled
themselves out.
Olympic football is for under-23s but Beckham,
36, and Giggs, 38, could both be included as
over-age players.
"Players recognise how special this opportunity
is," said Darryl Seibel of the British Olympic
Association.
Former England captain Beckham's availability for
Olympic selectionhad been widely known but
the fact he and Manchester United midfielder
Giggs are among those sounded out by the FA
indicates they are being considered for the three
over-age picks the Team GB squad can include.
Players did not have to respond in writing to the
FA's letter if they wanted to be in the Team GB
player pool, from which coach Stuart Pearce will
pick his squad for the Olympics, only if they did
not wish to.
However, a large percentage of the 184 players
did contact the FA to confirm their interest.
"This is an outstanding response and it confirms
what we have believed all along, which is that
there is widespread interest among players in
competing for Team GB at theLondon 2012
Games," continued BOA communications
director Seibel.
The seven players who have said they do not
wish to be involved are reported to be from
across the home nations, including at least one
Englishman, and are from a variety of clubs.
Minggu, 15 Januari 2012
Juventus still haggling with Sevilla over Caceres fee
Juventus still haggling with Sevilla over Caceres fee
Juventus are still haggling with Sevilla over a price
for Martin Caceres.
The Uruguay defender wants to see the deal
closed, but there remains an issue over his asking
price.
Calciomercato.it says there is still a €3m gap
between offer and demand, so talks must
continue next week.
Juventus have proposed €1m for the six-month
loan plus another €7m at the end of the season.
Juventus are still haggling with Sevilla over a price
for Martin Caceres.
The Uruguay defender wants to see the deal
closed, but there remains an issue over his asking
price.
Calciomercato.it says there is still a €3m gap
between offer and demand, so talks must
continue next week.
Juventus have proposed €1m for the six-month
loan plus another €7m at the end of the season.
Spurs, Liverpool rival Arsenal for Chelsea rebel Kalou
Spurs, Liverpool rival Arsenal for Chelsea rebel Kalou
The Sunday Mirror says Kalou will resist attempts
byChelsea to sell him in the January transfer
window and walk out on the Blues for nothing in
the summer.
Kalou is with the Ivory Coast preparing for the
Africa Cup of Nations and isn’t due to return to
Stamford Bridge until next month. But he has
dismissed reports of a cut-price move toArsenal
after failing to agree a new contract with Chelsea
and up to ten clubs are ready to enter an auction
for his signature when he becomes a free agent.
Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and a host of
European clubs including cash-rich French giants
PSG are interested.
The Sunday Mirror says Kalou will resist attempts
byChelsea to sell him in the January transfer
window and walk out on the Blues for nothing in
the summer.
Kalou is with the Ivory Coast preparing for the
Africa Cup of Nations and isn’t due to return to
Stamford Bridge until next month. But he has
dismissed reports of a cut-price move toArsenal
after failing to agree a new contract with Chelsea
and up to ten clubs are ready to enter an auction
for his signature when he becomes a free agent.
Tottenham, Liverpool, Everton and a host of
European clubs including cash-rich French giants
PSG are interested.
Sabtu, 14 Januari 2012
Manchester City coach Platt insists they have bottle needed to win title
Manchester City coach Platt insists they have bottle needed to win title
Manchester City coach David Platt has rubbished
doubts over their bottle in the Premier League title
race.
Platt has no doubts over the Blues' durability.
And he feels last season's FA Cup triumph has
proved the self-belief to know success can be
achieved no matter what outsiders might say.
"Do you go up and down with results? Yes," he
said.
"I was down the other night. Everyone is
disappointed because we have lost a home game
that makes reaching the Carling Cup final difficult.
"But is this group of players capable of winning
by two goals at Anfield? All season it has shown
us that it is.
"This is a team that won last year. Winning the
FA Cup will help. It has given us the knowledge
that we can win and the desire to win more.
"There is always something else to look forward
to. Pressure is what you create yourself, I just
know we have a team full of ability."
Manchester City coach David Platt has rubbished
doubts over their bottle in the Premier League title
race.
Platt has no doubts over the Blues' durability.
And he feels last season's FA Cup triumph has
proved the self-belief to know success can be
achieved no matter what outsiders might say.
"Do you go up and down with results? Yes," he
said.
"I was down the other night. Everyone is
disappointed because we have lost a home game
that makes reaching the Carling Cup final difficult.
"But is this group of players capable of winning
by two goals at Anfield? All season it has shown
us that it is.
"This is a team that won last year. Winning the
FA Cup will help. It has given us the knowledge
that we can win and the desire to win more.
"There is always something else to look forward
to. Pressure is what you create yourself, I just
know we have a team full of ability."
Jumat, 13 Januari 2012
Rodriguez makes it eight for Wolfsburg
Rodriguez makes it eight for Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg has completed the signing of Swiss
international Ricardo Rodriguez from Zurich in a
deal reportedly worth around 7.5 million euros
($9.34 million), the German club confirmed on
Friday.
"Ricardo is a big talent. With Zurich he made his
name, he played a big role for them in the Europa
League and was also selected to the national
team," said Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath.
"He is of international standard and has lots of
quality. This quality, he must establish and
develop."
Rodriguez, who was born to a Spanish father and
Chilean mother, has signed a contract with the
Bundesliga outfit that runs until 2016.
The 19-year-old will be joined at Wolfsburg by
French striker Giovanni Sio, who joined from
Swiss rival Sion earlier in the month.
Rodriguez is the eighth player to join Wolfsburg
since the start of the winter transfer period, after
Felipe Lopes (Nacional Funchal), Ibrahim Sissoko
(Academica Coimbra), Vieirinha (PAOK Salonika),
Slobodan Medojevic (Vojvodina Novi Sad),
Ferhan Hasani (Skendija Tetovo), Petr Jiracek
(Viktoria Plzen) and Giovanni Sio (Sion).
0Comments
Home > Bundesliga
Rodriguez makes it eight
for Wolfsburg
14 January 2012 - AFP
Wolfsburg has completed the signing of Swiss
international Ricardo Rodriguez from Zurich in a
deal reportedly worth around 7.5 million euros
($9.34 million), the German club confirmed on
Friday.
"Ricardo is a big talent. With Zurich he made his
name, he played a big role for them in the Europa
League and was also selected to the national
team," said Wolfsburg boss Felix Magath.
"He is of international standard and has lots of
quality. This quality, he must establish and
develop."
Rodriguez, who was born to a Spanish father and
Chilean mother, has signed a contract with the
Bundesliga outfit that runs until 2016.
The 19-year-old will be joined at Wolfsburg by
French striker Giovanni Sio, who joined from
Swiss rival Sion earlier in the month.
Rodriguez is the eighth player to join Wolfsburg
since the start of the winter transfer period, after
Felipe Lopes (Nacional Funchal), Ibrahim Sissoko
(Academica Coimbra), Vieirinha (PAOK Salonika),
Slobodan Medojevic (Vojvodina Novi Sad),
Ferhan Hasani (Skendija Tetovo), Petr Jiracek
(Viktoria Plzen) and Giovanni Sio (Sion).
0Comments
Home > Bundesliga
Rodriguez makes it eight
for Wolfsburg
14 January 2012 - AFP
Kamis, 12 Januari 2012
AC Milan chief Galliani admits move for Man City's Tevez now OFF
AC Milan chief Galliani admits move for Man City's Tevez now OFF
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admits their move for
Manchester City rebel Carlos Tevez is off.
Milan pulled out of the deal after Alexandre Pato chose to reject a
move to PSG.
“Pato decided to stay, so we have given up on Tevez. He won’t be
coming toMilan,” Galliani told Sky Sport Italia at the Linate Airport.
“The two transfer operations were linked and all of them had
various clauses. I believe in fate and remember that when
Gianluca Vialli said no, then we brought in Marco Van Basten. If
Pato wants to remain, then we hope he will do well withMilan.
“We have the utmost faith in the strikers at our disposal, also
trusting in Antonio Cassano’s swift return, as he will become our
big new signing.”
AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani admits their move for
Manchester City rebel Carlos Tevez is off.
Milan pulled out of the deal after Alexandre Pato chose to reject a
move to PSG.
“Pato decided to stay, so we have given up on Tevez. He won’t be
coming toMilan,” Galliani told Sky Sport Italia at the Linate Airport.
“The two transfer operations were linked and all of them had
various clauses. I believe in fate and remember that when
Gianluca Vialli said no, then we brought in Marco Van Basten. If
Pato wants to remain, then we hope he will do well withMilan.
“We have the utmost faith in the strikers at our disposal, also
trusting in Antonio Cassano’s swift return, as he will become our
big new signing.”
AVB: Chelsea and Tottenham? There's no comparison ...
AVB: Chelsea and Tottenham? There's no comparison ...
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admits they need to work hard to
dislodge Tottenham as London's top dogs.
The tag has long belonged to Chelsea before this season.
"They've overtaken us in the Premier League table this season, for
sure," he said.
"Both clubs have fantastic history, but there is no comparison
between the clubs over the last 10 years."
Villas-Boas felt Spurs' ascent could work in favour of the chasing
pack, with them,Manchester City and Manchester United all
knowing a slip-up might cost them dearly.
He said: "The fact there are three teams so close together, it means
a couple can lose points bearing in mind recent happenings - City
losing three in four, and United trying to find that consistency like
us.
