tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45915974339776678202024-03-05T04:20:36.145-03:00latest football newsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.comBlogger681125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-45788585823269216452013-08-19T18:55:00.002-03:002013-08-19T18:55:58.554-03:00Villa: I'll celebrate scoring against Barcelona<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The 31-year-old insists his friends and former team-mates at Camp Nou
will become nothing but "rivals" during the Spanish Super Cup on
Wednesday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">David Villa has claimed he will likely celebrate any goal he should score for Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.<br /><br />The Liga champions take on the <em>Rojiblancos</em>
for the first piece of Spanish silverware this season on Wednesday, and
Villa - who moved from Camp Nou to Vicente Calderon this summer -
insists he will put all friendship aside when he faces his former
team-mates.<br /><br class="mceContentBody " id="tinymce" />“I have many
friends and fond memories of my three years there,” he told reporters.
“But when we start the game, they are my </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>rivals.<br /><br />“Hopefully I can
help my team. I have always celebrated my goals. Out of respect,
however, the exuberance of the celebration is different if you face an
opponent that you love.”<br /><br />Villa acknowledges that Gerardo
Martino's side will be the heavy favourites for the clash, especially
following their resounding 7-0 win over Levante on Sunday, but the
31-year-old remains determined to upset the odds.<br /><br />“We have many chances to win, but for that we have to do everything perfect," he continued.<br /><br />“We
can make no mistakes: defend very well, try to keep the ball away from
them as long as possible, because we know that they suffer when they
lose the ball, and then take our opportunities to hurt them in attack.<br /><br />“If
you have to look for a favorite, it is Barcelona. We have to fight
against that. When the match starts, we all have the same chance to win.<br /><br />“Just
look at the statistics of recent years and the way they have started
the league. We must seek our options and how we can hurt them. Lifting
this title is very important to us.” <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-34069834032995256112013-08-19T18:53:00.000-03:002013-08-19T18:56:59.620-03:00Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle United: Pellegrini debuts with a blast<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Last season's Premier League runners-up began their assault on the
title in fine fashion against a Yohan Cabaye-less Toon side that had
Steven Taylor sent off in the first half.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="divAdnetKeyword">Manchester City ran out easy winners over 10-man Newcastle United on Monday night, as Manuel Pellegrini's side recorded a resounding 4-0 win to send them top of the Premier League table.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="divAdnetKeyword"><span id="divAdnetKeyword">First-half goals from David Silva and Sergio
Aguero gave City an early lead, before Magpies centre-back Steven Taylor
was given a straight red card for hitting out at the diminutive
Argentine goalscorer just before the break.<br /><br />The home side's
dominance continued in the second period, with Yaya Toure marking his
100th Premier League appearance by curling a </span></span></span></span><br />
<a name='more'></a>free kick past Tim Krul
just after the restart, and substitute Samir Nasri completed the scoring
with 15 minutes remaining.<br />
<br />
Fernandinho, who arrived from
Shakhtar Donetsk in the close-season, was handed a competitive City
debut along with Spain international Jesus Navas. But Alvaro Negredo,
who joined with Navas from Sevilla, was only named among the
substitutes.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="divAdnetKeyword"><span id="divAdnetKeyword"><span id="divAdnetKeyword">Newcastle were without loan signing Loic Remy
due to a calf injury, but perhaps of more interest to the St James'
Park faithful was the omission of Arsenal target Yohan Cabaye, with
manager Alan Pardew confirming the club had received a bid in the
build-up to the game for the 27-year-old midfielder. <br /><br />City started the game with plenty of intent and the early pressure led to the breakthrough in just the sixth minute.<br /><br />Silva
played in Edin Dzeko to the left-hand side of the penalty area and his
low cross was deflected straight into the path of the Spaniard,
continuing his run into the box, who headed past the wrong-footed Krul.<br /><br />Newcastle
thought they had found a quick response when Hatem Ben Arfa jinked his
way to the edge of the area before playing a sublime through-ball to
Yoan Gouffran who fired beyond the reach of Joe Hart. Gouffran's
celebrations, though, were curtailed by the offside flag.<br /><br />City
then had a huge shout for a penalty when Dzeko's perfectly weighted pass
was collected by Toure deep in the box. He appeared to be tripped by
Mathieu Debuchy but referee Andre Marriner waved away the protests. <br /><br />In
the 22nd minute, City did deservedly double their lead. Vincent Kompany
supplied Dzeko and he showed great vision to play a nonchalant
back-heel straight into Aguero's path. The Argentina
international drove at Taylor onto his favoured right foot before firing
expertly across Krul into the far corner.<br /><br />Aguero then had a
legitimate claim for a penalty when Taylor appeared to handle his strike
in the box, but Marriner was unmoved. It was only a brief reprise for
the Newcastle defender, though, whose evening was brought to a premature
end moments later when he was shown a straight red card for striking
the back of Aguero's head with his arm.<br /><br />City picked up where they
left off in the second half and Dzeko was again thwarted by Krul, who
produced a superb athletic save to keep out the Bosnian's point-blank
