jose - soccer

three days after the Reds' Carling Cup semi-final success against Manchester City, now United it's turn !

2012-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

skysports.com

Liverpool have now knocked both Manchester clubs out of cup competitions in the space of four days, which counts as success in these parts whatever the league situation. Last week Kenny Dalglish was scathing of his players' efforts in losing to lowly Bolton Wanderers, this time the smile was back, at least until he was asked a question about the Liverpool fans' constant booing of Evra. Before considering the football, what there was of it, you will be wanting to know about the chanting. Liverpool obviously won the volume contest. There were far more people singing: "There's only one lying bastard," than were rejoining with: "There's only one racist bastard." With all the pre-match debate focusing on Evra's participation, United's goalkeeping situation had been overlooked, Ferguson sprang a surprise by choosing this high-profile encounter to reintroduce David de Gea to first-team duties. It was not a decision that paid off.

Liverpool began to crowd out the young goalkeeper at corners and took the lead after 21 minutes when Steven Gerrard swung one over from the left and De Gea came for the ball but found himself blocked by Andy Carroll, leaving Daniel Agger an easy header. United had begun the match looking the more threatening, with Antonio Valencia striking a post after a good run, though until the first goal there was little apart from the rivalry between fans to quicken the pulse and almost no chance of the occasion being remembered for the football, as had been the wish of both managers beforehand. Playing with only Carroll up front Liverpool rarely bothered De Gea apart from set pieces, and though United also lacked their usual attacking edge in the absence of Wayne Rooney they managed to get back into the game with a well-worked goal before the interval. Antonio Valencia sent Rafael da Silva racing down the right with a backheel flick and, though José Enrique was still favourite to reach the ball first, the United full-back took on his opposite number and delivered a low cross, met perfectly at the near post by Park Ji-sung with a firm finish that surprised Pepe Reina.

Liverpool had an appeal for a penalty turned down at the start of the second half when Chris Smalling stumbled in the area and appeared to put his hand on the ball in falling, then a minute later a rare chance fell Danny Welbeck's way and he failed to take advantage, pushing the ball past Reina towards an empty goal but not firmly enough to prevent Martin Skrtel arriving to tidy up behind his goalkeeper. Charlie Adam came on for the last half-hour and immediately offered a more direct threat than Jamie Carragher had managed from defensive midfield, launching a high cross intended to test De Gea and presumably gaining encouragement when the goalkeeper fumbled it to concede another corner. When Gerrard tried the same tactic from a similar distance it was clear Liverpool had been instructed to play on De Gea, though the Liverpool captain left the field shortly afterwards, making way for Craig Bellamy. Just when it looked as though the afternoon would end in a tame draw, Liverpool struck. (guardian.co.uk)

Gerrard was replaced by Liverpool's midweek hero Craig Bellamy with just under 20 minutes to go as both sides pressed for a winner. The game looked to be heading towards a draw until Kuyt — another second-half sub — became the hero with his first goal of the season. Reina's long boot forward was flicked on by Carroll over the head of Evra and the Dutch striker found himself clear through on goal to fire past De Gea at his near post. Kuyt should have put the game to bed moments later after Carroll had hit the bar but it wasn't to matter for the Reds who can now look forward to Sunday's draw. (thesun.co.uk)

the spurs avoid replay-match

2012-01-28T02:10:00.000-08:00

themalaysianinsider.com

Watford are likely to start with Adrian Mariappa and Marvin Sordell who have both been linked with a move away from Vicarage Road in January. Sean Dyche has rid them of the ‘hoofball’ stereotype from Aidy Boothroyd’s tenure, but they are a side that can still exploit that side of the game should Spurs be resistant to a measured build-up play by the hosts. Tottenham should be set to play a second XI, with some youngsters mixed with the regular substitutes who are trying to prove a point. Defoe could be given the nod to start, but Scott Parker, Gareth Bale and Younes Kaboul are unlikely to feature. Tottenham will probably look to utilise their pace and technical ability to break through the home side’s defence as they try to avoid a replay. (sportpulse.net)

Harry Redknapp took a break from denying two counts of cheating the public revenue to watch his Tottenham Hotspur team progress rather fortuitously to the FA Cup fifth round. Redknapp, who has a further five days at least at Southwark crown court while his case continues, had been unable to take training all week and there was evidence in a lax display that his squad may have missed his exhortations at their Spurs Lodge base in the build-up to this tie.

Watford had written the tale of the first half, with Spurs' contribution barely a footnote until Rafael van der Vaart scored. Taking the ball from Kyle Walker inside home territory, the Dutchman wandered towards goal and from 30 yards unloaded a shot that bounced over the prone Scott Loach, who will be disappointed. Marvin Sordell had given Spurs an early warning as to what kind of evening to expect but troubled the visiting defence far less than the Sean Murray attempt moments later that had Carlo Cudicini unable to hold on to the ball before it was scrambled away to safety.

Redknapp had fielded a strong XI that included Luka Modric, Emmanuel Adebayor, Van der Vaart, Jermain Defoe, Michael Dawson and Scott Parker. They woke up momentarily after 13 minutes when Adebayor shrugged off Lee Hodson, the home right-back, and bounced a pass into Walker on the opposing flank who floated in a cross that the Togolese forward was crowded out from finishing by a clutch of Watford defenders. This was about as good as it got for Spurs until Van der Vaart's intervention. The hosts continued to worry Cudicini: Troy Deeney moved down the right and pinged in a cross that Sordell put wide; then a midfield mix-up allowed Prince Buaben to send an effort narrowly wide. There was more. Joe Garner, playing off Sordell in Watford's attack, dumped Van der Vaart to ground, then played in a pass to his strike partner that Walker had to clean up. (guardian.co.uk)

Lying low in the Championship, Watford so nearly embarrassed a team flying high in the Premier League in a thrilling FA Cup tie. Spurs were as poor as Watford were good but Rafael van der Vaart’s strike still sent Harry Redknapp’s side through into the fifth round. Spurs were grateful to Lady Luck and a Dutchman. As Watford fans screamed themselves hoarse, Sean Dyche’s men delivered a performance in the very best traditions of the Cup. Marvin Sordell, one of six Watford Academy products on view, was marvellous, running Spurs defence ragged, justifying the good reviews he has received this season. (telegraph.co.uk)

coppa italy: milan safely through but inter missed

2012-01-26T16:07:00.000-08:00

Milan had left earlier by Djibrill Cisse goal that was created when the game has been running for five minutes. However, Milan could turn ahead 2-1 in just 13 minutes.

Milan created Robinho's first goal at minute 15. Brazilian striker managed to convert a cross from Ignazio Abate released from the left side of the Lazio defense. Only five minutes later, Lazio goalkeeper re-collapse. Goalkeeper Federico Marchetti was unable to stem the hard kick Clarence Seedorf after maximizing bait El Shaarawy breakthrough.

Milan almost conceded again, but goalkeeper Marco Amelia swiftly dismissed Francelino Matuzalem header that leads to the lower right corner in the 20th minute. The threat does not deter attacks and Clarence Seedorf et al. Massimiliano Allegri made the team remains in control of the game. However, a number of opportunities created failed to convert into goals. The first round ended with the score 2-1. (bolakick.com)

After halftime, Allegri still maintaining his squad. The decision was made Milan were able to return control of the game. The attacks intensified with the entry Milan Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 70th minute. Merkel replaces Ibra injury. Ten minutes before the fight was over, Shaarawy almost scored.In a convoy of two opposing players, Shaarawy managed to penetrate the penalty box. Unfortunately, the shot misses the target Shaarawy. Lazio goalkeeper eventually completely collapse by Ibra in the 85th minute. Goals stems from a breakthrough bait that is released Emanuelson. Ibra who escaped the offside trap the ball straight into the opponent's penalty box. Stay facing one on one with Marchetti, Ibra had handed the ball to the right side Lazio goalkeeper. Goal was to lock the victory Milan 3-1. (allvoices.com)

Unlike inter, Cavani's second-half strikes secured a 2-0 win at the San Paolo stadium that sees Napoli safely through to a last-four encounter with Siena, who defeated Chievo 1-0 in Wednesday's other quarter-final tie. Walter Mazzarri's side had won just two of their last six Serie A games coming into Wednesday night's match and were facing an Inter side riding a seven-match winning streak in the league, but Napoli turned the form book on its head with an assured display.

Cavani opened the scoring after 50 minutes, stroking home from the penalty spot after being fouled in the box by Thiago Motta, who was named in the side despite being strongly linked with a move to Paris St Germain. Cavani added his second in stoppage time as Napoli denied Inter a place in the semi-finals for the first time in nine years. (7msport.com)

Barca Surpasses the Arch Rivals

2012-01-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

nationalturk.com

Barcelona fought out a 2-2 draw with Real Madrid and went through to the Copa del Ray seminfinals thanks to a 1-2 win away in the first leg. (scoop.co.nz)

Real Madrid, 2-1 losers at home in the first leg of their Copa del Rey quarterfinal against Barcelona, are desperate to edge out their fierce rivals and achieve an improbable place in the semifinals. In order to advance, they're going to have to ditch the brutal defensive tactics they've employed in the past and go instead with free-flowing attacking football. It's a gamble, and one that's not that likely to pay off, but it's definitely going to be entertaining. (sbnation.com)

Real Madrid coach, Jose Mourinho, applying different strategies in the second leg of this. If in the first leg Madrid dominated by players who bertipikal survive, this time Mourinho plays with the type of attacking players. The result, manages to look pressed Madrid Barcelona's defense since the beginning of the first round. Even a golden opportunity they have been able to create on the 3rd minute, when the Kaka kick must be blocked with difficulty by the host goalkeeper Jose Manuel Pinto.

Pinto re-create the brilliant rescue in the 11th minute. This time, the efforts of Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo, who succeeded his break. In the 24th minute, Lionel MessiLionel Messi is capable of directing the ball into the goal Madrid. Luckily for the hosts, attempts Messi free kick was still able to be broken easily by Iker CasillasIker Casillas. Madrid almost winning in the 25th minute. Speculative kick conducted Mesut Oezil just deliver the ball into the crossbar Barcelona. The ball was reluctant to enter into the host's goal. Two minutes later, Pinto made a blunder that nearly disastrous fruition. Pinto gave her the wrong bait that it leads to Gonzalo Higuain. Luckily, Higuain being selfish by executing its own opportunities so it is still able to be broken by both the Barcelona goalkeeper.

Continued to attack, Madrid conceded first in the 43rd minute. Is a substitute, Pedro Rodriguez, who was able to make the home fans cheered. Starting acceleration of Messi, who then releases a sweet feed to Pedro that is not guarded. Calmly, Pedro capable goalkeeper Casillas can only be stunned to see it. A few seconds before halftime, Barcelona have scored two. This time the goalkeeper Casillas is Dani Alves fired hard from outside the penalty box. The first half ended 2-0 to Barcelona excellence.

At the beginning of the second half, Madrid almost dropping them. Utilizing a free kick Xabi AlonsoXabi Alonso, Sergio RamosSergio Ramos able to find the net with a header Barcelona. Unfortunately, the goal was disallowed because the referee thought Ramos was a foul on Alves first. Already a two-goal lead, Barcelona continue to apply their attacking style of play. Effective game also characteristic of Pep Guardiola's troops in this fight. While Madrid's players more often wasting the ball by doing the wrong bait. Once get the chance, Madrid players could not actually used it well.

Entering the 65th minute, Real Madrid game improved and the results they managed to find the net Barcelona in the 68th minute.Receiving feedback from Oezil breakthrough, Ronaldo is able to fool Pinto before struck the ball into the goal with his right foot. Four minutes later, Madrid Barcelona goalkeeper again.Benzema who received a pass from Jose Callejon made it past Carles Puyol and beat Pinto with his right leg kick. Madrid was only needed one more goal to qualify for the next round.

Both teams alternated offensive. The threat by the threat of players born from both teams. However, it has not been successfully exploited to perfection. Disastrous for the Madrid occurred in the 89th minute. They have to play with 10 men after Sergio Ramos received a second yellow card for elbowing Sergio BusquetsSergio Busquets when the duel in the air. Of course this is a loss to Madrid to play with 10 men when they want to find one additional goal.

The result, Madrid failed to add a pot of their goals and given up their ambition to retain the title. (allvoices.com)

milan gets huntelaar&roma left aquilani

2009-08-10T03:13:00.000-07:00

AC Milan have signed Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Real Madrid for an undisclosed fee. Huntelaar, who turns 26 next week, had been a target for Tottenham but instead is Milan's first major close-season investment, signing a four-year deal. He scored eight goals for Real having joined in January after three years at Ajax, where he hit 76 in 92 matches.

Huntelaar was surplus to requirements after the arrival of Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka at Real. He is the latest in a long list of Holland players to join the Rossoneri, following in the footsteps of Marco van Basten, Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard. "Milan the club and city are a special place for us Dutch," he said. "I know Van Basten very well, he was my coach at Ajax as well as in the national side. "I'm really happy to be here, I know the football and the training in Italy are different to Spain, but I'm ready. Milan should have a great season."

After Real agreed a fee with Milan on Thursday, Huntelaar had a medical at the Serie A club on Friday and penned a contract tying him to the Rossoneri until June 2013. Earlier this summer Real had agreed a reported £18m fee with Stuttgart but Huntelaar rejected the move and the deal collapsed. He made only 13 first-team appearances for the Spanish giants, who paid Ajax £20m for his services when Ramon Calderon was president.

His involvement in the second stage of the Champions League was hampered by a miscalculation from Madrid, who were unaware that clubs could only field one new player who had played in European competition earlier in the season. Former Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra, the team's other transfer window signing, was picked instead.

Liverpool have signed Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani, according to the latest reports from Spain. Marca claims Roma have accepted an €18million bid for the Italian midfielder. Reds manager Rafael Benitez is said to be keen on the Italian.

The report suggests the Spanish coach has moved in quickly in an attempt to have an alternative to Xabi Alonso. Voices in Spain claim Alonso is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, and it appears Liverpool have wasted no time in signing his replacement. It is said Liverpool are still trying to negotiate a deal with Real Madrid for Alonso. According to Marca, the Reds want nothing less than €35m for the Spanish international.

Sky Sport Italia are speculating that Aquilani has agreed to a four year deal worth €4m per season with the Reds, but the move is hinging on Alonso's passage to the Bernabeu. Despite the reports in Spain, there has been no official confirmation from Roma regarding the news that Aquilani has signed for the Anfield-based club.

(source: BBC sport, Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com)

"ibracadabra" becomes "ibracabarca"

2009-07-25T08:41:00.000-07:00

Inter Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be in Barcelona on Sunday. He will than attend the routine medical check-ups on Monday prior to signing a five-year deal with the Spanish club. The Swede could be officially introduced to local reporters on the same day or on Tuesday. According to latest reports in Spain, Barcelona will pay Inter 45 million Euros for Ibrahimovic.

Swedish forward Zlatan "Ibra" Ibrahimovic is on the verge of signing for Barcelona. In accordance with Inter, he has already left the club's training camp in California, saying goodbye to coach Jose Mourinho and his soon-to-be former Inter team-mates. He will spend one day in his hometown of Malmoe before flying to Spain to sign for Barcelona. In the meantime, his agent Mino Raiola is in Milan to negotiate the final details and formalities with Inter's legal representative Rinaldo Ghelfi. Everything will be official in a few days.

Our partner site TMW is reporting that Mino Raiola (the agent of Swedish forward Zlatan "Ibra" Ibrahimovic) is in Milan today to finalize the remaining formalities with Inter. This is the final step preceding Ibrahimovic's move to Barcelona. In the meantime, Ibrahimovic has already left Inter's training camp in California and is travelling to Sweden, where he will stay for a short time before joining his future Barcelona team-mates and coach Josep Guardiola.

(source: www.transfermarketweb.com)

transfer market: Inter sells maxwell & got lucio

2009-07-18T12:00:00.000-07:00

Early this evening our first signing of the summer, Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade, was presented at Camp Nou. Maxwell may not have provoked the same excitement amongst fans as some of the bigger names but I am confident he will turn out to be a very good signing. At the press conference Maxwell said that today "is one of the happiest days of my life". Let's wish him all the best for his time at Barça. Meanwhile the Ibrahimovic/Eto'o deal has still not been confirmed. It seems the clubs have reached an agreement but now the players need to agree terms.

After weeks of waiting it appears that Barça have made their first signing of the summer. According to the club's website an agreement has been reached with Inter Milan for the purchace of Brazilian left back Maxwell Scherrer Cabelino Andrade. Barça will pay €4.5 million with a possible further €0.5 million for variables and Maxwell will sign until 2014. Maxwell will be 28 in August and before joining Inter he played for Cruziero and Ajax.

The option of buying Filipe Luis from Deportivo was deemed to expensive, so it is Maxwell who will replace Sylvinho and now compete with Eric Abidal for the left back position. While we may all have been hoping for a bigger name like Villa or Ribery we should remember that so far only Sylvinho has left the club so it makes sense to find a substitute. Maxwell is an attacking full back who can also play further forward if needed.

Bayern Munich have confirmed the sale of defender Lucio to Inter Milan. The Brazilian will put pen to paper on a three-year deal with the Italian champions, according to the German club's general manager Uli Hoeness. "Lucio is transferring immediately to Inter Milan and will receive a three-year contract there," he said at a press conference today. "The clubs have reached an agreement and the player is also in agreement with Inter." Lucio is transferring immediately to Inter Milan. The clubs have reached an agreement and the player is also in agreement with Inter.

Lucio admitted that he shed a tear after leaving Bayern Munich yesterday to join Inter Milan. The Brazilian defender today arrived in Milan to undergo a medical before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract with the Italian club. He will then fly to Los Angeles, where I Nerazzurri are currently based for a pre-season training camp. He said his goodbyes to staff in Munich yesterday only hours after returning to the city for the first time having led Brazil to glory at the FIFA Confederations Cup, and he admitted it was an emotional occasion. "I had an unforgettable time for five years here, was able to win many titles and I will never forget that," he told Munich's Tz newspaper. I had an unforgettable time for five years here, was able to win many titles and I will never forget that. "[General manager] Uli Hoeness' secretary has always helped me and became a very good friend - she has a big heart and is very kind. She cried when I left and I did too."

Lucio is now due to undergo a medical in Lombardy before all the transfer formalities can be completed. The 31-year-old's future at Bayern had been in doubt since new coach Louis van Gaal arrived and hinted it may be difficult for him to earn a regular place in his team. The Dutch coach warned nobody could be given a guaranteed starting berth and Lucio's late return to pre-season training, due to his involvement for Brazil at the FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa, could have put him at a disadvantage compared to his team-mates. And Hoeness confirmed Lucio had made it clear he wanted to leave after leading his country to glory in South Africa. "He knew that he wanted to leave the club since the Confederations Cup," explained the former Bayern playmaker. Lucio joined the Bavarian giants from Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in 2004 and played 144 times for the record German champions, scoring seven goals.

Bayern and Inter have agreed on an undisclosed fee for the transfer of a player whose contract was due to expire next summer. While leaving Munich was a difficult decision, Lucio claimed it was inevitable after learning he would not be given more than a one-year extension to his contract next year. At the age of 31, he required more long-term security, which is what the Italian champions were able to offer him. "Inter really wanted me, Bayern didn't. A new stage in my life begins from now," he said. "When Inter's offer came in, it made my decision easy. Inter are a giant and it is going to be spectacular for me. "Football is like this: sometimes it is sad, but you cannot always agree on everything. I have built up respect here because I always gave everything for Bayern."

(source: oleole, fifa.com)

ribery: la liga or premier league

2009-07-14T02:01:00.000-07:00

chelsea hopes of securing Franck Ribéry from Bayern Munich as their marquee signing of the summer were given a timely boost last night when Real Madrid, the unsettled France international's other principal suitors, admitted a deal for the winger may prove to be one expensive transfer too many.

Ribéry wants to leave the Bundesliga club ahead of the new season, stating that a move to the Bernabéu to follow Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema would be his preference. Real had hoped to add the Frenchman to their glittering attacking ranks but their general director, Jorge Valdano, indicated that, having spent almost £170m already this summer, even they may be priced out of a move for the winger as well as their other remaining target, Liverpool's Xabi Alonso. If it came down to a straight choice between pursuing Ribéry or Alonso, Valdano suggested Real's focus would fix on Merseyside, although, encouragingly for Rafael Benítez, he did not sound hopeful a deal could be done for the Spain midfielder either. "Xabi Alonso is a priority if he fits into our budget, but that does not seem to be the case," said Valdano, who has been quoted around £35m by Liverpool for Alonso. "We are very far away from the figures that Liverpool have presented. As for Ribéry, the asking price is a figure that is out of place. It is the same thing as them saying that they do not want to sell him. But, after the great players who have arrived already, we aren't in a hurry."

Chelsea have earmarked Real's Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, who is available for transfer, as an alternative target should they receive no encouragement that Ribéry would entertain a move to west London, yet they retain hopes that the Frenchman can be prised from Bayern. Carlo Ancelotti described the winger as "a great, great player" at his inaugural press conference on Monday and still hopes to add "creative" personnel to his ranks ahead of the new campaign, with Ribéry the priority. The Italian will meet John Terry when the defender returns to training on Thursday in what is described as a routine meeting between club captain and manager, yet the issue of Manchester City's interest in securing the England captain is sure to be raised. Chelsea's stance on the player remains clear and firm, though Terry has yet to comment publicly since City had a bid of around £30m rejected last week.

He will be joined at Cobham by the remaining England players, with the club's African contingent who were involved in summer World Cup qualifiers due back on Monday. Didier Drogba will be among those, with the forward stressing his eagerness to flourish next season, and sign the new three-year contract on offer, with Chelsea. "I am confident we can challenge for major honours and I want to win the Champions League," said the Ivory Coast forward. "I know now I have had my share of criticism in the past. My behaviour [against Barcelona in the Champions League semi-final second leg] is bothering me very much because it was not right. "But with the help of my team mates and the management I will focus on my game and contribute to a great season. Now I feel even more comfortable at Chelsea. I will do my [Uefa] suspension and, after that, I will come back stronger. I'm very proud that I'm in one of the best teams in Europe and I have stayed and hope to keep getting selected." Other players, including Ashley Cole, John Mikel Obi and Joe Cole, should follow suit and sign new deals over the next few weeks.