"Anything can happen. Eight points (to Spurs) is still a distance
you can turn around.
"We have a job to do to prove the doubters wrong. We have to
do that on the pitch, not with words."
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas admits they need to work hard to
dislodge Tottenham as London's top dogs.
The tag has long belonged to Chelsea before this season.
"They've overtaken us in the Premier League table this season, for
sure," he said.
"Both clubs have fantastic history, but there is no comparison
between the clubs over the last 10 years."
Villas-Boas felt Spurs' ascent could work in favour of the chasing
pack, with them,Manchester City and Manchester United all
knowing a slip-up might cost them dearly.
He said: "The fact there are three teams so close together, it means
a couple can lose points bearing in mind recent happenings - City
losing three in four, and United trying to find that consistency like
us.
"Anything can happen. Eight points (to Spurs) is still a distance
you can turn around.
"We have a job to do to prove the doubters wrong. We have to
do that on the pitch, not with words."
Real Valladolid striker Javi Guerra excited by Rangers interest
Real Valladolid striker Javi Guerra excited by Rangers
interest
Real Valladolid striker Javi Guerra has welcomed interest from
Rangers.
Guerra is being chased by Gers manager Ally McCoist this month.
"I am flattered by Rangers' interest because they are one of the big
European clubs," Guerra told the Daily Record.
"My agent has told me I am one of their options - but not the only
one. I know I'm on the list but Valladolid haven't received an offer.
"Scotland and British football in general is wonderful for players. It
is very seductive for me as a striker, especially while I'm still
playing in Spain's second division."
interest
Real Valladolid striker Javi Guerra has welcomed interest from
Rangers.
Guerra is being chased by Gers manager Ally McCoist this month.
"I am flattered by Rangers' interest because they are one of the big
European clubs," Guerra told the Daily Record.
"My agent has told me I am one of their options - but not the only
one. I know I'm on the list but Valladolid haven't received an offer.
"Scotland and British football in general is wonderful for players. It
is very seductive for me as a striker, especially while I'm still
playing in Spain's second division."
Villas-Boas denies Chelsea seeking to sell Drogba, Kalou
Villas-Boas denies Chelsea seeking to sell Drogba, Kalou
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas denies they're planning to sell
Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba this month.
Kalou is a target for Arsenal, while Drogba is wanted by Shanghai
Shenhua.
"They will return to this club from the African Nations and
hopefully we will hold on to them until the end of the season,"
Villas-Boas said.
"That's our intention, and I think their willingness as well."
Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas denies they're planning to sell
Salomon Kalou and Didier Drogba this month.
Kalou is a target for Arsenal, while Drogba is wanted by Shanghai
Shenhua.
"They will return to this club from the African Nations and
hopefully we will hold on to them until the end of the season,"
Villas-Boas said.
"That's our intention, and I think their willingness as well."
Real Madrid skipper Casillas insists fans back Ronaldo
Real Madrid skipper Casillas insists fans back Ronaldo
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has defended teammate
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been the subject of barracking from Real fans this
season.
Casillas told realmadrid.com: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a very
competitive player who always tries hard and wants to do his
best.
"People will always ask a lot of him because of the sort of player
he is. He wants to do his best for himself and for the club. The
Bernabeu crowd is very demanding, and that's a good thing.
There is no debate about his quality. He has always had the
support of the fans."
Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has defended teammate
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo has been the subject of barracking from Real fans this
season.
Casillas told realmadrid.com: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a very
competitive player who always tries hard and wants to do his
best.
"People will always ask a lot of him because of the sort of player
he is. He wants to do his best for himself and for the club. The
Bernabeu crowd is very demanding, and that's a good thing.
There is no debate about his quality. He has always had the
support of the fans."
Real Madrid chief Pardeza confirms offer for Man Utd, Chelsea target Di Maria
Real Madrid chief Pardeza confirms offer for Man Utd, Chelsea target Di Maria
Real Madrid chief Miguel Pardeza has confirmed
an offer has arrived for winger Angel di Maria.
Manchester United and Chelsea are being linked
with the Argentine this week.
And Pardeza revealed: "Di Maria has the love and
appreciation of the club. We are proud of the
offers emerging because it means we succeeded
with the hiring of the player and that he is
performing well."
Real Madrid chief Miguel Pardeza has confirmed
an offer has arrived for winger Angel di Maria.
Manchester United and Chelsea are being linked
with the Argentine this week.
And Pardeza revealed: "Di Maria has the love and
appreciation of the club. We are proud of the
offers emerging because it means we succeeded
with the hiring of the player and that he is
performing well."
Daniel set for Lions den
Daniel set for Lions den
Lions boss Kenny Jackett is desperate to add
some firepower to his shot-shy squad and is
waiting to hear back from Oakwell after
enquiring about the 23-year-old earlier this
week.
Jackett told News Shopper: "We did make an
enquiry on Tuesday but since then there has
been no contact.
"I don't know if that is the end of it, I'm
waiting to hear back but I haven't heard
anything for a couple of days now.
"We talked to Barnsley on Tuesday and we
put some proposals together but for
whatever reason it hasn't happened.
"They seemed very keen at the time but it
hasn't happened yet."
Lions boss Kenny Jackett is desperate to add
some firepower to his shot-shy squad and is
waiting to hear back from Oakwell after
enquiring about the 23-year-old earlier this
week.
Jackett told News Shopper: "We did make an
enquiry on Tuesday but since then there has
been no contact.
"I don't know if that is the end of it, I'm
waiting to hear back but I haven't heard
anything for a couple of days now.
"We talked to Barnsley on Tuesday and we
put some proposals together but for
whatever reason it hasn't happened.
"They seemed very keen at the time but it
hasn't happened yet."
Rabu, 11 Januari 2012
Report: Inter target Marin if Tevez bid fails
Report: Inter target Marin if Tevez bid fails
Inter Milan have reportedly identified Werder
Bremen playmaker Marko Marin as a back-up
option if they fail to sign Carlos Tevez in January.
Claudio Ranieri’s men are locked in a battle with
cross-townSerie A rivals AC Milan for the
signature of Manchester City striker Tevez, with
the Argentina international’s destination yet to be
confirmed.
But Inter have reportedly earmarked Germany
international Marin as a potential alternative if their
move for the South American falls through,
though they are yet to open talks for the Bremen
schemer.
Marin has battled injuries since joining Bremen
fromBundesliga rivals Borussia
Moenchengladbach, but has long been linked with
some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 22-year-old told Sky Sport News HD there
had been no recent talks over his future,
however.
“Yes of course you hear these things. You notice
it. It’s nice when you hear these kind of things –
of course. But there weren’t concrete talks with
Inter yet. My goal is it now to be back at 100
percent and to be fit for the second leg of the
season,” he said.
The attacking midfielder’s contract with the
Bundesliga outfit expires in June 2013. He has
made 12 appearances in all competitions this
campaign, providing three assists.
Inter Milan have reportedly identified Werder
Bremen playmaker Marko Marin as a back-up
option if they fail to sign Carlos Tevez in January.
Claudio Ranieri’s men are locked in a battle with
cross-townSerie A rivals AC Milan for the
signature of Manchester City striker Tevez, with
the Argentina international’s destination yet to be
confirmed.
But Inter have reportedly earmarked Germany
international Marin as a potential alternative if their
move for the South American falls through,
though they are yet to open talks for the Bremen
schemer.
Marin has battled injuries since joining Bremen
fromBundesliga rivals Borussia
Moenchengladbach, but has long been linked with
some of Europe’s biggest clubs.
The 22-year-old told Sky Sport News HD there
had been no recent talks over his future,
however.
“Yes of course you hear these things. You notice
it. It’s nice when you hear these kind of things –
of course. But there weren’t concrete talks with
Inter yet. My goal is it now to be back at 100
percent and to be fit for the second leg of the
season,” he said.
The attacking midfielder’s contract with the
Bundesliga outfit expires in June 2013. He has
made 12 appearances in all competitions this
campaign, providing three assists.
Newcastle United striker Demba Ba distances himself from Manchester United reports
Newcastle United striker Demba Ba distances himself from Manchester United reports
Demba Ba has distanced himself from quotes
coming from a man claiming to be his agent who
saidManchester United had made contact with
regards to buying him.
Armand Doorn was quoted as telling the IB
Times UK: "A lot of clubs are calling for Demba.
At this moment we are doing it [transfer
negotiations] with his brother, before we did it
alone and now we do it with his brother.
"It is true Manchester United, it's true, but nothing
concrete.”
However, Ba has used his Twitter page to
completely deny the report, telling his followers:
"Really, I don't know how desperate this 'Armand
Doorn' can be to talk like he's my agent! He's
nothing for me. Stop lying and show respect."
The Senegalese striker, who has joined up with
his country for the start of the Africa Cup of
Nations, has been a revelation at Newcastle this
season, scoring 15 times following his free
transfer move from West Ham.
But reports have emerged recently over a release
clause in his contract which is alleged to be
around the 10 million pound mark.
How do you stay up to date with football when
on the move? Withhttp://m.goal.com
Demba Ba has distanced himself from quotes
coming from a man claiming to be his agent who
saidManchester United had made contact with
regards to buying him.