header.<br /><br />But the third arrived in the 50th minute. Aguero won a free kick left of centre of the goal and Toure curled his effort into the top corner and past the despairing dive of Krul.<br /><br />The
one sour note for City came with 20 minutes remaining when captain
Kompany was replaced by Javi Garcia after the centre-back had injured
himself sliding for a challenge on Sammy Ameobi.<br /><br />But it did not impact on City's fluency in attack and Nasri made it four when he pounced on a loose ball in the 75th minute before coolly slotting beyond Krul.<br /><br />Negredo
came on to replace Silva with 10 minutes remaining and had the ball in
the net only to be ruled offside, but it made no difference as City
secured three comfortable points. </span>
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span id="divAdnetKeyword"><span id="divAdnetKeyword"> </span> </span> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-58819776010267149462013-08-19T18:48:00.002-03:002013-08-19T18:48:38.880-03:00Rodgers hails Sturridge attitude<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The England international missed most of the Reds' pre-season
preparations though injury, but returned in time to score the only goal
in a 1-0 win over Stoke City.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised Daniel Sturridge's mental strength in ensuring he was fit for the start of the season.<br /><br />Sturridge
struck the only goal of the game in Saturday's 1-0 victory over Stoke
City at Anfield as Liverpool began the Premier League campaign with an
encouraging performance.<br /><br />An ankle injury sustained while on
international duty with England back in May had threatened to leave the
striker unavailable to Rodgers for the opening month of the season.<br /><br />The
23-year-old, though, battled back to</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> full fitness ahead of schedule and
Rodgers thinks the January signing from Chelsea is in excellent shape
due to his commitment and attitude.<br /><br />"I think the biggest credit
you can give him is that in all the time he was off, he never put on any
weight whatsoever," said Rodgers.<br /><br />"His body fat remained the same as when he was playing, which shows you how hard he was working.<br /><br />"And I have to give credit to the medical team, because they've got to make sacrifices as well.<br /><br />"Daniel was keen to get himself right, so he was ready to fire at the beginning of the season.<br /><br />"For
a bit of time it was touch and go, but once we saw his progress and how
he was working, he was back probably three weeks earlier than what we
anticipated, purely because of his attitude.<br /><br />"I always believe he's got a goal in him.<br /><br />"That's
why we took him here. As long as he's on the field, he can end up being
one of the top goalscorers in this league." <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-55830705668766918602013-08-19T18:46:00.001-03:002013-08-19T18:46:04.769-03:00'Prison has changed me' - Breno<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Brazilian is relishing the chance to work with
the Bayern Munich Under-23 side on a day-release programme as he
continues to serve a jail term for aggravated arson</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Former Bayern Munich defender Breno admits he has "changed as a person" during his time in prison.<br /><br />The
23-year-old was sentenced to three years and nine months in 2012 after
being found guilty of aggravated arson following a fire at his rented
Munich villa the previous year.<br /><br />The Brazilian has been offered a post to work for five hours a day with the Bayern Under-23 side and he admits he is indebted to the club for the opportunity following his spell away from the game.<br /><br />“My
time in prison was <a name='more'></a>hard for me and I am pleased that Bayern have given
me this opportunity. he told a press conference. “Thanks to Bayern, I’m
fine.<br /><br />“I have changed as a person. I learned a lot in prison. My
wife and my kids were behind me the whole time. I’ve thought a lot about
God, and without God there’s not much."<br /><br />Breno originally signed
with the club in 2007 as a 17-year-old, but injuries curtailed his early
career in Germany before he was sent to prison last year.<br /><br />“We
have a mandate to integrate these people back to life,” sporting
director Matthias Sammer said, while president Uli Hoeness added: "Breno
is a member of the big Bayern family, who once had problems.Now there
is a glimmer of hope and we want to give it to him." </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-5394957492815794782013-08-19T18:42:00.001-03:002013-08-19T18:42:21.347-03:00Pardew omits Cabaye from Newcastle squad following Arsenal bid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Magpies manager has been left angry by the timing of the Gunners'
£10 million bid for the France international, who misses the Tyneside
club's clash against Manchester City.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed that Yohan Cabaye has been omitted from his side's opening Premier League clash against Manchester City following a bid from Arsenal.<br /><br />The Gunners are understood to have had a £10 million offer for the Frenchman rejected after having launched a triple swoop for Cabaye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Atsuto Uchida.<br /><br />The
27-year-old was expected to feature in Monday night's game against
Manuel Pellegrini's men, however, following Arsenal's approach, Cabaye
was left out of the squad as uncertainty surrounds the former Lille
midfielder's future.<br /><br />"What I can confirm is that on the eve of
the game we've had a bid for the player which we don't think is
acceptable," a visibly annoyed Alan Pardew told <em>Sky Sports</em> when asked about Cabaye's omission before the match.<br /><br />"Therefore
I have to pick a team tonight that's going to get us a result. The
rights and wrongs of that bid, people will have their own opinion. I
know what I think about it."<br /><br />Arsenal missed out on Luiz Gustavo
earlier in August, and a move for Cabaye has been was necessitated by
injuries to midfielders Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta.