Ancelotti has appointed Bruno Demichelis, the psychologist and sports scientist who was instrumental in setting up the celebrated Milan Lab at Milanello, as an assistant coach, with Ray Wilkins, the assistant first-team coach, concentrating on football matters.The club have yet to receive any formal offer from Internazionale for either Deco or Ricardo Carvalho, despite the pair's public insistence that they wish to move to San Siro. The centre-half stressed yesterday that he is "ready to go, and the Chelsea directors know what I think", though he will report as expected to Cobham later this week. "Having had the fortune of being able to speak directly with Chelsea, we know that they are ready to negotiate over these two players, but the asking price is too high," said the Italians' transfer consultant Lele Oriali. "The deal is not as simple as it might seem. It's unrealistic for us in the current conditions. At the moment the deal is closed, and we don't know if it will open up again later on."

(source: dominic fifield, guardian.co.uk)

madrid gives kaka no.8

2009-07-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

Brazilian playmaker Kaka was officially presented as a Real Madrid player, after being handed the number eight jersey in front of thousands of supporters and a huge media contingent at the club's Bernabeu stadium on Tuesday evening. An estimated 50,000-strong crowd, almost three times the anticipated number, turned up to watch the ceremony as Kaka was unveiled as Madrid's latest addition by club president Florentino Perez and honorary president Alfredo di Stefano.

Kaka, who completed his medical earlier in the day having landed in the Spanish capital in the morning, has penned a six-year contract and has cost Madrid a reported $92 million. There had been speculation that Kaka would be handed the number five shirt that Zinedine Zidane had once worn for Madrid, but the new arrival will instead take up the number eight shirt formerly worn by Fernando Gago. The presentation took place on a stage erected on the Bernabeu pitch that also included Madrid's record nine European Cup trophies, a giant screen and with a backdrop of four huge images showing club legends Raul, Juanito, Di Stefano and Zidane. The 27-year-old Kaka, who was named player of the tournament after helping Brazil win the Confederations Cup in South Africa over the last few weeks, told supporters: "Today is a very happy day for me. "I'm very happy because this new stage of my career will be at Real Madrid. I hope to write my name into the history of this club with many victories and successes."

Kaka was the first signing confirmed by Madrid after Perez returned to the club presidency at the start of June. Soon after bringing in the Brazilian, Perez also agreed a world-record 80 million euros fee with Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo. That deal was finalized on Friday night and will come into effect from Wednesday, with Ronaldo, who like Kaka will be tied to the Spanish giants until 2015, being presented on July 6.

Aside from Kaka and Ronaldo, Madrid also struck a deal to sign Valencia defender Raul Albiol last week for a fee believed to be around 13 million euros, while the likes of Franck Ribery, David Villa and Xabi Alonso are all being linked with moves to the Bernabeu as Perez relaunches the famous 'galacticos' policy that he presided over during his first tenure at the club.

Then, while president from 2000-06, Perez sanctioned the big-money signings of superstars such as Zidane, David Beckham, Luis Figo and Ronaldo, a policy that reaped indifferent rewards with Madrid winning seven trophies under Perez in total but none in his final three years.

(source: cnn.com)

Manchester City: Toure worth 12 million

2009-06-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

Manchester City will make a £12 million bid for Kolo Touré, the Arsenal centre back, now that the North London club have concluded the signing of Thomas Vermaelen from Ajax. City tried to sign Touré in January, but while Arsène Wenger was loath to lose the defender in mid-season, the manager has accepted that Touré wants to leave and would rather sell now than lose him for nothing when his contract expires next summer. With the African Cup of Nations taking place in Angola in January, Wenger is also aware that he would probably lose the Ivory Coast defender for about a month anyway. Mark Hughes, the City manager, wants to pair Touré with Joleon Lescott, 26, of Everton and England, to form a more balanced, new-look central defence next season.

Hughes wants a left-footed central defender who can also operate at left back if necessary, but with Everton opposed to selling Lescott and likely to demand at least £20 million, Hughes may turn to Matthew Upson, of West Ham United. City are expected to make their second signing of the summer early next week, when Roque Santa Cruz joins from Blackburn Rovers in a deal that could be worth up to £18 million. With William Gallas, the France defender, likely to follow Touré out of the exit door, Wenger is in the market for another centre back and is monitoring Sébastien Bassong, 22, the Newcastle United defender. Vermaelen, 23, who has signed a four-year contract, will cost up to £10.2 million.

Matt Derbyshire, 23, the striker, will join Olympiacos early next week after Blackburn accepted a £3 million bid. Roberto Martínez has made his first signing as Wigan Athletic manager with the £1.5 million capture of Jordi Gómez, the Spanish midfield player, from Espanyol on a three-year deal. Djimi Traoré, 29, the Portsmouth defender, has joined Monaco on a two-year contract. Víctor Valdés, the Barcelona goalkeeper, has ended speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United by signing a four-year contract extension that will keep him at the Nou Camp until June 2014.

Sean Davis, the Portsmouth midfield player, has turned down a new deal and could join Bolton Wanderers. Burnley have made an approach for Jason Scotland, the Swansea City forward, but their offer, thought to be in excess of £1 million, does not match the Coca-Cola Championship club’s valuation. Panathinaikos want Djibril Cissé, the Marseilles striker who spent last season on loan at Sunderland. Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move for Mario Balotelli, 18, the Inter Milan striker, after West Ham failed to agree a fee for the player. Valencia say they will not sell David Villa unless they receive a “scandalously” big offer for the striker, who is wanted by Real Madrid and Chelsea.

(source: james ducker, timesonline.co.uk)

Manchester United: 80 million & dilemma

2009-06-23T04:59:00.000-07:00

Once Manchester United have recovered from the realisation that their most prized asset no longer wants to play for them they must decide what best to do with the 80 million pounds they will get for Cristiano Ronaldo. It is quite a U-turn for Old Trafford officials that they are now willing to sell Ronaldo to one of their biggest European rivals, especially as manager Alex Ferguson said earlier this season he "would not sell a virus" to the Spanish club.

Then again, they have probably grown impatient with the World and European Footballer of the Year, particularly after he again made his feelings known that he wants a move to Spain, the club he says he always dreamt of playing for. Questioning Ferguson's tactics after their Champions League final defeat by Barcelona last month would have also been hard for the Scot to stomach.

The world record transfer fee will certainly lessen the blow of losing Ronaldo although the tricky part is how they replace a player whose goals have underpinned three successive Premier League titles. Some of the game's biggest names are already being linked with a move to Old Trafford, although quite whether Ferguson gets to spend all the 80 million on players is unclear.

The club's American owners could decide that the most sensible option, given the world's current economic scenario, would be to use the fee to lessen the impact of the club's debt. The last available accounts show that United owe 69 million pounds in interest for this banking year alone.

That is almost the identical amount of profit the club are making on Ronaldo -- they paid Portugal's Sporting just 12.2 million pounds in 2003 -- so his sale could essentially help lessen this year's financial burden in one swoop. However, that move would undoubtedly provoke huge disappointment from United's fans who will want the money to be spent on maintaining their dominance on the pitch.

As a result, United's interest in Wigan Athletic midfielder Antonio Valencia is almost certainly going to be confirmed with a bid for the player for around 15 million pounds. In addition to Valencia, Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Lyon ace Karim Benzema are also in United sights while Tottenham Hotspur winger Aaron Lennon is another who Alex Ferguson admires.

However, the overwhelming priority for most of United's fans will be for the club to finally sign the popular striker Carlos Tevez on a long-term deal. United paid 10 million pounds two seasons ago to have the Argentine on-loan but have stalled at paying the outstanding 22 million pounds to make the deal permanent.

However, that now looks like small change and the club may move quickly to keep Tevez - a view shared by former United striker Lou Macari. "I think they will now go for Tevez and Valencia," he told reporters on Thursday. "They have the money now and they can keep Tevez and that will keep supporters happy."

(source: reuters, Chris Brereton)

Manchester United: New Sponsor of Shirt

2009-06-17T05:09:00.000-07:00

Aon Corp , the world's largest insurance broker, has agreed a four-year deal to sponsor the shirts of English Premier League champions Manchester United from the start of the 2010-11 season.

United's current 14 million pounds ($23.25 million) a year deal with U.S. insurance giant American International Group runs out in June 2010. Details of the agreement were not disclosed but U.S. media reports said it was worth about 20 million pounds a year. "We are delighted to be entering such an important relationship with a company of the stature of Aon and to have its logo adorn our shirts from the start of the 2010-11 season," United chief executive David Gill said in a statement. "We look forward to being closely aligned with the world leader in risk management, a firm which shares our values and is an exciting partner for Manchester United. "Today's announcement clearly strengthens our position as one of the biggest clubs in world football."

United won the Premier League title last month for the third year in a row to continue their domination of English football but they lost 2-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final to end the season on a disappointing note. The deal represents a coup for Aon, which has secured one of the most prestigious advertising deals in sport with United's huge global fan base making them one of the top prizes in sports sponsorship. "It is a unique opportunity when two leaders in their respective fields can come together in a partnership such as the one we are announcing today," added Greg Case, president and chief executive officer of Aon. "Manchester United has one of the most recognised sports brands in the world. David and his team are all about winning and about excellence; the same holds true for the Aon team."

Aon last month posted a 28 percent rise in first-quarter net income but said softer insurance pricing and the economic downturn ate away at business. AIG told Reuters this year it would not renew its shirt sponsorship of United and that it had started cutting back costs in relation to the existing deal.

Once the world's biggest insurer by market value, AIG averted bankruptcy in September last year with an $85 billion federal bailout, which later swelled to about $152 billion. The company, which has sold assets and cut costs to repay part of the government rescue package, joins a string of other companies that have had to rein in spending on sport as the global economic downturn deepens.

United's appeal is enhanced by its growing legion of fans in the largely untapped Asian market. The club has exhibition games in China, Malaysia, South Korea and Indonesia planned for later this year. With the global financial crisis biting deeper by the day, companies around the world are cutting costs and slashing sponsorship budgets. Premier League club West Ham United went for weeks without shirt sponsorship after holiday firm XL went bust last year.

Formula One has also been hit. BMW-Sauber lost Swiss bank Credit Suisse as a sponsor this year and F1 teams agreed to reduce their budgets by 30 percent for 2009. Manchester United rely on sponsorship for about a third of their revenues. The club pays about 43 million pounds a year to service 660 million pounds in debt created when U.S. owner Malcolm Glazer bought the club in 2005.

(source: reuters)

manchester city: barry came

2009-06-11T04:50:00.000-07:00

England midfielder Gareth Barry ended his 12-year stay at Aston Villa to join the Manchester City revolution when the clubs agreed a 12 million pounds ($19.7 million), transfer on Tuesday. The 28-year-old, who has been at Villa since joining as a trainee, signed a five-year contract, City said in a statement on their website (www.mcfc.co.uk).

Barry was close to moving to Liverpool a year ago but the clubs could not agree a fee and the deal eventually fell through amid acrimonious exchanges between the player and manager Martin O'Neill. In total contrast, Tuesday's deal was done in a matter of hours following Villa's lunchtime announcement that their captain was in talks with City. "Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League and that is a recommendation in itself," City manager Mark Hughes told the website. "When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them. "With Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world. He plays at a level that has an impact on the game and we are thrilled that he is joining us. "I like players that have the sort of flexibility that enables you to change your tactics if you need during a game, and Gareth has that. He also has a range of passing that I'm keen to introduce to the team, and he has got great delivery at sets plays as well. He will bring a lot to City."

Barry said: "It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go. "There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."

Predominantly a left-sided midfielder, Barry has also impressed in a more central role and is a favourite of England coach Fabio Capello. He is currently with Capello's squad preparing for Saturday's World Cup qualifying match in Kazakhstan and next week's home game against Andorra when he will expect to add to his tally of 29 caps.

His signing could be the first of many at City in the close-season as manager Mark Hughes looks to use the millions of the club's Arab owners to build a squad to improve upon the team's 10th-place finish.

Hughes, who last year paid a British record 32 million pounds to Real Madrid for Brazil striker Robinho, added: "I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us. "I hope we can conclude some more so that when we come back for pre-season training we have everybody fit and well and set for a successful campaign."

(source: reuters)

kaka: where does he go?

2009-06-07T22:25:00.000-07:00

Playmaker Kaka has insisted he wants to stay at AC Milan, despite speculation linking him to Chelsea or Real Madrid. Reports have suggested the 27-year-old Brazilian, who rejected a £100m move to Manchester City in January, would join former boss Carlo Ancelotti at Chelsea.

And the media in Spain has claimed Real are lining up a bid following Florentino Perez's return as president. "I say it for the last time, I don't want to leave Milan," Kaka told Gazzetta dello Sport. "To the millions of AC Milan fans I say my decision has been made. I have said I want to stay."

Despite a world record fee and a reported wage offer of £500,000 a week, City were unable to convince Kaka to make the move to Eastlands but there has been speculation that they could renew their interest again this summer.

As you would expect, a certain Brazilian is dominating the transfer headlines right now, and in today’s transfer news and rumors roundup, we’ve got the latest on that Brazilian and his potential world-record move, and we’ve also got plenty to report on about from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, and France.

So, it looks like it’ll be Real Madrid or bust for AC Milan star Kaka. According to comments by AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani, not only are Real Madrid the only option right now, but that’s where Kaka wanted to go in January when Manchester City were making a move to sign him.

And, according to AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi, we will know on Monday whether or not Kaka will remain at the club, and that if one Brazilian leaves, there’s already one there in Ronaldinho to step up and replace him. But, a couple of new attackers could be added to the squad as well, as there are also reports that Real Madrid could also send Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben to AC Milan as part of the Kaka deal.

Milan president Silvio Berlusconi admitted at the time that the scale of City's offer made it difficult for the club to keep hold of the Brazilian, a reality that club general manager Adriano Galliani has reiterated recently. "We have had requests for Kaka and Pato from two of Europe's biggest clubs and we will try and resist but there is an uneven playing field," said Galliani.

Returning Real president Perez was previously in charge of the Spanish club from 2000 to 2006 during the famous Galacticos era that resulted in the spending of large fees to bring the likes of Ronaldo, David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, for a world record £46m, to the club.

Perez's comeback is on the back of a pledge to relaunch another Galacticos era, with Kaka one of his chief targets. Ancelotti was confirmed as the new Chelsea manager on Monday and was immediately linked with the 2007 world footballer of the year as part of reported ambitious spending plans of his own, which are also thought to include Kaka's Milan teammate Alexandre Pato. The 49-year-old Italian, who officially takes over at Stamford Bridge on 1 July, hinted at a potential move, and stated: "There is one player I would like to take but I cannot take him with me."

Kaka lavished praise on Ancelotti after it was revealed the coach would be leaving his post at Milan after an eight-year spell. "He is a person I have a very strong bond with, thanks to these six years that I have spent here with him as my coach at Milan," he revealed. "I am grateful for what he has done for me and for what he has taught me."

However, the player himself appears to have put paid to any move and insisted he will make no further comment on his future. "In this period I prefer to remain silent because I don't want to be misunderstood. Or, worse still, to be used," he confirmed. However, former team-mate Paolo Maldini, who retired at the end of the season, has doubts about Kaka's future at the San Siro. "I don't know if he'll still stay at Milan," Maldini told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Ancelotti might have been cryptic about his future but Kaka has been even more so."

(source: BBC, soccerlens.com)

Bordeaux: france title

2009-06-06T03:57:00.000-07:00

For three weeks, Girondins de Bordeaux and Olympique de Marseille have known that the Ligue 1 trophy would reside either in the Stade Chaban Delmas or the Stade Velodrome for the coming 12 months. The surprisingly Lyon-free conclusion to the end of the season culminated on Saturday evening, with Bordeaux in need of only a point to claim the title for the first time in a decade. Any slip up, though, could allow OM to their first success since 1992.

Les Girondins, who travelled to relegation threatened Caen, had been involved in a similar scenario last season, however, the boot was on the other foot - Laurent Blanc’s men needed Auxerre to upset Lyon. An early OL blitz little over 12 months ago left Bordeaux’s hopes shattered as early as the first quarter of an hour.

Coming off the back of an 11 match winning run in all competitions, Bordeaux’s confidence was burgeoning. However, the remarkable streak of success has been achieved through tenacity and mental strength rather than overwhelming brilliance, although Yoann Gourcuff had sprinkled a little magic over the course of their remarkable sequence, and they were still scoreless at half-time in the Stade Michel d’Ornano. Marseille, playing at home to Stade Rennais, still had hope.

But Erik Gerets’ outfit were also embroiled in a deadlock after 45 minutes. Three minutes into the second half, news filtered through in Provence that Yoan Gouffran - not to be mistaken for Gourcuff - had given Bordeaux the lead. It would now take a miraculous turnaround to reignite Marseille’s hopes. OM did their part, firing four past Rennes as they gave a remarkable second half showing, ending the Bretons’ lingering European hopes.

Meanwhile in Normandy, Bordeaux repelled their increasingly offensively minded hosts, keeping the clean sheet that they so craved and showcased the remarkable resilience that has seen the Aquitaine club finish the season so powerfully.

Blanc summed up Bordeaux’s remarkable success, stating to the press after the game, “You know me, I'm someone who is quite reserved but it's true that I'm going to celebrate this after the match and on Sunday. These moments are so rare and so precious that they have to be savoured.

“It's the perfect recompense for two years of hard work from the players and the coaching staff, who have been fantastic.

“Everybody – even myself – expected Lyon to be champions. Then it was Marseille's turn. It was only late in the day that people realised Bordeaux were on an exceptional run. You have to stop your players from feeling under pressure, and I admit that it is easier to do that at Bordeaux than at some other clubs I could mention.”

Thousands upon thousands of jubilant Bordeaux fans gathered in Place des Quinconces this afternoon to celebrate the club’s title win and to witness their favourites lift the trophy for the first time – the prize was in Marseille on Saturday evening, presumably to allow the victorious side to lift the award in front of their own fans rather than because of any expectation that OM would actually win the crown.

It was therefore literally a case of so near yet so far away for les Phoceens and, understandably, their reactions were somewhat contrasting. “The club wanted to finish first or second and that goal has been achieved. Unfortunately my goal wasn't achieved,” Gerets explained, showing his phenomenal instinct to be the best. “That leaves me with regrets but there were so many satisfying things on a human level here. It was a very special experience.

“I would also like to apologise to the supporters for not being champions. The present I wanted to give these people who've supported me over the last two years was the title, so I'm sorry. I'm sorry to be leaving the club as well.”

Gerets’ efforts at Marseille were commendable and are certainly not deserving of the apologies he gave to the club’s fans, who hold him in such high regard. OM won 12 of their last 16 Ligue 1 fixtures, losing only once in that time frame – championship form. But such a haul of points was insufficient to keep pace with the fast finishing Bordeaux, whose 11 consecutive Ligue 1 successes is a truly historic effort – the best in the league’s history. Les Girondins’ ability to play nearly a third of the season only recording victories is a feat worthy of great respect.

(Robin Bairner, Goal.com)

gourcuff: permanent contract

2009-06-06T03:54:00.000-07:00

France playmaker Yoann Gourcuff made his loan with Girondins Bordeaux permanent and signed a four-year deal on Thursday, the Ligue 1 club said.

"Bordeaux and Yoann Gourcuff are happy to announce that they have signed a four-year deal. Bordeaux have indeed decided to exercise their option to buy the player," Bordeaux said on their website (www.girondins.com).

The 22-year-old Gourcuff, named Ligue 1 player of the season by his peers on Sunday, had been on loan at Bordeaux from AC Milan since the beginning of the season.

Bordeaux will be crowned French champions for the first time in 10 years on Saturday if they do not lose at Caen.

Gourcuff has scored six goals in the last six Ligue 1 games to help his club sit on a three-point cushion over second-placed Olympique Marseille before the last round of matches.

Bordeaux have already won the French League Cup this season.

French media reported Bordeaux had to pay AC Milan around 15 million euros (13 million pounds) to sign Gourcuff.

"The trust of my coach Laurent Blanc and team mates, the club's ambitions for the next seasons and the support of our fans made me accept this new challenge and my decision is not based on financial grounds, which were not a priority," Gourcuff was quoted as saying by his club.

Gourcuff has earned nine caps for France since making his international debut last August.

(source: reuters)

wolfsburg: deutscher meister

2009-06-01T21:17:00.000-07:00

Going into the last round of fixtures, Wolfsburg simply needed a point to win the title. Carrying a two point lead over 2nd placed Bayern Munich, and a superior goal difference, only a home defeat and a Bayern win would see the championship slip through Wolfsburg's fingers.

However, despite Bayern winning their fixture, the Wolves won the title in style recording a thumping 5-1 victory over UEFA Cup runners up Werder Bremen to bring a first title to their jubilant fans.

Since being formed way back in the thirties as a team for the Volkswagon car manufacturers, Wolfsburg had never won a major trophy before their recent Bundesliga success.

The closest they came was back in 1995 when they reached the German Cup final. On that day they were beaten 3-0 by Bor. Monchengladbach and had since never really looked like challenging for any major honours.

Going into the 2008/09 season, many pundits were predicting that Bayern Munich would not just defend their Bundesliga crown from the previous season, but start a new era of dominance in Germany. Little did they know that the Wolves from the lower Saxony region would completely overpower the reigning champions in every area of the pitch.

The proof of Wolfsburg's power came in April, at the Volkswagon Arena, when the two teams collided in an important top of the table clash. With Bayern struggling for form after the winter break, Wolfsburg were wracking up successive victories and came into the game on top form.

The end result was a whopping 5-1 victory for Wolfsburg, highlighting Bayern's defensive frailties and shyness in front of goal, and proving Wolfsburg's front pairing of Edin Dzeko and Grafite to be the deadliest in the division.

Both sides can look at this as the pivotal moment of their season, as Bayern lost ground in the title race and crashed out of the Champions League in similarly emphatic fashion just a week later, while Wolfsburg had finally given themselves the confidence to go all the way.

The undoubted stars of Wolfsburg's season are the strike partnership of Edin Dzeko and Grafite. Dzeko's 26 goals, added to Grafite's 28, gave the Wolves a significant edge over their rivals as their goal difference went through the roof. Opposition defences simply couldn't handle the pace, power and all round movement of Europe's deadliest combo.

The biggest challenge for Wolfsburg over the summer will be keeping their dynamic duo at the club. There is already big interest in the pair from a multitude of English and Spanish clubs, and there is no doubt that Wolfsburg would be seriously weakened if they lost them.

One change that has already been confirmed is the management position at Wolfsburg. Current boss, Felix Magath, announced he will be leaving the club on July 1st to become the new manager at Bundesliga rivals Schalke. Wolfsburg have acted fast however, as they announced that Armin Veh will take over the reigns in the summer. Veh is no stranger to success himself, as he guided his previous club, Stuttgart, to the Bundesliga title in 2007. Despite Veh coming in to a championship winning side, he will still find his predecessor a hard act to follow. Magath joined the club after a poor season almost saw them relegated, but changed their fortunes to guide them to 5th and 1st in his two seasons.