Armand Doorn was quoted as telling the IB
Times UK: "A lot of clubs are calling for Demba.
At this moment we are doing it [transfer
negotiations] with his brother, before we did it
alone and now we do it with his brother.
"It is true Manchester United, it's true, but nothing
concrete.”
However, Ba has used his Twitter page to
completely deny the report, telling his followers:
"Really, I don't know how desperate this 'Armand
Doorn' can be to talk like he's my agent! He's
nothing for me. Stop lying and show respect."
The Senegalese striker, who has joined up with
his country for the start of the Africa Cup of
Nations, has been a revelation at Newcastle this
season, scoring 15 times following his free
transfer move from West Ham.
But reports have emerged recently over a release
clause in his contract which is alleged to be
around the 10 million pound mark.
How do you stay up to date with football when
on the move? Withhttp://m.goal.com
Kean confirms defender boost
Kean confirms defender boost
The Rovers chief has spoken out on Dann,
who it was initially thought would be
missing for up to six weeks due to the injury
he suffered in the home defeat to West
Brom in mid-December.
However, Dann is well ahead of schedule
and, while the visit of Fulham to Ewood Park
on Saturday is set to come too soon, Kean
feels he has every chance of lining up against
the Toffees at Goodison Park on Saturday
week.
"Scott has made great progress," he told the
club's official website.
"It was originally thought that he would be
sidelined for at least six weeks, but he is back
training inside a month and very close to
returning to match action, which is obviously
great news."
The Rovers chief has spoken out on Dann,
who it was initially thought would be
missing for up to six weeks due to the injury
he suffered in the home defeat to West
Brom in mid-December.
However, Dann is well ahead of schedule
and, while the visit of Fulham to Ewood Park
on Saturday is set to come too soon, Kean
feels he has every chance of lining up against
the Toffees at Goodison Park on Saturday
week.
"Scott has made great progress," he told the
club's official website.
"It was originally thought that he would be
sidelined for at least six weeks, but he is back
training inside a month and very close to
returning to match action, which is obviously
great news."
Minggu, 08 Januari 2012
Chelsea won't block Man Utd target Lampard leaving
Chelsea won't block Man Utd target Lampard leaving
Chelsea are prepared to say 'goodbye' to
Frank Lampard.
The Sunday Mirror says Chelsea will honour the
remaining 18 months of Frank Lampard’s
contract – but won’t stand in his way if he wants
to quit Stamford Bridge before then.
Although it’s unlikely Lampard will leave in the
January transfer window, a summer exit appears
more likely withChelsea adamant they have no
plans to extend his current contract.
The England midfielder has become increasingly
frustrated asChelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas
prefers to use him as an impact player coming
off the bench for big games rather than
guaranteeing him first-team football.
The 33-year-old midfielder has maintained that he
only finds and stays in his best form when he’s
playing regularly.
Lampard has been the subject of intense
speculation in recent days over a shock move to
Manchester United.
Chelsea are prepared to say 'goodbye' to
Frank Lampard.
The Sunday Mirror says Chelsea will honour the
remaining 18 months of Frank Lampard’s
contract – but won’t stand in his way if he wants
to quit Stamford Bridge before then.
Although it’s unlikely Lampard will leave in the
January transfer window, a summer exit appears
more likely withChelsea adamant they have no
plans to extend his current contract.
The England midfielder has become increasingly
frustrated asChelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas
prefers to use him as an impact player coming
off the bench for big games rather than
guaranteeing him first-team football.
The 33-year-old midfielder has maintained that he
only finds and stays in his best form when he’s
playing regularly.
Lampard has been the subject of intense
speculation in recent days over a shock move to
Manchester United.
Liverpool WILL meet £10M clause in Ba's Newcastle deal
Liverpool WILL meet £10M clause in Ba's Newcastle deal
Liverpool are ready to go back to
Newcastle United to sign Demba Ba.
The Daily Star Sunday says Liverpool will lead the
£10million chase for Newcastle hot-shot Demba
Ba.
Like all the Premier League’s big clubs, Liverpool
have been alerted to the 15-goal striker having a
release clause in his contract.
And Kop boss Kenny Dalglish is eyeing forwards
with a proven scoring record as he looks to
increase his side’s goal power.
The Manchester clubs United and City, plus
Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been
made aware of the situation with Ba, 26.
But if Liverpool land the Senegal striker, now with
his country at the African Nations Cup, it would
place a question mark against the Anfield future of
Andy Carroll.
Liverpool are ready to go back to
Newcastle United to sign Demba Ba.
The Daily Star Sunday says Liverpool will lead the
£10million chase for Newcastle hot-shot Demba
Ba.
Like all the Premier League’s big clubs, Liverpool
have been alerted to the 15-goal striker having a
release clause in his contract.
And Kop boss Kenny Dalglish is eyeing forwards
with a proven scoring record as he looks to
increase his side’s goal power.
The Manchester clubs United and City, plus
Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been
made aware of the situation with Ba, 26.
But if Liverpool land the Senegal striker, now with
his country at the African Nations Cup, it would
place a question mark against the Anfield future of
Andy Carroll.
Arsenal eager to cash in on Arshavin
Arsenal eager to cash in on Arshavin
Arsenal are keen to cash in on Andrey Arshavin.
The Sunday Mirror says the 30-year-old Russian
striker who cost £17.5million when signed from
Zenit St Petersburg three years ago is regarded as
surplus to requirements at The Emirates.
He has failed to reproduce his best form on a
consistent basis and manager Wenger would
listen to offers, in the region of £12m, for the man
who will captain Russia in Euro 2012 this
summer.
Arsenal are keen to cash in on Andrey Arshavin.
The Sunday Mirror says the 30-year-old Russian
striker who cost £17.5million when signed from
Zenit St Petersburg three years ago is regarded as
surplus to requirements at The Emirates.
He has failed to reproduce his best form on a
consistent basis and manager Wenger would
listen to offers, in the region of £12m, for the man
who will captain Russia in Euro 2012 this
summer.
Wheater aims to grab chance
Wheater aims to grabchance
Wheater's late header rescued Bolton from
the embarrassment of a third-round defeat
at League Two Macclesfield, who had been
leading 2-1 but were in the end relieved to
hold out for a 2-2 draw.
Cahill's likely move to Chelsea should give a
chance for Wheater to revive a career that
has stalled somewhat since the dizzy
heights of 2008 when Fabio Capello had the
then Middlesbrough man on the bench for
two England matches.
The 24-year-old centre-back has vowed to
grab the chance with both hands.
Wheater said: "I want to be playing and if Gaz
does go I will miss him as he's a good friend
of mine, but it means there is a chance to get
in the team and hopefully stay there.
"It has been stop and start for me this season.
I was in the team and then got a red card and
was out of it so hopefully I can stay in the
team now."
Wheater's late header rescued Bolton from
the embarrassment of a third-round defeat
at League Two Macclesfield, who had been
leading 2-1 but were in the end relieved to
hold out for a 2-2 draw.
Cahill's likely move to Chelsea should give a
chance for Wheater to revive a career that
has stalled somewhat since the dizzy
heights of 2008 when Fabio Capello had the
then Middlesbrough man on the bench for
two England matches.
The 24-year-old centre-back has vowed to
grab the chance with both hands.
Wheater said: "I want to be playing and if Gaz
does go I will miss him as he's a good friend
of mine, but it means there is a chance to get
in the team and hopefully stay there.
"It has been stop and start for me this season.
I was in the team and then got a red card and
was out of it so hopefully I can stay in the
team now."
Man City keeper Hart: Great silencing taunting Man Utd fans
Man City keeper Hart: Great silencing taunting Man Utd fans
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says winning
the FA Cup last season was huge for the club.
City beat Manchester United in last season's semi-
finals en route to winning the trophy - their first
silverware in 35 years.
It was a success that transformed the mood at
and impressions of the club and could well prove
a key landmark in the rebirth of City.
Hart said: "It was huge for the club, the fans, the
players.
"It helped us bring in some excellent players this
year, having that trophy.
"That is what we are all about now - whatever
trophy we are in, we are hunting for it.
"It means an awful lot to have that trophy. A lot
was made of it.
"There were a lot of local taunts - '35 years'. They
have gone now."
Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says winning
the FA Cup last season was huge for the club.
City beat Manchester United in last season's semi-
finals en route to winning the trophy - their first
silverware in 35 years.
It was a success that transformed the mood at
and impressions of the club and could well prove
a key landmark in the rebirth of City.
Hart said: "It was huge for the club, the fans, the
players.
"It helped us bring in some excellent players this
year, having that trophy.
"That is what we are all about now - whatever
trophy we are in, we are hunting for it.
"It means an awful lot to have that trophy. A lot
was made of it.
"There were a lot of local taunts - '35 years'. They
have gone now."
Sabtu, 07 Januari 2012
Wenger: Henry still has the fire
Arsene Wenger is in no doubt former Arsenal
captain Thierry Henry still has the "fire" to light up
the Premier League and help drive the Gunners on
towards European success. The 34-year-old has
rejoined his old club on a short-term loan deal from
the New York Red Bulls ahead of the start of the
new Major League Soccer season.
Henry became Arsenal's record goalscorer during
eight trophy-laden seasons with the north London
club before leaving to join Barcelona in 2007 and
last month was honoured with a bronze statue
outside Emirates Stadium. After watching the
forward train with the first-team squad in recent
weeks, Wenger was convinced Henry remains a
champion.