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-23613171308501141732013-08-19T18:32:00.000-03:002013-08-19T18:32:01.209-03:00Gourcuff could leave Lyon, says Aulas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The midfielder may yet depart Stade Gerland, while Bafetimbi Gomis is now likely to sign a new contract with the club.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Lyon
playmaker Yoann Gourcuff could leave the Ligue 1 side this summer after
the club's president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted "anything is possible".<br /><br />Premier
League side Arsenal are believed to be admirers of the 27-year-old,
with reports tipping the club to make a bid before the end of the summer
transfer window.<br /><br />And though Aulas still believes the midfielder
will remain at </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Stade Gerland, he has refused to rule out Gourcuff
leaving the club.<br /><br />Posting on his personal Twitter account, Aulas
said: “I do not think Gourcuff will move to Arsenal, but in football
anything is possible.”<br /><br />The France international has made a
blistering start to the season, scoring twice in two games to help Lyon
to the summit of the Ligue 1 table.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Aulas also suggested that Newcastle United target Bafetimbi Gomis will sign a new contract with <em>les Gones.</em><br /><br />"At the moment he reflects over a one-year extension with the possibility of release next year." <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-7515496634817263402013-08-19T18:23:00.001-03:002013-08-19T18:23:37.300-03:00Fulham sign Parker from Tottenham<br />
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<a href="http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/polopoly_fs/nls_wk4_13_scott_parker_1_1804638!image/1644572184.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/1644572184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tottenhamjournal.co.uk/polopoly_fs/nls_wk4_13_scott_parker_1_1804638!image/1644572184.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_630/1644572184.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The 32-year-old, who has previously enjoyed spells with Charlton,
Chelsea, Newcastle and and West Ham, has decided to spurn QPR in favour
of a move to Craven Cottage.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fulham have confirmed they have completed the signing of Scott Parker from Tottenham.<br /><br />The
32-year-old midfielder has decided to spurn the interest of recently
relegated QPR to sign a three-year deal with Martin Jol's side, and
joins for an undisclosed fee.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Fulham will be Parker's fifth London club, the England international
having already enjoyed spells with Charlton, Chelsea, West Ham and
Tottenham during a distinguished career.<br /><br />“I’m delighted to be
joining Fulham and I’m looking forward to </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>meeting my new teammates at
training tomorrow morning," Parker told the club's official website.<br /><br />Fulham
is an established Premier League club and I look forward to trying to
help the team progress even further over the next three years."<br /><br />Boss Martin Jol added: "I'm delighted that Scott has joined us.
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"He's a midfielder who works tirelessly for his team and is a fantastic player both on and off the ball.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"It is wonderful to see a player of his stature playing for Fulham
Football Club as he has shown his qualities in the Premier League and
for the England team for many years.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I'm happy that he's here and joins us for training ahead of our first home match of the season."</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-71355207506307508912013-08-19T18:20:00.001-03:002013-08-19T18:20:15.260-03:00Juventus suffer Marchisio blow<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The midfielder has suffered a "first-second degree tear" of his medial
collateral ligament and will now be missing for over a month.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Juventus have confirmed that Claudio Marchisio will be out for a period of between 30 to 35 days, after he picked up an injury during Sunday's Super Cup victory over Lazio.<br /><br />Goals from Paul Pogba, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Carlos Tevez secured the trophy for the <em>Bianconeri</em> on Sunday.<br /><br />But with the success came a</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> major setback, as Marchisio suffered a torn ligament during the match at Stadio Olimpico.<br /><br />"Claudio
Marchisio today underwent an MRI scan at Turin’s Fornaca Clinic after
taking a knock during the first half of last night’s Super Cup clash
with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome," read a statement on the
club's official website.<br /><br />"The scan of the midfielder’s right knee revealed a first-second degree tear of his medial collateral ligament. <br /><br />"He is expected to be sidelined for a period of between 30 and 35 days." <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-34165635674969755742013-08-19T18:17:00.000-03:002013-08-19T18:17:36.395-03:00Arda Turan likely to leave Atletico Madrid for Premier League, agent claims<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Atleti are believed to want to retain the Turkey international, but his
agent stressed he has a release clause of €24 million suggested interest
from England, France and Turkey.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arda Turan is likely to move to the Premier League this summer, his
agent claimed after he confirmed the interest of English clubs in
signing the winger from Atletico Madrid.<br /><br />The 26-year-old won the
Europa League in his first season with Atleti after joining from
Galatasaray in 2011, and coach Diego Simeone is believed to want to
retain him having previously spoken of the value to the club.<br /><br />The
Turkey international’s agent Ahmet Bulut however claimed a </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>move was
likely and stressed that he had a release clause at which the club would
be obliged to sell him.<br /><br />"The transfer of Arda to the Premier League this summer is likely," Bulut told Turkish television station <em>NTV Spor</em>.<br /><br />"England is where most of the interest in him lies and they are well informed about Atletico's stance.<br /><br />"They
know that the Madrid club are rejecting all offers for him but that if
the pay his release clause there is nothing the club can do. There have
been discussions."<br /><br />The attacker has also been linked with Monaco,
and while his agent confirmed that a team from the French league made a
€17m bid for him last month, he added: "both Atletico and Arda
simultaneously rejected it."<br /><br />His agent also added that there had
been interest from Turkey, though he stressed: "No team has come close