(source: european-football.suite101.com)

bundesliga: the new king

2009-06-01T20:37:00.000-07:00

VfL Wolfsburg has sealed its first Bundesliga title after thrashing Werder Bremen 5-1 as strikers Grafite and Dzeko set a new scoring record. Bayern Munich failed to overtake Wolfsburg on the final day of the season but managed to claim the second place after a 2-1 win over VfB Stuttgart, which finished third.

Wolfsburg, which had a two-point lead over Bayern, sealed its championship in the first half with a 3-0 lead through Zvjezdan Misimovic, Grafite and an own goal from Sebastian Proedl. Bremen's Diego made it 3-1 after 31 minutes, before Grafite and Edin Dzeko sealed the title with two second half goals.

The Bundesliga title was an astonishing turn around for Wolfsburg, which almost faced relegation last year and regarded as rank outsiders at the start of this season. "I knew that we were good enough," said Wolfsburg coach Felix Magath, who leaves for Schalke 04 next season. "We put in some good performances all season and we deserved to be champions. Of course, it will be hard to leave now."

Edin Dzeko and Grafite scored 26 and 28 goals respectively to break the previous record set by Bayern's Gerd Muller and Uli Hoeness in the 1970s. Wolfsburg and Bayern will automatically enter next season's Champions League while Stuttgart will go into the qualifying round. Hertha Berlin and Hamburg SV will play in the new Europa League. Arminia Bielefeld and Karlsruhe were relegated while Energie Cottbus, which finished 16th, will remain in Bundesliga if it beats the third team of the second division, either Mainz or Nuremberg, next weekend.

(source: presstv.ir)

bayern: van gaal comes

2009-05-30T21:39:00.000-07:00

FC Bayern München have confirmed that Louis van Gaal has agreed to become their new coach. The German giants have been searching for a new boss since Klinsmann's exit last month.Van Gaal has been Bayern's top target, but they had been struggling to reach an agreement with AZ Alkmaar to release the Dutchman. However, a compromise has been struck and Bayern general manager Uli Hoeness says Van Gaal will take charge from the start of July. "We understand that he will become our head coach on 1st July," he said. Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge added: "We are happy to have signed an experienced and successful football coach for Bayern Munich such as Louis van Gaal." Van Gaal will sign a two-year contract upon his arrival at Allianz Arena.

Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich opted to give head coach Juergen Klinsmann the sack after the 1-0 league defeat against Schalke’04 some three weeks ago and the Bavarians immediately targeted AZ coach Louis van Gaal as his replacement.

Reports in the Dutch media earlier this week already claimed that Bayern Munich were on the verge of announcing the former Ajax coach as their new trainer, but AZ were reluctant to let go of the successful tactician and frustrated the move.

However, according to NOS, the Dutch champions have now reached an agreement with Bayern about a transfer fee and van Gaal will be in charge at the German giants starting this summer. Further details about the deal haven’t been announced yet.

Van Gaal’s AZ deal was due to expire in 2010, but the 57-year-old made it clear that signing for Bayern Munich was like a dream for him. His excellent relationship with AZ chairman Dirk Scheringa eventually made the latter decide to let go of Van Gaal.

(source: goal, goldenfoot.com)

cannavaro: the traitor is back

2009-05-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Cannavaro's contract with Madrid end next month, and he has now signed a one-year deal with Juve, the club he left in 2006 in the wake of the 'calciopoli' scandal. His move angered many fans and when his possible return to the club was first mooted it received mixed reactions from Juve fans, some of whom have not forgiven him for deserting them in 2006.

Even so, the player is looking forward to making his return to Turin and winning over his detractors. "I'm delighted to have returned to Turin and to have the opportunity to wear the black and white jersey again," said Italy's World Cup-winning captain. "I'm sorry that in some fans anger prevails over the appreciation for the glorious seasons we lived through together. "I'm convinced that I can win over even the biggest sceptics through hard work, professionalism and the passion with which I will tackle this new adventure."

Cannavaro won the title in both his previous seasons at Juventus but the club was stripped of those for their role in the calciopoli match-fixing scandal. The centre-back was born in Naples and played for hometown club Napoli for three seasons before joining Parma in 1995, with whom he won the UEFA Cup and two Italian Cups over a seven-year period. He left to join Inter Milan in 2002 but after only two seasons moved on to Juve.

Upon joining Real Madrid in 2006 he helped the club win back-to-back La Liga titles. He has been a winner both domestically and internationally as well as on a personal level and that is what convinced Juve sports director Alessio Secco to bring him back. "Fabio is a World Cup winner, a Ballon d'Or winner and a great man in the changing rooms," he said. "During the summer of 2006 the club had to sell him to deal with an economic crisis. This year we have waited out the end of Cannavaro's (Real) contract in order to bring him back to Turin and we're sure that he will make Juventus more competitive."The Serie A club said Tuesday the 35-year-old defender, who left for Real Madrid in 2006, signed a one-year contract to rejoin the Turin side on July 1.

Cannavaro, the 2006 world player of the year, angered Juve fans when he left for Madrid after the Italian club was demoted in a match-fixing scandal. "I am happy to be back in Turin and to have the opportunity to again wear the black-and-white jersey," Cannavaro said on the club's Web site. "I'm sorry that among some of the fans there still prevails rancor about appreciating the glorious seasons that we lived together," he said.

Cannavaro pledged to win over "even the most skeptical among them through my work, professionalism and passion with which I'll face this new adventure." Juve said that in 2006 it was "forced to let him go to deal with urgent financial needs." The club said it was sure that Cannavaro's presence "will make Juventus more competitive."

Cannavaro's return was announced a day after Juve fired coach Claudio Ranieri. The club has gone winless in its last seven games and is only one point clear of Fiorentina in the race for third place, with two games remaining. Ciro Ferrara, a former Juve defender, was put in charge for the rest of the season.

spalletti: next juve or milan?

2009-05-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

Reports in Italy suggest that Juventus are considering Roma coach Luicano Spalletti as a replacement for the under-fire Claudio Ranieri. However, president Rosella Sensi has insisted that the former Udinese tactician is not going anywhere. "Again, we have the greatest trust in Luciano Spalletti and this is the last time I will answer questions about his reappointment," claimed the Giallorossi patron to Roma Channel. "He is our coach until June 30, 2010 and possibly even beyond those terms." Meanwhile, she also continued to deny reports that Italian businessman Francesco Angelini, who heads a company in the pharmaceuticals industry in Italy, was going to purchase a significant stake in the club. "I distance myself from those who want to use the name of the club just for advertising," she concluded.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti could be swapping the Olimpico for the San Siro this summer as a replacement for Milan tactician Carlo Ancelotti, according to reports. Il Corriere Dello Sport claims Ancelotti is likely to move to Chelsea, despite the coach insisting he will stay. Nevertheless, that possibility could lead to Spalletti heading north to replace the eventual vacant slot on the Milan bench.

The report suggests that Milan prefer Spalletti for his attacking brand of football as they aim for European success next term. However, landing the former Udinese coach could be difficult. Voices surrounding Trigoria imply that Rossoneri vice-president Adriano Galliani will not approach Giallorossi president Rosella Sensi given the good relationship between both clubs. The report also implies that leaving Roma is down to the coach himself. The Giallorossi have no intention of getting rid of their man, but Spalletti could ask to leave following all the recent hype at the club.

(Adam Scime&Salvatore Landolina Goal.com)

diego goes to juve?

2009-05-12T21:57:00.001-07:00

Werder Bremen 24 year old Diego Ribas Da Cunha is by now the most favourite candidate to replace Pavel Nedved. The Italian paper substains that an agreement has been found with the player, that should sign a four year deal, earning 3,8 millions for the first season, going up to 4,6 at the last one. Now the two club must meet and this should happen before Easter.

Werder Bremen have denied reports they have agreed a deal with Juventus which would see Brazil playmaker Diego join the Turin club at the end of the season. Juventus have confirmed their interest in the 24-year-old but the Bundesliga side are adamant there is still some way to go before Diego can call himself a Bianconeri player. "There has been a meeting between Juventus and Werder, but we can confirm that no agreement was reached," stated Bremen's director of sport Klaus Allofs.

Juve are reported to have already agreed terms with the player's agent, but have fallen short of Bremen's asking price. But with Bayern Munich recently confirming their interest in the South American, Juve now appear to be pushing for the move to go through as soon as possible.

News of Juve's progress could spur Bayern into action; the Bavarian giants are particularly interested in Diego who they regard as an ideal replacement for Franck Ribery who has been linked with a summer move away from Germany. Bremen are hoping to earn up to 30 million euros from the sale of Diego, but Juve seem reluctant to rise above 20m.

The Turin club have dropped out of the title race having not won in five Serie A games but coach Claudio Ranieri has been told his job is safe until the end of the season. Other signings are expected to boost their prospects next term. Winger Pavel Nedved is due to retire at the end of this season.

(source: espn, transfermarket24.com)

andrei arshavin: player of the month

2009-04-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

Tuesday night saw one of the most remarkable games in the history of the Premier League. The match between Liverpool and Arsenal, played at Anfield, produced a thrilling 4-4 draw. This is the second time in a week that Liverpool have taken part in a 4-4 draw (the previous being against Chelsea in an equally amazing Champions League match) and the third game in a row where they have scored four goals. With Arsene Wenger admitting before the game that Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie would be unavailable for the game, Arsenal's attacking options looked bleak. However, Andrei Arshavin proved the doubters wrong by becoming the first player in over 60 years to score four goals at Anfield in a league game. Liverpool arguably started the stronger of the two teams looking dangerous in attack; however, they fell behind to Arshavin’s first goal just after the half hour mark. Liverpool duly responded through Torres and 10 minutes after the interval found themselves 2-1 up through Yossi Benayoun with help from more suspect defending from Arsenal. The emphasis was definitely on attack throughout the match. Some evidence of this can be seen from the eight goals on show along with two disallowed goals for Arsenal (both marginal offsides), and Lukasz Fabianski and Pepe Reina will both admit that they we’re busier than they would have liked.

Statistics show that Arshavin touched the ball a mere 20 times, with four of those touches resulting in goals. The second and the fourth of the Russians goals showed his impressive technical ability with the ball at his feet. For Arsenal’s second goal Arshavin shrewdly pinched the ball off of a lax Arbeloa, cut inside and smashed a venomous swerving shot past a helpless Reina. Arshavin later admitted that he does not view himself as being at full potential because he was so quiet during the opening periods of the match. “I don't think I have adapted yet because in the first half I was quiet except for the one moment when I scored. It's difficult but I will try—I need time…and then everything will be better.”

Liverpool, who have shown when they attack, can be one of the most entertaining teams in the league, went ahead 2-1, but then found themselves trailing three times before finally leveling the score for good at four all. To nobody’s surprise it came in injury time after Arsenal went up 4-3 in the 90th minute. It was the sixth goal of the second half. Arshavin, who the genius Arsene Wenger left to rot on the bench for 75 minutes in Arsenal’s FA Cup loss to Chelsea on the weekend, was deadly in his finishing, while Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun scored twice for Liverpool. And when you throw in two goals that were ruled offside by Arsenal, the ball hit the back of the net 10 times. Well actually nine, as one of Benayoun’s just managed to cross the goal line. Benayoun impresses me every time out. I think he’s a very underrated player and has been a key in Liverpool’s push for the title. While Liverpool have one point more than they had yesterday, and have temporarily moved into first place in the EPL on goal difference, they actually dropped two points in the race for the title. While Liverpool fans no doubt witnessed a match of epic proportions, this will soon sink in and it will be Man United and Chelsea fans who will actually benefit most from this game. It just goes to show how exciting a football match can be when both teams go for goals as mistakes are usually forced. Every manager in the league should be forced to watch the tape of this match.

(source: tribal, goal, William Hill Tennis Betting)

Chelsea: carlo ancelotti deals?

2009-04-22T06:27:00.000-07:00

Chelsea are happy for Carlo Ancelotti to have a say on a summer squad clearout, it has been revealed. The Telegraph says AC Milan boss Ancelotti is understood to have finally made a commitment to leave the San Siro and join Chelsea on a three-year contract. According to a report in the British broadsheet The Telegraph, Carlo Ancelotti has been promised huge financial backing for transfers after agreeing to take over as Chelsea manager.

Apparently, the Italian has decided he will depart Milan at the end of the season to take over at Stamford Bridge on a three-year contract. As part of the deal, it is claimed that Blues owner Roman Abramovich has promised to give the 49-year-old at least €56.6 million (£50m) to strengthen the squad during the summer.

Apparently, Arsenal forward Emmanuel Adebayor is a top target, with the west London club setting aside in excess of €22.6m (£20m) in order to land him. It is also thought that Chelsea will pay €17m (£15m) to acquire the services of Russian international winger Yuri Zhirkov from CSKA Moscow. The west London club are also said to be keeping tabs on Argentina international Carlos Tevez, whose loan deal with Manchester United is due to expire this summer. It is uncertain whether the Red Devils will pay the reported €22.6m (£20m) being asked for the 25-year-old's rights, with Chelsea allegedly ready to pounce should he become available.

Chelsea will also conduct a clear-out of some of their underperforming stars in the overhaul that they want Ancelotti to oversee. Among those under scrutiny are French internationals Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka, along with Deco.

(source: tribalfootball, goal.com)

Ronaldinho: stay or go

2009-04-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

Real Madrid have emerged as an unlikely candidate to rescue Ronaldinho from AC Milan. According to Sport, sources close to Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, have confirmed that he is looking for a change in scenery, at a club of similar stature.

it's clear that the former FIFA World Player Of The Year is unhappy in Italy, as can be seen from his comments while on international duty in Brazil, when he said, "I want a meeting with the directors of Milan at the end of the season." "This has not been a great season for me, but I am a professional and I want to help win titles. I will not speculate on my future until the end of the season."

According to Sport, sources close to Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, have confirmed that he is looking for a change in scenery, at a club of similar stature. Of course, Manchester City have been extensively linked with him, but Ronaldinho is thought not to be keen on a move to the club. In addition, Robinho has hardly painted a glowing picture of life at Eastlands to his compatriot.

All of this has alerted Florentino Perez, who is almost certain to take over at the Bernabeu. The ex-Real Madrid president managed to lure Ronaldo, and, of course, Luis Figo to Madrid despite their Barcelona connections, and could fancy his chances again. Ronaldinho's departure from Barcelona was far from amicable, and he could see a move to the capital as the perfect way to get back at Joan Laporta's administration.

The last word, however, goes to Roberto De Assis, who insists that, "Various clubs have contacted us about the possibility of signing Ronaldinho, but everything rests with AC Milan."

Ronaldinho risks the wrath of Barcelona fans with moves afoot to take the AC Milan star to Real Madrid next season. Sport says sources close to Ronaldinho's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, state there's been contact with Real representatives about a return to Spain. The former World Player of the Year has failed to settle in Milan, where he again started from the bench before scoring in yesterday's victory over Lecce.

While Manchester City are also keen, Ronaldinho would prefer a return to Spain, even if it means upsetting his Barca fans.

(source: soccerway,tribalfootball,goal.com)

Guus Hiddink: chelsea hovers

2009-03-16T01:06:00.000-07:00

Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink was delighted with his team's 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Stamford Bridge today, and believes it offers ample proof that the Premier League title race is far from over, especially after Liverpool's Old Trafford mauling of Manchester United on Saturday. The gap between United and Liverpool and Chelsea is now only four points, though the Red Devils do have a game in hand on their immediate rivals. "If it was just four points, it would be very close,” Hiddink told The Times. "They have that game in hand, but it’s clear that after [Saturday’s] unexpected result that the tension has come back in the league, which is good. It’s a boost. "But if we want to track them, we have to keep on winning. That’ll give tension to the end of the league season, which is good for everyone, unless you are [the one being] chased. “It gives a blow [to United]. It depends on their calmness. When you are chased, when you are in the driver’s seat and someone else is coming, and tries to occupy your back seat, then you can get a little bit nervous. The door is a little bit open."

Hiddink also showed his canny side, when he refused to be drawn in to any of the 'wars of words' and so-called 'mind games', so beloved by Alex Ferguson and, to a much lesser degree, Rafa Benitez. He concluded, "I have my head in Chelsea so I don’t want to talk too much about what happened and what went wrong with Manchester United. "That’s a question for Sir Alex. It’s not a battle between the managers, it’s a battle between the players. "They might change their minds about me when I put them on the bench or not even in the squad," Hiddink said. "But there is a good atmosphere of work here and we are very demanding of each other. If they are happy with the way we are working and it's going well with results it's all okay. "I have been very happy not just with the regular starters but with all the other players, who I've been watching and observing. Everyone is committed. "But I made it very clear a few weeks ago - and again recently - what the future will be after 30 May. I don't have to do that again."

Hiddink's side take on Manchester City in the league on Sunday, a match dubbed as the 'Clash of the Cash' due to Roman Abramovich's ownership of Chelsea and the wealthy Abu Dhabi United Group's acquisition of City last September, but while the former's riches have helped establish Chelsea as a dominant force in Europe, Hiddink believes it requires more than money for City to take on the elite four of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and United. "It can happen, nothing is impossible in this country, especially when you have power. But there are also the clubs with history, who have played as champions and fought for championships," Hiddink said. "They have the advantage of their history and the experience of being on top of everyone, if not every year then for a lot of them. This experience is very valuable for the big clubs. It's not easy to come between those teams if they are well managed. "If they continue as they have for the last few years it will be difficult to come in, but it's always good to have more competition for the title." "It's not always a matter of money to make a team. You have to be very careful about positions and the balance of your squad. It is not simply because of money that you have success as a team."

(source: goal, guardian.co.uk)

Champions League: English Teams Dominated

2009-03-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

This week sees the second legs of the Champions League 1st Knock-out stage and the prize at stake is a place in the quarter-finals. It is doubtful that anyone will make much money betting that all four Premier League teams be in that last-eight draw. All four are in strong positions and have recent history on their side - a Premier league team has not been knocked out of the Champions League by a European team for nearly two years, since Milan beat Liverpool in the 2007 final! Last season the only teams that were able to eliminate Premier League teams, were other Premier League teams! Liverpool beat Arsenal in the quarter-finals, Chelsea then beat Liverpool in the semi-finals (at the third time of asking) and Manchester United then beat Chelsea on penalties following John Terry’s infamous slip.

Barca and Milan are the two teams that have been consistently able to beat English teams in the last few years, although they have also been on the losing end too. Milan beat Manchester United in the 1st knock-out round in 2005 and in the semi-finals in 2007, when they beat Liverpool in the final. However they have lost to both Liverpool (famously in 2005’s final) and Arsenal last season in the 1st knock-out round. Barca have beaten Chelsea in 2006’s 1st knock-out round and then Arsenal in that year’s final, but they have lost to Chelsea (2005), Liverpool (2007) and Manchester United (2008). Other teams to have knocked out Premier League clubs since 2004-5 are Bayern Munich (Arsenal, 2005), Benfica (Liverpool, 2006) and PSV (Arsenal, 2007). Chelsea deserve a special mention - since 2005 they have only been knocked-out by English teams (three times) and Barcelona.

Other statistics since 2005 - the four premier league clubs have 10 semi-final appearances between them, they have each appeared in at least one final, each final has featured at least one English team. There is a clear trend in this data - Premier League clubs are becoming more difficult to beat in Europe every year and this has prompted FIFA chief Sepp Blatter to voice his concern; “I have my concerns because the Premier League is the strongest in the world, definitely. It is taking over in such a manner that the other leagues have difficulties to match it.” He also noted that the Premier League itself was also dominated by the same teams that dominate the Champions League; “In a competition where two-thirds or three-quarters of the participants in the league play not to be first, but not to be relegated, there is something wrong.”

For once the Swiss is talking a bit of sense, but is in no position to be able to rectify the problem. Blatter has identified the foreign influence in English football as the root of the problem and said he would attempt to convince Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore to impose a minimum requirement for home-grown talent on the pitch in an attempt to prevent the pillaging of young talent from abroad and warned that domestic owners might provide better stewardship through the economic downturn. “I want to try to, if not persuade him (Richard Scudamore), then at least influence him in his thoughts that to have a minimum of local players will enhance the quality of his league. Foreign ownership is definitely a risk, it is not the basis of football, but here we can do nothing. At the moment in the economic crisis, maybe the big investors and the big companies, will have less money to go in than local or regional investors who will be there because they identify themselves with the club.”

The debate over foreign ownership has been ongoing for sometime in the Premier League and, with the exception of Randy Lerner’s tenure at Aston Villa, none of the foreign owners have exactly covered themselves in glory; the crass spending of Chelsea and Manchester City, the lack of spending and boardroom soap opera at Liverpool, the financial and managerial shenanigans at Portsmouth and West Ham and the quite terrifying level of debt incurred at Manchester United.

Blatter though has missed the point when he focuses on foreign owners and players. They are simply a symptom of the problem, which is, of course, money. Without the huge sums distributed to the English clubs initially through the sale of television rights, the clubs and the league itself would not be so high profile and attractive to foreign owners and players. The skillful marketing of the Premier League combined with the nature of the English game and the expectations of the fans have created a ravenous monster that seems unstoppable. FIFA and UEFA have been marketing football for years, monetizing their competitions (World Cup, European Championship and Champions League) via television rights, exclusive sponsorships and merchandising, now the Premier League have taken up that baton and ran with it so successfully suddenly things are looking a bit different. What are the chances of another all-English final, or even two all-English semi-finals?

(source: english-premier-league.org)

Van der Saar: New Record of Cleansheets?

2009-03-04T17:55:00.000-08:00

Manchester United keeper Edwin Van der Saar has set a new clean sheets' record by going 14 games without conceding a single goal. The FIFA approved International Federation for Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) announced that Van der Saar broke the previous record which was set by Egypt's Essam Al-Hadari. Ending by the United against Fulham game on Wednesday, Van der Saar has now gone 1302 minutes without conceding, surpassing Al-Hadari's 1288 minutes. The Dutch guardian's net was last hit on November 12th 2008, when Arsenal's Samir Nasri scored against Manchester United.

Manchester United players were first to salute Van der Saar, confirming that the 38-year-old's achievement is a massive boost for the whole team. "It's unbelievable. Edwin deserves it; he's a great man, a great goalkeeper. He works a lot - for his age! - and I'm really happy for him," said Cristiano Ronaldo. "Not just for him, the whole team, all the lads, especially the defenders, who support him a lot."