"I watched the [MLS] play-off against LA Galaxy.
That is when I saw Thierry and thought he has still
got the pride and desire to win," said Wenger. "It
was still there because he was so angry and I didn't
expect that from him. I thought he would be a bit
cooler. That was the moment when I saw the fire
was still there.
"I saw his desire to go and get the ball back. You
could see the desire to fight and the pride to win is
there. You could see that the champions never lose
that, you saw that with David Beckham and Thierry
has that as well."
Wenger added: "It is how he can cope physically
every day with the training and how much he
wants it as well. I was quickly convinced, but I
wasn't sure he wanted the challenge as well."
Henry will be available for Monday night's FA Cup
third-round tie against Leeds at Emirates Stadium,
then the upcoming Premier League encounter
against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, as
well as the first leg of their UEFA Champions League
last-16 clash at AC Milan, while his deal could yet
also include the clash with Tottenham on 26
February.
Wenger revealed he wanted to see first hand
whether Henry could still cut it in the top flight and
also make a difference to what is still a young
squad short on experienced winners. "It took me
two to three weeks to make the decision because I
had to get used to the idea to see what kind of
impact he would have with the team, how he was
physically and how motivated he is to come here
every day and work hard," said Wenger.
"I don't know how it is in the United States, but I
know how high the demands are physically in the
Premier League. They are absolutely exceptional
and the highest in the world so you have to see
how much he can cope with that."
Wenger rejected criticism the move for Henry was
in fact a step backwards and an admission his
current transfer policy had failed. "I wanted Thierry
to stay, but he said we have a young team who
will be good in three or four years, but I cannot
wait, I am 30 and need to go somewhere where I
have a chance to win, which was completely
logical," the Arsenal manager said.
Wenger accepts the FA Cup has now "added
importance" after Arsenal's exit from the League
Cup to Manchester City denied them another shot at
ending what will be a seven-year trophy
drought. "Last year we played in every single
competition with top commitment," the Arsenal
manager said. "We went to the final of the Carling
Cup, which we lost, then went out [of the
Champions League] a few days later in Barcelona
and then lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup. In
one week, it was all away, but we always try to do
well in the FA Cup."
captain Thierry Henry still has the "fire" to light up
the Premier League and help drive the Gunners on
towards European success. The 34-year-old has
rejoined his old club on a short-term loan deal from
the New York Red Bulls ahead of the start of the
new Major League Soccer season.
Henry became Arsenal's record goalscorer during
eight trophy-laden seasons with the north London
club before leaving to join Barcelona in 2007 and
last month was honoured with a bronze statue
outside Emirates Stadium. After watching the
forward train with the first-team squad in recent
weeks, Wenger was convinced Henry remains a
champion.
"I watched the [MLS] play-off against LA Galaxy.
That is when I saw Thierry and thought he has still
got the pride and desire to win," said Wenger. "It
was still there because he was so angry and I didn't
expect that from him. I thought he would be a bit
cooler. That was the moment when I saw the fire
was still there.
"I saw his desire to go and get the ball back. You
could see the desire to fight and the pride to win is
there. You could see that the champions never lose
that, you saw that with David Beckham and Thierry
has that as well."
Wenger added: "It is how he can cope physically
every day with the training and how much he
wants it as well. I was quickly convinced, but I
wasn't sure he wanted the challenge as well."
Henry will be available for Monday night's FA Cup
third-round tie against Leeds at Emirates Stadium,
then the upcoming Premier League encounter
against Manchester United at Emirates Stadium, as
well as the first leg of their UEFA Champions League
last-16 clash at AC Milan, while his deal could yet
also include the clash with Tottenham on 26
February.
Wenger revealed he wanted to see first hand
whether Henry could still cut it in the top flight and
also make a difference to what is still a young
squad short on experienced winners. "It took me
two to three weeks to make the decision because I
had to get used to the idea to see what kind of
impact he would have with the team, how he was
physically and how motivated he is to come here
every day and work hard," said Wenger.
"I don't know how it is in the United States, but I
know how high the demands are physically in the
Premier League. They are absolutely exceptional
and the highest in the world so you have to see
how much he can cope with that."
Wenger rejected criticism the move for Henry was
in fact a step backwards and an admission his
current transfer policy had failed. "I wanted Thierry
to stay, but he said we have a young team who
will be good in three or four years, but I cannot
wait, I am 30 and need to go somewhere where I
have a chance to win, which was completely
logical," the Arsenal manager said.
Wenger accepts the FA Cup has now "added
importance" after Arsenal's exit from the League
Cup to Manchester City denied them another shot at
ending what will be a seven-year trophy
drought. "Last year we played in every single
competition with top commitment," the Arsenal
manager said. "We went to the final of the Carling
Cup, which we lost, then went out [of the
Champions League] a few days later in Barcelona
and then lost to Manchester United in the FA Cup. In
one week, it was all away, but we always try to do
well in the FA Cup."
Nobody is bigger than the boss – not even Rooney
From Paul McGrath and Norman Whiteside in the
early days, then, as his authority was cemented,
to Paul Ince, David Beckham, Jaap Stam, Roy
Keane and Carlos Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson has
always been prepared to move on good players,
even great ones, who challenge him either
directly or through the way they live. Wayne
Rooney, it appears, may be about to find that he
is as dispensable as the others.
There are times when this refusal to countenance
dissent has weakened the team in the short term,
such as when Stam was forced out, but even at
70 years of age Ferguson takes the long view.
Rooney would be very difficult to replace, but it is
harder to control a dressing room when some of
its members believe themselves more important
than the boss.
Ferguson has said that a manager can never lose
an argument, suggesting he has not, but this is
only partly true. Players have more power now
and he was unable to hold on to Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gerard Pique. He has also been
prepared to compromise when he needs a
player. As Keane recently revealed, he and
Ferguson had many disputes when Keane was in
his prime. Ferguson always found a way to make
peace, to accommodate his warrior captain. Until,
that is, Keane's powers began to wane. Then
Keane was shown the door. As he said last
month, “the difference then was that I was 34”.
Rooney is only 26, and still growing as a player,
but his performances lack the reliability of Keane.
In the last couple of years Rooney's form has
either been red hot, or ice cold. While some
players – John Terry would be the obvious
example – play to par regardless of what
maelstrom may be enveloping them, extraneous
factors seem to weigh Rooney down. When that
happens his body language betrays a lack of
desire and he seems to draw within himself
before lashing out, as with England in
Montenegro, in apparent frustration.
The split between Ferguson and Rooney is
understood to date back to the infamous transfer
request a year ago. Then Ferguson gave in,
swallowing his pride to welcome Rooney back
into a dressing room the quality of whose
occupants Rooney had questioned. As when he
settled with Keane, Ferguson had considered the
bigger picture and he seemed to be rewarded. In
the second half of last season, Rooney scored
nine goals in 13 Premier League starts as United
regained the title. All seemed well.
Rooney began this campaign scoring at a rate
superior to a goal a game, but then came the
arrest of his father and uncle for alleged
involvement in a match-fixing scheme. The
following day he played against Montenegro,
scored, but was then dismissed. Since then he
has scored five goals in 15 games. In itself that
would not be a problem, not least because he
played on several occasions in midfield because
of United's lack of alternatives, and did well there.
What appears to have infuriated Ferguson is the
Christmas night out with Jonny Evans and Darron
Gibson, an allegedly dishevelled and disinterested
appearance at training the following day, and
subsequent sulky performance when recalled at
Newcastle.
While Ferguson has shown in the past he is
prepared to give way when dealing with star
players – his initial reaction to Eric Cantona's lunge
into the crowd at Selhurst Park was to sack him –
there is a line he, and any other manager, must
draw. When a senior player becomes mutinous
he has to be moved on. Otherwise he will
become the focus of a negative clique in the
dressing room, and a bad example on the
training ground. The latter aspect is crucial at
United. A hunger for success is not easy to
sustain. For years Ferguson has succeeded in
driving United on to title after title, and one of the
means by which he has done so is through a
training ground culture in which senior players
set the lead. Keane, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes,
Ryan Giggs ... all outstanding trainers, as were
Cantona and Beckham.
New players, and youth players, join United, see
how hard the stars work, and follow suit. Giggs
is still there, but the others are gone and Rooney
is now one of the senior pros. At a time when
United's young players have been accused of
being complacent Ferguson cannot allow a
diminution of commitment. That Ferguson felt he
had to discipline Evans and Gibson, too, will not
have helped Rooney's cause. It may be Ferguson
has decided Rooney has to go because of his
stature, not despite it.
Highs and Lows: Rooney's United Reign
Aug 2004: Joins Manchester United from Everton
for £25.6m, in what remains the highest fee paid
for a teenager.
Sep: Scores hat-trick on United debut, in a 6-2
Champions League win over Fenerbahce.
Apr 2005: Hits stunning long-range volley against
Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Sep: Receives first red card for United, sent off for
sarcastically applauding the referee at Villarreal in
the Champions League.
Feb 2006: Scores twice in 4-0 League Cup final
win over Wigan to gain first piece of silverware.
Aug: Sent off against Porto in pre-season
tournament, six weeks after World Cup red card
against Portugal.