to offering the €24m [£20m] stated in his contract, but there has been a
lot of activity this summer."<br /><br />However, Galatasaray coach Fatih Terim in turn suggested that he could yet return to his former club.<br /><br />"I
talked to him for two hours after Turkey-Ghana friendly and he told me
that his desire is to return to Galatasaray and he is doing everything
he can to return,” Terim told reporters.<br /><br />"Indeed, I would
encourage our President to talk with Atletico, although I understand
what he means to them and I don't want to cause trouble." <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-10732629461259772072013-08-19T17:41:00.000-03:002013-08-19T17:41:57.543-03:00Lewandowski hails Dortmund patience<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">After a narrow victory on Sunday, the Poland international has lauded
his side's composure in breaking down a stubborn visiting rearguard.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski has praised his team's patience after their 2-1 win against Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday.<br /><br />The
newly-promoted underdogs were resilient in the face of BVB pressure for
much of the afternoon at Signal Iduna Park, much to the frustration of
last season's Champions League finalists.<br /><br />But youngster Jonas
Hofmann, who was brought in for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the second
half, was able to break the deadlock in the</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> 75th minute.<br /><br />Later on, Marco Reus scored a penalty and Kevin Kratz marked a consolation as Dortmund held on for all three points.<br /><br />"Braunschweig were standing very deep," the 24-year-old told the club's official website.<br /><br />"If
you don't score a goal during the early stages of the match in this
situation, you tend to struggle against a heavily defending team like
that.<br /><br />"But in the end, we did well and waited for our chance patiently. We need to work on our effectiveness, however."<br /><br />Meanwhile, Hofmann was delighted with scoring his first Bundesliga goal after coming off the bench.<br /><br />"If
you join the action on the pitch, of course you want to have an impact
on the game. Especially when it's still 0-0, you want to help your team
and show that there's a lot more in it." <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-27605009592360103772013-08-19T17:38:00.001-03:002013-08-19T17:38:49.722-03:00Pellegrini: Manchester City don't have time to get to know each other<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The former Malaga coach warns that his new players must impress straight
away and does not believe that his lack of Premier League experience
will disadvantage their title bid.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Manuel Pellegrini has warned that Manchester City must start the season
with good results and that his established squad and his summer signings
do not have the time to get to know each other first.<br /><br />City host
Newcastle on Monday to open their Premier League campaign, with Roberto
Mancini having been dismissed and replaced by the former Malaga manager
following a disappointing second-place finish last season.<br /><br />The
transfer window saw</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> four experienced players, in midfielder Fernandinho,
winger Jesus Navas, attacker Stevan Jovetic and striker Alvaro Negredo,
arrive at the Etihad Stadium and Pellegrini expects an immediate
impact.<br /><br />"Now we have a new era with some new players," the manager told <em>The Daily Mail</em>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Of course, the new players, and the manager and staff, all need time to
get to know each other and I'm sure that we will improve as the season
progresses but we do not have that time. We have to hit the ground
running and that starts against Newcastle."<br /><br />In David Moyes and
Jose Mourinho, Manchester United and Chelsea chose managers with Premier
League experience to replace Sir Alex Ferguson and Rafa Benitez but the
Chilean dismissed suggestions that he would be at a disadvantage.<br /><br />"No,
I don't think it can be a problem for me. I have a lot of experience in
different countries and know a lot of things about the Premier League,"
he responded.<br /><br />"For me, it's the best league in Europe. I'm
excited about my new job but I don’t want to compare. To manage River
Plate in Argentina is not easy. To manage Real Madrid in Spain is not
easy."<br /><br />Pellegrini outlined his ambition to impress in all
competitions in his first season in Manchester, adding that each of his
players would have to earn the right to play.<br /><br />"My target is that
Manchester City must improve in all aspects. Last season it was a pity
that they didn't win at least the FA Cup," he continued. "We have a
strong squad to try to win it all — FA Cup, Capital One Cup, Champions
League and Premier League.<br /><br />"My teams do not play by name, they
play by performance. We always play the players who are giving the best
performance and in the best moment." </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-179465877687763972013-08-19T17:34:00.001-03:002013-08-19T17:34:31.577-03:00Zabaleta signs new Manchester City deal until 2017<div class="leading">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="leading">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The 28-year-old Argentine has established himself as a
firm favourite at the Etihad Stadium since signing five years ago, and
he is delighted to have penned an extension.</span></div>
<div class="leading">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has signed a new
four-year contract that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until 2017.<br /><br />The
Argentine has made has made 175 appearances for City since signing from
Espanyol in 2008, and has emerged as the club's first-choice right-back
in recent seasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> "I have been here for five years and it feels like
home. Signing a contract extension with the club makes me feel very
happy," he told the club's official website.</span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I feel great here, I like the</span></div>
<a name='more'></a> Premier League, and I
think Manchester City are one of the clubs looking for success in the
future. It is a club that is very well-organised and when you see that
everything works well you want to be here."<br />
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Manuel Pellegrini takes charge of his first
competitive game as City manager against Newcastle on Monday evening,
and Zabaleta hopes it will be the start of a successful campaign.</span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I think we have got a great squad, fantastic players and hopefully we can win something this year," he added.</span></div>
<div class="Normal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><div class="Normal">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"I am sure the fans will respond very well as always.