From his side, United manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed that Van der Saar has played a great role in the team's victories over the last couple of years. "Edwin brings absolute calm and assurance to the players in front of him," said the United boss. "We have changed he back four I don't know how many times and not conceded. That says a lot for every player who has come in and done a job."

former Forest keeper Chris Woods has poured cold water on Edwin van der Saar's record attempt. The Man United stopper bids to break Woods' record – of going 1,196 minutes without conceding a goal – against West Ham tomorrow. But Woods, who set the record playing for Rangers in the 1986-87 season, insists Van der Saar has a long way to go to beat it. "Nobody seems to be counting the goal he conceded in Japan in the Fifa Club World Cup," said Woods, who is currently coaching at Everton. "If you count that, his record is nine games, or 810 minutes. "It was a Fifa recognised fixture. We are not just talking about league fixtures because my record covered both league and cup games."

Woods, who was a League Cup hero at Forest, never played a league game for the Reds because of the form of Peter Shilton. He left for QPR in 1979 to find regular first-team football. Woods, who also played for Norwich, Sheffield Wednesday, Reading, Colorado Rapids, Southampton and Burnley, was good enough to win 43 full England caps.

(source: filgoal, thisisnottingham.co.uk)

Magnificent 10: the world’s richest club

2009-02-22T20:03:00.000-08:00

Manchester United’s dominance of English football, on and off the pitch, is underlined today with the release of a financial survey that shows a £45m leap in United’s year-on-year income. Thanks in large part to last season’s Premier League and Champions League double, United’s turnover grew by 21 per cent in the 2007-08 season to £257.1m. This makes United by far the highest-earning club in Britain, ahead of Chelsea (in second place, with income of £212.9m in the same period), Arsenal (£209.3m) and Liverpool (£167m).

The figures are revealed in the latest Football Money League report by Deloitte, in a survey that shows Real Madrid remain the world’s richest club in terms of revenue, ahead of United in second, then Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Only a drastic slump in the value of sterling has prevented United from reclaiming the title of “world’s richest club” from Real. Real Madrid’s income for 2007-08 rose a relatively modest four per cent to 365.8m euros, or £289.6m when converted at the June 2008 exchange rate of £1 = 1.2632 euros. United’s income at the same rate equated to 324.8m euros. But sterling has crashed significantly, and if Deloitte had used the same exchange rate as in their previous report (£1 = 1.4856 euros, from June 2007), United’s latest income would have been 381.9m euros against Real’s 365.8m euros.

One of the most intriguing aspects of today’s report is that Deloitte, rather than the clubs themselves, has become the vehicle of choice for headline income figures to be released. United will provide more details of their results in due course, including data on large profits, but Chelsea are expected to remain conspicuously quiet this week about their own results. A press conference and briefing, scheduled for Friday, has been indefinitely shelved, and it is understood that this is partly because of the sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari. His pay-off, of around £7.5m, would not have been in the 2007-08 accounts but would have prompted embarrassing questions about Chelsea’s huge and ongoing losses.

An annual loss of £74.8m in 2006-07 on turnover of £190.5m meant the club had posted cumulative losses of £384m in four years. Haemorrhaging of money at such levels has always heaped ridicule on the long-standing claims of Chelsea’s chief executive, Peter Kenyon, that the club can break even by 2010. Yet further losses in the tens of millions are expected in the 2007-08 figures. And combined with the latest change in manager and wobble in form (and the financial ramifications of both) any suggestions of financial self-sufficiency soon are hollow jokes, as, increasingly, are Kenyon and Roman Abramovich themselves.

As the Deloitte report points out, Chelsea’s annual income growth of 12 per cent (£22.4m) in 2007-08 was driven mainly by increased TV cash, “but the club needs new successes with its match day and commercial revenues to deliver future growth and keep pace with its biggest European rivals.”

1 (1) Real Madrid £289.6m
Real Madrid's 4 per cent revenue growth is more modest than recent years, but the club have doubled their revenues since 2002

2 (2) Manchester United £257.1m
Manchester United's success in winning the Premier League and Champions League has contributed to significantly-increased revenue in 2007/08, but the depreciation of the pound against the euro means they remain in second position.

3 (3) FC Barcelona £244.4m
Barcelona's revenue increased by only 6 per cent.

4 (7) Bayern Munich £233.8m

5 (4) Chelsea £212.9m
Chelsea enjoyed a rise of 11.5 per cent.

6 (5) Arsenal £209.3m
Arsenal enjoyed a rise 18 per cent

7 (8) Liverpool £167.0m
Liverpool have gone up a place to seventh with a 25 per cent rise in turnover.

8 (6) AC Milan £165.8m

9 (11) AS Roma £138.9m

10 (9) Internazionale £136.9m

(source: independent.co.uk)

Guus Hiddink Handles Chelsea

2009-02-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

Bookmakers in England have moved quickly to install current Russian national team coach Guus Hiddink as the favourite to take over from Luiz Felipe Scolari, today sacked as Chelsea manager, at Stamford Bridge. Bookmakers Ladbrokes are quoting the Dutchman at odd of 5/2 to be the next Chelsea gaffer. However, the coach himself 'dead-batted' suggestions by reporters that he was in line to take over from the Brazilian in west London, as he works with his Russian squad at a warm weather training camp in Turkey. "I have no news for you," the Dutchman told Reuters earlier. "I'm not concerned with what has been said about me elsewhere, I'm working here now."

Guus Hiddink was announced as Chelsea's interim manager this week, and yesterday he attended his first training session since arriving at his new club. The Dutchman took plenty of positives from his orientation day at Cobham, but he also identified the need to unify the 'team' he has inherited from Luiz Felipe Scolari. "They are very committed, I have seen them training but sometimes you can have a little bit of a different approach to get even more efficiency out of the players," Hiddink told Chelsea TV last night. "That's what I'm aiming for and if you can add those individuals together and make a team, then everyone can bring a little bit more. "I don't like to give anyone much time, not me and not the players. It is too easy to talk commitment because everyone has an obligation to be committed, but in the tactical and the strategic approach during the game we might gain some profit."

Guus Hiddink was this week announced as Luiz Felipe Scolari's successor in the Chelsea hot-seat. With the Blues lying fourth in the Premier League standings, the Dutchman faces the unenviable task of resurrecting a richly talented but under-performing team's season. How will his successes and failures over the years influence his reign at Stamford Bridge?

As mentioned earlier, the league title is all but off the cards for the London giants. Thus, Hiddink will have to gear his squad for European success. In his favour is his relative success with national teams in knock-out tournaments. No, he's never actually won the World Cup or the European Championship, but he's taken some middling teams a heck of a long way.

However, Chelsea aren't exactly an Australia or a South Korea. The quarter-finals or the semis mean nothing to a club who have come to expect trophies season after season. They are yet to win the Champions League, and it is the one crown Abramovich wants more than any other.

Hiddink's done it before, of course, albeit not in the modern format. But that was as a young up-and-comer building his reputation. As an experienced, well-travelled trainer who's been focused on 'project teams' over the past few years, it is hard to say how he will handle this sudden return to the elite level of club football.
(source: goal.com)

Chelsea: given up yet race title

2009-02-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins admits his side’s title hopes are receding after the Blues were held to a surprise 0-0 draw at home to Hull. The west Londoners were jeered off after an insipid performance against the Humbersiders on Saturday, who contained their illustrious hosts with ease and produced several clear-cut chances of their own. Chelsea could fall 11 points behind the leaders Manchester United if the reigning champions win their two games in hand and manager Luiz Felipe Scolari may even start casting anxious glances over his shoulder towards fifth-placed Arsenal unless he can arrest his side’s current slump in form.

This dismal display against a side who have not tasted victory in the English Premier League since December added to the gloom created by last weekend’s tame defeat at Liverpool, and sections of the Stamford Bridge support turned on the Brazilian World Cup winner as his side laboured in the second half.

Scolari’s decision to replace debutant Ricardo Quaresma just after the hour provoked chants of ‘You don’t know what you’re doing’ from the Matthew Harding Stand and the 61-year-old gave anther hint that he is struggling to cope with the pressure of fulfilling Chelsea’s grand ambitions by refusing to attend the post-match press conference. Instead, it was Wilkins who was left to explain this latest sorry display and the former England mdfielder did not attempt to disguise the size of the task that faces Chelsea in the final three months of the season.

‘At the moment, it will be very difficult to catch Manchester United, with the way they’re playing,’ he said. ‘We will try to catch them but they have games in hand on us and they’re quite a few points in front of us as well, so it will be hard. ‘There is pressure, of course, but there always is pressure when you’re at a club as big as Chelsea. Second is never good enough for Chelsea because over the last few seasons, we’ve been a power in the Premier League. We strive to be number one and we would never say that second is good enough. ‘That’s why we’re not giving up on the title - you can’t when you have the kind of talent in our squad. We’ll keep going until it’s mathematically impossible to catch United.’

Wilkins also issued a withering assessment of the supporters who turned on Scolari after their side proved unable to pierce Hull’s exceptional defence. ‘It’s never pleasant to hear that kind of thing,’ he added. ‘It’s pretty evident that Luiz does know what he’s doing: he’s been in the game a hell of a long time and won an awful lot of trophies. ‘It’s unnecessary and it shouldn’t be heard around our stadia. It’s their prerogative to boo if they want to because they pay their money. But to say that someone doesn’t know what they’re doing, when they’ve achieved so much in the game, is a tad out of order.’

The criticism heaped on Scolari might have been yet more venomous had Craig Fagan taken one of two good second-half chances or Dean Marney’s low shot across goal sneaked inside the post rather than just out. Chelsea produced precious little in response, although Wilkins was justified in claiming that the afternoon might have boasted a very different narrative had John Terry not spooned haplessly over the crossbar in just the second minute. That weakness means that most teams visiting the Londoners now do so in the belief they can score.

Phil Brown, the Hull manager, was understandably proud of his players’ efforts, which - if replicated during the remainder of the season - should see them escape relegation with something to spare. ‘If we keep showing that mentality then we will be okay,’ he said. ‘The work rate was phenomenal and, as manager of this side, I’m very proud to have come here and got a point. ‘We didn’t put men behind the ball or park the bus in front of the goal, we played a bit.’

And for Hull City - heading south on the back of a miserable run that has brought just one win in 15 league matches - belief is something that has been in short supply of late. So good was their start to the campaign that they dropped out of the top half of the table for only the first time this season last weekend after a home draw with basement club West Bromwich Albion. Manager Phil Brown hasn’t had much more luck in the transfer market after narrowly missing out on AS Roma’s Christian Panucci and seeing new five million pounds signing Jimmy Bullard quickly crocked by a knee injury. Striker Daniel Cousin has also been ruled out for ten days after undergoing surgery and the only upbeat note for Brown has been struck by the support of his chairman Paul Duffen in the face of unexpected criticism from some of the club’s supporters. Even that, though, confounded the manager who said: "I like to fight my own fights, put it that way."

(source: khaleejtimes.com, thetimes)

Inter Milan: Scandal with Mafia ?

2009-02-05T15:33:00.000-08:00

Inter is leading the league by one point over Roma going into the last game, but the club has had a clamorous end to the season after a series of faltering performances and dressing room clashes.
The Daily Telegraph says yesterday, the club's tailor, Domenico Brescia, 55, was revealed to be a convicted murderer who is close to the Crisafulli Mafia clan.
Brescia is also thought by police to be a cocaine dealer, and his conversations with several Inter players and Roberto Mancini, the manager, were recorded by investigators
The transcripts of over 2,000 phone calls between Brescia and Mancini, Marco Materazzi, Sinisa Mihajlovic and other members of the club were leaked. The vast majority of the phone calls were mundane and concerned tickets to matches, or alterations to clothes.
However, in one call Mr Mancini is recorded discussing Daniele Bizzozzero, a Mafioso associate of Brescia's who had fled to Monte Carlo and then Paris in a bid to escape the police.
"What happened to him," Mr Mancini is heard asking. "How was he arrested? I told him to stay [in Paris] and wait for a pardon."
Brescia then said that Bizzozzero was stupid, to which Mr Mancini replied: "He has always behaved well with me."
Questions were immediately raised about why Mr Mancini was discussing the fate of a criminal, and why he advised him to remain on the run. In other phone calls, Mr Mancini demanded "two coathangers" urgently and another Inter employee referred mysteriously to "packs of stuff" left in Brescia's car.
However, the police said they had no intention of prosecuting anyone at the club. The club cut all ties with Mr Brescia one month ago, when the full extent of his criminal past became known.
"We have only had commercial relations with Domenico Brescia," said a spokesman for the club. "He was our emergency tailor, seeing as his shop is very close to our Pinetina training ground. He has never been an Inter employee."
Brescia's lawyer, meanwhile, insisted he was close friends with several Inter players and had been visiting the training ground daily for 30 years.
The leak of the documents at such a sensitive time provoked a storm of outrage among Inter's fans, who insisted that the media was trying to unsettle the team.

Prior to football club Inter’s big match against Parma to win the scudetto, it was revealed that FC Inter players and managers had had phone conversations with known criminals tapped as part of an investigation into a drug dealing ring.

The Milan team’s former tailor, Domencio Brescia, is said to also be involved in cocaine deals, and has a record for murder and robbery to boot. Strange associations for the team who has always claimed to be the honest ones in the competition, especially after the "we was robbed" claims over the Juventus match fixing scandal a couple of years ago.

You might think the conversations between said tailor and club management would provide something juicy. But in one conversation between team manager Roberto Mancini and Brescia, they discussed trim cut trousers, team line-ups and a friend’s arrest in France (although a photo of a topless woman and mutual friend did change hands).
(source: tribalfootball.com, blogdolcevita.com)

Inter Milan: fixing match scandal

2009-02-02T10:22:00.001-08:00

It looks like another match fixing scandal could rock Italian football again after Inter Milan have been accused of drawing or losing matches to change betting odds. According to a report which was published by Italian Public Ministry in Friday's edition of Il Giornale has said that Inter Milan threw their lead in the title race towards the end of last season to increase gambling odds.

This enquiry that was carried out by Italian Police at the request of the Public Ministry who are investigating allegations regarding phone calls between former Inter coach Roberto Mancini (who was incharge of Inter Milan last season) and a man who is associated with the Mafia, he is called Domenico Brescia.

It is known that Brescia is an Inter Milan supporter who has been in trouble before with drug related allegations. During last season, from week 24 onwards, some betting agencies wouldn't take anymore bets on Inter Milan winning the Scudetto.

The report also says that Zlatan Ibrahimovic's return from injury was postponed on purpose and that on the penultimate match of the season (the day that Inter Milan won the Scudetto) Julio Cruz was told not to take the penalty and Marco Materazzi missed it. The last thing that Italian football needs right now is another match fixing scandal whether it is true or not. Hopefully it isn't true because the last thing that we want in football is this.

It has not been long since the Calciopoli was unearthed from the depths of the Serie A wherein some of the biggest clubs in Italy were put to shame as their dirty linen was washed in public. This was not only a defamation of the clubs involved, but also a black mark in the history of the top flight that has only in recent times begun to regain the respect that it once lost.

Presently, another scandal has rocked the country as the Milan based daily Il Giornale published a report from the Italian Public Ministry that accuses Inter of throwing away matches in order to facilitate better odds towards their winning the Scudetto last season.

It is believed that the report released by the Public Ministry picks up pace sometime in the second half of the season, and centres around a string of phone conversations between Roberto Mancini and Domenico Brescia, a convicted murderer who is said to have had links with the mafia.

While the club distanced themselves when it became known that they were dealing with someone with a criminal record, it remains a fact that Brescia was the emergency tailor for the Nerazzuri at some point, since that is where the problems are supposed to have begun.

The report is apparently alleging the club of delaying the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic after an injury, only to unveil him in the last match of the season against Parma in which the striker scored twice, to lead the path to the Serie A title.

This will be a damaging time for Inter as well as the Serie A, which has come under severe criticism in recent times due to the shocking incidents that have come to light in the past. This revelation will do no good to the league that boasts so many big names and stars. That apart, this may derail the hopes that la Beneamata can bring home the Scudetto this season.

(source: footballitaliano, bleacherreport.com)

AIG - Manchester United: no renew contract

2009-01-27T23:40:00.000-08:00

AIG, the American insurance firm, has confirmed it will not renew its sponsorship deal with Manchester United, however the club remain confident of securing an improved deal elsewhere when their current contract ends in May 2010.

The company, which has suffered massive losses during the global economic downturn, says it remained in discussions over its current deal with the world and European champions, which is due to expire in May 2010.

Despite the news United say they have already opened discussions with a number of global companies, who they feel, could offer United an improvement on their current deal. Sahara, the Indian financial services corporation, has already confirmed United have made contact to gauge its interest in sponsoring the club, while Saudi Telecom have also been sounded out about replacing the AIG deal.

The Old Trafford club also have strong links in both Malaysia and South Korea, so even at a time of financial prudence around the world, United are still optimistic of bettering their current contract, worth £19million including various financial packages

"In line with industry practice, Manchester United is exploring the possibility of a shirt sponsor for the new 2010/11 season," a United spokesman said. "The club is in dialogue with a select number of top companies worldwide and has so far received sufficient interest to be confident it can improve on its current £19m annual partnership with AIG."

AIG came close to collapsing in the final few months of last year as it fell victim to the worst housing market since the Great Depression. The situation became so bad that the US government was forced to extend it a $150billion (£109.3 billion) loan, which it is unlikely to get back, which almost certainly saved AIG from oblivion.

AIG reached its perilous state after having to pay out tens of billions of dollars on insurance policies written on mortgages that homeowners cannot possibly repay. It will also make tens of billions of additional losses on complex investments tied to properties that are plummeting in value

(source: timesonline.co.uk)

AIG Leaves sponsorship manchester united

2009-01-22T12:58:00.000-08:00

The soccer team will find it hard to get an equally lucrative sponsorship deal from 2010.It looks like the American government is not interested in bankrolling top soccer brand Manchester United anymore. After taking control of struggling insurance company American International Group last year--as the financial crisis threatened to engulf some of the world's biggest companies--Uncle Sam does not want to renew the insurer's $78.0 million sponsorship deal with the British team.

This will be a problem for Manchester United, which relies on sponsorship for around one-third of its revenues. If it can't get a new sponsor to pay out a similar or higher amount in 2010, when the contract with AIG (nyse: AIG - news - people ) runs out, club owner Malcolm Glazer will find it even harder to repay the debts he saddled the team with when he bought it in 2005.

"They have to find a deal of equal standing, that is the critical issue," said Sean Hamil, an academic at the University of London's Birkbeck Sports Business Center. He told Forbes that this was unlikely to happen, given the troubles facing the corporate world, and that this would have an effect on Manchester United's ability to keep paying for star players.

As for who could replace AIG, speculation is rife it could be insurer Prudential (nyse: PUK - news - people ) or Indian conglomerate Sahara India. Either way, there are already signs that Glazer is tightening his belt, according to Duncan Drasdo, of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust. He told Forbes that Glazer was rumored to be putting his American football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, team up for sale. He also said that Manchester United was taking ticket money from members' bank accounts earlier than planned.

AIG is not the only example of how the economic crisis is seeping into the sports world. German automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke (other-otc: BAMXF - news - people ) lost Swiss bank Credit Suisse (nyse: CS - news - people ) as its Formula One sponsor on Tuesday, while Japan's Honda quit the auto sport in December.

Even in soccer, two high-profile Premier League sponsors are banks: Barclays (nyse: BCS - news - people ) and Northern Rock. A spokesman for Barclays told Forbes the bank had not yet begun talks on renewing its Premier League sponsorship contract, and that it would not comment on the financial details. A Northern Rock representative was unavailable for comment.

Manchester United was ranked the most valuable soccer team in the world by Forbes last year, with a team value of $1.8 billion.

(source: forbes.com)

AIG and Manchester United; the deal is over?

2009-01-21T04:28:00.000-08:00

American insurance giant AIG said on Wednesday it would not renew its shirt sponsorship deal with European and world club football champions Manchester United.

The American company also said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters that it was "in active discussions" with the club regarding the current four-year $100 million deal, which runs until next May.

Once the world's biggest insurer by market value, AIG averted bankruptcy in September last year with an $85 billion federal bailout, which later swelled to about $152 billion.

The company has started selling assets to raise funds to repay a part of the government bailout.

"Following the loan from the Fed, AIG has been reviewing all its sponsorships to identify those essential to maximising the value of AIG businesses," AIG said in a statement e-mailed to Reuters.

"In October, AIG told Manchester United that it is not renewing its sponsorship. Further, AIG has been in active discussions with the club regarding the current contract, which expires in May 2010," it added.

Manchester United was not immediately available for comment.

The news comes a day after it emerged that the English Premier League champions had approached Indian company Sahara as a potential replacement for AIG.

"We can confirm that we have received a proposal for team sponsorship, it is an elaborate one," Abhijit Sarkar, spokesman for the diversified Sahara Group, told Reuters on Tuesday.

Sahara, which sponsors the Indian cricket team, is an unlisted group with interests from financial services to real estate.