Oct: Scores hat-trick in 4-0 win at Bolton.
May 2007: Hits 23 goals to help United to first
Premier League title in four seasons.
May 2008: Secures second title as Manchester
United retain Premier League, before helping club
win third Champions League, beating Chelsea on
penalties in Moscow.
Mar 2009: Dismissed in 2-0 defeat at Fulham,
given second yellow for throwing ball away
before kicking out at corner flag on his way off
the pitch.
May: Wins third Premier League title in three
years, unable to stop United losing 2-0 to
Barcelona in Champions League final.
Jan 2010: Strikes four in a match for the first time,
scoring all United's goals in 4-0 win over Hull.
Finishes fine season with 34 goals from 44
appearances, winning FWA Footballer of the Year
and PFA Player's Player of the Year.
Mar: Injures ankle in Champions League quarter-
final defeat at Bayern Munich. Returns within a
week but only scores twice more for the club in
2010.
Aug: Allegations of marital infidelity emerge in
tabloid newspapers. Fails in attempts to place an
injunction on the story's publication.
Oct: States intention to leave United following a
dispute with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but later
changes his mind and signs a new £250,000-a-
week contract.
Feb 2011: Scores with stunning overhead kick to
win Manchester derby.
Apr: Scores fifth Manchester United hat-trick, in
4-2 win at West Ham. Swears at camera while
celebrating and receives two-match ban from FA.
May: Wins fourth Premier League title in five
years at Old Trafford. Scores United's only goal in
3-1 defeat to Barcelona in Champions League final
at Wembley.
Aug: Scores treble in 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal at
Old Trafford.
Sep: Hits back-to-back treble at Bolton, his
seventh United hat-trick, starting season with 11
goals in nine games.
Dec: Dropped from the team to play Blackburn
and fined £200,000. following night out. United
lose 3-2.
Where Rooney might go: Transfer
destinations
Estimated value £50m
Real Madrid
A move to the Spanish capital would enable
Rooney to link up with his old winking mate,
Cristiano Ronaldo. However, with the Portuguese
winger, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema all
banging in the goals for Jose Mourinho's side this
season, and Mesut Ozil pulling the strings from
just behind, Rooney could struggle to get a
game.
Barcelona
Having previously raised doubts about
Manchester United's ability to continue to attract
the world's best players, Rooney would surely
have no such qualms were he to move to the
Catalan giants (and there would be the added
bonus, as with Real, of Champions League
football). With David Villa out for the remainder of
the season with a broken leg, Barcelona could do
with another striking option.
Milan
The Rossoneri's ongoing pursuit of Carlos Tevez
suggests that they are in the market for a
forward, and with Milan's reputation for fashion
Rooney could perhaps be tempted to move in
search of some new clothes to compliment his
recently-acquired hair – with his wife also
enjoying the shops. Furthermore, marital
infidelity is apparently less frowned upon in Italy –
if Silivo Berlusconi is anything to go by.
Paris St-Germain
The Qatar-backed French side would have no
trouble affording the England forward, and would
doubtless be attracted to the prospect of making
such a marquee signing having recently failed to
woo David Beckham over from the States.
Rooney could link up well with French goal-
machine Guillaume Hoarau – although it is hard to
imagine him opting to hide his magnificent barnet
under a beret.
Manchester City
Rooney reportedly flirted with the idea of joining
United's noisy neighbours during his contract
dispute in late 2010, while City manager Roberto
Mancini has recently bemoaned the club's lack of
resources up front. It would be an act of treason,
but could the lure of financial rewards, plus the
chance to link up with the talents of David Silva,
Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri et al, be enough to
tempt Rooney?
And who might replace him?
Internazionale's Wesley Sneijder has long been
linked with a move to United, and his preferred
position just behind the striker would make him a
like-for-like replacement for Rooney. If Milan were
the forward's destination, Brazilian Alexandre Pato
could potentially be used in some form of swap
deal. Lille's sought after Belgian Eden Hazard
would also be able to fill the creative void left by
Rooney's departure, while Spurs' Luka Modric
could feature. Or there's always a certain Carlos
Tevez...
Tom Metcalf
early days, then, as his authority was cemented,
to Paul Ince, David Beckham, Jaap Stam, Roy
Keane and Carlos Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson has
always been prepared to move on good players,
even great ones, who challenge him either
directly or through the way they live. Wayne
Rooney, it appears, may be about to find that he
is as dispensable as the others.
There are times when this refusal to countenance
dissent has weakened the team in the short term,
such as when Stam was forced out, but even at
70 years of age Ferguson takes the long view.
Rooney would be very difficult to replace, but it is
harder to control a dressing room when some of
its members believe themselves more important
than the boss.
Ferguson has said that a manager can never lose
an argument, suggesting he has not, but this is
only partly true. Players have more power now
and he was unable to hold on to Cristiano
Ronaldo and Gerard Pique. He has also been
prepared to compromise when he needs a
player. As Keane recently revealed, he and
Ferguson had many disputes when Keane was in
his prime. Ferguson always found a way to make
peace, to accommodate his warrior captain. Until,
that is, Keane's powers began to wane. Then
Keane was shown the door. As he said last
month, “the difference then was that I was 34”.
Rooney is only 26, and still growing as a player,
but his performances lack the reliability of Keane.
In the last couple of years Rooney's form has
either been red hot, or ice cold. While some
players – John Terry would be the obvious
example – play to par regardless of what
maelstrom may be enveloping them, extraneous
factors seem to weigh Rooney down. When that
happens his body language betrays a lack of
desire and he seems to draw within himself
before lashing out, as with England in
Montenegro, in apparent frustration.
The split between Ferguson and Rooney is
understood to date back to the infamous transfer
request a year ago. Then Ferguson gave in,
swallowing his pride to welcome Rooney back
into a dressing room the quality of whose
occupants Rooney had questioned. As when he
settled with Keane, Ferguson had considered the
bigger picture and he seemed to be rewarded. In
the second half of last season, Rooney scored
nine goals in 13 Premier League starts as United
regained the title. All seemed well.
Rooney began this campaign scoring at a rate
superior to a goal a game, but then came the
arrest of his father and uncle for alleged
involvement in a match-fixing scheme. The
following day he played against Montenegro,
scored, but was then dismissed. Since then he
has scored five goals in 15 games. In itself that
would not be a problem, not least because he
played on several occasions in midfield because
of United's lack of alternatives, and did well there.
What appears to have infuriated Ferguson is the
Christmas night out with Jonny Evans and Darron
Gibson, an allegedly dishevelled and disinterested
appearance at training the following day, and
subsequent sulky performance when recalled at
Newcastle.
While Ferguson has shown in the past he is
prepared to give way when dealing with star
players – his initial reaction to Eric Cantona's lunge
into the crowd at Selhurst Park was to sack him –
there is a line he, and any other manager, must
draw. When a senior player becomes mutinous
he has to be moved on. Otherwise he will
become the focus of a negative clique in the
dressing room, and a bad example on the
training ground. The latter aspect is crucial at
United. A hunger for success is not easy to
sustain. For years Ferguson has succeeded in
driving United on to title after title, and one of the
means by which he has done so is through a
training ground culture in which senior players
set the lead. Keane, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes,
Ryan Giggs ... all outstanding trainers, as were
Cantona and Beckham.
New players, and youth players, join United, see
how hard the stars work, and follow suit. Giggs
is still there, but the others are gone and Rooney
is now one of the senior pros. At a time when
United's young players have been accused of
being complacent Ferguson cannot allow a
diminution of commitment. That Ferguson felt he
had to discipline Evans and Gibson, too, will not
have helped Rooney's cause. It may be Ferguson
has decided Rooney has to go because of his
stature, not despite it.
Highs and Lows: Rooney's United Reign
Aug 2004: Joins Manchester United from Everton
for £25.6m, in what remains the highest fee paid
for a teenager.
Sep: Scores hat-trick on United debut, in a 6-2
Champions League win over Fenerbahce.
Apr 2005: Hits stunning long-range volley against
Newcastle United in the Premier League.
Sep: Receives first red card for United, sent off for
sarcastically applauding the referee at Villarreal in
the Champions League.
Feb 2006: Scores twice in 4-0 League Cup final
win over Wigan to gain first piece of silverware.
Aug: Sent off against Porto in pre-season
tournament, six weeks after World Cup red card
against Portugal.
Oct: Scores hat-trick in 4-0 win at Bolton.
May 2007: Hits 23 goals to help United to first
Premier League title in four seasons.
May 2008: Secures second title as Manchester
United retain Premier League, before helping club
win third Champions League, beating Chelsea on
penalties in Moscow.
Mar 2009: Dismissed in 2-0 defeat at Fulham,
given second yellow for throwing ball away
before kicking out at corner flag on his way off
the pitch.
May: Wins third Premier League title in three
years, unable to stop United losing 2-0 to
Barcelona in Champions League final.
Jan 2010: Strikes four in a match for the first time,
scoring all United's goals in 4-0 win over Hull.
Finishes fine season with 34 goals from 44
appearances, winning FWA Footballer of the Year
and PFA Player's Player of the Year.
Mar: Injures ankle in Champions League quarter-
final defeat at Bayern Munich. Returns within a
week but only scores twice more for the club in
2010.