They are a big support for the team week in week out, and hopefully at
the end of the season the fans and players can celebrate with a trophy."</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-5832734337202653272013-08-19T17:31:00.001-03:002013-08-19T17:31:27.848-03:00Villas-Boas denies Tottenham bid for Willian<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Spurs boss says the Brazilian is a player who he 'appreciates' and
concedes the club could make further signings before the end of the
transfer window.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas insists his side have not submitted a
bid for Anzhi Makhachkala midfielder Willian but admits he admires the
Brazilian.<br /><br />We reported on Monday that
Liverpool have launched a formal offer of €30 million (£25.6m) for the
25-year-old, while the club are also willing to match the player's
£85,000-a-week salary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />When asked if Tottenham have made a bid for Willian, Villas-Boas told reporters: "No, no." <br /><br />But
when asked if he admires the </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Brazilian, Villas-Boas replied: "Yes. This
is a player who I have spoken about in the past, not very long ago.<br /><br />"He is a player who I appreciate. He belongs to them and I respect them so I wouldn't like to extend myself too much."<br /><br />Villas-Boas also admits his side are still in the market for further signings before the close of the transfer window.<br /><br />"We
haven't finished. We have a very, very good squad. We have done most of
our activity in the market, but we are looking further on that. There
is a possibility [of new signings], yes," he said. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-51554919990817523272013-08-19T14:11:00.002-03:002013-08-19T14:11:25.057-03:00Kingsley Boateng completes Catania loan<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The striker joins the Rossazzurri on season-long deal, with the Sicilian
club having an option to purchase a 50% stake in the player next summer.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Milan have confirmed that Kingsley Boateng has joined Catania on loan for the entire 2013-14 season.<br /><br />The
19-year-old striker will join up with Rolando Maran's side ahead of
this weekend’s Serie A opener, and the deal also includes an option for
the Sicilian club to purchase a 50% stake in Boateng at the end of his
spell.<br /><br />Boateng featured regularly for</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> Milan during pre-season,
but with the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy, Mario Balotelli, M’Baye
Niang, Giampaolo Pazzini and Robinho offering Massimiliano Allegri ample
attacking options, a temporary switch away from the Giuseppe Meazza has
been arranged.<br /><br />Catania recorded an impressive eighth place
finish in Serie A last term, and Boateng joins fellow new recruits
Sebastien Leto and Luciano Fabian Monzon at the Stadio Angelo Massimino.<br /><br />The Ghanaian born player is a product of the Milan youth system and has been capped three times for the Italy Under-19 team. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-14751677392834600192013-08-19T14:07:00.000-03:002013-08-19T14:07:07.666-03:00Arsenal launch triple swoop for Cabaye, Kondogbia & Uchida<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Gunners have submitted formal bids for the Newcastle midfielder and
Japanese full-back, and made an enquiry over Sevilla's 20-year-old
French star.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arsenal are ready to begin a late summer spending spree after launching a
triple swoop for Yohan Cabaye, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Atsuto Uchida,.
</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Gunners had a £10 million bid for Newcastle midfielder Cabaye
rejected on Monday before turning their attention to Sevilla powerhouse
Kondogbia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arsenal made an enquiry rather than a formal
offer for the 20-year-old midfield anchorman and were told he would only
be sold if the €20m buy-out clause in his</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> contract is met.<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It is believed that the London club are also waiting for a response
from Schalke after making a €7m bid for Uchida, the Bundesliga club’s
right-back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The frenzy of offers has come on the back of Arsenal’s 3-1
opening-day Premier League defeat to Aston Villa and a summer in which
they have failed to make a senior signing despite making bids for a
string of marquee players including Luis Suarez, Gonzalo Higuain,
Marouane Fellaini and Luiz Gustavo.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arsenal have long held an interest in Cabaye but the timing of the
bid is likely to have incurred the wrath of Newcastle, given that the
Frenchman is expected to start their league opener against Manchester
City on Monday night.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sevilla’s outspoken president Jose Maria del Nido has said that he
would consider it an “attack” on his club if anyone tried to buy
Kondogbia this summer but has admitted that the France international has
a €20m (£17.2m) buy-out clause in his contract.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Kondogbia joined Sevilla from Lens for €3m 12 months ago and offers
similar versatility to Luiz Gustavo, who rejected Arsenal to join
Wolfsburg last week, in that he can fill in at centre-back and at
left-back.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Last week Arsenal had targeted Japanese defender
Uchida to provide defensive cover this season and be groomed as a
long-term replacement for Sagna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wenger wants a right-back who can fit in with the Gunners’ playing
style and be groomed to challenge Carl Jenkinson for the first-team slot
if Sagna leaves when his contract expires next summer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arsene Wenger has taken action to reinforce a squad that is looking
increasingly threadbare after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain became the latest
senior player to face a long spell on the sidelines.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The England international had a scan on Monday on a serious knee
injury sustained in the Villa defeat on Saturday, with Arsenal set to
receive the results on Tuesday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wenger is already without Mikel Arteta, who is out for up to a month