(source: ibnlive.in.com)

Glenn Hoddle - Hero of White Hart Lane

2009-01-20T05:16:00.000-08:00

Tottenham Hotspur bukan termasuk klub hebat di Inggris, jika dibandingkan dengan Liverpool dan Manchester United. Tapi klub berjuluk The Spurs ini pernah memiliki kkebesarn di era 1980-an. Dan, penyihir yang membawa kebesaran itu tak lain adalah Glenn Hoddle. Gelandang yang membuat permainan Tottenham selalu efektif, berbahaya dan menarik.
Padahal ketika Hoddle masih remaja, nyaris tak ada yang memperhatikan kemampuannya. Maklum, waktu itu Hoddle belum memiliki klub karena hanya bermain dari satu klub ke klub kecil lainnya di Middlesex, kampung halamannya. Beruntung ada teman yang juga striker Tottenham, Martin Chivers. Atas sarannya, Hoddle masuk The Spurs sebagai pemain magang. Bahkan Chivers memberi rekomendasi, sehingga Hoddle diterima.
Belum lama magang di Tottenham, manajer The Spurs kala itu, Bill Nicholson dipecat. Ini justru memberi berkah buat Hoddle. Manajer baru Terry Neill, tak memandangnya sebelah mata seperti pelatih sebelumnya. Neill melihat bakat Hoddle luar biasa dan dengan berani memberi kepercayaan kepadanya saat masih berusia 18 tahun. Agustus 1975 ketika Hotspur berjumpa Norwich, Hoddle diturunkan sebagai pengganti Ian Smith. Sejak itu Hoddle sering dipasang dan menunjukan bakatnya sebagai gelandang kreatif dan punya tendangan keras. Lalu memasuki tahun 1976, dia sudah menjadi pemain inti dan mulai tampil penuh saat lawan Stoke City di bulan Februari. Bahkan berkontribusi untuk kemenangan 2-1 tim ibukota lewat gol tendangan jarak jauh yang memperdayai kiper kenamaan Peter Shilton.
Inilah awal kebintangan Hoddle, tak berapa lama dia segera jadi pahlawan White Hart Lane, markas Tottenham. Permainannya selalu mengundang kagum dan punya gocekan maut serta akurasi umpan yang berbahaya. Meski begitu, baru di era 1980-an, Hoddle membawa kebesaran bagi tim London. Bukan cuma dalam negeri tapi juga tingkat Eropa. Puncaknya dia mempersembahkan gelar Piala FA 2 tahun berturut-turut dan trophy Piala UEFA 1983-1984 kepada klub. Publik White Hart Lane ingat betul, pemain kesayangannya ini berandil besar dalam sukses tersebut. Salah satunya pada partai final FA Cup 1982, Hoddle mengukir gol untuk menaklukan Liverpool.
Terakhir, dia memperkuat Tottenham di final Piala FA tahun 1987, namun sayang The Spurs kalah dari Coventry City 2-3. Setelah itu Hoddle pindah ke Liga Perancis bersama AS Monaco dengan transfer 750.000 pounds. Torehan kenangan Hoddle selama berkostum The Whites adalah 490 laga dan mengoleksi 110 gol.
Meski tergolong uzur, 30 tahun, Hoddle ternyata masih tampil bagus berseragam Monaco yang saat itu diarsiteki calon “Professor” Arsene Wenger. Bahkan Hoddle menjadi motor serangan klub. Puncaknya dengan raihan juara Ligue 1 musim 1987-1988. Ini satu - satunya gelar kompetisi liga yang pernah diraih. Usai membantu Monaco merengkuh trophy Le Championnat, cedera lutut kanan yang dia derita sejak di Hotspur sering kambuh hingga Hoddle jarang diturunkan pelatih.
Tahun 1993 dia pindah ke Chelsea sebagai pemain nonkontrak, bertahan dua bulan kemudian hijrah ke klub Divisi I, Swindon. Hoddle merangkap menjadi pemain – manager dan menunjukan kemampuan sebagai calon manager brilian. Berkat sentuhannya pula Swindon promosi ke Premier League season 1993. Musim itu juga dia langsung kembali ke Chelsea juga sebagai pemain merangkap manager. Sekali Hoddle menjalankan tugasnya dengan baik. Chelsea seperti bangun dari tidur dan mampu bersaing di papan atas dengan para raksasa Premiership lainnya. Cedera yang terus menjerat memaksanya pensiun lalu berkonsentrasi sebagai pelatih.
Bagi public White Hart Lane, Hoddle dinobatkan menjadi pemain terbaik sepanjang masa dan rakyat Inggris menilainya sebagai pemain berbakat St. George Cross era 1980an. Memperkuat The Three Lions 53 caps dan 8 goal.

(reference: soccer classic 23th dec03)

Super Transfer Manchester City for Kaka

2009-01-17T04:04:00.000-08:00

All of Italy is reporting it now. At first it was just a crazy rumor. Nobody believed that Kaka would leave Milan for Manchester City. But now it’s slowly becoming official. According to Italian press reports (including Milan Channel, Milan’s official TV station), Milan have accepted Manchester City’s 120 million euro offer for Kaka. Kaka’s father has flown to Manchester to negotiate terms and once that is complete Kaka will be a Manchester City player. Yes, you’re reading right, Kaka will become a Manchester City player. Nobody expected this, but this truly shows the power of money in modern day football. This is similar to Juventus’ sale of Zidane to Real Madrid a few years back, where they didn’t really want to get rid of him, but the offer was too good to refuse. Same scenario here. With 120 million euro, Milan can makeover their whole squad, and fix all the areas of the team that need fixing. The way I see it Kaka doesn’t want to leave Milan, but he knows 120 million can really help the club he loves and he always stated how he’s fascinated by the EPL (he speaks fluent English as well). We’ll see how this all unfolds tomorrow, but right now it’s looking like Kaka is a Manchester City player.

It is being reported in the English tabloid press that Kaka is now expected to join Manchester City next week - though more through pressure than preference. Early editions of Saturday's Daily Mirror claim that Kaka has been "railroaded into accepting the £108 million move."

According to Mirror Sport, the Milan and Brazil playmaker bid an emotional farewell to club coach Carlo Ancelotti when he left training on Friday, and is unlikely to figure in the Rossoneri's Serie A clash with Fiorentina at the San Siro on Saturday night.

It remains to be seen how accurate this report is, but the paper, on its online version, says Kaka's love affair with the Milan club is over, adding that the blow will be softened by a £10m signing-on fee and a £15m-a-year salary. It also says that Kaka’s father and chief adviser, Bosco Leite, will hold talks with City officials in Milan on Monday, but reports claims from the Middle East that Kaka has already agreed to the transfer with Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi-based owners.

Despite the astronomical amounts of money being offered, former World Player of the Year Kaka, 26, is said by Mirror Sport's sources to be unhappy about the move, feeling that he is being pressurised into leaving a team he helped win the Champions League in 2007 for one embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation. City's last major trophy was the 1976 League Cup. Earlier this week Kaka revealed that he hoped to “grow old” with Milan, to whom he is contracted until 2013.

(source: goal, italy.theoffside.com)

FIFA World Best Player 2008: Cristiano Ronaldo

2009-01-14T02:32:00.000-08:00

Cristiano Ronaldo beat off competition from Lionel Messi, Xavi, as well as Fernando Torres, and last year’s winner Kaka, to win the FIFA World Player of the Year Award with a total of 935 vote points. In second place was Barcelona star Lionel Messi with 678, while Liverpool striker Fernando Torres finished third with 203. AC Milan star Kaka was not far behind in fourth with 183, while Barcelona's Xavi ended up fifth with 155.

The number 7 of Manchester United was designated best football player of the year for 2008 by FIFA this Monday, the second athlete from the Sporting Clube de Portugal school in Lisbon, after Luís Figo, to win this prize. With 23 years and a long time to grow, Cristiano Ronaldo has the world at his feet. At 23 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo won the Golden Boot with 42 goals scored in the last season for Manchester United, being Europe's best scorer and best player now the world. He also won the championship of the Premier League in England, and the Champions’ League. He followed this up this term by lifting the Club World Cup in Japan. "The last season for me was the best in the world. And he is a very intelligent player who decides games. When you think he’ll be on the left, then he appears on the right. When you expect him to kick from the left, then there’s a kick from the right."

Ronaldo caps off a clean sweep of the major awards, having also picked up the prestigious Ballon d'Or (European Footballer of the Year) at the end of 2008. The 23-year-old becomes the first English-based player to be named FIFA World Player of the Year, and only the second Portuguese, following in the footsteps of Luis Figo, who triumphed in 2001.

There is no question as to who was the most effective footballer of 2008; like him or not, Cristiano Ronaldo had an on-field effect quite unlike anybody else in the calendar year. The 23-year-old inspired his club side to the Premier League title, Champions League and World Championship and picked up all the individual trinkets and accolades along the way. An exceptional 42 goals in the 2007-08 season stood Ronaldo in phenomenal stead and some murmurs even suggested that the Portuguese forward had overtaken George Best in the affections of the United faithful.

Despite his success and talent, a player of his calibre has never cut such a polemic figure. His detractors often overlook or undersell his achievements and instead point to his posturing, diving, complaining and selfishness as indicators of an overinflated ego and a delusional halfwit foolish enough to believe his own hype, and then some.

The truth probably lies somewhere in between, but our team have given their perception of the best and worst that could come from his winning of yet another award: the FIFA World Player of the Year.

(source: goal.com, etc.)

chelsea's nightmare

2009-01-12T04:00:00.000-08:00

Manchester United has thrashed Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford as the English Premier League champion moved an ominous step closer to leader Liverpool. Nemanja Vidic headed United in front in first-half stoppage time and Wayne Rooney doubled its advantage on the hour with a close-range volley. Dimitar Berbatov completed the rout in the 87th minute to lift United into third place. Alex Ferguson's side is now just five points behind Liverpool and one behind a Chelsea side which was desperately lacking any spark and wilted alarmingly.

United has two games in hand of both its main title rivals. "(Chelsea) had a lot of good possession and they are a threat when they get possession.. .but I don't think they really got a clear-cut chance," Ferguson told Sky Sports. "We said before that we still had all the main teams at home and we really need to win those games. "Janauary is a big month for us with eight games but we've got the squad to cope."

United faces Wigan Athletic on Thursday morning (AEDT) and Bolton Wanderers next weekend. Should it win both, it will be top of the league before Liverpool faces Everton next Tuesday. Defeat was Chelsea's first on the road in the league this season and continued manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's poor record against the top sides since taking over at Stamford Bridge. "This has done big damage to us," the Brazilian said. "We came here to win and now we need to think about what happened with some players." Wigan won for the sixth time in seven league matches when Maynor Figueroa's late header earned a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, which is third from bottom.

United was dealt a blow before kick-off when central defender Rio Ferdinand was ruled out with a recurrence of a back injury that will require a visit to a specialist next week. However his absence was hardly noticed as keeper Edwin van der Sar barely had a save to make as United made it eight league games without conceding a goal. A yellow card for Frank Lampard after a foul that left Cristiano Ronaldo in a heap set the tone for a messy opening to a match that could be a pivotal point in the season.

United appealed for a penalty when Ashley Cole appeared to block a cross with his arm, but it took it half an hour to force Petr Cech into a save from a Berbatov shot. United began to ratchet up the pressure on the Chelsea goal just before the interval. John Terry was forced into one desperate block from a Park Ji-sung shot before Ronaldo had a headed goal disallowed after referee Howard Webb ordered a crafty United corner to be re-taken - much to the fury of Rooney.

Chelsea failed to learn its lesson and as Giggs delivered the ball again in stoppage time, Berbatov got a slight touch and Serbian defender Vidic crept in at the far post to nod the ball past Cech. The goal knocked the stuffing out of Chelsea and despite Scolari sending on Nicolas Anelka to partner Didier Drogba up front after the break, it was United which moved up a gear. A sweet movement on the hour mark saw Ronaldo's back heel release Patrice Evra and his pacey cross was met first time by Rooney to double United's lead. United could have scored on numerous occasions as Chelsea wilted before Berbatov supplied the final flourish, connecting with a Ronaldo free kick.

(source: www.abc.net.au)

andrei arshavin the rising star

2009-01-10T04:46:00.000-08:00

Andrei Arshavin could soon be appearing at a Barclays Premier League ground near you, with Arsenal taking a look at Russia's star of Euro 2008.From talented drafts player to one of the hottest properties in world football, here is all you need to know about the 27-year-old on Arsene Wenger's wish list...

1) Andrei Sergeyevich Arshavin was born in St Petersburg - then called Leningrad - on May 29, 1981.
2) As a schoolboy, he showed great promise as a drafts player before turning his full attention to football.
3) While at university he wrote a thesis on sportswear production, but dismissed his decision to study for a diploma in fashion design as an opportunity to meet girls.
4) As a boy, he fell in love with the Barcelona team coached by Holland legend Johan Cruyff and has previously said moving to the Nou Camp would be his dream.
5) Arshavin made his debut for Zenit St Petersburg when coming on as a substitute against Bradford at Valley Parade on August 2, 2000. The Russians won the InterToto Cup semi-final match 3-0.
6) He scored 71 goals in 310 games for Zenit, while for Russia he has scored 15 in 41 caps. With Zenit he won the Russian Premier League title in 2007, the League Cup in 2003, and the UEFA Cup, European Super Cup and Russian Super Cup in 2008.
7) Individually he has won a number of player of the year awards and was ranked the sixth best player in the world in 2008 for the Ballon d'Or - won by Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo.
8) Arshavin once stood for local elections in St Petersburg for the United Russia party led by Vladimir Putin (right) but withdrew his candidacy before a vote was cast.
9) The Communists of Leningrad group accused Arshavin of being a 'traitor' for his desire to leave the country. Berating him for 'putting up his body for sale for greedy Western clubs', they warned: 'If you want to sign for any Western team you will lose your spiritual connection to Mother Russia and Russians will never forgive you.'
10) Arshavin may be on the verge of leaving Zenit, but he stares out from the April page of the club's official 2009 calendar.

Andrei Arshavin last night partied with his Zenit St Petersburg team-mates for what he believes will be the last time before sealing a move to Arsenal. The Gunners may be furious that their far-from-concluded negotiations have become public but the Russia forward hopes any problems can be overcome so that he can achieve his dream of playing for one of Europe's elite clubs. It would be the perfect Christmas present as the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the festival two weeks later than in England.

The 27-year-old spent the public holiday with his wife Yulia and their two young children before saying goodbye to his Zenit colleagues at St Petersburg's five-star Grand Hotel Europe at their annual Christmas bash. It is a farewell that the forward knew he had to make after starring for his country in their bold march to the Euro 2008 semi-finals before losing to Spain.

Those performances - along with his key role in winning the UEFA Cup against Rangers with Zenit last season - made him famous across the world, but returning home to a country that had appreciated his talent for years felt too much like getting back in the depressing old routine.

(source: dailymail.co.uk)

manchester city: recruitments

2009-01-08T19:51:00.000-08:00

Defender Wayne Bridge has become the first signing of what seems sure to be a busy transfer window for Manchester City after completing his expected transfer from Chelsea for a fee in the region of £10 million ($14.5 million). The England left-back completed his medical on Saturday morning and agreed personal terms on a four-and-a-half-year contract, before being introduced to supporters prior to City's FA Cup tie at home to Nottingham Forest. He watched on as his new team were humbled 3-0 by the second-flight side in a big upset.

The 28-year-old Bridge, who largely played second-fiddle to England colleague Ashley Cole during his spell at Stamford Bridge, is expected to make his debut against Portsmouth at Fratton Park next Saturday. "I played alongside Wayne at Southampton and saw him come through the ranks," City manager Mark Hughes told the club's Web site mcfc.co.uk. "He was an outstanding young player and he's progressed year on year in his career. He is an England international and has just played for one of the top four sides in the country. "He is of the right quality and is the type of player we need to attract. We need good players that understand this league and we will look to carry on in that way and add more if we can."

It is expected Hughes will return to old club Blackburn for Roque Santa Cruz early next week as City's Abu Dhabi-based owners begin to flex their vast financial muscle. Manchester City intensified their bid to sign Roque Santa Cruz from Blackburn Rovers last night as Mark Hughes looked to reassert his authority over a demoralised squad. Hughes, the City manager, has been forced to contend with a series of problems in recent weeks, having identified Tal Ben-Haim and Elano among those responsible for a growing sense of disquiet in the dressing-room. But having sent a forceful message yesterday to any disgruntled players, it emerged that City have finally established formal contact with Blackburn as they try to secure the signing of Santa Cruz in a deal worth in the region of £15 million. Reports of an £8 million bid to sign Shay Given, the unsettled Newcastle United goalkeeper, were not confirmed by City officials.

John Williams, the Blackburn chairman, was quoted as saying yesterday lunchtime that he had yet to receive a formal offer from City for Santa Cruz, but contact has since been made between the clubs at boardroom level, with Hughes hoping that a deal for the Paraguay forward can be concluded sooner rather than later.

Hughes has spoken to Paul Aldridge, the City chief operating officer, to express frustration over the time taken to complete the proposed signings of Santa Cruz, Kolo Touré, the Arsenal defender, and Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy, the West Ham United duo. City have been frustrated by West Ham’s intransigence and have indicated that they will be forced to look elsewhere if the London club, having sought to sell Calum Davenport to Bolton Wanderers and Matthew Etherington to Stoke City, do not play ball.

The City manager has other targets, having identified Joleon Lescott, of Everton, as an alternative to Touré, and, with the signing of Wayne Bridge from Chelsea completed, Hughes maintains that his squad will be far stronger by the end of the month. He hopes to offload players such as Ben-Haim and Elano, but, in the meantime, has urged the malcontents in his squad to speak directly to him. “All the players know if they have any complaints, they can knock on my door,” Hughes said. “That is how it has always been. You are going to get these kind of stories when things are not going as well as you would like.”

(source: edition.cnn.com, timesonline.co.uk)

beckham's debut, warm up before against as roma

2009-01-07T04:21:00.000-08:00

David Beckham has made his debut for Italian giants AC Milan against Hamburger SV in the Dubai Football Challenge at the The Emirates Sevens Stadium in Dubai. It was feared that the midfielder - on loan from LA Galaxy - would miss the game following an injury picked up in training, but he was given the all clear after a last minute fitness test.

But Italy striker Francesco Totti claims his arrival will weaken the team. Beckham played the firsthalf of a friendly against Hamburg in Dubai and is due to make his Serie A debut at Roma on Sunday. But with huge competition for starting places, Roma captain Totti believes including Beckham - on loan from LA Galaxy - will "unbalance" Milan. "I like Beckham a lot and I'm glad he's chosen to play in our league," he said. "But let's hope Carlo Ancelotti fields all his big-name players together. I honestly think that could be an advantage for us as the team would be unbalanced."

Francesco Totti, the Roma captain, says he is excited by the arrival of David Beckham in Italy. The England midfielder could make his debut for AC Milan in a friendly with Hamburg tonight after agreeing a two-month loan deal from Los Angeles Galaxy and Totti has expressed his admiration Beckham.

"I am really curious about David's arrival to Italy," he said. "He is an icon. I am delighted he has chosen to play in our league, even if it will be for a short spell. "Beckham is a lad I like a lot just as I like his wife. They are two beautiful people to see. Many will envy them."

(source: timesonline&mirror.co.uk)

difficult choice to sell chelsea

2009-01-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Chelsea aren't keen on handing boss Luiz Felipe scolari any cash to spend in the impending January transfer window. Like everyone else, the capital club has been affected by the frightening state of the global financial climate. Naturally, though, the sting of such worries takes has more ridiculous complexion at Stamford Bridge than anywhere else.

Reports suggest that billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich will have to choose to sell either the club or his £200 million mega yacht, Pelorus. In fact, he has allegedly sounded out buyers for the club already, hinting that the boat may be too dear to his heart.

According to Russian press agency Prime-Tass - who source an expert in football finance and, for some reason, someone of standing in German football - Abramovich's fortune has dwindled from €16.7 billion (£13.2bn) to €2.3bn (£2.25bn).

The giant yacht apparently has a couple of helipads and an anti-missile system to fend off pirates - a job given to skipper John Terry at the Bridge. Further reports in Russia hint at the practical affect which the crisis is having on Chelsea. For instance, apparently the players are paying for their own lunches.

Assets depreciation and another effects of the world financial crisis might have reduced Roman Abramovich's personal fortune from €16,700 million to €2,300 million, according to Russian news agency Prime-Tass.

This is the current scenario for the Russian tycoon, who must made a decision: either he puts Chelsea for sale (he invested more than €210 million since July 2003, including the team's debts) or he sells his yacht, which is said to cost some €200 million.

The press published statements from an expert in financial transactions in soccer and former manager of two teams from Germany; according to him, "rumors about selling Chelsea started spreading in November" and Abramovich "is looking for a broker to lead the transaction."

The club is yet to comment on the rife speculation.

(source: goal, sportsya.com)

Premiere League: Transfer Window January

2009-01-03T04:50:00.000-08:00

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp rubbishes talk of a reported £30m swoop for Portsmouth trio Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Glen Johnson. The January transfer window has opened, which gives clubs their first opportunity to buy or sell players since the end of August. Several deals have already been agreed, including Portsmouth midfielder Lassana Diarra's £20m move to Real Madrid while a number of others are being finalised. A record £150m was spent by Premier League clubs in January 2008.

But that figure could be eclipsed this season if, as expected, Manchester City boss Mark Hughes is given major funds to strengthen his squad by his club's billionaire Arab owners. Any buys by City could kick-start activity from other Premier League sides but the Eastlands club are yet to delve into the market.

Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz is believed to be top of Hughes' wish-list but Rovers boss Sam Allardyce says he has not received any offers for the Paraguay star, while Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge is widely tipped to be heading to Eastlands.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has underlined his desire to sign new players, and has already had a bid of around £6m rejected for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy as well as confirming his interest in Pompey frontman Jermain Defoe and Middlesbrough winger Stewart Downing. But teams such as Manchester United and Chelsea insist they will not be buying and others, like Portsmouth and the Hammers, may be forced to sell some of their stars to balance the books.

Wigan are keen to keep hold of England striker Emile Heskey, who is out of contract in the summer, while Newcastle striker Michael Owen and goalkeeper Shay Given are also in demand. Most Premier League managers have already had their say over how they see the next month going:

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger:
"Although we are not close to signing anyone at the moment, if we do buy I think what we need is maybe someone with a bit of experience. I need a creative midfielder and eventually another midfielder, because we are short. "We already have many young players so, if we buy, it will be somebody who is ready to play straight away. A loan deal could also be a possibility. "What we might need is someone who can create a little spark."

Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill:
"We are definitely looking at trying to do something if it is at all possible. "I do not know whether the credit crunch has affected the market but this is a chance for all clubs to add to their squads."

Blackburn manager Sam Allardyce:
"There have been no bids whatsoever for Roque Santa Cruz. "At the moment I am more focused on getting him fit because I haven't seen him play since I've been here. I'm looking to getting him fit and producing the form he produced last year to get us out of trouble. I'm also more focused on getting players in rather than players out. Certainly my focus over the last two days has been speaking to the chairman about that. "We're both going to go out and try and improve our squad as quickly as possible."

Chelsea manager Luiz Filipe Scolari on his side's transfer policy:
"I knew that it's a different time for Chelsea but, if we suffer more injuries, the board understand that I'll need one or two players to replace some [injured] players. "They understand this. If, on the other hand, the players are in good condition and there are no more injuries, I think it's maximum one player they'll replace because we need one more. Only one. A striker.

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon says transfer activity will be kept to a minimum:
"I don't think we will be doing any business in the January transfer window because the type of players we are looking for are not available. "Another reason is that we have still got some long-term injuries coming back and in January or February, Chelsea will have more player availability."