Aug: Allegations of marital infidelity emerge in
tabloid newspapers. Fails in attempts to place an
injunction on the story's publication.
Oct: States intention to leave United following a
dispute with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, but later
changes his mind and signs a new £250,000-a-
week contract.
Feb 2011: Scores with stunning overhead kick to
win Manchester derby.
Apr: Scores fifth Manchester United hat-trick, in
4-2 win at West Ham. Swears at camera while
celebrating and receives two-match ban from FA.
May: Wins fourth Premier League title in five
years at Old Trafford. Scores United's only goal in
3-1 defeat to Barcelona in Champions League final
at Wembley.
Aug: Scores treble in 8-2 drubbing of Arsenal at
Old Trafford.
Sep: Hits back-to-back treble at Bolton, his
seventh United hat-trick, starting season with 11
goals in nine games.
Dec: Dropped from the team to play Blackburn
and fined £200,000. following night out. United
lose 3-2.
Where Rooney might go: Transfer
destinations
Estimated value £50m
Real Madrid
A move to the Spanish capital would enable
Rooney to link up with his old winking mate,
Cristiano Ronaldo. However, with the Portuguese
winger, Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema all
banging in the goals for Jose Mourinho's side this
season, and Mesut Ozil pulling the strings from
just behind, Rooney could struggle to get a
game.
Barcelona
Having previously raised doubts about
Manchester United's ability to continue to attract
the world's best players, Rooney would surely
have no such qualms were he to move to the
Catalan giants (and there would be the added
bonus, as with Real, of Champions League
football). With David Villa out for the remainder of
the season with a broken leg, Barcelona could do
with another striking option.
Milan
The Rossoneri's ongoing pursuit of Carlos Tevez
suggests that they are in the market for a
forward, and with Milan's reputation for fashion
Rooney could perhaps be tempted to move in
search of some new clothes to compliment his
recently-acquired hair – with his wife also
enjoying the shops. Furthermore, marital
infidelity is apparently less frowned upon in Italy –
if Silivo Berlusconi is anything to go by.
Paris St-Germain
The Qatar-backed French side would have no
trouble affording the England forward, and would
doubtless be attracted to the prospect of making
such a marquee signing having recently failed to
woo David Beckham over from the States.
Rooney could link up well with French goal-
machine Guillaume Hoarau – although it is hard to
imagine him opting to hide his magnificent barnet
under a beret.
Manchester City
Rooney reportedly flirted with the idea of joining
United's noisy neighbours during his contract
dispute in late 2010, while City manager Roberto
Mancini has recently bemoaned the club's lack of
resources up front. It would be an act of treason,
but could the lure of financial rewards, plus the
chance to link up with the talents of David Silva,
Sergio Aguero, Samir Nasri et al, be enough to
tempt Rooney?
And who might replace him?
Internazionale's Wesley Sneijder has long been
linked with a move to United, and his preferred
position just behind the striker would make him a
like-for-like replacement for Rooney. If Milan were
the forward's destination, Brazilian Alexandre Pato
could potentially be used in some form of swap
deal. Lille's sought after Belgian Eden Hazard
would also be able to fill the creative void left by
Rooney's departure, while Spurs' Luka Modric
could feature. Or there's always a certain Carlos
Tevez...
Tom Metcalf
Real Madrid win amidst Liga goal drought
Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of the
Primera Division to six points with a comfortable
win over Granada tonight. Madrid looked in for a
testing evening when Mikel Rico (22) cancelled out
Karim Benzema's 19th-minute opener to reward the
visitors for an encouraging performance.
But Sergio Ramos headed Jose Mourinho's side
back in front on 34 minutes and the game was
over as a contest when Gonzalo Higuain and
Benzema scored within five minutes of the start of
the second period. Cristiano Ronaldo then added
further gloss to the scoreline with the fifth goal two
minutes from time as Madrid extended their lead
over second-placed Barcelona, who play Espanyol
tomorrow.
Elsewhere, goals were in considerably shorter
supply with just one scored in the day's other four
games. Manolo Jimenez made a losing start to his
tenure as Real Zaragoza coach as Racing Santander
inflicted a narrow defeat on the strugglers. Jimenez
took over a side rock bottom of the table after the
departure from the hotseat of Javier Aguirre, four
points behind 19th-placed Racing and five adrift of
safety.
Yet it was Racing who gave themselves a shot in
the arm at El Sardinero as Bernardo Espinosa's
header in first-half injury-time proved enough to
earn a welcome victory. The games between
Levante and Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad and
Osasuna and Malaga and Atletico Madrid - for
whom Diego Simeone was making his debut in the
hotseat - all ended goalless.
Primera Division to six points with a comfortable
win over Granada tonight. Madrid looked in for a
testing evening when Mikel Rico (22) cancelled out
Karim Benzema's 19th-minute opener to reward the
visitors for an encouraging performance.
But Sergio Ramos headed Jose Mourinho's side
back in front on 34 minutes and the game was
over as a contest when Gonzalo Higuain and
Benzema scored within five minutes of the start of
the second period. Cristiano Ronaldo then added
further gloss to the scoreline with the fifth goal two
minutes from time as Madrid extended their lead
over second-placed Barcelona, who play Espanyol
tomorrow.
Elsewhere, goals were in considerably shorter
supply with just one scored in the day's other four
games. Manolo Jimenez made a losing start to his
tenure as Real Zaragoza coach as Racing Santander
inflicted a narrow defeat on the strugglers. Jimenez
took over a side rock bottom of the table after the
departure from the hotseat of Javier Aguirre, four
points behind 19th-placed Racing and five adrift of
safety.
Yet it was Racing who gave themselves a shot in
the arm at El Sardinero as Bernardo Espinosa's
header in first-half injury-time proved enough to
earn a welcome victory. The games between
Levante and Real Mallorca, Real Sociedad and
Osasuna and Malaga and Atletico Madrid - for
whom Diego Simeone was making his debut in the
hotseat - all ended goalless.
Manchester United face slow death if City turn the knife in FA Cup
Wayne Rooney's relationship with Sir Alex
Ferguson has come to the fore in the run-up to
the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester
City. Photograph: Scott Heppell/AP
Wayne Rooney is overpaid and overweight, and
fast becoming the most overrated player for club
and country since David Beckham.Manchester
United are heading the same way as Liverpool did
in the 90s, and Sir Alex Ferguson and the owners
are in denial about the club's shocking decline.
Fergie cannot keep saying there is no value in the
transfer market when his side have just been
stuffed by a Newcastle team who picked up
Demba Ba, Cheik Tioté and Yohan Cabaye for
around the same amount he wasted on Bébé last
season, or less than half the sum he spent on a
goalkeeper he no longer appears to trust fully.
And now for the good news. At least United do
not have to worry about catching Barcelona any
more. Working out how to beat Blackburn
should be much easier.
A week is a long time in football, especially one
that includes two unexpected defeats, and
trawling the extensive comments section that
followed the Manchester Evening News's online
match report from Newcastle there was scant
evidence of the eulogies or the universal
admiration that had greeted the beloved leader's
70th birthday a matter of days earlier.
Even if allowance ought to be made for the
possibility that some of the more caustic
observations had been posted byManchester City
fans, in a derby week anything goes. Particularly
when the derby is in the third round of theFA
Cup, and United have already made ignominious
exits from the Carling Cup and the Champions
League. Particularly when Ferguson is hoping to
avoid a run of three defeats in meaningful, mid-
season matches for the first time in almost 20
years, since a losing spell that predated Eric
Cantona's arrival and the manager's first English
title. "Never has a derby match meant so much
to the Reds," the MEN's editorial rather grandly
proclaimed. "This Cup game is the most
important in living memory for United."
Ferguson does not see it quite like that. "You want
the FA Cup to be a break," he says. "You don't get
that if you are playing your local derby, but this is
exactly what happened in my first season in
England. We drew City then, but at least we were
playing at home." United won that tie 1-0 with a
goal from Norman Whiteside. The neighbours
back in 1987 featured Perry Suckling in goal, Mick
McCarthy at the back and Imre Varadi at the front,
and under Jimmy Frizzell, the first of 14 City
managers Ferguson has encountered in his 25
years in Manchester, were heading for Division
Two.
The difference now, not that Ferguson likes to
admit it, preferring to praise Tottenham's football
whenever he has the chance, is that City's rise
has put United's shortcomings under a ruthless
spotlight. You would not know it to listen to the
moaners and the doubters, but United still have a
chance of the title this season. They are much
better placed than Arsenal or Chelsea and, though
their injury problems are real and their financial
situation seemingly unhelpful, they have all the
experience in the world upon which to draw if it
comes down to a face-off against City or Spurs in
the run-in. Despite the six points dropped in the
past two games this is still one of United's best
starts to a Premier League campaign, and in only
one previous season had they scored more goals
by this stage. Yet even though they have form
over course and distance and a reputation for
growing stronger after the turn of the year, the
perception remains that they will enter some sort
of meltdown should City inflict a third successive
defeat.
On the whole any meltdown appears unlikely, if
only for the simple reason that it is usually a
mistake to base any sort of prediction on the
result of a derby. United survived being beaten
by City in the FA Cup last year and still ended up
champions, and, though it may take another
month or so, they will eventually get most of
their missing midfielders back. "We've enough
experience to cope," Ferguson says, although he
does admit to being shocked at how
comprehensively his most experienced available
side had been outfought at Newcastle. He was
not alone.