with a thigh injury picked up in training last week, and skipper Thomas
Vermaelen, who will be missing until mid-October with a stress fracture
of his back.</span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-35964585421820578052013-08-19T14:03:00.001-03:002013-08-19T14:03:16.409-03:00Boateng backs brother in fight against racism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Germany star has attended an event in Miami against racial abuse in the sport to support his brother Kevin-Prince.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has taken a stance against racism after his brother, AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng, was subjected to abusive chants earlier this year.<br /><br />The <em>Rossoneri</em> midfielder walked off the pitch after abusive shouts from the stands during a friendly against Pro Patria in January.<br /><br />And
speaking at an event against racism in football in Miami, the Bayern
Munich man has </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>called for action against abusive behaviour from
supporters towards players.<br /><br />"I'm happy that I could make it but I think we must do more," the 24-year-old centre-back told <em>SWOL</em>.<br /><br />"Like this is the start of the event and we must do more.<br /><br />"I'm
proud to be a part of it and I'm happy to be here in Miami at this
time. I'm looking forward to this event and I think its an important
thing.<br /><br />"It was also a reason [I support this event], because it's my brother and because thats why I tried my best to come here.<br /><br />"We
need people in a really big positions to show that it is very important
and that it doesn't happen again in the stadium, because we all love
this game and its about respect." <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-25051957138614789312013-08-19T12:24:00.000-03:002013-08-19T12:24:33.133-03:00Ferdinand hits back at Mourinho swipe<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Chelsea boss claimed Manchester United were not an "unbelievable
team" last season, while the 34-year-old defender warns his side should
not be ruled out of the title race.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Rio Ferdinand has hit back at Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho after the
Portuguese criticised the calibre of Manchester United's title-winning
team.<br /><br />Mourinho claimed neither United nor Manchester City had been "extraordinary" champions in the past two seasons.<br /><br />"That
was his first sound bite of the season, wasn't it? I think we expected
it," Ferdinand said of the Chelsea manager's comments.<br /><br />"I'm looking forward to Chelsea. We are really looking forward to it. Now we can </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>start playing for something."<br /><br />United's
credentials were questioned before the start of the campaign following a
string of unconvincing pre-season results but David Moyes' side
launched their defence of the title with a 4-1 victory at Swansea City
on Saturday.<br /><br />"We are professional people and want to win. You
don't appreciate it when people don't put you in the position you should
be," Ferdinand said.<br /><br />"Being champions you warrant maybe a little
bit more but every next person is tipping someone else to win the
league and putting us in third or fourth place.<br /><br />"It seemed people thought we should have come away with zero points and there would have been a lot of noise if we'd lost.<br /><br />"The vibe all week was people wanted it. <br /><br />"So
it was nice to go there – especially in the gaffer's first real
competitive game – and to win convincingly – as we did." <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-46792811876874309002013-08-19T12:21:00.000-03:002013-08-19T12:21:15.754-03:00 Lippi: Juventus will need luck in the Champions League<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The former Azzurri boss feels the Bianconeri could have gone all the way
in the competition last term, but were unfortunate to draw Bayern
Munich in the quarter-finals.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Juventus will need lady luck on their side if they are to triumph in the Champions League this season, according to Marcello Lippi.<br /><br />Antonio
Conte's men were defeated 4-0 on aggregate by the Bayern Munich in the
quarter-finals of the tournament last term, with the Bavarians going on
to win the tournament.<br /><br />And the former Juve boss - who lifted the Champions League with the club in 1996 - feels the luck of the draw was against the <em>Bianconeri</em>, but believes they are capable of</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> winning the trophy this season if fortune works in their favour.<br /><br />"[Conte]
has a strong team but winning [the Champions League] depends on several
factors, including luck, which does not play a secondary role," the
65-year-old told the <em>Corriere dello Sport</em>. <br /><br />"If last year they didn't meet Bayern in the quarter-finals, they could have reached the final."<br /><br />Furthermore, the trainer believes the <em>Bianconeri</em> are in a favoured position to secure their third title in a row this term.<br /><br />"All the teams that win Serie A are considered favourites the following season," he said.<br /><br />"Juve have a winning mentality, the right belief and strengthened themselves with new signings. <br /><br />"Winning
the league is difficult, it is harder to win back-to-back titles and
winning it the third consecutive year even more so."<br /><br />Regarding
the club's new signings Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, Lippi is
confident they will strengthen the squad, but also remarks they have to
prove their worth in Serie A. <br /><br />"I think Tevez is a great signing,
he will add value and Llorente can be the player Juve have missed out
on from a technical aspect. <br /><br />"However, both are foreigners and have to prove their worth in Italy."<br /><br />Lippi
led Italy to World Cup glory in 2006 before leaving his post in charge
of the national side in 2010 and joining Chinese outfit Guangzhou
Evergrande. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-29612223372728781532013-08-19T12:18:00.001-03:002013-08-19T12:18:22.288-03:00Prandelli: Juventus will win Serie A<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Azzurri head coach expects the Bianconeri to be Serie A champions
once again, but believes Napoli and Fiorentina's new recruits will see
them challenge.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cesare Prandelli says Juventus are "the number one favourite" to retain their Serie A title and predicted another season of success for Antonio Conte's side.<br /><br />The