Everton manager David Moyes:
"We are actively looking at what will make a difference, but I don't think I will be able to do much in January. I am more likely to be looking at loans. "Anything the club have got they will give me. But that doesn't mean to say I am not out there looking for loans or Bosman signings or anything else that can help us. "I don't think we will be selling because we don't have the numbers. We are short at this present time and that limits what I can do off the bench."

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez admits signings are unlikely:
"It will be difficult to bring anyone in January because we have a good squad. "To bring in anyone better than what we've got isn't easy and could be expensive."

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes:
"We're aware of this assumption about the level of finance that we'll throw at the project in January, but we still have realistic market values. "There is also an assumption that we will stimulate the market, that the money sloshing around will be from the deals that we have started, but we have to make sure we protect the club as well. "We're hoping to go into the market and acquire players that we think will help us, but it is still dependent on whether clubs are willing to deal with us or not. "The deals that we do will have to be good ones, but we are quite happy at the moment. We know that there will be a premium that we will probably have to pay because it's January, and teams don't want to lose their better players. "But it will not be to the extent where we are paying hugely over the market value."

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson:
"I do not think there will be any January transfers, I am happy with what I have got. "We are probably going to bring back a couple of young players who have been on loan. That may just give us extra protection. "We took 23 players to Japan (for the Club World Cup) and they are substantial players. I would be happy to play any one of them."

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear insists goalkeeper Shay Given is not for sale:
"Shay won't be leaving - he has no interest in that whatsoever. He loves the football club - he's part of the city and that suits us because he's a world-class goalkeeper."

Portsmouth manager Tony Adams:
"The board are going to do exactly what they did for [former boss] Harry Redknapp to me, and I had money anyway [before Real's move for Diarra]. I have had new signings in mind since I have been in the job."

Stoke chairman Peter Coates:
"We've got a few things on the go. I think Tony Pulis would like about three players, but I don't want to give too much away. "I do know we'll have a stronger squad at the end of January than what we have now."

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp on his January targets:
"If could find a wide-left player I would like to get one. That and a frontman would be the priority." "I think Portsmouth have had a massive offer from somebody for Jermain Defoe, so good luck to them - I paid about £9m when I signed him. He is a good player but we're not going to pay over the top for anyone. "It's not finished but if they don't want to sell him [Defoe] it's up to them. I am not going to upset the applecart. "If they say 'we'll have that', then we can do something. If they say 'we don't want to sell him' then it is end of story. "I like Stewart Downing but I don't know whether Middlesbrough want to sell him."

West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury:
"We must not be afraid of interest in or bids for our leading players. "Each approach will be considered in terms of fee, fitness, form and where the manager thinks the player is in his career. "We have to consider the will of the player and whether he is committed to what we are trying to achieve. "A bid may be evaluated by the manager as allowing him to significantly improve his team."

(source: BBC, goal)

gerard brings liverpool leading 3 points

2008-12-30T00:04:00.000-08:00

LIVERPOOL have maintained their grip on first place in the Barclays Premier League table with a stunning 5-1 win against a toothless Newcastle United at St James' Park. Reds captain Steven Gerrard scored twice and had had it not been for Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given, the hosts could have been on the wrong end of a double-figure disaster after being completely outclassed. The Republic of Ireland international made five world-class saves in 10 minutes to prevent Newcastle from total capitulation before the midway point of the first-half.

Liverpool assistant manager Sammy Lee said: ``I think we are improving with every game we play and that is all we can look for. You haven't seen the best of Liverpool yet. "You win nothing in December but you can certainly lose a lot. We're very pleased to be going into the New Year at the top."

Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear - whose 62nd birthday celebrations on Sunday have been distinctly muted having been beaten by Wigan on Friday and now Liverpool - said that his depleted side had not been able to hold off the attacking hordes from Liverpool. "We were short of six or seven players and everything that could go against us did go against us. "We had to play one of the best teams I've seen for a long while. You have to take your hat off to Liverpool. They were in command for a long time and could have put the game to bed in the first half."

Arsenal target Given began his run of jaw-dropping stops in the 10th minute as he pushed away a fierce near post strike from lone Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt. Within a minute England midfielder Gerrard weaved his way around three United defenders only to see his left foot shot palmed away by Given.

However, the onslaught had only just begun and in the 14th minute the Magpies 'keeper denied Gerrard again as he sprung to his right to claw away a rising left footed shot. But that stunning save was eclipsed by an even better show of agility five minutes later as Given denied the Brazilian midfielder Lucas from point-blank range. When the former Gremio player saw his header, from a Gerrard corner, beaten away by the Newcastle goalkeeper moments later, the visitors must have begun to fear this would be no easy win on Tyneside.

United, for their part, had barely managed to break beyond halfway and the Magpies' owner, Mike Ashley, must have been wondering whether he had been premature in announcing his decision to take the club off the market for the foreseeable future. If his aim had been to usher in a period of calm at St James' Park, the effect had not extended to the pitch. Liverpool continued to press forward at will and two goals before half-time appeared to end the game as a contest. Inevitably, given his sensational start to the match, it was Gerrard who broke the deadlock in the 31st minute when he drilled Yossi Benayoun's pass in off the post. Poor Given had no opportunity to reprise his heroics and the Irishman was stranded again five minutes later when defender Sami Hyypia was given the freedom of the Newcastle penalty area to head home Gerrard's corner.

The experienced Finn could have grabbed a second three minutes before the break only for a diving Given to push the ball into the path of Newcastle's Charles N'Zogbia, who cleared. These were torrid times for United but, incredibly, Canada international defender David Edgar reduced the arrears on the stroke of half-time by heading in Danny Guthrie's corner.

Liverpool's third, five minutes after the restart, had an element of luck about it, with referee Mark Halsey failing to spot Lucas's hand ball, but Dutch international Ryan Babel tapped-in from five yards despite being surrounded by several Newcastle players. Gerrard grabbed his second from Lucas's astute through ball in the 66th minute. And when substitute Xabi Alonso wrapped things up with a well taken penalty 13 minutes from time with Gerrard off the field, after his fellow replacement David Ngog had been brought down by Edgar, Liverpool could celebrate heading into 2009 on top of the Premier League pile.

Agence France-Presse, source: foxsport)

Premiere League: Boxing Day

2008-12-28T02:35:00.000-08:00

A Robbie Keane double helped Liverpool regain the lead at the top of the Premier League after a 3-0 win over Bolton at Anfield. Rafael Benitez's men had dropped to second after Chelsea's win over West Brom earlier, but Keane's brace and a first-half strike from Albert Riera was enough to see off Gary Megson's side. Liverpool put the opposition under intense pressure from the kick off and took the lead after 25 minutes when Riera tapped home a Steven Gerrard corner. Keane scored his second goal in two games when he coolly slotted past Jussi Jaaskelainen after being played through by Gerrard. It took Keane only five minutes to get himself on the scoresheet again as he latched onto a Yossi Benayoun through ball and drove past Jaaskelainen to put the game beyond doubt.

Didier Drogba's first league goal of the season helped Chelsea to a 2-0 win over West Brom at Stamford Bridge. Luiz Felipe Scolari started with both Nicolas Anelka and Drogba for the first time this season and the Ivory Coast striker took only three minutes to break the deadlock when he headed Joe Cole's cross past Scott Carson to give Chelsea the lead. Frank Lampard then picked up on Ashley Cole's deflected cross to chip over Carson for the winner on the stroke of half time.

Manchester City dragged themselves out of the relegation zone in emphatic fashion with a 5-1 thrashing of Hull at Eastlands. Robinho cut inside and chipped over to Stephen Ireland who squared his cross to Felipe Caicedo. He hit the ball into the roof of the net from close range to open the scoring. Caicedo scored his second after 26 minutes before Ireland sent Robinho through on the half hour and the Brazilian slid the ball past Boaz Myhill for City's third. Robinho's second came 10 minutes before the break when he tapped home a low Shaun Wright-Phillips cross. Craig Fagan pulled one back for Hull in the second half but Ireland scored City's fifth to complete the rout.

Manchester United had to wait until seven minutes from the end to hit the winner at Stoke. Tony Pulis' side, who had Andy Wilkinson sent off, held United until Carlos Tevez turned home a Dimitar Berbatov cross to send the Potters back into the relegation zone.

Craig Bellamy underlined his importance to West Ham by scoring twice in the Hammers' 4-1 win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park. Nadir Belhadj gave Portsmouth an early lead but the Hammers levelled soon after through Jack Collison. Carlton Cole turned home a Valon Behrami cross to put West Ham ahead before Spurs transfer target Bellamy raced through the Pompey defence and beat David James with 20 minutes left. Bellamy picked up a return pass from Luis Boa Morte to seal the Hammers' fourth with seven minutes left.

Everton clocked up their seventh away win of the season at the Riverside Stadium thanks to a Tim Cahill goal. An injury crisis at Goodison Park meant that midfielder Cahill had to be employed as a lone striker and the Australian showed a true goalscorer's instinct to tap home from close range after a goal-mouth scramble just after the break.

Ryan Taylor and Amr Zaki were on target for Wigan in their 2-0 win over Newcastle at the JJB Stadium. Taylor's 22-yard free kick put the Latics ahead before Zaki scored from the penalty spot after Sebastien Bassong was sent off for a foul on Emile Heskey. Newcastle pulled one back late on with a Danny Guthrie penalty, but Wigan held on to complete the win.

Despite their best efforts, Tottenham could not find a way past Fulham in their drab 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane. And Jason Roberts missed an open goal in stoppage time as Blackburn had to settle for a 0-0 draw with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Aston Villa reclaimed third place after Zat Knight struck late on to give the Villans a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Villa Park. Denilson and Abou Diaby had given the Gunners a commanding lead and they looked in control until the 65th minute when William Gallas hauled down Gabriel Agbonlahor just inside the box. Referee Lee Mason pointed to the spot and Gareth Barry powered his spot kick past Manuel Almunia. Arsenal looked set for victory until Knight picked up a deflected Barry cross inside the box and fired past Almunia to rescue a point for Villa and keep them level on points with Manchester United.

Rooney brings man utd the best in the world 2008

2008-12-23T16:23:00.000-08:00

Wayne Rooney scored late in the second half Sunday to lead 10-man Manchester United to a 1-0 win over Ecuador’s Liga de Quito in the final of the Club World Cup. Rooney took a pass from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 73rd minute and fired an angled right-footed blast into the bottom corner past diving Liga goalkeeper Jose Cevallos. “It was a very difficult game especially after going down to 10 men,” said Rooney. “I’m very happy to have scored and for us to become the best club in the world is something we can be very proud of.” United was reduced to 10 men when defender Nemanja Vidic was given a red card in the 49th minute for elbowing Claudio Bieler in the face.

United becomes the first English club to win the cup in its current format. The Red Devils participated in the first Club World Cup in 2000 without making the final, while Liverpool lost the 2005 decider. In 1999, United did win the predecessor to the Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup which matched the European and South American champions.

Liga didn’t have a shot on target until Manso rifled a left-foot blast from the top of the area in the 63rd minute only to see United keeper Edwin Van Der Sar make a spectacular diving save. Liga’s Alejandro Manso came dangerously close to equalizing in the 89th minute with a long-range shot that Van Der Sar tipped over the bar.

Looking to add to their Premier League and Champions League titles, United controlled the flow of play from the outset. Rooney had a superb chance 10 minutes in when he played a long ball from Vidic off his chest and unleashed a powerful volley from the top of the area that Cevallos stopped with a diving save. Ronaldo set up Carlos Tevez 10 minutes later with a cross but the Argentine’s low header was saved by Cevallos, who kept his team in the match in the first half. Rooney set up Park Ji-sung after a nifty one-two with Tevez but the South Korean fired into the hands of Cevallos late in the first half. Jairo Campos had Liga’s best scoring chance in the opening minutes when he redirected a Manso free kick inches wide of the post.

Alex Ferguson’s squad qualified for the Club World Cup in May after beating fellow English side Chelsea in a penalty shootout in the Champions League final at Moscow. Liga qualified for the competition by becoming the first Ecuadorean club to win South America’s Copa Libertadores. Liga defeated Mexico’s Pachuca 2-0 on Wednesday to reach Sunday’s final, while United advanced after a 5-3 win over Japan’s Gamba Osaka.

Gamba secured a third-place finish earlier Sunday with a 1-0 win over Pachuca. Striker Masato Yamazaki scored the winner in the 30th minute when he volleyed a superb pass from fellow forward Ryuji Bando past goalkeeper Miguel Calero.

(source: http://www.japantoday.com)

UEFA Cup goes to knockout stages

2008-12-19T04:02:00.000-08:00

Aston Villa stumbled into the knockout stages of the Uefa Cup after a defeat at Hamburg but Pompey end their campaign with a win. Having already booked their safe passage out of Group F the 3-1 loss to Hambur mattered little to Martin O'Neill's men.

Two goals from Peter Crouch ensured Portsmouth ended their UEFA Cup campaign with a win as they beat Heerenveen 3-0 at Fratton Park. The England striker scored a quick-fire double just before the interval and Portsmouth not only successfully held on to their 2-0 lead but added to it in stoppage time with a header from Hermann Hreidarsson. Pompey's chances of qualifying from the group stages were ended by a 3-2 defeat by Wolfsburg, rendering this match a dead rubber between the bottom two sides in the group.

Wolfsburg joined Hamburg in securing top spots in their respective groups on a fine night for German teams in the UEFA Cup. The Wolves twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw at AC Milan while Hamburg were impressive 3-1 winners over a weakened Aston Villa side. Wolfsburg entered the game at the San Siro with a 100% record in the pool phase but went behind to a Massimo Ambrosini header. Cristian Zaccardo pulled the German outfit level after the break but Wolfsburg's joy was shortlived as Alexandre Pato scored seconds later to put the hosts back in front. Wolfsburg's efforts were rewarded as Jacek Krzynowek's strike took a crucial deflection off Mahir Saglik to level the score with nine minutes remaining and consign Milan to second in Group E.

Ajax finished second to Hamburg in their pool after a 2-2 draw at home to Slavia Prague. Ajax went ahead through Jan Vertonghen but Jaroslav Cerny and Marek Jarolim hit back before Luis Suarez converted a penalty in the 90th minute to deny Slavia a first UEFA Cup win.

Rodolfo Bodipo scored the winner 16 minutes from time to secure Deportivo La Coruna a place in the last 32 and dump Nancy out of the competition. The former Alaves striker came off the bench to rescue the Galicians with a sidefoot finish from just outside the six-yard box, breaking the hearts of the French visitors who would have gone through from Group H with a draw.

Ivan Djurdjevic scored the only goal of the game to enable Lech Poznan to squeeze into the last 32 with victory at Feyenoord. Djurdjevic's placed strike after 25 minutes ensured the Poles a place in the knockout stages at Nancy's expense by just a point. Defeat for Feyenoord completed a miserable campaign during which they lost all four games - the club's worst ever run in European competition.

FC Copenhagen pulled off a smash-and-grab job to beat Club Brugge 1-0 and claim Group G's final place in the knockout stages thanks to Cesar Santin's goal just before the hour. Club Brugge had started the night in third place, needing only to avoid defeat to go through. St Etienne held on to top spot in the group after playing out an exciting 2-2 draw against second-placed Valencia at a snow-covered Stade Geoffrey-Guichard. Brazilian forward Ilan twice put St Etienne ahead with contrasting first-half goals, but Valencia battled back both times thanks to strikes from forwards Fernando Morientes and Nikola Zigic.

Grande Partita & El Clasico

2008-12-15T13:54:00.000-08:00

Grande Partita Serie-A, Juventus maintains the challenge on champions Inter Milan as they beat closest rivals AC Milan 4-2 in an open and entertaining match.

Del Piero opened the scoring with a penalty after only fifteen minutes when Marek Jankulovski brought him down in the penalty area. Pato equaled the scored just after the half hour after Kaladze set Ronaldinho free and his pass into the area was well met by the young star who had an easy tap-in. A powerful header from Chielini restored the one-goal advantage. Juventus scored again seven minutes later when Brazilian Amauri headed home his side’s third. AC Milan reduced the deficit eleven minutes into the second period when Ambrosini's shot flew into the net. But Amauri settled the match with a well-taken goal after a one-two with midfielder Sissoko.

And El Clasico La Liga, late goal from Samuel Eto'o and Lionel Messi helped Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at a rain-soaked Camp Nou to move of their arch rivals in title race. Former Real old boy Eto'o had seen Iker Casillas save his penalty on 70 minutes but picked himself up to break the deadlock seven minutes from time and Messi produced a delicate chip in stoppage time to spark wild celebrations.

It was Barca's first win over Real since November 2005 and was sweet revenge for last season when Real did a league double and Barca had to perform the guard of honour to salute Real as champions at the Santiago Bernabeu before losing 4-1.

For new Real Madrid coach Juande Ramos, who took over from Bernd Schuster four days ago, it was a bitter pill to swallow and the former Tottenham Hotspur manager has a mammoth task to help Real win a third consecutive title.

It is a complete turnaround from last season when Real opened up a seven-point cushion with a 1-0 victory at Camp Nou before strolling to the title.

“It is certainly difficult to take,'' said Real captain Raul. “We had chances but then conceded two late goals and have to take it on the chin. “We are not giving up (in the title race) as it is a long season and there are lots of points to play for. We have to absorb this defeat and carry on.''

(source: http://eurochampsleague.com&foxsports.com)

Champions League: Final Result

2008-12-11T05:13:00.001-08:00

(source:uefa.com)

UCL Matchday 6: Group A & Group B "Do or Die"

2008-12-08T20:20:00.000-08:00

Champions League betting is now available for the matchday six, the final game in the group phase of this season’s Champions League. At this stage thirteen of the sixteen knockout places are already known, but both places in Group A are up for grabs, while a Greek-Cypriot showdown in Athens between Panathinaikos and Anorthosis Famgusta should decide who accompanies Inter Milan into the knock-out stage

Chelsea, have been favourites in the outright Champions League , and after two opening Group A victories, looked certainties to cruise through. However, with just one point from matchday 3 & 4, the Blues fate rests on their remaining fixture at home to CFR Cluj. A win would guarantee them passage, while a draw would leave them hoping that Roma avoid defeat to Bordeaux. The Londoners will be strong favourites at Stamford Bridge against the Romanian minnows, but stranger things have happened in the Champions League

With Inter Milan already qualified from Group B, and Werder Bremen already eliminated, it is only left for Panathinaikos and Anorthosis Famgusta to battle it out in Athens to decide who claims the second qualification berth. The Greeks hold the upper hand, with one more point on the board, meaning they need only draw on home turf, while Famagusta must produce a unlikely win to continue their first Champions League adventure. Panathinaikos will be buoyant after claiming victory in the San Siro on matchday five, while Famagusta have injury concerns over a handful of key players that could leave them exposed

(source: http://www.pinnaclesports.com)

Ballon D' Or 2008 : Cristiano Ronaldo

2008-12-04T04:18:00.000-08:00

Newly-crowned European Footballer of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo has expressed his joy at picking up the coveted Golden Ball accolade. It was perhaps an expected victory in the 2008 Ballon d’Or race. Manchester United and Portuguese ace Cristiano Ronaldo convincingly brushed aside his rivals, Lionel Messi and Fernando Torres by tallying a record 446 points, beating the previous mark of 444 amassed by Kaka last year.

In a brief interview with the publication that hands out the award, France Football Magazine, Ronaldo expressed his delight to join the elite group of players to take home the gong.

“To win this award at just 23 years of age is incredible, because I only started my career a few years ago,” he told the magazine. “But it is fantastic as there were a lot of other big names in the race this year such as [Lionel] Messi, [Fernando] Torres and even Xavi. “All these players could have won it, but nevertheless, I’m happy to have taken it,” he added.

Ronaldo then went on to show is gratitude to his teammates for playing a part in his success.“I have to thank all my teammates who helped me become the best. “I was never afraid of whether or not I would win it because I was always conscious of the great year I had last season.

“This is one of the happiest days of my life. Those who know me or who have lived with me know that this is a dream come true for me. “But tomorrow morning in training, I will still be the same person as always,” he concluded.

Ronaldo becomes only the third Portuguese, after Eusebio and Luis Figo, to win the Ballon d'Or.

(source: KS Leong, Goal.com)

Super Sunday: Double Derby

2008-12-02T01:10:00.000-08:00

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech reckons Arsenal will be out of the title race if they lose to the Premier League leaders at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Arsenal have lost five league matches already this season, have slipped 10 points behind pacesetters Chelsea and Liverpool and are currently not even in the top four. Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger believes the London derby offers a chance for his side to kickstart their title challenge. "Ideally, I do not want to be 13 points behind Chelsea so let's make it seven on Sunday night," he said. "We know that direct confrontations with top teams become vital when you are in our position."

Champions Manchester United are also in action, knowing they can ill afford any slips at local rivals Manchester City. United, eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand, were beaten home and away by City last season.

Tottenham Hotspur's resurgence under new manager Harry Redknapp will be tested when they host mid-table Everton at White Hart Lane looking to move clear of the relegation zone.

United have only won one of their lat three Premier League matches and Ferguson says they must start grinding out results even if they are not playing at their best. He added: "Results are important and we need to start grinding out results. Last season we had a period where we kept winning 1-0. "If that's the way we need to do it this season, then we need to start doing it very soon. Chelsea and Liverpool are out there at the moment, and it's about us getting back into the race."

United are currently eight points behind Chelsea and Liverpool with a game in hand. The Blues and Reds both dropped points last week only for United to do the same against Aston Villa. Ferguson will therefore hop United can improve on the 1-0 defeat they suffered to City in the corresponding fixture last season.

UEFA Champions League - Fixture&Result

2008-11-27T01:49:00.000-08:00

MATCHDAY 5

Inter Milan back to the top

2008-11-23T20:04:00.000-08:00

Inter Milan moved four points clear at the Serie A summit with a 1-0 win over arch rivals Juventus in the Derby d'Italia tonight. After a ferocious first half, it took a 72nd-minute goal from Sulley Muntari to decide the game in the home side's favour.

Jose Mourinho prevailed in the much-anticipated battle of two former Chelsea coaches against Claudio Ranieri and saw his side cement their place on top of the table. Mourinho recalled Adriano to his starting line-up after overlooking the Brazil frontman for five matches due to a disciplinary matter.

Inter appeared to get lucky in the 24th minutes when referee Nicola Rizzoli waved away Juve's claims for a penalty after Muntari looked to have impeded Marco Marchionni inside the area. He earlier denied the hosts a spot-kick in the first minute when Zlatan Ibrahimovic's cross struck the arm of Giorgio Chiellini at point-blank range.