There has been something untypical about
United's past two defeats: they seemed to accept
their fate without protest. There was no
barnstorming of the Blackburn goal in the final 10
minutes at Old Trafford, and there was no fight
and therefore no prospect of recovery at
Newcastle. Ferguson claimed only last week that
United were good at losing, in that they usually
respond to setbacks and disappointments with a
firm statement of intent, but the normal level of
feistiness has lately been missing. They are in
danger of becoming meek losers, which would
be so un-United and un‑Ferguson. The mere
possibility of displaying insufficient appetite for a
derby has City fans abuzz with excitement.
Ferguson complained after the 6-1 Premier
League humbling that his players had been too
naive in chasing the game when there was no
realistic prospect of gaining a result, leaving
opportunities for City to score more goals instead
of accepting defeat and organising themselves for
damage limitation. That may have been a realistic
appraisal, but it was an unusual one, and the first
of a series of un-United events this season. It was
followed by the sequence of one-goal wins, with
Rooney deployed conservatively in midfield,
which in turn was followed by the low-key
performances against Benfica, Crystal Palace and
Basel. Those were expensive opportunities lost,
though at least United could cling to the flimsy
excuse that they did not see the danger until it
was too late. That will not wash with a
Manchester derby.
The big game on Sunday afternoon has been
billed as such in flashing lights since the moment
the Cup draw was made. At almost any point in
the past 25 years United players and fans would
have been looking forward to it with just as
much enthusiasm as their City counterparts,
away from home or not. If that has changed in
the past week, and one senses that it may have, it
would be the most un‑United development at all.
United were so unrecognisable against Blackburn
a few boos from home supporters were heard as
early as the end of the first half. Should they lose
their swagger to the extent of failing to get up for
the most important derby in living memory
(copyright: MEN) then Ferguson cannot rely on a
three-year love-in before handing the reins to
someone else. It is already being suggested that
he has stuck around too long, by the same
bloggers who were remarking even before the
club released a statement on the matter on Friday
night that Rooney's body language practically
screams that he is no longer happy in his work
or enamoured of his manager. Contrary to
popular opinion, United fans do not demand the
earth from those who wear the shirt, though
they do expect them to look as if they are
enjoying it. Several pointed out that in addition to
being the bargain of the season, Newcastle's free-
scoring Ba plays with a smile on his face instead
of a scowl.
"You will get criticism in this job, but you learn
not to take it personally," Ferguson says. "People
are entitled to their opinions but I don't have to
read them." Quite so, and if Ferguson is in need
of support, his rival manager is more than willing
to provide it. "We are very close to United now,
but even if we finish on top this season I think Sir
Alex can stay for many more years," Roberto
Mancini says. "When you have won 12 titles you
can do anything you like. Nothing that happens
now can damage his reputation. After 25 years, it
would be impossible."
Maybe so, but a third defeat in three games
would, at the very least, make Ferguson feel his
age. Back in the mists of time, it was an FA Cup
win that kept him in his present job. "It can be a
useful break from the league," he says. "But only
if you get a result."
Ferguson has come to the fore in the run-up to
the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester
City. Photograph: Scott Heppell/AP
Wayne Rooney is overpaid and overweight, and
fast becoming the most overrated player for club
and country since David Beckham.Manchester
United are heading the same way as Liverpool did
in the 90s, and Sir Alex Ferguson and the owners
are in denial about the club's shocking decline.
Fergie cannot keep saying there is no value in the
transfer market when his side have just been
stuffed by a Newcastle team who picked up
Demba Ba, Cheik Tioté and Yohan Cabaye for
around the same amount he wasted on Bébé last
season, or less than half the sum he spent on a
goalkeeper he no longer appears to trust fully.
And now for the good news. At least United do
not have to worry about catching Barcelona any
more. Working out how to beat Blackburn
should be much easier.
A week is a long time in football, especially one
that includes two unexpected defeats, and
trawling the extensive comments section that
followed the Manchester Evening News's online
match report from Newcastle there was scant
evidence of the eulogies or the universal
admiration that had greeted the beloved leader's
70th birthday a matter of days earlier.
Even if allowance ought to be made for the
possibility that some of the more caustic
observations had been posted byManchester City
fans, in a derby week anything goes. Particularly
when the derby is in the third round of theFA
Cup, and United have already made ignominious
exits from the Carling Cup and the Champions
League. Particularly when Ferguson is hoping to
avoid a run of three defeats in meaningful, mid-
season matches for the first time in almost 20
years, since a losing spell that predated Eric
Cantona's arrival and the manager's first English
title. "Never has a derby match meant so much
to the Reds," the MEN's editorial rather grandly
proclaimed. "This Cup game is the most
important in living memory for United."
Ferguson does not see it quite like that. "You want
the FA Cup to be a break," he says. "You don't get
that if you are playing your local derby, but this is
exactly what happened in my first season in
England. We drew City then, but at least we were
playing at home." United won that tie 1-0 with a
goal from Norman Whiteside. The neighbours
back in 1987 featured Perry Suckling in goal, Mick
McCarthy at the back and Imre Varadi at the front,
and under Jimmy Frizzell, the first of 14 City
managers Ferguson has encountered in his 25
years in Manchester, were heading for Division
Two.
The difference now, not that Ferguson likes to
admit it, preferring to praise Tottenham's football
whenever he has the chance, is that City's rise
has put United's shortcomings under a ruthless
spotlight. You would not know it to listen to the
moaners and the doubters, but United still have a
chance of the title this season. They are much
better placed than Arsenal or Chelsea and, though
their injury problems are real and their financial
situation seemingly unhelpful, they have all the
experience in the world upon which to draw if it
comes down to a face-off against City or Spurs in
the run-in. Despite the six points dropped in the
past two games this is still one of United's best
starts to a Premier League campaign, and in only
one previous season had they scored more goals
by this stage. Yet even though they have form
over course and distance and a reputation for
growing stronger after the turn of the year, the
perception remains that they will enter some sort
of meltdown should City inflict a third successive
defeat.
On the whole any meltdown appears unlikely, if
only for the simple reason that it is usually a
mistake to base any sort of prediction on the
result of a derby. United survived being beaten
by City in the FA Cup last year and still ended up
champions, and, though it may take another
month or so, they will eventually get most of
their missing midfielders back. "We've enough
experience to cope," Ferguson says, although he
does admit to being shocked at how
comprehensively his most experienced available
side had been outfought at Newcastle. He was
not alone.
There has been something untypical about
United's past two defeats: they seemed to accept
their fate without protest. There was no
barnstorming of the Blackburn goal in the final 10
minutes at Old Trafford, and there was no fight
and therefore no prospect of recovery at
Newcastle. Ferguson claimed only last week that
United were good at losing, in that they usually
respond to setbacks and disappointments with a
firm statement of intent, but the normal level of
feistiness has lately been missing. They are in
danger of becoming meek losers, which would
be so un-United and un‑Ferguson. The mere
possibility of displaying insufficient appetite for a
derby has City fans abuzz with excitement.
Ferguson complained after the 6-1 Premier
League humbling that his players had been too
naive in chasing the game when there was no
realistic prospect of gaining a result, leaving
opportunities for City to score more goals instead
of accepting defeat and organising themselves for
damage limitation. That may have been a realistic
appraisal, but it was an unusual one, and the first
of a series of un-United events this season. It was
followed by the sequence of one-goal wins, with
Rooney deployed conservatively in midfield,
which in turn was followed by the low-key
performances against Benfica, Crystal Palace and
Basel. Those were expensive opportunities lost,
though at least United could cling to the flimsy
excuse that they did not see the danger until it
was too late. That will not wash with a
Manchester derby.
The big game on Sunday afternoon has been
billed as such in flashing lights since the moment
the Cup draw was made. At almost any point in
the past 25 years United players and fans would
have been looking forward to it with just as
much enthusiasm as their City counterparts,
away from home or not. If that has changed in
the past week, and one senses that it may have, it
would be the most un‑United development at all.
United were so unrecognisable against Blackburn
a few boos from home supporters were heard as
early as the end of the first half. Should they lose
their swagger to the extent of failing to get up for
the most important derby in living memory
(copyright: MEN) then Ferguson cannot rely on a
three-year love-in before handing the reins to
someone else. It is already being suggested that
he has stuck around too long, by the same
bloggers who were remarking even before the
club released a statement on the matter on Friday
night that Rooney's body language practically
screams that he is no longer happy in his work
or enamoured of his manager. Contrary to
popular opinion, United fans do not demand the
earth from those who wear the shirt, though
they do expect them to look as if they are
enjoying it. Several pointed out that in addition to
being the bargain of the season, Newcastle's free-
scoring Ba plays with a smile on his face instead
of a scowl.
"You will get criticism in this job, but you learn
not to take it personally," Ferguson says. "People
are entitled to their opinions but I don't have to
read them." Quite so, and if Ferguson is in need
of support, his rival manager is more than willing
to provide it. "We are very close to United now,
but even if we finish on top this season I think Sir
Alex can stay for many more years," Roberto
Mancini says. "When you have won 12 titles you
can do anything you like. Nothing that happens
now can damage his reputation. After 25 years, it
would be impossible."