reigning Italian champions start the defence of their title away to
Sampdoria next Saturday and are firm favourites to record a third
successive first place finish.<br /><br />Conte's men ended last season nine
points clear of closest challengers Napoli, and have since added the
names of Carlos Tevez, Fernando Lllorente and Angelo Ogbonna to an
</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>already stellar squad.<br /><br />The <em>Bianconeri</em> have lost just
five of their last 76 Serie A league games and Italy boss Prandelli is
predicting the Turin giants to dominate again.<br /><br />"For the championship, Juventus are always the number one favourite," the 55-year-old told <em>SkyItalia.</em><br /><br />"After
what Conte has done in the past two years, there have been further
reinforcements to the squad and it will be difficult to remove them from
the top of Serie A."<br /><br />But after envisaging yet more glory for
Juventus, Prandelli then went on to say he expects both Napoli and his
former club Fiorentina to enjoy good campaigns after a strong summer of
recruitment.<br /><br />The Naples outfit have seen coach Walter Mazzarri
depart for Inter and star striker Edinson Cavani join Paris
Saint-Germain, but president Aurelio De Laurentis has moved astutely to
lessen those blows.<br /><br />Rafa Benitez has been charged with taking
over from Mazzarri, and the Spaniard has been granted a raft of new
recruits at the San Paolo.<br /><br />Jose Callejon, Raul Albiol and Gonzalo
Higuain have all been signed from Real Madrid, with that trio being
joined by Dries Mertens, Pablo Armero and Pepe Reina.<br /><br />Fiorentina
have been similarly active in the transfer market as they seek to
improve on an impressive fourth place finish last term, with the losses
of Stevan Jovetic and Alessandro Cerci being offset by the arrivals of
Josip Ilicic, Mario Gomez, Massimo Ambrosini, Joaquin, Juan Guillermo
Cuadrado and Oleksandr Yakovenko.<br /><br />"Napoli and Fiorentina are making the fans dream. They have done the best in the transfer market."<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-79975996236226568922013-08-19T12:15:00.000-03:002013-08-19T12:15:30.692-03:00Muller: Bayern have a score to settle with Chelsea<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Germany star has set his sights on avenging their defeat in the 2012
Champions League final and says his team need to improve defensively
under Pep Guardiola.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller feels his team "have a score to settle" against Chelsea ahead of their European Super Cup tie with the Blues on August 30.<br /><br />The
Blues won the 2011-12 Champions League final against the Bavarians 4-3
on penalties, but the Germans eventually bounced back by securing the
treble the following campaign.<br /><br />But despite the success, Muller
says his team are ready to retaliate for the defeat two seasons ago,
when they meet Jose Mourinho's side in Prague at the</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> end of the month.<br /><br />"We still have a score to settle," the 23-year-old told the club's official website.<br /><br />"We can't make the lost Champions League final [in 2012] forgotten.<br /><br />"However, you don't always reach the European Super Cup final, so we will try to win this title with a vengeance."<br /><br />Muller also took the time to praise the club's new signings Thiago Alcantara, Mario Gotze and Jan Kirchhoff.<br /><br />"They
bring a lot of quality into the team. We don't have to say much about
Thiago and Mario. Both have shown what they're capable of at a very high
level already.<br /><br />"But Jan is very talented as well, he will strengthen our defence."<br /><br />And
speaking of the defence, Muller believes that this is the one area his
team needs to improve in order to build upon their treble-winning
2012-13 campaign.<br /><br />"We already have a lot of creativity and different possibilities to score goals going forward.<br /><br />"Therefore, our main focus is on the defence in the upcoming weeks."<br /><br />Pep Guardiola's men are currently preparing for the Bavarian derby against Nurnberg on August 24. <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-91489307007773839602013-08-19T12:12:00.001-03:002013-08-19T12:12:11.589-03:00Michu: Van Persie is best striker in the world <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Spaniard believes the Manchester United forward will once again be a
major contender for the Premier League's Golden Boot this season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Michu has labelled Robin van Persie as the best striker in the world
after the Dutchman's double against Swansea City on Saturday.<br /><br />Van
Persie, who claimed the golden boot in the Premier League last season,
struck twice in Manchester United's 4-1 away win at the Liberty Stadium,
with Danny Welbeck matching his contribution.<br /><br />"He had two chances and he scored two goals, but that is why</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> Manchester United are fighting for the championship," he said. <br /><br />"For
me, to be honest, he is the best striker in the world. He had no clear
chances in this game and it is just incredible how he ended up with two
goals. It stops with him, he is the best.<br /><br />"I don't know how many
goals he will score this season. A hundred, maybe a thousand! One thing
is for sure, he is going to score a lot."<br /><br />Swansea will now look
to bounce back from the loss when they host Petrolul Ploiesti in the
first leg of their Europa League play-off tie on Thursday. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-65808641134030151262013-08-19T12:09:00.000-03:002013-08-19T12:09:02.076-03:00Arsenal need to sign a striker, admits Giroud<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Gunners forward believes that the club need reinforcements if they
are to challenge for major trophies this year, with Arsene Wenger's
pursuit of Luis Suarez stalling.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud admits that the club need to sign more
players, particularly another striker, if they are to achieve their
goals.<br /><br />The Gunners have only signed Yaya Sanogo this summer, on a
free transfer, and have missed out on targets such as Gonzalo Higuain
and Luiz Gustavo, though manager Arsene Wenger insists that he is
pursuing new faces.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Luis Suarez has been the north Londoners' highest-profile target so far
this summer but Liverpool have held firm after two bids, with Reds boss
Brendan Rodgers declaring the </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>situation "resolved".<br /><br />Giroud told