Juve lost midfielder Tiago to a suspected serious knee injury after only four minutes. Claudio Marchisio replaced him and he had Juve's only other effort of the first half two minutes before the break when Julio Cesar tipped his shot over the crossbar.

The rest of the first 45 minutes belonged to the Nerazzurri, who had three excellent opportunities to go ahead.

Dejan Stankovic had the first after 12 minutes when he broke the offside trap, but he was never able to get the ball fully under control as Cristian Molinaro and Chiellini both stopped him in his tracks. Ibrahimovic was the next to break, capitalising on an error by Nicola Legrottaglie on the halfway line. With his head down, the Swedish striker made like a train for the Juventus goal, leaving Legrottaglie in his wake before shooting just wide of the far post. And Muntari had a header from Adriano's cross touched past the post by the leg of Juve goalkeeper Alex Manninger, who also touched a cross-shot from Adriano wide of the post and parried another Muntari effort in stoppage time.

The Bianconeri took the sting out of Inter in the second period. When the home side did break through, Ibrahimovic fired another free shot wide of the post.

A touch of fortune enabled the Swede's next mis-hit shot to reach Muntari, who put the home side ahead in the 72nd minute. The Ghana midfielder was on hand to pass the ball into the unguarded net. Juve's response was a header from Alessandro Del Piero which Julio Cesar clawed off the goal line, but the visitors could not muster anything else as their seven-game winning run was ended at the San Siro.

They saw Inter pull six points away, but could have few arguments after doing too little over the 90 minutes to deserve anything else.

(source: soccernet.espn.go.com)

(no more) derby d' italia : internazionale milan vs juventus

2008-11-21T21:17:00.000-08:00

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has recalled Brazil striker Adriano to his squad for tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash against Juventus.

The build-up to the Derby d'Italia has been dominated by the battle between the two former Chelsea bosses, Mourinho and Claudio Ranieri. But Mourinho turned attention back to on-field matters today by naming Adriano, who had been out of favour for Inter's previous five matches. He offered a less than ringing endorsement, though, for the striker, who this week admitted he may look to continue his career "in another team'' if he continues to be overlooked by Mourinho.

"He will be judged like all the available players,'' said Mourinho. "They agree with him when he says that if he doesn't succeed at Inter it's better to change. "A football player cannot remain at a club in that situation.''

Adriano will compete for a place in attack with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was left out of Sweden's squad for their midweek friendly against Holland at his own request in order to rest.

Mourinho said: "I don't know if this short period of rest has done him good. We'll see tomorrow evening. "I don't agree with those who say he's indispensable. "For me he always plays well. With him you can win or lose, just the same.''

Mourinho downplayed the rift with Ranieri, with whom he exchanged barbs through the press earlier this season.

"Ranieri at the San Siro will be for me like any other colleague,'' he said. "I will shake his hand in the tunnel before the start.''

Ranieri, who took over at Juventus at the beginning of last season, believes Inter are still in transition following the departure of Roberto Mancini in the summer. "Just like it was important for me last year to get to know all the players, so it is for Mourinho now,'' he told www.juventus.com.

"Inter will surely grow with time. Even now in comparison to last year they have changed in certain aspects: Ibrahimovic was more static while now he moves along the whole attacking line. "They've changed with regards to playing without the ball, with only Ibrahimovic ahead of the ball. "Obviously they are still getting used to him, therefore it is only normal that there is less fluency with respect to last year. "Mourinho has a Portuguese philosophy but he has taken a lot from Italian football. "It is a compliment, just like (Manchester United boss Sir Alex) Ferguson complimented us when saying that he changed Manchester United after watching Italian football.''

Juve will be without Jonatan Zebina after the full-back underwent surgery on an Achilles tendon injury. He is expected to be out for three months. Also out is goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, as well as Jorge Andrade, Cristiano Zanetti, David Trezeguet, Hasan Salihamidzic, Dario Knezevic and Christian Poulsen.

Inter pair Cristian Chivu and Nelson Rivas are on their way back from injury but will not be ready to face Juve, while Ivan Cordoba is banned.

(source: http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com)

Olimpia Berlin Stadium: Germany vs England 1-2 (exhibition match)

2008-11-20T04:05:00.000-08:00

A late John Terry header ensured England continued their resurgence under Fabio Capello with a 2-1 victory over Germany in Berlin to end 2008 on a high. England travelled to the German capital ravaged by injuries and surrounded by debate regarding the importance of Wednesday's friendly, but Capello's side produced a thoroughly convincing display to secure a fifth successive win.

The Three Lions - who recorded a famous 5-1 success on their last visit to Germany - took a scrappy lead in the 23rd minute as centre-back Matthew Upson poked home after Rene Adler had flapped at a Stewart Downing corner. After the interval, England continued to enjoy the better of proceedings but substitute goalkeeper Scott Carson endured a horrible mix-up with Terry to allow Germany striker Patrick Helmes to equalise on 63 minutes.

The game, both sides' final outing of the year, then continued in entertaining, end-to-end, fashion and England winger Shaun Wright-Phillips rattled a post from range. England, though, then ensured Germany suffered their first defeat in Berlin since 1973 as Terry met a Downing free-kick to head in with six minutes remaining. When the Three Lions analyse 2008, there will be a massive gap in the middle when they should have been at the European Championship. That absence was not Capello's fault of course. Yet if the by-product of two years' failure under Steve McClaren is a coach with vision, willpower and knowledge, maybe the pain was worthwhile.

Capello has always said his is an evolving process. And this England was markedly different to the one he turned out against Switzerland last February, both in performance and personnel. Only three of the players that started against a German side lacking Michael Ballack, Philipp Lahm and Torsten Frings featured against the Swiss, when England were hesitant, fearful and fortunate to win. However, it appeared they had spent the intervening nine months training together every day such was the cohesion they showed and adherence to a gameplan Capello has vowed there was no need to change despite suffering the loss of so many major players.

Germany's only first-half threat came through the excellent set piece delivery of Bastian Schweinsteiger, with Heiko Westermann sending a powerful header just over. It never could be another 1966, 1970, 1990, 1996 or 2001 but the noise of German fans whistling their own team off the field at the interval in its own way provided a memory to cherish.

The major disappointment was England only had one goal to shout about by the break. Aside from a good effort from debutant Gabriel Agbonlahor, Wright-Phillips came close on a couple of occasions and Downing forced an excellent save out of Adler. The shot-stopper was less convincing when England opened the scoring as he came to punch Downing's corner with purpose after an Upson effort had been deflected wide. He missed it completely.

Agbonlahor probably should have bundled home. Instead, the ball bounced down off the striker and Upson launched himself at it, prodding his first England goal into an empty net. In four successive appearances, Upson looks accomplished and more than just a mere stand-in. The same is true of Downing. And, after nutmegging Schweinsteiger, he drilled a low shot narrowly wide.

After the half-time break, Wright-Phillips nearly scored in memorable fashion after a mazy run before substitute Darren Bent beat the German offside trap, skipped round replacement keeper Tim Wiese and looked to tap into an empty net. Had he done so, the game would have been over. Instead, with glory beckoning he half tripped over his own feet, half lost his balance. The result was a glaring miss.

The consequences were huge as England's age old capacity to shoot themselves in the foot reared its ugly head again. As he could see the whole picture, in particular Helmes bearing down at some speed, Carson, on his first England appearance since his nightmare against Croatia 12 months ago, should have taken charge of the situation.

Sensing hesitation, Terry should simply have whacked it onto the running track behind the visitors' goal. Between them they did neither, allowing Helmes to stick out a leg as Terry tried to shepherd the ball to Carson, nudge it through the helpless keeper's legs and gleefully skip past. That England recovered their composure so quickly is another glowing testament to Capello's managerial abilities.

When Wright-Phillips saw his thunderbolt shot crash to safety off a post 11 minutes from time, it seemed the win England wanted would elude them. Terry had other ideas. The Chelsea defender met a chipped free-kick from Downing - who was excellent throughout - to secure a merited success.

(source: skysports.com)

Olimpico stadium: AS Roma vs SS Lazio 1-0 (Derby della Capitale)

2008-11-17T04:51:00.000-08:00

Back attendance Francesco Totti bring positive impact to the AS Roma appearance. Assists on the 'Prince of Roma' Giallorossi successfully won this prestigious party, Derby della Capitale, defeat Lazio 1-0 advanced in the league Serie A in Italy this week to the 12 that took place at the Olimpico Stadium, Roma. The only goal victory over Roma produced Julio Baptista five minutes after the second round began.

Although not able to take the position that the team still fall under the board in the forum, at least, victory in the Derby party candidate to become spiritually supplies for Totti and reduce the burden of pressure that perch on the shoulders the coach Luciano Spalletti.

Prove a Derby party, the second team since the beginning of each race to create opportunities through wicket opponent. Rome, which appear super-offensive, in addition to Totti, Spalletti also lower Mirko Vučinić and Baptista, the road appears to control the game in the first 10 minutes. In the 18 minutes, Roma's first opportunity to get through Vucinic utilize the bait bounce Christian Panucci.

Lazio heading reply through their top scorer, Mauro Zarate is still on the rebound rule wicket Doni. In 30 minutes, backlash distance Zarate fall right in the embrace Doni. Three minutes later, turn Rome. I kick the ball Vucinic utilize vomiting in the penalty box bounce away. Similarly, speculation Baptista backlash in the four minutes before the first round ended.

At the beginning of the second phase, Roma appear more ferocious. Less than five minutes, Totti's moving through the right side of defense Biancocelesti. Bait side with a perfect successfully used by Baptista. The ball led to the far goalpost pole Carrizo. 1-0 to Roma. Not until one minute later, Lazio narrowly equate success Zarate position when the extraordinary can still blocked out by Doni.

In 60 minutes, Lazio coach, Delio Rossi to make changes with the formation Mourad Meghni and attract exit Stefano Mauri. Lazio seek more viable goal replies. Five minutes later, Goran Pandev speculative kick from outside the penalty box only thin sideways in the right goalpost Doni.

One minute later, Lazio beaten after referee Gianluca Rocchi dropping the second yellow card alias red card to Cristian Ledesma. Although the deficit players, Lazio still able to compensate Roma game. In the minutes to-69, kicking team captain, Tomasso Rocchi still thin on the rebound rule wicket Doni.

Five minutes later, Lazio again get the chance. Working with Rocchi, Pandev throw hard shot that can still be blocked Doni. In the minutes to-77, Roma nearly get the second goal when backlash Jeremy Menez incoming replace Totti can still be blocked Carrizo.

Four minutes before the normal time ended, Rome must appear with 10 players when Simone Perrotta got second yellow card. Lazio since we had more touchdown find a reply. Opportunities occur in gold to-89 minutes when heading back the origin of Switzerland, Stephan Lichtsteiner still bounce in the wicket of the ruler. Until the final whistle sounds, a score of 1-0 for Roma remain unchanged.

Line-up:
Roma:
Doni, Tonetto, Juan, Mexes, Panucci (Cassetti), De Rossi, Brighi, Perrotta (KK, KM), Vucinic (Taddei), Baptista, Totti (Menez).
Lazio:
Carrizo, Radu (KK), Rozehnal, Siviglia, Lichtsteiner, Ledesma (KK. KM), Mauri (Meghni), Brocchi (roma), Zarate, Rocchi (Inzaghi), Pandev.
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi.

(source:liputanbola.com)

Derby Della Capitale

2008-11-16T07:58:00.000-08:00

Stadio Olimpico will be boiling this Sunday as Lazio and Roma go head-to-head in the Eternal City for the season’s first Derby della Capitale.

Things look a little different this season. High flying Lazio are 14 points ahead of their struggling city rivals, who are frighteningly close to the relegation zone. Is the balance of power shifting in Rome? The fierce rivalry between the teams makes this fixture one of the most anticipated games in Italy as more than the bragging rights are at stake. Never mind the Scudetto, beating the rivals is the foremost priority for all Romanisti and Laziali.

The formbook goes out the window on nights like these and all three points are up for grabs. The winners will be the team that shows the most character on Sunday. Emotions steer the path and honor is at stake—in other words, it’s personal.

Disastrous is the way to describe Roma this season. Ten goals produced and eighteen conceded. Totti was back in the scoresheet on Roma’s last outing against Bologna, but unfortunately—so was Cicinho.

After the impressive win over Chelsea in the midweek Champions League clash, three points looked likely on their following trip to Bologna as their long-awaited turnaround seemed to be in the cards. Cicinho’s unfortunate own goal in the stoppages saved Mihajlovic's debut but the Giallorossi remained in 17th place in the league—only one point shy of the relegation spots.

De Rossi is ready for the derby despite having picked up a wrist injury in training on Thursday. The defensive midfielder has been one of the few bright spots in Roma thus far and his participation against Lazio is one of most importance for Spalletti. Cicinho, Taddei, Baptista, and Okaka all failed to take part of Thurday’s training and remain uncertain for Sunday night’s derby. Goalkeeper Doni sustained a head injury against Bologna, but the Brazilian is out of danger and is expected to start against Lazio. Playmaker David Pizarro is sitting out his suspension and Aquilani is ruled out due to a thigh injury.

Roma can make amends with a win against Lazio and get the mentality boost they so desperately need whereas a defeat at the hands of their bitter rivals would not only be a devastating blow to the club but also make life extremely difficult for the players.

(source: http://bleacherreport.com)

Copa del Rey: Last Minute Disaster, Real Madrid Defeated by Team Division III

2008-11-13T05:57:00.000-08:00

Competition at the scene outside the Spanish La Liga Primera presumably become the arena over Real Madrid. Once beaten twice by Juventus in the Champions League, Madrid again swallowing the results of bad removed when Real Union in the round Copa Del Rey. hat-trick from Raul Gonzalez in 36 minutes, 51, 86 and additional goals from Alberto Bueno in the minutes to-68 can not save opportunity in Madrid that pirouette of 32. Despite winning 4-3, 6-6 aggregate Unsurprisingly, the team of Division III.

Madrid is the source of disaster Eneko Romo. Players Union is adding goals in the third minute to-90 team that escaped the eye of the needle because the party wins 3-2 in the first Santiago Bernabeu. This means that the Union is entitled to make a pass because of away goals.

Weak defense Madrid again disastrous. Disaster that occurred when Enoko not by the national line of defense because of filthily Madrid, which is sure the match is over. When Enoko press, it also occurs immediately to the goal Jerzy Dudek.
"We do not tend to be vigilant in determining the final minutes, Raul complaint, the complete score 300 goals during his career night".

Penetrated many goals in the cage - eight goals in the last three fight - also make Madrid coach, Bernd Schuster great surprise. "I do not think exhausted. I'm not worried about the high number of goals but I understand that other people would boggle my performance, "said the German coach. "It's very logical after seeing what happens.". That is not as Union dominating, and that thrill me, "he asserted concerned.

From the last three domestic fight, Madrid win only two times that of the Athletic Bilbao 3-2 and 4-3 over Malaga, but a reflection that the defense champion 2007/08 is fragile.

U.S. Government plans to buy AIG

2008-11-12T04:32:00.000-08:00

The US government is to buy a $40bn equity stake in troubled insurer American International Group – increasing its investment in the company to a total of $150bn as it reported $24.47bn of quarterly losses.
AIG, best known in the UK as Manchester United's shirt sponsor, is to receive the capital injection as part of a restructured package of funds from the Federal Reserve and the Treasury intended as a longer-term investment than the original monies offered.

The Fed originally offered AIG an $85bn credit lifeline in mid-September, and handed over a further $37.8bn last month when it became apparent that the original facility was not enough. Under the new structure, the Treasury will buy $40bn of preferred shares in AIG – which in return will pay an annual 10pc dividend – as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Programme.

The more permanent investment will allow the Fed to reduce its $85bn credit line to $60bn, and a further $50bn will be provided to purchase distressed assets from AIG which are to be then placed in a pair of financing vehicles. In addition, some of the loan terms have been eased to make it easier for AIG to meet its commitments.

The new structure was hatched by AIG chairman Edward Liddy, who was brought in after the government's first bail-out in September, and Neel Kashkari, the Treasury's interim assistant secretary for financial stability. It is similar to one first suggested by former AIG chairman Hank Greenberg, who remains a major shareholder in AIG, although it is not known whether he was instrumental in these negotiations.

Mr Kashkari said yesterday that the decision was necessary to prevent yet more turmoil in the markets. "Today's action was a one-off event," he said. "It is not the start of a new programme." The revised investment package should stabilise the company in order to allow Mr Liddy to continue with his plan of selling off major parts of AIG, including its personal insurance arm, its life and retirement businesses and its aircraft leasing arm.

Mr Liddy said he was in talks with lots of different buyers for each of the various up-for-sale businesses, and that he planned to announce several transactions in the current quarter. News of the investment came as AIG announced a net loss of $24.47bn in the three months to September, against a profit of $3bn in the same period last year.

The results include $7.05bn of unrealised losses and $18.31bn in investment writedowns.

(source: www.telegraph.co.uk)

AIG continuation of the contract with MU in questions

2008-11-10T15:51:00.000-08:00

AIG recently posted a third-quarter of $24.5 billion, prompting the US government to rework the terms of it’s aid to the insurance giant in order to a) extend more money to AIG (another $40 billion, after $123 billion had already gone into buying up AIG equity and b) significantly reduce repayment terms to help stabilise the company and allow it to recover fully (as opposed to collapsing under the current crisis or under the weight of the government handouts).

For Manchester United, the message is clear - if there was any hope that AIG would recover in time to renew their deal as sponsors of the Manchester United shirt, they are now shot. David Gill was recently quoted as saying that United would have no trouble in finding a replacement if the need arose - it’s time for the Manchester United chairman to put that to the test and ensure that a shirt sponsor paying as much (and if possible more) than AIG’s 14m / year deal is brought in before the agreement with AIG ends, or worse, before AIG says they can’t pay their next year’s installment.
The US government has stepped in with a new package of aid for troubled insurance giant American International Group. It comes after the firm - which sponsors Manchester United Football Club - announced third quarter losses of £14.7bn.

AIG made a £1.8bn profit the year before. The rescue package includes a £20.5bn cash injection in return for partial ownership of the firm. Announced jointly by the Federal Reserve and the Treasury Department, it takes the sum pumped into the company to around £90bn. As part of the new deal, the Fed is reducing a £51bn loan it had made available to AIG to £36bn. It is also replacing a separate £22.7bn loan to the insurance company with a £31bn aid package. The government said the measures were needed to "keep the company strong and facilitate its ability to complete its restructuring process successfully." The Treasury Department, which is overseeing the rescue operation, has promised to invest £150bn in America's banks to get them lending again.

Until now all of the help provided for AIG was coming from the Federal Reserve.
It said earlier this year it would lend AIG a total of £74bn, then gave it access to a further £12.5bn to help it pay wages and other key expenses. AIG has said repeatedly its kit sponsorship deal with Manchester United will not be affected by its financial woes. The contract, which is worth £56.5m over four years, is the most lucrative in the Premier League.

source: Forbes, Sky

Emirates Stadium: Arsenal vs Manchester United 2-1

2008-11-09T00:57:00.000-08:00

Samir Nasri struck twice as Arsenal beat Manchester United and delivered an emphatic confirmation of manager Arsene Wenger’s belief that they are still serious Premier League contenders. Nasri’s deflected shot opened the scoring in the 22nd minute and he doubled their advantage three minutes after the interval with a powerful finish from Cesc Fabregas’s precise pass.

Substitute Rafael da Silva volleyed United back into contention with a minute of normal time left - but Arsenal survived six extra minutes and an outbreak of mass anxiety at The Emirates to claim three points. It was a victory they merited, with United creating and wasting chances, but never carrying the same sense of self-belief as Arsenal in a highly-charged atmosphere.

It was a victory that made all the supporters of this London club very happy. They needed it desperately and it came perhaps at the best time that they could imagine. Well, the final score was 2-1 and I said I would have kept the lead of 2-0 until the very last moment. Manchester united could pull back one goal at the 87th minute but it was too late and too little. With this win, arsenal is now at the third position in the league table. On the other hand, Manchester united is at the fourth position in the league table and they have played one match less than arsenal.

BBC reported:
"Samir Nasri struck twice as Arsenal beat Manchester United and delivered an emphatic confirmation of manager Arsene Wenger’s belief that they are still serious Premier League contenders".

The best thing that the London based club was the emergence of a new star in Samir Nasri. There is a lot of the expectations from Samir Nasri but until now, he was not up to the mark to satisfy the supporters.

www.eplmatches.com
www.southasiafair.com

Roma's Dreadful Start To The Season

2008-11-07T10:44:00.000-08:00

The capital club went in search of some reinforcements in the summer, to further strengthen their squad, to ensure that they could once again challenge the likes of Inter, Milan and Juventus for the title. They were moderately active in the transfer period, a period in which many feel is partly to blame for their poor form this season.

They lost two players full of talent and experience, which did not help their cause, as the Brazilian winger Mancini joined former team mate Cristian Chivu at Inter Milan on a four year contract, whilst Ludovic Giuly returned to PSG to finish out his playing days in France. Also, Matteo Ferrari was released to Genoa, whilst second goal-keeper Gianluca Curci was sent to Siena on a co-ownership deal.

The attacking duo of Mancini and Giuly were replaced by Jeremy Menez, formerly of Monaco, and Julio Baptista from Real Madrid, for a fee of €12 million. Spalletti also signed Simone Loria from Siena, to replace the Genoa bound Ferrari, and John Arne Riise from Liverpool, to add some depth on the left hand side of defence.

The failure to sign a big name player however, was the criticism that most had with the Giallorossi’s transfer period, as many believed that the players signed in the summer would fail to have any major impact in terms of making the club stronger. This seems to have been the case in the early stages of the season, as all four men have struggled to impose themselves on a regular basis.

Along with the criticism of their summer signings, many have pointed the finger directly at coach Luciano Spalletti, for his lack of creativity on the sidelines. According to many, it seems as if the coach doesn’t have any alternative plans; as many of the Italian clubs have discovered a way to break down his unique 4-2-3-1 set-up that managed to work wonders last season.

It is quite harsh to point the finger solely at the boss however, as he has had to deal with a number of injuries to several of his stars throughout the season. With injuries to the likes of Totti, Pizarro, Perrotta, Taddei, Baptista and Juan, just to name a few, Spalletti has rarely had the opportunity to field the same starting eleven.

Whatever the reasons may be, the Giallorossi have undoubtedly been the most disappointing side in the league thus far, and possibly throughout all of Europe. It’s a long season however, and if the club can put together a few positive results, who knows what the future may hold for Spalletti and his team.