Maybe so, but a third defeat in three games
would, at the very least, make Ferguson feel his
age. Back in the mists of time, it was an FA Cup
win that kept him in his present job. "It can be a
useful break from the league," he says. "But only
if you get a result."
Guardiola wins coach award
Barcelona's Pep Guardiola was on Friday elected
coach of the year for 2011 by the International
Federation of Football History and Statistics
(IFFHS).
Guardiola, who won the league, the UEFA
Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup
with Barca last year, previously won the award in
2009.
The former Spain midfielder finished above Real
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - the winner in 2010
- and Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson in a poll reflecting the opinions of
experts from 81 different countries.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Mourinho said
that Guardiola's success was "fully deserved".
The IFFHS, which is based in Germany, has been
issuing the award since 1996.
0Comments
Home > Europe
Guardiola wins coach
award
7 January 2012 - AFP
coach of the year for 2011 by the International
Federation of Football History and Statistics
(IFFHS).
Guardiola, who won the league, the UEFA
Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup
with Barca last year, previously won the award in
2009.
The former Spain midfielder finished above Real
Madrid coach Jose Mourinho - the winner in 2010
- and Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson in a poll reflecting the opinions of
experts from 81 different countries.
Speaking to the press on Friday, Mourinho said
that Guardiola's success was "fully deserved".
The IFFHS, which is based in Germany, has been
issuing the award since 1996.
0Comments
Home > Europe
Guardiola wins coach
award
7 January 2012 - AFP
Beitar Jerusalem docked points for fan racism
The Israel Football Association has docked Beitar
Jerusalem two points for racist chanting by its
fans.
The penalty comes after Beitar fans directed racist
epithets toward Hapoel Tel Aviv striker Toto
Tamuz during a game. Tamuz, who was raised
in Israel, is of Nigerian dissent and spent several
seasons playing for Beitar.
Beitar has been one of Israel's most popular and
most successful teams, and has won the
domestic championship title six times. But in
recent years it has fallen on hard times and is
currently in danger of relegation from the top
division.
It has also gotten into trouble for its rabid fan
base, which is notorious for its racist and anti-
Arab chants.
The team will be playing its next home game
before an empty stadium as punishment for a
previous incident in which its fans stormed the
field.
Jerusalem two points for racist chanting by its
fans.
The penalty comes after Beitar fans directed racist
epithets toward Hapoel Tel Aviv striker Toto
Tamuz during a game. Tamuz, who was raised
in Israel, is of Nigerian dissent and spent several
seasons playing for Beitar.
Beitar has been one of Israel's most popular and
most successful teams, and has won the
domestic championship title six times. But in
recent years it has fallen on hard times and is
currently in danger of relegation from the top
division.
It has also gotten into trouble for its rabid fan
base, which is notorious for its racist and anti-
Arab chants.
The team will be playing its next home game
before an empty stadium as punishment for a
previous incident in which its fans stormed the
field.
Kamis, 05 Januari 2012
Liverpool plea to United fans: please don't abuse Suarez
Liverpool are considering seeking talks with
Manchester United to reduce the prospect of Luis
Suarez facing some of the worst abuse visited on
an opposing player at Old Trafford when the two
clubs meet in the Premier League on 16 February.
The Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, is
understood to be determined that the
controversy surrounding the United defender
Patrice Evra's claims against Suarez will not
prevent him from starting the Uruguayan in what
will probably be his second game back after
suspension. That raises the question of how the
pre-match handshake between the two players
will unfold, though the potential for abuse also
causes Liverpool concern.
United were yet to hear from Liverpool on the
subject yesterday and, though they will need to
see what the club are proposing before assessing
it, they are not dismissing the idea of working
with them in some way. The first contact
between the two may be frosty, given how
much emphasis Dalglish has placed on the
unreliability of Evra as a witness during Suarez's
disciplinary case. Evra's name was notably absent
when Suarez finally made a public apology for
offence caused by his use of the word "negro" in
the Anfield match of 15 October.
An intermediary may be required to help
communication between the two clubs, and the
Premier League is understood to be willing to act
as one. It is possible that Greater Manchester
Police may also encourage dialogue. In the past,
the force has asked the staff and players of
Manchester's two clubs to desist from comments
and actions which might be deemed
inflammatory in the build-up to derby games.
The same may apply next month, when Dalglish
will need to put behind him any lingering feelings
about Suarez's eight-game ban.
United have done a lot of work in recent years to
prevent the awful chants against the Arsenal
manager, Arsène Wenger, including a message
from the United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, in
the match programme and the chief executive,
David Gill, broaching the subject with a leading
fans' forum. One small-scale measure United
now take is to broadcast DVDs of their opponents
in action through the away concourses before
games to help to improve the atmosphere.
Dalglish also wants the FA to help shield Suarez
from abuse, though Liverpool must make contact
and work with the governing body if they want
assistance. Spurs undertook concerted work with
the FA to prevent homophobic and racist abuse
at their game with Chelsea before Christmas.
Liverpool certainly need to mend some fences
with the FA if they are to get help from the
organisation now.
More immediately, the club seek progress past
Oldham Athletic in their FA Cup third-round tie
tonight, a game which has significance for Jamie
Carragher, who can anticipate his first start for
Dalglish since the Carling Cup win at Chelsea on 11
November. In the intervening two months,
Carragher has managed only seven minutes of
action – and even that was in central midfield, as
a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey at Aston Villa.
Carragher has lost his place on merit, with the
combination of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel
helping establish Dalglish's defence as one of the
most effective in the Premier League. However,
Skrtel was unconvincing in Tuesday's 3-0
Premier League defeat at Manchester City,
conceding a late penalty and struggling with
Sergio Aguero. At 33, Carragher is playing to
reassert his position at the heart of Liverpool's
defence
The arrival of Paul Dickov's League One side also
offers Dalglish a chance to give Steven Gerrard a
start.
Dalglish has lost only four of his previous 39 FA
Cup ties as Liverpool manager, though his club
have succumbed to lower-league opposition five
times in the past 12 seasons – capitulating to
Blackburn (2000), Crystal Palace (2003), Burnley
(2005), Barnsley (2008) and Reading in 2010.
Manchester United to reduce the prospect of Luis
Suarez facing some of the worst abuse visited on
an opposing player at Old Trafford when the two
clubs meet in the Premier League on 16 February.
The Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, is
understood to be determined that the
controversy surrounding the United defender
Patrice Evra's claims against Suarez will not
prevent him from starting the Uruguayan in what
will probably be his second game back after
suspension. That raises the question of how the
pre-match handshake between the two players
will unfold, though the potential for abuse also
causes Liverpool concern.
United were yet to hear from Liverpool on the
subject yesterday and, though they will need to
see what the club are proposing before assessing
it, they are not dismissing the idea of working
with them in some way. The first contact
between the two may be frosty, given how
much emphasis Dalglish has placed on the
unreliability of Evra as a witness during Suarez's
disciplinary case. Evra's name was notably absent
when Suarez finally made a public apology for
offence caused by his use of the word "negro" in
the Anfield match of 15 October.
An intermediary may be required to help
communication between the two clubs, and the
Premier League is understood to be willing to act
as one. It is possible that Greater Manchester
Police may also encourage dialogue. In the past,
the force has asked the staff and players of
Manchester's two clubs to desist from comments
and actions which might be deemed
inflammatory in the build-up to derby games.
The same may apply next month, when Dalglish
will need to put behind him any lingering feelings
about Suarez's eight-game ban.
United have done a lot of work in recent years to
prevent the awful chants against the Arsenal
manager, Arsène Wenger, including a message
from the United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, in
the match programme and the chief executive,
David Gill, broaching the subject with a leading
fans' forum. One small-scale measure United
now take is to broadcast DVDs of their opponents
in action through the away concourses before
games to help to improve the atmosphere.
Dalglish also wants the FA to help shield Suarez
from abuse, though Liverpool must make contact
and work with the governing body if they want
assistance. Spurs undertook concerted work with
the FA to prevent homophobic and racist abuse
at their game with Chelsea before Christmas.
Liverpool certainly need to mend some fences
with the FA if they are to get help from the
organisation now.
More immediately, the club seek progress past
Oldham Athletic in their FA Cup third-round tie
tonight, a game which has significance for Jamie
Carragher, who can anticipate his first start for
Dalglish since the Carling Cup win at Chelsea on 11
November. In the intervening two months,
Carragher has managed only seven minutes of
action – and even that was in central midfield, as
a replacement for Jonjo Shelvey at Aston Villa.
Carragher has lost his place on merit, with the
combination of Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel
helping establish Dalglish's defence as one of the
most effective in the Premier League. However,
Skrtel was unconvincing in Tuesday's 3-0
Premier League defeat at Manchester City,
conceding a late penalty and struggling with
Sergio Aguero. At 33, Carragher is playing to
reassert his position at the heart of Liverpool's
defence
The arrival of Paul Dickov's League One side also
offers Dalglish a chance to give Steven Gerrard a
start.
Dalglish has lost only four of his previous 39 FA
Cup ties as Liverpool manager, though his club
have succumbed to lower-league opposition five
times in the past 12 seasons – capitulating to
Blackburn (2000), Crystal Palace (2003), Burnley
(2005), Barnsley (2008) and Reading in 2010.
Langganan:
Postingan (Atom)