reporters in France: "In my opinion, it is important that the club sign
another striker but it takes time, especially if it is a big-name
player.<br /><br />"I know what my job is and what I'm capable of. I just
focus on myself and my ability. The manager is counting on me so I'm not
thinking about [potential new arrivals] too much."<br /><br />The Gunners'
frustrations in the transfer market this summer were reflected in the
atmosphere as Arsenal lost 3-1 to Aston Villa on the opening day of the
Premier League, with the club's Supporters Trust and the Black Scarf
movement both writing to the board in concern. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-49125805231350540142013-08-19T12:05:00.001-03:002013-08-19T12:05:35.555-03:00Valdes: Ancelotti wrong over Casillas <br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Blaugrana shot-stopper was surprised the Spain No.1 was only named on the bench on Sunday.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes believes Carlo Ancelotti was wrong to pick Diego Lopez over Iker Casillas for Real Madrid's opening day win over Betis.<br /><br />Casillas had a hard time under former <em>Blancos</em> coach Jose Mourinho during the Portuguese's last season at the Santiago Bernabeu, which eventually resulted in the goalkeeper being benched for five months. <br /><br />Lopez
was brought in from Sevilla in January and was installed as the club's
first choice keeper, a trend that continued on Sunday with</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> Casillas left
out of the side and Valdes has admitted his astonishment at the
decision.<br /><br />"I was surprised that Casillas was a substitute," the 31-year-old told <em>El Mundo Deportivo</em>.<br /><br />"At the Confederations Cup he did quite well after a difficult personal situation and months without playing.<br /><br />"I've seen Iker do the impossible, for me he is the best, <br /><br />"I'm surprised by this decision, but it's not my club and I have not much to say about that. <br /><br />"But he is the best. I would like to see him play more, it's a challenge for me to face him."<br /><br />Barcelona
are currently preparing for their trip to Atletico Madrid on August 21,
while Ancelotti's men will face Granada five days later. <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-49445124224455879982013-08-19T12:01:00.001-03:002013-08-19T12:01:04.926-03:00Martino: Pressing must start with Messi <br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The coach wants his star forward to lead the line off the ball as well as on it and praised Cesc Fabregas for a fine pre-season.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino believes that Lionel Messi must lead by example when it comes to pressing the opposition.<br /><br />The
Argentine trainer has made tactical tweaks during pre-season to his
newly inherited squad, including being more active in closing down
players off the ball, and he believes that the four-time Ballon d'Or
winner is crucial to the tactic working.<br /><br />"Messi starting the
pressing is important for the</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> team," he told reporters on Monday at a
press conference. "He's not just putting a bit of pressure, he really
wants that ball."<br /><br />As well as praising Cesc Fabregas, who has
ignored Manchester United's interest this summer to stay at Camp Nou,
Martino believes that expanding their offensive options is essential
going forwards in 2013-14.<br /><br />"Cesc had a good pre-season, he's doing great and gives us a lot of options," the former Newell's Old Boys boss added.<br /><br />"How
to improve? We can be more intense and press for a longer time. We can
have more options in attack and know when to use them.<br /><br />"I was eager for La Liga to start to see how the team was doing and I'm satisfied." <br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4591597433977667820.post-55649443973648113442013-08-19T11:58:00.000-03:002013-08-19T11:58:17.557-03:00Mourinho: Chelsea have rarely played so well<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The returning Blues manager praises his side's impressive first-half
display that brought a 2-0 half-time lead and thanks supporters for his
welcome reception at Stamford Bridge.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hailed his side's first half against Hull City Tigers as quality that they rarely produced in his first spell in charge.<br /><br />Oscar
opened the scoring at Stamford Bridge after Frank Lampard had missed a
penalty but the England international went on to double the lead with a
free kick before half-time, the west Londoners maintaining their 2-0
advantage until the end of the game.<br /><br />Mourinho, back after
departing the Blues at the start of 2007-08, was more than satisfied,
adding that the dominant first half performance could not be sustained
for a</span><br />
<a name='more'></a> whole match.<br /><br />"I've played so many times here and won so
many matches here but we've not had so many periods here like that
quality," he told reporters. "I'm very happy.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"When I saw the second half going in another direction, at the beginning
I was frustrated because I want more but, after five minutes, I thought
we didn't because we couldn't. We can't play that way for 90 minutes -
we had no energy, no physical energy and no mental availability to play
that way. <br /><br />"The three boys behind Fernando Torres were fantastic.
In the second half they disappeared. All of them played national team
matches: Kevin De Bruyne, 85 minutes v France, Oscar, 80 minutes v
Switzerland, Eden Hazard, 80 minutes against France.<br /><br />"When the creativity disappeared, we lost the danger in our game but the game was already dead when I made the changes."<br /><br />The
former Porto, Inter and Real Madrid coach explained that he had
anticipated the warm homecoming welcome that he received from the home
supporters but insists that it is now time for the fans to focus on the
players.<br /><br />"The reception was fantastic. It gives me more
responsibility, I guess, but, at the same time, they know I give
everything for this club," he added.<br /><br />"The reception was amazing. I
was expecting that, to be fair, because I played here with Inter as an
opponent and it was fantastic. I could imagine coming to Chelsea would
be like that but, when the game started, I focused on the game.<br /><br />"They gave me more than I deserve, they gave me a lot, and they have to support the players from now on." </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09579638649307386601noreply@blogger.com0