Adrian Del Monte - goal.com

Roma stage crisis talks

2008-11-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti held an emergency meeting with his squad as they prepare to face Chelsea, writes Tom Collomosse.
Spalletti's job is under threat after his side were thrashed 4-0 at home by Jose Mourinho's Inter Milan at the weekend, and another heavy defeat at Stamford Bridge tomorrow would leave him in an even more vulnerable position.
Roma are 14th in Serie A after collecting only seven points from their first seven matches. Spalletti held talks with his players at the training ground and admitted: "When you go through a period like this, it becomes even more difficult to convert your chances because everything is out of order."
Francesco Totti added: "Our league position is very worrying."
Skipper Totti, who has had a knee problem, is fit to play at Stamford Bridge, but former Arsenal striker Julio Baptista misses the game as he has yet to recover from a knock.
Serie A Roundtable Part I: Roma Crisis—When and How Will it End?
In the first ever Serie A roundtable on Bleacher Report, Salaar Arshad Shamsi, Marzia Hazra, Daniel Penza, and Zahi Sahli have their say over Roma's current form crisis.

Salaar Arshad Shamsi:
Roma have had a pathetic start to their season, both in Europe and in the Serie A. Luciano Spalleti's men are in the bottom half of the league table and have already suffered a defeat at the hands of FC Cluj in the Champions League. A victory at Bordeaux followed by a defeat at Siena summed up a mixed bag for the Romans but the question remains:
"How can they get out of this hole?"
Well, Roma have plenty of quality in their side with the likes of De Rossi, Vucinic, Totti and Taddei and players like Riise, Baptista and Menez have been fine additions so Roma should be able to overcome this early glitch by mid-season but a poor start probably means they have destroyed their chances of Champions League action next season.

Marzia Hazra:
Roma has started the season disastrously and seven points in six games definitely qualifies for a crisis.
The club has had their most important player sidelined for the majority of the season as the captain only has made three brief appearances so far. Considering the fundamental role Totti plays for his team, it is in some sense understandable the position the club now find themselves in.
Although Totti’s absence most likely is the biggest factor to Roma’s crisis I also have to take into consideration the injuries that have haunted several of the defenders. In addition to that there is always Spaletti’s recent inability to change the picture of the game with tactics—he just looks so lost.
On top of that, Roma lack players in the central striker role and without Totti there are no natural replacement for him in the squad. The club has built their entire team around one player, and when that player isn’t around things tend to fall apart.
Reports have suggested that Roma and Inter could go in for a swap deal with Aquilani going to Inter in exchange for Hernan Crespo—considering the excess of central strikers the Nerazzuri have.
Roma—including the club, supporters and coach—need to stop putting all their hope on a single player. Just this the weekend Spalletti told Corriere dello Sport that Totti would save the team with his (planned) return against Inter, that he himself would make the difference.
The players have missed so many given goals this season, there is close to no will and the confidence seems washed away in the absence of the skipper. What Roma needs to do is to make all the players take responsibility for their own and stop looking sideways at Totti.

Daniel Penza:
It's hard to say when Roma will regain their form because, aside from Riise and Julio Baptista, they are basically the same team. So meshing together as a team shouldn't really be an issue.
So, with that being said, when Francesco Totti returns from injury, things will have to get better. He is the captain and the driving force of that team. Yeah Daniele De Rossi is the future captain, but the current captain is needed right now to stabilize things in the capital city.

Zahi Sahli:
Roma equals Totti. It is as simple as that. Totti is not playing and hence Roma cannot get the right results. But there is no reason why Roma can't get back to their winning ways. They have an excellent team with three of the best center midfielders in Italy, a good defense and have added quality to their attacking line after signing Julio Baptista.
Roma have maintained faith in Luciano Spalletti after having a good season last term. The current drop in form does not mean Roma will be deluded forever. They will return to their top form. The players and the manager should have faith in the quality of the squad's abilities, and the results will come soon.

Tom Collomosse, Football Correspondent
www.thisislondon.co.uk

Hoffenheim's Bundesliga fairytale continues

2008-11-03T07:09:00.000-08:00

Bundesliga newcomers Hoffenheim stormed back to the top of the league with a display of attacking football that left their rivals dumbfounded. The small club from the village of Hoffenheim, playing their first season in the Bundesliga, have had a dream start, similar to that of high-flying Hull City in the English Premier League. A backheel from Demba Ba, a cracker from Carlos Eduardo and a penalty from Vedad Ibisevic sealed a 3-1 victory over strugglers Bochumand - yet another three points for Hoffenheim to put them back on top of the table.

Bayern Munich's recovery is continuing after a woeful start to the season, and they were thankful for star man Franck Ribery who capped a powerful display with a goal to seal a 2-1 away win against Eintracht Frankfurt. Martin Jol’s Hamburg, still smarting from their recent 3-0 defeat to Hoffenheim, also kept their title hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Stuttgart thanks to a Piotr Trochowski penalty and a deflected goal from Joris Mathijsen to move within two points of the unlikely leaders. The game was marked by another angry outburst from Stuttgart keeper Jens Lehmann, who was furious that Jarolim had gone down too easily to win the spot kick.

The other game on Wednesday night ended 1-0 as Dortmund scraped an away win at Cologne. Hoffenheim fans will love waking up this morning and seeing their club at the top of the league. The question is, can they stay the distance?

(source: www.bild.de)

AC Milan confirm Becks deal

2008-11-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

Italian giants AC Milan have confirmed David Beckham will join the club on loan from LA Galaxy on 7th January. The Rossoneri made little secret of their interest in signing the former Real Madrid and Manchester United player following the conclusion of the MLS season.

With Beckham on a lucrative contract with The Galaxy, the Los Angeles club have decided to offset some of that outlay by allowing Beckham to join AC Milan during the close-season.
The news of Beckham's stint in Italy is also a boost for Fabio Capello as it means the former captain of the side maintains his match sharpness ahead of England's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine on 1st April.AC Milan's Umberto Gandini has confirmed Beckham will only remain with the club until he is required to return to re-join The Galaxy to train ahead of the new MLS season. "The deal is for as long as David wishes but I think he's committed to MLS and LA Galaxy will bring him back after a couple of months I think," he told Sky Sports News.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani has confirmed that LA Galaxy and England star David Beckham will join the club in January until the end of the season in a deal that could then become permanent...

Beckham will join the Italian side in January while the MLS season takes a break, and he will stay at Milanello until the end of the European season, possibly then making this a permanent move. "Beckham wants to train and play with Milan," Galliani told Il Corriere Della Sera. We want him. He will arrive in January and we will sign him for the rest of the season. It's not just a shop window deal, it's a great deal. He will be available for Ancellotti for Serie A and the UEFA Cup. Football today is not just about tactics and technical abilities. It's about full stadiums and sponsors. No-one can beat the 65,000 fans we had on Sunday. The stadiums will only fill up with superstars like Beckham who has asked Milan for hospitality, not another club. With him, Kaka and Ronaldinho, it will be a dream team."

The English midfielder is still under contract with LA Galaxy but it seems as if Galliani has concrete ideas already in place as he tries to land Beckham on a permanent deal.

(source: www.current.com)

FRANCESC “Cesc” FABREGAS

2008-10-30T20:06:00.000-07:00

Awal karirnya di Arsenal dimulai saat Arsene Wenger – manajer Arsenal – menugaskan Steve Rowley berangkat ke Spanyol. Ketua pemandu bakat itu diinstruksikan memantau Fabregas di Barcelona, yang kala itu masih berusia 16 tahun. Saat itu Cesc – panggilan Fabregas – belum seterkenal sekarang. Dia hanya satu diantara banyak pemain muda yang tergabung di Barcelona junior. Rowley langsung kepincut. Dan musim panas 2003, resmilah Arsenal meminang Fabregas. Baru 2 bulan kemudian kebintangannya terlihat di Finlandia. Cesc berlaga di Piala Dunia U-17 bersama tim junior Spanyol. Meski bukan striker, Cesc mengemas 5 gol – termasuk golden goal spektakuler ke gawang Argentina saat menang 3-2 di semifinal. Walau kalah dari Brazil di final tapi penampilanya tetap mengundang decak kagum dan membuat Barcelona tersadar. Menyesal melepas pemain berbakatnya ke klub lain. Joan Laporta – presiden Barcelona – kecewa dan menuduh kubu Arsenal melakukan kecurangan saat mendapatkan pemainnya. Tapi komplain tersebut terlambat. FIFA telah mengesahkan kontrak 6 tahun Cesc dengan The Gunners – julukan Arsenal. “Laporta ‘menangis’ karena kebodohannya,” ujar Joseba Diaz – agen Fabregas. Sebulan sebelum Cesc pindah ke Arsenal dirinya berdiskusi dengan manajemen Barca. Hasilnya, “Klienku ingin pindah,” kata Diaz. Kehidupan baru di London, Cesc diberi tempat di tinggal High Barnet bersama Phillipe Sanderos – yang saat itu masih bermain di Arsenal. “Saat pertama kali pindah kesini merupakan saat yang beresiko. Tinggal sendiri, bergabung dengan tim yang para pemainnya belum kukenal, dan hal itu terjadi di negara lain,” kenangnya.
Cesc ternyata bisa beradaptasi. Pada Oktober 2003, dia tampil bersama tim utama. Bahkan mengukir rekor klub sebagai pemain termuda yang tampil di tim senior. Umurnya baru 16 tahun 177 hari saat Arsenal bertandig melawan Rotherham di putaran ke-3 Piala Liga. Prestasinya berlanjut dengan gol pada 2 Desember 2003 ketika Arsenal menang 5-1 atas Wolves di putaran-5 Piala Liga dan mencatatkan namanya sebagai pencetak gol termuda The Gunners. Wenger pun berujar, “soal Fabregas, visinya brilian. Dia memiliki semua yang dibutuhkan untuk menjadi pemain hebat.”

Musim pertamanya di Arsenal, Cesc cuma tampil 3 kali di tim senior. Itu pun hanya di Piala Liga. Selebihnya cuma di tim cadangan. Kesempatan tampil datang di laga pramusim Amsterdam Tournament. Diturunkan Wenger melawan Ajax dan River Plate. Juga bermain saat mengalahkan Manchester United di Community Shield. Penampilan sensasionalnya mengundang pujian The Professor – julukan Wenger. “Dia pebola yang luar biasa. Dia akan selalu berada di tim selama dia sanggup bermain lebih baik dibandingkan pemain lain.” Kemudian namanya mulai digadang-gadang sebagai pengganti Patrick Vieira. Dan saat akhirnya sang skipper benar-benar hengkang, posisinya menjadi seolah tak tergantikan. Bahkan Cesc sukses membawa klub London tersebut berlaga di final Liga Champion. Meski akhirnya ditundukkan Barcelona, yang memang saat itu tengah berjaya. Aksi gemilangnya di Premiere League, terpantau juga oleh timnas Spanyol. Fabregas sudah jadi langganan di tim junior Matador, U-17, U-19, dan U-21. “Ketika dia masih junior, kami sudah mengetahui bakat dan kualitas yang dimilikinya. Hebatnya lagi, hal itu dia tunjukan di luar Spanyol, yang tentu saja lebih sulit.” sebut Inaki Saez, mantan pelatih Spanyol.
Di negara asalnya itu juga isu kepindahannya merebak. Dari ibukota, klub raksasa Real Madrid pun tergoda. Siapa yang berani meremehkan urusan transfer Florentino Perez – bos besar El Real. Selain itu Barcelona yang masih “sakit hati” atas kecolongan mereka dulu, berniat mendatangkan kembali Fabregas. Bahkan tak tanggung-tanggung akan di jadikan satu paket transfer bersama Henry. Pada akhirnya cuma Henry yang jadi berlabuh ke Camp Nou. Tapi Barca tak berhenti menggoyah Arsenal. Seperti ingin balas dendam, musim berikutnya giliran Hleb yang dibajak dari Emirates Stadium.
Namun Wenger justru semakin yakin dengan tim muda-nya. Di lini depan aksi bomber asal Togo, Emanuele Adebayor yang tak kalah tajamnya dari King Henry. Begitu pun kepergian Hleb dan Flamini, yang digantikan Sameer Nasri. Fabregas juga punya keyakinan serupa terhadap timnya. Apalagi bersama Spanyol Cesc baru saja merengkuh trofi Piala Eropa 2008. Ketenanganya mengeksekusi tendangan adu penalty lawan Italia di perempat final, disebut-sebut sebagai awal kesuksesan tim yang saat itu masih di arsiteki Luis Aragones di Austria-Swiss. Tinggal menunggu hasil di akhir musim panas nanti, apa yang bisa Fabregas persembahkan bagi klub yang telah membesarkan namanya di lapangan hijau.

(referensi: Tabloid SOCCER no.16/v/sabtu, kolom spesial Ben Littleton)

Ronaldo named player of the year

2008-10-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has been named as the Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.
The 23-year-old wins the award for the second successive season after another outstanding campaign that has seen him score 38 goals in all competitions.
"I feel very happy. It is a great moment, it is an honour, a pleasure," said the Portuguese star.
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas picked up the young player of the year award.
Ronaldo beat off competition from Liverpool duo Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard, 20-year-old Fabregas and Gunners team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor and Portsmouth goalkeeper David James.

The Portugal international was also in the running to scoop the young player of the year award, a feat he achieved last year, but was pipped to the prize by Spain star Fabregas.
Torres, Micah Richards, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Ashley Young were the other nominees.
Ronaldo did not attend the event, as he is busy preparing for Man Utd's Champions League semi-final second leg clash with Barcelona on Tuesday night, but was presented with the award by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
"When you work all season to play good, to do something for the team, and then at the end of the season the PFA give you this award, it is a great motivation to carry on like that, to work more and get better," said Ronaldo.
"I feel very good but it is not just my award, my team-mates have helped me a lot this season.
"They give me good passes to score goals - and I score - but it is a good moment for me."

Ronaldo revealed he voted for Arsenal striker Adebayor, but believes the right man walked away with the award.
"I voted for Adebayor because I think he has had a great season as well," he said.
"But you have many players who have had a good season - Torres, Fabregas, many players. But I think I deserve to win!"

Of his award, Fabregas said: "I'm very proud. It's a very prestigious trophy.
"Football is a collective game and you prefer to win trophies with team-mates but it's always nice to have this type of award.
"I dedicate it to my team-mates because without them I would not have won."

BBC broadcaster and former England and Blackpool full-back Jimmy Armfield received the merit award for his services to the game.

(source: news.bbc.co.uk)

Big four in the get-richer club

2008-10-28T06:29:00.000-07:00

Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal have established themselves in the world top five of highest-earning clubs, according to a new report. They made £580m between them last season and Deloitte, the business consultancy which compiles the Football Money League, believes their revenues will only increase as English clubs as a whole seek to maximise their money-making potential abroad.

"Manchester United have 300m overseas supporters but do not make as much money from them as possible," said Deloitte's Alan Switzer. "Even £2 extra from each fan would make an enormous difference. That is something all the big English clubs are now focusing on. The idea of a 39th game is part of that strategy."

A ninth Premier League title combined with a run to the Champions League semi-finals and a £14m-a-year shirt sponsorship deal helped United earn £212.1m in 2007. Chelsea made £190.5m in the same period and Arsenal took £177.6m, mainly from corporate revenue which doubled to £91m in their first season at the Emirates Stadium.

There are six English clubs in the top 20, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United being the others. Financial analysts expect more to follow in 2008 because of this season's £300m Premier League broadcast deal.

The rich list 2008
1 (1) Real Madrid £236.2m
2 (4) Manchester United £212.1m
3 (2) Barcelona £195.3m
4 (6) Chelsea £190.5m
5 (9) Arsenal £177.6m
6 (5) Milan £153.0m
7 (8) Bayern Munich £150.3m
8 (10) Liverpool £133.9m
9 (7) Internazionale £131.3m
10 (12) Roma £106.1m
11 (15) Tottenham Hotspur £103.1m
12 (3) Juventus £97.7m
13 (11) Lyon £94.6m
14 (13) Newcastle United £87.1m
15 (16) Hamburg £81.0m
16 (14) Schalke 04 £76.9m
17 (-) Celtic £75.2m
18 (-) Valencia £72.4m
19 (-) Marseille £66.6m
20 (-) Werder Bremen £65.5m
(source: guardian.co.uk)

AIG bankrupt, Sponsor T-shirt line take Manchester United

2008-10-24T09:21:00.000-07:00

Manchester United shirt with a big AIG, have become icons in the successful club in English persepakbolaan. However, in the last week, the company is steady cook disintegration of the disintegration of other United States companies. Will the disintegration of the sponsor of this disastrous also for the team "Red Devil"?

Not necessarily. United States government has taken over the company's financial mengguyurkan with funds of U.S. billion to $ 85 American International Group Inc.. Money is to control the funds shirt sponsor for the club United.

AIG is one of the most visible real sponsor teams dominate the English league last season. English league is really a scoreboard for the company, which pierce the global point of this crisis. "Market feels good," said Nigel Currie, director of sports marketing in Guildford, England. "But actually not that much money over here."

Currie added, the club usually use one of the largest sources speculate sponsors get back. AIG agreed directly with the United States government two days ago, the second year for the four-year agreement with United worth U.S. $ 102.9 million. "This season, however profits from the shirt sponsor in the English League fall worth 67 million Pounds Sterling usually from 75 million pounds," said Currie This such as Bloomberg.

According to Currie, this week there will be discussion with several potential sponsors who are interested to replace AAG Deutsch Telecom's T-Mobile. This is not such as to receive more than one million sterling, United said Currie, who worked for Manchester United and last agree to use the sponsor Vodafone Group plc.

Sometimes not using sopnsor also better, Currie said, when newspapers need utuk illustration Northern Rocks, their difficulties after becoming the victims of contract with the UK bank for more than seabad. "You see in the business pages, and they can not avoid using the picture Michael Owen with a Newcastle shirt," said Currie. "Images and pictures are not successful."

English Premier League generally benefit more than 1.5 billion Pounds Sterling and the sponsor's income is only part of the small. United, for example, collecting 49.3 million pounds from the rights Siar years ago and still get the other cipratan of 42.9 million euros ($ 61.3 million) from the body of European football for a team that won the Champions League.

United Glazer family that owned the original United States, will not cover the fact lose the main sponsor AIG, who spoke as representatives from United. However, according to sports business professor Stefan Szymanski, the club has won the European title three times and 17 league England certainly will not find difficulties to find a new sponsor. "They will stand in line for entry into the sponsor Unit," said Szymanski, who teaches at Cass Business School, London.

Manchester United proved that supported national player Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez origin Argentina and two-time Premiere League best player Christiano Ronaldo is still a club takes sponsors.

Golf-club Debutan In the 2008-09 Champions League

2008-10-24T08:24:00.000-07:00

Of the 32 clubs getting round to 2008-09 Champions League group this time, there are four clubs that appear for the first time in the arena of the most prestigious European club football this. They are Anorthosis Famagusta, CFR 1907 Cluj, FC BATE Borisov, and Zenit St. Petersburg. When the fourth successful escape, while the big clubs such as Olympiacos CFP, Schalke, Glasgow Rangers, Galatasaray and not, it is time they recognized the ability and not regarded as merely coincidental.

1. Anorthosis Famagusta (Cyprus)
Since the stand: 30 January 1911
Manager: Temuri Ketsbaia
Surviving the group phase: Beat Olympiacos CFP (Agg: 3-1)
Cyprus champion this history by becoming the first team Cyprus, which passes to the Champions League. Despite being the best in Cyprus, from the layout of the players that there is only name Traianos Dellas and the manager Temuri Ketsbaia who has been known publicly. Dellas was transverse cross with Sheffield United, Perugia, Roma and the U.S.. Meanwhile, Ketsbaia draw experience with playing in the English League Primer for Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, Anorthosis have shown that they have a greater opportunity to escape to the heat than 16 large Werder Bremen or Panathinaikos FC are a group with them. Matchday 3 will be very important because they will be faced with the Nerazzurri, and the match will be a test for the club berlogo Phoenix bird to know their position in the elite European teams.

2. 1907 CFR Cluj (Romania)
Since the stand: 1907
Manager: Maurizio Trombetta
Club origin city Cluj-Napoca is the most surprising team in the Champions League this time after the bend to U.S. Roman 2-1, and reach a point of the season and finalists Chelsea.

Four digits to open the eyes of other teams and make Giallorossi and Bordeaux-ketar because when the team originally formed by the railway workers are most likely to accompany the Blues to act as the favorite of 16.

Results apart from the appearance of the players also attributed to the strategy right from Trombetta. The manager who only play in Serie A during two seasons that valuable lessons in the field of Francesco Guidolin to become assistants at the time Udinese and Bologna.

When Cluj continue to be able to reach a number in the next MatchDay, then stay waiting time when the team was broken into after andalannya players and the manager also purchased by other European big clubs.

3. FC BATE Borisov (Belarus)
Since the stand: 1973
Manager: Viktor Goncharenko
Surviving the group phase: over Levski Sofia (Agg: 2-1)
BATE new name will appear on the surface when the topic is discussed Alexander Hleb. This happens because BATE into the senior team's first sharpen the career Hleb in the world of football.

In addition, the performance of the team is only limited in the scope of Belarus with a league champion as much as 4 times.

In the Champions League first season, yellow, blue team together to complete the Fire group, which also consists of Juventus, Real Madrid, and other team debutan Zenit St. Petersburg.

Rather than direct diver placed a lock, even BATE successfully seize a number of Juventus though less from Madrid. It seems children Viktor Goncharenko is better to try to survive in the third position to be able to pass to stage UEFA Cup.

4. Zenit St. Petersburg (Russia)
Since the stand: 1925
Manager: Dick Advocaat
To pass innings Group: UEFA Cup champions 2007/08
From the third debutan other team, Zenit is a team that most dijagokan in the first season in the Champions League. UEFA Cup of diraihnya that, and also the victory against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup arena shows it is correct.

In addition to achievements in the field, Zenit also estimated to be automatically done more with the financial support from Gazprom in Russia's largest company, which is also the owner of Zenit.

Advocaat of course, must be specially targeted, and at least 16 large position in the second innings when the group ended. That means the Zenit must remove one of Madrid or the Bianconeri. Not an easy task, of course.

But if Juventus see down of appearance in the domestic and Europe this time, not the second position may not be achieved. Moreover, when Andrei Arshavin still play for Zenit and the club rejected a bid from England, Spain, and Italy who want to buy.

(source: Goal.com, written by Alexander Tangidy)